Flamin' 5ive - Early Season Hot Topics

Riot wrote:This early in the season, it is usually difficult to pinpoint which division is the strongest-- but I think it is pretty clear that the Northwest Division is just that. Going into the year, I'm not sure anyone would have predicted that Portland and Oklahoma City would be at the the bottom of the division, looking up to the likes of Utah and Denver, but that is currently the case. Although, I expect the rankings of these teams to shuffle around A LOT before the season is over, I think that they will be the conference that boasts the best teams from top to bottom when all is said and done. Between, Lillard and George and Love and Favors and Holiday, this should be a fun group to watch as the season progresses.

Riot wrote:One of the biggest off-season trades was one that sent Ricky Rubio to the Big Apple-- and boy has he made Jamal look like a genius thus far. Rubio has been on an absolute tear, breaking the single game assist record twice this year (22 vs. Minnesota, 27 vs. Milwaukee) and emerging as the Knicks' "it" guy and the engine that makes them go. He has thrust himself into the thick of early MVP talks, and rightfully so, there are only a handful of arguments to be made with regard to who has played better to this juncture. I am very excited to see if he is able to maintain this level of stellar play through the season and into the post-season. You have to think Chris Bosh is a happy camper, as Ricky has made life much easier for him so far. Although Minnesota is off to a decent start this year, one has to wonder whether or not they regret parting ways with La Pistola.

Riot wrote:Whether or not this was a big surprise to anyone is debatable, but the magnitude of failure is pretty noteworthy in Toronto and Phoenix. They are the only two remaining winless teams in CSL, and there seems to be little to no signs of things improving anytime soon. Toronto is scoring a measly 86.8 points per game, while giving up a rather high 105.8 points per game, and Phoenix is at a nearly identical 87.5 PPG while giving up an astounding 109.1 PPG. With averages like that, these teams will surely have a hard time winning any games this year. It will be interesting to see whether or not these teams embrace the tank or try to make changes in order to improve.

Riot wrote:The defending champs, after a change in management and some roster tinkering, are off to a 6-7 start-- dropping their last 4 in a row. This team relies almost solely on Durant outscoring opponents, which has worked  nicely in the past, but now seems to be a troubling strategy. This team is among the highest scoring teams in the league, at 109.7 PPG, but they straight up do not play defense, as they give up a terribad 114.1 PPG. I think some strategy changes need to be made to right the ship for the Heat, but I do not envy that job right now, as the pressure is at the highest it has ever been in years in South Beach. Keep an eye on them to see if they can figure things out.

Riot wrote:While it is no secret that Harden and the Rockets have emerged as real contenders for the 'Ship, it is still amazing to me that Harden has risen to the top this quickly. The guy has surpassed Durant as the scoring leader (so far), hanging up a league best and absurd 38.8 PPG and has his team sitting at an impressive 10-4 record. Hats off to Willy for creating a perfect environment to allow Harden to truly reach his potential as a scorer. In a league riddled with ridiculous superstar talent, Harden is the star that is shining the brightest, which has him atop of the MVP Race lists so far this year. Can he really maintain this straight up stupid stat line? I honestly expect him to, but will be paying close attention nonetheless.