Well it's like 6am and I am feeling like a NBA progress report, so here goes.
With just over 50 games played, it's fair to say most teams in the NBA are starting to see where they are going to end up at the end of the season. Some teams have fared better the others in the gelling process, and some teams haven't had one minute of being entirely healthy. Overall I'd say the season to this point has been very enjoyable. It's safe to say this is going to be the first season where I have paid attention throughout the entirety of the season and not just during the start of the playoffs.
I'm going to give each team my own personal grade based on how I feel that team has played up until now. I will start with the team with the best records. Granted, some teams might have little or nothing under there name other then a grade. It all depends how much I care for them.
East
Miami Heat (38-14) - Tied with Boston for the best record in the East - What can I say. Miami has two of the best players on the same team. It hasn't been easy, but Miami is starting to play how everyone feared they would from the get go. Injuries haven't allowed this team many breaks, but the big three have not suffered from too many long term problems. The defense has been impressive as Spoelstra trust Wade and James to float around the court while the remaining three other players play a stiff zone scheme. The Heat are still looking for a win against Boston and Dallas and has yet to play San Antonio, but they have played well against every other opponent. Chris Bosh is the team's anchor right now, and it was apparent how badly the team missed him during his injury absence. Even being a huge Dwayne Wade fan, I would have to admit that Lebron James has been playing at a much higher level as of late and should be in serious discussion about a third MVP regardless of where he took his talents in the summer. Just take a look at Cleveland without him. Miami might share the best record in the East, but I feel they still have not reached their peak as far as potential goes. I will give them a B+ for right now.
Boston Celtics (38-14) - Tied with Miami for the best record in the East - I hate them so much, but they are playing at a high level despite possibly the most setbacks for any competitive team in the league. The injury bug has plagued Boston all season, but it does not show in there overall performance. The new-found big four have been playing well all season, but KG is starting to show signs of decline. Allen, Pierce and Rondo are all playing at a high level. Doc Rivers trust Rondo with the ball. He knows Rondo will not force shots and is always looking for the open man. Ray Allen, well...he got game. His field goal percentages are all up from prior years and he is the one player of the original big three who is not showing any signs of slowing down any time soon. Paul Pierce is still the best fat kid on the court in my eyes. He is douche, but at least he hasn't pretended to get hurt as of late. Amidst all the injuries they have faced, I will give Boston a A- for right now.
Chicago Bulls (35-16) - Derrick Rose is the biggest speed bump blocking Lebron James' third straight MVP award, and he is very much deserving of it. The Bulls have yet to see Rose, Boozer, and Noah on the court at the same time this entire season, yet the Bulls have the third best record in the east. Impressive. Rose just might be a better slasher to the rim then even Dwayne Wade, but we shall see. The Bulls did however beat Miami in their only meeting this season. Also, the only team in the NBA with a perfect record in their own division. I would say this is the scariest team that Miami has to overcome and for that I give them a A as of right now.
Atlanta Hawks (33-19) - Eh, they are a team with a whole bunch of great players. No one on this team is crazy good, but when they are working on all cylinders, this is a fierce team. They just are too up and down for me to give them too high of a praise. C+
Orlando Magic (34-20) - My poor Magic. They weren't playing all too well before the trade, and even after they have yet to find a working rhythm. Gilbert Arenas' play is the talk of many as one of the biggest reasons this trade hasn't worked. Where is the agent zero who used to dominate games? Howard might be the only great big man on the court, but he is still just as dominant. He needs help. C-
New York Knicks (26-25) - Look at that drop off. Eight games separate the 5th and 6th teams in the East. Someone said that NY is back to being a good team, but their record does not show it. The Knicks are the Toronto Raptors of yesteryear. Learn to play some defense. D+
Philadelphia 76ers (24-28) - Losing records go! Not much to say, they are doing ok. C
Indiana Pacers (22-28) - Uh, they beat Miami...once and played them very tough a second time. I guess that's good? They are barely holding onto that elusive eight seed in the East. D+
Charlotte Bobcats (22-30) - They really miss Raymond Felton. It's just not the same ball club with him gone. They need to pick their game up if they want to make it back to the playoffs. D-
Milwaukee Bucks (20-31) - Pedestrian, at best. where's the team that looked so impressive last year? D-
Detroit Pistons (20-33) - Soon to be twenty and thirty-four after Miami gets done with them. Age is a crazy thing, no? D-
New Jersey Nets (16-37) - Nothing good comes from New Jersey. F
Toronto Raptors (14-39) - Hey, at least they won recently! I guess? F+ seems justifiable.
Washington Wizards (14-37) - Work in progress I suppose. D-
Cleveland Cavaliers (8-45) - This
http://www.terezowens.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/cavscover.jpg and also Dan Gilbert is one funny guy. As for a grade...what is worse then a F?
West in a few.
