Early NBA Returns: What We've Learned

The Cream

San Antonio seems like the Lord's Team, as year-in and year-out, they're still the best team in the league.

Tony Parker looks better every year, Manu seems sharper as well, Tim Duncan is still Tim Duncan and Bruce Bowen is the best on-ball defender in the game.

Who Else Is In The Running?

Perhaps the Celtics or the Suns can de-throne the Spurs?  Maybe Utah or Detroit could even pull it off, given the right circumstances.

Who Isn't?

Everyone else—you can write them all off, including the Mavericks, Nets, Rockets and Cavs.

I take that back—Houston has a shot.

Who Needs to Rebuild ASAP?

It's time for the Lakers to fish or cut bait. They need to land another big-time player or ship Kobe Bryant.

The Kings can't think that a bright future resides in the hands of Ron Artest and Mike Bibby. Their frontcourt looks pathetic—they need to keep Martin, Garcia, Hawes, and Salmons, and jettison the rest.

The Sonics and Timberwolves have both recognized their need to rebuild, and started the process.  Of the rest of the teams in the league, the Kings have the most obvious need to do the same, but for some reason have yet to begin.

Who Thinks They Have a Shot—But Don't.

The Bulls don't appear to be getting better. It seems that Scotts Skiles' brand of coaching is becoming tiresome for his players. They aren't as deep as they think, and are very fragile in the frontcourt.

Pat Riley looks like someone who refuses to deal with reality. He refuses to grow old with grace. Pat, the Heat do not have a chance! You were lucky in drafting Dwayne Wade and landing Shaq, but your luck has now run out. Why do you refuse to build for the future?

Perhaps Pat Riley was never that good of a coach, but was just blessed by great players. His ability to create and nourish talent has always been questionable.

The Nets may have Krstic back, but let's be honest—he doesn't look like the same player. Carter's contract year is over, so don't expect him to perform like he did last season. Kidd is still great, but aside from their big three they have little else.

I say they should realize they are not as good as advertised, and shop Kidd and Carter. Perhaps the Lakers get Kidd? This would be good for both the Lakers and the NBA. It sure would be nice to see the Lakers and Celtics meet again in the Finals at some point.

What about the Mavericks? Whatever it takes to win, Dallas doesn't appear to have it. It even looks like Dirk is losing a step. Why? I'm not sure.