It’s still very early for the NBA hoops season in 2010, but the results have been quite intriguing so far.
Come back wins galore, a 30-30 game for the first time in decades, and a rookie posting a triple-double early in his career are just a small percentage of what the general public is raving about currently. Along with the ups of the season include some of the downs so far already with teams underperforming, incomprehensible trash talking and certain issues that just never change.
Here are some story lines that are dominating a year just starting in its early infancy stage:
Surprise Play Of Teams, Both Good And Bad.
Let’s just get this out of the way because it’s the team everyone will concentrate on all season long: The Miami Heat.
Disappointing doesn’t speak enough on how the Heat have been playing in their first eleven games. They do have a winning record, but could only manage seven wins during that time point, a paltry record for a team with such high expectations at this point.
Two of the big three have come on well at the start of the season. Lebron James is playing well, but that’s not encouraging for a player who set the bar high for himself over the summer. Dwyane Wade is recovering well from injury and is establishing himself as the best on his team uplifting his game to a higher level.
Chris Bosh, though, is the Achilles heal of this team currently and is becoming the biggest reason for their meager start. Although he has a 35 point game in his last outing, his numbers have to start mirroring his Toronto days if the team is to improve.
While the most captivating team in recent memory continues to find cohesion, other teams have quietly become the toast of the league.
New Orleans became the last team to remain undefeated…
Wait…
The Hornets became the last team to remain undefeated? As hard as it is to believe, they won their first eight before losing their ninth, and have Chris Paul second guessing the requests he made for a trade over the summer.
Utah has always been a contender and this season is no different as they were expected to be in the playoffs again, despite losing inside powerhouse Carlos Boozer. It’s not the fact that they are 8-4 and sit atop the Northwest, but how they have gotten those valuable wins. Four of those wins have been road comebacks against Miami, Orlando, Atlanta, and Charlotte.
Golden State was coming off one of its worst seasons and appeared to be in a state of influx with new owners overseeing the team and a new coach bringing a new philosophy. While this was supposed to be a team lost in transition, the Warriors appear to have found their way at the moment. They are 7-4 so far and are just behind the Lakers for the top spot in the Pacific.
The Monta Ellis Effect
The credit to most of the Warriors success can be given to Monta Ellis.
The sixth year guard has been scorching the rim as if he were “on fire” in the NBA Jam video game. He is second in the league in scoring behind Kevin Durant and is ahead of the likes of Kobe Bryant, Derrick Rose, and Dirk Nowitzki. He and Rose are also currently the only players to average ten field goals made per game.
What is even more impressive than his scoring average is his ability to score at an alarming percentage. So far, he is shooting 51.4% from the field, an impressive mark for man who stands at a miniscule six foot, three inches and doesn’t even eclipse 200 pounds.
Ellis has a chance to become the first All Star for the Golden State Warriors since Latrell Sprewell made it in 1997.
Is Everything Melo Up In Denver?
From the end of the summer to the start of the season, one of the biggest questions on the mind of many fans has been centered within the Rocky Mountain area.
What will happen with Denver Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony?
He is currently fifth in the league in scoring and playing some of the best basketball of his career according to his stat line. Despite that, his play hasn’t inspired the team to a great start. The Nuggets are 5-5 and fourth in their division, sitting on the outside looking in on the early playoff picture.
Questions about him leaving or possible trades have been looming around for months, but now appear to be at a standstill. Although Denver and Anthony have been all quiet on their front, the barrage of requests he made and numerous trade options that were reported give the impression that he is likely gone at some point. This concept will burn hotter with truth if the team continues to play sub-par like they have so far.
Don’t be shocked if Anthony’s jersey comes with a new color and logo at some point before the trade deadline.
Can Yao Really Make A Full Return?
2009 was a Yao-less year for the NBA as the big man had to recover from foot surgery.
Now, Yao Ming returns back to Houston’s active roster for 2010, but is being held to a 24 minute per game restriction and the Rockets holding him out of second games for back-to-backs.
So far, the seven foot, five inch mammoth giant is playing below his usual greatness, but is slowly getting back into his grove. He’s averaging a mere ten points and five rebounds a game and hasn’t gone past that 24 minute restriction.
Now, the native from China is dealing with a strained tendon in his leg and has the front office people of the Rockets worried about future injuries to his foot or any other areas of his body. With their record at 3-8, will they be able to keep their franchise player’s minute restriction down?
The Rookie Watch
During each season, the most fascinating players to watch are the first timers who come into the league. Seeing or hearing about them in college or overseas and watching their freshman season in the NBA is one of the most fascinating parts of the basketball year.
Washington Wizard’s John Wall is as good as any, not just with rookies, but with all point guards at this point. He’s averaging nearly 18 points and just under 10 assists a game, as well as a triple-double under his belt. Along with the statistical factor is the leadership quality, which he has assumed over Gilbert Arenas as the face of the franchise.
Demarcus Cousins and Wesley Johnson are playing decent for their teams, but look like rookies with their reasonable play. They appear on their way to improving into key players for their squads in the next few years.
Evan Turner’s corner has been extremely quiet all season long. Although he’s getting a good amount of minutes on the floor with just under 29 minutes per game, his level of play as one of the best young players to come out of college in the 2010 NBA Draft doesn’t equate his current statistics. There is still plenty of time with the season just underway and Turner’s ability is too good for him to just be a face in the rookie crowd
Early Stories For 2010-11 NBA Season
