We're through three weeks of the NBA season and that means we've got enough basketball behind us to start giving out grades. Here's how the West has played out so far: (Order based on current standings)
San Antonio Spurs (7-1): A+
How do the Spurs keep winning? When will their age catch up to them? I haven't a clue but these Spurs are a special bunch. With only one loss to a great Clipper team, they look legit. Tonight will be quite a test against the resurgent and undefeated Knicks, which will give us a clearer picture of their potential.
Memphis Grizzlies (6-1): A+
One would think that the departure of OJ Mayo and lack of free agent signings would be detrimental to the Grizzlies. However, the Grizzlies keep on rolling and seemingly have grown by subtraction. They've found quality role players in Quincy Pondexter and new addition Jerryd Bayless who looks very impressive. The bigs, Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph, continue to impress and the Grizz keep on winning. There only loss came courtesy of the Clippers, which really is not that bad.
Los Angeles Clippers (6-2): A
Through the first three weeks of the young season the Clippers have looked phenomenal. Beating the Heat and handing the Spurs and Grizzlies their only loss of the season indicates just how far this team has come and will go. Deandre Jordan's improved offense will be a big factor for the solid Clips who are no longer little brother to the Lakers. If they take care of business and continue to beat the teams they should then the sky is the limit, yet they have fallen victim to the Warriors and the Cavs at home, which cannot happen again.
Oklahoma City Thunder (6-3) : A-
The Thunder lost to a so far very impressive Grizzlies team last night, but the departure of James Harden is slowly but surely being felt. Their success will undoubtedly depend on Durant's scoring, Ibaka's growth and Westbrook's efficiency. Kevin Martin has been a bright spot thus far but in order for OKC to reach the finals again their new big 3 (Durant, Westbrook, Ibaka) must shoulder the load.
Minnesota Timberwolves (5-3): A
If there is a team more resilient than this bunch I don't know who it could be. You lose your best player and arguably a top 10 player in the league right before the season, after already being without your starting point guard and still boast a 5-3 record? Wow. This team could be special (by Minnesota standards that is). They surely will make the jump into the postseason this year but may be a year or two away from contention. Just how good these Wolves will be when they're back at full strength has yet to be seen but all basketball fans can't help be happy to see them succeed.
Dallas Mavericks (5-4): B+
Without Dirk, the Mavericks have played some very very good basketball. OJ mayo looks reinvigorated in his new home and Elton brand and Chris kaman look like quality additions. Also, Rick Carlisle has this team playing great team defense which softens the impact of playing without Number 41. The four losses so far are not good but they'll get on the right track once their leader is back.
Denver Nuggets (4-4): B+
The Nuggets are loaded with talent across the board. They epitomize team basketball, which is a reflection of their coach. The only problem facing them currently is gelling and building chemistry. Once they are able to, the sky is the limit. Andre Iguodala has adjusted smoothly and looks to be a leader on an already great team. They play the Heat tonight and a win against them could really get them going in the right direction.
Golden State Warriors (4-4): C
This grade comes in at a C because the Warriors haven't been able to play with perpetually injured former number 1 pick Andrew Bogut enough. Although they have looked impressive at times, they will continue to go as Bogut goes. Only averaging about 19 minutes a game in the 4 games he was able to play this season, Bogut was forced to the sideline with nagging ankle problems. If he is not able to get healthy then the Warriors playoff hopes will be dashed. That said, they are a top 8 team in the west thus far and must be given some credit.
Houston Rockets (4-4): B-
The Rockets had quite a test this week when the defending champion Heat rolled into town. To much surprise, the Rockets played them rather tightly and almost notched out the W. This game gave the Rockets some hope and showcased their potential. Asik, Lin, and Harden look like good acquisitions thus far, but their youth will hinder them ultimately. At the moment the Rockets look very inconsistent but we are only 8 games into the young season.
New Orleans Hornets (3-3): C
The Hornets simply aren't even playing with the right strategy. Incredibly savvy coach Monty Williams seems to have an aversion to starting Most Improved Player Ryan Andersen, so instead he is starting Robin Lopez at the 5, and Anthony Davis at PF. Anthony Davis is what everyone hoped he would be and more and will lead the Hornets to their fair share of wins, but it is clear that Ryan Andersen needs to be a bigger part of this team.
Utah Jazz (4-5): C
The Jazz are in the middle of a challenging road trip, which will tell us a lot more about their make up. They were able to notch out an emotional triple overtime win in Toronto, although it should not have been that challenging. Millsap, Jefferson, and Favors look great but the sad truth is that they cannot play all 3 of them equally. They've had some disappointing losses and played some very good teams pretty well but they still are far too inconsistent.
Phoenix Suns (4-5): C
The suns are the epitome of a team that nobody cares about. They lack a superstar and they lack any sort of excitement. They play a boring brand of basketball and their record reflects it. They will not be able to have any sort of success until they find a new face of their franchise, which could be a while.
Portland Trailblazers (3-5): C
The Blazers are an average team at the present with future potential to one day be great. Damian Lillard looks like he has to be in the conversation for rookie of the year and future leader and Meyers Leonard is a talented 7 footer. Batum and Aldridge continue to impress but in order for this team to take the next step, these two men have to contribute even more. Their defense is still a concern, and surely will hold them back unless it is addressed.
Los Angeles Lakers (3-5): C-
For as much as the Lakers have been through, they have begun to play a decent brand of basketball. This grade may be a bit generous but knowing the Lakers they will rebound from this slow start. My one concern is that the defense will not be good enough because it will not be the focal point of the new D'Antoni run team, but we will have to wait and see. The D'Antoni era begins tomorrow and we are all very eager to see how it unfolds.
Sacramento Kings (2-6): F
The Kings have one of the most talented rosters in terms of potential yet they cannot harness it at all. The team looks like it has no chemistry and is lottery bound once again unless something changes quickly.
-Davis Goldstein
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