Let's start off with the media whores though....that being the Cleveland Cavaliers. I enjoyed the whole 0-2 start but to be honest I wasn't one to jump to conclusions about them so fast. Last year my Magic started 0-2. They lost they home opener to Atlanta, then went to Memphis and lost on a Rudy Gay buzzer beater. My hopes for a great season were kind the down but the Magic would then go on a 24-4 run, eventually the NBA Finals. So my point? An 0-2 start isn't much to be bothered with Cavs fans. There still is time for Lebron and Shaq to get acquainted with the whole team as well. They got back on track with decent wins against the Bucks and Bobcats and back at .500. It does make you wonder though, how good they will be.
Moving on, the Lakers already have a loss. I wouldn't guess they'd lose so early but the Mavs looked poised to get some respect against the heavy Western favorites. I was impressed with the way they did win doing it without Josh Howard. The Celtics look like the Celtics we know from 2008. Rasheed Wallace is a great fit and Garnett is slowly dusting that rust off. Rondo continues to progress and was rewarded a 5 yr. 55 mill contract in the process. I did pick the Celtics to finish with the best record this season and they aren't disproving right now.
The Undefeated:
Photo from NBA.com
Orlando-Well my Magic Men have come out the gates fast with red hot shooting. Vince Carter has a mild injury but Redick filled his void excellent in Sunday's game against the Raptors. Jameer Nelson also had a big game against Toronto with his hot hand. An honorable mention is Ryan Anderson who continues to impress the rest of you who don't have a clue!
Denver-Two Words, one name: Carmelo Anthony. He continues to support why I think he'll lead the league in scoring this year. He's explosive and in my opinion, the best scorer in the game right now. Billups and the tough front line of the Nuggets is really looking to contest the Lakers, similar to the Mavs. If the Lakers aren't out to capture the top spot Denver will take it.
Boston-Like I said before they are looking as the team from 2008. The big 3 are in tact once again, and as long as they stay healthy the Celtics are running things.
Slackers of the Week:
Los Angeles Clippers-A lot of expectations for this team were higher than they have started. 0-4 start and a dysfunctional team has to be in question for Dunleavy's future.
Cleveland Cavaliers-Definitely their 0-2 start has them at 8th seed in the East with a 2-2 record. The good news is that there are 82 games in a season!
Honorable Mentions:
Oklahoma City Thunder-Off with a winning record, I think they will be good enough to maybe challenge for an 8th spot in the playoffs. Durant is looking fantastic and his supporting cast is doing all that they can to win games.
Ryan Anderson-Who wants Rashard Lewis? Completely shocked by his shooting, and even more so his basketball IQ. He's a perfect fit in Orlando and making the best of it.
Gilbert Arenas-Say ain't so but is Agent Zero back? He's really got himself back into great form, now stay healthy and the Wizards are going places.
Manu "Batman" Ginobili-Anytime you swat down a bat in an NBA game you've got to be mentioned. My joke for this one was: "The Spurs are so old they even have bats in their arena!"
Last thoughts:
There isn't much we can really decide on just from the first week, teams are still trying to get a fit for the usual NBA grind, and coaches are still manipulating their roster. Through the first 10 games we should start to see most of the expectations happen and a few surprises.
Play of the Week:
Performer of the Week: Carmelo Anthony
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