Early NBA Thoughts

A week of free NBA League Pass has given me a chance to watch a bit more pro hoops this week. Here are some of my thoughts after a week of NBA play.

If everyone stays healthy, my surprise team in the Eastern Conference is Orlando. The trade with Houston gave the Magic 3/5 of a starting lineup. Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley and Kelvin Cato all start and will upgrade the Magic at three spots. Francis is a legit star, Mobley can score and Cato only needs to rebound and block an occasional shot. Three starters for one disgruntled superstar? I think the Magic may have made a good trade.

First rounder Dwight Howard might not score consistently, but he will probably rebound most nights. I don't think averaging a double-double is entirely out of the question, either. Grant Hill's return provides some scoring, some passing and the always popular veteran leadership. In Hedo Turkoglu and Pat Garrity, the Magic have some three point shooters coming off the bench. They also have some inside help on the pine with veteran Tony Battie.

Orlando won't win the East, but they look much better than a year ago. Out west, it's hard not to notice Phoenix. The Suns made two big additions. Quentin Richardson and Steve Nash. Richardson gives the Suns yet another scorer, but it's Nash that's the difference.

Sure, Nash can rain three pointers, too, but it's his point guard skills that may elevate the Suns. Nash can dribble, penetrate and, most importantly, pass. Nash's ability to control the flow of a game, direct traffic and hit the Suns athletic, slashing scorers in the open floor (or even in a half court set) may make the Suns the new Dallas Mavericks of the Western Conference. A team that can score at will, but play questionable D.

If all stay healthy, I would expect career years from Amare Stoudemire and Shawn Marion. Nash will be steady and Richardson will get his shots, too, courtesy of the Suns new point guard. I've never been much of a Nash fan, but it's clear what his presence brings the Suns. Phoenix should be much improved and lots more fun to watch.

Other random observations:

Atlanta is very, very bad. This team could mail it in before Christmas. Poor, Mike Woodson.

New Orleans' yellow alternate jersey can go bye-bye.

The Pistons are still trying to get into the groove of playing again. A combination of post-championship hangover and several new faces are giving the champs some early problems.

I'm probably crazy, but the Lakers aren't as bad as most think. Of course, they would be contenders with Shaq, but I like Caron Butler and Lamar Odom. They look like a playoff team to me. Again, I could just be nuts.

Speaking of the big guy, Shaq has made the Miami better as everyone thought he would. Dwayne Wade is awesome on his own, though.

NBA League Pass is very cool, but I can't bring myself to cough up the cash. (Now, MLB Extra Innings is another story.)

Not that you care, but I've got two (yes, two) Yahoo! fantasy NBA teams. Both are playing reasonably well, thank you.