Mid-Season Report
With the final five teams having played their 41st games yesterday (1/22) it’s once again time for the MSR. Barring injuries it looks like the Leastern Conference playoff field is all but set with only positioning left to decide. The West is far more interesting after the Lakers with only five games separating second from eleventh. Once again there’s likely to be teams in the West that miss the playoffs that could have finished as high as fifth in the Least. Oh well, on to business.
(*Teams I had making the playoffs in October.)
EAST
1. *Cleveland Cavaliers (33-11) – After a rough start the LeBrons have really come on. They are 1st in opponent’s field goal percentage (OPFG%) and 2nd in rebound differential (RBDF). Mo Williams (left shoulder) being out four to six weeks doesn’t help them in the race for the best record. Nor does Delonte West’s (left ring finger) uncertain status. But if they can land Antawn Jamison or Troy Murphy via trade they will be the odds on favorite to win it all.
2. *Boston Celtics (28-13) – Kevin Garnett (left knee) just returned and Marquis Daniels (left thumb) should be back before the All-Star break. Ray Allen is very quietly having his worst season while Rajon Rondo is flying under the radar while having his best. These guys are still dangerous in my mind and can beat anybody when their defense is firing on all cylinders.
3. *Atlanta Hawks (28-14) – When you look at their stats the Hawks aren’t that impressive (19th in OPFG% & tied for 17th in RBDF). But when it’s big game time this bunch knows how to lock down on D and their overall athleticism is very tough to deal with when they are focused and intense. Depending on who they draw the Conference Finals are not out of the question for them.
4. *Orlando Magic (28-15) – What the heck is wrong in O-Town? They are 4th in OPFG% and 6th in RBDF yet they are only fourth in the Least. Well this is a textbook case of having too much talent. You can’t keep twelve guys who deserve NBA rotation minutes happy, it’s impossible. Then throw in that Stan Van Gundy is not the best manager of personalities and you are left with very poor chemistry. They still have time to turn things around, but an addition by subtraction trade might be necessary to get it done.
5. Miami Heat (22-20) – Two days before the season started I wanted to switch Miami in and Philly out of the playoffs. But since I already published my East Preview I didn’t. Well the Heat are 8th in OPFG% and that coupled with Dwyane Wade staying healthy will be enough for them to make the playoffs and lose in round one.
6. Charlotte Bobcats (21-20) – I was down on the Cats before the season but the trade for Stephen Jackson has made just enough of a difference in their offense that they aren’t terrible on that end anymore. Larry Brown has his boys playing some serious D (tied for 6th in OPFG%) and Gerald Wallace should be the first All-Star in franchise history. Now if the people of Charlotte would start showing up to games…
7. *Toronto Raptors (22-22) – It took coach Jay Triano a while to figure out that you have to play some defense to win in the NBA. Now that he knows, and Jarrett Jack has taken over for the sieve-like Jose Calderon at the point, the Raptors are no longer a laughing stock on D. They have enough talent to be dangerous in the playoffs, but I don’t think they have the chemistry.
8. *Chicago Bulls (19-22) – Vinny Del Negro almost lost his job for the Bulls early season struggles, but their main problem was Derrick Rose (right ankle) not being healthy. Chi-town is 5th in OPFG% and 7th in RBDF and athletic enough to cause someone problems in the first round. I don’t think they have enough 3-point shooting and/or low post scoring to advance though.
Milwaukee Bucks (17-24) – These Bucks play hard and compete like all Scott Skiles coached teams do, but they don’t play the type of defense (18th in OPFG%) their lack of talent demands. With Michael Redd (left knee) done for the year and rookie Brandon Jennings leveling off I don’t think Brew-town can score enough points to win consistently. That said if a club above them falters they will be right there to step up.
New York Knicks (17-25) – I got in a big argument with someone on the Black Crowes message board because I had the Knicks dead last back in October. Well, you were right whoever you were. NY is not thee worst team in the league, just one of the worst. Yeah, their style of play can catch teams off guard, but I still don’t take them seriously. Sorry guy, your Knicks still suck.
Detroit Pistons (15-27) – The Pistons are about what I thought they’d be. They can score but can’t defend and have a terrible mix of players. President Joe Dumars really needs to shake up this roster big time as they have duplication of talents, weaknesses and size at every position.
Indiana Pacers (15-28) – I had high hopes for this crew but with Danny Granger (right foot) missing 17 games that pretty much sunk the Pacers. One has to wonder about coach Jim O’Brien’s future too. Not so much for the rest of this season but it’s hard to justify keeping him around when he’s won 36 games two years in a row and will be lucky to reach that total this season.
*Washington Wizards (14-28) – Not having Gilbert Arenas (stupidity) aside, there’s no way this squad should be this bad. Antawn Jamison, Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood and Mike Miller is more than enough talent to compete in the Least. This is Flip Saunders worst coaching job, and it’s not even close. These guys quit on him right from the opening tip this year.
*Philadelphia 76ers (14-28) – I’m feeling like I need to turn in my NBA expert credentials for pimping Eddie Jordan to coach this team. Jordan’s player rotations are erratic and his defensive principals are non-existent. That said it’s time for GM Ed Stefanski to trade Andre Iguodala and his mammoth contract. The Sixers need to face the facts and actually rebuild for real. Package AI2 with Samuel Dalembert for Tracy McGrady and move on already. Thank you.
New Jersey Nets (3-39) – This bunch is smashing the pace of the ‘72-73 Sixers for the worst record in NBA history. They are last in OPFG% and second to last in RBDF, but they should be careful not to cut bait on Devin Harris too soon. Instead they should be looking to dump Yi Jianlian and anybody not named Harris, Brook Lopez or Courtney Lee.
WEST
1. *Los Angeles Lakers (33-10) – Kobe Bryant’s broken right index finger has reduced him to a volume scorer and Ron Artest (plantar fasciitis both feet) can barely move out there. At times I think it looks like LA isn’t playing hard when in reality they are plain old struggling. It’s not all bad for the Lakers though as they are 2nd in OPFG%. I’d like to see GM Mitch Kupchak package Jordan Farmar with Adam Morrison for a defensive minded PG that can knock down open jumpers. Yes, I’m officially done with Farmar.
2. *Denver Nuggets (28-14) – Their numbers (tied for 16th in OPFG% & 19th in RBDF) are not impressive for a team of their ilk. They’ve really gotten by on Carmelo Anthony’s greatness and Chauncey Billups’ leadership. While the Nugs have a pretty solid 8-man rotation I don’t think they have the size to really be a factor in the playoffs unless they make a trade.
3. *Dallas Mavericks (28-15) – After a hot start the Mavs have cooled off some and are right about where they should be. They are deep, well coached, play solid defense (9th in OPFG%) and have pretty good chemistry. The best thing Dallas has going for them though is lots of tradable assets. If President Donnie Nelson can swing the right move they will be legit contenders.
4. *San Antonio Spurs (25-17) – While Tim Duncan is quietly having his best season since ‘04-05 Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili are both scuffling along to their worst campaigns since ’03-04. Not to mention that Richard Jefferson has struggled to fit in to the tune of his worst year ever. For the Spurs to have any chance in the playoffs they need the “other three” to start firing on all cylinders.
5. *Portland Trail Blazers (26-18) – Let’s see here; Joel Przybilla (left knee) is lost for the season, Greg Oden (right knee) is likely done for the season as well and Travis Outlaw (left foot) is looking at a March or April return. The good news is Rudy Fernandez (back) is back, Nicloas Batum (right shoulder) is right behind him and hopefully Brandon Roy’s injured right hamstring isn’t too serious. It’s amazing that the Blazers are still in the playoff chase in the West.
6. Houston Rockets (24-18) – First off major credit is due to GM Daryl Morey for putting this group together and to coach Rick Adelman for getting them to hustle and play hard every night. Aaron Brooks has proven he’s an NBA player and Carl Landry might be the most underrated player in the entire league. Unfortunately giving their best effort consistently won’t be enough to make the playoffs over the second half unless they pick up their defense (tied for 22nd in OPFG%) and rebounding (20th in RBDF).
7. *Utah Jazz (24-18) – If there’s a team in Association that is better than their record this is it. Kyle Korver has appeared in only 14 games and C.J. Miles just 23. Even though Miles’ shot has been off lately these two spread the floor making Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer’s jobs much easier. If the Jazz can somehow find a way to be .500 on the road I could see them making the second round.
8. Phoenix Suns (25-19) – This bunch is only 11-16 since December first and has Steve Nash’s return to ’06-07 form to thank for it. Now that Leandro Barbosa (right wrist) is lost for a month and there are reports that Amar’e Stoudemire is causing problems in the locker room things could get even worse. The problem with Phoenix is they lack the depth to truly pull off being a run-and-gun team for 82 games.
Oklahoma City Thunder (24-19) – Kevin Durant has taken the next step in his development, but he still has a long way to go on defense and should be averaging more than 2.9 assists for as much as he handles the ball. For the Thunder to take the step as a team they need to realize that Jeff Green is a third forward and not a starter. Their defense (3rd in OPFG%) makes them playoff contenders now, but when they get a true low post scoring threat look out.
*New Orleans Hornets (23-19) – Interim coach/GM Jeff Bower has a done a good job inserting young players into his rotation and sticking with them (something Byron Scott NEVER did). Rookies Marcus Thornton and Darren Collison have been pleasant surprises, and Chris Paul has been his usual magnificent self, but starting big men David West and Emeka Okafor need to step up their games for the Hornets to make the playoffs.
Memphis Grizzlies (23-19) – Just think how good this crew would have been if owner Michael Heisley didn’t insist on adding Allen Iverson right before training camp? Anyway, Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol have formed an awesome big man duo; Rudy Gay is their go-to-guy in crunch time and O.J. Mayo their defensive stopper. Even though they are 1st in RBDF they don’t defend enough (28th in OPFG%) or have the depth to make the playoffs.
*Los Angeles Clippers (19-23) – Right before I published my Western Preview I switched the Clips up a spot and the Suns down a spot…so stupid. Still, up until it was announced that Blake Griffin (left knee) was done for the year I thought they had a serious run in them. But without Griffin I don’t think they have enough to get anything done in the West. There’s always next season in Clipper-land though.
Sacramento Kings (15-27) – The Kings were a pleasant surprise over most of the first half of the season, but their lack of talent has finally caught up with them. If I’m President Geoff Petrie I’m looking hard at trading Kevin Martin in a package with Andres Nocioni for either cap space or a legitimate star. On a personal note, it would be nice to see Jason Thompson take the next step in his development and stop fouling so much.
Golden State Warriors (13-28) – Every time I see this team play I want to kick Don Nelson right in the yeah boy. They are an utter joke and blight on the NBA landscape. They are last in RBDF and second to last in OPFG% and rarely give an honest nights effort. But what do you expect when the coach sets the tone by mailing it in the players are bound to follow suit.
Minnesota Timberwolves (9-35) – There is an awful mix of players in the Twin Cities right now and unfortunately for them President David Kahn is in charge of fixing the inherited mess (from Kevin McHale) that he somehow managed to make worse. I have one piece of advice for the Kahn-man; don’t trade Al Jefferson for a guard.
Mid-Season Awards
Defensive Player – Gerald Wallace (Charlotte)
Sixth Man – Carl Landry (Houston)
Coach – Lionel Hollins (Memphis)
Rookie – Tyreke Evans (Sacramento)
MVP – LeBron James (Cleveland)
All NBA
PG – Steve Nash (Phoenix)
SG – Kobe Bryant (Lakers)
SF – LeBron James (Cleveland)
PF – Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas)
C – Tim Duncan (San Antonio)
(*Teams I had making the playoffs in October.)
EAST
1. *Cleveland Cavaliers (33-11) – After a rough start the LeBrons have really come on. They are 1st in opponent’s field goal percentage (OPFG%) and 2nd in rebound differential (RBDF). Mo Williams (left shoulder) being out four to six weeks doesn’t help them in the race for the best record. Nor does Delonte West’s (left ring finger) uncertain status. But if they can land Antawn Jamison or Troy Murphy via trade they will be the odds on favorite to win it all.
2. *Boston Celtics (28-13) – Kevin Garnett (left knee) just returned and Marquis Daniels (left thumb) should be back before the All-Star break. Ray Allen is very quietly having his worst season while Rajon Rondo is flying under the radar while having his best. These guys are still dangerous in my mind and can beat anybody when their defense is firing on all cylinders.
3. *Atlanta Hawks (28-14) – When you look at their stats the Hawks aren’t that impressive (19th in OPFG% & tied for 17th in RBDF). But when it’s big game time this bunch knows how to lock down on D and their overall athleticism is very tough to deal with when they are focused and intense. Depending on who they draw the Conference Finals are not out of the question for them.
4. *Orlando Magic (28-15) – What the heck is wrong in O-Town? They are 4th in OPFG% and 6th in RBDF yet they are only fourth in the Least. Well this is a textbook case of having too much talent. You can’t keep twelve guys who deserve NBA rotation minutes happy, it’s impossible. Then throw in that Stan Van Gundy is not the best manager of personalities and you are left with very poor chemistry. They still have time to turn things around, but an addition by subtraction trade might be necessary to get it done.
5. Miami Heat (22-20) – Two days before the season started I wanted to switch Miami in and Philly out of the playoffs. But since I already published my East Preview I didn’t. Well the Heat are 8th in OPFG% and that coupled with Dwyane Wade staying healthy will be enough for them to make the playoffs and lose in round one.
6. Charlotte Bobcats (21-20) – I was down on the Cats before the season but the trade for Stephen Jackson has made just enough of a difference in their offense that they aren’t terrible on that end anymore. Larry Brown has his boys playing some serious D (tied for 6th in OPFG%) and Gerald Wallace should be the first All-Star in franchise history. Now if the people of Charlotte would start showing up to games…
7. *Toronto Raptors (22-22) – It took coach Jay Triano a while to figure out that you have to play some defense to win in the NBA. Now that he knows, and Jarrett Jack has taken over for the sieve-like Jose Calderon at the point, the Raptors are no longer a laughing stock on D. They have enough talent to be dangerous in the playoffs, but I don’t think they have the chemistry.
8. *Chicago Bulls (19-22) – Vinny Del Negro almost lost his job for the Bulls early season struggles, but their main problem was Derrick Rose (right ankle) not being healthy. Chi-town is 5th in OPFG% and 7th in RBDF and athletic enough to cause someone problems in the first round. I don’t think they have enough 3-point shooting and/or low post scoring to advance though.
Milwaukee Bucks (17-24) – These Bucks play hard and compete like all Scott Skiles coached teams do, but they don’t play the type of defense (18th in OPFG%) their lack of talent demands. With Michael Redd (left knee) done for the year and rookie Brandon Jennings leveling off I don’t think Brew-town can score enough points to win consistently. That said if a club above them falters they will be right there to step up.
New York Knicks (17-25) – I got in a big argument with someone on the Black Crowes message board because I had the Knicks dead last back in October. Well, you were right whoever you were. NY is not thee worst team in the league, just one of the worst. Yeah, their style of play can catch teams off guard, but I still don’t take them seriously. Sorry guy, your Knicks still suck.
Detroit Pistons (15-27) – The Pistons are about what I thought they’d be. They can score but can’t defend and have a terrible mix of players. President Joe Dumars really needs to shake up this roster big time as they have duplication of talents, weaknesses and size at every position.
Indiana Pacers (15-28) – I had high hopes for this crew but with Danny Granger (right foot) missing 17 games that pretty much sunk the Pacers. One has to wonder about coach Jim O’Brien’s future too. Not so much for the rest of this season but it’s hard to justify keeping him around when he’s won 36 games two years in a row and will be lucky to reach that total this season.
*Washington Wizards (14-28) – Not having Gilbert Arenas (stupidity) aside, there’s no way this squad should be this bad. Antawn Jamison, Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood and Mike Miller is more than enough talent to compete in the Least. This is Flip Saunders worst coaching job, and it’s not even close. These guys quit on him right from the opening tip this year.
*Philadelphia 76ers (14-28) – I’m feeling like I need to turn in my NBA expert credentials for pimping Eddie Jordan to coach this team. Jordan’s player rotations are erratic and his defensive principals are non-existent. That said it’s time for GM Ed Stefanski to trade Andre Iguodala and his mammoth contract. The Sixers need to face the facts and actually rebuild for real. Package AI2 with Samuel Dalembert for Tracy McGrady and move on already. Thank you.
New Jersey Nets (3-39) – This bunch is smashing the pace of the ‘72-73 Sixers for the worst record in NBA history. They are last in OPFG% and second to last in RBDF, but they should be careful not to cut bait on Devin Harris too soon. Instead they should be looking to dump Yi Jianlian and anybody not named Harris, Brook Lopez or Courtney Lee.
WEST
1. *Los Angeles Lakers (33-10) – Kobe Bryant’s broken right index finger has reduced him to a volume scorer and Ron Artest (plantar fasciitis both feet) can barely move out there. At times I think it looks like LA isn’t playing hard when in reality they are plain old struggling. It’s not all bad for the Lakers though as they are 2nd in OPFG%. I’d like to see GM Mitch Kupchak package Jordan Farmar with Adam Morrison for a defensive minded PG that can knock down open jumpers. Yes, I’m officially done with Farmar.
2. *Denver Nuggets (28-14) – Their numbers (tied for 16th in OPFG% & 19th in RBDF) are not impressive for a team of their ilk. They’ve really gotten by on Carmelo Anthony’s greatness and Chauncey Billups’ leadership. While the Nugs have a pretty solid 8-man rotation I don’t think they have the size to really be a factor in the playoffs unless they make a trade.
3. *Dallas Mavericks (28-15) – After a hot start the Mavs have cooled off some and are right about where they should be. They are deep, well coached, play solid defense (9th in OPFG%) and have pretty good chemistry. The best thing Dallas has going for them though is lots of tradable assets. If President Donnie Nelson can swing the right move they will be legit contenders.
4. *San Antonio Spurs (25-17) – While Tim Duncan is quietly having his best season since ‘04-05 Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili are both scuffling along to their worst campaigns since ’03-04. Not to mention that Richard Jefferson has struggled to fit in to the tune of his worst year ever. For the Spurs to have any chance in the playoffs they need the “other three” to start firing on all cylinders.
5. *Portland Trail Blazers (26-18) – Let’s see here; Joel Przybilla (left knee) is lost for the season, Greg Oden (right knee) is likely done for the season as well and Travis Outlaw (left foot) is looking at a March or April return. The good news is Rudy Fernandez (back) is back, Nicloas Batum (right shoulder) is right behind him and hopefully Brandon Roy’s injured right hamstring isn’t too serious. It’s amazing that the Blazers are still in the playoff chase in the West.
6. Houston Rockets (24-18) – First off major credit is due to GM Daryl Morey for putting this group together and to coach Rick Adelman for getting them to hustle and play hard every night. Aaron Brooks has proven he’s an NBA player and Carl Landry might be the most underrated player in the entire league. Unfortunately giving their best effort consistently won’t be enough to make the playoffs over the second half unless they pick up their defense (tied for 22nd in OPFG%) and rebounding (20th in RBDF).
7. *Utah Jazz (24-18) – If there’s a team in Association that is better than their record this is it. Kyle Korver has appeared in only 14 games and C.J. Miles just 23. Even though Miles’ shot has been off lately these two spread the floor making Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer’s jobs much easier. If the Jazz can somehow find a way to be .500 on the road I could see them making the second round.
8. Phoenix Suns (25-19) – This bunch is only 11-16 since December first and has Steve Nash’s return to ’06-07 form to thank for it. Now that Leandro Barbosa (right wrist) is lost for a month and there are reports that Amar’e Stoudemire is causing problems in the locker room things could get even worse. The problem with Phoenix is they lack the depth to truly pull off being a run-and-gun team for 82 games.
Oklahoma City Thunder (24-19) – Kevin Durant has taken the next step in his development, but he still has a long way to go on defense and should be averaging more than 2.9 assists for as much as he handles the ball. For the Thunder to take the step as a team they need to realize that Jeff Green is a third forward and not a starter. Their defense (3rd in OPFG%) makes them playoff contenders now, but when they get a true low post scoring threat look out.
*New Orleans Hornets (23-19) – Interim coach/GM Jeff Bower has a done a good job inserting young players into his rotation and sticking with them (something Byron Scott NEVER did). Rookies Marcus Thornton and Darren Collison have been pleasant surprises, and Chris Paul has been his usual magnificent self, but starting big men David West and Emeka Okafor need to step up their games for the Hornets to make the playoffs.
Memphis Grizzlies (23-19) – Just think how good this crew would have been if owner Michael Heisley didn’t insist on adding Allen Iverson right before training camp? Anyway, Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol have formed an awesome big man duo; Rudy Gay is their go-to-guy in crunch time and O.J. Mayo their defensive stopper. Even though they are 1st in RBDF they don’t defend enough (28th in OPFG%) or have the depth to make the playoffs.
*Los Angeles Clippers (19-23) – Right before I published my Western Preview I switched the Clips up a spot and the Suns down a spot…so stupid. Still, up until it was announced that Blake Griffin (left knee) was done for the year I thought they had a serious run in them. But without Griffin I don’t think they have enough to get anything done in the West. There’s always next season in Clipper-land though.
Sacramento Kings (15-27) – The Kings were a pleasant surprise over most of the first half of the season, but their lack of talent has finally caught up with them. If I’m President Geoff Petrie I’m looking hard at trading Kevin Martin in a package with Andres Nocioni for either cap space or a legitimate star. On a personal note, it would be nice to see Jason Thompson take the next step in his development and stop fouling so much.
Golden State Warriors (13-28) – Every time I see this team play I want to kick Don Nelson right in the yeah boy. They are an utter joke and blight on the NBA landscape. They are last in RBDF and second to last in OPFG% and rarely give an honest nights effort. But what do you expect when the coach sets the tone by mailing it in the players are bound to follow suit.
Minnesota Timberwolves (9-35) – There is an awful mix of players in the Twin Cities right now and unfortunately for them President David Kahn is in charge of fixing the inherited mess (from Kevin McHale) that he somehow managed to make worse. I have one piece of advice for the Kahn-man; don’t trade Al Jefferson for a guard.
Mid-Season Awards
Defensive Player – Gerald Wallace (Charlotte)
Sixth Man – Carl Landry (Houston)
Coach – Lionel Hollins (Memphis)
Rookie – Tyreke Evans (Sacramento)
MVP – LeBron James (Cleveland)
All NBA
PG – Steve Nash (Phoenix)
SG – Kobe Bryant (Lakers)
SF – LeBron James (Cleveland)
PF – Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas)
C – Tim Duncan (San Antonio)
posted by D$ at 12:59 PM
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