THROWING KNIVES: GONNA BE A LONG SEASON IN CLEVELAND

by BD, Epic Carnival

It's not any secret that the Cavs regressed during the off-season, but I wasn't expecting them to look that bad. Especially against a Josh Howard-less Mavericks team. Speaking of the Mavs, Avery Johnson's probably right about Jason Terry winning the 6th man. As expected the Grizzlies are back to being the team they were before Gasol missed most of last season. They didn't win, but they looked pretty good losing to the Spurs. Durant made his debut last night as his team was shellacked by the Nuggets. He wasn't great, but he solid and it's clear from day one that he's already the man in Seattle. As he should be. How about Antoine Wright? He dropped 14 of his 21 in the 4th and OT to help the Nets knocks off the Bulls. This coming from a guy who's shooting ability has been under scrutiny since he drafted in the first round and who's playing time was up in the air heading into the season. If Wright can keep it up the Nets become even more dangerous in the East. Give Crystal Klein your full attention. She's another attractive women I'd never heard of before today.

Cleveland Hardly A Playoff Lock
After watching them look about as bad as possible last night while other middling East teams looked fantastic it's hard to ignore Charles Barkley's declaration that the Cavs will miss the playoffs. I ranked Cleveland 5th, but toyed with the idea of sliding them down to 6th or 7th. The only reason I didn't? It's hard to believe in a New Jersey team who's best player (Vince Carter) takes nights off.

I realize the Cavs played Dallas last night -- a team expected to contend for the championship -- but last season's Cavs squad would have kept it close. LeBron himself would have kept it close, but last night he finished 2-11 for 10 points (plus 5 turnovers) and was held scoreless in the first half for the first time in his career. Even if they manage to sign Anderson Varejao I don't think they're going anywhere this season. Cleveland is officially the Lakers of the Eastern Conference. Unfortunately for LeBron and Co., the East is improved and what worked last year isn't going to cut it this time around.

Kevin Durant's Debut
It wasn't LeBron like, but you shouldn't have expected such, either. Durant still has a body that befits his age. While LeBron came into the league as physically mature as most of the league. An anomaly, so those of you expecting Durant to dominate from day one are in for a disappointment. Those of you who know it'll be a process should be encouraged by last night. Sure, he shot an abysmal 31.8% from the floor and often looked out of place, but at other times he looked like he belonged on the hardwood next to Carmelo Anthony. On top of his 18 points Durant recorded 5 boards, 3 steals and a block to go along with 2 turnovers. I've seen a few people comparing Durant to Adam Morrison, but I think that's a bit to high a praise for Morrison. A guy who can't defend half of the Carnies (if any) and has an offensive game that leaves a lot to be desired at the NBA level. As I said though, be encouraged Seattle fan. It looks like Durant is on his way (though slowly) to being what we all think he can be.

The Bottom Of The West Will Be Interesting
After watching both Portland and Memphis give San Antonio all they can handle while New Orleans was blowing out Sacramento its hard to get a read on just who might end up in those final few playoff spots. I went with Golden State and New Orleans, but I wouldn't be shocked if Portland and Memphis took the final two spots out West. The signing of Darko looks like a great decision thus far for the Grizz as his presence alone allows Gasol to operate one-on-one where he's extremely dangerous inside. Speaking of Darko, how about his dunk on Duncan?

In New Orleans Chris Paul looks fantastic as expected, but the best sign for the Hornets? Peja was hitting his shots and as long as that's the case the Hornets will be tough to beat.

Portland's still very young across the board, but they could sneak into the playoffs as long as Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge are playing well. They of course, also need Webster and other to continue to play well, but only one season into the youth movement the Blazers are already looking like the next great team.

Ben Gordon Is a Douche
I say that because he acts as if he's a superstar that's getting lowballed in contract negotiations. Which is far from the case if you ask me. Gordon's not a superstar, he's a solid player, but not a superstar. If he were playing on a team like the Rockets where a legitimate superstar plays he'd be a complimentary player at best. Looking at him, as more of a spot-up shooter than anything else I don't think Gordon is worth the money he's looking for (something north of 5 years/$50 Mill). He thinks because of what he's contributed in Chicago he's worth superstar money, but as I said before his standing on the team is more a result of how its comprised than anything else. Chicago is a rarity, a team with solid players at every position and no definitive superstar caliber player. They're a lot like Detroit. Though, many around here consider Chauncey Billups
a superstar at this point.

If I were Chicago and I was going to raise my offer to either Deng or Gordon, I'd raise it for Deng without a doubt. He's got the higher ceiling he just need to improve his shooting.

I Was Wrong About AI
He's still got his speed and it looks like he and the rest of the Nuggets could win the West if the front court stays healthy.

Scoreboard - October 31st - 2007

NBA
Orlando 102, Milwaukee 83
Toronto 106, Philadelphia 97
Indiana 119, Washington 110 F/OT
New Jersey 112, Chicago 103 F/OT
New Orleans 104, Sacramento 90
San Antonio 104, Memphis 101
Dallas 92, Cleveland 74
Denver 120, Seattle 103