The NBA season is about a week old and there are only three undefeated teams left: Utah, NO/OKC, and Phlly. You read that right. Miami, Phoenix, Dallas and Denver are a combined 2-9. Sure, it’s early, but it’s interesting to see who is getting off to a good start and who isn’t.
Let’s look at the Jazz…Carlos Boozer has been a monster, averaging 20.7 points and 15.0 rebounds through the first three games. Mehmet Okur has also played well, averaging 17.3 points and 9.3 boards, allowing the Jazz to overcome sketchy play from Andrei Kirilenko. Deron Williams has played pretty well, averaging 12.7 points and 6.7 assists, but has yet to make a three after making 1.1 per game last season. If they can get good play from off guard (C.J. Miles is currently starting there and is shooting 55% thus far) then the Jazz should make the playoffs and could win the division. The 3-0 record isn’t a sham, either. They’ve got wins against the Rockets and the Suns.
How about the Hornets? They beat Boston and Indiana on the road before beating the Rockets in their home opener. Surprisingly, the Hornets are undefeated despite suspect play from free agent acquisition Peja Stojakovic, who has shot just 33.3% from the field and is averaging only 11.7 ppg. David West is building on his breakout season in 2005-06, and is posting 20.0 points (on 49% shooting) and 6.7 boards. Chris Paul continues to improve and is currently second in the league in assists with 10.7 per game. (Steve Nash is first with 11.8 per.) The Hornets play the Warriors twice before facing the Blazers, so they could be 6-0 when they face the Clippers on 11/12.
The biggest surprise is Philly, who faced a lot of questions this offseason with all the rumors swirling about potential trades involving Allen Iverson. Anyone worried about AI’s commitment to the team can lay aside those fears. He’s averaging 34.0 points, 9.7 assists and is shooting 49.3% from the field. The Sixers have winnable games against the Pacers, Raptors, Nuggets and Sonics, before facing the Suns in Phoenix on 11/17. The next night, they play the Clippers in L.A.
Of these three teams, the Jazz have the best chance at a division title. The Northwest is pretty weak and the Nuggets are beatable. It’s highly unlikely that the Southwest division champion will not be a team from Texas, but the Hornets look like a playoff team right now. The Sixers could overtake the Nets for the Atlantic title, but will need some good fortune (and good play from Chris Webber) to do so.
