NBA Roundtable: The Best Team, The Best New Coach, The Orlando Magic, and More

With the season almost halfway over, now is as good a time as any to reflect over the current state of the NBA. Most teams and players have established their identities—for better or for worse—but some teams spark debate as to where exactly they fit into the NBA’s hierarchy.

With that as an introduction, I’ve assembled a collection of some of the brightest, most energetic basketball minds Bleacher Report has to offer to reflect on the past, weigh the present, and predict the future of the upcoming NBA season.

• Michael Whittenberg is BR’s NBA’s Co-Community Leader
• Andrew Ungvari is ranked #3 in BR’s Top NBA Writers
• Steven Resnick is ranked #4 in BR’s Top NBA Writers
• Allen Levin is BR’s Miami Heat Community Leader
• Robert Kleeman is a guru of the NBA’s three teams in Texas
• Ryan Callahan is BR's Syracuse Community Leader
• Erick Blasco is BR’s NBA Co-Community Leader.

With the cast set, the questions:

1) Earlier in the week, the Boston Celtics had lost seven of nine, including to their top competitors (the Cavs and Lakers), to solid, but crippled opponents (the Blazers without Brandon Roy, and the Rockets without Shane Battier and Tracy McGrady) and to the league’s bottom feeders (the Bobcats and Warriors). What’s gone wrong with Boston?


Andrew:

I think it's a combination of things.

First off, teams are realizing that you can allow Kevin Garnett & Paul Pierce to combine for 60 points and beat them so long as you don't let Rondo and Allen go off for a combined 30 or more. Since the Celtics don't have a legitimate fifth scorer you can beat them in the 90s. People forget that the reason the Lakers were favored to win in the Finals last year was because Allen was unspectacular and inconsistent throughout the first three rounds of the playoffs. In the Game 7 win over the Cavs in the Conference Finals Allen scored only four points on 1-for-6 shooting.

The Celtics' inferior bench has also been exposed and the result is more minutes for the starters so they're tiring a little. The Celtics have five players on their team who average 20 or more minutes a game. By comparison, the Lakers and the Cavs each have seven. Doc Rivers doesn't trust his bench and the result is more minutes for the big three.

Lastly, their inability to execute and tendency to turn the ball over late in games has caused them to lose all of the close ones. The Celtics were so used to blowing teams out that they've looked a little rattled in the close ones. During their 19-game winning streak the Celtics played only four games that were decided by seven points or less. Three of the games they've lost during this stretch have come by seven points or less.

All that being said, I have no reason to think the Celtics won't get out of this funk and turn things around. That doesn't mean I think they'll win another title. It just means that we shouldn't get used to losing streaks. Next Thursday's game with Orlando should be really interesting.


Michael: 

Nothing has gone wrong with Boston. Every good team has a brief period in the season where they struggle. But for the Celtics, it’s a good thing that they are getting it out of their system early. Better now than later, right?


Steven:

The Boston Celtics problems stem from Rajon Rondo not having a consistent mid-range jumper. Most teams will dare him to shoot the ball because Rondo is most effective on offense when he's attacking the rim.

The second problem was that Ray Allen was only shooting 39 percent and only 36 percent from beyond the arc during the streak when they lost seven-of-nine.

Lastly, the Celtics also have not been taking care of the ball. Against the Warriors, the Celtics had 23 turnovers and during that run, averaged 16 turnovers per game.


Allen:

The Boston Celtics started the season as the league’s hottest team, blazing out to a 27-2 start. They won a franchise-record 19 games in a row. Then, they were defeated by last year’s runner ups, the Lost Angeles Lakers, and everything went downhill. They lost seven of their next nine and are 5-5 in their last 10 games. The Celtics problem?

They ran out of gas too fast. They started the season so scorching that they used up all their momentum. Also, there has been a noticeable lack of team play, with Paul Pierce averaging 23 points since the LA loss, which is up from his 19 PPG this season. He has had to step up and score more with the team not performing well as a whole. But, I suspect the boys from Boston will regroup and have no problems in the postseason.  


Robert:

Some of the Celtics slump is just an overreaction to a bad patch most championship-caliber teams face each season. It is impossible for me to discuss the Celtics slide without referencing the miserable Januarys the San Antonio Spurs endure every year. In 2006-07, the year of title number four, the Spurs broke even at 10-10 that month, but some of those were awful, mind-numbing losses that had many of the San Antonio faithful thinking, “what the hell?” A 114-107 stinker at the AT&T Center against the Milwaukee Bucks had to top the list.

Despite record seasons for the Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns, it was the Spurs who climbed back to the top of the NBA’s mountain that year. Titles are won in June, not January.

Too many fans and analysts are so fixated on somebody tying or besting the Chicago Bulls’ 72-win record that they are judging the league’s best teams against a ridiculous standard. The Bobcats beat the Boston Celtics last year, too, and no one would call it more than a blip in the marathon to banner no. 17. I am by no means excusing the Celtics pitiful defense or losses to lowly lottery teams, but I also have to respect history. It says the Celtics can and will get back on track by March and April.

31-8, with a 19-game win streak, is still pretty damn good. Two other things to consider: the 29 other teams had never played a squad with Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce before. It takes time to adjust to a team that has just morphed from a defenseless loser to the championship favorite.

A lot more teams have figured out the Celtics after watching them wrestle through the Playoffs and dominate the NBA Finals. D.J. Augustine’s remark that the Celtics “kind of folded” was pure idiocy, but somewhere in his post-win remarks there was a point. Any team is beatable on any given night, and the Celtics are no exception.

That “target on your back” cliché is true even if you hate hearing it. Consider that Boston is getting double the efforts from every team it did last year, since it owns the hardware everybody else wants.

Also, I’ll state the obvious. This team misses the clutch presence of James Posey. They miss having a superb role player who can come off the pine and score 9-20 points and harass the other team’s premiere scorer into an abysmal night.

Garnett, Pierce and Allen are all 30-plus, so expect more bumps than ever. What matters, though, is that the Celtics understand that their play in that stretch will not get them out of the first round. I think they do.

Ryan:

It is hard to say. At first I thought it just a few games of a lay off after an emotional playoff-type atmosphere against the Lakers on Christmas Day. But that excuse stops having merit after about two games. They seem to not be playing defense as well as they are capable of, showing from allowing 90+ points in almost all of their last nine games. Before that they would allow 90+ points one or twice every six games. I think they are back on track now, as it appears that Toronto is the perfect medicine for an ailing team (back-to-back wins over the Raptors). We must also not forget that they are still 11 games up on New Jersey for first in the Atlantic.

Erick:

First of all, it’s easy to overreact to Boston’s slump and assume the sky is falling. It’s not. Boston will get through this rough patch and is arguably still the best team in the East.

However, a number of concerning factors have all combined to knock Boston off their perch.

For starters, Boston’s incredible win streak to start the year may have been the worst thing to happen to them. They became arrogant, and were stuck in a number of close games against opponents who played harder than them. Since Paul Pierce was able to bail them out of close losses with a number of huge last-minute shots, the Celtics were never punished for their arrogance.

After losing to the Lakers though, the Celtics were exposed in their minds as mortals. Just because they were champions didn’t mean they were invincible. That has led to doubting, and less confident play.

The other two reasons are more tactical. The Lakers started the trend of playing Rajon Rondo with a longer defender (like the Knicks did with Jared Jeffries) and sagging into the lane. This has made entry passing with Rondo difficult, and has allowed opponents to have a free double-teamer either to double the post, or to shadow penetration. Since Rondo still has trouble shooting, Boston’s offense has stagnated.

The third reason has been every pundit’s concern when discussing the Celtics. They simply don’t have a deep bench. They don’t have an effective ball-handler backing up Rajon Rondo. They don’t have length in their frontcourt (Patrick O’Bryant simply isn’t an NBA player). They don’t have an elite defensive stopper off the bench, forcing Paul Pierce to be both the team’s primary playmaker and defender, a task which has limited his effectiveness.

As the Celtics win more games, they should regain their confidence. Doc Rivers will also find a way to tweak his offense and adapt to longer defenders on Rondo. But if they don’t improve their bench, the Celtics are a worse team than last year’s version.


2) The defending Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers have cruised to the top spot in the West, while the Cleveland Cavaliers have been exceptional for the better part of two months. Which of those teams is the best in the league right now, or is it someone else?

Andrew:

I'm going to give the nod to the Cavaliers since they've been much better all around. They've been great defensively for the past couple seasons and this year they look a lot better offensively. Last year they were the seventh-lowest scoring team in the league averaging 96.4 points per game and this year they're ninth-highest in the league at 100.9 points per game. That's a pretty impressive turnaround.

Unlike the Lakers the Cavs rarely take nights off defensively. They've given up a league-low 89 points per game — better than what the Pistons, Celtics, and Spurs did last year.

The only thing that might give the Lakers the nod is that they've had a slightly more difficult schedule. I'd still give Cleveland the upper hand up to this point.

The good news is that the two will finally play each other on Monday so we won't have to argue about it much longer.


Michael:

The Los Angeles Lakers are the best team in the NBA right now, but the road back to the Finals won’t be easy. San Antonio is looking very good this season, and Phoenix could potentially be a sleeper with the way Shaq is playing.

Also, the Lakers are banged up at the moment with Jordan Farmar and Sasha Vujacic sidelined.

One thing I do love about the Lakers is the return of Andrew Bynum. He will be a difference maker this year if they do indeed make it back to the Finals. His newly developed hook shot is looking good (thanks to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), and his shot-blocking presence down low is something they were missing in the series against Boston.

Steven:

The best team right now is Cleveland. The reasons why are because they are one of the best defensive teams in the league, and they've got Lebron James, who will more than likely be this season’s MVP.


Allen:

While I would love to give “The King” and his Cavs the crown for the best team, I have to give it to the Los Angeles Lakers still. Although the Lakers have lost to elite contending teams such as Orlando (swept by the Magic), San Antonio, and New Orleans, they still have played the best ball in the NBA this season. They have a 4.5 game lead for first place in a tough Western Conference and have dominated most of their opponents. They beat the Celtics on Christmas Day, which started Boston’s slump. In addition, they lead the NBA in scoring with a dynamic offense that is balanced throughout their lineup and led by the greatness of Kobe Bryant.

They also have one of the best benches in the league that brings both offense and energy into the game. The only possible hiccup in a championship run could be their defense. They allow 99.5 points per game, which is in the bottom half of the league.


Robert:

Boston is the best until someone eliminates them in the Playoffs, but if we’re going for an at-the-moment evaluation, I have no idea. Every one of the contenders boasts a major flaw and anyone of them can lose given the wrong playoff opponent.

Ryan:

I have got to say the Cavs are the best. LeBron has been unstoppable. Plus, the Cavs are undefeated at home which is incredible at this point in the season.

Erick:

Right now it’s Cleveland. LeBron is playing at a level he’s never played before. His defense began to improve late last season, and after a lazy start to the year defensively, he’s turned into a true stopper. His hands are more active, his feet are more active, and his awareness is better. Mo Williams hasn’t been a defensive disaster, and the rest of the team has always been exceptional defensively.

On the other end, Mike Brown has come a long way as a head coach. Cleveland’s offense has a lot more movement, and is no longer LeBron screen/roll left, LeBron screen/roll right.

With their toughness, commitment to defense, more complex offense combining with LeBron’s brilliance, the Cavs are playing like last year’s Celtics.

The Lakers aren’t far off, and their speed, quickness, length, and athleticism disrupt opponents and mercilessly capitalize on mistakes. I still wonder if they have the interior muscle, or the maturity, to be truly great. Andre Bynum was supposed to help but he’s more concerned with his own touches than rebounding and playing defense. If he comes around, then the Lakers will start playing at an even higher level, but if he doesn’t, then the Lakers will have problems in the postseason.


3) Conversely, which team is the very worst in the NBA?


Andrew:

It's funny because there are some bad teams that I really enjoy watching. I've found myself watching the Wolves, Thunder, Pacers, and Knicks instead of watching better games that are on TV.

If I was going to give an answer based on which team is currently playing the worst I'll say the Clippers due to all their injuries. But I'll give them a pass and say it's the Washington Wizards. I know they've had their own problems with injuries but with two healthy All-Stars they should be doing better than 8-31.

They fired Eddie Jordan prematurely when the team was 1-10 and they've gone 7-21 with interim coach Ed Tapscott. Perhaps it's intentional. Their top three players make $35 million this year so they are already over the luxury tax and their team salary goes up to $75 million next year. The only realistic way for this team to get a quality player is through the draft and maybe they're willing to write this year off the way Miami did last season.


Michael:

Oh that’s too easy—Oklahoma City. They have just been downright paltry. It’s hard for me to even go into further detail because they are that bad. The only bright spots for this team are Kevin Durant and Jeff Green—who both have bright futures.

But as of today, they are officially the worst team in NBA history.


Steven:

The worst team in the NBA? That‘s a tough one, but it comes down to two teams—the Los Angeles Clippers and the Washington Wizards. Right now it's hard to tell which team is the worst.


Allen:

The worst team in the NBA is between the Washington Wizards, Oklahoma City Thunder, and the LA Clippers. In the end, I’d give the Clippers the prestigious award of most horrible team in the league. The Clippers give their fans nothing to look forward to as they boast the NBA’s worst home record at 3-16. They’re 8-30 overall and just snapped a 12-game loosing streak. In addition, they’re 0-7 in the Pacific Division, which includes Sacramento and Golden State.

They score 93 points a game, which is second worst in the NBA. They combine horrible offense with horrible defense as they allow 100.5 PPG. A big part of their problems is their injuries. Baron Davis, Zach Randolph, and Chris Kaman have all missed substantial time. The Clippers should really be a better team as they have one of the best frontcourts in the league with Randolph, Kaman, Al Thornton, and Marcus Camby, but, this team can simply not avoid injury and cannot pull themselves together.


Robert:

I have two picks, and the second may shock you.

The Washington Wizards easily grab the dubious, worst-in-the-business honor from the improving, but still woeful Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder has an exciting; young nucleus that is showing it could be a championship-caliber one. The players have shown heart and grit amidst challenging for the lousiest record in league history and the delirious fans are still enjoying the honeymoon, even though they have known all along it will end in April, not May or June.

When you think about it, the Wizards are screwed. Management overpaid for Gilbert Arenas. That is, if you like understatements. The guy has played almost as many NBA games as I have in the last few seasons, and even more condemning, his team plays with more energy, moves the ball and makes some effort to defend when he sits.

So, they are mediocre when their $111 million supposed superstar suits up and energetic, but tops on the suck scale when he is injured. The ridiculous money Washington has thrown around trying to keep the failed Arenas, Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler experiment on life support shows you what a franchise will do to keep players well known enough to fill the stands. It almost makes you forget about Michael Jordan’s colossal Kwame Brown error.

The Wizards have some decent role players, namely Juan Dixon, but the trade for Mike James did nothing to help them. He refuses to pass the ball, plays sloppy and uninspired defense and doesn’t even do the one thing he advertises as his forte—scoring the ball—with any consistency. He is a no-trick pony. Losing Brendan Haywood for the year hurts, so the best hope is that JaVale McGee and Nick Young continue to develop. Otherwise, the hopes of the Wizards fans rest on Jamison, a hobbled Butler, Etan Thomas, Andray Blatche, and—Darius Songaila? Ouch.

The other team is the Phoenix Suns. Andrew Ungvari and I seem to agree that they, along with the listless Dallas Mavericks, could miss the playoffs. But, before you call me a lobotomized numb nuts, allow me to explain.

As I was watching the Denver Nuggets trample the Suns in overtime at the Pepsi Center, Phoenix’s uselessness was more apparent than ever. The three best players—Steve Nash, Amare Stoudemire and Jason Richardson—are scorers. They could not execute offensively down the stretch against a ho-hum defensive squad missing its top scorer. The best excuse for a defender on that roster is the aging, and increasingly flat-footed Shaquille O’ Neal.

So, Phoenix cannot defend anybody of note and now, with Shaq eliminating touches from players who need to feel leather to stay interested in the game, cannot outscore people, either. They are useless. Not caustic enough to drop 17 games in a row but not good enough to be taken seriously. I call that terrible. Bring on the “you stupid idiot” rants.

Ryan:

The worst has to be the Clippers. The Thunder may more less wins, but they play harder on a nightly basis and their young nucleus of Durant, Green, and Westbrook is more talented than a Baron Davis/ Marcus Camby combo.. I remember watching a game a few weeks ago where Durant came down the floor and hit a supposed to be game winning jumper right in Carmelo Anthony's face with like 2.5 seconds left. Anthony hit a shot as time expired to give the Nuggets the win. I feel like that describes the Thunder's season.

Erick:

Talent-wise, the Timberwolves. Al Jefferson only plays offense, the team has no athleticism, Corey Brewer is fundamentally poor, Kevin Love can’t jump, defend, or finish, Rashard McCants is too impatient, and the roster is comprised of too many guys who are strictly role players.

That said, the Timberwolves at least play hard and smart (and have played much better basketball under Kevin McHale).

The Thunder are pretty bad, but that’s expected with so much roster filler, so many youngsters still learning to play professionally, and so many veterans playing the same position. At least they have an exciting nucleus for the future.

Since the Clippers don’t play hard, don’t play smart, have given up on the season, and have no future, they’re the very worst team in the NBA.


4) Which team has been the most disappointing team?


Andrew:

Another question where injuries play a part. I'd have to say it's the Rockets because everyone had such high expectations for them. I fully anticipate they'll turn their season around and play their best basketball in the second-half the same way they did last year.

Take injuries out of the equation and I'm going to say it's the Raptors. I didn't have such high expectations for them but they're fans certainly did. Of the seven teams fighting for the last two playoff spots in the east I'd say the Raptors look less likely than the Bucks, Nets, Knicks, Pacers, Sixers, and Bulls to grab one of them.

The Raptors are just an unbelievably bad mix of big and small. I think they have the least impressive roster in the NBA from top to bottom. The good news for them is that they already have a dominant post presence and very good point guard and the easiest positions to fill are shooting guard and small forward. The Raptors need to make a move to not only make the playoffs but to increase the likelihood that Chris Bosh stays north of the border in 2010.

Recent talk has the Heat trading Shawn Marion to the Raptors for Jermaine O'Neal. I think that the Raptors might have no choice but to get whatever they can for O'Neal. He hasn't fit in as well as they'd hoped and there's been a direct correlation between O'Neal getting hurt and Andrea Bargnani playing his best basketball of the season.


Michael:

Philadelphia is the most disappointing team so far. Mo Cheeks was unable to find a way to make Elton Brand fit this style of team before he was fired.

But they are riding a seven-game winning streak now that they have reverted to the 76ers of last season. Once Brand returns, this team will probably begin to struggle again.

Steven:

The most disappointing team in my opinion are the Golden State Warriors, a team coming off a 48 win season, and now are currently 11-28. Yes, they've had injuries to important players like Monta Ellis, but still, it's no excuse for the way they have played so far this season.

For such a young team they don't hustle nearly enough, the rotations by Don Nelson are just ridiculous (Nelson won't play his young stars), and of course even more injuries.

Allen:

The most disappointing team has most certainly been the Philadelphia 76ers. When the Sixers made headlines by stealing star forward Elton Brand away from the Clippers, they were immediately considered title contenders. People thought the combination of Brand, rising star Andre Igoudala, and veteran point guard Andre Miller would be a great trio for success. But, Philadelphia currently sits at 19-20, which is good enough for second place and a seventh seed in a weak Atlantic Division. In addition, Brand has been injured for over a month with a dislocated shoulder.

But, Philadelphia is currently on a seven-game winning streak and Brand is returning soon, so things might be turning around for this squad sooner rather than later.


Robert:

I’ll throw out two names, and if you want detailed explanations, ask me in the comments section: Toronto Raptors and Houston Rockets. Browse my archives if you want extended takes on the Rockets’ pathetic season. I know they have battled constant injuries because I am a die-hard fan, so please do not crybaby your way through an argument. There are plenty of reasons why even with the injuries and revolving door rotation, the Rockets could be a lot better.

Ryan:

This one goes to the Toronto Raptors, the Celtics' slump cure-alls. The signing of Jermaine O'Neal was expected to bring the Raptors one of the best front courts in the NBA along side Chris Bosh. O'Neal is having injury problems once again, and will most likely miss his tenth consecutive game this Friday. The Raptors are currently 16-23 and sit in fourth in the weak Atlantic Division.

Erick:

Though I miscalculated the degree, I expected the Wizards to fall off this year. I was also never on the Raptors bandwagon, and the Sixers have shown signs of turning things around. That’s why the Clippers are the most disappointing team. Certainly a team stockpiled with as much talent as they have couldn’t own the second worst record in their conference could they?

Oh wait, Baron Davis has always strictly been for numero uno, Ricky Davis has never been anything other than a brainless waste, Chris Kaman’s always been robotic where good defenders can completely take him out of his game, Marcus Camby is one of the most overrated defenders of our generation, and Al Thornton and Eric Gordon are too young to understand how to play team-oriented offense and defense.

No, the Clippers’ struggles come as no surprise. Washington’s even worse then I thought they’d be, so they’re my pick for Most Disappointing Team.


5) The Spurs, Rockets, Mavs, and Hornets all boast winning percentages near or above 60 percent. Which of them is the best in the Southwest, either now or come playoff time?


Andrew:

The Spurs. Both now and come playoff time. Every year we write them off before January and every year they prove they're a top-team by March. January 25 starts a stretch of 11out of 12 games on the road, including games against at Utah, Phoenix, Denver, Boston, Detroit, and against the Lakers. How they do during that stretch will determine whether or not they'll win the division. Regardless, they'll be in the Western Conference''s top four and hosting a playoff series in round one.


Michael:

Right now, San Antonio is the best team in the Southwest Division, and barring injuries, things will be the same come playoff time, too. Manu Ginobli has fully recovered from his ankle injury, and guys like Roger Mason Jr. and George Hill have added some much needed energy to this team.

If the Lakers fail to make it back to the Finals, it will be because San Antonio crossed their path.


Steven:

Come playoff time the two teams that I believe will be difficult are the Spurs and Hornets. The Spurs are pretty self explanatory. They have the post season experience and the rings to prove that.

The Hornets have some work to do, like bring in another player who can produce off the bench, but other then that those are the two Southwest teams that could do damage in the playoffs. Chris Paul and David West will give teams fits in the playoffs. 

Right now Houston can't even seem to stay healthy and the Mavericks need changes.


Allen:

You can never count out those San Antonio Spurs. That is something I have learned in the past decade of being an NBA fan. As long as the Spurs have Tim Duncan, they will be a contender. That is why I’d say they are the best team in the Southwest now and especially come playoff time. After starting the season slow at 2-5, the Spurs have been on a rampage, going 11-4 in the month of December. They have surged to first place in the Southwest and second in the West. The return of Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili from injuries have really helped their improvement. Come playoff time, I suspect them to be competing in the Western Conference Finals.


Robert:

In a cheap, but astute self-promotion move, I will refer you to my recent report card of each team in the Texas Triangle (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/107692-texas-triangle-report-card-spurs-mavericks-and-rockets-playoff-outlooks) and an analysis of the Hornets thin roster (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/92560-cp3-overload-thin-roster-stings-hornets). My opinions have not changed.

Ryan:

The Spurs are the best in the Southwest. After a slow start mainly due to injuries, the Spurs have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA as of late. And as for the playoffs, the Spurs are always ready to play in the playoffs.

Erick:

Dallas is too fragile to be reliable come playoff time, and the Rockets still haven’t integrated their superstars into their offense (to say nothing of Tracy McGrady’s lack of passion which has finally been taken to task by Houston’s media and fan base).

New Orleans has the talent, but David West and Chris Paul don’t play with passion every night, and their offense is way too reliant on Paul.

San Antonio still has a dominant post threat, potent shooting, and unlike last year, Roger Mason and a healthy Manu Ginobili. Mason is the defender the Spurs wanted Ime Udoka to be, and he’s the creative scorer Michael Finley can’t be anymore. And a healthy Ginobili gives the Spurs a dynamic scorer who can get his shots off everywhere on the court.

Plus, San Antonio is one of the best-coached teams in the league, and their players are extremely clutch, both traits invaluable come playoff-time.



6) How good are the Orlando Magic?


Andrew:


Really good. Just ask the Lakers who lost to the Magic on Friday night for the second time this season. They are the league's best road team and Dwight Howard's presence forces teams out of their comfort zones and into taking bad outside shots. Patrick Ewing deserves a lot of credit for Howard's improvement. He now has a few moves in the post including a jump hook that's defenseless.

Jameer Nelson has a lot to do with why the Magic have improved so much. The problem is that I've yet to see a team that relies so heavily on three-point shooting make it to the Finals. It's one thing to win the majority of your regular season games with that formula but in the playoffs you play the same team over the length of a series and they start to figure you out. You won't be able to beat a good defensive team like the Celtics or Cavs in a series playing that way.

Michael:

The Orlando Magic are legit, but unfortunately for them, they are not better than Boston and Cleveland. They play great on the road, and their defense is underrated.


Steven:

The Orlando Magic could be a darkhorse candidate to make the finals. They play defense and their outside shooting, when it's on, is unstoppable because teams won't let Dwight Howard go into the post one on one—they have to double and get the ball out of Howard's hand or he'll dominate the game.

It's almost like pick your poison now. Even JJ Redick is getting some opportunities to show his worth with the injuries to Keith Bogans and Mickael Pietrus.


Allen:

The Orlando Magic are still underrated and are better than anyone thinks they are. The Magic are a legit title contending team and should garner more respect. They are 32-8 and in the second spot in the East, only behind the Cavaliers. They have knocked off top teams such as San Antonio, New Orleans, Dallas, including a season sweep of the Lakers. They average 102 points per game, which is sixth best in the league. In addition, they boast one of the best defenses, as they only allow 93.9 PPG.

Their success has to be attributed to the well-roundedness of their starting five. Everyone in their starting lineup averages at least 11 points and they all contribute on a nightly basis. It also helps that their led by the best big man in the league currently in Dwight Howard. Howard truly is the next superman as he averages inhuman numbers 20.3 PPG, 14 rebounds per game, 3.2 blocks a game, and shoots 58 percent from the floor. The Magic will be serious title threats and have the potential to knock off the Cavs and/or Boston in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Robert:

I wanted to see the Magic-Lakers matchup Friday night before making any bold statements.

That cold-blooded victory and season sweep of the Lakers has me feeling brash. Orlando is a spectacular team, and when the shooters are nailing their perimeter looks and playing hacksaw defense, they are as good as anyone in the NBA. Sound familiar? I would say the same thing about the San Antonio Spurs. It is no coincidence considering Stan Van Gundy worships Gregg Popovich’s program. He deserves kudos for turning that idolization on his coaching buddy.

This marks the first time in franchise history the Magic have swept the Spurs and Lakers in a season series. I continued to be stunned by this team’s road resiliency. With Kobe Bryant going to work in the second half and drilling his usual tough looks Friday night, the Magic had every excuse to fold. Who wouldn’t take a season split with the league-leading Lakers? Apparently, Orlando.

Jameer Nelson answered every late-game Laker basket with an ice-in-his-veins trey of his own. Hedo Turkoglu swooshed a big three and the defense in the final minutes was top notch, save an inexcusable put-back from Pau Gasol.

Can such a perimeter-oriented team keep up this torrid pace, secure a top three seed and then win four rounds in the playoffs? I trust the Spurs to it more than the Magic because Duncan’s post game is far more refined than Howard’s. But, look below, and see why he is catching up to one of his heroes.

Ryan:

The Orlando Magic are definite title contenders. Dwight Howard is the most dominant inside player in the NBA. Plus, he has great shooting on the outside so he always has someone to kick it out to if he is stuck outside. Howard can out-rebound an entire squad and plays hard defense.

Erick:

Very, very close, but still below Boston and Cleveland.

Dwight Howard loses focus occasionally (especially on defense), and he still isn’t a reliable enough playmaker in the pivot. Plus Orlando has little frontcourt depth and is very reliant on three-point shooting, a dangerous quality come playoff-time.

Once Howard matures as a defender (and he’s made considerable strides since last year), then Orlando will really be magical. Until then, they’ll only beat great teams when their outside shots are falling, which according to their percentages would be about three times out of every seven games.


7) Mike D’Antoni, Michael Curry, Scott Skiles, Vinny Del Negro, Eric Spolestra, Larry Brown, Rick Carlisle, and Terry Porter. Which of those coaches has done the best job with their new teams?


Andrew:

I'm going to say it's D'Antoni and that's because he changed the culture of the team almost immediately. He inherited a complete mess and suddenly the Knicks look like a team that can see light at the end of the tunnel — even without any contribution from the 6th overall pick in the draft. He has increased the value of every player on that team that's played this season and made two trades that have helped the team both in the short and long run. I love watching the Knicks play.

I think every one of those other coaches has done a decent job given what they inherited — some just more impressive than others. Spoelstra is better than I expected. He's done a great job of bringing his young guys along. Brown has done a good job in forcing Michael Jordan to add experience and veteran leadership to a team that hasn't had an identity since they're inception.


Michael:

I have to go with Eric Spolestra because Miami was the worst team in the NBA last season, and they have much better this season. But of course it’s a lot easier when Dwyane Wade is at full strength.


Steven:

The only coach that I believe that is doing a solid job as a new coach is Eric Spolestra of the Miami Heat. Dwyane Wade has come back from his injury and his playing like a MVP and the Heat have really turned it around compared to last season when they only won five more games than they did all of last year.

There's two other coaches that I would put up on here though. Scott Brooks has the Oklahoma City Thunder playing way better basketball than they were before and he's improved the team to a 7-33 record after a 1-12 start. Sure he's lost 21 games, but he's won 7 times the amount of games that P.J. Carleismo did. By the way the Thunder just came off an impressive victory tonight over the Utah Jazz.

The second one is Kevin Mchale and his job in Minnesota so far. Randy Witmann went 4-15 and in as many games McHale has gone 7-12 with his team. Sure not impressive records in total for the T-Wolves at 11-27 after tonight's loss to the Heat, but it snapped their five game winning steak.

Would you have even considered the team that they had being capable of winning five straight games? I wouldn't be one of them. The reason being is Randy Foye is finally starting to play like the player they got when they acquired him on draft day. Foye in the last six games has averaged 22 points, 4.5 assists, 2.8 rebounds, 1.67 steals, and has shot 52 percent from the floor, from downtown he's shot 54 percent, and 92 percent from the free throw line.

Allen:

While I might be biased towards the Heat, I have to say anyone who can take a 15-67 team one year to a 21-17 the next, has done the best job with their new team. Spoelstra has helped transform this team from the worst team in the NBA to one of the better ones. He has instilled Pat Riley’s ideals of defense, defense, defense, and it has truly been evident in this team. Although Coach Spo is one of the youngest skippers in the league, he still demands respect from his players and runs this team effectively.

D’Antoni, Brown, Del Negro, and Skiles all have teams with sub .500 records and none of them have done anything impressive with their new squads. While Terry Porter has done a good job with the Suns, they still have been a good team for the past four years and have most of their initial core. Carlisle has done a decent job with the Mavericks and Curry has done a good job with the Pistons, but no team’s new coaches match the turnaround of the Heat this season. So, that is why this award goes to Spoelstra. He should be considered for Coach of the Year honors.


Robert:

Scott Skiles is still my dark horse coach of the year pick (though I can see Charley Rosen’s point about the often meaningless nature of the award). However, aside from Stan Van Gundy, nobody deserves more congratulations for a job well done than Eric Spoelstra.

Admit it. You thought the playoffs were a possibility for the rebuilding Heat, but a postseason lock? Spoelstra is a scouting report virtuoso and you can see how his background in that department bolsters his coaching. Most of all, he is getting Dwyane Wade and a cast of support characters to buy into an effective system. The players look like they value it as much as he does. That is a true accomplishment.

The seventh or eighth seed is still the likely destination for a team, that despite great efforts, still employs maybe five or six players who belong on a decent playoff team.

Ryan:

No Answer.

Erick:

Eric Spolestra and it’s not even close. Spolestra inherited Dwyane Wade, a pair of rookies in Michael Beasley and Mario Chalmers, and a mishmash of veterans, most of them either sharing a position or projected to play out of position. Out of that, he’s inspired his team to play some of the best defense in the NBA.

Spolestra’s gotten the most out of basketball journeymen like Jamaal Magloire (who many thought was washed up) and Joel Anthony (who never played an NBA game until last year). He’s banished selfless, defenseless veterans in Mark Blount and Marcus Banks from the rotation. He’s developed Chalmers into a dependable point guard.

Most importantly is Spolestra’s relationship with his players. Wade has bought into his message completely, and despite being benched because of poor defense, blue chip draft pick Michael Beasley has never complained, and practices hard to improve his game.

While 19-17 isn’t a fantastic number, keep in mind that the Heat had the worst record in the NBA last season.



8) What’s been the difference in Miami’s turnaround from last year's disaster?


Andrew:

The biggest difference and most obvious answer is Dwyane Wade. Anybody who watched Team USA could tell you that Wade was in for a special season. He's willed this team to a number of wins this year already and has re-solidified his place amongst the top five players in the league.

Rookie Mario Chalmers has also played well on both ends of the court. He's a typical Pat Riley type of player. The Heat will only get better with James Jones getting healthy. The Heat are a team that won't win the title this year but will definitely go seven games with whoever it is that knocks them out.


Michael:

For one, a healthy D-Wade. And two, the rookies Mario Chalmers and Michael Beasley have made an impact on this team. Also, having Shawn Marion for a full season has helped, along with the play of Udonis Haslem and Deaquan Cook.

But I still don’t know if this team is playoff ready yet.


Steven:

The difference from last year's Miami Heat team is huge. Wade is healthy, although Marion hasn't played like a 20-point scorer he still brings the defense, Michael Beasley was a great pick to build around Wade with his outside shooting ability (he just needs to work on his defense), and most importantly, they have a hustle player in Udonis Haslem who isn't going to be recognized often, but he plays hard every night and he's healthy this season. The last thing is Mario Chalmers has been a complete shock in how well he's played because personally I didn't think he would be doing much for the Heat.


Allen:

The Miami Heat have completely transformed. They went from an aging, unmotivated, defenseless, and horrible team to a young, exciting, relentless squad that has completely surprised the league. They are currently 21-17 and hold the East’s sixth seed, which is a remarkable turnaround from 15-67 and last place in the NBA. They have taken down top teams in the league such as the Spurs, Suns, Jazz, Lakers, and Cavaliers and have played every team competitively.

The turnaround is a result of a change in team attitude, a youth movement, and an injury-free Dwyane Wade. This team has completely shifted its attitude to a defensive minded team that is scrappy and relentless. They give up 96.8 points a game, which is in the top half of the league. In addition, they drafted Michael Beasley and Mario Chalmers in this summer’s draft, which has completely refreshed the team from the aging roster that it was. And finally, the team has risen on the shoulders of Wade. Flash has been absolutely unstoppable, leading the league in scoring at 29 PPG. He also averages 7.3 assists a game, five boards, 2.3 steals, and 1.6 blocks. He has been doing it all on both sides of the floor, with a noticeable improvement in his defense (He is the best shot-blocking guard in the league and averages more blocks than Shaq, KG, Amare, and Andre Kirilenko).

He has led this young, feisty Heat team and as long as he stays healthy, Miami will definitely cause some noise in the playoffs as they have a strong core and a strong bench. If Marion can step up and be a true second scorer and if Beasley can further mature, the Heat has a chance to do some real damage in the Eastern Conference.


Robert:

Defense, defense, defense. Oh, and this guy named Dwyane Wade is a halfway decent player. The Heat’s only chance to continue on a playoff pace is to defend like the American Airlines Arena is on lockdown during a terrorist attack. James Jones can help in the scoring department, but face it, this team has no business trying to outscore people.

I enjoy watching this young squad’s commitment to defense and their communication on rotations. These guys study scouting reports and it shows. They will be inconsistent, capable of beating the Lakers and then losing to the Grizzlies, but the team spirit is undeniable. Unlike last season’s dreadful 15-67 campaign, these guys look like they enjoy playing with one another. I would also be remiss if I omitted Mario Chalmer’s outstanding play from this discussion. Give him a few years and he will become a consistent, viable starting point guard on a playoff team.

Ryan:

Dwayne Wade. He has stepped up his game and carried the team on his back to success this season.

Erick:

The two biggest reasons are clearly Dwyane Wade’s return to good health, and Eric Spolestra’s coaching work.

Spolestra I mentioned above, and when Wade’s healthy, he’s one of the true elite players in the game. He’s always in rhythm when shooting, he’s a great playmaker, and he has a terrific ability to change directions at the last minute when attacking the basket. Plus he’s fearless, strong, and relentless, making him a nightmare for opposing paint defenders. And he’s fantastic defensively, especially at rotation down and blocking bigger players’ shots at the rim.

Since Wade values defense, and Spolestra emphasizes defense, everyone else has fallen into place.


9) Assuming Cleveland, Boston, Orlando, Detroit, Atlanta, and Miami are good enough to make the playoffs, which other two Eastern Conference teams fill out the postseason bracket?


Andrew:

Believe it or not I'm going with Charlotte and Indiana. The Bobcats have been a much better team since acquiring Boris Diaw and Raja Bell from Phoenix, including an impressive overtime victory over the Celtics without Bell. Rookie D.J. Augustin is legit and I like the move they made this week getting DaSagana Diop for Matt Carroll and Ryan Hollins.

I like Indiana because they have had one of the league's most difficult schedules this season, including three games against the Celtics and two each against the Lakers, Cavs, Pistons, and Suns. Their schedule is only going to get easier and they just got back Mike Dunleavy, Jr. to compliment Danny Granger and Troy Murphy.


Michael:

Oh that’s easy—New Jersey and Milwaukee. If the playoffs started today, Jersey would be out of it. But Devin Harris has been incredible this season, and rookie Brook Lopez has done a solid job as well. I like this team

As for Milwaukee, they can be iffy, but if Philly doesn’t step it up the Bucks are in.


Steven:

The two teams that I can see getting into the playoffs are Philadelphia and Toronto. Philadelphia because they have too much talent not to be in. Toronto because even though they've been disappointing so far, they have the ability to get in especially with Jermaine O'Neal getting healthy again.

Allen:

The final two spots in the Eastern Conference will go to the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Nets, respectively. The Sixers are finally starting to come together. They have won seven in a row and are playing like they were expected to. They have beaten San Antonio, Portland, and Atlanta in their win streak and are finally starting to get improved play from Andre Igoudala. He is averaging 23.5 PPG in his last nine and is a big part of Philly’s surge.

Under the emergence of Devin Harris, the Nets have been a decent team. While 19-22 is nothing to go crazy about, New Jersey was expected to be one of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference in the preseason. But Harris’s improvement and Vince Carter’s leadership will give this team a postseason spot. Brook Lopez has had a strong rookie campaign and will be a factor in their playoff run.


Robert:

Can I get back to you on that one when I have a clue? I need to see more effort from Milwaukee before I coronate them as a playoff team.

Ryan:

The 76ers will be the in the playoffs this season as the seventh seed. Then I would have to say the Nets led by Devin Harris will be the last team in, however, they are going to have to play better than they have recently.

Erick:

New Jersey and Indiana (yes, Indiana) will have a say, but I have a feeling Philadelphia and Milwaukee make the playoffs.

The Sixers are starting to play better basketball, especially on the offensive end. They’re putting the ball in Andre Miller’s hands more and allowing him to find the open areas for teammates. Plus Andre Iguodala looks much more comfortable since interim coach Tony DiLeo has challenged him to shoot from the perimeter when he’s open. The last two seasons, the Sixers have been a second half team, so with Elton Brand returning, it isn’t a stretch to expect the Sixers to play their best ball over the final three months.

Meanwhile, the Bucks are relentlessly energetic. Michael Redd is playing the most complete ball of his life, and looks much more explosive with the ball, instead of solely relying on his jumper. Richard Jefferson’s been a slight help, Luke Ridnour has rebounded from a awful 2007-2008 to save his career, and the entire team hustles, runs, fights, and contests everything defensively.

They have more offense and scrappiness than Chicago or New Jersey.


10) List your top three Most Improved Player candidates and why you chose them.


Andrew:

1) Danny Granger - I love this kid. 16 teams passed on taking him in a draft where Ike Diogu, Fran Vazquez, Yaroslav Korolev, and Sean May all went ahead of him. How often does a guy get a huge contract extension and live up to it? Granger is a true leader and he's scoring from everywhere on the court. If he doesn't make the All-Star team somebody should get fired.

2) Jameer Nelson - Last year people were questioning whether or not Nelson deserved the five-year, $35 million extension he got from Orlando and this year he looks like a bargain. As Nelson goes, so do the Magic and everyone of his teammates will tell you that. His scoring average is up six points from last season and he's shooting a career-best 51 percent from the field, including a really impressive 46 percent from downtown.

3) LeBron James - Who says the award has to go to a guy that makes the jump from average to good? Why can't it go to a guy who goes from amazing to legendary? James has not only improved his defense but he's looking like one of the league's best defensive players. He defends the other team's best player in the fourth quarter, including point guards and power forwards. He's shooting over 50 percent from the field and has improved his free throw shooting by nearly seven percent. His scoring, assist and rebound numbers are down from last year but that has more to do with having an improved supporting cast around him.


Michael:

Devin Harris along with Rajon Rondo and Roger Mason Jr. Harris has been so good this season he now ranks among one of the top 10 point guards in the league. What was Dallas thinking trading this guy? I ask myself that question every time I watch him play.

Rondo’s assists are up and he is playing with much more confidence this season. As for Mason, he really has been a difference maker in San Antonio. Yes, they have the big three—but Mason has hit two game-winning shots this season, and has taken Bruce Bowen’s spot in the starting lineup.

If I had to pick one today, Harris would win with Mason coming in second.


Steven:

My three most improved players for this year are:

 Paul Millsap because of him being able to step up for the injured Carlos Boozer and nearly averaging a double with 15.3 points and 9.5 rebounds. If he does end the season with double digit rebounding Millsap can say he's done something Amare Stoudemire has never done and that is average a double-double.

My second player that has improved, but still has a lot of work to do so he will more than likely only get a few votes, is Marco Belinelli. For one he hardly played in his rookie season and is nearly averaging double digits in scoring at 9.6 points per game. He's an excellent shooter, but what has impressed me the most is his defensive ability and how he frustrated Ray Allen when the Warriors beat the Celtics.

The third choice for me for most improved Jeff Green in Oklahoma City. He's been on a tear as of late. In my mind he's overtaken Devin Harris. Green is averaging 16.1 points per game, 6.2 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and .6 blocks per game. He's also shooting at around 45 percent from the field, 40 percent from beyond the arc, and is a 76 percent foul shooter.


Allen:


The three Most Improved Players in the NBA are Devin Harris, Danny Granger, and Paul Millsap. Harris should definitely take the cake for the most improved award. He has become one of the best young point guards in the league since coming to New Jersey. He is averaging 22.7 PPG, which is a monumental improvement from his 14.4 that he averaged with Dallas last year. He is also posting 6.6 assists and 1.6 steals per game. He is a prime reason why the Nets are in the playoff race and he even had a 47-point effort against the Suns.

Indiana’s Danny Granger has also improved greatly this year. He is fourth in the league in scoring at 26.3 PPG to go along with 5.2 boards, 1.4 blocks, and 1.1 steals. While his Pacers are the second worst team in the East, he has been the one bright spot for this team. His continued improvement will be a huge factor in the Pacers’ future.

Paul Millsap has really saved the Jazz in the absence of Carlos Boozer. He has picked up his slack and posted numbers of 15.3, 9.5, and 1.2 blocks to go along with a 55 percent field goal percentage. This is a large improvement from last year’s numbers of 8.1, 5.6, 0.9, and 50 percent from the field. His stats are up across the board and he is a large reason the Jazz have stayed afloat. If he continues to improve, he will be Boozer’s replacement next year as Boozer has told the media he is definitely opting out of his contract at the end of the season.


Robert:

1.    Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic

Before you interject that officials are already etching Devin Harris’ name on the trophy, consider the purpose of the award. What is it? I have no idea. Does winning it mean you were crappy last year?

If you want to reward a player for massive improvement, the case for Howard is as strong as any. It seems strange to list a perennial All-Star as a contender for this award, but it makes sense if you have watched him progress.

Every facet of his game has elevated a notch, especially his interior defense. I have been one of Howard’s biggest critics because his shot-blocking faculty has often encouraged him to swat at balls instead of forcing his opponents into tough shots, thus yielding layups, dunks or second opportunities. He no longer bites on simple pump fakes, does a much better job of using his hands without fouling and, well, can still block the hell out of a shot. His improved defensive recognition is a big reason his team ranks top five in every major defensive category. It has been near top three all year in the one that matters most: opponent field goal percentage.

His post game is still too predictable to be consistently dominant, but it is no longer primitive. He has developed a serviceable left-handed hook, a decent bank shot and now uses his upper body strength to do more than just dunk.

His 58 percent free throw shooting still stinks, but compare his charity stripe form now to when he entered the league. He has clearly worked on it and has managed to hit some clutch ones in games against the Spurs and Lakers.

He is not an elite passing big man by any stretch, but his recognition of open teammates has improved dramatically and his dishes are crisper and easier to catch. If he continues to work on his foul shooting, further develops his offensive arsenal and continues to be more than just an athletic shot blocker on defense, why shouldn’t he be considered for this award?

2. Jameer Nelson, Orlando Magic

Remember last year when Nelson was this team’s weakest link behind only Carlos Arroyo? Remember when Van Gundy dared not let him fire up a three with the game on the line because of his erratic shooting? Remember the declarations that he would never be the kind of set-up, scoring and reliable point guard Orlando needed?

He has dropped his pants and dumped on those criticisms with an All-Star worthy season. In recent road games against the Lakers and Spurs, he nailed clutch basket after clutch basket. He is shooting in the high 80s from the free throw line and at a stunningly accurate 46 percent from behind the arc.

What part of his game has not improved? Guards no longer abuse him for the entire 48 minutes and he at least shows on the weak side and fights through screens. Yes, Turkoglu won it last year for a Magic team that was better than good, but resilient and poised enough to win a title? Nelson and Howard have thus far taken care of that.

3.    Devin Harris, New Jersey Nets

He seems like an early season favorite for the award, but ask yourself this: how much of his gaudy numbers are owed to the dribble-drive offense tailor made for his skill set and how much do you attribute to offseason work? How much has his game improved from his days in Dallas? The more I watch him, the more I would argue it hasn’t to the extent people think. Everything he can do now, he could do in Dallas. But, because he now plays second fiddle only to Vince Carter, he gets many more opportunities to showcase his abilities.