On The Ball

Week One Of The NBA Season has been an Eye-opener

It's only been one week since the NBA season got underway but some things have already become as clear as crystal. The season looks like it is going to be very entertaining, with parity taking place in the league at an NFL-like pace.

At any rate, here are some observations from around the league.

Philadelphia 76ers

I'll start with the Sixers since Philly is where I'm from.

The Sixers are in real trouble. If their first three games are any indication, this team may struggle to stay around .500. I see absolutely no cohesion on offense and defensively, the Sixers have adopted a matador-like mentality giving up lay-ups like they're giving away Halloween candy. Hopefully, the return of center,Samuel Dalembert will bolster a defense that is just atrocious right now. By the way, has anyone seen Kyle Korver?

Miami Heat

The Heat are obviously loaded with talent and experience. However, I think my preseason prediction that this team will struggle mightily early on, looks like it is going to be right on the mark. The Heat could still be dangerous come playoff time, but I think their offseason additions will eventually hurt them when it's most important.

Detroit Pistons

I haven't seen a thing from the Pistons that makes me think they've lost anything with the departure of Larry Brown. As a matter of fact, I have to say their offense already looks a lot smoother. This team may be on a mission to prove they can win without Larry Brown. Lest we not forget, this team is still loaded with veteran talent that knows how to win. I say pencil them in for the conference finals at the very least.

Indiana Pacers

The Pacers are another team that is on a mission. They obviously have two all-star caliber players in Jermaine O'Neal and Ron Artest, but they're offseason additions of Anre Sarunasivicus and Danny Granger, could be enough to put this team over the top. I like the Pacers to meet the Pistons in the conference finals. If point guard Jamal Tinsley can stay healthy and backup Jonathan Bender can finally fulfill some of his potential, then the Pacers go could go even further.

Cleveland Cavaliers

LeBron James is absolutely phenomenal. Now that he finally has some help, the sky's the limit for this team. Now all they need is some experience, which is exactly what they'll be getting this season. The Cavs look like they're only one or two more players away from really challenging the big boys in the east. At the very least, the Cavaliers will be a very entertaining playoff team.

Milwaukee Bucks

Everybody is jumping on the Bucks' bandwagon - and with good reason. Let's see. This team has the best outside shooter in the league in Michael Redd. One all-star caliber center in Jamal Maglorie, possibly the fastest player in the league in T.J. Ford and another all-star caliber small forward in Bobby Simmons, not to mention, a talented rookie who just so happened to be the first player chosen in the entire draft in Andrew Bogut. What's not to like about this team? Another player or three and this team could really be something in a couple of years.

San Antonio Spurs

I've said everything I have to say about the Spurs. Simply put, if you think this team isn't going back to the finals - get real. The Spurs are loaded, well-coached and experienced, not to mention the fact that they have the best player on the planet in Tim Duncan.

Los Angeles Lakers

Two things I've already noticed are the fact that just having Phil Jackson on the bench has already made a difference and I think Kobe Bryant may have finally figured out to be a real leader, not just a guy who can get 30 whenever wants to. The Lakers obviously have a long way to go, but they look like they'll at least be competitive all season - something they weren't for very long last season. One last thing. The Lakers should be thanking their lucky stars that they have found a point guard who looks like he could be a star one day in Smush Parker. So far, Parker has easily been the Lakers' second best player next to Bryant.

Phoenix Suns

The Suns obviously miss Amare Stoudemire, but reigning MVP Steve Nash is undeniably incredible. The Suns are a different team from last season, but not as different as you think. They can still run with the best of them and still have better than average three-point shooters, but their frontcourt defense is obviously much better now with Kurt Thomas in the middle. Small forward Shawn Marion is a stud who doesn't get the respect he deserves for the multi-faceted skills he brings to the game.

Denver Nuggets

Losing Nene for the season was a huge loss for the Nuggets, but head coach George Karl looks like he has this team believing it can do great things. The Nuggets have talent up and down their roster and I see no reason this team won't challenge to be a conference finalist.

Dallas Mavericks

The Mavs have as much talent as any team in the league - San Antonio Spurs included, but until Dirk Nowitzki becomes a more assertive leader who stops disappearing when he's need most, this team will never overcome the failures that have plagued them the last several seasons. My God, could you picture the Mavs with Steve Nash leading them? Oh well, their loss was Phoenix's gain.

Houston Rockets

Speaking of talent, there is no reason the Rockets shouldn't challenge to be a conference finalist themselves. They have two all-star players, a young, talented power forward who can leap out of the building and a point guard who can break down any player who guards him when he isn't throwing the ball into the third row. If the Rockets don't make the conference finals, it may be time to take a look at making some changes.

So there you have it. My week-one preview. Remember, things are always apt to change at any time, but for now, things look crystal clear to me.

Previous Editions

• Sheryl Is Still A Pearl - November 1, 2005
• Southwest Division Preview - October 31, 2005
• Pacific Division Preview - October 26, 2005
• Central Division Preview - October 12, 2005
• Northwest Division Preview - October 11, 2005
• Southeast Division Preview - October 10, 2005
• Atlantic Division Preview - September 12, 2005
• The Rich Get Richer - September 12, 2005
• Heat May Be Colder Next Season - August 9, 2005
• The Good, The Bad and The Ugly: Larry Brown - July 31, 2005

About Eric Williams

Eric Williams is an award winning sports columnist and six year veteran writer for the Philadelphia Sunday Sun. Eric was born and raised in Philadelphia and has covered all four major professional sports in the Philadelphia area. He has also covered golf, track and field, soccer, tennis and bicycling.

Lifetime Boston Celtics fan. Basketball and football are his favorite sports. Eric is married with five children and currently resides in Marshall, Missouri.

Comments and feedback can be sent to eklass66@yahoo.com