This has been a fun NBA season. This is one of the few years where I enjoyed the whole season, plus the playoffs have been good. Things I enjoyed this season:
- The Hornets comeback after starting the season pretty bad. Easily one of the most fun teams to watch. If they pick-up next season where they left off this year, the will be top 5 in the East, but I'm not sure they retain Coby White, whose production was critical for them. Kon is a straight sniper. Its hard not to imagine their starting five not eventually going to a finals. Miller is that dude.
- Lebron led Lakers advancing past the first round of the playoffs. I had the Lakers as a play-in team this year, but they won almost every game against -500 teams and were competitive against good teams despite a limited roster. I still have little faith in Luka to bring LA a title though.
- OKC remaining dominant. People need to realize SGA is here to stay as the best guard. It was foreseen since draft day. I'm happy for this team, they are legit champions, no fluke. The rest of the league still has not slowed them down.
- The Wemby led Spurs becoming the force we knew was coming. They got here a lot quicker than many expected. The team has similar depth as the OG champion Spurs teams. I still feel like the Spurs guards don't play through Wemby enough.
- The Pistons bounce back season. I'm a Laker fan, but after the whooping they gave the Lakers in 2004, I have respected that franchise for their toughness. Cade could have been on that 2004 squad. He's one of my favorite players for his resiliency. His team has struggled to keep their identity in this first round, but he's being a leader by example for them.
- The new Hawks led by Jalen Johnson. Johnson is a special talent. They also have Nickeil Alexander-Walker, cousin of SGA. NAW is special too. Idk where they trained, but these cousins have a deep bag and will be top players for a while. NAW is only going to look better as he gets more opportunities. Atlanta could be the #1 team in the East in a couple years if Minnesota stays out West.
- Raptors. What's up with the rims? Lol. That game 6 bounce after Barrett's shot was wild. I'm so happy for RJ. I think he got bashed the most out of everyone in his rookie class, but I've always had faith the kid would carve a lane out for himself. Hopefully he retires in Toronto. I still want BI back in LA though. Scottie Barnes is another special talent.
- Miami. Scary under the radar team. 83 is 83, I don't care how you get it. All Miami is missing for another title run is another young 1A to feel like winning a championship on a discount contract. They have everything except a true scoring alpha.
- Pelicans. Zion played 62 games.
I'm tired of writing so I'll revisit this. There were some sour spots like Ja Morant being hurt and largely hated. He's still one of my favorite players. Maybe Miami is the team for him. Idk, but its the most full games I've enjoyed watching in many seasons. We need more playmaking PGs though; there's no one like Chris Paul anymore.
