The Expected:
The Western Conference is still superior- With the top 3 records in the league, 8 teams over .500 and six teams with at least 10 wins, it doesn't look like we'll see a power shift anytime soon.
The Lakers- Kobe and Pau are above and beyond the best duo in the NBA, and the Lakers look better than ever. Bryant is playing the least minutes per game since his sophomore season, mostly because Lakers finish teams up pretty quickly. Despite the decrease in playing time, he's still putting up 25-6-5.
The Celtics- They are the best team in the East. Rondo is well on his way to breaking John Stockton's record of most assists in a season and their front court is deep and monstrous.
Rookie of the Year Race- As expected, it's between the last two number 1 picks, John Wall and Blake Griffin. It's going to be a close one. Wall has been out so I give the edge to Griffin right now but being on such an awful team may hurt him.
The Unexpected:
The Hornets- Their 11-1 start is the best in franchise history, Chris Paul is a favorite for MVP and a team many expected to be a bottom 3 play-off seed at best will probably get a home-court series.
Miami Hype- The team that is home to two of the top 3 players in the NBA and supported by one of the best post players is just a game above .500 and dropped 3 straight.
30 for 30, Kevin Love- After his historical 31 point, 31 rebound game, Love should be booking a flight to L.A. for All-Star Weekend. He's putting up 18.9points and a league leading 14.5 rebounds.
The Pacers- Okay, 7-6 isn't great, but they are exceeding expectations. Dropping 144 on Denver, putting up a fight in Orlando, and beating Miami by double-digits.
The Good:
Kevin Durant and OKC- Despite currently standing in sixth, Durant and the Thunder are meeting expectations. They are 10-5, competing in the toughest division in the league with the league's leading scorer, and one of the best point guards in the league, and in the West seeding has proven to be irrelevant in many cases come play-offs.
San Antonio's resurgence- Currently the only 1 loss team in the NBA, it's good to see the Spurs looking like their old selves
Chicago- This could end up being the best Bulls team in the last 12 seasons. Derrick Rose is putting up an impressive 25 points and 8 assists per game and Joakim Noah is one of the league's top rebounders. Watch out Boston and Orlando, Carlos Boozer is coming back soon
The Bad:
Milwaukee- I thought it was going to be Chicago and Milwaukee jockeying for first place in the Central division, but the Bucks are fighting to stay out of last place. A disappointing start for a team with a good coach and that much talent.
Chris Bosh- He's putting up the worst numbers of his career in his new supporting role, and after his first good game of the season, he condemns Erik Spolestra for not letting his team "chill".
The Ugly:
The other team in L.A.- The Staples Center is probably the only arena to ever host the best and worst team in the league during the same season. Blake Griffin has been outstanding, but the Clippers on are their way to to an under-20 win finish.
Dwight Howard at the line- Howard may one day join Shaq and Chamberlain in the 5000 Bricked Free Throws Club.
Rondo's jump shot- One of the worst shooting point guard's of all time. He's doing just fine without it, but it's what separates CP3 and Derron Williams from him. When he hits his 30's and loses that some of that athleticism, he's going to need a respectable jumper.
The Contenders:
L.A. Boston and San Antonio. Until another team steps up, these are the only real contenders because they are the only teams that have finished the season hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
L.A. Boston and San Antonio. Until another team steps up, these are the only real contenders because they are the only teams that have finished the season hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
The Prentenders:
Dallas, New Orleans, and Orlando. Dallas always has a great season followed by an equally great choke, New Orleans doesn't have the depth or talent to get out of the West. As awesome as CP3 is, carrying the Hornets past the likes of L.A. is a feat beyond his prowess on the court. Orlando contended one year, mostly due to a Garnett injury, they are no match for a healthy Celtics or Lakers and the recent loss to San Antonio might affirm their pretender status.
Dallas, New Orleans, and Orlando. Dallas always has a great season followed by an equally great choke, New Orleans doesn't have the depth or talent to get out of the West. As awesome as CP3 is, carrying the Hornets past the likes of L.A. is a feat beyond his prowess on the court. Orlando contended one year, mostly due to a Garnett injury, they are no match for a healthy Celtics or Lakers and the recent loss to San Antonio might affirm their pretender status.
Yes, I left out Miami. They aren't good enough to be considered a pretender.
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