By James Pettitt / jabp6@hotmail.com

Though the beginning of the 2002-2003 season is still two and a half months away, as far as I am concerned, there are five things which will definitely be occurring during the course of the season. Though I don't mean to ruin the surprise for anyone, as far as I am concerned you can take these predictions to the bank.

1) Dallas will run and gun, but when it counts will stop no one.

The Mavs again will be highlighted by their flashy offensive style consisting of the good old-fashioned run and gun offence. The open court style will see the Mavs pile up the points as well as regular season wins, not to mention the affection of ABC and ESPN executive everywhere, but will also see them ultimately fall short of a NBA finals trip. While Steve Nash, Dirk and Raef Lafrentz are strong offensive players, their defence leaves much to be desired. If the strongly rumoured Van Excel for Kurt Thomas and Charlie Ward trade comes through, the Mavs will upgrade their D, but will still fall well short of what is required by a NBA champion.

2) The Mike Bibby saga will hurt the Kings

This prediction is based on the Kings actually being able to re-sign Bibby, though this should happen. Despite this, latest reports have the two parties still well apart and Bibby thinking of only a one-year extension. I can see what the Kings are thinking, they don't want to give the max to a player who during the regular season was at best, their 4th best player. Bibby though thinks that with his performance in the play-offs, his price should rise. Regardless of what happens, the ongoing saga is likely to rid the Kings of their focus, which spells great danger. Though Bibby is unlikely to ever be the main man for the Kings, a happy Bibby is necessary for them to take that next step.

3) Grant Hill will finally return to full-fitness, in turn improving T-Mac's physical condition.

T-Mac physical condition, which deteriorated during the play-offs last season and can only be referred to as back-related team carrying, will improve significantly this season. The long running question of how T-Mac and Grant Hill's games will mix will be answered with a finally healthy Hill, along with T-Mac ensures the Magic contend for the Atlantic Division title. Though Hill will score less than his career average, he will be the ideal set up man for McGrady and the result will be a cavalcade of nightly highlights in Orlando. Despite this, the lack of an inside presence will see the Magic fall short of the finals, even in the weak east.

4) Despite no-one wanting to Coach his squad Kiki Vandeweghe will continue to build a future championship contender.

Though the Nuggets don't have much recent success behind them, nor a roster that looks like it could win beyond 20 games this season, Kiki does have a vision for the future and his masterplan does look at this stage like it could produce surprising results. The Nuggets have two major projects, Hilario and Tskitishvili, who could turn out to be very good players, an almost certain top three pick in next years draft and cap room to burn to gain a major free agent after next season. What's more in Hilario and Tskitishvili, Camby and Howard, the Nuggets have actually got an abundance of big men, the hardest roster spots to fill. The more I look at this team, the more its potential makes me smile. Kiki's vision is fuelling the positive attitude in Denver, now all he needs is a coach.

5) The Lakers will win the title

When all the tinkering and movements have subsided, when many a team have made their run and laid their own claim to a NBA title, only one team will remain standing. It is so obvious it can be predicted now. The Lakers again will toy with other team during the season, losing games they shouldn't, publically feuding and generally acting as if they are not focused on winning the title. Then the post-season will come Shaq and Kobe will switch on, Fisher, Horry and Fox will step up in the supporting cast and the Lakers will again fend off all challengers. So I guess the season will finish as it begun, with LA back on top.