NBA Christmas Day Observations

No Credentials was able to view at least five minutes of every Christmas game in the NBA. Here are ten observations of each team that particiapated.

Brooklyn Nets – They are the new Atlanta Hawks. Joe Johnson brought the stink with him.

Boston Celtics – Boston isn’t a team anyone will want to face in a seven game series, but they will need to flip one or two of their back-up wings for a big to have a real chance against Miami.

New York Knicks – Boom or bust depending on how Amar’e Stoudemire blends in. If he is truly accepting of a bench role that makes a ton of sense (could plug in at the 4 when Carmelo Anthony sits, and man the 5 when Tyson Chandler does), New York is the team that Miami should legitimately be worried about in the Eastern Conference.

Los Angeles Lakers – Mitch Kupchak should explore all other ways to add three point shooting and a stretch-4 without including Pau Gasol before moving the scruffy looking Spaniard. They don’t need a big name to hit threes, just a couple of dudes of the role-playing variety. It would be crazy to think of the Lakers and Celtics making a trade, but a Barbosa for Jordan Hill swap would make a ton of sense for both sides (cap implications not considered, because I just took NyQuil and don’t have the ambition to see if that deal would work on the NBA Trade Machine).

Oklahoma City Thunder – Don’t let the loss today fool you. The Thunder are still the favorite in the West.

Miami Heat – In case their recent scuffles the past month fooled you, let today reaffirm that Miami is the class of the Eastern Conference. When the Heat are firing on all cylinders, it really isn’t close.

Chicago Bulls – Can Derrick Rose deliver an Adrian Peterson-like comeback in 2013? Joakim Noah’s offensive breakout would only be enhanced by the return of the 2010-11 MVP.

Houston Rockets – Without looking at advanced metrics, this looks like the most unselfish team in the league. They’ve really taken on the persona of their franchise player, James Harden.

Denver Nuggets – In the NBA, it is possible to have too many guys, leading to undefined roles, fluctuating minutes, and bruised egos. Denver needs to move out three to four players to carve out a solid eight-man rotation.

 
Los Angeles Clippers – They are deep, they run the floor, and have a surplus of ball handlers and shooters. Chris Paul gets the most of every teammate, making the Clippers a scary opponent come playoff time.