TEAM SURPRISES:
New Orleans- This one doesn't surprise me much as I am a huge Chris Paul supporter (damn you Billy Knight) but their current record outshines most anyone's expectations for their arrival. David West is one of the most underrated players in the L and Tyson Chandler does exactly what they need him to do (defend, rebound, dunk). Wouldn't surprise me if they went on a semi-deep playoff run on the back of Paul.
Portland- This one is a shock to most people...the youngest team in the league and showing up on a nightly basis....Clearly defined roles help this team out (I saw them live monday and was impressed) with the only real downfall being the point guard situation with the 3-headed monster of Steve Blake, Jarrett Jack and Sergio Rodriguez (none of which is an NBA starter). Brandon Roy is a jack-of-all trades type of guy who really does it all for this team and carries them on nights where Lamarcus Aldridge disappears without warning. Travis Outlaw is in the running for Most Improved Player and proving people like me wrong.....I wouldn't bank on a long playoff run but when Oden gets there next year....really dangerous team
Washington- The record itself isnt the surprise here....but the ability to play without Gilbert Arenas surprises most people (including me to the point where I'm not sure they arent better off without him....dont kill me Ryan). Caron Butler is playing at an all-star level and with some help from Antawn Jamison they are solidly in the playoff picture awaiting Agent Zero's return.
Miami- No, I did not think it was a very good team this year...but the fall from grace for the Heat has been shockingly fast....Shaq is a shell of himself and the additions of Ricky Davis, et. al haven't worked....Also the most unwatchable team in the league IMO and a waste of D-Wade's skill set
Atlanta- Let me preface this by saying i'm not surprised this team is currently in the playoffs (I'm a hawks fan) but a majority of people are shocked by this team's appearance as a playoff contender; The roster is talented (especially the wing depth which is the best in the L) but there is still the glaring hole at the point guard position. The 3-man PG rotation of the crafty vet Anthony Johnson, Tyronn Lue and the rookie Acie Law isn't working for a playoff team in the NBA. An average NBA starting point guard would put this team in the top 5 in the East IMO. That said, the hawks are a mild surprise and should be in the backend of the East Playoffs for the first time since 1996-1997 (Insert Laughter Here).
Couple More Mild surprises for me:
Cleveland- I have no idea how this roster is competitive...Lebron's really really good
Chicago- Not a big fan of the roster makeup (no post scoring, etc.) but they shouldn't be this bad in the East
Seattle- Didn't see this as a playoff team but at 9-32 either
More Later....
1 comment:
I think if NO doesnt make any moves to add to that bench..they could get bounced early depending on the matchup..pretty much agree with other stuff..blah @hawks..
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