The NBA keeps this season exciting!

Patrick: Fresh off of the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar discussion, we stay with the NBA, which has been very exciting thus far this season. Still dealing with COVID-19 and its effects, the teams are continuing to give us competition at the highest level, making it so we have no friggin’ idea who is going to pull it out this year. However, by the end of this, we will have four opinions on how the season will shake out. John, let’s begin with you— what do you think about this season with everything that’s been going on?

John: Thanks, Patrick. First, I am very excited about the NBA. The competition is tough, and there is a nice variety of talent in the leagues. There’re quite a few rookies transitioning very well. Obviously, Charlotte Hornets’ LaMelo Ball leads the pack. He was injured recently, but is scheduled to make a return by the time this runs.

Russ: Yeah, he’s averaging 15.9 points per game (ppg), 6.0 rebounds per game (rpg), and 6.3 assists per game (apg)—excellent numbers for a first-year player. John: You’re right. Let me also mention Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards—

Donald: The overall #1 pick in the Draft, I might add. John: Yes…ahead of the celebrated LaMelo Ball. Although Edwards is somewhat inconsistent and, often off the mark, when he has been on it, he has been really on it. His stats are slightly down compared to Ball’s, but not by much. 14.9 ppg, 4.0 rpg, and handing out 2.5 assists per game.

Patrick: Definitely has me looking forward to his development over the next few years.

Donald: All right, enough rookie talk; let’s discuss those veteran difference-makers as it relates to the championship.

Patrick: Sounds good, sir, but before we do, I must mention our rookie here in Chicago, Patrick Williams. This guy is averaging 10.2 ppg, 4.8 rpg, and 1.2 apg…and this is on a team with Zach LaVine, Lauri Markkanen, and Coby White, so he’s definitely going to be a winner.

Donald: You’re right. And he’s only been getting better. But, yeah, back to the players who are the primary drivers to the championship. Kawhi Leonard, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, James Harden—

Russ: Utah’s Donovan Mitchell, Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker—shoot, we keep, for some reason, forgetting about this Sun, but he makes us remember every time he’s out there…and he doesn’t complain—

John: Milwaukee Bucks’ “Greek Freak” Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Lakers’ Anthony Davis. Too many. Patrick: Portland’s Damien Lilliard, who gave us one of the most thrilling playoffs runs last year—and they didn’t even get past the second round! Russ: Damn good point.

Patrick: All right, so my feeling on this season is that there’re a few teams who could end up hoisting the trophy at season’s end. Out of the West, we have the Los Angeles Clippers, Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns—mind you, I haven’t even mentioned the returning champions: The Los Angeles Lakers, who, I believe, will repeat.

Donald: I’m with you… assuming LeBron returns healthy. But, out of the East, we have some winners over there, too. Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76’ers, Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics— some good teams.

John: I’m going with the Nets to come out of the East. I mean, James Harden, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Durant— c’mon!

Russ: I’m with you, John. But I’m not sure they have—yet— what it’ll take to beat the Lakers, but I’ll agree they’re the elite of the East.

Patrick: So, let’s make a promise to revisit this once we get some down-the-stretch action and actual playoff seedings—cool?

All: Cool!

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