The changing of the guard in the NBA has taken on a whole new meaning this season. The shortened but compacted 2011-2012 NBA season has changed the landscape of the NBA with teams playing 4 nights in 5 days the younger teams located in the smaller markets are starting to boom.
The aging Boston Celtics are mere shells of their 2007-2010 success of the “BIG 3″. Kevin Garnett’s knees are aching and Paul Pierce has to perform miracles with his bad back just to get out of bed every morning. Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher maybe legendary but they are no longer the hottest ticket in Los Angeles. The San Antonio Spurs Tim Duncan is no longer the best Power Forward in the NBA. Times have changed.
The NBA standings are now dominated by the young and fiery Philadelphia 76ers led by players in their 20’s like Louis Williams, Jodie Meeks, Spencer Hawes, Thaddeus Young, Jrue Holiday and Andre Iguodala.
Memphis Grizzlies featuring the best front court in the NBA with Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph dominating the boards. Memphis has young guards and forwards Mike Conley, O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay running the lanes and hitting three pointers from the corners. Full of offensive athleticism and hard pressure nose defense.
Los Angeles is now selling sold out tickets at Staples Center with Hollywood Celebs packing the seats to see the “Lob City” version of Showtime. Bake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan and Chris Paul are now entrusted to provide the new bright lights for the Hollywood sign in California.
Oklahoma City has the NBA’s best 1-2 tandem of Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant locked in and seeking to bring a NBA Championship to a new market. Russell Westbrook’s new contract extension of 5 year and $80 million dollars proves the Thunder brass is determined to keep their young players and the NBA’s future together.
The Chicago Bulls led by 23 year old 2010-2011 NBA MVP Derrick Rose now have the best team in the NBA. The lights in the United Center are now on in May with chants of MVP as the 23 year old Rose takes crucial free throw in playoff games. Memories of #23 Michael Jordan deck the halls and rafters reminding the Chicago Bulls faithful of their glorious past.
It’s a new day, a new era, a new “son” in the NBA father time must continue. NBA legends and greats who played with Charles Barkley, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Michael Jordan are now fading into the sun set. As we watch the next generation of basketball athletes like Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Paul and Blake Griffin take their places. 2011-2012 NBA season not only ushered in a new CBA it ushered in the changing of the guards of the NBA we just went from Dr. J to MJ all over again.