By JG21

Biggest surprises:

5-Shaq's free-throw shooting actually got worse: thought last season was bad? Check out this season! It's only a matter of time before he hits absolutely nothing from the charity stripe.

4-Shawn Marion's play: seriously, the quantum leap made by Marion this year is like no other. Last season he was just another first-year forward who showed promising signs, this season he's joined Kidd on the Suns' "untouchable" list.

3-Shaq is now KOBE'S right-hand man: who would have thought this would happen any time soon?!

2-Baker going after C-Webb: the fact that a soft, out-of-shape, underachieving PF would even THINK about trying to get tough with one of the game's very best (and toughest) is more surprising.

1-If Steph doesn't make the midseason classic.

Honourable mention:

- Sacramento's actually playing defense: it took them a while but they seem to get it now. The possible departure of C-Webb has the entire squad scared to death that they'll do anything to lure him into staying (even if it means playing D every now and then!)
- Jason Williams is capable of being a floor leader: I still can't believe it.

Best Teams:

5-6ers: totally dominating the East, but of course, no match for the West.

4-Blazers: bounced back from a sluggish start, and seem to be in control now. 'Sheed is drilling everyone in his path.

3-Kings: offense was never a problem, now that they're defending it's been lights-out for opposing teams.

2-Jazz: executing as well as they always have.

1-Suns: when will they slow down?

Honourable mention:

-Spurs: solid so far, but Tim isn't 100% yet

Biggest surprise team:

-Cavs: no legitimate superstar, mediocre talent, and yet one of the East's top teams and leading the Central division.

Underachieving: 

-Lakers: yeah, they're leading the league in scoring, and Kobe is the league's leading scorer, but is that really doing LA any good? Their defense is terrible (4th-worst in the league), and they're simply not as dominating as they were last season when they were putting together huge winning streaks. Maybe it's just me, but aren't they supposed to be defending their title?

MVP candidates:

Tough to pick just one, but any one of these guys will do:
-C-Webb
-KG
-Kobe
-Shaq
-Iverson

Best quote:

"We're power forwards, and i think he has it twisted about his position among power forwards. He's one of the softest power forwards in the league. He wanted to get tough, so i had to remind him what time it is." -Chris Webber, when asked about his altercation with Vin Baker.

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