Could “Captain Canada” do it again? Steve Nash, the reigning two-time NBA MVP is putting up numbers that are even more astounding than in his previous two campaigns. His points are up, his assists are up, and he is shooting some special percentages from all over the floor. Oh, and did I mention that he is leading the Suns (an offensive explosion waiting to happen) in scoring, and is once again the major reason why they have the second-best record in the NBA? In my opinion, his close buddy and ex-running mate Dirk “Disco” Nowitzki is also staking a claim to be named MVP, what with him being the best player on the best team, Dallas.
- The “Titanic” division (i.e. Atlantic) is causing many NBA pundits to question the usefulness of divisions in the first place. Even though it is the worst division in all of sports, the team who ends up in the lead will end up a top-four seed come playoff time. Of course with the Raps in the division, I’ll accept the quirky system, but many experts and fans fail to see (perhaps rightly) how a team can have a higher seed than another while also having a worse record.
Once Sixers Chairman Ed Snider made the statement that Allen Iverson had played his last game in a Philly uniform, the rumour mill really started to chug. With the enigmatic scorer ending up a Denver Nugget, Iverson is in a place where he feels he belongs. Moreover, the addition of Iverson makes Denver a team that could make some serious noise come playoff time, as Carmelo and the Answer on the same roster is tough for any team to defend. Still, it is a little weird to see the former MVP and four-time NBA scoring champ in a uniform that doesn’t have Philly on the front.
The “Three-Headed-Monster” out west is gobbling up opponents. The Spurs, Mavs, and Suns are doing what everyone expected of them: dominating other teams on their way to boasting elite records in the win-loss column. These three teams make it hard not to pick a Western conference team to be hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy once the dust has settled.
Who knew that the Utah Jazz would be almost a lock for the playoffs this early in the season? Chalk it up to some great veterans who know how to play the game, and let’s not forget Jerry Sloan, a soon-to-be Hall of Fame coach who brings out the best in all that he touches.
Kobe Bryant is currently averaging six fewer shots per game than he did last season. You can’t score 81 like that Kobe! But to his credit, he is getting his teammates involved and should be considered for the MVP if his team can keep up the great play. The beauty of Kobe’s newfound sense of generosity is that you know he can still turn it on when the game calls for it, and he has shown that he can still take over a game like no other player can. A scary thought for the opposition.
I would really like to know the last time a team has followed up an NBA Championship with such a horrible start as Miami. Perhaps it is a hangover from last year’s heroics, and the result of many players acting their ages. Payton and Shaq-Daddy come to mind.
Last but not least, some local news. Look out, Raptors fans! For the first time in four seasons, the Raps have a legit chance of playing in the postseason. Not quite sure it’s time to start printing playoff tickets yet, but the revamped and suddenly deep and versatile Raptors roster is really coming together. They are winning the games they should, taking care of business at the ACC, and not letting elite teams run away with games (see Dallas and Phoenix). The Italian community in Toronto is really getting behind Andrea “Il Mago” Bargnani, my pick for Rookie of the Year. This only adds to the hype surrounding this young team.
