Suspensions handed out

Denver Nuggets guard J.R. Smith and Phoenix Suns guard Jason Richardson were handed 7 and 2 game suspensions without pay respectively for convictions on reckless driving and driving under the influence.

J.R. Smith, who will most likely be inserted into the starting lineup this year, pleaded guilty to reckless driving which caused the death of a passenger in his car in 2007. Not the start he was looking for but he will serve his punishment and look to continue his fine play that got him runner up honours in the 6th man of the year award last year.

Jason Richardson was charged and convicted of driving under the influence and will miss the first couple games of the new season. He will have to play a much bigger role if the Suns are to make a push in the western conference this year. A two game suspension is not a good start.

Teams to look out for this season

1. Washington Wizards - After going an abysmal 19-63 the Wizards look set to embark on a successful journey this time around. They finished with less than 41 wins for the first time in four seasons and that is largely due to the fact Gilbert Arenas and Brendan Haywood played in a monstrous 8 games combined. With a healthy agent zero and his 2 side kicks, Antawn Jamieson and Caron Butler, the Wizards seem as though they can regain the magic they showed in previous years. With the additions of all-round guard Randy Foye and sharp shooting Mike Miller the new look Wizards seem to be on the right track and become a force in the mighty east.

2. Oklahoma City - With arguably the best young tandem in the league, Oklahoma City have gained another year of experience under their belts and look set to make a push at the playoffs this season. Kevin Durant will need to continue his spectacular play alongside guard Russel Westbrook and forward Jeff Green as their expectations have been lifted for the forth coming year.

3. L.A. Clippers - With one of the best rosters on paper the Clippers just couldn't get it together last year as injuries took center stage and put an end to playoff hopes early in the season. With number 1 overall pick Blake Griffin being inserted into the mix, the Clippers look to finish in the top 8 this year instead of the bottom 3 teams in the association. Marcus Camby and Chris Kaman should lead Griffin in the right direction as he tries for rookie of the year honours. A healthy Baron Davis at the point with newly acquired Sebastien Telfair and Eric Gordon beside him would most definitely put the Clippers back on the map in a competitive western conference.

NBA News

Atlanta Hawks have made a potential great signing as they look to bolster their squad by signing veteran power forward Joe Smith. He has the inside/outside offensive game and has a fierce gritty defensive presence. With the addition of Jamal Crawford the Hawks are looking like more than just a 4th/5th place finish. I think they can pose a threat to the big 3 this year.

Michael Beasley of the Miami Heat checked into a Houston rehabilitation facility reportedly because of depression. Now, I would definitely be depressed when I have just started an NBA career making millions and playing along side one of the best players in the league...hmm yeeeah depressed.

Tim Donaghy, the disgrace of the NBA, has violated his probation and will make a return behind bars. I thought screwing the NBA with gambling on games was stupid but not showing up to work while you are already on probation, WOW. Enjoy the showers my friend.

NBA SEASON IS UPON US

This is a 100% strictly NBA blog where anything I discuss will deal with basketball. I am trying to make this as informative as possible and add a touch of swag to it. For the final 30 days before the start of the 2009-2010 campaign I will be doing an individual team preview for each day starting with the worst team to the best team from the previous year. Enjoy the blog and whenever you need updates or information regarding the NBA...you know where to go.

Here is a little something to get everyone back in the flow of things...