Just over half way through the NBA season, the story lines seem much the same as they were last year at this same time, with Lebron James and his Cleveland Cavaliers favored to play Kobe Bryant and his Los Angeles Lakers. After falling in the playoffs last season, the Cavaliers went out and signed Shaquille O’Neal. The goal of brining him in was to help LeBron win the elusive championship ring. Despite Shaq’s numerous injury problems and lack of playtime, LeBron has the Cavaliers in firm control of the top spot in the Eastern Conference. Not only do the Cavs look to be in control; they just completed the season sweep of the Lakers.
Trailing the Cavs is the group of teams that have been behind them the last few years. The Orlando Magic sit five and a half games back but are struggling with injuries. It looks as if they could fall off the radar at anytime, unless the streaky Vince Carter can pull his act together.
Both the Atlanta Hawks and Boston Celtics are a game back of the Magic. Atlanta, after jumping out to the best start in team history, has fallen into a season of mediocrity. As for the Celtics, Boston is starting to look a lot like Florida, as half the team seems to be on the edge of retirement. After making blockbuster deals to acquire Kevin Garnett and Ray Allan several season ago, the Celtics have not made many moves to get younger. The lack of youth is finally catching up with them.
As for the West, it is down to a two-pony race. The Lakers are créme de la créme, but that is no surprise, as they are every year. Kobe continues to lead the charge for the Lakers, while getting support from the likes of Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom and offseason acquisition Ron Artest.
In the second position lies the Denver Nuggets. They trail the Lakers by three and look like they have a good enough team to challenge the Lakers. Add in the fact that the Nuggets are the hottest team in the NBA, winning 10 of their last 12, and things look good in the Rocky Mountains. Not only are they winning, they are doing it without All-Star Carmelo Anthony.
After the Nuggets the West drops off a bit with Dallas, Utah, San Antonio, Portland and Phoenix more than six games out of first place. These teams are some of the most likely teams to make a move to improve at the deadline.
There is no bigger player on the market than the Phoenix Suns’ stud center Amare Stoudemire. He will be done with the Suns after this season because of his expiring contract. As a result, the team is looking to move his massive contract off their books in hopes of trading for another big name.
As the All-Star break and stretch run are on the horizon, the NBA looks to be setting itself up for another superb final two months. The next months will see teams jockey for a top spot in the playoffs. After that is finished, the only thing left in the season is the battle royal for the title of World Champions.
You can reach this writer at sports@theeagleonline.com.
