The NBA season is in full swing. With almost half of the season complete, the standings are finally starting to reflect the separation in the league. We have surprising teams in Memphis and Cleveland. A returning giant in Golden State. And a legend in limbo in LA. Here are 20 thoughts on the state of some of the NBA’s biggest stories.
- 1. Ja Morant and the Grizzlies are credible title contenders. Not just because they beat Golden State or have recently been on a heater (11 game win streak was snapped this week), but because they are the EXACT model of how you build an NBA contender around one generational superstar. Morant’s strengths as a primary ballhandler start with his explosive athleticism, akin to a young LeBron James or Russell Westbrook. He attacks the rim with a ferocity that is rarely seen. He shows off his crazy bounce every opportunity he gets.
- 2. A legitimate MVP candidate, Morant is putting the city of Memphis on his back. This isn’t the Grit N’ Grind Grizzlies. This is showtime.
- 3. What about the supporting cast? Dillon Brooks is one of the best irrational confidence scorers in the league, with a deadly off-the-dribble game as a secondary playmaker next to Morant. Desmond Bane is turning into Klay Thompson 2.0. Jaren Jackson JR. was already one of the best young bigs in the league. And although he has struggled this year to gain form offensively after last year’s injury-riddled campaign, defensively he remains a force. While the acquisition of Steven Adams was panned at the time it was completed, his rebounding and presence were the missing pieces of this Grizzlies starting lineup. He provides a veteran toughness they didn’t have in the past.
- 4. This team is adaptable and they believe they’re the best in the West, behind the swagger and confidence of their young point guard. Watch out for Memphis. (Currently, +1500 to win the West. Just saying).
- 5. How bout them Cavaliers!? You know I couldn’t empty my notebook without giving a shoutout to my squad. Just a few weeks ago, Ricky Rubio went out with a torn ACL (get well soon, Ricky). The Cavs were about to embark on a 6-game road swing and morale was very low in Northeast Ohio. We can blame the Browns for that too.
- 6. During that 6-game road trip? All the Cavs have done is solidify their position as a playoff contender in the East. Wins over Portland, Sacramento, Utah, San Antonio and Oklahoma City capped off the most impressive stretch for the Cavaliers this season, with the only loss coming against Golden State on #KlayDay.
- 7. #NBAAllStar Darius Garland struggled initially upon returning from his stint on the Health and Safety protocols. He’s passed that now. In Utah, against superstar Donovan Mitchell, Garland recorded his first career triple-double. In Oklahoma City, he turned in a crisp 27 points and 18 assists. Against the Spurs, he had 32 points and 8 assists. Garland and teammate Jarett Allen, who’s turning into one of the best Centers in the league and could jump out of Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse if he tried really hard, will both be all-stars at home in Cleveland.
- 8. While the Bucks and Bulls have deservedly received immense hype and respect this year, the Cavs are within striking distance of their division rivals. They are most likely going to be a playoff team. Not one of those play-in games. In the dance on their own, potentially with home court. And maybe a certain King out west wants to come home one more time?
- 9. LeBron James should be considered for MVP. Without him, the Lakers would be in the Chet Holmgren sweepstakes.
- 10. LeBron is doing everything for the Lakers offensively, including scoring the ball. But this team is poorly built. That’s just a fact. Once you accept it, it is easier to understand the Western Conference hierarchy. Maaaaaybe just maybe the return of a slimmed-down Anthony Davis gives them a jump start. Davis was flat-out disappointing when he was on the court this year. If that version of AD returns, then the Lakers are in trouble.
- 11. LeBron needs help. Westbrook is on the downturn of his career, as most 30+ guards experience around this time. Malik Monk, Carmelo and Talen Horton-Tucker are not enough of a supporting cast. Kendrick Nunn hasn’t stepped on the floor yet. This roster needed everything to go right. The top of the West is no joke, with three legitimate title contenders and the Utah Jazz. Right now like, 12% is going right. LeBron is the great equalizer. What he’s finding out in the NBA landscape that he’s helped mold though? Even The Equalizer needs a little help.
- 12. While Kevin Durant literally told us he is willing to die on the court, I don’t think the Nets would be in favor of that. However, as a byproduct of the increased workload that Durant has taken on this season, he’s out for the next 4-6 weeks with an MCL sprain and the microscope once again is on Kyrie Irving.
- 13. He remains unable to play in Brooklyn due to New York’s vaccine mandate. Allegedly, the fine could be manageable if the NBA and the Nets decided to eschew the responsibility they have assumed in their current pro-vaccination stance that they have shared between the Association the NBPA. Irving presents one of the most fascinating case studies in not only the history of the NBA but all of professional sports.
- 14. In the midst of a global pandemic, this team must maneuver through circumstances far beyond their control. The way that real-life division has manifested on a true NBA title contender cannot possibly be understated. If Bill Simmons’ theory is that the secret of basketball is that “it’s not about basketball”. An ethos that I truly believe in. The 2021-22 Brooklyn Nets put that theory to the ultimate test. They have three of the greatest basketball players in NBA history. Something’s got to give.
- 15. My top 5 current NBA Finals favorites in no particular order:
- Golden State
- Klay looks good. Steph has been cold after breaking the 3-point record, but that will change. This team NEEDS Draymond healthy.
- Milwaukee
- Giannis is incredible.
- Chicago
- The best offense in the NBA. Can the defense hold up when it counts?
- Phoenix
- Can Chris Paul keep this up through June?
- Memphis
- Can Ja Morant replicate this in a playoff series?
- Golden State
- 16. My top 5 MVP candidates:
- Stephen Curry
- Ja Morant
- LeBron James
- Kevin Durant
- Joel Embiid
- 17. *Squidward Voice* FUUUUTURES:
- 18. Memphis Grizzlies to Win the West +1500
- 19. Milwaukee Bucks to Win the Finals +700
- 20. Cleveland Cavaliers to Win the Central Division +1400
Next up on Majka’s Musings: NFL Wild-Card Weekend and Divisional Round thoughts including, Mahomes-Allen IV, Burrow in his first road start, Shanahan-LaFleur and the inevitability of Tom Brady.