Best team in the NBA at the moment

[*Swish*]

Theres a few candidates with the likes of the Lakers, Mavs, Spurs, Heat, Celtics and even the Knicks. Right at this moment in time, who do you think is going to win?

Edited December 13, 2010 by *Swish*

[deestillballin]

Spurs are playing the best basketball right now. Celtics/Mavs in a close 2nd and 3rd

[Poe]

Right now, my list would be...

 

 

1. Heat

2. Spurs

3. Mavericks

4. Jazz

5. Celtics

6. Lakers

7. Magic

 

 

But eventually, I think it will be...

 

1. Heat

2. Jazz

3. Lakers

4. Celtics

5. Mavericks

6. Spurs

7. Bulls

 

Unless there are trades.

 

 

In the Eastern Conference, the only teams that have a legitimate shot at the Finals are the Heat and the Celtics. After those two, it's a considerable drop off in team quality. The Bulls may become the next closest thing as Boozer finds his role, but the Bulls neither have the depth of the Celtics or the mega star power of the Heat.

 

As I've predicted before, the Magic are fading off the map. Vince Carter's shell of his old sell is getting weaker and weaker, and Rashard Lewis has been missing since 09. With Dwight Howard as the only remaining star, they may have become a weaker form of the past Cavaliers team. They'll win regular season games, but they'll come short in the playoffs without having a legitimate second option. That is unless they make a trade.

 

 

In the West, the Spurs have been hot under Manu's leadership. However, i feel the team lacks a legitimate big man. Duncan is only averaging 13 points per game shooting merely 52.4% TS. To make up for that, Manu, RJ, and Hill have been shooting unusually high percentages to start the season. When those inevitably drop, so will their record.

 

The Mavs have a similar issue as the Spurs in missing a big, except the opposite. They have Dirk as the big, but are missing a true complimentary wing option. Sure they have Caron Butler and Jason Terry, but does that really match up with the Kobe's, the Wade's, the LeBron's, etc? They have the depth and the experience to win games and even make a playoff push, but in the end, one star can only handle so much pressure.

 

 

The Lakers have won back to back championships, and I predicted both of them. This year, I'm less sure. There are smaller details like Fisher's inabilities on defense, and Artest's inability to play a team offense. By far the biggest issue, however, is that Kobe is no longer the best player on this team. He has played poorly, whether it's because of age or injury, and it shows in his numbers. He's not getting any younger, and the worst part, his hand is beyond repair from what I'm hearing. Gasol is not good enough to lead a team to win a championship, and Kobe's massive ego wouldn't accept second fiddle if they were to truly use Gasol as the first option. Unless this turns around and Kobe finds a way to rediscover his game, I'm wondering if they'll even revisit the Finals this year.

 

 

I truly believe Jazz will become the best team in the West. If they enter the playoffs healthy, I do believe we will see a Jazz - Heat matchup in the Finals. They have everything you need. They have a perimeter scorer and an elite playmaker in Deron, and they have true second option in Al Jefferson, who will become better and better as he continues to get accustomed to the offense. Paul Milsap has proven to be a great third option as well. With Bell and Kirilenko at the wings, plus being one of the top shot blocking teams in the league, they can match up with any team in the NBA. They have some depth too with Miles and Okur.

[MainEv3nt]

Right now, my list would be...

 

 

1. Heat

2. Spurs

3. Mavericks

4. Jazz

5. Celtics

6. Lakers

7. Magic

 

 

But eventually, I think it will be...

 

1. Heat

2. Jazz

3. Lakers

4. Celtics

5. Mavericks

6. Spurs

7. Bulls

 

Unless there are trades.

 

 

In the Eastern Conference, the only teams that have a legitimate shot at the Finals are the Heat and the Celtics. After those two, it's a considerable drop off in team quality. The Bulls may become the next closest thing as Boozer finds his role, but the Bulls neither have the depth of the Celtics or the mega star power of the Heat.

 

As I've predicted before, the Magic are fading off the map. Vince Carter's shell of his old sell is getting weaker and weaker, and Rashard Lewis has been missing since 09. With Dwight Howard as the only remaining star, they may have become a weaker form of the past Cavaliers team. They'll win regular season games, but they'll come short in the playoffs without having a legitimate second option. That is unless they make a trade.

 

 

In the West, the Spurs have been hot under Manu's leadership. However, i feel the team lacks a legitimate big man. Duncan is only averaging 13 points per game shooting merely 52.4% TS. To make up for that, Manu, RJ, and Hill have been shooting unusually high percentages to start the season. When those inevitably drop, so will their record.

 

The Mavs have a similar issue as the Spurs in missing a big, except the opposite. They have Dirk as the big, but are missing a true complimentary wing option. Sure they have Caron Butler and Jason Terry, but does that really match up with the Kobe's, the Wade's, the LeBron's, etc? They have the depth and the experience to win games and even make a playoff push, but in the end, one star can only handle so much pressure.

 

 

The Lakers have won back to back championships, and I predicted both of them. This year, I'm less sure. There are smaller details like Fisher's inabilities on defense, and Artest's inability to play a team offense. By far the biggest issue, however, is that Kobe is no longer the best player on this team. He has played poorly, whether it's because of age or injury, and it shows in his numbers. He's not getting any younger, and the worst part, his hand is beyond repair from what I'm hearing. Gasol is not good enough to lead a team to win a championship, and Kobe's massive ego wouldn't accept second fiddle if they were to truly use Gasol as the first option. Unless this turns around and Kobe finds a way to rediscover his game, I'm wondering if they'll even revisit the Finals this year.

 

 

I truly believe Jazz will become the best team in the West. If they enter the playoffs healthy, I do believe we will see a Jazz - Heat matchup in the Finals. They have everything you need. They have a perimeter scorer and an elite playmaker in Deron, and they have true second option in Al Jefferson, who will become better and better as he continues to get accustomed to the offense. Paul Milsap has proven to be a great third option as well. With Bell and Kirilenko at the wings, plus being one of the top shot blocking teams in the league, they can match up with any team in the NBA. They have some depth too with Miles and Okur.

 

both the spurs and the mavs are playing better then the heat lol.

 

the mavs on a 12 game win streak and has beaten some tough teams within this streak.

[Real Deal]

By far the biggest issue, however, is that Kobe is no longer the best player on this team.

LMAO. Have you watched Gasol in his last 10 games? Just curious.

 

56-133 FG (42%), 15 PPG

 

Kobe?

 

99-219 FG (45%), 28 PPG

 

Our losses are mainly due to the way Gasol is playing basketball right now. He is missing hook shots, struggling to defend, taking breaks late in quarters (including the fourth), and seems to be only good for rebounds right now.

 

Guess who is running the top-ranked offense in the NBA right now, and guess who's scoring the most points in it?

 

Hint: it's the best player on the Lakers.

 

You can sit and say LA will struggle and not find rhythm, that Kobe isn't the best on the team, whatever you can come up with to make even the JAZZ look better...but this is what people did when we went 16-12 in the second half of the season last year, and Kobe was shooting BADLY. He had his knee drained, we kicked teams in the face on our way to our second-consecutive NBA title with Kobe running off 30+ points in 11 of 12 playoff games after Game 5 vs. OKC, and it was funnnn.

 

I'll re-visit this discussion later, for sure.

[Real Deal]

both the spurs and the mavs are playing better then the heat lol.

 

the mavs on a 12 game win streak and has beaten some tough teams within this streak.

NOBODY is better than the Heat, not even in past seasons.

[Cavamatic]

Mavs are the best team right now I think.

[Warren2ThaG]

Spurs but thats just be huns, and George Hill has been balling off the bench.

[fish7718]

1. Celtics

2. Mavs

3. Spurs

4. Lakers

 

The rest

[Poe]

Gasol was overplayed to start the season, so naturally he's wearing out a bit. At his best, he's still the Lakers' top quality overall player at this point.

 

 

And out of your ten game sample, the only teams Kobe shot over 50% against were the Clippers, the Kings, and the Wizards. How impressive.

 

You know what's even more impressive? The only other teams Kobe shot over 50% this season were against the Warriors, the Raptors, the Suns, the Grizzlies, and the Pistons. Still the best player in the NBA, right?

 

 

 

I don't doubt that Kobe is the best player on the team without that broken hand, nor do I doubt his ability to turn things around. It's imperative he does. If he doesn't, a healthy Jazz team will be the best in the West come playoff time. Remember, this is coming from a guy that predicted LA's past two titles despite the question marks.

[Guest STL10]

1. Mavs

2. Spurs

3. Celtics

4. Heat

5. Lakers

[Check my Stats]

I am not sure, but saying the Heat have been the best team thus far is either trying to stir up a discussion or just straight craziness. How many good teams have they even beat yet? I will be the first to defend LBJ and company, but they haven't been on the level of the Celtics, Spurs, Mavs, etc. That could easily change in the next quarter of the season, but right now? No way.

[Flash]

I'd say right now:

 

1. Spurs

2. Celtics

3. Mavs

4. Heat

5. Lakers

6. Jazz

[Real Deal]

Gasol was overplayed to start the season, so naturally he's wearing out a bit. At his best, he's still the Lakers' top quality overall player at this point.

Overplayed? He skipped basketball all summer long, decided not to play for Spain, because he knew he was going to have to play big minutes.

 

Plus, he is STILL attempting less than 15 shots per game. It's something he has never done in his career, not even as a primary option in Memphis. He's averaging under 40 minutes a game as well. Where is he being overplayed at?

 

And out of your ten game sample, the only teams Kobe shot over 50% against were the Clippers, the Kings, and the Wizards. How impressive.

 

You know what's even more impressive? The only other teams Kobe shot over 50% this season were against the Warriors, the Raptors, the Suns, the Grizzlies, and the Pistons. Still the best player in the NBA, right?

LOL, when has Kobe averaged 50% in a season? If you're expecting him to average that, sorry.

 

Guess what? In his first 24 games last year, Kobe shot over 50% ten times. This season? Eight. Pretty similar.

 

How about in 2008-09? Eleven times.

 

What about in the 2007-08 season? Nine times, despite winning the season MVP. How impressive. :o

 

I don't doubt that Kobe is the best player on the team without that broken hand, nor do I doubt his ability to turn things around.

He doesn't have a broken hand.

 

It's imperative he does. If he doesn't, a healthy Jazz team will be the best in the West come playoff time.

Haha, based on their current 17-8 record, I'm guessing?

 

Utah, first 25 games of season...

 

2009-10: 15-10, finished 53-29 (4th in the West, lost 2nd round vs. LAL, 4-0)

2008-09: 15-10, finished 48-34 (8th in the West, lost 1st round vs. LAL, 4-1)

2007-08: 14-11, finished 54-28 (5th in West, lost 2nd round vs. LAL, 4-2)

2006-07: 18-7, finished 51-31 (4th in West, lost WCF vs. Spurs, 4-2)

 

The Jazz better than the Lakers this season? Is that what everyone thought over the last three years when they started with a similar record they have this season?

 

Remember, this is coming from a guy that predicted LA's past two titles despite the question marks.

I'm pretty sure many others predicted it as well. I don't need to list those that have.

[Poe]

The Jazz better than the Lakers this season? Is that what everyone thought over the last three years when they started with a similar record they have this season?

 

So what "everyone thinks" is what's right?

 

 

 

And notice I have the Heat at the top. I'm not basing this off team record.

[Flash]

Right now, I think Utah is playing better than LA is, but that's JMO.

[Real Deal]

So what "everyone thinks" is what's right?

So, you're right because you've predicted the last two Lakers championships?

 

Are you not reading what you're typing to me?

[Poe]

So, you're right because you've predicted the last two Lakers championships?

 

What does that have to do with what everyone thinks?

 

 

Are you not reading what you're typing to me?

 

Are you?

[*Swish*]

I cant believe some of you guys think the Heat are the number 1 team right now

[NomarFachix]

Holy Heat Homer Trolls, Gatman!

[Real Deal]

What does that have to do with what everyone thinks?

Whoa. Layman's terms: you just bragged about predicting the last two Lakers championships, basically saying we should listen to you because "it's coming from someone who predicted the last two despite the question marks." Did you not say this?

 

Remember, this is coming from a guy that predicted LA's past two titles despite the question marks.

So I tell you that everyone else predicted those titles, too (how many people actually thought the Lakers weren't going to win them?) and then you say...

 

So what "everyone thinks" is what's right?

LOL, I think so, since they thought the same as you about the Lakers winning it all.

 

But, you were referring to the LAL/UTA series in the past AND the fact that Utah always starts off quick and slows down...even though, yes, everyone still thought the Lakers were going to win it all the last two years.

 

Do I seriously need to keep going with this?

 

Here's the point: if we should listen to you because you predicted our last two titles, I'll listen to me because I've predicted our last two as well, and our three finals appearances, and our other dynasty from the Kobe/Shaq days, AND the Heat's slow start.

 

You forgot to talk about Bryant's lack of 50% shooting games in the first 24 games of every season I listed over the last 2-3 years, also...but that's probably a good move on your part, to be honest.

[The Artesticle]

Lakers have won the past 2 championships and made the Finals the last 3 years. I doubt the regular season brings much excitement out of them anymore, we'll just have to wait for the playoffs to start, like last year, for them to bring out their A game.

[*Swish*]

you guys are all wrong! its all about the Twolves!

 

jokes apart, Mavericks in my opinion are the best team in the NBA RIGHT NOW, just wait for the playoffs to start to see the Lakers being the best team in the NBA once again...

[Real Deal]

He has played poorly, whether it's because of age or injury, and it shows in his numbers.

I actually wanted to have fun with this, so here we go.

 

24 games in, this season vs. MVP season, Kobe's numbers...

 

2010-11: 26.7 PPG on 44.0% FG, 5.3 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.4 SPG, 3.0 TO, 2.0 PF

2007-08: 26.8 PPG on 44.6% FG, 6.2 RPG, 4.8 APG, 2.0 SPG, 3.1 TO, 2.3 PF

 

Wow. In that MVP season, he looked horrible. Showed in his numbers. Probably because of age or injury. And he still won an MVP and an NBA title (the following season)?

 

And, whoa, I assume he was the second best player on the Lakers because of the numbers he was putting up...so I just don't see how they won it all if he was second best.

[EastCoastNiner]

How exactly can anyone make an argument for the Heat being the best team in the league? The Celtics and Mavericks are on longer winning streaks while playing tougher competition. Not to mention that the Heat have been stomped twice by the Celtics this season.

 

Talk to me when the Heat start consistently beating quality teams.

 

 

Anyways, I'm very impressed with the Spurs play this season, but the Lakers will probably end up in the finals again.....