And on the 6th Day.......

Now, maybe we are all just "geeked" that the NBA is back but we have been treated some great games already.   The OKC/Mavs game had a great finish in a rematch of last years WCF.  We've seen the Heat and Bulls play well to start.  The Lakers (without Bynum) showcasing that they can play defense in almost defiance of some "experts" that are calling for their demise.  If the first 6 says of this season is any indication of how this season will be, then we are in for a wild and great ride.

It's way too early to be talking about the who the champion will be.  In this shortened and compacted season (66 games in 123 days) the door to the championship is a bit wider opened than normal.  I'm not a fan of paper champions.  There are always teams who look great on paper but haven't won a thing.  The Clippers and Knicks are much improved.  If Baron Davis shows up in a month or so in New York in some type of basketball shape, his transition into the Knick offense won't be tough.  Toney Douglas is a nice option off the bench but he doesn't really have the knowledge of the PG position the way Baron does.  Amare and Melo's strengths have always shown through the most when they have had a least a very good PG. And if you really think that Douglas is on the same level at Nash and Billups then stop reading now.  You won't be able to understand anything I talk about. If Tyson Chandler can defensively rub off on the Knicks the way he did in Dallas, then the Knicks will be a contender in the East.

The Clippers main problem so far, is they are still celebrating the team they have assembled.  Lob City is some college BS.  I don't know of any champion that won with lobs.  Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with watching Blake and D Jordan catching lobs from CP3 and Billups but if they need to get on them rebounds.  Second chance points killed the Clippers against the Spurs and Bulls.  If the Clippers want to assert some control over LA, then they need to commit to defense.  More importantly, Del Negro better figure that out quick or he will see himself let go again.  Its the defense that will lead to those fast break points and those amazing plays we crave from this team.  There isn't a trophy nor a banner for most highlights in a season.

All the Lakers need to do is hold the line and be smart.  They have a new system under new coach Mike Brown and Odom is now in Dallas.  Instead of worrying about if they can get D Howard, why are they not trying to get a PG?  Don't get me wrong about Derrick Fisher.  I like him but he isn't the Fisher of 2004 or earlier.  Blake and Barnes definitely aren't the answer.  Howard would be nice and maybe extend Fisher another season but the Lakers need to think beyond this season.  Missed opportunities can destroy your season.  Sorry Laker fans, right now, Bynum and Gasol are better for you than Dwight Howard.

Where do I begin with the Magic?  If you want they want to keep Howard, they aren't acting like it.  A bum foot for Brook Lopez is the only reason Howard is still in Orlando.  The Magic have the talent to contend but the front office hasn't given anyone any reason to play for anything.  Whatever you think about Dwight, you can't argue that he isn't showing up especially after back to back 24 rebound games.  Howard is saying through his play so far, "I can give it to ya but what you gonna do with it?".  To be fair, Howard needs to pose the same thing to his fellow players as well.  There is potential on this team.  Ryan Anderson is doing a good "Dirk" impression and a unexpected compliment to Howard.  Most importantly, Reddick and Duhon need to "step up they game" and be better contributors off the bench.  We don't know how long Jameer Nelson will stay healthy.  He already has a strained neck and we are only 6 days in.  Bottomline, the Magic need to shopping everyone not named Dwight Howard and show him they want to build around him.

For the Heat, its simple.  Ignore everyone not on their team and play.  LeBron was so worried about what people thought of him rather then just let his game speak.  He looks, early on that will do what he needs to in order for the Heat to win.  Instead of worrying about who takes the last shot, LeBron, DWade and Bosh all seem to agree to just play the game.  As long as this "Big 3" plays like a big 3, the Heat will be in the hunt.  LeBron has developed a nice post game which will make him even harder to guard.  Shane Battier is a nice addition mostly because he can defend and a decent 4th option in the offense.  The surprise "x-factor" is the rookie Norris Cole.  Look out for that name over the course of the season.

This has been some New Year's Eve ramblings.  I hope everyone stays safe and drinks responsibly this evening.  No need to ring in the New Year in the emergency room.  Beginning Jan 2, I will begin a series of division breakdowns in the NBA.  I will do a division every day for 6 days and start with the Pacific Division.



Happy New Year,
D!