in NBA Articles

Jackson's magic gone?

We hit the All-Star break at the exact right time for some teams, while others wish their hot streaks could have gone on a little longer. In the case of the bottom-feeders, they're just fantasizing about watching the playoffs in between rounds at Pebble Beach. This NBA season has had its moments, but for the most part, it's sort of had an anti-climatic feel.

Lakers- Currently sitting in eighth spot in the Western Conference, LA is not exactly burning up the league with Phil Jackson back at the helm. Sure, the talent on this team is not anywhere near championship caliber, but Los Angeles was expected to be a little better than they've been.

What I don't understand, is how most experts are still picking this team to make the postseason and possibly surprise someone in the first round of the playoffs. Are you kidding me? Who says they're going to make it? Utah is right on their heels and let's not forget about the Rockets. Now healthy, Houston is as dangerous as anyone in the league when McGrady and Ming are clicking. Don't rule out Houston getting into the playoffs and don't rule out the Lakers missing it.

Brown- Larry Brown's arrival on Broadway has been anything but show-stopping. Arguably, the Knicks have been the most disappointing team this season. Some say Brown is having a hard time reaching the young players, while others blame the futility on media distractions. Whatever the case, New York is done for the year and the 06-07 campaign doesn't look any more promising.

Flip- As expected, the Detroit Pistons are once again a force to be reckoned with. But did anyone expect them to be as good as they've been? Guard Chauncey Billups is having a career year and new coach Flip Saunders is looking pretty good right now. The only problem? Saunders has never really tasted postseason success, so the second-guessers will be out in full force come April.

McGrady- Can you believe that the Houston Rockets have not won a single game without their star player in the lineup this season? All of that is moot if they can keep him healthy and continue their march towards an improbable playoff spot.

Bobcats- While I know they are still a young franchise, I can't help but think that Charlotte has underachieved this season. With talent such as Brezic, Wallace, Knight, Okafor, Fulton, Jones,etc.... they should be a lot better than their record. Sure, they've missed some key contributors for a good portion of the season. But even when they were healthy, this was not a team putting up a ton of wins.

Mavs- How surprised are you to see the Mavericks sitting atop their division? No one in their right mind would have predicted Dallas finishing ahead of the Spurs- and it still might not happen. But when you lose Finley and he signs with San Antonio, common sense would tell you the Mavs are done like dinner.

So what's been the difference? Defense. Coach Avery Johnson has Dirk and Co. actually buying into a defensive system and it has really paid dividends. It still doesn't mean that owner Cuban wishes he would have kept Nash.

Suns- Speaking of Nash and the Suns, how amazing is it that they are so far over .500 without Amare? Incredible. Look for them to explode down the stretch if they can get their power center back.

Comments or Questions? Email Matthew@BetUS.com.