NBA: A quick summary of the first third of the season heading into Christmas Day
Heading into Christmas Day, we take a quick look back at the NBA season that has been. In case you missed anything, here is a quick catchup
NBA Christmas Day, for the average fan, is the official start of the season. For every other fanatic (like myself, and probably you reading), we’re roughly a little more than a third into the season and a lot has transpired.
In an attempt to catch up back up to the rest of us, let’s take a look back at the season that has been in the NBA. Let’s break it down in 15 points.
1. Kawhi Leonard is really good again, and the Toronto Raptors are first in the Eastern Conference. Somehow, though, they’re still not playing on Christmas.
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2. It appears the Milwaukee Bucks have finally untapped their potential; they’re second in the East. Mike Budenholzer might be the NBA’s Coach of the Year.
3. The Philadelphia 76ers traded for Jimmy Butler, but somehow are still be overshadowed in the East. It’s that good. Also, Markelle Fultz is sitting out again due to injury and may have played his last game in a Sixers uniform.
4. The Boston Celtics have gotten to a slow start, but are still only 4.5 games back of the top seed in the East. Kyrie Irving says he’s going to re-sign in Boston, but he says a lot of things. So who knows?
5. The Washington Wizards are feuding again, and perhaps are the closest they’ve ever been to possibly move Bradley Beal or John Wall. Then again, they just acquired Trevor Ariza…so maybe not.
6. The Denver Nuggets – yes, the Nuggets – are leading the Western Conference right now. Nikola Jokic is good. YouTube him, and impress your friends by dropping his name.
7. People will say that the Golden State Warriors have gotten off to a disappointing start, but they’re still only half a game out of first place in the West. That just tells us how good this team is. Pretty insane.
8. Who would’ve guessed it, Paul George is more effective with Carmelo Anthony off the OKC roster. Even with Russell Westbrook in the midst of a slump, the Thunder are top 3 in the West.
9. The Los Angeles Lakers are better than many predicted in year one with Lebron James. They’re currently a top 4 team in the West, and might be the second-best team in the West by the time the playoffs come around.
10. Amazingly, the Los Angeles Clippers have the same record as the Lakers. Without a star. This team has to be one of the most intriguing potential landing spots for top free agents during the summer.
11. The Sacramento Kings aren’t the laughing stock of the NBA anymore. They’re (potentially) good and are fun to watch. Don’t be the guy that makes the Kings joke, and then gets “well actually’d” by your friend.
12. The Houston Rockets are very much suffering from losing the Conference Finals hangover, and Chris Paul is hurt…again.
13. Gregg Popovich’s Spurs aren’t much better, and for the first time in two decades might actually miss the playoffs. No bueno.
14. Luka Doncic is possibly the next big star in the NBA. Oh, and he plays for the Dallas Mavericks. Note.
15. The Anthony Davis rumors are officially heating up and, with only two years left on his contract, it’s time to start paying attention on this front. Oh, and he had dinner with LeBron recently so you know it’s about to get serious.
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Well, after all this, you should be caught up and ready to watch NBA basketball on Christmas Day. Happy Holidays!