Q: With Greg Oden out for the season, who are the rookies that will likely challenge Kevin Durant for the ROY award?
— Ariel, Manila, Philippines

A: Tough one as I don't see any true challenger. As many believed, Durant could eventually be a better player than Oden. I agree Portland had to go for Oden as you can't afford to not take a shot at perhaps the next great — or really good — big man. But Durant is really, really good. What stands out already is his proclivity to be aggressive, rare for a rookie. He's so confident in his shot and game he can take 20 shots and most are good ones. He's got the size to just rise over defenders and get a good shot. Even tough defenders who have played him already, like Raja Bell, have had trouble. He's the real deal, a soon-to-be All Star. There is no second. I'd say the next most effective rookie is fifth, someone like Al Horford or Yi Jianlian.

Q: What do you think of the New Jersey Nets for this season?
— Sam, New Milford, N.J.

A: I like the Nets to be among the top four in the East. I was impressed with Jason Kidd this summer and believe he's got a few good years left. As always, the problem there is Vince Carter, who is a great talent who plays a casual and, perhaps, dumb game. Carter is so good he can make some of those crazy shots he takes, but they take the team out of the offense too much and the coach seems intimidated by him and goes to him too often in crucial situations, apparently for fear of losing him. If they let Kidd effectively run things and with a recovery for Krstic, they'll be an Eastern contender.

Q: Are the Lakers for real?
— Kent Richland, Los Angeles

A: What is real? Surreal perhaps? This Kobe Bryant thing promises to hang over them all season. If I were them, I'd announce they are not trading Bryant no matter what and that leaves it to Bryant to play. Otherwise, after every three-game losing streak, Bryant and his media emissaries could go off coming up with trade scenarios. If they don't stabilize the situation, they are probably a solid .500 team. If they do, they have a chance to be better and perhaps make a minor deal to make things look a little better.

MORE FROM NBA

NBA Section Front

Oden matches career high as Blazers roll Shaq practices, hopes to return against Detroit Spurs stop Bucks' win streak behind Duncan Warriors coach Don Nelson sick with pneumonia Opinion: So far, Nowitzki is the league’s MVP Winderman: With strong class, point guard is back   Vote: Will Nets set mark for worst start to season? Fan ranker: Who will be MVP of the NBA? Live odds Matchups/injuries NBA Section Front   Add NBA headlines to your news reader: