The start of the NBA’s 75th season has been very interesting. Many headlines have gone around the association and there has been no margin for error. As for the Eastern Conference this is perhaps the most stacked it’s ever been from top to bottom in a long time. (I keep saying this every year but now there is comradery in the league) All 3 divisions are loaded with no end in sight. Let’s get right to it.
Atlanta Hawks (A setback that isn’t serious): To call this season a failure for the Hawks so far wouldn’t be the right term to use. They went through this same situation last year except this time there will be more pressure to make a run at the playoffs. Statistically this has been their best offensive season in franchise history. Trae Young is establishing himself as a Top 5 PG, John Collins living up to his new contract, and a now healthy DeAndre Hunter. What is the problem? Terrible defense. Losing Clint Capela and Bogdan Bogdanovic, Kevin Huerter being up and down, and trading away Cam Reddish. Although if there is anything that will give these guys hope it’s that Nate McMillan is an excellent coach after the All Star Break. If I were you I wouldn’t panic until it’s a longshot just to make it in. BOOM! And then they ripped off a solid win streak to get back in the playoff race. Ice Trae is 2 Legit 2 Quit I see. (Plus they are getting guys back from injury now)
Boston Celtics (Are you scared to succeed?): Can you guys please stop underachieving for one carnsong minute! I know many players are in and out of the lineup but why is this still a habit? Who knows. The Celtics on paper have a good chance at making the playoffs, but this team is literally 3 players. Robert Williams, Jaylen Brown, and Jayson Tatum. Even with those 3 leading the way, they will need Marcus Smart to not avoid the injury bug, Dennis Schoeder to not be inconsistent (Too bad they just let him go), and they need to close out a game. It’s what killed them under Brad Stevens and Doc Rivers and it’s the same here. But in defense of their underachieving ways, they had one of the harder schedules in the NBA so far. The 2nd Half should be easier barring a few things. If Boston doesn’t make the playoffs I would remove Jaylen Brown since there is no evidence that they can’t win with this core. I know they won’t but all of Beantown wants heads and is jealous that they don’t have a title after all of those years of promise. And just as I say that they go on a nice little win streak going into the All Star Break. Just what this franchise needed, it’s about time you played up to your abilities. (Their TD Garden brothers in Bruins need the same thing)
Brooklyn Nets (Total Chaos): The Brooklyn Nets with huge expectations from their bandwagons and media have been up and down right from the word GO. There has been plenty of controversy. James Harden is still a gigantic question mark thanks to his declining abilities and not being in shape, and is debating about leaving the organization. (Thank Lil Baby and Tatis for that honor) Their record against contending teams is one of the worst this season. When your only win against a team with Finals ambitions is over a Bulls team without Caruso, and a few others there is a problem. Things got so desperate that they had to bring back Kyrie Irving as a part time player thanks to NYC COVID restrictions. Plus their home record this year has been uncharacteristically bad this season and their gameday staff is unpleasant. Which is karma for how arrogant their bandwagons were last year. Speaking of Olivier Sedra he has gone on record saying that the Barclays Center isn’t as much of an advantage to the Nets as others across the league. Really? Now is the time to cry foul, you knew what you were getting into when you left Cleveland. Even worse, Kevin Durant is out for a month with a knee injury. Looks like they need a distraction from all of this. (YoYo Sound) Now there’s the Nets we know and love, adding another highly rated ESPN Reporter in Nick Friedell from Golden State to their media room, never change Sedra! (It’s like he never left last year at all, I need to make another document on this bandwagon) And just as I was about to release this doc, the Nets traded James Harden to Philadelphia for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, and 2 1st Round picks. With the losing streak they are on right now, and KD being sidelined things are getting intense for this organization. Marks and Sedra are going to panic big time if they don’t win it all. Especially since they traded Caris LeVert, Jarrett Allen, and their top prospect (Darius Garland) plus 4 1st Round picks to get Harden in a 4 team trade in the first place. All 3 players they gave up are key contributors in Cleveland. At least they finally got defensive structure by getting rid of the BeardMan.
Charlotte Hornets (So far, So Good): Charlotte the one thing I can say about them is Holy Cow, they have the best fastbreak team in the league. Lamelo Ball, and Myles Bridges have emerged as a dynamic duo, Gordon Hayward is finally healthy (scratch that he’s out AGAIN!), and Terry Rozier when healthy is a good 3rd option. I do have 2 concerns. Inconsistency and the lack of an elite Center. It’s what I said last year. Mason Plumlee is a good rim protector but they need an All Star caliber big to get them over the top. They wanted Domantas Sabonis, (YoYo Sound) but then the Basketball Gods delivered karma to Michael Jordan as their main target at the deadline went to the Kings. They did get Montrezl Harrell instead, good value for their lineup. Even with their recent struggles I have a hard time figuring out who this team really wants to be. Do they want to be a dark horse contender, or a team that gets their butts kicked in the play in. The Hornets do have an outstanding future ahead of them but when will MJ get desperate and go all in on a deep playoff run? I don’t know?
Chicago Bulls (The NBA awoke a Sleeping Giant): Just when you thought the I-94 Area would have a new ruler, it appears as if the news coming out of the Cream City this summer woke up an insufferable giant. This year the Bulls have exceeded expectations and are now near the top of a topheavy Eastern Conference. The DeMar DeRozan signing has been the best FA signing they have had since Dennis Rodman in 1995. Zach Lavine is now in the prime of his career, and with other emerging stars like Lonzo Ball, and Coby White things look bright. There is one problem. CRACK! Injuries and lots of them. Lavine, Ball, and Patrick Williams. Even worse, their media sensation Alex Caruso, (DRAMATIC MUSIC) out with a broken wrist. Bulls fans are acting like Nets fans when Kyrie got hurt against the Bucks. (“They intentionally knocked them out! The Bucks are cheap shot artists!” -ESPN, New York, and Chicago. SHUT UP AND DEAL WITH IT!) If I’m the Bulls, I wouldn’t focus on moaning about Grayson Allen. I would be more worried about having to overcome a murderers row of competition in the East especially if they are short handed. That hot start they had was good but they need to keep it up, or will they revert to being a 2nd tier team behind the big boys?
Cleveland Cavaliers (What is this the 1980s?): Any time a team that tries to run a similar game plan to what the Celtics in the 1980s did, you may think it will be outdated. Not here. To the surprise of absolutely everyone, Cleveland has shed their label of being stuck in a long rebuild to taking the next step into being a legit playoff team. Lauri Markkanen, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen from a size standpoint are similar to Bird, McHale, and Parrish. Although none of those 3 had the talent that those Celtics teams had. Even without Colin Sexton, they haven’t missed a beat with Darius Garland becoming their next All Star caliber point guard. Even Kevin Love has contributed to this turnaround frenzy. In a division with the defending champs, and a potential powerhouse from the Windy City, they won’t get as much respect but the Cavs have a likable cast and inspiring story to rally behind. This will most likely be the learning experiment year but their front office will make me eat my words for saying that. They have a possible big fish to catch at the trade deadline. And it could give them credibility. (Cavs trade for Pacers LeVert) Caris LaVert is not bad, he should do well there. Just gear up for the playoffs, the rest of the East will be prepared.
Detroit Pistons (The Punishment of Every Rookie): Adam Silver to Cade Cunningham: “Take him to DETROIT!” Cade Cunningham: “No, NOT DETROIT! NO! PLEASE! STOP IT!” (Pistons drop their 14 game in a row, longest of this season) Media to Cleveland Cavaliers: “This way gentleman, I will show you to your room.” (Pistons begin season with league worst 5-28 record) (Cade Cunningham shouldn’t be on a team this bad. It’s not good for Basketball) Are you guys going to fire Dwaye Casey or what? It should have happened 2 years ago. The Cade Train has fallen off the tracks hard.
Indiana Pacers (You shouldn’t have fired McMillan): You are in deep trouble. I’m not saying this lightly. This year has been a disaster. What happened to all of that talent you were supposed to have. I have a simple answer, CRACK! Injured or underachieving. Malcolm Brogdon in particular is a human injury bug that hasn’t stopped. (“We tried warning you Pacers” -Bucks fans) This is a team that has had to drag Lance Stephenson out of the retirement homes and give him premium minutes. That would be worth it if you are getting his 2014 form. He hasn’t shown that for all but one game. Caris LeVert has been mediocre (He eventually was traded to Cleveland), and just like Stephenson they think past prime Jeremy Lamb is a major contributor. Looks like Rick Carlisle is no match to the modern offense of the NBA. It was proven last year in the playoffs in Dallas and now it’s on full display. I’m guessing they are going to do the same thing that the Timberwolves did with KAT and keep Sabonis and Myles Turner around at the deadline. You traded Sabonis and Lamb to the Kings of all places, at least you got their top prospect and Buddy Hield I guess.
Miami Heat (NBA’s Auburn Tigers when it comes to their fans): I don’t want to hear another word about how #HeatTwitter thinks this is the year they are going to win the Title. As likable as this team is on the court and in the front office the only thing makes this team unlikable is their fans. (That is the typical Miami sports fan, party all night, gloat about how they are going to win everything, and party some more. It’s the same with the Florida Panthers) If you were to tell me that they would have the best record in the Eastern Conference considering how many guys have been out I would have laughed in your face. Most of that is due to Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, Caleb Martin, Max Strus, and Gabe Vincent. Even if PJ Tucker is on the decline, and Kyle Lowry has been in and out they have still found ways to win. Now with Butler, Oladipo, and Adebayo back in the mix this is a team that could be a very tough out in the playoffs. The real question I have is how will they manage the minutes situation when everyone comes back? It will be very hard to limit guys like Strus and Martin with the years that they have had. If they get 1 seed the local media is going to plan the parade like the Nets did last year, that’s the last thing the East needs. Another arrogant fanbase. (The Bucks, Nets, 76ers, Raptors, and Bulls can all agree) I hope they get beat again by…
Milwaukee Bucks (Giannis vs LeESPN): The Bucks spent all of August partying it up but there appears to be no major setbacks in their attempt to become the next great dynasty in the NBA. However they are in the same situation that the Nets were in a year ago. Injuries, COVID, limited action with their Big 3, struggling against soft teams, 10 day contracts, and going through an incredibly short offseason. When their Big 3 of Giannis, Middleton, and Holiday are on the court at the same time this team is basically unbeatable unless you play a perfect game. This is not including Bobby Portis, and Pat Connaughton who are both putting up career years. Even if the DeMarcus Cousins experiment was short lived, GM Jon Horst brought back another good buddy of Part Owner Marc Lasry in Wesley Matthews who now has taken the role that PJ Tucker had a year ago. If there is one thing that the Greek Freak thrives on this season its making the National Media eat their words whenever another superstar is compared to him. I’m looking right at you Stephen A, and Matt Barnes. (At least NBA Today gave those 2 the business when the Bucks beat both DeRozan and Ja Morant) The most impressive thing about their good start is that they haven’t played a game with their full lineup. That’s because Brook Lopez has been dealing with back surgery. And Pat Connaughton just suffered a broken finger. When they come back this unit should be the favorite to make it back to the finals regardless of what big market people think. Even without him they still lack a 2nd Center in their lineup. Trading DiVincenzo for Serge Ibaka gives them another weapon both on offense and defense but his health is a minor concern. They also need to fill up a couple roster spots. I got it, Look Everyone, GREG MONROE! The Moose has returned on a 10 day contract and is back in 2016 vintage baby! (He’ll probably stay the rest of the year because of his relationship with Giannis and Khris)
New York Knicks (The James Dolan Special): What the heck guys! What just happened to a dark horse playoff team. There are some bright spots, Julius Randle for the most part has continued his success from last year, RJ Barrett is becoming a cornerstone for the future, and trading for Cam Reddish should help them improve on both sides. But will it be enough for a return to the playoffs? Probably not. Why? Because they are stuck in a loaded Eastern Conference with underachievers on their roster. Although Dolan is expected to lose his mind this offseason. He will trade the future for a superstar (Damian Lillard at MSG, Salivating) The real question is can they become a fleshed out unit. I don’t think that will happen. Why? (YoYo Sound) They have just hit a massive skid with blowing double digit leads to the Lakers and Jazz. With their upcoming schedule it’s doomsday for NYC. Every time you think the Knicks will turn into a force for years to come they throw a pie in your face. At least they have the Rangers.
Orlando Magic (At least you have Walt Disney World): Just like when Dwight Howard was traded to the Lakers a decade ago the Tanks are rolling again MickeyLand. Even if Cole Anthony and Jalen Suggs look promising this is a team that has been a dumpster fire for way too long. We tried warning you about John Hammond. What he has been doing to the Magic since 2017 was what he was going to do in Milwaukee if their ownership crew hadn’t stepped in. At least the draft haul they have looks nice.
Philadelphia 76ers (Save the Process): One year after chucking their Former #1 pick into a maul of Philly fans, the 76ers are once again looking like a dark horse title contender. Even if Simmons is gone for the most part, most of their core is still producing. Joel Embiid is putting up better numbers than a year ago, Matisse Thybulle is one of the best defenders at the guard spot, plus Tyrese Maxey, and Shake Milton have emerged as key contributors to their main core. If Philadelphia wants to make it past the 2nd Round for once they will need Tobias Harris to prove that he is a legit 2nd option. Especially in a loaded Eastern Conference this will be a tall ask. The only thing that was holding them back was a COVID case early in the season, but since then they have been locked in. One thing concerns me about the Sixers though. Doc Rivers vs elite coaches, too many times in close games they get in their own way and it costs them. It happened last year and so far this season that hasn’t changed. You’d think they would trust their youth with how they are playing. BOOM! (Nets and Sixers pull off Harden Simmons blockbuster) Now there’s the Sixers we know and love, trading the future plus Ben Simmons and Seth Curry to the Nets for James Harden, NEVER CHANGE MOREY!
Toronto Raptors (The Canadian Youth Movement): I knew that the Raptors weren’t going to be bad for long. Nick Nurse is a winning coach and their front office will do everything they can to field a winning team. It took a while after a slow start but Toronto is back to being a contender in the East. Unlike their previous contenders, the Raptors have a large inflation of youth in their lineup. Scottie Barnes is establishing himself as a young star in his rookie year, Fred Van Vleet has become an All Star, and Garry Trent. What a revelation he has had. He went from a man that Toronto acquired from Portland in the Norman Powell deal to being one of their top scoring options. However he doesn’t have the resume of good old Pascal Siakum. Now that his injury habits are gone he has become the leader that this team needed as soon as Kawhi left town. They may not make a deep run this year, but they have the foundation to be another machine like they were a few years ago. With the front office that they have plus the home court advantage of Jurassic Park back in session this is a team that I will have my eyes on in the future. Good work so far boys.
Washington Wizards (66-31): Exactly what I felt back in October. The Wizards are still in a rebuild but I’ll give them credit for one thing. They fleeced the Lakers organization for the next 3 years. The amount of draft capital and players they got for Westbrook will help them down the road. Kyle Kuzma has rediscovered his game in what has been a bounceback year. Washington was looking promising after a good start. It appeared as if they would be a playoff team that would get knocked out early. What happened? BOOM! Well at least they have an excuse. Bradley Beal suffered yet another season ending injury. Once that happened they went on a massive losing streak and have not recovered. Thus it forced them to trade Harrell and Aaron Holiday at the deadline. And Beal will likely be gone in the offseason since he is a free agent. Also the man that was responsible for giving this team a bright future thanks to the Westbrook Trade left the team to become the President of Football Operations for the Baltimore Ravens. Hopefully his developing skills go with him. It’s going to take some time for the Wizards to be good again but they at least are on the right track. That’s all you can really hope for at this time. PAUSE.
With THE TRADE consuming the biggest media darlings of the conference whole, this will probably be the most exciting final 30 games of a regular season in a long time. 8-10 teams have legit hopes of getting the #1 seed. The talent is spread out so anything can happen. And there are no superteams that’s always a good thing. GOOD LUCK GENTLEMEN!
Bragging Rights Sports 