NBA Week in Review: Chicago Bulls and the Rest of the League

Okay Bulls fans and or fans of the NBA, the first full week started and ended with a bang.  There have been a few surprises and some good storylines, none bigger than the battle of L.A.  Few teams have lived up to their billing and some think that Dwight Howard will be on the move at the end of the All-Star weekend.

So far your Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder are as good as advertised, while the L.A. Lakers, L.A. Clippers and Dallas Mavericks have been disappointing.  And the biggest surprises are definitely surprises, even if fans in Orlando and Atlanta will tell you otherwise.

Here is a breakdown of each division and where each team currently stands including some trade ideas.

Southeast Division

It appears to me that the Southeast Division might turn out to be the most competitive in the NBA.  Miami (5-1) currently sits atop the division, the Hawks are second at 4-1 while the Magic are immediately behind them at 4-2.  The Hawks and Magic were afterthoughts before the lockout-shortened season began.  Many have basically handed the Heat the NBA title, not to mention the division.  If Atlanta's 100-92 win versus the Heat is any indication of the things to come, there will no longer be any forgone conclusions. 

If the Magic continue to play well, should they even consider trading Dwight Howard?  I say no.  There is a point guard on the Nets who might prefer a change of scenery and a deal of Jameer Nelson and Daniel Orton for Deron Williams looks great for both teams.

And who finishes higher in the lottery, the Bobcats or Wizards?

Atlantic Division

Will a team please step up!

Thus far none of the teams in the Atlantic have stood out.  With Boston (3-3) at the top, one would think that the Celtics were a healthy Paul Pierce away from being 5-1.  Of their three losses, only the 97-78 loss to New Orleans was a complete blowout.  It's too early to consider the Knicks a disappointment.  There you have the Amar'e Stoudemire injury, plus injuries in the backcourt.  They are where they should be. 

Look out for Philadelphia.  They are playing good defense under coach Doug Collins and it would not surprise me if they win the division.  Their youth is perfect for a hectic schedule. 

No one knows what to expect from the Nets or Raptors, but I see a change happening in Jersey.

Central Division

The records are the same between the Bulls and Pacers, both are 4-1, but there is one difference. Three of the Pacers wins come against Detroit, Cleveland and Toronto. This Wednesday they step up in class to play the Heat.  As for the Bulls, they have defeated the Lakers, Clippers and Grizzlies,  all of which are expected to make the playoffs and contend in the Western Conference.  As for this division the Bulls starts to pull away this week. 

Milwaukee has been tough and so has Detroit who has a win over the Pacers.  Byron Scott has Cleveland looking competitive as well.

Look for the Pistons to try and pry DeMarcus Cousins away from Sacramento.  They can offer a package built around Austin Daye and draft picks.  Daye has the talent to play in the NBA, but doesn't seem to be a good fit in Detroit.

Northwest Division

It's the Thunder's division to lose and Portland looks like a dark-horse to challenge them. 

At 5-1, Oklahoma City's biggest issue is the chemistry between Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.  I am surprised about not hearing any trade rumblings.  Durant is the clear alpha-dog on the Thunder, but Westbrook feels he should be the guy.  How about a trade with the Lakers for Pau Gasol or Meta World Peace and draft picks?  Or Luis Scola and Kyle Lowry from Houston?  Either deal helps both teams.  The Thunder's biggest needs are inside scoring and perimeter toughness.

Denver looks good and will get better once Wilson Chandler is no longer exiled in China.  Utah is lottery-bound and I feel that Minnesota might contend for the seventh or eighth playoff spot.

Southwest Division

Wouldn't it be shocking if the 2-3 New Orleans Hornets win the division?  I wouldn't be shocked.  Their lineup features a budding star in Eric Gordon, a former All-Star in Chris Kaman and Emeka Okafor might be returning to promise.  One reason to believe in the Hornets is rebounding and defense. They are first and third in both categories.  Jarrett Jack is having his best start as a pro.  Stranger things have happened.

This division houses the elder statesmen of the NBA.  San Antonio and Dallas are trending downward, Memphis is without Zach Randolph, who suffered a bruised knee in a game against the Bulls.  With some more fine tuning any of these teams can win the division, but the Hornets have better trade pieces.

Pacific Division

The Lakers are no longer the story here.  It's all about the Clippers and how Chris Paul will play with Blake Griffin. 

Not much too talk about here.  I expected the Kings to be better, but coach Paul Westphal has his hands full with DeMarcus Cousins (send him to the Pistons already).  He also doesn't know what to do with Jason Thompson and doesn't have a true point guard.  They are an utter mess.  My other solution is a trade of Thompson to the Bulls for a future draft pick.  Talent means nothing if it isn't utilized properly.

Golden State gets better with the signing of Kyrylo Fesenko, but it hasn't happened yet.  They are going through an identity crisis at the moment with coach Mark Jackson aiming to change the culture.

As for Phoenix, Steve Nash deserves better.  Send him somewhere, anywhere.