SECAUCUS, N.J., Nov. 6, 2007 -- The NBA season just tipped off a week ago, but here are some observations that may or may not hold up for the entire six-month grind.
Dallas' Jason Terry is a shoo-in to win the Sixth Man of the Year Award. He is providing instant offense off the bench, scoring at a 23-points per game clip, while connecting on 60 percent of his shot attempts.
Chicago and Golden State, last year's playoff darlings, are a combined 0-6, while the Bobcats are two games above .500 for the first time in franchise history.
Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen are just as good in Boston as they were in Minnesota and Seattle.
Preseason Rank - 11
Remember the T-Mac that averaged 32.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists and was arguably the best player in the league while suiting up for Orlando during the 2002-03 season? With Rick Adelman as coach, that guy is back, only now he's in a Houston uniform.
Preseason Rank - 1
Already known as The Big Ticket, The Kid, KG and The Franchise, Garnett really doesn't need another nickname. Still, it wouldn't surprise me to hear fans in Boston start referring to him as, "Better Than Advertised" after he put up 22 points and grabbed 20 rebounds in his Celtics debut.
Preseason Rank - 4
So much for letting trade rumors effect your play. Kobe has been Kobe and the Lakers notched two early-season upsets, knocking off the Suns in Phoenix and the Jazz at home.
Preseason Rank - 13
Four games played and four double-doubles for Boozer who appears primed to put up better numbers than last season's career year. Fantasy gem: he has posted a combined 12 assists in the past two games.
Preseason Rank - 6
Not a bad start for Timmy. He added another ring to the collection, is averaging his usual double-double and the Spurs are off to a 3-0 start.
Preseason Rank - 19
The Hornets (3-0) have been one of the biggest surprises of the season so far and Paul has been the biggest reason why. Despite only being 6-0, he has already notched eight rebounds in a game twice. Deron Williams passed him for top rising point guard last year. Look for Paul, who missed 18 games to injury a season ago, to earn his spot back.
Preseason Rank - 5
His points per game are down from a year ago (24.5 to 21.5), but he is averaging a career high in assists (5.0) and the Mavericks have won three of their first four games.
Preseason Rank - NR
What age was Allen Iverson supposed to slow down at again? The Answer is piling up the points and assists as usual, but the stat that is jumping off the page is steals. He has 11 in three games. Talk about getting it done on both ends of the court.
Preseason Rank - 3
Nash has come in first place twice and second once in the MVP voting the past three seasons. He has a subpar game in a loss to the Lakers (19 points, three assists), but bounced back two days later by notching 30 and 10.
Preseason Rank - 20
It appears that he is picking up where he left off from a year ago. Although it is very early in the season, the combination of Williams and Boozer is the best one-two tandem in the league.
On the Outside Looking In (averages - preseason rank)
11. Danny Granger (IND): 22.7 PPG, 8.7 RPG. 0.7 APG - (NR) 12. Chauncey Billups (DET): 19.7 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 7.7 APG - (15) 13. Richard Jefferson (NJN): 26.0 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 3.3 APG - (NR) 14. Dwight Howard (ORL): 16.3 PPG, 13.3 RPG, 3.7 BPG - (12) 15. Yao Ming (HOU): 19.5 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 2.5 BPG - (7) 16. Carmelo Anthony (DEN): 28.3 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 4.0 APG - (8) 17. LeBron James (CLE): 27.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 6.3 APG - (2) 18. Jason Terry (DAL): 22.8 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 5.0 APG - (NR) 19. Jason Kidd (NJN): 8.3 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 9.7 APG - (NR) 20. Shawn Marion (PHX): 17.0 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 1.7 BPG - (NR)
Running the Floor
Wade
Shaquille O'Neal may be the one who sports the Superman tattoo, but it appears the Heat are calling on Dwyane Wade to save the day. Miami has followed a winless preseason by going 0-3 to start the regular season. Newly-acquired Ricky Davis has provided a spark, but it has become obvious that the Heat aren't going far without Wade. On Monday, he went through his first full practice and reported no problems afterwards. The swingman, who had his left knee and left shoulder operated on in May, appears game ready.
The top 20 MVP candidates after a week's worth of games are listed above and the Wizards' Gilbert Arenas is nowhere to be found. How is that possible you ask? Agent Zero went 0-3 on the court, 0-1 in bold predictions and is handing out just four assists per game.
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Shaquille O'Neal may be the one who sports the Superman tattoo, but it appears the Heat are calling on Dwyane Wade to save the day. Miami has followed a winless preseason by going 0-3 to start the regular season. Newly-acquired Ricky Davis has provided a spark, but it has become obvious that the Heat aren't going far without Wade. On Monday, he went through his first full practice and reported no problems afterwards. The swingman, who had his left knee and left shoulder operated on in May, appears game ready.