Quick Thoughts

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1.  Harden Times: I’ve been away from hoops for a while, unfortunately, but this seems like the perfect time to return.  The season is starting, which is good news in itself, and a lot is also going on, most notably, the trade of James Harden to Houston.  What to make of this move?  Bill Simmons wrote a column taking OKC apart for the trade as a missed opportunity to nurture that third star that most title teams have.  I don’t necessarily think that Simmons is wrong but the decision is not quite … [Read more...] about Quick Thoughts

NBA 2013 Preview: Eastern Conference

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In the post-Jordan Bulls NBA the East has been inferior to the West. That will continue this season and into the foreseeable future. The West is full of smart, creative GMs who can quickly make a bad team good. The East roster of GMs is full of guys in their 2nd or 3rd stints in the job. They are often ex-players who have experienced more failures than successes in their executive careers. They continue to draft and trade their teams into the lottery and hope for a big score there. They’re the … [Read more...] about NBA 2013 Preview: Eastern Conference

NBA 2013 Preview: Western Conference

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I had my Western Conference preview all set. Things were pretty simple and easy to predict. I had the Thunder winning the West and starting a dynasty. It made sense. They were a super-talented, well-coached team with smart management. Then the trade happened.  Suddenly the West is wide open. More analysis on the trade in the Rockets and Thunders blurbs below. As for the West, it’s incredibly competitive this year. The reason for this is all the smart, creative front offices are in the West. … [Read more...] about NBA 2013 Preview: Western Conference

NBA 2013 Preview: Most Improved Player

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The MIP should be one of the more intriguing award competitions to watch in 2013. Before the talent drought that plagued the NBA drafts of 2011 and 2012, the drafts of 2009 and 2010 were both deep with solid NBA prospects. Those players are ready to make an impact in 2013. That should not only make for a very entertaining season, but a lot of good Most Improved Player candidates. The profile for the winner of the Most Improved Player award is as follows: A young player who playing is in his … [Read more...] about NBA 2013 Preview: Most Improved Player

NBA 2013 Preview: Who Will Win the ROY?

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The 2013 rookie class looks weak to me. Anthony Davis is the only sure thing in the group and that makes him an easy top choice. I mention other players as rookies to watch. Some will probably go on to have solid careers, but Anthony Davis is the story of the 2012 draft and the rookie class of 2013. I doubt many other 2013 rookies will make much of a ripple in the league. Just because Davis is something close to a lock to win the ROY, doesn’t mean there aren’t several other intriguing rookies … [Read more...] about NBA 2013 Preview: Who Will Win the ROY?

NBA 2013 Preview: The MVP Race

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The MVP award is as much about team success as it is about individual success. To win the award it is imperative that a candidate pile up impressive stats. But those stats mean little if his team is perceived to have underachieved by the voters. More often than not the MVP goes to a player whose team is a top seed or has experienced improvement. In grading the MVP candidates for 2013, I look first for players who are the best of the best. I’m talking about the elite, the superstars, etc. Next … [Read more...] about NBA 2013 Preview: The MVP Race

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