There is no doubt that the Philadelphia76ers are the Cinderella story early on in the Atlantic division. They are a perfect 7-0 and two games ahead of the second-place New York Knicks. Philadelphia's record can largely be attributed to the surprisingly sound play of point guard Eric Snow. Snow, who is shooting 53 percent from the field and averaging 16-plus points a game, has been the perfect complement in the backcourt to superstar shooting guard Allen Iverson. Philadelphia, predicted by many experts to be the sleeper team in the East, has jumped off to a great start.
The Orlando Magic, however, have struggled to stay at .500 this year despite the addition of free agents Grant Hill and Tracy McGrady this off-season. Hill has played in only two games this year, though, as he is still recovering from a broken foot suffered at the end of the regular season last year. In his two starts, he's been less than impressive, scoring only 13.5 points per game, and may not be back to his All-Star form until January. As discouraging as Hill's play has been, the Magic have to be delighted by the play of McGrady. The former Toronto Raptor is averaging 22 points per game and has showed the ability to be a lead them into the playoffs.
The New Jersey Nets have shown vast improvement from their awful 1999-2000 season. The Nets are a respectable 3-3 through their first six games, and if they end up improving on last year's 31-51 record, they will have the NBA Draft to thank. The Nets selected the Cincinnati Bearcats' 6'10" standout Kenyon Martin with the first overall pick. Martin is known best for his awesome leaping ability, power, and shot blocking.
While the rookie's play will largely determine how the Nets fare this year, it is Stephon Marbury who has kept the Nets afloat thus far. Marbury has scored 30 or more points in five straight games, a Net record, and is shooting a blistering 53 percent from the field. The one-two punch of Martin and Marbury provides the Nets with a potentially devastating attack that could make some noise in the Atlantic this year.
The early leaders in the Central Division are the Cleveland Cavaliers. Their 5-1 record is quite remarkable considering that they lack a 15-points-per-game scorer. However the Cavs have relied on a balanced attack that boasts four players - Andre Miller, Christ Gatling, Matt Harping, and Lamond Murray, who are all averaging double figures. Don't read too much into the early success of this team, though, as the loss of Sean Kemp in the off-season will hurt the Cavs up front, and their lack of proven stars may haunt them as the season progresses.
No team in the East has undergone more of a complete overhaul than the Indiana Pacers. One NBA legend replaced another in the coach's seat, as Larry Bird stepped down and Isiah Thomas stepped in. Rik Smits, one of the best jump shooting centers of all time, retired, All-Star power forward Dale Davis was traded to Portland, and starting point guard Mark Jackson signed as a free agent in Toronto. However, the Pacers have managed to overcome the losses, posting a 4-2 record.
Reggie Miller is leading the Pacer attack once again, scoring 25 a game. The play of the young Jermaine O'Neal and Travis Best has also given Indiana a much-needed lift. These younger players have been huge parts of the Pacer offense, scoring 14 and 19 points per game, respectively. The Pacers' success this year will be largely dependent on the new generation of Pacers - Best, O'Neal, Jalen Rose, and Austin Crohsere, as, luckily for Spike Lee, Reggie Miller won't be there forever.
The two biggest disappointments in the Central are the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks, who were one jump shot away from advancing to the conference semifinals last year, have started 2000 an abysmal 1-5. Don't blame Ray Allen, though, as the shooting guard/movie star is in All-Star form, scoring 22 points a game shooting a phenomenal 91 percent from the free-throw line. Glenn "Big Dog" Robinson, Sam Cassell, and Tim Thomas are all filling their roles well, each scoring over ten points a game, so don't put too much weight in the Bucks early season woes, they will be a playoff team by the end of the season.
It seems as though the Hawks still haven't recovered from being swept by the eighth-seeded Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals in 1999. After a discouraging '99-'00 campaign, the Hawks are winless in their first seven games this season.
Jimmy Jackson and Alan Henderson are good players but not strong enough to lead the team. Center Dikembe Mutombo, who has just returned from a battle with a mild case of malaria, is proving once again that he is only dominant on defense, scoring a paltry 9.5 points a game. The Hawks have some talent, but don't have the quality on their roster to finish over .500 on the year.
