2011 NBA Season: After 82 Games, What Do We Know?

While the NBA season mimicked college basketball in the way that no single dominant team ever emerged, don't expect to see any VCUs or Butlers on any expert predictions. (Sorry, Pacers and Grizzlies fans).

So, without a clear favorite after 82 games, what exactly do we know after the latest thrilling installment of the NBA's regular season?

Well, for starters we know that the movement began this season. Not a revolution (because, well, it was televised), not a movement for players rights or salary decreases (that will wait for the offseason) and not even a movement of recognition that the NBA really cares (no matter how many commercials they run during their games).

No, this movement (which technically started last offseason) was not an idealistic movement; it was tangible player movement. Contrary to popular belief, though, the movement was more than simply Miami Thrice and the Melodrama.

In fact, from the end of last year's playoffs through the start of this year's, we saw a whopping 17 All-Stars change teams: Carlos Boozer, Amar'e Stoudemire, Deron Williams, Devin Harris, Carmelo Anthony, Devin Harris, Chauncey Billups, Peja Stojakovic, Rashard Lewis, Gilbert Arenas, David Lee, Chris Bosh, Vince Carter, Shaquille O'Neal, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, LeBron James and, technically, Jerry Stackhouse.

We know that even though the Celtics, Nuggets, Knicks and Magic drastically changed their makeup, all four (with the possible exception of the Knicks) are firmly entrenched in the playoffs like we thought they'd be.

We know that a conglomerate of superstars does not, by itself, separate a franchise from the rest of the league (but it certainly helps). We also know that teams can win (in the regular season at least) without a superstar.

We know that Kobe Bryant has yet to lose a step (his season totals nearly mirror his career averages) or relinquish his throne. We also know that two new faces (Derrick Rose and Kevin Durant) have put their bids in as possible replacements as soon as he does.

We know that Blake Griffin is already the league's most exciting finisher, that Rose surpassed his point guard peers, that opportunity can be everything (Dorell Wright, Kwame Brown and Kris Humphries) and that some former All-Stars are refusing to light their lights dim (Tracy McGrady and Elton Brand each have something left in the tank).

We know that the NBA All-Star selection process is flawed. We know that the fans picking the starters can lead to some ludicrous selections (Yao Ming), but the league's importance of team performance for some (Monta Ellis and LaMarcus Aldridge) and not for others (Kevin Love and Blake Griffin) remains a head-scratcher.

Sadly, we learned that the NBA has no roster spot left for Allen Iverson, yet still has spots for Brian Scalabrine, Brian Cardinal and Chris Quinn. We don't understand it, but we're forced to accept it.

Lastly, we know that we're in line for a memorable postseason. There are some new faces (76ers, Pacers, Knicks, Grizzlies) to challenge the familiars. There is star power galore. There are rivalries renewed (Heat-Knicks in Round 2 perhaps) and those revisited (Lakers-Spurs would be an instant classic). There's a wide open field and at least six teams have a legitimate chance at the title (Lakers, Spurs, Thunder, Bulls, Heat and Celtics).

But most of all, we know this will be memorable because, well, it has to be. With the potential lockout looming over the playoffs, we know that we must enjoy and savor these playoffs. It might be a long time until we're watching NBA basketball again.