This weekend of course is the all star break/festivities. As of right now, what are your thoughts on the first part of the NBA season, and what do you expect for the next 30 or so games left in the season?
1. West Coast Dominance
In the last couple years Detroit and Miami have won championships for the east, but it looks like we're heading back to another period of west coast dominance. There simply aren't any teams in the east that could match up with the better west teams this year. Dallas, Phoenix, and San Antonio are the elite teams in the league, and everyone else is simply here for the party. This is going to set up some truly great playoff matches.
2. The Champs are Back?
Miami has won 7 or their last 10 games and they seem to be poised for a run. Currently they're the 8th seed in the east, but the three teams closest to them (Orlando, Chicago, and Indiana) are all slumping. If Shaq is able to stay healthy for the next 30 or so games I think the Heat could move past the hottest team in the east (Toronto lol) and possibly even take the third seed from Washington.
3. To MVP or Not to Be
Without Nash the Suns have lost their last 4 games and haven't looked like the same team at all. This brings me to my point that as it stands, outside of Kobe no player means more to their playoff caliber team than Nash. While Dirk is having a steller year, Dallas could still be a good team without him; Jason Terry runs the team very well, and Howard and the steller role players can more than hold their own. They can create their own offense, unlike Phoenix's players.
Meanwhile, Gilbert Arenas has come under fire from his own coach who doesn't think Arenas is a leader. No t surprisingly the team has struggled ever since the loss of Jamison. While I think Arenas is a great player, he's not an MVP, and he's a pretty selfish bastard. I don't know many MVPs who have the balls to say defense isn't as important as offense.
And then there's Kobe. The Lakers have lost 5 games in a row and are losing playoff position. Let's see what he can do in the last part of the season.
4. Trade Rumors
Gasol to Chicago? Kidd to LA? What the hell is the world coming to. I would hate to see Chicago trade away someone like Ben Gordon or Luol Deng for Gasol. Sadly, it looks like they'll have to part with one of them if they really want Gasol. While the Bulls definitely need a post player who can score, they shouldn't have to give up their young guards.
