NBA Midseason Report

I love the NBA. I know many people do not like the 1 on 1 isolation, bloated salaries, and chronic off-the-court issues but I have always been a big fan. While I have never really pulled for any one team exclusively, I generally have always liked the Sacramento Kings in the West and the Celtics in the East. Being that I live closer to this coast at this point in my life, I get to see more Celtics games. This season they are also easy to root for. Since the regular season is half over, I thought I would give my mid point evaluations and give out awards to teams and players.

Most Surprising Team, Portland Trailblazers: When they drafted Greg Oden on draft night, everyone knew that in a few years they would be a title contending team. However, once news of his micro-fracture surgery surfaced, the season was deemed over. I guess no one told the rest of the Blazers. Brandon Roy and his supporting cast that make up the youngest team in the league have played excellent basketball. I still think it will be difficult for them to make the playoffs in the power house of a conference called the West, but that team is one that we should be talking about for a long time.

Most Disappointing Team, Miami Heat: I am a huge Shaq fan. Always have been, always will be. He is the reason I detest Kobe. You don't do the best big man ever that way. Period. His decline this year is not all his fault, but it has been hard to watch this year. The team he has around him, sans D-Wade, is awful. They can't score or defend. I wish something could be done so that the Diesel could go out on top. I am not sure the Heat is where that can happen. Dallas? That sure would be interesting.

MVP of the West, Chris Paul: Who would have thought that the Hornets would be atop the West at this point in the season? Paul is the reason. He is amazing. He can score, defend, and make his whole team better. He's a good guy too.

MVP of the East, Lebron James: Some would argue that Kevin Garnett needs to be in this spot but given the fact that everyone "expected" the Celtics to be that good and he has 2 other HOF players on his team, I give the mid-season nod to the King. His team is bad. When he is not on the court, the offense is poor at best. His scoring in 4th quarters is amazing.

Rookie of the Year, Al Horford: Durant is still a couple of years away from being a great player. His shooting in the past 2-3 weeks has been terrible, leading many to believe that he has hit the "rookie wall". Big Al was ready to play right away coming from a winning school in Florida. He knows what his strengths are and doesn't force things. He could be the next Elton Brand if he continues to work hard.

Most Surprising Player, Hedo Turkoglu: I wish the Kings would have never let this guy go. He can flat out score. This year he is also passing and rebounding well. His game winner yesterday against the Celtics was incredible, although I almost threw something at the TV when it went it. He looks more like the player that should have gotten MAX money, not Rashard Lewis.

Most Disappointing Player, Pick a Knicks Player: Exception, David Lee, Nate Robinson, or Renaldo Balkman. Those 3 play hard every night. The rest of them, including the coach, is a the reason why so many people are turned off by the NBA. This team and franchise should be better than this. It is so disappointing to see how far they have fallen since the glory days of Patrick Ewing.

There you have it. I am especially happy for a couple of other players, mostly because of fantasy basketball stuff. I have done pretty well in both leagues thus far. I just hope that it will continue throughout the playoffs. We now return you to your regularly scheduled broadcast.