Best and Worst of the NBA

Who's hot, who's not in the NBA:

-(December 12th-20th)-

HIGH 5

1-Boston (last ten: 10-0, 13 straight wins)

I am beginning to think I've underestimated the Boston Celtics, though I'm not sure how that is possible. I've thought they were a phenomenal force all season, all offseason, and even before that. Yet still, as I write this, I find it hard to wrap my mind around just what they've been able to do this year. We just passed the quarter-of-the-way mark of the season, and Boston has 4 losses (last loss was Sunday Nov 21st). Four! 'Nuff said.

2-Miami (last ten: 10-0, 12 straight wins)

The Heat continue to embarrass fools night in and out. They haven't lost since November 27th, and are on a collision course for an Eastern Conference Finals showdown next Spring with the Celtics. When they threw their Championship Celebration last June with James, Wade, and Bosh accompanied by fireworks and hip-hop, I rolled my eyes and didn't buy in. I still might be right, but I think only injuries can stop them now. (that, and the Celtics)

3-San Antonio (last ten: 9-1, 8 straight wins)

All the Spurs do is go to work and collect wins. If there were a word better than consistent to describe this team, I would use it here. They have stars and depth on their roster, and can wreak havoc on any team in the league. The only question with San Antonio this year: Are they TOO quiet?

4-Lakers (last ten: 8-2, 5 straight wins)

The defending champs are back to their old selves. Either you love 'em or you hate 'em, and if you hate 'em you could be in for another long year. They are the team to beat in the West, even if they have had their bumps this season. It is also curious that they are a better team statistically when Kobe Bryant takes 20 shots or less from the field....

5-Dallas (last ten: 9-1)

The Mavericks are a powerful team, no doubt about it. They win at home, they win on the road. They win in a house, or with a mouse; in a box, or with a fox; they win, that's what they do. My only hesitance with the Mavs comes with their propensity in the past to perfect the art of the choke.

HONORABLE MENTION:
Houston (last ten: 7-3, 2 straight)

LOW 5

1-Cleveland (last ten: 0-10, 1-10 in last eleven)

If you're a fan of a professional sports team in Cleveland, you have all my apologies and sympathies I can muster. The Cavaliers are a terrible basketball team, and they are proving just how important LeBron was to their past successes. When your best features are the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Drew Carey, and a movie called "Major League," (not necessarily in that order, either) you don't have much to offer. And the Cavaliers are not helping.

2-Washington (last ten: 1-9, 7 straight losses)

The Wizards recently completed a trade with the Magic, sending Gilbert Arenas to Orlando and receiving Rashard Lewis in his place. Too bad it won't change anything for Washington. Beyond John Wall, this franchise has nothing going for it. Even the President gave them the cold shoulder, choosing to attend a Georgtown Hoyas game over a Wizards'. These days I think DC stands for: Don't Compete.

3-Sacramento (last ten: 1-9, 5 straight losses)

The only thing royal about the Kings these days in the pain they cause their fans to feel in their backsides. And the owners (the Madoofs, er, Maloofs) don't seem to care. Sacramento is already a city of has-beens: Schwarzenegger, Kevin Johnson, and the Kings. Weird that two of the three have ties to basketball...

4-Minnesota (last ten: 2-8, 5 straight losses)

There are 3 things the T'Wolves have going for them right now: Kevin Love, Kevin Love, and the fact that they are NOT Cleveland or Washington. Though they aren't far off. Minnesota is an awful team, in an awful basketball-city, with awful upper-management. I fear that in the near future we will see the Wolves go the "way" of the Seattle Sonics: Away.

5-Golden State (last ten: 2-8)

The Warriors are just another of the terrible organizations in the NBA, and their loss record shows it. They're 9-17 on the year, and have only won 2 of their last ten games. Those two wins, mind you, came against the previously mentioned unfathomably-bad Minnesota Timberwolves. Beyond one Monta Ellis and one Steph Curry, Golden State is a roster of unathletic, non-hustling players who can't even make their free throws (Andris Biedrins is 52% for his career, and a putrid 25% this season from the charity stripe). Head Coach Keith Smart is a good coach, and would be a great fit and hire for any team out there. It's just too bad he's stuck with the Warriors.

HONORABLE MENTION:
New Jersey (last ten: 2-8, 5-15 overall...oy vay)