The NBA season has started, and once again all is good with the world (with a few notable exceptions). For 2004/05, we have a new team, a new alignment, a bunch of new players, and bunch of old players in new places. And, almost a whole season left to enjoy.
After just 12 days of action, it’s far too early to draw any conclusions or make any assumptions based on the performances of teams and/or players so far. So you’d think. Actually, 90 games have already been decided, and that’s ample time for an exceedingly premature and vapid analysis of the fledgling 2004/05 NBA season…
Proof-Reader’s Note – For reasons of efficiency, relevance and apathy, only the status of the Eastern Conference will be featured herein. Teams are featured in order of position in current percentage standings as at the conclusion of the games played on Saturday 13th.
Atlantic Division
Boston 3 2 .600
With the Celtics currently on top, there’s no better reason than to publish the standings today. On a 3-game win streak, hiding the fact they started the season dropping their first 2 games at home. Have the capacity to score in bunches and open up a rampant 12-point 3rd quarter lead. Have equally strong predilection to rapidly squander said lead halfway through the 4th.
Toronto 4 3 .571
Canada’s only bball team looks to have their franchise back on track after the Kevin O’Neill era. On paper, they have shortcomings at every position other than injury-plagued athletic 3-man, but the Raptors have shown they know how to play as a team. Are also committing the fewest turnovers in the league, which is anathema to the style of play favoured by mercurial quarterback Rafer Alston.
Philadelphia 3 3 .500
Started impressively, but once John Salmons and Samuel Dalembert started limping, the Sixers have looked more like the disparate squad they suggested themselves to be this season. Iverson is a constant, and it?s no surprise he?s playing 43 minutes per night. Meanwhile, through the first 6 games, Kenny Thomas has as many flagrant fouls as steals and blocked shots combined.
New York 2 3 .400
Have had trouble keeping opponents under 100 points, yet oddly are currently leading the league in steals. Part of this is due to the play of unheralded small forward Trevor Ariza, who, along with $20 million, has made Shandon Anderson expendable. Guard play an obvious strength, but Nazr Mohammed might be the key to New York’s success in 2004/05. Yet to win on the road.
New Jersey 2 4 .333
After the past few seasons of Division dominance, the rest of the Atlantic is no doubt enjoying it that the oh-so-offensively-arrogant Nets are struggling to score points. Despite this, it must be said that Zoran Planinic has impressed thus far in Jason Kidd’s absence. Even after a lacklustre Olympics showing, it seems that Richard Jefferson’s rising star will be at its peak this season.
SouthEast Division
Orlando 4 2 .667
Grant Hill is currently vying with Ron Artest and Qyntel Woods to be the “biggest story of the season”. Although Steve Francis is carrying the load, Hill is putting up 19 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals a night, and this after being left off most Fantasy League rosters. The Magic is back in Orlando, they’re unbeaten at home and have already set up a solid 10 man rotation.
Miami 4 2 .667
The Heat started off hot with 4 straight victories, and promise to be a threat all the way ’til May, possibly even June. How hard is Dwayne Wade to defend; he has 128 points in 5 games, and attempted just 1 three. Shaq’s scoring average may have dropped below 20 for the first time in his career, but he?s enjoying the slimming effect of Miami’s black uniforms.
Washington 3 3 .500
A mediocre roster and a mediocre record, but despite the contradiction of being classed in the NBA’s SouthEast, Washington aren’t far off the Division leaders. Gilbert Arenas is currently leading the league in turnovers, and is scoring a bunch. Starting power forward Michael Ruffin isn?t – just 15 points in 157 minutes this season.
Charlotte 1 4 .200
You know it feels good that, at this point of the season at least, the Bobcats have won more games than the Hornets. Well, it feels good in Charlotte, anyway. The Bobcats have 6 players scoring in double-figures, which is a mighty fine achievement given the calibre of players on their roster. Try and name 2.
Atlanta 1 5 .167
The 2004/05 season is already about 8% complete, and the Hawks are winning 16% of their games. That?s a ratio not as bad as it could be. Unfortunately, low percentages also abound with regards to Atlanta?s shooting accuracy. Any time something known as Royal Ivey is leading your team in FG%, you have problems.
Central Division
Milwaukee 3 1 .750
So far it looks like another season of moderate, flying-beneath-the-radar, success for Terry Porter and his friends in Brewtown. Despite not being a tall team, or a tough team, the Bucks have everybody crashing the boards; all 5 starters are averaging at least 5 rebounds a game. Important to recognise that all 3 wins have come at home.
Indiana 5 2 .714
Despite Ron Artiste’s minor distraction, the season’s first fortnight has done little to diminish the Pacers’ status as the Eastern Conference’s team to beat north of Florida. Yet Indiana’s team defense does not appear to be as sturdy as it has in the past; despite winning 5 of 7 games, have actually allowed more points than they’ve scored.
Cleveland 3 3 .500
Started the season 0-3, but last Tuesday’s big win over Atlanta seems to have gotten the Cavs on track. If it’s possible, LeBron looks to be even more impressive so far this season, and is currently leading the league in scoring. Of the 6 games Cleveland have played, 2 of them have gone into overtime.
Detroit 3 3 .500
Running along smoothly, but you sense the defending NBA Champions have yet to settle into their offensive flow and, most importantly, defensive intensity. Antonio McDyess’s addition to the busy painted area is going well thus far. The Pistons are about to start a 3-day break, following a recent pair of tough road losses at Denver and Utah.
Chicago 0 4 .000
Haven’t won a game since 11th of April this year. In tonight’s contest, they lead the Clippers by 24 points before collapsing and losing by 1, and tomorrow, the Bulls fly to California for their annual 6-game Western road trip. Currently ranked last in the league in field goal percentage. And free throw percentage. And equal last in wins.
…the Bulls are negotiating a multi-player deal with the Washington Generals…
If you didn’t have me during the little winning streak, don’t bother having me next week, when Peyton Manning burns RW for 7 TD passes.
I’m back, and Philly gets the W.
Book it.
Bring on Manning and the Colts!
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