After a contentious lockout that threatened the NBA season, basketball is back and even though it is still early, there are many noteworthy happenings in the NBA. Here are some thoughts from a hardcore NBA fan.
NBA Questions, Thoughts and Opinions
One of the things that has dominated the NBA landscape this early season is the fate of Dwight Howard, the NBA's most dominant big man. So, where will he wind up? If the Carmelo situation is any indication, the answer is anywhere he wants. The most likely destination is the L.A. Lakers. He already took Shaq's Superman persona, so why not take his sidekick, too? The Lakers have the most to offer - a big market and the chance to play with another great player. They also have the most attractive chip in Andrew Bynum.
Speaking of Shaq, he is, as Charles Barkley would say, turrible on TNT and has hurt the great chemistry the studio show once had. Here's hoping Shaq is one year and done on TNT.
One of the great discussions in the NBA is who's better, Kobe or Lebron. Well, it depends on how you look at it. Kobe is the better winner, the greater competitor, and the more clutch player. However, as an all around player, Lebron is clearly better. He has Kobe beat in just about every statistical category. Kobe has inched ahead in the scoring race but that is deceiving because he shoots a lot more than Lebron. The prediction here is that Lebron will win the MVP this year but it won't mean a thing unless he gets the ring.
Another hot debate is who the league's best power forward is, Kevin Love or Blake Griffin. For now it is Love, he is a better scorer and rebounder and has a more complete offensive game. Blake has the better upside however, as he is a freakish athlete and a relentless competitor who will fight for every ball, often diving on the floor or into the stands. Once he refines his offensive game a develops a consistent mid-range jumper he has the potential to be an MVP in the league. It is also nice to see these two leading franchises who have had some rough times, back to prosperity. The Clippers are one of five or six teams who can come out of the wide open West. Meanwhile, the Twolves should be in the mix for the last playoff spot. Let's just hope these teams can keep their young cores together and continue to grow.
How is it that Flip Saunders still has a job? That team has too much good young talent to be 2-14. How is it that Mike D'Antoni still has a job? A team with Amar'e and Carmelo is just 6-10 and has been embarassed at home by some of the worst teams in the league? And Knick fans thought this team could compete for a championship. At this rate, they'll be lucky to make the playoffs.
The Boston Celtics have gotten old in a hurry. Danny Ainge might want to start dealing away the big three while they still have some value. It is time to rebuild in Beantown.
Are the 76ers, Pacers, and Jazz for real? Or will they eventually cool off? They are all good teams but do any of them have a legit superstar and go-to-guy?
Why are the Spurs, Rockets, and Mavericks so much better at home than on the road? Are they stealings signs in Texas? Do they have spies behind the opposing team's bench?
Is there any doubt that Tom Thibadeau is the best head coach in the NBA? His Bulls are the biggest threat to Miami's title hopes this year.
The hit that Deron Williams' reputation has taken in the last year or so is approaching Lebron levels. First, he causes a legendary coach to quit. Then the Jazz are so fed up with him that they trade him, getting little in return. And now, he is causing headaches in New Jersey. He is shooting an abysmal 36% from the field and is leading the league in turnovers, most of those of the careless, lazy pass variety. Then, he compounds the problem by not hustling back on defense and giving opposing teams easy baskets. As if his underwhelming play on the court isn't bad enough, the guy comes out with a list of teams on his wish list to be traded. Barely a quarter into the season and he's already thinking about his next destination. The Nets should do the right thing and trade him ASAP rather than let this become a distractrion. There is no doubt that he is planning to bolt as a free agent at the end of the season, anyway. Even at 5-12, the Nets are just a couple games out of a playoff spot and if they can get anything of value back for Williams, coupled with the hopeful return of Brook Lopez, and the surprisingly strong play of rookie Marshon Brooks, who along with Kyrie Irving is an early favorite for Rookie of the Year, the Nets could actually make the playoffs this year and grab some momentum heading into Brooklyn.
Why is it that teams seem to play better when they are missing star players?
Is it time to revamp the playoff system? It seems like every year +500 teams are missing the playoffs in the West and sub 500 teams are making the playoffs in the East.
So why is it so much fun to root against Lebron James? Same reason it was fun to root against Peyton Manning in the NFL and Alex Rodriguez in MLB. When a guy seemingly has everything, it is nice to know that there is something they really want but don't have and can't buy, a championship. Peyton and A-Rod eventually got their rings and unfortunately Lebron haters, the "King" will be crowned this year. The bigger question is: Will it change his rep?
Frank Leal - I have a B.A. from Rutgers University. I always enjoyed writing papers and articles, especially about sports. I took a sports writing ...
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