What Can Be Ascertained from the Young NBA Season?

Posted by Iroquois Plisken

I realize trying to make sense of anything after approximately one week does us little to no good. However, it does afford me the opportunity to make some predictions without all that messiness of going in blind.

1. There are some really good teams.

By some, I mean like 3 or 4. I don't need to let you know how well the Celtics are doing. Their fans will let you know plenty well enough. Their start is something remarkable, though, in that they are allowing essentially 18 less points than they are scoring. Folks, that's most players' entire night's worth of offensive production. It does need to be noted that they haven't played anyone yet except for a still-gelling Cleveland team. But, I suppose that's a matter of semantics; you don't really get to dictate what your schedule is, and there shall be a stretch where they play a lot of true contenders.

Orlando also looks fantastic in the absence of Rashard Lewis. They look similar to the team that churned its way to the Finals last year, still shooting 3s like it's going out of style and playing above average to strong defense. I have some concern about whether D12 is masking some sort of injury, but something has altered his free throw shot and, in a sick way, it looks better. Time will tell there, as well.

Quickly, San Antone, Denver (maybe), and the Lake Show (probably) look good as well. It needs to be seen whether or not Denver's just off to a super hot start [Melo leads the league in scoring] and whether or not the Lakers really miss Pau Gasol all much as it seems like they do.

2. I'm skeptical on the Cavaliers.

Don't get me wrong. The Bron James is a phenomenal player to watch and (most likely) as a teammate. I have my reservations if this offseason shakeup (adding the Traitor Aristotle) and the continued distractions from the guard play, combined with the pending media circus surrounding the biggest free agent class of (possibly) all-time with the crown jewel located in Cleveland that is sure to greet the Cavs at every opposing stop will not ultimately saddle the team with undue burden. It's even possible LBJ wins another MVP, putting up worse numbers than last year, and takes the economy with him.

3. The 2010 Free Agent Class is just as big of a deal as you think.

LBJ, Wade, Bryant, Bosh - Early Terminations
Amare, Dirk, Yao, Pierce - Player Options
Boozer, Joe Johnson - Actual FAs

Tell me that isn't a badass starting 5 and reserve 5.

4. The rookie Point Guards are for real.

Who needs Ruuuuuuuuuuuuuubio? Jonny Flynn, a personal favorite of yours truly, is performing adequately, if not better in his limited starts for the T-Wolves. Ramon Sessions will no doubt push him to the bench, but Flynn's leadership, charisma, and skill will eventually surface to the point where Sessions sits and Rubio gets shipped elsewhere.

Ty Lawson is also performing well off the bench for the Nuggets. Say what you will about Lawson, but he reminds me a little bit of Jameer Nelson: a thickly built PG who dishes the rock and knows how to win and lead. There was an article for ESPN the Mag last year (can't link it, sorry) wherein it detailed Jameer Nelson overcoming his fear of water (his father perished that previous year by drowning) by placing a block at the bottom of his pool and standing outside every day and diving in until he was able to retrieve it. Seriously, that gives me freakin' chills. Good on ya, Jameer. Lawson may not be afraid of water or anything (or he might, I don't know), but he shares a similar game, build (they're both built like brick houses for their size), and ability to win (remember the Nat'l Title run?)

Everyone will tell you about Brandon Jennings being a revelation, so I won't. Suffice it to say, at least his game didn't show up as late as he did for the NBA Draft.