The Eastern Bloc

CEBU - Today, we continue from where we left the last time around. We were done discussing the Raptors, the Sixers, Pistons and the Cavs. Today we do Orlando, Atlanta and Washington.

Superman is still in Orlando and he can only do so much. Tony Battie’s return from rotator cuff surgery should give the Magic more muscle up front. Although a bit undersized frontcourt-wise, Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu are making a good accounting of their worth.

New addition Mickael Pietrus from Golden State has also been doing well and as the season progresses, this should give the team more depth in the shooting department. Pietrus is athletic, as evidenced with his recent highlight reels, and is also a good defender. Main man at the point is still Jameer Nelson.

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As of this writing, Atlanta, together with the Los Angeles Lakers are the only unbeaten teams with identical 5-0 records. The Hawks surprised everyone last season by making the playoffs and maybe, they could make it again this time. Devoid of any big name stars, they have in their lineup seasoned veterans and eager youngsters. Getting themselves a real center would do the team good, then Al Horford will be happy at his natural position at power forward. Joe Johnson, Mike Bibby, Josh Smith and Marvin Williams round up the starting unit.

Atlanta is a young team, has talent, has depth. Injuries and bad coaching could undo this otherwise promising squad, and this early, the team really shows promise. Coach Mike Woodson must prove that he deserves the two-year contract extension.

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I would call Washington for the moment the Weaklings. Why? In contrast to the Hawks and the Lakers, they yet have to win one in five starts. Their main man Gilbert Arenas had another knee surgery, his third, and he won’t be playing till January. Center Brendan Haywood has right wrist surgery and could be out for the entire season. Antawn Jamison sprained his knee in the preseason. The load will be heavy on Caron Butler, Antonio Daniels, Etan Thomas and DeShawn Stevenson. Especially Butler, and to lead the team, he must improve on his last season average of at least 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists per game. He is one of only four players to put up these numbers, the others being Kobe Bryant, Vince Carter and LeBron James.

This, in a nutshell, are the probable Eastern Conference playoff contenders. Next week, the loaded West.

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America has voted into office it’s first-ever, basketball-playing, Afro-American president, who in due time, will be installing a basketball court in the White House. Several NBA players showed their support to the newly-elected president.

LeBron James contributed $20,000 to an organization supporting Barrack Obama. He also hosted a free concert with rap star pal Jay-Z in support of their candidate and took part in an early voter registration rally.

Also on election day, during the Houston-Boston game, Tracy McGrady and Kevin Garnett wore customized election shoes that showed their presidential preferences. Both are Adidas endorsers and they took advantage of the NBA’s new rule allowing footwear modifications for special events.

On the back of T-Mac’s white and red pair was printed “CHANGE IS NEEDED VOTE 2008”. Likewise, printed on the sides of KG’s white and green version was “EMBRACE CHANGE VOTE 2008”. We won’t be seeing any replicas of these as only one for each player was made.

Still, you might find one of the seventeen limited edition pairs made for KG on opening night. Adidas made them to honor the Boston’s 17 NBA titles.

In the same Houston-Boston game, the Rockets’ Steve Francis, indefinitely out with a knee injury, made his intentions clear by wearing a custom-made red velvet jacket with “Barrack Obama” spelled in some kind of rhinestones, emblazoned at the back. Well, that day, Obama won, Houston lost.

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By the way, the on-going Cong. Red Durano Cup is being dominated by a ridiculously strong Danao City team. Team Carmen and Sogod have also bulked up. Last year’s defending champion Liloan has become the whipping boys of the tournament as the team decided to go unadulterated with pure and organic talents. It’s kind of frustrating that the team can’t defend the title with the frequent change of rules. Padayon lang gihapon, bahala’g wa’y daog. Ouch! Kapaeeet!

E-mail me at [email protected] (THE FREEMAN)