NBA London

This time last year I was hiking across France, Belgium and Germany following the NBA Europe circus. This year I didn’t have to travel very far as they were on my doorstep at the phenomenal O2 Arena. Having seen Prince twice in the last month in Greenwich I wondered how the atmosphere would be in the place once called the “Millennium Dome”. Let’s face it the British Basketball fans aren’t the best in the world at creating the loud presence found in all football stands throughout the country. Maybe it’s because in the last few years there is not much to cheer about in our professional game.

As I was working for FIVE I was unable to mingle amongst the fans and get a good feel for the game. However there was an electric vibe in the arena, way better than what I’d witnessed in the Cologne Arena in Germany the previous year. I suppose the sea of green supporters had a lot to do with that as the Celtic fans are sniffing championship. After an awesome pre-season shopping trip by Doc Rivers and GM Danny Ainge; the Boston boys acquired 2 All-Stars in the shape of shooting Guard Ray Allen and the extraordinarily talented 7 footer Kevin Garnett. They will team up with the Celtics own All-Star Paul Peirce and will hopefully live up to the hype.

One thing is for sure; all eyes will be on this Boston team as they look to bring the “Celtic Pride” back to the East by making it all the way to the NBA finals. However Boston fans should proceed with caution! This is a huge gamble by the club; yes it will fill the Garden every night and do the same when they are on the road, but fans, GM’s and team will have to pray to the basketball gods, imploring them to be delivered safely to the finals. As I mentioned in last weeks telecast, these boys are one injury away from collapse as this team is not very deep once you get past the big 3.

What people are failing to mention is that it is important for the rest of the team to step up – big time! Rajon Rondo is the most important player of that supporting crew, he has the job of leading the team and distributing the ball (evenly) to the scoring machines he has at his disposal. So I am figuring that he will earn himself many free meals from his superstars! After all they must keep him happy and playing confidently and in a manner way above his potential! June is a very long road!