There are a lot of surprises in the NBA this year, like how the Atlanta Hawks are over .500 at 14-12 with a rough schedule at season's start, but I want to know which team or teams disappointed you most thus far. I'll start it off by naming one right off the bat...and this one may shock a few fans...the Orlando Magic! They have over 10 road wins compared to 5 or 6 defeats, but look at the home record...5-6, including losses to the aforementioned Hawks and the struggling Utah Jazz. Yet they are third in the East!? If they keep choking at home, the Hawks, or maybe the usually crappy Charlotte Bobcats will wipe the floor with them, not to mention the possibility of missing the playoffs! Don't be shy...let me know what you think!
EN2007-12-24T06:44:07Z
Favorite Answer
East - Bulls
You can't blame distraction from Kobe trade rumors. They're just underperformed, with Ben Gordon asking for a slight-lower-than-LeBron salary and Deng puzzling as long as his buddy Ben has yet to re-sign. Big Ben finally let us know that he has been lingering by injury of late, which is at least justifiable. Hinrich has lost his touches which is by far the most disappointed (people expect him to maintain his status as the 2nd best white PG behind Nash). Bulls management could be over-excited on Thomas and Selofosha's upside but both are struggling, and it is a head-scratcher not to give more miuntes to Joe Smith. Nocioni is probably the most consistent performer but certainly he can't turn things around by his own.
West - Rockets
I agree that Houston should make a trade or two before trade deadline. The PG logjam is severe that I wonder why they don't trade Alston to Atlanta for Speedy Claxton (yes I am going to waive Speedy asap to save money and Skip to My Lou is still an upgrade lol). Battier's only problem is somewhat too passive to shoot (Kobe is looking to play along with you). Alston is addicted on streetball and there is no hope to cure. Hayes' upside is much little than expected and he is for sure a better performer off the bench. Scola's role is not well-defined and would end up with a disappointing season if the status quo remained, so is Wells as long as he can get enough shots, plus Francis who likes working as a trainer rather than a bench mob. Maybe it's time to let T-Mac mainly because he is a poor man who deserves a ring.
Its got to be the Chicago Bulls thus far. Yeah they usually start off slow every year with the United Center usually booking the circus which puts the Bulls on the road alot to begin each year but this slump is prolonged.
They let Ben Wallace wear his head band and they kept most of the core that had one of the top 4 records in the east last year and yet they are underachieving. They added an energy guy like Noah from Florida but it looks like Deng and Gordon are worried about their upcoming restricted free agency money after both turned down lucrative extensions this offseason. Also Hinrich has seemed to take a step back. Maybe they turn it around or maybe they have tuned out coach Scott Skiles.
So yeah its the Bulls followed by the Heat are the most disapointing . At least the Heat had some injuries (Wade) and new players to work in like Ricky Davis, but the Bulls have no excuse for being so bad this year after getting to the 2nd round last year.
I think the team that has been most disappointing is the Nets there is no reason to only win 4 games out of 48 that's just sad. Also I think another most disappointing team is the Heat because they can't win at home or on the road.
There are several teams that have been very disappointing, but the MOST disappointing team this year in the NBA has got to be the Miami Heat. They have the same two All-Stars (Superstars, really) that they won the NBA Championship with just two years ago, plus a respectable group of role players, and they look completely unmotivated, tired, and have an awful record.
I'd say the Heat, Bulls and Knicks are the biggest underachievers. The Heat won a championship in 2006 but it looks like they're up against it just making the playoffs. Chicago are usually slow starters, but not this slow. As for New York, well we expect disappointment from them. Although I did think that the Curry-Randolph partnership would be a success.