Yes, it's that time of year again. NCAA March Madness has begun - as well as the dog days of the NBA season, as exhibited by their play (Phoenix 152-114 victory over Minnesota the lone exception). After tens of grueling games, tiresome road trips, and hours of practice, NBA players probably want a spring break right about now. For the multi-dimensional basketball fan, March is the bittersweet month when the up-and-coming superstars give 110% and the current pros are left hovering around 85%. Have no fear though, the NBA playoffs commence in about a month (April 17), with plenty of entertaining college action to serve as amusement until then.
However, in spite of my local (UCLA) college basketball team and often dominant presence resembling nothing close to dominance, I have found myself out of the loop this season when it comes to NCAA basketball. Therefore, I've spent more time examining the NBA game and reflecting on the season - despite the fact that it's not over yet. My observations:
Positive Surprise: The Charlotte Bobcats
Perhaps the biggest surprise this year, the Bobcats will likely qualify for NBA playoffs - for the first time (in their six-seasons as an NBA franchise). The Charlotte Bobcats are actually one of the top three defensive teams in the league if you judge them by their Defensive Efficiency rating (a measure of how many points allowed per 100 possessions). The Bobcats' backcourt is rather effective, too. The tag-team of Raymond Felton and Stephen Jackson has been working offensive wonders, not to mention D.J. Augustin coming off the bench. Oh, and I simply can't praise Gerald Wallace enough. Then again, props to Larry Brown for spearheading the progress from the sidelines.
Negative Surprise: New Jersey Nets
Who knew a starting cast of Devin Harris, Courtney Lee, Trenton Hassell, Yi Jianlian, and Brook Lopez would go on to become the worst team in NBA history (assuming they don't win three more games). Currently 7-61, it was clear from the start that they weren't the most talented bunch, but c'mon; the worst team in NBA history? Now that's crazy! For now, "amazing" definitely doesn't happen in NJ.
Contention Hopes Gone Awry, But Still Hopeful: Boston Celtics
Wow. I remember talking to several people who thought Boston really had a good shot of winning it all. I always insisted that the starting lineup was too old to actually find their way in the NBA Finals, but instead could do some damage and prove to be a road block for the Cavs, or whoever ends up representing the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals. Regardless, the crew of KG, Rondo, Allen, Pierce, and Rasheed haven't been too shabby at 43-24. It's just that last season they were second in the East by 4 games, but are presently behind the #1 Cavs by 10 games; their winning percentage last season was an elite .756 in comparison to this season's .642 (the C's still have 15 games remaining to bring that percentage higher).
Rookies
They have certainly been influential members of the NBA. The many guards, as well as Omri Casspi, Demarre Carroll, Demar DeRozan, Taj Gibson, and as of late, Toney Douglas, have proven that they "got game." Disregarding Blake Griffin, whose been out and will continue to be out for the entire 2009-10 season, the Rookie of the Year Award must go to either Tyreke Evans or Stephen Curry. Although, I must add, Tyreke probably wouldn't have been remotely as sucessful if it hadn't been for Kevin Martin's injury (in the similar way that Taylor Swift would have likely remained an obscure in the grand music world if it hadn't been for Kanye West's antics).
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