First thing's first: I may have been slightly wrong with my pre-season picks. Injuries had a lot to do with that, and I'm sure most people's mock standings aren't looking too great either. But there are much more important things than that. So, here are my top story lines of the season.
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| (Getty Images) "8th seed? I don't think so!" |
The Old Fogeys Strike Again
- It really defies logic. The San Antonio Spurs should not be this good. They are old. This much we know for sure. And we thought we knew that their window was closed, and that Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Greg Poppovich would be content battling for a lower seed and trying for one last desperate playoff run with their geriatric core group of players. But no, the Spurs refuse to go away, and they've been playing elite level basketball all year long. Who had the Spurs battling for the best record in the West at the start of this season? Somehow, I still can't buy in. The memory of last year's Memphis series won't let me. The playoffs will be here soon enough though, and the Spurs will at least have one more chance to prove that they don't belong in the nursing home just yet.
- Boston has been almost as impressive. They have the best record in the league since the All Star Break and have moved up to 4th in the East, despite an injury to Ray Allen. Kevin Garnett's move to center has been the catalyst, and Brandon Bass and Avery Bradley have stepped up big time. Boston's got enough left in them to play spoiler for Miami or Chicago in the second round.
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| (Getty Images) This just about sums up how I feel when it comes to Dwight. |
Trade Deadline Happenings
- Or non-happenings, in Dwight Howard's case. Who knew LeBron's decision would have so much of an impact on how other players go about their business as potential free agents? Howard couldn't have handled his situation any worse. Literally. I'm not sure I can think of anything else he could have done to make this season more of a drag for Magic fans.
- The Monta Ellis for Andrew Bogut trade will need to be revisited in a year or two, but it was a good move for both teams. Golden State had to make a move, and Milwaukee acquired another dangerous scorer to pair with Brandon Jennings. Maybe not the ideal move that these teams had in mind, but a good one nonetheless.
- Portland went into complete rebuilding mode by trading Gerald Wallace and Marcus Camby. They acquired New Jersey's first round pick (top three protected, and as a Nets fan I pray to God every night that the ping pong balls allow us to keep it), along with expiring contracts. They also acquired Hasheem Thabeet and Jonny Flynn, although I'm not sure why. They will have some cap room this summer, and will look to put some nice pieces around LeMarcus Aldridge and Nicholas Batum.
- Ramon Sessions has energized a Lakers team that sorely needed his youth and athleticism. He's made the Lakers a different team, and odds are next year they'll be even better.
- The Spurs practically stole Stephen Jackson from the Warriors. They rid themselves of Richard Jefferson's horrendous contract while at the same time bringing back a player who adds to their already over-productive bench. R.C. Buford for Executive of the Century.
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| (Getty Images) |
Disappointing Developments
-The Dallas Mavericks had their championship hangover extend into the season, and as a result are currently just 6th in the West. Plus, Khloe and Lamar didn't take Dallas quite like Mark Cuban thought they would.
- Jeremy Lin may have been the biggest storyline for the Knicks this year, but all has not been well in New York. They've been plagued by injuries (Carmelo Anthony, Amar'e Stoudemire, Lin), inconsistent lineups, coaching changes, and role insecurity. As crazy as it sounds though, the Knicks are still a prime upset candidate if they can hold onto the 8th seed.
- Lob City hasn't quite lived up to the hype, but the Clippers are a top four seed at the moment, and that in itself is good enough for me. It just probably won't be good enough to get deep in the playoffs this year. Nick Young hasn't been what L.A. thought he'd be, and as good as Chris Paul's been (and he's been GOOD), the Clippers are still raw.
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| (Getty Images) |
1. Kyrie Irving- Irving is the real deal. I had my doubts about him coming out of college after only playing limited games, but he's proven that he's here to stay. Cleveland might just come out of this LeBron thing ok after all.
2. Ricky Rubio - Rubio was a key part of Minnesota's resurgence as a relevant team. Unfortunately, his season was cut short by injury. He was arguably the most entertaining player to watch in the league this year. Let's hope he comes back next year healthy and ready to play.
3. Kenneth Faried - Faried looks like he's going to be a star for Denver. In 21 minutes per game, he's averaged 10 points and 7 rebounds on 58% shooting, with his best game coming on Monday where he scored a career high 27 points on 12-18 shooting, with 17 rebounds (7 offensive).... in 24 minutes. That reminds me of a Kevin Love stat line from two years ago, when his minutes were limited all year. Faried's hustle and athleticism could earn him a starting spot next year.
