NBA Mid-Season Grades
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- Created on Monday, 31 January 2011 19:32
- Written by Pat
NBA Mid-Season grades and individual team MVP’sCurrent Eastern Conference Playoff Teams
Boston Celtics : A 1st Half MVP: Paul Pierce
- The veteran Celtics are again proving why they are the favorite to win the Eastern conference in 2011. They have battled through numerous injuries (Garnett, Perkins, Rondo, O’Neal) yet hold a 3 game lead over the Heat for the best record in the conference. Their team depth allows Doc Rivers to manage his veterans minutes while holding on to the top spot and potential home court advantage throughout the playoffs.
Miami Heat: B+ 1st Half MVP: LeBron James
- Tough to give the Miami Heat an A without them being first in the standings, but Miami did have the best stretch of any team this season. The main difference between this team and the team they are trailing in the standings is the depth. Expect to see the big 3 used in a similar fashion to the way the Celtics used their all stars last season, rest up for the playoffs.
Chicago Bulls: A 1st Half MVP: Derrick Rose
- All things considered, the Bulls may be playing the best basketball in the league. Tom Thibodeau has done an excellent job preaching defense to his Bulls squad, and it’s showing as they are 3rd in the league in points against. Expect this team to make a strong run at the top seed in the Eastern conference once they finally get everyone on the court together.
Orlando Magic: B+ 1st Half MVP: Dwight Howard
- The Magic have had a very interesting season to say the least. They started as strong contenders in the East, and after an inconsistent start to the season they decided to make a huge overhaul which has so far proven to have a positive impact. Dwight Howard is playing at a MVP level, and their bench play has been a real shot in the arm all season.
Atlanta Hawks: B 1st Half MVP: Al Horford
- If it weren’t for a strong 12-5 push over the past 17 games, the Atlanta Hawks would be looking at our first C in the midseason reports. This team has talent, but they don’t appear to have enough to upset any of the top 4 in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Atlanta could be a team that may shake things up a bit before the trade deadline, such as moving Jamal Crawford’s $10 million expiring contract.
New York Knicks: B 1st Half MVP: Amare Stoudemire
- The Knicks get a B not necessarily for their record, but more for their turnaround since last season. Amare Stoudemire has come into NY and convinced his teammates that they can win and they have all bought into it. The Knicks are not a contender as constructed, but we all know that Carmelo Anthony would love to join Amare in the Big Apple. If that happens before the trade deadline they become a very dangerous middle seed in the East.
Philadelphia 76ers: C+ 1st Half MVP: Jrue Holiday
- Here is where the Eastern Conference gets real ugly. The 76ers are 5 games below .500, yet they presently hold on to the 7th seed in the playoffs. The 76ers could also shake things up by trading Andre Iguodala before the break, and look to rebuild around their young point guard. Although Iguodala has a big contract, he could be attractive to a contender.
Charlotte Bobcats: C+ 1st Half MVP: Gerald Wallace
- Not that I have watched many Bobcats games this year, but if I were a betting man I would have a hard time not putting down heavy money that they will be swept in the first round of the playoffs if they can hold on to the final spot.
The Rest
Milwaukee Bucks: C- 1st Half MVP: Andrew Bogut
- If they could score some points (30th in the league) they would easily be sitting in the 7th spot in the East right now.
Indiana Pacers: C 1st Half MVP: Danny Granger
- They are continuously in the worst spot in basketball, not good enough to make the playoffs, but not bad enough to win the lottery.
Detroit Pistons: C- 1st Half MVP: Richard Hamilton
- I have zero idea what this team is doing. I picked Richard Hamilton as the first half MVP because at least he is relevant enough to be mentioned in a potential trade without even playing.
New Jersey Nets: C 1st Half MVP: Kris Humphries
- As a Nets fan, I’m happy the Carmelo drama is over and this team has finally instilled confidence in the young guys to just go out and play. They have already eclipsed last seasons win total #embarrassing.
Washington Wizards: C- 1st Half MVP: John Wall
- Will the Wizards win a road game this year? John Wall has been impressive, the rest of the team not so much.
Toronto Raptors: D 1st Half MVP: Andrea Bargnani
- This team is so bad I almost named DeMar DeRozan as the first half MVP just for being selected as an alternate for the Dunk Contest.
Cleveland Cavaliers: F 1st Half MVP: Mo Williams
- Mo Williams gets the MVP for the Cavs because he played out LeBron James at half court when “King” James returned to Cleveland.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bO2veVXEXM
Current Western Conference Playoff Teams
San Antonio Spurs: A 1st Half MVP: Manu Ginobili
- The Spurs are off to the best start in franchise history, and they aren’t doing it in vintage Spurs fashion. Gregg Popovich has his team playing a more fast paced offensive style of basketball and it seems to fit quite well with their personnel. Their balanced attack allows them to keep stressful minutes off of their veterans legs.
Los Angeles Lakers: B+ 1st Half MVP: Lamar Odom
- Aside from two small skids toward the end of November and December, the Lakers are proving again to be one of the elite teams in the Western Conference (as expected). Lamar Odom gets the MVP vote from me because he has been the glue that held this team together, especially throughout the Bynum injury.
New Orleans Hornets: A 1st Half MVP: Chris Paul
- They get an A because they have once again exceeded expectations this season. I guess we really shouldn’t be surprised in their improvement since they got their all NBA point guard back, but I did not expect the Hornets to be a top seed in the playoffs at the half way point. Imagine what Chris Paul could do with some all-stars around him.
Oklahoma City Thunder: B+ 1st Half MVP: Kevin Durant
- Although Kevin Durant has been the 1st Half MVP, it’s Russell Westbrook that makes this team a real contender in the Western Conference. The Durant-Westbrook duo will be a handful for any team in a 7 game playoff series, and it would not surprise me to see them make a deep run in the playoffs. Also, can’t wait to see Serge Ibaka in the dunk contest (just kidding – who cares).
Dallas Mavericks: B 1st Half MVP: Dirk Nowitzki
- If you have read any of my power rankings posts, you know that I was very high on Dallas since day 1 of this season. Well, I’ll take the blame for their recent demise. Since I am the ultimate sports mush, there is no other explanation as to why this team is falling apart other than me pulling for them. Believe me, it has less to do with losing Caron Butler for the season than it does me picking them to challenge the Lakers for the Western Conference title.
Denver Nuggets: B 1st Half LVP: Denver’s front office
- I’m pretty confident that this team would have 4-5 more wins if the organization could discuss the Carmelo situation without the entire world knowing what’s going on. If Nuggets management doesn’t figure out what they want for Carmelo, it’s going to be a LeBron James/Chris Bosh situation in Denver. The organization is assisting the fans in turning against their best player.
Utah Jazz: B- 1st Half MVP: Deron Williams
- Early in the season it looked like Utah was going to be the comeback kids all season, but as of late their comebacks have been falling short more often than not. They have the size to compete in the West, but will need another scorer on the wing if they want to give themselves a good shot at making a run.
Portland Trailblazers: B 1st Half MVP: LaMarcus Aldridge
- The Trailblazers have been derailed by injuries, and it appears it may not be only for this season. Brandon Roy has career threatening knee injuries to go along with a franchise crippling contract, and #1 overall pick Greg Oden hasn’t played a meaningful minute in his young career. The future may be going from bright to night real fast in Portland. All things considered, they hold a 3 game cushion on the 8th seed.
The Rest
Memphis Grizzlies: C+ 1st Half MVP: Zach Randolph
- A lot of young talent on this roster. They have good guard play and solid post players that could lead to a push for the last playoff spot.
Houston Rockets: C+ 1st Half MVP: Kevin Martin
- Kevin Martin is the best scorer in the NBA that nobody knows about. Wouldn’t be surprised to see the Rockets take a chance on renting Carmelo if the long term options fall apart for the Nuggets.
Phoenix Suns: C 1st Half MVP: Steve Nash
- I wish the Suns fans would understand if the organization did the right thing and sent Steve Nash to a contender to make one last run at a title.
Golden State Warriors: C- 1st Half MVP: Monta Ellis
- The stats never change for the Bay Bombers, 9th in the league in points scored, 28th in the league in points against.
Los Angeles Clippers: D+ 1st Half MVP: Blake Griffin
- Bill Simmons said it best, they should just change their name to the LA Blakers.
Sacramento Kings: F 1st Half MVP: Tyreke Evans
- Something tells me that even with the young core of Evans and Cousins this team won’t be good for awhile.
Minnesota Timberwolves: F 1st Half MVP: Kevin Love
- Can someone teach this team how to not blow 4th quarter leads. Hopefully they still stink when Kevin Love becomes a free agent.
