Growing up in Maine I never really had the opportunity to watch a very high level of athletics. Every so often I would head down to Boston for a Celtics or Red Soxs game, but outside of that all I had was high school sports and a few Sea Dogs (Double A Baseball) or Pirates (American Hockey League) games.
When the Maine Red Claws first announced they would be starting up a NBA D-League franchise within an hour of my hometown I was excited, to say the least. For the first time in my eighteen years of living on this green earth, I wouldn't have to travel over three hours to watch the sport I love.
The way the Red Claws have established themselves in just over one year is remarkable. Aside from the fact that they sold out every game last season, they have also been very active in the community this offseason by hosting basketball clinics, sponsoring community events, and much more.
After finishing last season at an even .500 mark, the Red Claws will look to improve on their on the court success this season. With a year under their belt, GM Jon Jennings and Head Coach Austin Ainge are sure to provide a winning team for the fans.
As they currently stand, the Red Claws are unsure of what their roster will look like when the season starts. That's the chance they take being a D-League franchise. At any moment, players can come... and go.
Many players from last year's squad have already ventured away from the Red Claws this offseason. Kurt Looby is headed for Greece, Russell Robinson has headed to Spain, Alexis Ajinca was traded to Dallas, and there are reports that Maruice Ager is headed to the New York Knicks.
Who will the Claws find to fill these roster spot? Nobody really knows. With a mixture of tryouts and unsigned players, GM Jon Jennings will have plenty of time to figure that out.
There is also a strong possibility that us folks in Maine will get to see a few Celtics players playing at the Portland Expo this season. All three rookies (Bradley, Harangody, and Erden) are eligible to spend time in Maine, with Erden likely being the first one to head up to the Pine Tree State.
Last season the Maine fans were treated to plenty of NBA talent. Lester Hudson, Bill Walker, J.R Giddens, and Marcus Landry all saw time playing for Austin Ainge.
With the great success they accomplished during their inaugural season, the Red Claws have set the bar high for the 2010-2011 season. Will they be able to improve on what they already have accomplished? Only time will tell, but if I'm a betting man I wouldn't put my money against this team.
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