Quarter Pole Review
I’ve been avoiding writing about teams and their performance thus far because I hate to start out any analysis with “it’s early, but.” Now that every team has played more then 20 games, it’s safe to start making predictions about what the future holds for each and every club. That’s not to say that everything is completely set in stone at this point, because a few squads will still move up and/or down, but for the most part the trends of the first quarter of the season carry on throughout the year.
On to the third annual ‘Quarter Pole Review’…
TITANTIC
Boston Celtics (10-13)
Watchability - Medium.
Surprise - Al Jefferson finally making the most of his opportunity over the last seven games.
Disappointment - The three-headed PG rotation of Sebastian Telfair, Delonte West and Rajon Rondo has been less then stellar.
Overall - If Al Jef continues his quality play when Kendrick Perkins returns, and the rest of the cast remains somewhat healthy, there is no reason the C’s can’t win their division.
Toronto Raptors (10-14)
Watchability - Medium to low without Chris Bosh.
Surprise - That they are even remotely competitive without Bosh.
Disappointment - Morris Peterson’s production in his contract year.
Overall - The Raps have a bright future once they get a new coach (paging Marc Iavaroni). I think they’re still a year away, but don’t be surprised if they are on the fringes of the playoff race all season.
New Jersey Nets (9-14)
Watchability - Medium high.
Surprise - Jason Kidd finding the fountain of youth and having his best season since 2003-04.
Disappointment - Richard Jefferson having his worst year since his sophomore campaign in 2002-03.
Overall - The Nets still have the most talent in the division with four legit scoring options, but NJ will have to play the type of defense they are capable of more consistently to reach their full potential.
New York Knicks (9-17)
Watchability - Low to unwatchable.
Surprise - Eddy Curry showing a pulse when he gets the ball in the low post on offense.
Disappointment - Stephon Marbury pouting his way to his worst season ever.
Overall - Believe it or not, coach Isiah Thomas has his group playing pretty well. They undoubtedly have a lot of “ifs”, but I’m not ready to count the Knicks out of the 8th seed just yet.
Philadelphia 76ers (5-18)
Watchability - Extremely unwatchable to low.
Surprise - If you look closely enough you can see Andre Iguodala making incremental progress, albeit slight.
Disappointment - Take your pick of Chris Webber, Samuel Dalembert, Willie Green or coach Maurice Cheeks.
Overall - Brighter days are ahead, but make no mistake, things are going to get much worse before they get better.
CENTRAL
Detroit Pistons (15-8)
Watchability – Medium low to medium on occasion.
Surprise - Tayshaun Prince continuing to develop into one of the best all around players in the game.
Disappointment - Sixth man Antonio McDyess’ career low shooting percentage of 38.6%.
Overall – The Pistons have to be considered one of the favorites in the East. I’ll let you decide if that’s a compliment or a slight.
Cleveland Cavaliers (14-9)
Watchability - Medium high to medium.
Surprise - Rookie Daniel Gibson showing signs that he could be the long term answer at PG.
Disappointment - Zydrunas Ilgauskas’ sudden and sharp falloff in production.
Overall - The Cavs have been nothing special so far and seem to be basically the same squad as last year. Meaning they’ll go as far as LeBron James takes them.
Chicago Bulls (14-10)
Watchability - Medium.
Surprise - Coach Scott Skiles actually loosening up the reigns on offense a bit.
Disappointment - Ben Wallace not having near the impact expected.
Overall - The Bulls have yet to hit their stride, and probably have at least one big trade in them. I still think they will be very dangerous come playoff time.
Indiana Pacers (13-13)
Watchability - Medium.
Surprise - They have managed to stay out of trouble since the “wild west strip club shootout” incident.
Disappointment - Coach Rick Carlisle reverting back to his old ways and old lineup after only 14 games.
Overall - The Pacers are what they are as a team at this point, which is a mediocre playoff contender in the East. Look for a roster shake up coming soon where no one is safe, not even Jermaine O’Neal.
Milwaukee Bucks (10-14)
Watchability - Medium low.
Surprise –The admirable job Ruben Patterson has done filling in for the injured (and out for the season) Bobby Simmons.
Disappointment - I expected a little more improvement from second year C Andrew Bogut, but I do like his nasty streak.
Overall - The Bucks defense ranks last in John Hollinger’s defensive efficiency (109.7) AND in opponents field goal percentage (48.3%). So yes, those are vultures you see circling around coach Terry Stotts’ head.
SOUTHEAST
Orlando Magic (16-10)
Watchability - Medium high to high when 100% healthy.
Surprise - Dwight Howard imposing his utter dominance upon the league.
Disappointment - Dare I say that my boy Darko Milicic should be averaging more then 7.5 points on 45% shooting, 5 rebounds and 1.73 blocks in 22.5 minutes.
Overall - The Magic really struggle to score points when they are not at full strength because Howard is not yet comfortable dealing with constant double teams. Grant Hill is key to balancing the floor, but so are Jameer Nelson and Hedo Turkoglu. Their lack of experience will hurt them come playoff time, but Orlando has a very bright future.
Washington Wizards (12-11)
Watchability - Medium to medium high on some nights.
Surprise - Caron Butler having a career year.
Disappointment - Etan Thomas and Brendan Haywood conspiring to make sure they get nothing out their C position.
Overall - After all of coach Eddie Jordan’s pre-season talk about it, the Wiz still play no defense. They’ll be in the playoff race all year, but are one and done if they get in.
Miami Heat (10-13)
Watchability - Very low to medium low.
Surprise - Third year swingman Dorell Wright finally showing a little something.
Disappointment - They don’t seem to care all that much about anything. Playing hard, defending their title, procuring home court, you name it.
Overall - After Shaquille O’Neal is back playing for a month or so, the Heat will hit their stride. Will it be enough to win their division? Maybe, but it surely will be enough to make the playoffs in the putrid East.
Atlanta Hawks (9-14)
Watchability - Medium, because they play hard and compete every single night.
Surprise - Joe Johnson stepping up to have a career year.
Disappointment - “Big” free agent signee Speedy Claxton being hampered by a myriad of injuries.
Overall – If the Hawks can get any kind of substantial production from Claxton and Marvin Williams, they will be in the playoff hunt. Whether they make it in or not will depend on how many close games JJ is able to pull out for them.
Charlotte Bobcats (6-17)
Watchability - Medium low to low.
Surprise - Emeka Okafor coming back very strong after an injury plagued campaign.
Disappointment - Gerald Wallace reverting to his old self after breaking out last season.
Overall - I’m not the Bobcats fan I once was because this year’s edition doesn’t bring the same high energy nightly that has been their trademark thus far in their short existence. They have some pieces, but have no clue how to play as a team.
SOUTHWEST
San Antonio (19-6)
Watchability - Medium high to high if they are playing a good team.
Surprise - Brent Barry suddenly finding his touch again.
Disappointment - They have a tendency to coast against inferior competition.
Overall – Francisco Elson and Fabricio Oberto have done just enough in the middle, and the big three of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili have been their normal selves. Of concern though; Bruce Bowen, Michael Finley and Robert Horry all seem to have lost more then a step at the same time.
Dallas Mavericks (17-7)
Watchability - Very high.
Surprise - Josh Howard’s continued evolution into a legit second scoring option.
Disappointment - Free agent Devean George shooting 32.9% from the field.
Overall - The Mavs have successfully avoided complacency and overcome a few injuries early on. This club is deep, dangerous and hasn’t hit their stride yet. Look for them to make a deep run in the post season.
Houston Rockets (15-9)
Watchability - Medium high to medium depending on if Tracy McGrady is playing or not.
Surprise - T-Mac deferring to Yao Ming as the primary offensive option when both were healthy.
Disappointment - Bonzi Wells playing in only six games thus far.
Overall - The Rockets could be a very good team when healthy. As is, they will likely have to tread water during the regular season and hope that T-Mac’s back is ready for the playoffs.
New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets (10-12)
Watchability - Medium high when healthy, but medium low right now.
Surprise - The way Chris Paul controls the game on offense is nothing short of brilliant.
Disappointment - Injuries to David West, Peja Stojakovic and Bobby Jackson derailed their season before it had a chance to get started.
Overall - The Hornets were looking better then I expected, but then the injuries hit. If they can get healthy with enough time to spare they’ll have a shot at one of the last two playoff spots in the West.
Memphis Grizzlies (5-19)
Watchability - Unwatchable to very low.
Surprise - Hakim Warrick leading them in scoring at 15.5 ppg.
Disappointment - Brian Davis’ bid to buy the franchise seems a little less then feasible, and has hamstrung any moves President Jerry West might make to rebuild.
Overall - Pau Gasol is back already, but I don’t see it mattering all that much. This is a bad team that has already stopped listening to coach Mike Fratello. Once the ownership mess is resolved, look for wholesale roster changes.
NORTHWEST
Utah Jazz (18-6)
Watchability - Medium high to high.
Surprise - Carlos Boozer bouncing back from injuries to have a career year.
Disappointment - Andrei Kirilenko kind of shrinking into the background.
Overall - The Jazz are very good now, and should get even better as the season progresses and everyone settles into their role. If they address their SG situation, Utah will have a chance to win it all.
Denver Nuggets (13-9)
Watchability - Medium.
Surprise - J.R. Smith being second on the team in scoring at 16.7 ppg.
Disappointment - Nene Hilario’s oh so slow recovery from right knee surgery.
Overall - The Nugs did a nice job recovering from a slow start, but something is not right with this squad. Coach George Karl is where I’d lay my money. “Furious” has the unique ability to alienate players while still winning games. I see that same pattern repeating itself in Denver.
Minnesota Timberwolves (10-11)
Watchability - Medium low to medium.
Surprise - Rookie big man Craig Smith (36th pick overall) looks like a keeper.
Disappointment - Free agent pickup Mike James reverting to his old form after inking his big deal.
Overall - I give the Wolves credit for hanging around .500 with this motley crew. It’s yet another testament to Kevin Garnett’s greatness. However, I don’t see this club making the playoffs even if they acquire a certain tough little man.
Portland Trail Blazers (11-14)
Watchability - Medium.
Surprise - Zach Randolph’s return to the land of the living.
Disappointment - A left heel injury limiting rookie Brandon Roy to five games.
Overall - This team is the biggest surprise to me so far. I went from thinking they were terrible, to thinking they aren’t half bad. Roy’s return, coupled with Joel Przybilla finding his groove, followed by smart trades of Z-Bo & Jamaal Magloire, and this franchise will be back contending before you know it.
Seattle SuperSonics (10-15)
Watchability - Medium to medium high.
Surprise - Luke Ridnour finding the confidence to finally become a legit third scoring option.
Disappointment - Earl Watson not embracing his role as backup PG and sixth man.
Overall – They stink without Ray Allen, plain and simple. With Ray in the lineup and healthy their scoring ability makes Seattle as dangerous as anyone on any given night. While the Sonics are a long shot to make the playoffs, they are not out of it yet.
PACIFIC
Phoenix Suns (17-6)
Watchability - Off the charts high.
Surprise - While not his old self, Amare Stoudemire is much closer to what he used to be then most thought possible.
Disappointment – Free agent PG Marcus Banks has been a complete flop.
Overall - Not like this is a news flash, but the Suns are very good. They will be in the race for the best record overall and extremely dangerous in the playoffs. The question for Phoenix is the same as it’s always been, can you really win it all playing that style?
Los Angeles Lakers (16-8)
Watchability - High to medium high.
Surprise - Kobe Bryant’s willingness to play a more team oriented style as soon as he entered the lineup.
Disappointment - Losing Lamar Odom for *at least* a month to a right knee injury.
Overall – The Lakers had been looking very good in the early going, moving the ball and playing the *team* game, etc. While defense was still LA’s major weakness, they were working on it. Now, with the loss of Odom, I fear that my boys are going to revert to the “stand-around-and-watch-Kobe-offense”, and that will be step in the wrong direction.
Golden State Warriors (12-13)
Watchability - Medium, but could go to medium high if they ever get 100% healthy.
Surprise - Second year guard Monta Ellis bursting onto the scene.
Disappointment - Jason Richardson being hampered by left knee problems all season.
Overall - I’m still not sold on the Warriors. They can be exciting to watch, but have no discipline as a unit and play zero defense. In other words, they play typical “Nellie Ball”. I’ll be very surprised if they remain in the playoff chase all year.
Sacramento Kings (10-12)
Watchability - Medium low to medium.
Surprise - Third year SG Kevin Martin leading them in scoring at 21.3 ppg is probably thee biggest individual surprise of the entire season thus far.
Disappointment - Coach Eric Musselman seemingly losing control of the locker room already.
Overall - I like to refer to the Kings as “Team tick, tick, tick…” There seems to be something of a power struggle going on between the old guard (Mike Bibby & Brad Miller) and the new regime (Ron Artest & Martin). I expect to see some roster changes in the near future, and possibly a playoff push after that, but Sacto is definitely lottery bound if they stand pat.
Los Angeles Clippers (10-13)
Watchability - Medium low to medium.
Surprise - That owner Donald Sterling locked up his core and his coach before any of them hit the open market.
Disappointment - Where to start? Sam Cassell, Chris Kaman and Tim Thomas are all nominees for their play. Then there’s also Corey Maggette who just requested a trade.
Overall - Something is very wrong in Clipperdom these days. My best guess is that LA thought they were better then they really are when the season started, and hence have had a hard time adjusting ever since. The Clips have too much talent to miss the playoffs, but seem headed that way unless they start playing the same type of defensive intensity that they displayed last year.
Quarter Pole Awards
Defensive Player - Emeka Okafor (Charlotte Bobcats)
Sixth Man - Tyronn Lue (Atlanta Hawks)
Coach - Jerry Sloan (Utah Jazz)
Rookie - Adam Morrison (Charlotte Bobcats)
MVP - Carlos Boozer (Utah Jazz)
All NBA
PG - Steve Nash (Phoenix Suns)
SG - Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat)
SF - Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets)
PF - Carlos Boozer (Utah Jazz)
C - Yao Ming (Houston Rockets)
On to the third annual ‘Quarter Pole Review’…
TITANTIC
Boston Celtics (10-13)
Watchability - Medium.
Surprise - Al Jefferson finally making the most of his opportunity over the last seven games.
Disappointment - The three-headed PG rotation of Sebastian Telfair, Delonte West and Rajon Rondo has been less then stellar.
Overall - If Al Jef continues his quality play when Kendrick Perkins returns, and the rest of the cast remains somewhat healthy, there is no reason the C’s can’t win their division.
Toronto Raptors (10-14)
Watchability - Medium to low without Chris Bosh.
Surprise - That they are even remotely competitive without Bosh.
Disappointment - Morris Peterson’s production in his contract year.
Overall - The Raps have a bright future once they get a new coach (paging Marc Iavaroni). I think they’re still a year away, but don’t be surprised if they are on the fringes of the playoff race all season.
New Jersey Nets (9-14)
Watchability - Medium high.
Surprise - Jason Kidd finding the fountain of youth and having his best season since 2003-04.
Disappointment - Richard Jefferson having his worst year since his sophomore campaign in 2002-03.
Overall - The Nets still have the most talent in the division with four legit scoring options, but NJ will have to play the type of defense they are capable of more consistently to reach their full potential.
New York Knicks (9-17)
Watchability - Low to unwatchable.
Surprise - Eddy Curry showing a pulse when he gets the ball in the low post on offense.
Disappointment - Stephon Marbury pouting his way to his worst season ever.
Overall - Believe it or not, coach Isiah Thomas has his group playing pretty well. They undoubtedly have a lot of “ifs”, but I’m not ready to count the Knicks out of the 8th seed just yet.
Philadelphia 76ers (5-18)
Watchability - Extremely unwatchable to low.
Surprise - If you look closely enough you can see Andre Iguodala making incremental progress, albeit slight.
Disappointment - Take your pick of Chris Webber, Samuel Dalembert, Willie Green or coach Maurice Cheeks.
Overall - Brighter days are ahead, but make no mistake, things are going to get much worse before they get better.
CENTRAL
Detroit Pistons (15-8)
Watchability – Medium low to medium on occasion.
Surprise - Tayshaun Prince continuing to develop into one of the best all around players in the game.
Disappointment - Sixth man Antonio McDyess’ career low shooting percentage of 38.6%.
Overall – The Pistons have to be considered one of the favorites in the East. I’ll let you decide if that’s a compliment or a slight.
Cleveland Cavaliers (14-9)
Watchability - Medium high to medium.
Surprise - Rookie Daniel Gibson showing signs that he could be the long term answer at PG.
Disappointment - Zydrunas Ilgauskas’ sudden and sharp falloff in production.
Overall - The Cavs have been nothing special so far and seem to be basically the same squad as last year. Meaning they’ll go as far as LeBron James takes them.
Chicago Bulls (14-10)
Watchability - Medium.
Surprise - Coach Scott Skiles actually loosening up the reigns on offense a bit.
Disappointment - Ben Wallace not having near the impact expected.
Overall - The Bulls have yet to hit their stride, and probably have at least one big trade in them. I still think they will be very dangerous come playoff time.
Indiana Pacers (13-13)
Watchability - Medium.
Surprise - They have managed to stay out of trouble since the “wild west strip club shootout” incident.
Disappointment - Coach Rick Carlisle reverting back to his old ways and old lineup after only 14 games.
Overall - The Pacers are what they are as a team at this point, which is a mediocre playoff contender in the East. Look for a roster shake up coming soon where no one is safe, not even Jermaine O’Neal.
Milwaukee Bucks (10-14)
Watchability - Medium low.
Surprise –The admirable job Ruben Patterson has done filling in for the injured (and out for the season) Bobby Simmons.
Disappointment - I expected a little more improvement from second year C Andrew Bogut, but I do like his nasty streak.
Overall - The Bucks defense ranks last in John Hollinger’s defensive efficiency (109.7) AND in opponents field goal percentage (48.3%). So yes, those are vultures you see circling around coach Terry Stotts’ head.
SOUTHEAST
Orlando Magic (16-10)
Watchability - Medium high to high when 100% healthy.
Surprise - Dwight Howard imposing his utter dominance upon the league.
Disappointment - Dare I say that my boy Darko Milicic should be averaging more then 7.5 points on 45% shooting, 5 rebounds and 1.73 blocks in 22.5 minutes.
Overall - The Magic really struggle to score points when they are not at full strength because Howard is not yet comfortable dealing with constant double teams. Grant Hill is key to balancing the floor, but so are Jameer Nelson and Hedo Turkoglu. Their lack of experience will hurt them come playoff time, but Orlando has a very bright future.
Washington Wizards (12-11)
Watchability - Medium to medium high on some nights.
Surprise - Caron Butler having a career year.
Disappointment - Etan Thomas and Brendan Haywood conspiring to make sure they get nothing out their C position.
Overall - After all of coach Eddie Jordan’s pre-season talk about it, the Wiz still play no defense. They’ll be in the playoff race all year, but are one and done if they get in.
Miami Heat (10-13)
Watchability - Very low to medium low.
Surprise - Third year swingman Dorell Wright finally showing a little something.
Disappointment - They don’t seem to care all that much about anything. Playing hard, defending their title, procuring home court, you name it.
Overall - After Shaquille O’Neal is back playing for a month or so, the Heat will hit their stride. Will it be enough to win their division? Maybe, but it surely will be enough to make the playoffs in the putrid East.
Atlanta Hawks (9-14)
Watchability - Medium, because they play hard and compete every single night.
Surprise - Joe Johnson stepping up to have a career year.
Disappointment - “Big” free agent signee Speedy Claxton being hampered by a myriad of injuries.
Overall – If the Hawks can get any kind of substantial production from Claxton and Marvin Williams, they will be in the playoff hunt. Whether they make it in or not will depend on how many close games JJ is able to pull out for them.
Charlotte Bobcats (6-17)
Watchability - Medium low to low.
Surprise - Emeka Okafor coming back very strong after an injury plagued campaign.
Disappointment - Gerald Wallace reverting to his old self after breaking out last season.
Overall - I’m not the Bobcats fan I once was because this year’s edition doesn’t bring the same high energy nightly that has been their trademark thus far in their short existence. They have some pieces, but have no clue how to play as a team.
SOUTHWEST
San Antonio (19-6)
Watchability - Medium high to high if they are playing a good team.
Surprise - Brent Barry suddenly finding his touch again.
Disappointment - They have a tendency to coast against inferior competition.
Overall – Francisco Elson and Fabricio Oberto have done just enough in the middle, and the big three of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili have been their normal selves. Of concern though; Bruce Bowen, Michael Finley and Robert Horry all seem to have lost more then a step at the same time.
Dallas Mavericks (17-7)
Watchability - Very high.
Surprise - Josh Howard’s continued evolution into a legit second scoring option.
Disappointment - Free agent Devean George shooting 32.9% from the field.
Overall - The Mavs have successfully avoided complacency and overcome a few injuries early on. This club is deep, dangerous and hasn’t hit their stride yet. Look for them to make a deep run in the post season.
Houston Rockets (15-9)
Watchability - Medium high to medium depending on if Tracy McGrady is playing or not.
Surprise - T-Mac deferring to Yao Ming as the primary offensive option when both were healthy.
Disappointment - Bonzi Wells playing in only six games thus far.
Overall - The Rockets could be a very good team when healthy. As is, they will likely have to tread water during the regular season and hope that T-Mac’s back is ready for the playoffs.
New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets (10-12)
Watchability - Medium high when healthy, but medium low right now.
Surprise - The way Chris Paul controls the game on offense is nothing short of brilliant.
Disappointment - Injuries to David West, Peja Stojakovic and Bobby Jackson derailed their season before it had a chance to get started.
Overall - The Hornets were looking better then I expected, but then the injuries hit. If they can get healthy with enough time to spare they’ll have a shot at one of the last two playoff spots in the West.
Memphis Grizzlies (5-19)
Watchability - Unwatchable to very low.
Surprise - Hakim Warrick leading them in scoring at 15.5 ppg.
Disappointment - Brian Davis’ bid to buy the franchise seems a little less then feasible, and has hamstrung any moves President Jerry West might make to rebuild.
Overall - Pau Gasol is back already, but I don’t see it mattering all that much. This is a bad team that has already stopped listening to coach Mike Fratello. Once the ownership mess is resolved, look for wholesale roster changes.
NORTHWEST
Utah Jazz (18-6)
Watchability - Medium high to high.
Surprise - Carlos Boozer bouncing back from injuries to have a career year.
Disappointment - Andrei Kirilenko kind of shrinking into the background.
Overall - The Jazz are very good now, and should get even better as the season progresses and everyone settles into their role. If they address their SG situation, Utah will have a chance to win it all.
Denver Nuggets (13-9)
Watchability - Medium.
Surprise - J.R. Smith being second on the team in scoring at 16.7 ppg.
Disappointment - Nene Hilario’s oh so slow recovery from right knee surgery.
Overall - The Nugs did a nice job recovering from a slow start, but something is not right with this squad. Coach George Karl is where I’d lay my money. “Furious” has the unique ability to alienate players while still winning games. I see that same pattern repeating itself in Denver.
Minnesota Timberwolves (10-11)
Watchability - Medium low to medium.
Surprise - Rookie big man Craig Smith (36th pick overall) looks like a keeper.
Disappointment - Free agent pickup Mike James reverting to his old form after inking his big deal.
Overall - I give the Wolves credit for hanging around .500 with this motley crew. It’s yet another testament to Kevin Garnett’s greatness. However, I don’t see this club making the playoffs even if they acquire a certain tough little man.
Portland Trail Blazers (11-14)
Watchability - Medium.
Surprise - Zach Randolph’s return to the land of the living.
Disappointment - A left heel injury limiting rookie Brandon Roy to five games.
Overall - This team is the biggest surprise to me so far. I went from thinking they were terrible, to thinking they aren’t half bad. Roy’s return, coupled with Joel Przybilla finding his groove, followed by smart trades of Z-Bo & Jamaal Magloire, and this franchise will be back contending before you know it.
Seattle SuperSonics (10-15)
Watchability - Medium to medium high.
Surprise - Luke Ridnour finding the confidence to finally become a legit third scoring option.
Disappointment - Earl Watson not embracing his role as backup PG and sixth man.
Overall – They stink without Ray Allen, plain and simple. With Ray in the lineup and healthy their scoring ability makes Seattle as dangerous as anyone on any given night. While the Sonics are a long shot to make the playoffs, they are not out of it yet.
PACIFIC
Phoenix Suns (17-6)
Watchability - Off the charts high.
Surprise - While not his old self, Amare Stoudemire is much closer to what he used to be then most thought possible.
Disappointment – Free agent PG Marcus Banks has been a complete flop.
Overall - Not like this is a news flash, but the Suns are very good. They will be in the race for the best record overall and extremely dangerous in the playoffs. The question for Phoenix is the same as it’s always been, can you really win it all playing that style?
Los Angeles Lakers (16-8)
Watchability - High to medium high.
Surprise - Kobe Bryant’s willingness to play a more team oriented style as soon as he entered the lineup.
Disappointment - Losing Lamar Odom for *at least* a month to a right knee injury.
Overall – The Lakers had been looking very good in the early going, moving the ball and playing the *team* game, etc. While defense was still LA’s major weakness, they were working on it. Now, with the loss of Odom, I fear that my boys are going to revert to the “stand-around-and-watch-Kobe-offense”, and that will be step in the wrong direction.
Golden State Warriors (12-13)
Watchability - Medium, but could go to medium high if they ever get 100% healthy.
Surprise - Second year guard Monta Ellis bursting onto the scene.
Disappointment - Jason Richardson being hampered by left knee problems all season.
Overall - I’m still not sold on the Warriors. They can be exciting to watch, but have no discipline as a unit and play zero defense. In other words, they play typical “Nellie Ball”. I’ll be very surprised if they remain in the playoff chase all year.
Sacramento Kings (10-12)
Watchability - Medium low to medium.
Surprise - Third year SG Kevin Martin leading them in scoring at 21.3 ppg is probably thee biggest individual surprise of the entire season thus far.
Disappointment - Coach Eric Musselman seemingly losing control of the locker room already.
Overall - I like to refer to the Kings as “Team tick, tick, tick…” There seems to be something of a power struggle going on between the old guard (Mike Bibby & Brad Miller) and the new regime (Ron Artest & Martin). I expect to see some roster changes in the near future, and possibly a playoff push after that, but Sacto is definitely lottery bound if they stand pat.
Los Angeles Clippers (10-13)
Watchability - Medium low to medium.
Surprise - That owner Donald Sterling locked up his core and his coach before any of them hit the open market.
Disappointment - Where to start? Sam Cassell, Chris Kaman and Tim Thomas are all nominees for their play. Then there’s also Corey Maggette who just requested a trade.
Overall - Something is very wrong in Clipperdom these days. My best guess is that LA thought they were better then they really are when the season started, and hence have had a hard time adjusting ever since. The Clips have too much talent to miss the playoffs, but seem headed that way unless they start playing the same type of defensive intensity that they displayed last year.
Quarter Pole Awards
Defensive Player - Emeka Okafor (Charlotte Bobcats)
Sixth Man - Tyronn Lue (Atlanta Hawks)
Coach - Jerry Sloan (Utah Jazz)
Rookie - Adam Morrison (Charlotte Bobcats)
MVP - Carlos Boozer (Utah Jazz)
All NBA
PG - Steve Nash (Phoenix Suns)
SG - Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat)
SF - Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets)
PF - Carlos Boozer (Utah Jazz)
C - Yao Ming (Houston Rockets)
posted by D$ at 8:58 AM
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