As we have mentioned before, one of our favourite shows on TV started last Thursday and we were able to finally see the first two episodes on the weekend. It’s Always Funny in Philadelphia is back and better than ever. The second episode titled “The Gang Solves the Gas Crisis” touched on an interesting concept. All teams do best when everyone plays their part.

Mac: The reason that shit hasn’t been working out for us is because we are not working with our full crew! I’m the brains, (to Dennis) you’re the looks, Charlie’s the wild card, and Frank is the muscle.
Charlie: Well, what’s Dee?
Mac: She’s the useless chick!

As they mention in the episode, famous crews such as the A-Team, Scooby-Doo and the Ghostbusters followed this concept to victory so of course we started to think of it in terms of the NBA.

We are not going to look at the brains, the looks, the muscle or who the useless chick is but instead focus on the wild card.

Who are some of the wild cards or players that will boost or sink their respective team’s chances heading into the 2008-2009 season?

Here are 10 to consider.

Andrea Bargnani

As a Raptors fan, Bargnani is the leading wild card in the entire league. One night he looks like a cold-blooded assassin, the next he looks like he should be playing Beer league hoops. He has the talent to it but seems to lack the desire to do it. Bosh, Calderon and JO will deliver (if healthy) but it will be Il Muggo that bumps the Raps into the top of the East or drags them down to fighting for a playoff spot.

Rasheed Wallace

Sheed is a walking wild card so this was an easy choice. You never really know what you are going to get. He could be one of the best players in the game but most nights he settles for being less. The Pistons have had many years of not bringing home the prize when they should of gone further so it will be interesting to see how this club avoids the regular season blahs. If Sheed can somehow be a good boy and play up to his ability the Pistons could still be one of the best in the East.

Shaquille O’Neal

The Suns are going to be a good team this season and make the playoffs but they have bigger dreams than that. With Nash, Amare and Barbosa they have the talent to battle in the West but if they want to get over the hump it will be all about Shaq. He is the key to their rise or possible fall since so much was gambled on bringing him in last season. You may even say Steve Kerr’s job and rep is on the line. Plus Shaq wants to earn his special deputy’s badge in an Arizona back.

Greg Oden

Oden is a wild card simply because we have not seen him play yet. He is one of the biggest mysteries in the NBA heading into the season. Portland fans are still holding their breath every time this guy crosses the street. One thing is for sure, if he lives up to all the hype the Blazers are going to be a good team for many seasons to come. Then again the guy is becoming a legend without ever stepping on the floor.

Mo Williams

Is he good enough to lead the LeBrons to the top? All teams need a floor general and it will be his game that makes or breaks how far the Cavs go. LeBron is all-world but even he needs someone to pass him the ball (sometimes). Williams had a hard time making the Bucks a better team so it will interesting to see how long this project works before Danny Ferry is on the phone. At least the assist totals should double having LBJ driving to the hole and the likes of Daniel Gibson shooting threes. Personally I don’t think it will be enough.

Andrew Bynum

The Lakers are still going to be good regardless of how Bynam plays but he is the key for them to win the title. It was clear that he was missed when the Celtics steam rolled the Lakers in June and hopefully the knee returns as good as new. If the Lakers center returns to form, they could easily be the best in the West.

T.J. Ford

The Pacers are rebuilding and I think they are going about it all the right way. Fresh faces and a new attitude will be key in Indy. Just like in Toronto, T.J. Ford has the skills to take a team to new heights but if he runs into the same issues as he did in TO, it could damper an up and coming club. He is the fastest player in the league in my opinion and when he is on, he is a terror.

Mike Bibby

The Hawks will have a full season of Bibby and that could be what moves them up in the East. The guy is clutch and a big time scorer. Will the Hawks show the league what we all saw against the Celts in the playoffs? Bibby will be the veteran influence on this young and rising team. Hopefully for Hawks fans it adds up to more wins than losses.

Corey Maggette

This guy has killed the Raptors so many times and I wanted him in red and white. He has the skills to be one of the best but either injury or being on a bad team seems to hurt him. Now he is with the Warriors his game should grow. The open style should fit him well and it is too bad Ellis will be out until December because that team could really put up some numbers. The Warriors will need Maggette to carry some of the load to start the season.

Ron Artest

Just like Sheed, Ron Artest is a true wild card in every sense of the word. Just the thought of him playing with the Rockets must send shivers down the West because if he is on, the D will be intense. Houston already has Battier on the floor and now with Artest, they will be locking down on some high scorers. If Yao is healthy and T-Mac is motivated, this could be the Rockets year. But…..it could all go the other way fast with someone as unpredictable as Artest on the team. At the very least it will be interesting.

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Who would you say are some wild cards to keep an eye on this season?

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