Vern, you can have both. It's called the playoffs
For the most part I am not surprised with the way the season has played out so far. The NBA is the one sport I follow closely enough to where nothing truly surprises me.
James Harden to the Rockets and his subsequent performance with them is probably my biggest surprise for the season so far. Truthfully I didn't think he had it in him to be a leader, but he clearly has proven me wrong and is out to prove others wrong as well. The fact that Houston got him for an absolute steal surprises me as well, but I guess if you are desperate to dump a player you don't have too many options.
Lakers- Knew they would suck. Dwight Howard wouldn't commit past a year, Steve Nash is on his last legs. Your coach was Mike Brown (who disappointingly has shown he cannot coach some of the supposedly "best" players in the league). I knew D'Antoni would not be much better. He has not been threatening since his days in Phoenix, where he was truly scary. I am sure they will gel sometime but I really don't see this team as championship caliber.
Heat- Not surprised with their struggles either. I am in fact relishing it as all the bandwagoners are baffled. Just goes to show that you can sign all the all-stars you want that doesn't mean you will be a success.
Knicks- More surprised at the birth of Melo as a leader FINALLY. It's only been a decade. As far them winning is concerned, not surprised either, they went out and got pieces necessary to cobble together a high caliber team. Felton is proving he is better than Lin (which you really should not be surprised by). I wouldn't miss Amare either, clearly they are proving how sub-par of a basketball player he truly is. Tyson Chandler was a great pickup for them.
Timberwolves- I had hoped they would prove me wrong with all the acquisitions they were involved in over the summer. I was hoping this time would be different, but I knew that it wouldn't be. It seems that Minnesota likes to trap its Kevins, first Garnett and now Love. No matter who they add, it never seems to help.
Thunder- Harden came off the bench, clearly they wouldn't miss his production so much. They also went out and quietly got some players they were in need, namely a big man. I have been disappointed with Hasheem Thabeet, who I guess will never justify being a No. 2 draft pick.
Mavericks- Pretty much like Minnesota. Clearly Mark Cuban has zero idea what to do in the post-Dirk era. Signing D-Fish was an intriguing move, but they keep adding players and have no idea what to do with them.
Hornets- Re-branding, yeah what do you expect when you have a new owner? That's one of the first things that they do with a struggling franchise. I am surprised given all the hype surrounding Austin Rivers, that he has not lived up to expectations so far. But it's Anthony Davis and his first season so it remains to be seen.
Overall I am pleased with the way my Spurs have played, continuing to prove the naysayers wrong, which I thoroughly enjoy.
