FOX: Spurs on top, but Lakers lurking

[lefty]

Spurs on top, but Lakers lurking


FOX Sports
MITCH LAWRENCE


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Updated Dec 10, 2010 12:43 PM ET
At the quarter mark of the NBA season, the team to beat in our book is sitting pretty, in third place in its conference.
No, we're not talking about the Miami Heat (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/team/miami-heat/71088), but the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/team/los-angeles-lakers/71087).
While Miami has been written and talked about to death, the Lakers, like everyone else, have been flying under the radar and doing pretty well, considering that Kobe Bryant (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/kobe-bryant/71272) hasn't even started playing like an MVP candidate and they're still waiting on Andrew Bynum (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/andrew-bynum/339151) to man the middle.
But the Lakers, at 16-6, aren't even the best story in their own conference.
The Spurs (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/team/san-antonio-spurs/71098) were supposed to be on their last roundup in the Tim Duncan (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/tim-duncan/71425) era, saving their best for the playoffs -- if Duncan, Manu Ginobili (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/manu-ginobili/105577) and Tony Parker (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/tony-parker/71427) could hold up for that long. And all the Spurs have done is open by winning 18 of their first 21 games and putting themselves on a pace to win 70 games. Who'd have thunk that when the season started?

http://o.static.foxsports.com/content/fscom/img/2010/11/10/110910-NBA-Boston-Celtic-Rajon-Rondo-PI_20101110014602_202_97.JPG (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/lists/Top-10-MVP-candidates-at-the-quarter-mark) MVP fron-trunners (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/lists/Top-10-MVP-candidates-at-the-quarter-mark)

The MVP race is wide open. Here are our top 10 candidates (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/lists/Top-10-MVP-candidates-at-the-quarter-mark) at the quarter mark.

All the talk back on Halloween was whether the Heat's super-star studded trio of LeBron James (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/lebron-james/139949), Dwyane Wade (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/dwyane-wade/140995) and Chris Bosh (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/chris-bosh/140993) would challenge the Bulls (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/team/chicago-bulls/71078)' record of 72 wins. Not a chance, as the Heat, after 20 games, were a wobbly 12-8, compared to the '96 Bulls, who broke out of the gate at 18-2. Other than Miami's early-season struggles, we had the return of pro basketball to New York after a decade's absence, and Boston has shown no sign of slippage coming off last year's trip to the Finals.
So, drum roll please, as we’re here to give out some awards:
MVP
For starters, the two-time defending MVP isn’t on our ballot. That’s right, LeBron needs to pick it up to get into contention. The Hornets (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/team/new-orleans-hornets/71077)’ Chris Paul (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/chris-paul/339139) is doing miracles with a suspect supporting cast. The more you see Rajon Rondo (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/rajon-rondo/410839), the more you understand that he makes the Celtics (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/team/boston-celtics/71076) go. The Magic (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/team/orlando-magic/71093)’s Dwight Howard (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/dwight-howard/209335), Lakers’ Pau Gasol (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/pau-gasol/71502), Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook and Knicks (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/team/new-york-knicks/71092)' Amar'e Stoudemire (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/amar%27e-stoudemire/105077) are all in the mix. One word of caution on Amar’e: As the Knicks have turned their season around, nine of their 11 wins have come against teams with losing records. Their only wins over teams with winning records (at the time the Knicks played them): Golden State and New Orleans.
Our winner: Dirk Nowitzki. During the Mavs’ ridiculous 18-4 start, they’ve posted wins at San Antonio, against Boston, at Denver, against New Orleans, at Atlanta, at Oklahoma City, at Utah and against Miami. Against those division leaders and quality opponents, Nowitzki has been a scoring machine, averaging 27 points.
Best Free-Agent Signing
You know the high-profile candidates by heart, starting with LeBron and Chris Bosh in Miami. But what have they done so far, other than to underachieve, and in LeBron’s case, resort to some classless behind-the-scenes sniping at Heat coach Erik Spoelstra?
The Bulls’ Carlos Boozer (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/carlos-boozer/105599) gets a medical deferment because he missed so much time after breaking his hand in training camp. The player who got the most money last summer, Atlanta’s Joe Johnson, didn’t exactly take his game to a new level before recently requiring elbow surgery that will keep him on the shelf until the New Year, at least.
So here’s where we’ll show Stoudemire some love. With his high energy, scoring (25.7 ppg), board work (9.1 rpg) and shot-blocking (1.9 pg), he has rejuvenated one of the sorriest franchises in the NBA. So far, you have to say that he has been worth the $100 million he received last July. When the Knicks started off at 3-8, he never once wavered in his role as the team’s new leader. You bet that didn’t go unnoticed by the team’s coaching staff and front-office brass.
Most Underrated Acquisition


The Bobcats figure in both of our top candidates, which might help to explain why Larry Brown’s team is headed for the lottery after making the playoffs last spring for the first time in franchise history. Tyson Chandler and Raymond Felton (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/raymond-felton/339141) played for Charlotte last season and are shining in their new homes.
Chandler (8.8 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 1.4 blocks in only 26.6 mpg) has given the Mavs a defensive presence in the middle that they’ve long been seeking. After they gave Stoudemire the keys to the franchise, the Knicks went looking for a point guard. They decided to sign Felton, but to only a two-year deal, since they've got eyes for Chris Paul and Deron Williams (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/deron-williams/339137), each of whom turns free in 2012.
In going with Felton over Steve Blake (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/steve-blake/141061) and Luke Ridnour, the Knicks have gotten career-bests in scoring (18.6 ppg) and shooting (47%) from Felton, with 8.6 assists per outing and some hellacious on-the-ball D. But with the Mavs’ torrid start against better competition, we’ll go with Chandler.

Worst moves
It’s a good thing the Bucks (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/team/milwaukee-bucks/71089)’ John Hammond won Executive of the Year last season, because let’s just say his signings and trades haven’t worked out very well this season. The Bucks imported Corey Maggette (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/corey-maggette/110480), Drew Gooden (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/drew-gooden/110521) and Chris Douglas-Roberts (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/chris-douglas-roberts/551481) to give them depth and scoring, but the Bucks have been one of the most disappointing teams, losing 13 of their first 21. The loss of Carlos Delfino (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/carlos-delfino/141035)’s 13 ppg, along with John Salmons (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/john-salmons/105068) and Brandon Jennings (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/brandon-jennings/663883) each shooting under 40 percent from the floor, has not helped Scott Skiles’ cause.

FOX SPORTS POLL



Who was the NBA's best team in the first quarter of the season?


Celtics
Mavericks
Spurs




Coach of the Year
Jerry Sloan lost a key component when Boozer left Utah for Chicago, but the Jazz (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/team/utah-jazz/71100) have not lost a beat with a 16-7 mark. Who knows, Sloan might even be good enough to get Al Jefferson (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/al-jefferson/209363), Boozer’s replacement, to start playing the kind of defense that Utah is known for. The Jazz’s sweeping of games at Miami, Orlando and Atlanta in a four-day stretch and all of the comeback variety, is hard to top. Included in that was Paul Millsap (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/paul-millsap/410891)'s astounding 46-point night against Miami's Big Three, perhaps the top individual effort of the season so far.
Trade They’re Gonna Regret
When the Hornets either are forced to deal Chris Paul or lose him to free agency in 2012, they’re going to wish they never traded Darren Collison (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/darren-collison/720416) to the Pacers (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/team/indiana-pacers/71085) in landing Trevor Ariza (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/trevor-ariza/209417) from Houston. Collison has been exactly what the Pacers have needed in putting a winning team on the floor.
Rookie of the Year
It’s a bad year for John Wall to be a rookie … and everyone else who was drafted last June, for that matter. The Clippers (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/team/los-angeles-clippers/71086)’ Blake Griffin (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/blake-griffin/663865) is one of those rare players who will make the All-Star Game right out of the box. He’s got the whole package _ the game (20 ppg on 51 percent shooting, 11.7 rpg,) , the off-the-charts athleticism that leads to some of the most eye-popping dunks in all of basketball, and a winning personality. Now if we can just find him a legitimate franchise to play for …

Glad to See You Back:lol
It seemed as if Richard Jefferson (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/richard-jefferson/71330) went through the motions last season, his first with the Spurs. But in giving San Antonio 14.6 ppg on 49 percent shooting, and 43 percent on 3-pointers, he has been one of the reasons the Spurs have jetted to the top of the West.

Most Regressed Player
Since heading to the bench on Nov. 20, Memphis’ O.J. Mayo (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/o.j.-mayo/551527) is averaging only nine points per game and hasn’t exactly embraced his role as a reserve for Lionel Hollins. That’s less than half of what he averaged two years ago as a rookie and well down from his production last season (17.5 ppg). The Grizzlies (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/team/memphis-grizzlies/71103) were expected to challenge for the eighth playoff spot, but are in 10th place in the West and five games under .500.

[Rummpd]

Typical idiot media - a year ago the Spurs were at worst the 2nd favorite in the West by many and now it is surprise when the healthy, deep and talented Spurs have a strong start?

[SpursDynasty85]

Typical idiot media - a year ago the Spurs were at worst the 2nd favorite in the West by many and now it is surprise when the healthy, deep and talented Spurs have a strong start?


Well, not everyone had the Spurs 2nd best last year. There are life-long spurs haters out there. But a +1 for this post...:whine

[Cry Havoc]

Can you blame OJ for not wanting to play behind a guy named "Lionel"?

[DMC]

I am awaiting the day this season when an article about any basketball related topic doesn't mention the Heat. They haven't done a fucking thing worthy of consideration. The Mavs are on a 11 game trounce, and yet the Heat are treated like they are going for a 3peat. FTR, I hate Dallas, and anything associated with it.

[DMC]

I love the "pace to win 70 games" comments I see here and there. So after 1 win, it's a pace to win 82 games?

Halfway through, ok... but a quarter of the way through, you aren't really on much of a pace.

[DMC]

Also, the Jazz are a funny story. The media acts as if Boozer is Lebron in terms of importance to the team. I mean, even without Boozer, the Jazz can fold up early in the playoffs. They have that ability still.

[DeadlyDynasty]

Typical idiot media - a year ago the Spurs were at worst the 2nd favorite in the West by many and now it is surprise when the healthy, deep and talented Spurs have a strong start?

Can't you just be happy that they're giving you props?

Soak it all in cause the praise won't be there come season's end.

[DPG21920]

Can't you just be happy that they're giving you props?

Soak it all in cause the praise won't be there come season's end.

Who forgot to lock the cellar door?

[SpursDynasty85]

Can't you just be happy that they're giving you props?


I don't understand this. If a guy pushes you to the floor then says "o hear let me help you up?" would you accept his hand?

I'm not very good with analogies, but you get what I mean right?

[DeadlyDynasty]

I don't understand this. If a guy pushes you to the floor then says "o hear let me help you up?" would you accept his hand?

I'm not very good with analogies, but you get what I mean right?

The team hadn't been healthy for 2 years and the big 3 was/is only getting older...what did you expect them to say?

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Lurking for what? To play us in the conference semis or finals?

Power rankings are such a waste of time.

[SpursDynasty85]

The team hadn't been healthy for 2 years and the big 3 was/is only getting older...what did you expect them to say?


That the big 3 are healthy. That RJ has been tutored by POP. That Hill and Blair are awesome players. And Splitter is a Euroleague MVP 7 footer. This team should be a contender.

[concken]

so...Jerry Sloan?

[Sean Cagney]

Typical idiot media - a year ago the Spurs were at worst the 2nd favorite in the West by many and now it is surprise when the healthy, deep and talented Spurs have a strong start?

Yep, some picked them for the finals too and now they are shocked?

[Rummpd]

Yep, some picked them for the finals too and now they are shocked?

Very few did and many had them 6-8 in West. Some had them missing the playoffs. Funny what 22 games have done but if the Spurs had instead gone 16 and 6 there would be no acclaim when they would still be a strong team and overly discounted (by most contender).

[LoneStarState'sPride]

Fuck Mitch Lawrence! When have the lakers ever "lurked"? Don't give me that shit.

[TE]

Power rankings are stupid.

[DMC]

The Lakers lurked to a loss in Chicago.

[DocDoc]

Can't you just be happy that they're giving you props?

Soak it all in cause the praise won't be there come season's end.

Yeah, that Laker 2-4 record against .500 or above teams is really showing some power, huh?

Better hope Bynum comes back healthy or that #6 seed is headed your way.

Doc

[ChuckD]

The Lakers are lurking? Yeah, a game further back, as of last night.

[bigbendbruisebrother]

I can't wait for 12/28. That's going to be a huge game, and I actually get to go for once.

[Vito Corleone]

Not much I would argue with, but the Jerry Sloan for COY, come on, Pop has got the Spurs playing at a blistering pace with scoring up and now the defense is on the rise. He has to be the top choice for COY.

[ChuckD]

Not much I would argue with, but the Jerry Sloan for COY, come on, Pop has got the Spurs playing at a blistering pace with scoring up and now the defense is on the rise. He has to be the top choice for COY.

They're pimping it as sort of a "lifetime achievement" thing for Jerry, because he's never won it. The irony is that his top assistant, an NBA HC from WAY back, won one with the old KC Kings franchise.

[ElNono]

How can the op claim that back to back champs fly under the radar is beyond me.
The Lakers are the team to beat, period.

[xmas1997]

Give COY to Jerry.
Pop would tell you that right now!

[xmas1997]

How can the op claim that back to back champs fly under the radar is beyond me.
The Lakers are the team to beat, period.

And so are the Celtics and Mavs.
But beat them we will.
Then what will their fans come up with for excuses??????????:sleep

[AlleyOopNazi]

They may be the team to beat however, in late, they are proving their beat-able-ness. Spurs are WAY deeper, and main disadvantage to Lakers is front-court athleticism. Its going to take Bynum's some time to get going if he even is truly healthy come next week not to mention the joke of signing Theo Ratliff. Gravy train until then, the entire team must hop in Gasol's backpack.
Even though our front-court has some mismatches, we have 5 big men to throw at them, all injury free. Can Fish or Blake guard Parker or Hill in the pick n roll???? Can Odom, Bynum or Gasol afford to leave the paint to guard Bonner? Too many sharp-shooters, too much guard athleticism, the greatest power-forward ever to play the game, and Manu-Freaking-Ginobili.
Blair was a second round pick that, based on his current stats, would be an early (8-10) 1st round pick in hindsight. Spurs picked up 2 true 1st picks in Anderson and Splitter, who still haven't NEEDED to do anything b/c of depth. The 2 loses to Clippers and Mavs respectively needed better shooting performances and a tighter D on wing players, something Anderson WILL provide once returning. Gary Neal reminds me of what Fisher used to be once upon a time. How many games has it been were we don't even utilize Duncan in the 4th Q because we are shitting on teams with the B squad?
SPURS ARE THE TEAM TO BEAT. MMMM K!
/rant

[Manufan909]

I am awaiting the day this season when an article about any basketball related topic doesn't mention the Heat. They haven't done a fucking thing worthy of consideration. The Mavs are on a 11 game trounce, and yet the Heat are treated like they are going for a 3peat. FTR, I hate Dallas, and anything associated with it.

I am usually this way, but like a recent thread mentioned, the Mavs are playing Spurs ball this season, while the Spurs are playing D'Antoni ball+defense. Even if Splitter becomes the clear 2nd big and/or starts the Spurs won't have a true shotblocker to help Timmy. Splitter is the 2nd best thing though, his on the ball D against bigs and smalls alike is fantastic, not to mention how he defends the pick n roll and takes charges.

[DieHardSpursFan1537]

Power Rankings are overall meaningless. But it's good to see Spurs in such a high position right now in Power Rankings.