Holiday Surprises

By Karan Narwal

Many weeks have gone by in this long and tumultuous season of the National Basketball Association, and there have been many pleasant surprises. Like the Colorado Rockies, which had an amazing playoff run in baseball this year, there have been some sleepers who have awoken. From what I have seen thus far, there have been flashes of legends in the making on some teams. Meanwhile, other teams have just been pitiful (such as our “great” Knickerbockers). Who have been the surprises of the season so far?

1) Orlando Magic
Yes we all knew that with the addition of Rashard Lewis the Magic were going to be playoff contenders in the East, but little did we know that Jameer Nelson would finally blossomed into a point guard who can run this extremely athletic and agile team. Two things about Orlando surprise most of the knowledgeable sports world: Orlando’s impressive road record and their early season victory over the Boston Celtics. Credit must be given to head coach Stan Van Gundy for his rotation, which in results most of his players scoring in double figures. Hedo Turkoglu provides solid offense from the small forward spot, and Carlos Arroyo and backup center Adonal Foyle give Orlando a strong bench. This team is stacked like bricks on a building.

2) Milwaukee Bucks
Who knew the rookie Yi Janlian would an impact so early? And it’s about time that former top pick Andrew Bogut started playing defense and making an impact like he was expected. I haven’t even mentioned point guard Mo Williams, who has the quickness of TJ Ford and the eyes of Jason Kidd. Bringing back Desmond Mason gives them explosiveness on the wing and Michael Redd always delivers every season. They have a solid bench with Charlie Bell and Charlie Villanueva. What’s most surprising is their victories against dominant teams such as the Dallas Mavericks. Milwaukee is also consistent against Eastern teams. All of this adds up to make the Bucks the other surprise in the East. Look for them to make a good run into the playoffs.

3) New Orleans Hornets
There’s always a light at the end of the road, and for the city of New Orleans their Hornets are a tough squad who are making it known that New Orleans will not give up. Chris Paul has raised expectations, and his All-Star demeanor and has turned a roster of tradeaways into team with a strong infrastructure. However, Paul is not the only Hornet playing well. Morris Peterson has always been under the radar yet always plays above the rim. Peja Stojakovic still has a deadly shot and superb offensive vision for a big man. David West and Tyson Chandler are a highly effective front court with height and strength. West can showcase some serious game in the paint if he has the ball. In addition, the Hornets bench can put some points up. Coach Byron Scott, who had success in New Jersey with Jason Kidd and a deep roster, now has fresh legs with Chris Paul and a resume which brings experience to the table.