Early Questions for Several NBA Teams

Yes, it is still very early in the NBA season. But even after a few games, there are interesting questions that teams had entering the season upon which the first few weeks may have shed some light.

Here are 10 that piqued my interest:

10. Can Greg Oden live up to the hype?

It was refreshing to read that Portland's big man turned down some photo requests for magazine covers because he felt he hasn't done anything yet and didn't think he deserved the spotlight. But he clearly suffered another career setback—which could draw some more Sam Bowie comparisons—by injuring his foot against the Lakers in the season opener.

When Oden does return in a few weeks there will likely be even more pressure on him to show that he isn't going to be an injury risk his entire career. That pressure may be turned up even more if the Blazers are off to a slow start.

9. Will Baron Davis fit in with the Clippers?

As a Warriors fan, I do take some joy in the fact the Clips are off to an 0-4 start. But will the true whiny Davis rear his ugly head if they fall to 2-10 to start the year, and coach Dunleavy starts barking at him?

I still question whether he can co-exist with trigger-happy pals Ricky Davis and Cuttino Mobley. Are there enough shots to go around?

8. Are the Spurs too old?

Yes, Manu has been out these first few games—but if they need Tony Parker to score 55 points every night to keep them in games against the likes of teams such as the Timber puppies, then San Antonio might be in trouble.

I'm not a Roger Mason, Jr. believer yet, and I think Michael Finley's age is starting to show. Only time will tell.

7. Are the Suns too old?

Amare Stoudemire certainly isn't, judging by his 49-point outburst against Indiana. The 4-1 Suns are off to a good start, but at times the Diesel looks a bit slow and Grant Hill and Steve Nash keep going on borrowed time.

They might be able to patch it together for the season, but I keep expecting someone to break down. When they do, watch out.

6. Can Mo Williams save Cleveland?

While acquiring Williams to take some of the scoring burden off LeBron James was a good move, I still don't know if it will be enough for the Cavs to capitalize on that small window they have before LeBron becomes a free agent.

Matched up against the rest of the East stalwarts, the Cavs still don't look intimidating. Wally Szcerbiak, Delonte West, and Daniel Gibson just don't scare me that much and I'm just waiting for Ilgauskas to break down. Cleveland could easily drop from a three seed to a six with one injury or misstep.

5. Has Anyone Seen Agent Zero?

With losses to the Nets, Pistons, and Bucks to start the year, the Wizards are stumbling out of the gate. They might only go as far as their big three with a bench that features a young Nick Young, a hot-and-cold Juan Dixon, and the unimposing Darius Songaila. Can they hold down the fort until Arenas gets back, or will it be too late? 

4. What were the Bobcats thinking?

Time to call AARP? Larry Brown was looking down the bench, calling for Jared Dudley to get in the game the other night against the Knicks. Problem is, he was already on the floor. Is this what a young team struggling to mesh needs?

I'm sure Sean May is already a big fan of "playing the right way," after Brown basically called him a fatso and banished him to the bench until he gets into "playing shape."

And you thought the debacle with the Knicks was ugly.

3. Was Andrew Bynum worth the money?

Again, I know it's early, but there should be some urgency to prove you're worth the big contract. Four games in and 8.3 PPG doesn't seem like big-money play.

It might take even longer to see on this one, because the 21-year-old might still be favoring that left knee. On the bright side, he is grabbing almost 10 boards a game.

2. Did the Bulls make the right pick with Derrick Rose?

Four games in, the answer is "yes" from what I've seen. Nearly 18 PPG to start the year and several highlight-worthy plays to boot. While No. 2 pick Michael Beasley has been good as well, it looks as if the Bulls are able to make some roster moves. The future will be bright with Rose leading things at the point.

1. Are the Sixers overrated?

They've looked bad in losses to the Hawks, Raptors, and Heat. The Elton Brand signing was a good move, but I'm still skeptical about how much of an impact he is going to make. (The guy is 29.)

It may just take some more time for Brand to mesh with Andre Iguodala and Andre Miller. But until the Sixers start getting some quality wins, I'm going to be asking questions.