I have noticed this blog has a glaring omission from the sports world. Zero NBA chatter. So finally, amidst the NBA silence and on behalf professional basketball fans everywhere, let me take this moment to help everyone transition back to fan hood. I realize the days of Magic and Michael are long gone, but please, let Lebron and friends take the reins. I have come up with a list of 8 reasons why the NBA is back (let us do this Letterman style).

NUMBER 8

A Mic’d Up Game

In recent years, the NBA has started to “mic up” certain players. This revelation has brought me so much joy, and will do the same for you. Last week, I heard Kobe Bryant on the mic while playing on ABC and everything I always wished Kobe to be on the court, came to fruition. Kobe hit a step back jumper, with a defender in his face, and right as the ball left his hands he uttered, “gotcha” in the most arrogant tone imaginable. If ABC will continue to go down this path of incredible technology, they must “mic up” the likes of Sheed, Stephen Jackson, and please, please Yao Ming.

NUMBER 7

Global Game

The NBA is one of the most global leagues in the world (aside from professional tennis and soccer). There are players from China, Russia, Argentina, Greece, and even Canada (oh my!). Basketball is a game revered around the world, and aside from soccer, brings the world’s most athletic young men to the states. The likes of Dirk and Manu boast international superstardom and make the game more intriguing, as it continues to expand globally.

NUMBER 6

Chris Paul

The second coming of Magic is here. Chris Paul is the best point guard in the NBA, by a lot. His combination of speed and court vision makes Steve Nash look, well, Canadian. Paul led the NBA is assists this year, and will for the next five years. I’ve now watched him beat the hell out of future hall of famer Jason Kidd and the Mavericks twice in a row in his first two playoff games this year. I wasn’t on the Chris Paul bandwagon until I saw that he made Tyson Chandler finally look like a decent basketball player. Bravo CP.

NUMBER 5

The Boston Celtics & The Reemergence of Defense

As the Eastern Conference had piddled into a state of “NITness” the Boston Celtics were off assembling one of the greatest teams of all time. Garnett, Pierce, and Allen are the best trio in the NBA and have subsequently brought defense back to the game. While running away with the best record in the NBA, the Celtics have proved the defense still wins games, despite teams like the Mavericks and the Suns having impeccable records the last few years. The C’s have made defense fun to watch again and have brought a spark to the East.

NUMBER 4

Dwight Howard

Man child. I really don’t know what else to say about Dwight Howard. Every other shot he takes is a dunk, and an athletic one at that. I didn’t realize how big and broad he was until I saw him stand next to Amare Stoudemire. He makes Amare look like Manute Bol. You shouldn’t be allowed to be 6-11 and that athletic. If you have never really sat down and watched Dwight Howard, you need to.

NUMBER 3

The Western Conference

Every team that made the Western Conference playoffs finished with at least 50 wins! If you didn’t know, there are only 82 games in an NBA season. This isn’t baseball. The West was so good this year that the Warriors, last year’s surprise winning playoff team who only got better this year, missed the playoffs, when in the East, they would have been the 4 seed. Every team in the Western Conference playoffs is capable of winning the West. The level of competition in the Western Conference playoffs is higher than Baron Davis kickin’ it on his couch right now (B Diddy recently said that 85% of NBA players smoke marijuana on a daily basis).

NUMBER 2

Lebron James

I, like the rest of the nation, am tired of the notion of the second coming of Jordan. This is the first and only coming of Lebron James and it is about time the entire world embraced it. Lebron came into the league a skinny 6-8. He has since grown an inch and weighs 260 pounds. He really shouldn’t be allowed to be as agile, fast, or strong as he is. It’s just not fair. And damn he’s funny. In the wake of DeShawn Stevenson telling the media that Lebron James is overrated, Lebron answered back with saying Stevenson is like Soulja Boy and Lebron is like Jay-Z; hilarious and true. Lebron James is everything good about the NBA. He is the best athlete and player along with being one hell of a celebrity and personality. Praise to Lebron.

AND THE NUMBER 1 REASON THE NBA IS BACK…

2008 Draft Class

This draft class will be the best in NBA history. Forget about 2003 (Lebron, Carmello, Wade, etc.). It is officially all about Beasley, Rose, Gordon, Mayo, Bayless, and Love. The players entering this year’s draft in the wake of the new NBA Draft eligibility restrictions are the best of the best. All of the underclassmen that will be taken will fill the NBA hall of fame in 20 years. Any senior in this draft will be lucky to go in the first round. Every NBA team with a first round draft pick will be able to draft a player that can almost immediately contribute to their team. This will make for a very exciting 2009 season.

If the 8 reason I have just given you aren’t enough to spur your interest for the remainder of the playoffs and your life, you’re just simply incorrect. Have a great day.