Pre-Season NewsCeltics look to rebound after Game Six loss
Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics are looking to once again return to the Finals after suffering a disappointing loss to their arch rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers. After walking off their own floor in defeat, there is very little doubt in Boston that the Big 3 will be ready once again to try and raise a 16th banner, as well as add another ring to their collection. This time however there is a new face joining their struggle.
Celtic President Red Auerbach recently traded for aging center Bill Walton to further bolster his team's frontcourt. Walton, who has suffered many injuries in his career is looking for a new start in Boston and is ready to embrace his role as sixth man. By adding Walton, the Celtics can afford taking either Kevin Mchale or Robert Parish off the floor for extended minutes without losing a step. Injury and fatigue was a big factor working against the Celtics last year, and any rest that their starters can get during the regular season can only help them in the long run.
The Celtics may have taken a big risk putting so much trust in a player who has had his share of injury problems. Over his career, Walton hasn't had a single season where he has played over 67 games. However, what they could receive from Walton over the course of this season is something that no team in the league has. Whether or not the trade works, the Celtics have given themselves the depth and flexibility that in the end could win them a title.
- Excerpt from a Boston newspaper
Is this year a breakout season for Michael Jordan?
After an amazing rookie year from North Carolina rookie Michael Jordan, the Chicago Bulls organization is hoping that Jordan will continue improving. Jordan, who averaged a staggering 28 points per game last year, has already proven that he has the potential to be one of the all-time greats. The question now is "Will he take the proper strides to improve his game?"
According to his coach Stan Albeck, Michael is still a very raw player who can still improve on other parts of his game. He has the offensive game to make him a threat to other teams, but now he needs to continue improving his ability to defend opposing guards as well as expand on his offensive weapons. If he can improve on these points, then there is no limit to what he can accomplish in this league.
- Excerpt from a Chicago newspaper
Laker's players still on cloud nine, looking for a repeat this year.
After a dominating performance in the Finals against the Boston Celtics, the Los Angeles Lakers are still looking for ways to improve their game. According to Laker coach Pat Riley, the Lakers are slowly moving Magic Johnson into the team leader role to take over for aging star Kareem Abdul-Jabaar. Kareem, who turned 38 just recently, has made it clear to his franchise that he'll help in anyway he can to improve Magic's game so that he may take over his role in the near future.
As for this year's aspirations, Magic couldn't be any more confident. He along with the other Laker players may be still celebrating, but they aren't going to let it get in the way of their season goals this year. In their minds, they have all the tools they need to be one of the few teams in NBA history to repeat as NBA champions.
- Excerpt from a Los Angeles newspaper
