A priceless voyage around the NBA (Part 2 or 2)

In Part 1 of this two part article, we were witness to many great games, stadiums, and personalities.

Who could forget Darius Miles and Quentin Richardson pitted up against each, or even more, the hype over soon to be released Half Past Dead.

Now the games coming up in 2003 will bring much of the same, so here we go.

Thursday, January 2, 2003: Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards United Center, Chicago, Illinois

Yes, I know this is kind of corny, but you just have to get a little nostalgic when Michael Jordan comes back to play in Chicago. And if you are making a nation-wide trip to watch basketball, this game is a must see.

Wednesday, January 8, 2003: New Orleans Hornets vs. Boston Celtics New Orleans Arena- New Orleans, Louisiana

For those who are not yet aware, a pool has been created to see who will be the first NBA player arrested in New Orleans. You also need to know that this author's sleeper pick for the year is the Celtics' Walter McCarty. So put two and two together, get down to New Orleans, and watch the fun unfold. This should also be a great game between two legitimate Eastern contenders.

Tuesday, January 14, 2003: Milwaukee Bucks vs. Atlanta Hawks Bradley Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Over the years, movies have provided us with some amazing confrontations between ex-teammates. "Major League 2" brought us the tension between Jake Taylor and Jack Parkman in the ALCS. While watching the Mighty Ducks, we were all at the edge of our seats as Adam Banks was forced to face the team from his old district. (Was I the only one to cry when he was injured?) Finally, who can forget when the Little Giants overtook ex-teammate Spike and defeated the evil Cowboys?

When Glenn Robinson goes in to face his old Bucks teammates, things might get a little crazy. Ray Allen and Co. absolutely hate him, and the feeling is more than mutual.

Saturday, January 11, 2003: Indian Pacers vs. Golden State Warriors Conseco Field House, Indianapolis, Indiana

The Pacers return home tonight after a tough road trip that includes games against the Hornets, Wizards, and 76ers. After dropping this game to the Warriors, all in attendance will be witness to the immediate firing of coach Isiah Thomas, and rejoice accordingly.

Has any athlete ever been such an amazing player, yet such a moronic coach/GM/executive as Thomas? I see the Pacers riding this new freedom all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Friday, January 17, 2003: Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves The Arena in Oakland, Oakland, California

Wally Szcerbiak and Mike Dunleavy square off for the revered nickname "The Great White Hype."

Wednesday, January 22, 2003: New York Knicks vs. Denver Nuggets Madison Square Garden, New York, New York

At this juncture in the season, this match-up will be a great indicator of how the blockbuster off-season deal between the Knicks and Nuggets panned out. What? Antonio McDyess and Marcus Camby are both out for the year? Oh well, you can still have a good time in the city, and maybe even see Spike Lee.

Wednesday, January 29, 2003: Miami Heat vs. New York Knicks AmericaAirlines Arena, Miami, Florida

It has been a painstakingly long time since I could say this, but during the 2002-03 NBA season, there will be no nationally televised Knicks-Heat games.

Although this is hands down a very good thing, I feel empty in a way. To use the words of Todd Gaines, drug-dealer from the terrific movie "Go," Knicks-Heat games are "just sitting there waiting to suck." And before this year ends I have to see one just so that I can have to satisfaction of seeing how bad it can get. I pick the Heat in a blow out: 65-43.

Sunday, February 16, 2003: New Jersey Nets vs. Philadelphia 76ers Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford, New Jersey

A half-season after the off-season's biggest deal, it will be fun to see how the deal worked out for the two teams. Think about how much Nets' fans liked to boo Keith Van Horn, and then think about how they will be acting after three and a half months of Dikembe Mutombo.

Tuesday, February 18, 2003: Orlando Magic vs. New Orleans Hornets TD Waterhouse Centre, Orlando, Florida

This night, the Hornets along with two of the heftier players in the league, Thomas Hamilton (7'1", 338 lbs) and Robert Traylor (6'9", 289 lbs) come to Orlando. I also believe this will be the night Shawn Kemp takes over the title of NBA's most obese man.

Some interesting facts found while looking at NBA player weights:

Who weighs more? (Answers at the end) 1. a) Antawn Jamison b) Vince Carter 2. a)Yao Ming b) Shawn Kemp 3. a)John Stockton b)Allen Iverson 4. a) Shaquille O'Neal b) Stockton + Iverson

Friday, February 21, 2003: Seattle SuperSonics vs. Milwaukee Bucks Key Arena, Seattle, Washington

With the trade deadline looming, you can be sure that there will be one unhappy little "glove" in Seattle. This might be your last chance to see Gary Payton play in Seattle, if he stops complaining long enough to suit up, that is.

Thursday, March 6, 2003: Portland Trail Blazers vs. Philadelphia 76ers Rose Garden, Portland, Oregon

Arvydas Sabonis vs. Todd Macculloch!! Be there or be square.

Friday, March 14, 2003: Detroit Pistons vs. Washington Wizards The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan

Richard Hamilton finally goes up against Jordan outside of practice. We'll get a chance to see how good he really is.

Tuesday, March 18, 2003: Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Memphis Grizzlies Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota

The Wolves are boring, go see them play the Grizzlies, it might be fun to see Jason Williams.

Wednesday, April 2, 2003: Washington Wizards vs. Sacramento Kings MCI Center, Washington D.C.

Kill three birds with one stone: 1) Watch Michael Jordan. 2) See the Kings clinch the Western Conference with a victory. 3) Laugh at how funny looking Doug Christie is.

Sunday, April 6, 2003: Toronto Raptors vs. Philadelphia 76ers Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario

There is no player in the league more fun to taunt than Dikembe Mutombo. He also happens to be the most deserving of a good heckling. Get seats behind the Jersey bench at let him have it.

Saturday, April 12, 2003: Dallas Mavericks vs. Golden State Warriors American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas

Tonight, against the lowly Warriors and after a long battle with the Spurs and Rockets, the Mavericks will clinch the West's Central Division. Oh yeah, and Mark Cuban will be fined.

Monday, April 14, 2003: Utah Jazz vs. San Antonio Spurs Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah

If you have to spend a night in glorious Utah, be there for the last home game for two of the best NBA players of the last fifty years. Although John Stockton and Karl Malone's last home game will most likely be a loss, it will be great to see them off.

PS. The Utah Jazz is the biggest oxymoron in sports; give the name to New Orleans!

Wednesday, April 16 2003: Philadelphia 76ers vs. Washington Wizards First Union Center, Philadelphia, PA

It's the last game of the year, it may be Michael's last, so you have to be there.

Yes, it was long and tedious, but was it not "priceless?" (If the answer is no, I'm very sorry)

Quiz answers: 1. b - Carter (223), Jamison (221) 2. a - Ming (295), Kemp (280) 3. a - Stockton (175), Iverson (165) 4. b - Stockton/Iverson (340(, O'Neal (335)

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