I am thankful for this season's rookie class, which has been better than anyone could have realized from the beginning.

All we heard from pundits in the off season was that this would be one of the weakest classes of rookies to enter the league in years.

Thank you to Brandon Jennings, Stephen Curry, Ty Lawson, Johnny Flynn, and a number of names that I didn't mention, for proving the skeptics wrong.

Those rookies have proved themselves to be one of the most underrated groups of newcomers in NBA history, and have the potential to dazzle us for years to come.

So a debt of gratitude is due to the youngsters who have been such a pleasure to behold.

It's amazing enough that a seven footer can possess the perimeter skills that Dirk Nowitzki has, but to be able to shoot as beautiful a fade-away jumper as his should be illegal.

Dirk has dazzled us with his perimeter magnificence for years, but how often do we take the time to realize how special it really is?

There is no other player in the league his size that has learned how to control their body the way Dirk does.

Dirk's skills have him in the midst of league MVP talk, and with the strong start that he is having, he deserves to be there.

Hail to the seven foot forward with the light, feathery jump shot, truly a work of art.

This season may be one of the first that I can remember where so many teams had a legitimate shot at winning a title.

Championship aspirations are high in Los Angeles, Boston, Cleveland, Orlando, San Antonio, and Denver, and the competition is good for the image of the game.

Too many times have we seen one or two distinct favorites and a bevy of challengers, only to sit disappointed in another predictable finish.

This season promises to be different as parity has leveled the playing field and given more fans from more cities real possibilities and dreams about their teams.

It has contributed to a better product on the court, and renewed recognition from observers who had fallen out of favor with the NBA product.

I am not a huge fan of Kevin Garnett or Gilbert Arenas, but I can certaintly appreciate what they bring to the game.

Garnett's passion was missing from the Celtics and it was felt throughout the league. The fire that Garnett plays the game with is inspirational for his team and fans alike.

It is pure joy to see someone who really appreciates the fact that they are being payed to play a game they love, and Garnett conveys that feeling.

Even though Arenas is not talking much right now, we all sit in anticipation of his next quirky quip and the weird context he may use it in.

Arenas was different because he spoke his mind, in his own language, and it didn't matter if anyone else got it or not, and we usually didn't.

But it is good to know that his return from injury was successful and he was able to capture the form that we are so used to seeing. Now, if he would only open up a little bit.........

No one in the league runs the fast break like Steve Nash, and no one can make it look as effortless.

Nash is at his very best when he is in the open court, and part of the joy of watching him is trying to decide which decision he will make.

It's almost always opposite from what you would have done, and most times we as viewers, didn't even realize that the pass he made was even an option.

His vision in the open court is tremendous and the fact that he has the Phoenix Suns contending is a testament to his skill.

Did I mention that he leads the NBA in assists too?

Dwyane Wade doesn't have to throw himself around the court the way he does, he has more than enough skill to compensate for a reduction in hustle, but he doesn't know any other way to play.

A superstar that plays with the energy and effort of the first guy off the bench and gives you one hundred percent every single play.

That's what makes Wade so refreshing, you never get the idea that he's taking a play off and he will continue to compete until the final horn sounds.

More players could learn from Wade, a great player who gives maximum effort every time he steps on the floor.

From the moment that Pau Gasol stepped foot on the court, it was clearly evident what had been missing from the Los Angeles Laker team.

Gasol is a great player, but more than that, he plays the game the right way. There is not much flash in his game but it is flush with substance.

He doesn't seem to be concerned with making the highlight play, but is more concerned with making the right play, after all a dunk is only two points.

Gasol appreciates the fundamental aspects of the game and has used those skills to propel him to the top of basketball at his position.

Defense in the Eastern Conference is pure man-to-man combat. It's a struggle of wills, and desire in an attempt to prevent your man from scoring.

It's definitely physical and at times borders on brutal, but for the initiated is a thing of beauty.

Through the years the East garnered a reputation of a no-holds barred, take no prisoners style of defense, and the current teams do their best to uphold that vestige of honor.

Though the rules have changed, and not as much contact is allowed, you are still guaranteed to be greeted with an in-your-face brand of defense whenever you come knocking on the door of the Eastern Conference.

Offense in the Western Conference is all about rhythm, whether it be in the open floor or the half court set.

Teams in the west place a premium on motion and timing and you can see it present during any contest.

The Western Conference teams love to run and are capable of running multiple plays off of the fast break, and when done correctly is poetry in motion.

As much as defense is to the east, the same can be said about offense to the west, and we get to watch the annual clash each year in the NBA Finals.

Most of all I am thankful for the memories that will be forever etched in my mind of the spectacular plays that the game's stars have given us.

Kobe, LeBron James, Wade, Chris Bosh, Carmelo Anthony, and the countless others who have made the difficult look routine, and the impossible look easy.

These players spend unimaginable time refining their skills and never seem to be satisfied with the finished product.

So they go back and they work harder and concentrate more to give us a product that is nearly flawless in it's presentation.

They are the players that make the game great, and as far as basketball goes, I am most thankful to be able to witness their art.