A priceless voyage around the NBA (Part 1 of 2)

In a recent group of MasterCard ads (and by "recent," I mean within the last couple of years), we all found ourselves following the hijinks of a group of twenty-something, young go-getters as they made their way to all 31 major league ball parks.

While the "priceless" outcome of the trip was somewhat predictable, it created a craze among college students looking to have a great time and spend a lot of money. But, then again, who can put a price tag on a "priceless" summer?

Personal Note: I'm not even close to sick of this "priceless" ad campaign. I drive myself mad during each one trying to figure out how the ad wizards at MasterCard will tie the commercial together into one tight little "priceless" package.

Anyway, baseball season is now done for the winter, but basketball is just beginning. So I present to you my outline for the first ever 29-city voyage to every NBA arena.

Wednesday, October 30, 2002: L.A. Clippers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Staples Center, Los Angeles, California

We don't have to wait very long to see everyone's favorite duo, the Cavaliers' Darius Miles and the Clippers' Quentin Richardson, reunite after a long off-season. Honestly, I will not be surprised if the two accidentally exchange high-fives or even a chest bump after an explosive dunk. (I actually might be disappointed if they don't.)

The question will be whether or not the ever-popular two fists to the head celebration will continue this year. The trash talking should also be off the charts. The Clips will win in a blow-out, but seeing the two chums back together should bring a tear to many an eye.

Saturday, November 2, 2002: Atlanta Hawks vs. Chicago Bulls Philips Arena, Atlanta, Georgia

If history is any indicator, this game is a must-see, as it most likely will be center Theo Ratliff's last home game of the year before he goes down with a season ending injury of some sort. Ratliff is one of my favorite players in the league, but he can't buy a break when it comes to staying healthy. One day he'll lead the NBA on blocks and be an all-star, but he needs to bulk up.

Monday, November 11, 2002: Memphis Grizzlies vs. Golden State Warriors The Pyramid, Memphis, Tennessee

The excitement over the Richardson and Miles reunion at the Cavaliers/Clippers game may only be outmatched this year by that of former college buddies Shane Battier (of the Grizzlies) and Mike Dunleavy (of the Warriors). While Q and Miles will likely celebrate with an emphatic hug and night on the town, what can we expect from the former Blue Devils? My guess: A firm handshake, a nice Merlot, and a hot night of Trivial Pursuit.

Speaking of interesting duos, if the soon to be released movie Half Past Dead, which includes the long overdue teaming of Steven Seagal and Ja'rule doesn't go straight to the top, there is something very wrong with the world.

Wednesday, November 20, 2002: Boston Celtics vs. New Jersey Nets The Fleet Center, Boston, Massachusetts

This is a rematch of last year's Eastern Conference Finals, and tempers will be flaring. Anyone who caught the two pre-season contests between these teams could see that there is no love loss. Rodney Rogers' ugly departure from the Celtics to the Nets this off-season has just made things worse. This will be a great early season test for the Celtics and should also be a terrific game.

Sunday, November 24, 2002: San Antonio Spurs vs. Seattle SuperSonics The SBC Center, San Antonio, Texas

After an injury to Steve Smith, Argentinean rookie Emanuel Ginobili takes over the starting SG spot. This sets the scene for the foreign backcourt of the future (Frenchman Tony Parker starts at the point) and you can say you were there at the beginning.

Wednesday, November 27, 2002: Phoenix Suns vs. New Jersey Nets America West Arena, Phoenix, Arizona

If there were ever a great time to taunt home fans, it will be the Phoenix faithful who come to see former Sun Jason Kidd pick apart his old team in a Nets' blowout.

This could go down as one of the worst NBA trades of the last five years. Stephon Marbury straight up for Jason Kidd? Kidd is the game's most complete player, while Marbury is the most complete example of what is wrong with the NBA.

Wednesday, December 4, 2002: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Chicago Bulls Gund Arena, Cleveland, Ohio

These days, a Cavs-Bulls game wouldn't normally be all that interesting, but consider this: The Cavs have two games in October, at Sacramento and at the L.A. Clippers, both and will be losses. They have sixteen games in November, nine on the road (Phoenix, Washington, Philly, Indy, San Antonio, Houston, New Jersey, Milwaukee, and Miami), and seven home games (L.A. Lakers, Washington, Dallas, San Antonio, New Orleans, Sacramento and Philly). Their first game of December is against the miserable Knicks, but takes place at Madison Square Garden, still a very tough place to play.

Now bear with me, this could get ugly. Cleveland's first seventeen games are all against legitimate contenders and their next two are tough road games in Miami and in New York. What am I getting at, you may ask? December 4 will be the Cavs first victory of the year, and you'll be there to see it.

Yes, I know this is far-fetched, but just watch.

Note: Since the publication of this article, the Cavs somehow pulled out a victory in only their second game. OK, so my prediction of a 0-19 start did not hold up, but you can't argue with 1-18!

Saturday, December 14, 2002: Houston Rockets vs. L.A. Clippers Compaq Center, Houston, Texas

Tonight in Houston we finally get to watch the long awaited match up between Houston's Yao Ming and L.A.'s Wang Zhi-Zhi. This will be quite an unprecedented spectacle, kind of like seeing the Denver Bronco's Ed McCaffrey line up across from Jason Sehorn of the New York Giants. The game will be a significant sign of the changing worldwide face of the NBA.

Wednesday, December 18, 2002: Denver Nuggets vs. Dallas Mavericks Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado

It's always fun watching Nick "the Quick" van Exel return to his old stomping grounds. Upon his return tonight with fellow ex-Nugget Raef LaFrentz, Denver fans will once again be reminded of all they gave up for Juwan Howard. In their defense, this trade needed to happen and once they rid themselves of Howard, the Nuggets will be reaping the benefits of unloading LaFrentz and Van Exel.

Sunday, December 22, 2003: Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California

As the Kings will certainly be looking passed the Warriors to their rematch with the Lakers, spectators at this game will witness the Kings worst home loss of the year -- 115-89. Mark my words

Wednesday, December 25, 2002: L.A. Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings Staples Center, Los Angeles, California

Ring in the Christmas season with the first meeting of the year between these two Western giants. This will also be the first meeting since the epic pre-season fight that took place last week. Both Shaquille O'Neal and Chris Webber will be in uniform, however, so I bet the other players will think twice before starting any trouble. (Unless Shaq and Webber fight; that would be unbelievable). Regardless, this will be an amazing game to attend.

Note: I find it very interesting that the Staples Center capacity for Lakers games is listed at 18,997 and the capacity for Clippers games is listed at 18,694. Is Jennifer Lopez a Lakers fan? Could her backside possibly account for 303 seats?

OK, 2002 has finally come to an end, so we should take a break. Stay tuned for part two of this trip around the NBA which will include, among other things, Arvydas Sabonis, Doug Christie's face, a drug dealer and references to such classic films as The Mighty Ducks and Little Giants...

Richard Levine can be reached for comments, questions, etc. at ralevine33@yahoo.com.