NBA First Half Recap
by Alex "Moose" Strizak
We've hit the All-Star Break, and all signs point to an exciting postseason for the NBA. In fact, it looks like the days of trios are over, and the dynamic duo is what's "hip"...
Before we start the second half of the season, let's look at my 5 Key Takeaways from the first half of the season and the 5 Things I'm Looking Forward To.
5 Key Takeaways
The LeBron - AD Combo Can Win a Championship
They have shown that a dynamic duo can get it done. The two of them have put on an absolute show that has led them to being the top team in a difficult Western Conference. LeBron is leading the league in assists, and Davis' confidence in his 3-point shot grows everyday. This team can win it all... But will they?...
The East is More Top-Heavy Than Ever
If the season ended right now, the 8 seed Magic would make the playoffs even though they are 7 games under .500... That's an embarrassment, especially when compared to the 8 seed Grizzlies 2 games over .500 in the West. There are some seriously stacked teams like the Bucks, Celtics, and Pacers, but a serious tanking problem with at least 6 teams in the East... Even if the Knicks aren't aware of their own tanking...
The Knicks Aren't Getting Better Any Time Soon
Speak of the devil... Dang, they stink. Like really bad. And their comment stating the drop off from picks 1 and 2 to pick 3 in last year's draft is not holding up. Zion and Ja Morant are legit, while RJ Barrett looks like supporting cast at best. The Knicks need some serious wins in the draft before they can even think about a big name free agent coming to save them.
The NBA Teams Let the Warriors off the Hook
The Warriors are dreadful this season. And yet, they found a way to make it a positive. They have been gathering a ton of draft picks from franchises stupid enough to give those to them, got Wiggins (who I love), and will have Steph and Klay back for next season. I hate everything about this, but I respect that the Warriors found a way to make themselves relevant next season.
Luka-Trae, Zion-Morant are the Future
Luka and Trae are making both their teams look smart for swapping the players in their draft two years ago. Zion and Ja Morant are on their way to showing they are the saviors of their franchises, as well. In a time where we have seen more busts than booms in early picks of the draft, it is a bit refreshing to see teams like Memphis, New Orleans, and Atlanta get some serious talent to turn their franchises around. Hopefully they don't leave and join a different team to try and win it all... Hopefully they look to Kyle Lowry and Damian Lillard as role models.
5 Things I'm Looking Forward To
The MVP Race
It's a tight race. LeBron is getting assists like Reese's Peanut Butter Cups I get on a road trip. Anthony Davis is feasting on those assists. Giannis is putting up ridiculous numbers while his team continues to win. Luka has had some injuries but is putting up MVP numbers when he is in. James Harden is putting up 35+ points a game. Heck, Damian Lillard has put his team on his back and really is putting the "Most Valuable" in MVP for the Trail Blazers.
It is literally a wide open race because of the outstanding play we've seen and we should take a moment to really enjoy it.
The Western Conference Seeding
Home court is massive, especially in a tough series that a team will have to go through in the West. I am super interested to see if the Clippers hang on to a Top 4 spot, as teams like the Mavericks, Jazz, Rockets, and even the Grizzlies creep up on them.
Victor Oladipo and the Pacers in the Playoffs
Thank goodness we may finally get to see the Pacers with a healthy Oladipo in the playoffs. I cannot wait to see him put on a show and wake up those who have been sleeping on Indy. It's his time to shine on the big stage...
The Rockets "Small Lineup" Being Exposed in the Playoffs
This Rockets small lineup is like a Costco brand Warriors team. Don't get me wrong, I love Costco. However, this is the NBA and not high school basketball. You need to be best of the best AND have to conquer luck in the NBA. I cannot STAND watching a team constantly give up offensive rebounds and are nowhere close to getting an offensive board themselves. This Rockets team looks destined to do that.
The Boston Celtics Proving the Doubters Wrong
Why do so many people doubt this team? They have fallen short the previous two years, but they had a multitude of injuries and I'm known to not be the biggest Kyrie fan. I am a huge Kemba Walker fan, and an even bigger Brad Stevens fan... They're still my favorites in the East...
Power Rankings
1. Los Angeles Lakers
2. Milwaukee Bucks
3. Utah Jazz
4. Boston Celtics
5. Los Angeles Clippers
6. Denver Nuggets
7. Dallas Mavericks
8. Toronto Raptors
9. Houston Rockets
10. Indiana Pacers
11. Miami Heat
12. Memphis Grizzlies
13. Philadelphia 76ers
14. Oklahoma City Thunder
15. Portland Trail Blazers
16. Brooklyn Nets
17. San Antonio Spurs
18. New Orleans Pelicans
19. Phoenix Suns
20. Sacramento Kings
21. Chicago Bulls
22. Orlando Magic
23. Atlanta Hawks
24. Washington Wizards
25. Golden State Warriors
26. Detroit Pistons
27. Charlotte Hornets
28. Cleveland Cavaliers
29. Minnesota Timberwolves
30. New York Knicks
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