After the roller coaster ride that was the 2007-08 NBA season, we're back to square one. Thirty teams with a fresh slate that all have their eyes on one prize: an NBA title.

Last season, we saw that a team can transform from a bottom feeder to a contender in just one offseason, (the Celtics) or in less time if the right moves are made before the trade deadline (the Lakers).

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The NBA is less than three weeks away! Not only is there plenty of NBA action ready to go on, the Chicago Bulls look primed for a big run.

They got extremely lucky with landing the first overall pick and they are were able to clear up some major contract issues to keep a good core for the future.

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The preseason is here, finally. It's almost time for the NBA, under a month to go. So who is ready, because I sure am.

We are ready to see all the dunks and all the stories unfold. So what are some of these great stories?

Greg Oden's Impact on the Portland Trailblazers

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In all reality, the Phoenix Suns are a playoff team, but with the age factor looming over some of its key players, winning that title will be a long shot. With three role players playing more than 12 seasons and aging above 32, Grant Hill (36), Shaquille O'Neal (36) and Steve Nash (34), the Phoenix Suns need to train some fresh legs soon.

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For the past seven years the New York Knicks have been a team overrun with turmoil and blasphemy, sorrows and disappointments, more importantly, the abandonment of life long fans to the team next door, the New Jersey Nets.

These occurences have produced the inevitable question:

" What can the Knicks do to get out of this drout'"

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For the past three offseasons, Jameer Nelson has flown his Orlando Magic teammates to his hometown of Philadelphia for a week-long event in which the team goes bowling, attends comedy clubs, visits Atlantic City, gets competitive in team paintball fights, and more.

Ah, the life of a professional athlete.

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There are no statistics that measure true coaching ability; there are no formulas that aid a general manager in selecting a head coach. That is why there is a plethora of opinions whenever a coach is fired or hired.

Many opinions are floating around after the dismissal of Raiders Head Coach Lane Kiffin. It seems the majority of football fans view this as a wrong move and consider it another horrible decision by owner Al Davis. I have to agree with them.

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The NFL season has reached the quarter turn, and it seems to be flying by. Many things have gone down as expected, but surprises abound as they do every year.

So here are the pics...

Buffalo @ Arizona

Bills quarterback Trent Edwards has really surpassed expectations through four weeks of undefeated football. That string will continue as they march into Phoenix and enter the sloppy football that has come to be known as the Arizona Cardinals. One could argue that Kurt Warner is due for a big game, but...nah.

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5. Al Davis Starting Discussion on Other Head Coaching Options

The Raiders are 1-3, but according to an AP report have held leads of 12, 13, and nine points over the last three games. I'd be looking for a new coach as well.

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Week Four is finally here, and I know you are all excited. This means the one-fourth mark for most teams and everybody has benchmarks they want to hit.

Certain teams want to make their way up to .500, certain teams just want to win, and certain teams look to build upon surprising success.

So what are some crazy things I see happening this week?

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After continuing their dominance against Tennessee last weekend, Florida now has time to relax and enjoy themselves until this weekend. After that, they have their conference home opener against Mississippi. And the story remains the same in Gainesville, the team is starting to come together as the cohesive unit that we all expected them to be.

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The Yankee organization, ball players and devoted fans said farewell to the house that Ruth built. The Mecca of all stadiums was constructed in 1923 in the Bronx on 161st St & River Ave and will now be torn down to the utter disappointment of fans in a playoff free 2008.

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As we all know the New York Knicks have acquired several players to their roster in Gallinari, Duhon, Roberson and Ewing. Their expected to trade Zach Randolph, waive Stephon Marbury and try and get Jerome James to retire. Not to mention the installment of basketball guru Donnie Walsh and shoot first head coach, Mike D'Antoni to the ball club.

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There are plenty of mismatches on paper as we go into this Week Three game, most of them in favor of the Panthers. Carolina's receivers are great; our secondary is not. Carolina's pass rush is great; our quarterback is not. Jeff King stinks; so does Shiancoe.

None of these matchups are as crucial, however, as the Carolina defensive line versus Chester Taylor. If you don't know already, Peterson is listed as questionable for this game and will be used on a limited basis, if at all.

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There are those faithful Volunteers fans who will say that Tennessee will shock the world once again this weekend. There are those who feel that Florida is all talk and little action. There are those who would love nothing more than to see the Gators taken down a peg or two this weekend.

But should the Volunteers be worried about Florida instead? Absolutely.

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