What I Learned From Week One of the NBA

After watching a week of NBA basketball, I have came to the conclusion that I have been wrong about some outcomes for the 2016-2017 season. Keeping in mind that it is extremely early in the season, I have noticed some implications of teams and players that proven to be either underrated or overrated. Here are my early observations of the long NBA season.

Underrated Team/Player

Damian Lillard: With the Western Conference being stacked with top point guards such as Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul and Stephen Curry, Damian Lillard has made his mark on the NBA. Averaging 34 points per game with 3 threes, he has proven to be one of the top scoring threats not only for his conference, but in the league. Along with his scoring ability, he is one of the leagues best rebounding point guards, averaging 6.3 boards. With these statistics, you may be asking “How can he possibly be underrated?” Playing with the Portland Trail Blazers, he has led his team to a 2-2 record. With his team being tied for 5th place in the Western Conference with three other teams, there is a slight chance that he will make the play offs. On top of the fact of the Trail Blazers possibly having a disappointing year, Lillard may not get the recognition as Westbrook, Paul and Curry because of the All-Star Game. Even though his statistics prove that he is clearly worthy of a spot on the All-Star team, he may not receive it because of the elite competition in the West. None of the less, he will remain a top 5 point guard and a top 10 player until he proves otherwise.

Houston Rockets: We all were talking about the top teams in the Western Conference being the Golden State Warriors and the San Antonio Spurs. It was a surprise to me to see how well the Rockets have started their season. With the departure of Dwight Howard, fans were skeptical on how well the Rockets would do this season. However, due to the MVP caliber play from James Harden averaging 32.3 points per game 11.8 assists and 7.3 rebounds, the team is looking at a 2-2 record. Considering that they are 8th in the NBA in scoring, shows that they have major offensive threats. The issue with the franchise is their lack of defense in the offensive oriented coach Mike D’Antoni’s system. With the Rockets holding on to major role players such as Clint Capela, Trevor Ariza, and others, the Rockets can be a major threat in their conference.

Overrated Team/Player

Derrick Rose: If you are a New York Knicks fan, I’m sorry to tell you that your “star” point guard is overrated. Derrick Rose is known for his amazing MVP run in 2011 for the Chicago Bulls. Unfortunately, injuries have undermined the explosive point guard and has sidelined him for a long amount of time. After years of disappointment from the Bulls, they decided to trade Rose to the New York Knicks. New Yorkers were ecstatic to replace the play from Jose Calderon with their new acquisition. The issue is, Derrick Rose is not the same point guard. Even though Derrick Rose is able to score the basketball, he is unable to to complete basic point guard tasks. For example, over the last four games, Rose averages 2 assists. It will be difficult to win games if he continues to put up similar statistics for the rest of the season.

Golden State Warriors: We all at one point thought it was unfair to place Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green on the same team. It seemed unfair to the NBA! How would a team be able to defeat them? They will be unbeatable! Well after their lost against San Antonio by 29 points proved to me that they are not invincible. Looking at the team statistics, we can see their struggles. One thing the Warriors are known for is shooting the three-point shot. Last year the Warriors lead the NBA in 3-pointers attempted (31.6), 3-pointers made (13.1), and 3 point percentage (41.6%). This year has been a drastic change. They are 6th in the NBA in 3 point shots (29), tied for 14th in the NBA in 3 pointers made (8.5) and 20th in 3 point percentage (29.3%). Even though they are still my pick to win the Western Conference, a San Antonio Spurs versus Golden State Warriors series might not be the blow out we thought it would be.

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