NBA Seasonal ponderings

The story thus far:

• The disparity between the two conferences has been prevalent since Jordan’s retirement, with the Western conference teams dominating the regular season and playoffs. Last year, the difference in the number of games won between the 1st (Lakers) and 8th (Thunder) seeds in the west was 7 games! A 4th or 5th seed in the East would’ve landed them in the lottery if they were competing in the Western conference. This season, I expect that to change, even if slightly. With a number of East teams (Hawks, Pacers, Bulls) showing continued improvement over the past couple of years, I foresee an increased level of competition out East. The perennial conference leaders – Celtics, Magic, and now, probably by mid-season, the Heat as well, in addition to the above-listed improving teams, the difference in wins will decrease from the top seed through the 8th seed.
• The early surprise thrown our way by the Hornets and the Spurs and Jazz (to an extent) only reinforces the fact that you cannot write off any team, regardless of off-season turmoils or playoff failure. The Hornets (with their Chris Paul trade talks/rumors) were expected to spiral into dysfunction, decreased team chemistry, etc. The Spurs were ‘old’ and on a decline – claimed many NBA analysts. Yeah, the same Spurs who are now on a 12-game winning streak. Health was the only question of relevance when it came to teams like the Spurs and Celtics, and when healthy, they become lethal.
• The Heat were expected to waltz in and chalk up 70+ wins. Instead, they find themselves at 8-7 right now, on a 3-game losing skid. Sure its early times now, but 15 games is sufficient for any one to see that James and Wade cannot lead the same team with only 1 basketball to play with. Each is accustomed to taking over games, calling the shots on offense and being the team leader. While Bosh is alright with taking a step back and being a sidekick, it is in neither James’ nor Wade’s nature to don that sidekick role.
• This is Lamar Odom’s time to shine and he is! With Andrew Bynum out at least till Dec/Jan, Odom knew he had to get used to being a starter for that stretch. Don’t forget he was a starter when he was on the CLippers and Heat, so he was simply reverting to his previous role. And with Odom’s 15+ points and 10+ rebounds a game only show how scary a team the Lakers can be after Bynum’s return. At season’s end, Pau Gasol will be among the top 3 players in contention for season MVP. Statistically, this has been Gasol’s best season by far. Sure the Lakers are still Kobe’s team, but unlike the scene in Miami, Pau Gasol isn’t an alpha dog. That makes him a perfect complement to Bryant. And going by numbers, his importance to the team is equaling that of Bryant.
• I feel this season will be Boston’s last attempt to win a championship with this group of players. With a team brimming with past-their-prime future Hall-of-Famers, it hasn’t been easy the past few years – competing in the playoffs against younger, quicker teams like the Magic, Cavaliers, and in all probability, the Heat this year. Nevertheless, their experience has trumped the younger teams’ talent and skill thus far. With Garnett (34), Allen (35), and now Shaq (38), this is perhaps the last time we see them contending for a ring.
• John Wall vs. Blake Griffin – finally a fun, competitive rookie-of-the-year contest.
• The revised rules of refereeing concerning technical fouls is really a mixed bag. While its good in that it keeps the players in check and provides referees with more control, it affects the overall game. As a player, you need to vent out frustration and at times, jubilation too. If gesturing to the audience or voiceless complaints now land you with a T, something’s wrong. Hopefully, the refs allow the players to play and not be buzzkills, especially when a team is in the middle of a 15-0 run in a game! Its a pity Rasheed Wallace isnt around to test this new rule revision :)