As the All-Star Weekend looms, you will see plenty of reviews of the season so far... philadelphia, 76ersSo, I thought I should do one. With each team comes a grade and an MVP.
Philadelphia 76ers
Grade : F - Where did it all go wrong ? The 76ers started the season 3-0, beating Miami in the process. Now, they have the worst defence in the league, a point that has been highlighted by two 40 point blowouts in the past week. They look like they're desperately trying to tank. With Nerlens Noel returning next season, and probably a high draft pick coming their way, the 76ers' future looks a bit brighter.
MVP: Michael Carter Williams - Although Evan Turner gets an honourable mention for his career best season, it's the the 11th pick in the 2013 draft has impressed pundits and fans. It's probably too early to say he could lead the Sixers to another Allen Iverson era, but the 'Rookie of the Year' award is certainly achievable for this point guard out of Syracuse.
Charlotte Bobcats
Grade : B - The Bobcats are currently occupying the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference, no mean feat considering teams like the Pistons, Knicks and Cavaliers (who have arguably assembled better squads) are currently missing out Most people would've missed them off their initial predictions, so it's looking good for Charlotte.
MVP : Al Jefferson - This guy is currently averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds in every game, a stat line that very few people in the league can match, yet he gets none of the headlines. This is possibly to do with Charlotte's 22-29 record this year, but regardless, Jefferson has been playing superbly.
Milwaukee Bucks
Grade : F - They have a 9-43 record. Need I say more ?
MVP: John Henson - With players such as Larry Sanders and O.J Mayo not having their greatest seasons, it has given a chance for someone else to shine in Milwaukee. Unfortunately, the Bucks have only won 9 games this season, making it difficult to pick their best player. Henson is the best of a bad bunch, and the rookie gives some hope for fans in the future.
Chicago Bulls
Grade : B - No Rose. No Deng. No problem. Well, they currently have an unexpected .500 record and are occupying a very good 4th seed. If only D-Rose could have stayed fit, then they probably would have been challenged for the top seed. Well done to Tom Thibodeau for making the best of a bad bunch.
MVP: Joakim Noah - If you asked anybody before the season who their pick for Bulls MVP was, they probably would have answered with Derrick Rose. However, yet another injury to the dynamic point guard has propelled Joakim Noah into the spotlight (again). This, paired with Luol Deng's move away to the Cavs (which has affected Noah) means that the centre is pivotal to Chicago's chances of making the play-offs.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Grade : D - It's a case of "must try harder" out in Cleveland. They have all the talent, with starters Kyrie and Luol Deng and Jarrett Jack coming off the bench, so where's it all going wrong ? There's rumours of players walking out of training, Mike Brown not having control over his roster. Whatever is going out there, it needs to stop if they're going to have any chances of making the post-season.
MVP: Kyrie Irving - Let's face it, Kyrie is not having a good season, but then again, neither are any of the Cavaliers. I picked them as a dark horse to achieve something substantial this season, and they have let me down completely, with an appalling 18-33 record. Irving is still averaging 20 points and 6 assists a game, enough to put him in the All-Star game.
Boston Celtics
Grade : D - But it's an expected low grade for Boston. Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Doc Rivers all left in the pre-season, whilst Rajon Rondo has been injured for half the season. The Celtics could potentially have 9 first-round draft picks in the next 5 years. Now that, is what you call re-building.
MVP:Jeff Green - Although the numbers point to sophomore Jared Sullinger (just), I feel that Green has had a bigger role in helping the Celtics through a period without Pierce, Garnett, Rivers and Rondo. He is a leader to younger players and has had a big effect in a few games (game-winner against the Heat comes to mind). Now that Rondo has returned, don't be surprised to see the point guard return to the top of the Celtics' top players.
Los Angeles Clippers
Grade : B - I had my doubts about the Clippers at the beginning of the season. Is Blake Griffin the real deal ? Just what is so good about DeAndre Jordan ? Can they shoot a ball, or is it dunks only out there ? But they have proved me wrong (well, I still don't like Jordan). They are turning into genuine contenders for the Western Conference top spot, and with Chris Paul returning, it can only get better.
MVP: Blake Griffin - Yes, Chris Paul is brilliant and, yes, he is the best point guard in the NBA currently, but he has been injured for a month. And during that period, people predicted that the Clippers would go off the rails. But, Blake kept them as strong contenders in the West. When it gets to the end of the season, Paul's month out may not affect people's views, but for now, Griffin is the man of the moment.
Memphis Grizzlies
Grade :C - Currently 1.5 games off a play-off spot, the Grizzlies are having a better season than many predicted. There's not much to say about their offence, apart from it's been poor... very poor. It's their defence that is keeping them in contention for the post-season. It's the third best in the league, and that's without their defensive rock, Marc Gasol.
MVP: Mike Conley - Only just though. Zach Randolph has had a good season, but with him rumoured to be on the trading block, I thought I'd give it to the Ohio State guard. Conley isn't having the greatest season of his career (statistically, anyway), but it's still enough to make him his team's best player, mainly due to Marc Gasol's absence.
Atlanta Hawks
Grade : C - Yes, they are currently sitting in the 5th seed, but they have a sub .500 record (just), so it's a bit hard to grade them. A 'C' grade is probably a bit low considering they're over-achieving on their targets, but the East is so poor this year, their position just pale into insignificance.
MVP: Paul Millsap - Millsap was selected for his first All-Star appearance this year and it's not hard to see why. Not only has he led the Hawks to nearly .500 and a playoff place in the Eastern Conference so far, and he's done it without Al Horford for half of the season. His FG% is down, but this is due to the fact that he takes more shots.
Miami Heat
Grade : A - They're only second in the East (shock, horror, etc) but they still look like serious contenders for their third straight title. If LeBron is only in third gear, teams must fear what the Heat can do later in the season. I still think they'll win the Eastern Conference, the Pacers will run them close though.
MVP: LeBron James - Is he coasting ? Is he even bothered about the regular season ? Why won't he appear in a dunk contest ? Despite all these questions, one thing is undisputed. He is one of the greatest in the game right now (I wouldn't go as far as saying all-time... yet). He may be "coasting" but the man is still averaging 26 points a game. If that's taking it easy, what will he be like when he gets to the play-offs (which actually "matter").
Utah Jazz
Grade : F - The Jazz are having a bad season, but have been improving after starting the season with a 1-16 record. Rookie Trey Burke has played the point guard role efficiently and Gordon Hayward has impressed again this season.
MVP:Gordon Hayward - Trey Burke would've been in with a shout of this award had he not missed the opening 10 or so games at the beginning of the season. So, instead, it goes to Gordon Hayward. To be honest, it's a coin-toss between him and Derrick Favors. Hayward edges just because he had to deal with John Lucas III for Burke's absence.
Sacramento Kings
Grade : F - They're the worst team in the Western Conference, yet they have DeMarcus Cousins, Rudy Gay and Isaiah Thomas ? That has to go down as a definite F in my book. They have no hope of making the play-offs now, so they're just making up the numbers until next season.
MVP:DeMarcus Cousins - Was it ever going to be anyone else ? Despite being a bit, erm, unlovable shall we say, in his antics, you can't argue with him on court. He's part of the 20-10 club, and definitely one of the biggest snubs for the All-Star game (he probably lost out due to the fact he's not exactly a "fan favourite"). Shaq's teaching has served Boogie well.
New York Knicks
Grade : D - After an awful start to the season in 2013, the Knicks looked like they were back in form in January. However, in February, they have only won one game out of a possible 6, including embarrassing losses to conference-worst teams Sacramento and Milwaukee. Don't be surprised if you don't see the Knicks in the play-offs this year.
MVP:Carmelo Anthony - Another obvious pick really. New York has had a disappointing season, and Melo has been the only stand out player... Well apart from J.R Smith but he stands out for different reasons. If Anthony does leave in Free Agency (an ever-growing probability), then I see the Knicks struggling in the future, but until then, he will try his best to keep his team in play-off contention.
Los Angeles Lakers
Grade : F - Yes, they've had a ton of injuries to their stars. And yes, they have probably one of their worst squads ever, but the Lakers still suck this year. Their main problem has been consistency. One minute, they're pushing the Heat for the win, the next they're losing at home to the Jazz. Only winning 2 from the past 12 hasn't helped either.
MVP:Pau Gasol - This was a tough decision as none of the Lakers roster has been consistent enough to be considered as having a good season. Kobe and Steve Nash have been injured, Jordan Hill, Xavier Henry and Kendall Marshall have all had flares of brilliance, but have been lukewarm for the most part. Gasol has probably been their best player, yet he's received plenty of criticism and is rumoured to be on the brink of being traded, so what do I know ?
Orlando Magic
Grade : D - Another poor season out in Orlando who still haven't really recovered from Dwight Howard leaving in 2012. Nikola Vucevic showed some signs of being up to the job of trying to replace him, but his concussion left the Magic without a natural center. In my opinion, they just have too many average players.
MVP:Arron Afflalo - Vucevic had a serious claim to this title, but his injury derailed his chances. Arron Afflalo has had his minutes increased by the Magic coaching staff, and the shooting guard out of UCLA hasn't let them down, increasing his stats proportionally.
Dallas Mavericks
Grade :B - The Mavericks have very quietly sneaked into the 6th seed in the West. Monta Ellis and Dirk have been the main reasons for that, but when you look at the situation out in Dallas, they have a good squad. If you've got experienced players like Vince Carter and Devin Harris coming off the bench, then you always have the chance of having a good season.
MVP:Dirk Nowitzki - The experienced German is having yet another fantastic season at the top of his game. He's effective inside and out and a whole bunch of other cliches that you've already heard about his talents. Dirk's still averaging 35 minutes a game, despite turning 35 in the off-season. Long may his reign continue
Brooklyn Nets
Grade : C - The Nets have had a season very like they're east coast rivals New York. They also started very poorly, and are now bringing it back. The Nets have been more successful though, and are currently occupying a play-off berth. Not a bad first season as Head Coach for Jason Kidd, but it could have been so much better.
MVP:Joe Johnson -Johnson was a surprise pick for the All-Star game, especially when you look at his stats and compare them to say, Lance Stephenson. They're not mind-blowing but he's been the top dog in Brooklyn, especially with Deron Williams' injury and the Pierce and Garnett trade not working as well as planned. Bit of another "best of a bad bunch" situation out in Brooklyn.
Denver Nuggets
Grade : C - When JaVale McGee fractured his leg 5 games into the season, two sets of fans were upset. The Nuggets fan base, as they had lost their first choice center, and Shaqtin' a Fool fans, who now have a lot less funny clips to laugh at. J.J Hickson and Timofey Mozgov have been okay replacements, but not enough to turn the Nuggets into serious contenders.
MVP: Ty Lawson - I didn't realise just how well Ty Lawson was playing until I looked at his stats. The diminutive point guard is averaging 18 points and 8 assists a game, making him one of the most effective point guards in the league. Denver will be hoping that his rib fracture is healed as quickly as possible.
Indiana Pacers
Grade : A+ - The Indiana Pacers have surprised everyone by surpassing the Heat as the top dog in the Eastern Conference. Although I wonder how they're gonna stay there for the rest of the season, they have certainly impressed with the best defence in the league. Can they win it all ? You certainly can't rule them out.
MVP: Paul George- Despite Roy Hibbert being a Defensive Player of the Year contender, and Lance Stephenson putting up great numbers, you can't argue with the superstar status Paul George has acquired over the past year. In the 2013 All-Star voting process, George didn't even feature in the top 15 East guards, meaning he garnered last then 90,000 votes. This year he got 1.2 million. If this stratospheric rise is a sign of things to come, the NBA has a new hero.
New Orleans Pelicans
Grade :D - The Pelicans came into the season with hope that a new franchise and a new arena would help them towards the playoffs. However, injuries to Anthony Davis and Ryan Anderson have halted that dream for yet another year. They're probably too far behind the 8th seed to make a serious bid for the playoffs.
MVP:Anthony Davis - 2012's number 1 pick missed the back end of last season due to a knee injury. However, he looks to be back to full health - barring his broken hand - this season. He's in the 20 points, 10 rebounds club and is also averaging 3 blocks a game. I'm calling it now that this guy could be a Hall of Fame'r in years to come.
Detroit Pistons
Grade : C - The Pistons recently fired head coach Mo Cheeks because there "record does not reflect our talent". I have to agree, but I'm not sure if firing Cheeks was a good idea. Detroit are still in contention for the playoffs and there are a lot of teams in worse situations who have stuck by their coaching staff. Anyway, I predict they'll make it into the playoffs.
MVP: Andre Drummond - Another big man having a good season, Drummond is expanding on an impressive rookie season where he averaged a double double per game. He seems to be stuck in a team with under-achievers (*cough* J-Smoove) but his ability to impress through that just highlights his talents.
Toronto Raptors
Grade : A - Currently sitting pretty in the 3rd seed, and leading the Atlantic division ahead of team like the Nets and Knicks, the Raptors are doing quite the opposite of the tanking they were predicted to be doing this year. It seems to me that no-one is a massive star in Toronto, which helps the team's morale.
MVP: DeMar DeRozan (Just) - This was probably the hardest decision I had to make in the whole post. Kyle Lowry is having a very good season, averaging 17 points and 7.6 assists a game, but the fact that DeRozan was picked for his first All-Star appearance has just nudged it in his favour.
Houston Rockets
Grade : A - There were worries at the beginning of the season about whether James Harden and Dwight Howard would click, after Dwight's troublesome season with the Lakers. These critics shouldn't have feared. The two All-Stars have worked together brilliantly and the rest of the team has fitted around them perfectly.
MVP:James Harden - One half of the most efficient pick and roll teams in the NBA and the owner of the best beard in the league, the shooting guard out of Arizona State is having his best season yet. An All-Star selection, 24 points a game, and 5 assists, shows why he is a class act, and one of the NBA's biggest stars.
San Antonio Spurs
Grade :A - The evergreen Spurs are near the top of the Western Conference. Again. They're leading their division. Again.
Veterans like Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili are proving those who say "they're too old" wrong. Again.
I could insert any season review for the Spurs from the past 5 years, and it would still be relevant.
MVP:Tim Duncan - Timmy D has been in the league for 16 years now, and shows little, or no, signs of slowing down. He's back to averaging a double-double, which harks back to his early years, when he managed it 13 seasons in a row. With the experience of Tim, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker, and head coach Gregg Popovich, you can never rule the Spurs out.
Phoenix Suns
Grade :B - Most pundits thought that the Suns were going to have a horrible season, most saying they would finish at the bottom of the Western Conference. Yet Phoenix are currently 7th. This is part due to head coach Jeff Hornacek having a fantastic first full season in charge, but it is mainly down to players like Goran Dragic, Eric Bledsoe and Gerald Green having career best seasons. All three are in the running for the "Most Improved Player" award.
MVP:Goran Dragic - Yugoslavian born Goran Dragic is one of my favourite point guards in the league at the minute (I know he's classed as a shooting guard but he plays the 1 spot for the Suns). He's effective at both ends of the court, and has nearly doubled the amount of points he scores per game. An All-Star spot must be calling at some time, surely ?
Oklahoma City Thunder
Grade :A+ - Top of the Western Conference by 4 games, having the current scoring leader and MVP on your side, and all this without your starting point guard ? Things are looking pretty rosy down in Oklahoma.
MVP: Kevin Durant- Not only the Thunder MVP, Kevin Durant is my MVP of the season so far. His shooting form is sublime, his passing and rebounding have been very good and he has lead his team to the best record in the West. I mean, he has averaged 31 points a game, and has just come off a run of 12 games, scoring 30+ points. He's also done all this without Russell Westbrook, proving once and for all, that the Durantula is a stand alone superstar.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Grade :D - The only reason this grade is as high as it is, is because of Kevin Love. Once you take him out of the equation, the Timberwolves aren't left with much of a team. If he does trade himself away in this off-season, Minnesota could seriously struggle without him.
MVP:Kevin Love - He started off like a genuine MVP contender at the beginning of the season, but a few poor games, and the fact that he plays for the T'Wolves meant that bid has slowed down. However, he is still scoring like there's no tomorrow, and if he gets a trade to a more competitive team, we could see the 25 year old as a future MVP contender.
Portland Trail Blazers
Grade : A - Portland came out nowhere this season, and elevated to the heights of the Western Conference. Their form has slipped a bit recently, but they are still joint third in their tough conference. Head Coach Terry Stotts must be in the running for Coach of the Year.
MVP:LaMarcus Aldridge - Props to Damian Lillard, I'm glad he made the All-Star team, but you have to give the MVP nod to big man LaMarcus Aldridge. He has seemed unstoppable this season and has been the key part in Portland's blazing (har de har) rise to the top. I look forward to watching him in the All-Star game, and the remainder of the season.
Golden State Warriors
Grade :C - With the talent the Warriors have on their roster, they should be doing better than the 8th seed in the West. They're also 3rd in their division, behind the Phoenix Suns. Luckily, they have a relatively young team who can expand in the next few seasons.
MVP:Stephen Curry - The NBA leader in assists per game. Scoring 24.6 points a game. People saying he is included in one of best shooting partnerships of all time ("The Splash Brothers", joining with Klay Thompson). Could it get better for Stephen Curry ? This kid has a bright future ahead of him, and has improved so much already in his short professional career.
Washington Wizards
Grade : C - Another team making the East playoffs with a sub .500 record, Washington also benefits from the Eastern conference being appalling this year. The Wizards' backcourt duo of John Wall and Bradley Beal offers promise for the future, whilst Marcin Gortat is still solid at the center position.
MVP:John Wall - John Wall has possibly been the only reason that Washington are in the play-offs (it's also due to some team massively under performing, looking at you New York and Cleveland). Wall has been good offensively, and his defence has impressed as well. He has the highest blocks per game average for point guards.
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