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The NBA Through Travis Colored Glasses

- With the NBA now back in full swing, here's my whirlwind tour around the league after week 1.

- Atlanta Hawks (0-3) - The Hawks made some noise in the offseason bringing in Joe Johnson, and so far he hasn't been the answer averaging just 16.7 ppg. Rookie Marvin Williams has also been somewhat underwhelming, but that can almost always be said about any rookie at this stage of the season. The Hawks have a very young team and weren't built to be a winner this season, anyway. The one guy who I really have my eye on though is Salim Stoudamire. This kid has fired away in the season's first three games (10 ppg.), and I think his lack of a conscience on the offensive end could eventually make him a star.

- Boston Celtics (1-2) - Ouch! That's all I can say for the C's after watching them blow one Saturday night in overtime to the Charlotte Bobcats. On the bright side, Paul Pierce is off to a scorching start averaging 30 a night and shooting over 48%, which means that Pierce's trade stock could again be on the rise (yeah I know Danny Ainge insists he's not going to trade him). Mark Blount also seems to be rebounding from last season's abysmal showing, and would have had a game winning shot to add to his resume if not for Rip Hamilton's late game heroics.

- Charlotte Bobcats (2-1) - How bout them Bobcats! This team would have been 3-0, if not for a furious fourth quarter comeback by the Bulls on opening night. Gerald Wallace is playing great basketball, and Brevin Knight is again positioning himself for a run at the NBA assist title. And how about Emeka Okafor, who is currently averaging over 17 points and 11 boards. I'm not prepared to say that the Bobcats will be in the playoffs after just one week, but I am prepared to say that they should be in the mix for the eight seed.

- Chicago Bulls (1-1) - I like this team. Ben Gordon is picking up where he left off last year providing a huge spark for the Bulls off the bench. Kirk Hinrich is also off to a great start, and nearly led the Bulls to victory over the nets scoring 14 points in the final 5 minutes of the ballgame -- ultimately the Bulls lost 100-99 in a great contest. I honestly believe that Hinrich is on the verge of stardom, and I also believe that he could one day be a viable MVP candidate ala Steve Nash. The lone blemish so far in my estimation has been the play of the recently very well compensated Tyson Chandler. However, the Bulls are deep enough that it hasn't really affected them thus far.

- Cleveland Cavaliers (1-2) - Perhaps I'm in the minority here, but I don't think this Cavs team is any better than the last couple of versions. The fact that Donyell Marshall is already injured doesn't bode well for this bunch either. Furthermore, Larry Hughes has struggled to mesh with his new teammates shooting just 38% from the field, and his trademark defensive prowess has been MIA. One also has to wonder if Zydrunas Ilgauskas can make it through another campaign healthy. The bottom line is that this team has given me no reason to believe that they will get over the playoff hump this season -- although I know it's very early, so they have plenty of time to convince me.

- Dallas Mavericks (2-1) - The Mavs looked great in the season's first and third game, but lost to the Utah Jazz in between, in a classic trap game. Dirk Nowitzki looks poised to make another MVP run, and Jason Terry has done a good job running the club. The team defense has also looked dramatically better under second year coach Avery Johnson. The key for the Mavs will be consistency, and losses to the Utah's of the world have to be avoided.

- Denver Nuggets (1-3) - The Nuggets have looked nothing short of horrendous early, and a 39-point win over Portland appears to be nothing more than fools gold at this point. The team looks poised to repeat last season's 1-5 mark, unless they right the ship very quickly. Save his performance against the Spurs opening night, Carmelo Anthony has looked discombobulated on the offensive end. The team has also gotten destroyed on the boards. Kenyon Martin is the primary culprit -- among two or three others -- and needs to start crashing the glass on both ends. It's time for Coach Karl to prove that he's worth all that jack Stan Kroenke gave him last year.

- Detroit Pistons (3-0) - The Pistons have not missed a beat under new coach Flip Saunders. Rip Hamilton appears to have elevated his game to a superstar level, and if you don't believe me, ask the Boston Celtics. Add to that the solid play of the usual suspects (Billups, Wallace Brothers, Prince, etc.), and the Pistons have all the parts in place to make a run for another title. It also seems like many around the league -- including myself -- have been sleeping on the Pistons, instead opting for sexier picks like the Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers. I think the Pistons love this, and it will only add fuel to the Motor City fire.

- Golden State (2-1) - These guys are a fun bunch to watch play the game, and I encourage all of you to check them out ASAP. Baron Davis has brought hope back to the Bay, and his flair on the court will keep the paying customers coming back for more. Troy Murphy is an underrated force at the four spot, and Jason Richardson seems to have finally become a complete player. Don't laugh when I tell you that the Warriors may end up being the best team in the state of California at the end of the season. That is, if they can stay healthy, and Davis has already sat out the only game the Warriors lost.

- Houston Rockets (1-1) - No T-Mac, no chance. That's the bottom line for this squad, and the Rockets have indicated that T-Mac may miss up to three weeks. Jon Barry's efforts have been admirable, but there's no way he'll be able to maintain his current pace. In you want to look at this scenario in a glass half-full kind of way, maybe this will a chance for Yao to dominate -- but I wouldn't hold my breath.

- Indiana Pacers (2-1) - A loss to the struggling Sixers Saturday night set off some early season alarms in Indy. In the long run though, I believe this team will be fine. Ron Artest is still regaining his form after spending the better part of last season making rap albums or whatever the heck it is he likes doing in his free time. And although not many people have cited this as a big issue for the team, I believe they are still adjusting to life without the leadership of Reggie Miller. That said, Jermaine O'Neal is still the beast of the East, and should have no problem assuming that leadership role as the season progresses. Keep your eye on Sarunas Jasikevicius. I thought he would be a big factor for this team under coach Rick Carlisle, but he has only averaged 13 minutes per game thus far.

- Los Angeles Clippers (3-0) - Go Clippers, go! Sam Cassell poured in 35 on opening night, and along with new teammate Cuttino Mobley, has provided veteran leadership for the Clips not seen in some time. Elton Brand has been his usual steady self, and rookie James Singleton has raised an eyebrow or two. I know what you're thinking. This can't possibly last. The Clippers will find a way to screw it up. Well, I believe they will too, but here's for hoping they don't.

- Los Angeles Lakers (2-1) - The Lakers are off to a good start, and as usual, many of the fans in L.A. are overreacting. I still believe that the Lakers are the second best team in their own city, as I said nearly three months ago. That said, the team has looked good thus far. Say what you want about Kobe Bryant's exploits on the offensive end, but defense has been the difference for this team. As I mentioned in one of my preseason columns, Phil Jackson has been employing an effective full court trap with great frequency. The team's half court defense has also improved dramatically. Also, it would not surprise me at all if Bryant averages over 30 a game this season. However, none of this will be enough to help the Lakers make the playoffs, and they will again fade down the stretch as they did a season ago.

- Memphis Grizzlies (2-1) - This team may just add another amazing chapter to the legacy of GM Jerry West if they keep playing like this. Unabomber look-a-like Paul Gasol, has been playing with a little feistiness that he hasn't exhibited in previous campaigns. Also, the additions of veterans Eddie Jones, Bobby Jackson, and Damon Stoudamire have already paid dividends. This team could wreck some havoc in the West.

- Miami Heat (1-2) - That earthquake that many of you claimed you felt last Thursday evening in South Florida, was actually Shaq crashing to the floor with a sprained ankle. With the big fella expected to miss 2-4 weeks, it's time for some of Miami's new additions to step up. This team just has to try and learn to play with one another, and prepare to make a Finals run next spring. However, I can't help but wonder if Shaq might finally be starting to show his age. And if the Diesel breaks down, the team might as well abandon any hope of winning it all.

- Milwaukee Bucks (3-0) - Those of you who read my stuff know that I love the Bucks roster, and they sure as heck haven't disappointed. Michael Redd seems to be taking his game to another level, and T.J. Ford has looked absolutely phenomenal. Bobby Simmons has also lived up to his offseason contract thus far. I won't get too carried away and predict an 82-0 season for the team, but I will say that the team will most definitely contend for home court advantage in the East.

- Minnesota Timberwolves (1-2) - Kevin Garnett represents all that is right with the NBA, and that was only solidified by his effort in an overtime loss Friday in Seattle in which Garnett dove to the floor multiple times late in the game pursuing loose balls. What other NBA "superstars" would dive for a loose ball in game two of the regular season? Heck, it's hard to get some guys to dive for loose balls come playoff time. That said, the Timberwolves are not a very good team, and I think Garnett's frustration with Wolves could reach its boiling point some time this season.

- New Jersey Nets (2-1) - This team is very intriguing to me. It appears that Richard Jefferson and Vince Carter are learning how to play with one another. Case in point: Late in the game against the Bulls Saturday, I watched as Carter was doubled in the low post, and he quickly kicked the ball out to Jefferson for a wide-open three. I later saw a double team come Jefferson's way, and he seamlessly kicked it out to Carter for an open look. I just see the two developing a certain chemistry with one another that can't be measured statistically. And let's not forget that the team has Jason Kidd playing quarterback, and he could easily have another MVP type campaign if he stays healthy.

- New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets (2-1) - If you haven't watched the Hornets play a home game in Okalahoma City, I suggest you do so. The atmosphere is electric, and the team feeds off of it. They also have an intriguing mix of young athletes that are proving to be hard for opposing coaches to game plan against. Ultimately, the team's 2-1 record is an aberration, and they won't win more than 30 games this year. However, they will win more than their fair share of games against quality opponents, especially in Oklahoma City.

- New York Knicks (0-3) - Welcome back to NYC, Larry. As I've said all along, the Knicks have a lot of talent on their roster. Making that talent mesh though is another story, but that's why LB got paid the big bucks. I still believe that Stephon Marbury will struggle to adapt to Brown's team first style, and Brown will quickly learn that Marbury is no Chauncey Billups. However, the young kids on the team will ultimately flourish under Brown's tutelage. Sunday's solid performances against the Warriors by rookies David Lee, Nate Robinson, and Channing Frye, were perfect examples of what I'm talking about.

- Orlando Magic (0-3) - Magic coach Brian Hill was once ran out of Orlando by Penny Hardaway. Now, Hill is back, and he very well may get run out of town again -- this time by Steve Francis. Francis has struggled this season, but in fairness, his teammates are as culpable as he is. The bottom line is that this team is a bad mix together, and I expect a couple of deals to be made by February, and you can expect Stevie Franchise's name to come up in trade rumors as soon as . . . well, probably tomorrow.

- Philadelphia 76ers (1-3) - It's been a tough start for Mo Cheeks in the City of Brotherly Love. I know this might sound crazy, but the Sixers haven't looked all that bad to me. In fact, I think Chris Webber has looked pretty darned good - especially for a man playing on one leg. Also, I would never count out any team Allen Iverson plays for. Unfortunately though for Sixer fans, it looks like Andre Iguodala is struggling. Can you say, sophomore slump? All that said, I still think the Sixers will be a playoff team come April.

- Phoenix Suns (2-2) - One thing I'll say about the Suns, they're committed to running. So many other teams in this league give lip service to running, but few actually do it. Because of this style of play, the Suns should still be very competitive this season sans Stoudamire. I have also heard a lot of people in the media talking about the play of James Jones. Not that Jones has been bad, but Boris Diaw is the guy that has really impressed me. Raja Bell has also added a much needed element of toughness to the club. Still, I think the team screwed up by not acquiescing to Joe Johnson's contract demands, and his loss will ultimately come back to burn the Suns.

- Portland Trail Blazers (1-2) - This is a young team that will not be very good this year. I nearly fell asleep Friday night at Pepsi Center in Denver as the Blazers were run out of the gym, losing by 39 points. I do like some of the young talent the team has acquired, and I think Sebastian Telfair, Charles Smith, and Martell Webster will all be players someday. I would also expect the Blazers to make some moves before the deadline, with Darius Miles and Theo Ratliff being featured as the primary bait.

- Sacramento Kings (1-2) - Despite the team's impressive win Sunday in Phoenix, this is an overrated bunch that is going nowhere fast. Bonzi Wells has been an absolute cancer every place he's been, and I'm sure he'll be calling Rick Adelman names in a couple of years when he's traded, just like he's doing now with his former coach Mike Fratello in Memphis. I do like Mike Bibby, Brad Miller, and Peja Stojakovic (if he can return to form), but these guys are not top-flight talent in the Western Conference.

- San Antonio Spurs (2-1) - They are still the best team in basketball. However, Michael Finley -- although brilliant opening night against Denver -- has struggled coming off the bench. Manu Ginobili has also looked sluggish, but that could be attributed to his sore leg. No matter how this team looks for the first couple months of the season though, everyone knows that the Spurs will hit their stride come playoff time. It's almost like the regular season is nothing more than a long preseason for San Antonio to get tuned up for a championship run.

- Seattle Sonics (1-1) - Ray Allen was fabulous in an overtime win Friday over the Wolves, and he should have a brilliant season. Still, I am convinced that this Seattle team is not as good as last year's version. But if Denver continues to struggle, who knows? Seattle could very well win the division. Also, Vladimir Radmanovic is already upset with his role. Not like we didn't see this one coming when he wasn't given a big money deal in the offseason.

- Toronto Raptors (0-3) - Okay, this team is just bad. Expect Jalen Rose to get moved by the deadline, that is if any team is willing to take on his ridiculous salary. I would also expect the team to try and move the inflated contract of Alvin Williams if they can. The team does have some nice young players that may or may not develop. I have my eye on Joey Graham, who I believe was the best all around athlete in last summer's draft.

- Utah Jazz (2-1) - The Jazz have looked great early, but they did last year, too. I wouldn't put too much stock in the quick start. However, Memhet Okur has looked dominant at times, and who knows what can happen if he keeps playing at this level. Andrei Kirilenko on the other hand has looked atrocious on the offensive end, but his defense has still been solid. Also, I am starting to wonder if the game may have finally passed Jerry Sloan by. I know he has had a lot of success over the years, but his offense has proved to be very stifling for a number of young players over the past few seasons.

- Washington Wizards (3-0) - Expect this team to do some damage in the East this year. Gilbert Arenas is on his way to another All Star appearance, and Antawn Jamison could be right behind him. I also love the toughness that Etan Thomas and Michael Ruffin have given the Wizards off the bench in the first three games. Keep in mind too, that Caron Butler has not played in the last two games. Looks like the Wizards have recovered, despite Michael Jordan's best efforts.

Sorry, I didn't have time to get to any e-mail this week, but I'll post some next week. Also, keep those e-mails coming, as I love hearing your questions and opinions.

All done for week 1. Thanks for reading, and in the words of former NBA bad boy Charles Barkley -- This is the NBA, and it stands for No Babies Allowed.

Have a take about what you just read. Contact Travis at travismheath@msn.com. Travis Heath is a doctoral candidate in psychology, and a freelance writer. Travis currently resides outside of Denver, Colorado, but he has spent time in Washington, Nebraska, and Both Northern and Southern California. He is also a self-admitted sports addict, with his primary vice being the NBA.

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