NBA Notes: All-Star Break (Eastern Conference)

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Overview

It is still a two team race with the Indiana Pacers and Miami Heat fighting for the top seed. The Toronto Raptors, Atlanta Hawks, Washington Wizards, and Chicago Bulls have established themselves in the middle of the Conference. The Brooklyn Nets have surged in 2014 to work themselves back into the playoffs. The New York Knicks are hoping to do the same.

 

Race for 1 Seed

 

1. Indiana Pacers (36-10)

 

They have the best defense in the league allowing just 90.6 points per game and the best point differential at +8. It is a recipe for success. While Paul George’s ascension to superstar status has turned a good team into a great team, shooting guard Lance Stephenson’s improvement has also been a big factor. He has progressed into an All-Star caliber player with a great all around game averaging 14.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists. He made a strong case to join George and center Roy Hibbert on the All-Star team but did not make the cut. The Pacers are deep and athletic. Former All-Star Danny Granger has returned. Once he rounds into form, it gives them a great, perimeter scorer off the bench. David West and Luis Scola are very productive big men that combine with George and Hibbert to form the best front court in the NBA. This group got deeper with the signing of free agent Andrew Bynum. The Pacers have great chemistry so there is a chance the malcontent Bynum can ruin it with his antics. However, he is a low risk, high reward player. He does not cost them much so they can easily cut him if he becomes a problem. If he works, he will add another impact player off the bench. The Pacers are young and hungry. Securing the top seed in the East is crucial for them. It will help them in their attempt to make the next step: beating the Miami Heat and advancing to the Finals.

 

2. Miami Heat (33-13)

 

The Heat are cruising and not exerting themselves in the regular season. They know that it is more important to be healthy and playing well going into the playoffs than trying to secure the top seed. I agree with the approach. Specifically, it makes sense that they give Dwayne Wade rest in the regular season and not push him. They need him fresh and at the top of his game in the playoffs. The Heat need Wade against the Pacers and the Western Conference if they are going to win the championship. On the other hand, power forward Chris Bosh has stepped up his game and appears to have figured out how to perfectly complement Lebron James. In addition, keep an eye on Greg Oden in the second half. He is playing limited minutes so far but he has shown some flashes that he can be a productive player. If he can work himself into a player that can contribute 20 productive minutes, it may be the extra firepower the Heat need to get their threepeat. However, they are only giving their B game this year and it is obvious that they are not playing their hardest or best. As a result, they need to be careful that they do not become complacent. It is difficult to have the drive every year that makes a team need, instead of want, to win the Championship every year. The Spurs never repeated under Tim Duncan and Greg Poppovich. The Bulls threepeated twice but Michael Jordan’s competitiveness pushed them. Nevertheless, even Jordan needed a break as he tried to play baseball for a year and a half during the prime of his career. It will be interesting to see if the Heat have the same drive to win it all after winning the last two seasons. However, they still have the advantage of the best player in the game with Lebron James on their side.

 

 The Middle

 

1. Toronto Raptors (25-21)

 

The Raptors are an up and coming team with a budding star. DeMar DeRozan has turned into a star and made the All-Star Team. He does not get as much attention as he should playing in Toronto but he is averaging 21.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. He forms one of the better backcourts in the league with point guard Kyle Lowry. They also have a young, athletic front court. Jonas Valanciunas is a promising center who keeps on improving. Keep an eye on this team in the second half.

 

2. Atlanta Hawks (25-21)

 

The Hawks are a deep and good team. However, they lack the superstar to be a great team. Accordingly, they remain a team stuck in the middle despite revamping their team. They have an excellent 1-2 punch in the front court with Al Horford and Paul Millsap. Jeff Teague is a good point guard.  Nevertheless, they are who they are. They do not have upside as they are as good as they will be.

 

3. Washington Wizards (23-23)

 

The Wizards are another up and coming team. I am very encouraged by what I see from this team. They are deep and have a budding superstar. Point guard John Wall has finally made an All-Star team and is averaging 19.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 8.5 assists, and 1.9 steals. He has the potential to be an elite point guard and player in the league. The Wizards have a good combination of veterans and youth. Nene Hilario has only played in 26 games this season. However, he is the second most important player after Wall. They are a different and much better team when he is on the floor. Definitely keep an eye on his progression in the second half.

 

4. Chicago Bulls (23-23)

 

As a Bulls fan, I agree with the trade of Luol Deng to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Andrew Bynum’s contract to save money and some draft assets. Deng is a pending free agent and they got something for him. Without their franchise player Derrick Rose, they are never going to contend for a championship this season anyway. As a result, it makes sense to get some assets to build for the long term whether or not Rose makes a full recovery. If Rose returns, they can use those assets (to draft or trade for players) and sign a free agent (potentially resigning Deng if nothing better presents itself). If Rose remains out, it is a good indicator that he will never be the same. As such, they can also use the picks to start the rebuilding process. They are in a key point in their franchise and need the flexibility and assets to go in multiple directions. Nevertheless, Tom Thibodeau is a great coach and continues to push the players he does have. Accordingly, it is no surprise that they are still playing hard and in the thick of the playoff picture in the East. Center Joakim Noah made another All-Star team and it is well deserved.

 

New York Returns

 

1. Brooklyn Nets (20-25)

 

Going into the season, I thought the Nets would struggle early to find chemistry but would turn it on as the season progressed. After a dreadful first month, I was not completely shocked and still optimistic. After another poor month in December and the loss of All-Star Center Brook Lopez for the season, I left the Nets for dead and abandoned ship. Naturally, they are now one of the hottest teams in the NBA and played themselves right back into the playoff picture. They are currently in the 7th seed and rising. Joe Johnson is their All-Star Game representative and has stepped up as the go to player on this team. Ever since he has emerged as the clear number 1 option, the Nets have been a lot better. Shaun Livingston is one of the better comeback stories in recent history. He suffered a horrific knee injury early in his career with the Los Angeles Clippers and there was a time when he could have had his leg amputated. Nevertheless, he has persevered and turned himself into an impact player with the Nets. He has taken over the starting point guard job. Deron Williams has graciously gone to the bench to not mess up the chemistry and has made a significant contribution as a 6th man. Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett are a shell of themselves but they have turned up their game and add great leadership. Without Brook Lopez, they are not a real threat in the East. However, they will definitely be a tough out as they continue to improve.

 

2. New York Knicks (19-28)

 

In a weak Eastern Conference, they are only 1 game out of a playoff spot. Carmelo Anthony’s 62 point game against the Charlotte Bobcats was an amazing performance. It remains to be seen whether it is enough to jump start the Knicks season. At the very least, Carmelo’s outburst has kept the Knicks relevant. They are a flawed team comprised of talented players that just do not fit together. They have too many shooters that cannot make plays for their teammates. They are desperately in need of a point guard. Carmelo Anthony is their All-Star and one of the elite scorers in the league. Knicks fans like to say that they cannot build a Championship team around him. However, this team is not built well around him. I would like to see him with a very good point guard and another All-Star. Obviously, Lebron James is a much better all around player. However, he did not win a Championship either without Wade and Bosh.

 

Mess in Cleveland

 

Cleveland Cavaliers (16-31)

 

The Cavaliers had high hopes heading into this season. They had promising, young players and made a big move signing former All-Star center Andrew Bynum. They had hoped to make a step forward and be attractive for Lebron James to return to Cleveland. Unfortunately, the season could not have gone worse for them. Andrew Bynum disrupted their team and they traded him for Luol Deng. However, Deng’s experience, professionalism, and toughness have not been enough to clean up the mess. 1st overall pick Anthony Bennett has been a bust so far and some critics are already calling the worst first overall pick in history. In addition, there are already rumors that budding superstar Kyrie Irving is fed up with the situation and looking forward to leaving Cleveland when he hits free agency. Instead of being in position to lure Lebron James back, they are closer to losing another star.

 

All-Star Team

 

I am fine with the team selected. Dwayne Wade, Kyrie Irving, Lebron James, Paul George, and Carmelo Anthony are solid starters. All the reserves earned it: Joakim Noah, Roy Hibbert, Chris Bosh, Paul Millsap, John Wall, Joe Johnson, DeMar Derozan. Lance Stephenson of the Pacers deserves a spot and has been vocal about being a snub for team. However, there is no one he should clearly replace from the roster.

Pat Wong

About Pat Wong

Patrick is a contributor for Rookerville. He is an avid sports fan. Before joining Rookerville, he was part of a defunct New York Yankees message board, NYYankeefans, where he was its top poster and was inducted in its Hall of Fame for his contributions. Patrick is also a passionate fan of movies. He has enjoyed reading movie reviews over the years and is excited about the opportunity to review movies.

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