Saturday Six After the Opening Season Tip
It’s time to say good bye to my off season exercise plan and good eating habits. The NBA season is off and running and I can already feel my free time leaking through my fingers. It is so easy to sit on the couch and have a marathon viewing session.
1. Parity
Most teams have yet to play three games and 11 teams already have a win and a loss. At this rate every team not in Philadelphia should have a win by next Friday. I believe this is going to be a season of parity for the NBA. Look for most teams to have between 25-55 wins. There are less guaranteed wins or losses on the schedule and point differential should be lower. Charlotte and New Orleans are now tougher places to play and a lot of the traditional powerhouses have different rosters or injuries to deal with.
2. Speaking of Injuries
OKC might be Philly West for the first couple of months. I was hoping Toronto would get to see them twice over the next couple of weeks but to no avail. If they start the season 5 – 15. They will need to finish it 45 and 17 just to make the playoffs. Meanwhile, Chicago holds its collective breath every time Derek Rose jumps. He had to leave last night’s loss to Cleveland in the third quarter and I am not sure if this trend will change. Because of the importance of superstars, most teams are one hit away from a season destroying injury. Another reason why training staffs really earn their pay.
3. Managing Cleveland’s Hype
Is this what playoff basketball feels like? Kyrie actually asked that question to Mike Miller during last night’s OT win over Chicago. It’s crazy how inexperienced these Cleveland players actually are. While Lebron brought in many of his own guys to help out, most of the Cavs have no idea what type of ride they are presently on. Don’t get me wrong, while I think some of them will find it difficult, others will love it. I also think Dion Waiter’s days in Cleveland are numbered.
4. Players getting paid.
For those who didn’t know, October 31st is the last day to sign players still in their rookie contracts to extensions. If they didn’t sign they can become free agents next summer. (Some restricted others unrestricted.) That is why several players got paid yesterday but not at good value in my opinion. Ricky Rubio received a 4 year 56 million deal and Klay Thompson signed a four year $70 million dollar deal. Rubio is a solid started but I would rather have Kyle Lowry and he gets paid $2 million less. Thompson is a very solid player making superstar money. Depending on Salary Cap adjustment at the end of this year, these contracts may not be as bad as they seem now.
5. RUN DMC
This needs no explanation or commentary.
6. Black Mamba Sad
The Lakers are bad and Kobe has a long season ahead of him. Rookie Julius Randle and Veteran Steven Nash are both out and it is starting to look ugly. Laker fans are not a patient bunch and their options are getting smaller. This could be a train wreck and Celtic fans just get to watch and smile. The Clippers should offer a Jersey exchange and they might really threaten the Lakers hold on the town.
*Raptor Watch*
We are 1-0 and I’m ready for the playoffs. Yes, I maybe a little premature and I know it is a long season. We let a huge lead slip in the fourth but they looked really good against a solid Atlanta team. Terrance and JV look like they are ready to take the next step. Derozan spent too much time around Rudy Gay last summer and picked up some bad forcing shot habits. They will become more balanced as the season progresses and I’m hoping for a third place finish in the east.
Next up this week: Orlando, Miami, OKC, Boston and Washington. We should be happy with 4-2 come next Saturday but I can hope for 5-1.
