NBA Mid-Season Report

The Return of the Eastern Conference
Last night, I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the Cavs-Celtics game and watch the Cavs put the smack-down on the Celtics. Even bigger than the game though, is the fact that the biggest change in the NBA is not that the Eastern Conference has more than one or two good teams... but the fact that the Orlando Magic ARE NOW A HALF GAME AHEAD of Boston! It's a 3-horse race... with some other teams also involved. The Pistons have been playing great and Atlanta has been very tough as well (just a half game behind the Pistons). It should be an interesting 2nd half to say the least.

Surprise Teams:
Denver Nuggets - When the Nuggets dumped expiring contract Allen Iverson for PG Chauncey Billups (just weeks after dumping Marcus Camby)... I was confused. Did they assume Billups was washed up? No... actually, the Nuggets knew exactly what they were doing, they were getting one of the best PGs in the league! They are 11-3 in November, 9-6 in December, and 4-0 in January. The other reason the Nuggets are so good is that both Nene and Kenyon Martin are healthy and providing solid minutes.

New Jersey Nets - You are probably wondering why I'm selecting a team that is questionable for even making the playoffs. The reason is simple: this team is winning with PG Devin Harris, the ridiculous contract of SG Vince Carter (making $15-$17 million each year until 2011, w/ a team option for 2011-2012) and a whole bunch of 22-year olds or younger (led by Center Brook Lopez). That wasn't supposed to happen! Suddenly, the Nets may have cap space AND a competitive team in 2010. Maybe they won't get LeBron, but this team will entice other free agents.

Disappointing team:
Toronto Raptors - It's possible they can still make a run for the postseason, but they have been just awful. They already fired their coach and they just don't seem to be focused each night. PG Jose Calderon has been battling hamstring problems which I'm sure is not helping the cause.

Intriguing team:
Atlanta Hawks - they may only have a 6 or 7-man rotation, but it is one frightening rotation! First off, they are athletic, like to run, but then they have 3 of the best young big-men in the league in Marvin Williams, Josh Smith, and Al Horford. Josh Smith is still only 23 years old (he came right from high school). Josh Smith is having a "down" year - and only getting 1.7 blocks per game as opposed to almost 3 like the last three seasons. Guard-play? They still have a capable Mike Bibby and a very dangerous Joe Johnson. Would anyone actually want to play them in the playoffs?

Breakout players:
Paul Millsap, PF, Utah - Boozer has only played in 12 games for the Jazz this season. The main reason the Jazz are still in good shape? It's because of Paul Millsap! He's averaging 15.5 ppg, 9.6 rebounds, and shooting a silly 55.8% FG%, meaning he's very efficient. If you look at his game log, he actually hasn't had less than 10 rebounds since November 22nd!
Chris Duhon, PG, NY - Apparently, if anyone plays fantasy basketball, taking Coach Mike D'Antoni's PG is a fantastic strategy. Duhon benefits this year with 12.0 ppg, 8.3assists, and only 3.0 turnovers
Jameer Nelson, PG, Orlando - I'm happy for the guy that he finally started playing well. 16.3 ppg, 5.0 assists, 2.0 turnovers, 50.6% FG%

Rookies to watch (there are a lot!)
OJ Mayo, SG, Memphis - living up to the hype! - 19.9ppg, 45% FG%
Russell Westbrook, PG?, Ok City - not shooting great, but was recently promoted to the starting lineup and has started to play better. He's really fast. If you haven't seen him play, check out this video - between 0:50 and 1:00. He uses his speed to break down the defense and just dunks it at will!
Brook Lopez , C, NJ - Solid start at 10.3ppg, 8.0 rpg, and 2.0 blocks per game
Marc Gasol, C, Memphis - 11.4 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 52.3% FG%
Derrick Rose, PG, Chicago - 16.9 ppg, 46.8% FG%, 6.1Assists, 2.7 Turnovers