Early Picks For NBA MVP

Whatever the criteria you use for determining at this early stage of the NBA season who will eventually become the MVP of the entire season, we first have to determine who, at this point, is the most important part of their particular team's success.

Now, this may or may not be sustainable by mid-season, (I'll probably do a few of these before the season's over) but as of right now, these are my top picks:

1. LeBron James - I swear if there were two LeBrons in Cleveland, The Cavs would win it all.

2. Kobe Bryant - I swear if there were two Kobes in LA, The Lakers would win it all. (Sorry.)

3. Dwight Howard - The Magic's Backbone. A total freak of nature. Shaq Who?

4. Kevin Garnett - Don't be fooled, KG is the main reason the Celtics are on top of their Conference, but he does have some help.

5. Steve Nash - A True Master of his skill - but he can't possibly get any better, right?..right..?

Pint-Sized White Kid Pours in 25 Points In First NBA Start

It isn't often that a sub-6ft. white guy comes up big in an NBA game. Puertorican-born Jose Barea not only did that, he did it in his first "real" NBA start. The 5'11" dynamo, who last year was sent down to the NBDL - dominated that league - and was quickly called up, poured in 25 points, dished out 5 assists in 28 and a half minutes before leaving early in the fourth quarter to a standing ovation.

Now keep in mind; Barea plays for the Dallas Mavericks - one of the elite teams of the NBA - where everyone is capable of creating their own offense off the dribble.

You would have to listen to an interview with Dallas Coach Avery Johnson in this video from late last season. So will he overtake Devin Harris' starting PG spot? Too early to say; but I will say this: JJ Barea is the next little big thing in the NBA.

Orlando Should Go Deep Into The Playoffs

Judging by what I saw in this pre-season and in last night's opener, I'm stating that The Orlando Magic are definitely better than advertised, better than Miami and probably even better than the Boston Celtics this year.

In last night's game Rashard Lewis and Dwight Howard dominated (which I believe will happen all year long) and, even with the dynamic Jameer Nelson and his back-up Carlos Arroyo having sub-par games, the supporting staff (namely Hedo Turkoglu) carried more than enough offense to keep the game wide open from the beginning of the second half to the end.

If Lewis and Howard can stay consistent all year long, I'm sure the third and fourth scoring options (which will vary night to night) will do enough to win at least 55 games this year. And if Nelson and Arroyo can co-exist and play well regardless of who's starting or who's getting more minutes than the other, than this team is headed for greatness for many years to come.

Oh and by the way, Stan Van Gundy for Coach of the Year.