THE 77th NBA season is probably one of the most unpredictable in recent history. It’s not just that there are teams like the Sacramento Kings in the top 5, but the idea that one team can be in the top three, but will fall outside of the playoff position in just one week.
With 82 games, it’s a long season with a lot of drama, a lot of peaks and valleys for any team. There is no Showtime Lakers this season, or 96 Bulls or Durant-led Warriors. There is no dominant team — at least dominance in the tier of those two teams.
But after shocking surprises, the dust will eventually settle, and great players will get their act together. The best example for this is the 2001 Shaq and Kobe-led Lakers. With an unremarkable regular season, they suddenly peaked at the playoffs, demolishing their rivals convincingly. The 15-1 record in the Playoffs is probably the best playoff performance of any team in history.
Talking about championship contenders this early is foolishly daring, but not entirely an exercise in futility.
Manifesting signs
The Eastern Conference was supposed to be a bloodbath, but there are two teams that have separated themselves this early. Not just with the standings, but also because they have presented themselves as consistent performers.
The Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks have presented their team identity, enabled by a sustainable paradigm that can be visualized in the playoffs. They are already executing, and the fact that the Celtics are doing this with a rookie coach after the offseason, off-court turmoil makes the feat all the more remarkable. Jayson Tatum is playing at an MVP level, and you love him and Jaylen Brown simply because they never stopped improving. Just when you thought they were at their peak, they reach new heights.
Tatum will most likely learn from his flameout and be a better playoff leader. But remember, he flamed out in the Finals — not a bad place to be. If that is their reference point for this season, they are definitely a title contender. Unsurprisingly, the other team that’s a clear contender is the team that pundits thought would have beaten the Celtics: the Milwaukee Bucks. Barring injury, the two teams are likely to engage in a bloodbath in the East, and the winners may eventually become the new champions.
The great pretender
How many games can Kawhi Leonard miss before we start to question his “all-time great” tag? The Real Mr. Glass plays one game, and then sits out three. He was playing himself into shape, and was highly praised in his comeback bid. Then, he is sidelined for ten games or so.
Clippers fans and Laker haters will say it’s just “load management” and they can “flip the switch” when it really matters. Enough of that. It’s clear that Kawhi apologists are just running on faith now, and are actually worried. Anthony Davis has shown his prime form, but Kawhi was still lumbering from the starting gate. What exactly is Kawhi’s injury? The Clippers brass is likely hiding something, but their fanatics will say it’s strategy. That is an oversimplistic justification.
Contenders: Cleveland Cavaliers
Yes, they are the upstarts, but they are led by a playoff veteran and a rising star in Evan Mobley. Mobley’s defensive prowess and excellence on offense place him a tier above big men who are older than he is. Mobley could become better (if he is not yet already) than Jaren Jackson Jr. and even Bam Adebayo. This is a well-built young team that suddenly had an inspired leader, and Donovan Mitchell fit the role seamlessly. Make no mistake, the Cavs are a dangerous team, and they could take down any of the two aforementioned contenders.
Pretender: Memphis Grizzlies
I’m just not impressed. They surprised the league last season, but now they have been targeted. I don’t see them improving their position, and the flaws of their young guns are starting to unravel. Ja Morant needs an MVP season, but even that would not be enough.
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