At 10+, it looks like they are doing better. But most of those top teams in the west hasn't played the great teams in the west yet. But I think this year is definitly less lop sided especially with the rise of Cleveland and possibily atlanta. http://www.nba.com/standings/team_record_comparison/conferenceNew_Std_Cnf.html
Forgot New York too. If they can get rid of marbury and curry and add players that compliment their run and gun system, they could be pretty good.
Injuries has slowed down the West. I think the West will get better. As far as the East, it is definitely better and they still have a lot of up and coming young teams.
Definitely in the first 10 games the East has looked surprisingly strong. However when it's all said and done I think the West comes out on top. I also think the West is going to win the championship this year. Whether it's us or the Lakers. I don't think Boston repeats (I really hope they don't) and I don't think the other teams are strong enough.
I think PHX is actually in a good position, if they wanted to win the West, they had to go out and get a center. Those Suns teams couldn't get past San Antonio and other possibly with emergence of the Lakers (with Gasol and Bynum). They would've needed more than Shawn Marion to beat those teams, so they decided to shake up things and acquire Shaq for Marion Which is seemingly turnout to be a good deal? The Suns are such tragedy that they are 1/2 game out from first place and Western Conference lead. I don't think it is time to send the Suns up the river, yet. Amare is starting to hit his prime, Shaq looks like he is actually in great shape this year, Nash is aging, but he is still a top 3 pg and a great shooter. While, the Suns have a good bench with Hill, Barbosa, Diaw, and the rookie Robin Lopez. In fact, I would say I would rather face the Lakers bench than the Suns. Also, they've added Matt Barnes who plays with lot of intensity and is pretty good shooter, also. Don't be surpised, if they end up as #1 seed in the West, because it is very possible that could win more games than LA, especially if they stay healthy or start running and gunning when Shaq takes his usual rest. In fact, I think the duo Amar'e/Shaq is much better than Gasol/Bynum. In fact, you can look at their production on the season and watch some of the games. You can see that the first duo superior (this season and career-wise) to the Lakers' duo. San Antonio is just injured right now, I believe when Ginobili and Parker are finally healthy and maybe a trade for another scorer or a decent big man. The Spurs are going to be in the thick of things. Dallas is screwed. This is how the chain of events uncovered for them: - Blowing a 2-0 and 14 point lead in game 3 to Miami in 2006 Finals. - Winning 67 games and losing in a first round thrashing to the Golden State Warriors. - Trading Devin Harris (has steadily improved every single year and is only 25) for Jason Kidd (who for the most part in decline and a below average shooter who doesn't score - and even has declined in assist)...because of the Gasol deal. - Another one and done in the playoffs.. - Firing Avery Johnson (who got them over the hump in the 1st place) - Not getting another adequate big man - Very slow start to season. I imagine it would change their season, if they made a big trade, but I see them reaching .500 and hovering over or around it for most of the season with present roster. If they don't make the playoffs it will be, because of a serious injury. Getting to the 8 spot is not very hard for team, like Dallas. But, I doubt they make alot of noise in the playoffs.
Atlanta just lost back to back agianst New Jersey... But yeah the east is getting better... Toronto looks good. Phily looks good on paper but they got some problems right now. Miami's guard play is fantastic. Talents starting to balance out.
plutoblue11, I will be VERY surpised if the Suns finish as the first seed in the Western Conference. I still (may be in the tiny minority on this board on this one) think that the Rockets will finish top 3. Probably 2nd seed behind the Lakers but in front of the Hornets. I'd be much more scared to play the Lakers than the Suns in a series by far. The Suns have a lot of talent but they just can't put it together.
New York- actually looks :gasp: halfway decent. Chicago- will remain competitive with Rose. Guys a stud for sure. Atlanta- continues to look good from last years run against Boston. Miami - Dwade is healthy. New Jersey- Good trade for Devin Harris. Nice pick of Brook Lopez. Good trade for Yi. VC's staying healthy and continues to put up All Star numbers. Philadelphia- Should be and will be better than they are right now. This team should be a legit threat to come out of the East. Indiana- much improved with the trade for TJ Ford. Then you still have Cleveland, Boston and Detroit after mentioning all the improved teams in the East. The only teams that are really bad in the East now is Charlotte Bobcats and Wizards sans Gilbert Arenas. The West definitely gets weighted down with the absolutely terrible suckage of Memphis, LA Clips, OKC, Minnesota. Combine that with Dallas no longer being an elite team and looking like the aforementioned teams , Spurs and their injuries. All these things combined with a lot of other stuff I didn't mention makes for the shift in terms of balance.
