Around the NBA (13)

After the first month of NBA action, I have to confess that the Eastern Conference is in trouble. Either all the teams are closer than they appear (in terms of competition) or the teams really stink. Aside from the unstable Atlantic Division, the Southeast Division is where the news start. Miami and Washington have been very disappointing. Orlando looks and plays like the best team in the East. Atlanta is improving and Charlotte, albeit their record, has defeated very good teams such as San Antonio, Cleveland, and Detroit.

Lakers continue to shock me and play well. Kobe showed signs that he's still the best player in the NBA even after knee surgery. Both the Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns have ended their early season drought and are near the top of the conference again. Utah is playing the best team basketball thus far and their record demonstrates it. The Clippers can't win on the road and that has them hovering near .500 all season. Golden State's offense is explosive but my guess is that it won't last for the entire season.

Western Conference (November 2006):
Player of the Month: Yao Ming
Rookie of the Month: Rudy Gay
Coach of the Month: Jerry Sloan

Eastern Conference (November 2006):
Player of the Month: Dwight Howard
Rookie of the Month: Adam Morrison
Coach of the Month: Brian Hill