Entering the Silver(stein) Age

Maybe all it took was a new outfit to transform the NBA from a league hanging in the balance, to a place where amazing happens.

Whatever it was, Bill Simmons has it right--because finally, the National Basketball Association is getting it right. The leauge is in a good place right now, despite what the critics have said, and despite what Max Bayram continues to say, the league is in a very good place.

Last night I watched the most anticipated game of the season yet, Shaquille O'Neal's debut with the Phoenix Suns in what was widely considered the most contraversial move of this extraordinarily tumultuous NBA season. What I ended up seeing, was a bigger picture--a mosaic infact, of the stars aligning (cynics might call it consolidating), and the NBA putting itself back into contention for the hearts and minds of the American sports fan. I saw Kobe Bryant reach Michael Jordan levels of domination, letting the game come to him, letting his teammates shine, and when the game called for it, making amazing happen. I saw Amare Stodamire return from another All-Star Weekend, energized, revved up, and ready to dance with destiny. And I saw Shaquille O'Neal--the legacy of Wilt, of Russell of Kareem, take his first step towards putting one last ring on his mighty gauntlet in the best game of the year so far.

After the game, I watched the Diesel in a press conference crack a few jokes. I watched a pathetic post-game analysis by Tim "just smart enough" Legler, then I hopped on to net only to realize the Spurs made a deal to grab Kurt Thomas from Seattle.

Boom.

Welcome to the Silver Age of NBA basketball. Or perhaps, as the ad nerds of the world might call it--the Goodby, Silverstein age of NBA basketball. Where Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen happen. Where the Lakers' return to greatness happens. Where Chris Paul happens. Where Dwight Howard vs. Chris Bosch happens. Where LeBron James vs. the rest of the universe happens. Where Jason Kidd returns happens. And where the San Antonio Spurs still happen. It's a pretty good place.

Just ask New Orleans.