The 2013-2014 NBA season is moving along. There have been some surprises and some busts. As the season has progressed, we are able to develop a more sound understanding for each franchise and the players that make up each team.
Wondering which players and teams you should invest in? Here’s a look.
KENDRICK PERKINS IS TRADED
Buy Or Sell: Buy
To be honest, the Thunder do not use Kendrick Perkins that much anymore. For instance, last season he averaged 25.1 minutes player per game. This season, he is averaged 18.3 minutes played per game. When looking at his numbers, Perkins has been unproductive for the Thunder, in his four seasons with OKC; Perkins has averaged 4.6PPG and 6.3RPG.
Now, I’m not trying to say Perkins is a bad player. I understand his most important factor is his defensive presence on the court but Perkins time in Oklahoma City is running out. The Thunder’s most recent draft pick, Steven Adams, is currently turning heads. Adams is currently playing 20 minutes per game, off the bench. He is averaging 6.0PPG, 6.0RPG and 1.3BLKSPG. He is young but his production is up there with Perkins. The difference between these two currently, Adams has had a major contributing game this season. When the Thunder beat the Detroit Pistons, Adams had 17PTS, 10REBS, 3ASTS, 3BLKS and 1STL. That is an impressive stat line for a rookie center, especially against a big team.
Trade rumors first circulated during the 2013 NBA Draft when the Thunder reportedly tried to trade Perkins and their two picks (No. 12 and No.29) for a top five pick, but got made no deals. This year, Steven Adams will emerge as the Oklahoma City Thunder’s starting center and Perkins will be shipped out.
Courtesy: Yahoo Sports
BRADLEY BEAL WINS MOST IMPROVED PLAYER AWARD
Buy Or Sell: Buy
Now, before the season started I wrote an article that said Kawhi Leonard had the best chance of winning the most improved. Now that the season is under way, Bradley Beal has a very strong chance, if not the best, of winning the Most Improved Player Award.
So far this season, Beal has been nasty. He has played like an all-star and they way he chooses to shoot the ball, makes me believe he will be the Ray Allen 2.0. In his most recent game, against the Thunder, Beal outscored Kevin Durant and put up 34 points.
So far this season, per game, Beal is averaging 21 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. He is currently shooting 47.6% from behind the arc and 41.8% overall. He has increased his productivity in each category. If Beal continues this kind of performance, he has a strong chance of wining the years Most Improved Player of the Year Award.
THE NEW YORK KNICKS WILL BE ‘OKAY’ SEASON
Buy Or Sell: Sell
The Knicks went into this season with high hopes. The expectations for Carmelo and company were extremely high. The team though hasn’t been what some were hoping for. It was just reported that the Knicks are going to pursue Kevin Love in this summer’s free agency. This is an open ended plan, to get Carmelo Anthony to stay in New York but I do not think it will work out. I’d rather see Love pair with Durant than Love pair with Melo.
The Knicks have some scorers but their defense is horrendous. They recently lost Tyson Chandler for 4-6 weeks with an ankle sprain. This injury has opened up the eyes to the Knicks lack of defense. The Knicks recently acquired Andrea Bargnani and he has already proven that he cannot fill the void of Chandler. His post defense is awful and he does not provide a strong presence. Brace yourself, for the Knicks; Bargnani is averaging 2.8 rebounds per game. Yes, the 7 feet tall 225lb barley averages three boards a game. The Knicks have a lot of problems and they have been exposed early this season. It is going to be a long and tough ride this season Knicks fans.
Courtesy: USA Today
ANTONY DAVIS IS NOT A SUPER STAR
Buy or Sell: Sell
I have met some Davis haters and all they talk about is how Davis isn’t that good. We’ll your wrong. In just his second season, he is that good. Big man Davis, who is mostly known for his big eyebrow, has fully emerged as an all-star this season. According to ESPN, Davis is the first player with 15PTS and 3BLKS, in his first five games, since David Robinson and Hakeem Olajuwon.
I truly believe, when its all said and done, Davis will be one of the better big men to play in the NBA. The Pelicans have become his team and I would not be surprised to see them grab the 7th or 8th seed in the Western Conference. I expect Davis and Beal to be the two big names going for Most Improved Player of the Year Award. His production on both sides of the courts has increased dramatically. He is currently averaging double-double figures this season with 21.7PTS and 11.6RBS per game.
THE INDIANA PACERS ARE THE MIAMI HEAT’S BIGGEST THREAT
Buy Or Sell: Buy
The Indiana Pacers are off to a very strong start. They are currently 9-0. They have yet to play the Heat but have beat the Bulls and the Nets. The Pacers are stronger than last year and Paul George is even better. They are on a mission to get revenge against the Miami Heat, for their playoff elimination last year. Without a doubt, the Pacers are the Heat’s biggest threats this season.
The Pacers have offense and defense, which is why they are so good.
Indiana team’s average age is also three years younger than the Heat. They also have more chemistry together than Miami. LeBron and the Heat need to watch out for the Pacers this year. They will be head hunting the former champions all season long. For the Pacers, its championship or bust. Don’t be surprised to see the Pacers out do the Heat this season.
Courtesy: Yahoo Sports
D12 WON’T TAKE OFF IN HOUSTON AS A ROCKET
Buy Or Sell: Sell
Lakers fans are praying that Dwight fails. Well, I’m a sorry Laker fans, the Howard-Harden mash up in Houston seems to be working. D12 is starting to look like his former Orlando self, before he ever put on purple and gold. Unlike with the Lakers, in Houston, D12 is fitting in with his team. Dwight is way more effective in Houston than he ever was in Los Angeles.
So far this season, Howard is averaging 17.6PTS, 14.9REBS and 1.9BLKS per game. I consider the Dwightmare to be over because he is finally happy and back to focusing on the game of basketball. Howard’s game has been improving this season. Already this season, he has had three 20+ rebound games. I’m happy for Dwight, a true basketball fan will admit, there is nothing better than seeing an athlete evolve. I wish him and the Rockets organization best of luck. They have a chance at making an appearance in the Western Conference Finals in they continue to gel and improve together.
Courtesy: Sports Illustrated
OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER ARE THE BEST IN THE WESTERN CONFERENCE
Buy Or Sell: Buy
As far as I’m concerned, the Oklahoma City Thunder is the best team right now in the Western Conference. Westbrook has his swagger back and KD is still getting better. Right now, Durant is leading the league in points per game, averaging 30.2PTS each night.
The Thunder have also been doing a great job rebounding this year, they are second in the league averaging 47.0 rebounds per night. Their defense is sound as well; they are forcing opponents to commit 18.7 turnovers per game. The Thunder are shooting 53.2% per game and allowing their opponents to shoot 43.1% from field goal range.
The Thunder’s biggest competition in the Western Conference will come from the San Antonio Spurs. Both teams are off to a great start but have not met much of a challenge yet. Right now, the Spurs have a better record than the Thunder but that means nothing. Both teams will make the playoffs and if they are to meet up, I will take the Thunder over the Spurs. Why? Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Many Thunder players can average more minutes and during the playoffs, rosters are shortened. The Thunder have a few luxuries that the Spurs cannot afford. These are the two best teams in the Western conference, hands down. Though, I believe the Thunder have a slight advantage over the Spurs.
All statistics credited to NBA.com and Basketball-reference.com
