The NBA season so far

It's been a great season in the NBA so far, with alot of ups and downs and new players to watch. There's been alot of suprising teams that haven't quite been what we expected. First of all

Miami Heat:
The Miami heat had one of the biggest off-seasons in history, snagging Bosh, Lebron, and Wade. With the three of the best players in the NBA you'd think they would be unstoppable. But, they're more like un-scorable. The only games they win are against bad teams, or by slim margins. When up against the bigger names they can't buy a basket. They are sloppy, in-consistent, and turn the ball over way to much. If this team doesn't get their act together soon, I don't think they'll even be able to make it to the Eastern Conference Finals.

San Antonio Spurs:
They're back, and they're fantastic. These are the San Antonio Spurs that won 3 championsips in the 2000's. at 12-1 they are nearly perfect, with their only loss to the New Orleans Hornets, which is nothing to be ashamed of. Tony Parker is back and fast, and has a new jump-shot, Tim Duncan is somehow still doing all the same unbelievable things we could never understand, and Manu Ginobili has saved them from every 4th quarter deficet they've faced this year. With Richard Jefferson and George Hill finishing them out, this team is deep, strong, and ready to make a stab at the Lakers.

Oklahoma City Thunder:
Young. Injured. This is the team I'd expect to see at 7-7 right now, if not worse. This Thunder team amazes me in so many ways, if not for their pure talent then for their determination and drive. They are at 100% every night. At 10-4 this team went from underdog dark horse in the West last year, to a top 5 leader that can take down anyone. Obviously with Kevin Durant you have consistent scoring, but even if he had 0 points they would have a shot, and mostly because of one particular point guard out of UCLA. Russell Westbrook is obviously the team leader here. This guy comes through every night and does everything. He reminds of a Rajon Rondo with a little less pure point guard and a little more scoring savvy. If you have Russell Westbrook on your team, a 10 point lead can be a 5 point lead in your own favor in 4 minutes. Look at the game against the Celtics. No Kevin Durant, No problem. Russell Westbrook showed he can take the reigns and take a team down. Imagine if KD had been in the game. it would've been a 20 point win. They also have a good bench, and surrounding players. If it's not Durant, it's Jeff Green. If it's not Westbrook, it's Maynor, or James Harden. And with Serge Ibaka you have a strong rebounder and inside prescence. This team could sneak into the West Finals in the nest 2 years. Look out L.A!

Now for some picks.

Rookie: Blake Griffin:
This guy is a beast! So athletic, so efficient, and rebounds like crazy; he is easily the favorite right now for rookie of the year. If the clippers were healthy, their 2-13 record would be 6-9 atleast.

Breakout Player: Michael Beasley:
This guy is finally starting to show why he was drafted with Derrick Rose. With scoring ability in bounds and overall game finally improving, he and K-love might be able to get it done for Minnesota now.

Duo: Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry:
These two are explosive scorers who somehow manage to play together. Both wonderful shooters and passers, they know eachother well and are very similar. With David Lee down low, these two could win games just the two of them (+ Lee)

Best Comeback: New Orleans Hornets:
After two years of suprising mediocrity, Chris Paul is back, Emeka Okafor is dominating, and Trevor Ariza is a great player now. It was hard deciding on a best team with the Spurs, Hornets, and Lakers in the mix. These Hornets and going to be a stinging pain this year to play (haha?)

Best Team: Spurs:
Like I said, they're just so balanced and sound. They've already taken down the big teams, and they will obviously be there in the running for a title this year. The Lakers might have the edge against them but I'm ready for blue and yellow to take a break.

Look out L.A., you have competiton! Let's keep it great NBA!

Go DUKE!!

-Evan