Who is the best?

The best player in the NBA right now, still has to be LeBron James. Just last year I thought that Kevin Durant has surpassed him and become slightly the better player, but his injury-plagued season has caused a relapse. What is different about this year, and more fascinating is that when I think about who is the best player in the league today, many names come to mind. Last year, and for the last couple years, it has been a two man competition between Durant and James. This year I can say that we have even more competition. Russell Westbrook, James Harden and Stephen Curry have all entered this conversation. Not simply because they are all MVP candidates, but also because they have stepped their individual games up to superstar level.

What's Next For Kevin Durant?

What's happening with Russell Westbrook's recent play is intriguing. He has elevated his game so much to the point that he is officially in the MVP conversation. A conversation that was led by his currently injured teammate Kevin Durant. The former MVP is still out of the Oklahoma City lineup, but hopes to be back before the playoffs start. When he does return it will be interesting to see how the team reacts. Obviously there is no denying how great Kevin Durant is, but Westbrook has become the leader of this team, and has been keeping in the playoffs. Regardless of what happens this year, what does the future hold for the former MVP? In recent days I have started to hear rumors that Durant could be traded next season. It seems almost insane that the Thunder would trade such a great player, but crazier things have happened. The man was considered the best player in basketball last year, so to think he would be content with taking a backseat to Russell Westbrook seems questionable. Especially a man represented by hip-hop legend Jay Z. Where would he go? Back home to Washington? The big apple? or maybe even Los Angeles? The point is Kevin Durant could be on the move even sooner than we may have expected, due to the elevated play of Russell Westbrook.

Kevin Durant Might Be Back

The Oklahoma City Thunder won in Denver last night with the help of Kevin Durant's 40 points. The win combined with a New Orleans loss to Utah without Anthony Davis, and the teams are now tied for ninth in the Western conference. Durant now seems to be back from his injury and ready to go on an MVP type run. Look for this next month, including the all-star, to be Durant's best so far this season. I wouldn't be surprised if the team gets back in the playoff picture and Durant averages 30 over the stretch. Russell Westbrook will still be dominant at the point guard but much like last night, he will look to feed the beast that is Kevin Durant more often, especially now that his legs seem to be back.

Thunder's Playoff Chances

The Oklahoma City Thunder got a big win last night against the Golden State Warriors, yet they still are on the outside of the playoff picture. The team is currently tied for ninth in the western conference  at 19-20, and three and a half games behind the number eight spot. A long win streak is in order for this team, as they have the talent to win the conference. That of course is impossible if they do not even make the playoffs. The addition of Dion Waiters should help give the bench enough firepower offensively to compete with the best in the west. Having two of the best players in the league also helps. If Westbrook and Durant can step their game up, the team should finish the season with at least the seventh or eighth seed. Rumors have been swirling about a potential trade between the team and the Brooklyn Nets involving center Brook Lopez. Although Steven Adams has been playing well in a starting role, Lopez is an established NBA center and former all-star. He would most certainly be an upgrade over veteran Kendrick Perkins, who is a solid backup at this point in his career. I believe this team will at least leap the Phoenix Suns for the eighth and final seed in the west. Do not be surprised if the team ends up making a run to the finals either, especially if the Brook Lopez deal is executed.

Why LeBron James Did Not Play Last Night

The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers last night 103-94, led by solid games from both Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant. Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving were strong as well for Cleveland, but the game lacked a little extra excitement. Something that would have been provided if a certain former MVP had decided to play. LeBron James sat out last nights affair in Oklahoma City due to "knee soreness". Now I have never been the biggest fan of LeBron James, but I have never lacked respect for him as a player. When I heard he was missing the game due to, again, "knee soreness", I could not help but think of why he really was not playing. Think about it this was a perfect game to play in. The Cavs had won eight straight games, and were really starting to find their groove. On the other side both Durant and Westbrook were returning from very recent injuries. This could have been an opportunity for LeBron to have a signature game on the road. Not to mention we are only guaranteed two Durant-James matchups every year (not including the All-Star game). Alas, I suppose we will have to wait for Sunday January 25th, when the game will be played in Cleveland. But then again, maybe Kevin Durant will be out with knee soreness.

Russell Westbrook's Return Means Look Out Western Conference

Oklahoma City point guard Russell Westbrook returned last night, somewhat unexpectedly. It was believed that he would return more likely mid-way through December, but he played last night against the Knicks and was impressive. Not only the 32 points, seven rebounds and eight assists, but also the energy he provided for the home crowd. The Thunder were 4-12 going into last nights game and in need of a spark. Westbrook was that exact spark the team needed as they crushed the visiting New York Knicks with only 23 minutes from Westbrook. With their point guard back in the lineup the Thunder should be back to .500 in no time, and with a Kevin Durant return in the near future.......look out Golden State...Houston...Memphis...LA...San Antonio...the MVP is coming back.

Besides San Antonio Who Are the Title Contenders in the NBA?

While it is still just 10 games into the season for most NBA teams, last nights Spurs-Cavs game was an early season signature game. San Antonio, of course, is coming off a season in which they led the league in wins and went on to win the championship. That championship run concluded by dispatching the then LeBron James-led Miami Heat. Cleveland, however, is a team yet to find itself. It of course has a star studded cast led by the return of LeBron, and the all-star play of both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love.

These two teams played an exciting game resulting in a close 92-90 Spurs win. The Spurs are still contenders to win the title, and should still be favorites. The rest of the league is sort of up for grabs at this point. Cleveland should definitely be in the discussion in the east, but the lack of a defense is concerning. You would be a fool to pick that defense against any Western conference opponent. Chicago is in a similar position as Cleveland, but for a completely different reason.

The Bulls have a great defense. Since Tom Thibodeau took over as head coach that has been the case. The concern in Chicago is the uncertainty of Derrick Rose's health. While he has played well, he has not been on the court enough. He has not suffered another terrible injury, but has missed plenty of time with nagging injuries. How much will that effect a potential deep playoff run? Will he need to sit a game in the Eastern conference finals?

The rest of the east consists of a couple more very good teams in the Raptors and the Wizards. However, I am not ready to call those two true title contenders.

The West is tricky. Houston has gotten off to such a great start, but I still find it difficult to see a team with only James Harden as a true dynamic offense threat as a contender. Houston's offense is potent when they are hitting the three ball, but at the end of games Harden is the only player they can go to. Memphis is a little higher on my list, because of the elite defense and post play. Mike Conley is still an underrated point guard in the loaded west.

Golden State has replaced Oklahoma City for now as that potentially great contender in the west. The star power of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson in backcourt, along with an elite front line of Bougt and the return of David Lee. The bench play is also elite. Led by players like Barnes, Iguodala, Livingston, Barbosa and Green. Now if Westbrook and Durant are able to return to top 5 form and lead the Thunder to the playoffs, the conference could be in for a huge shakeup.

Dallas, Portland and the Clippers round out the conference contenders, but as far as NBA title goes there is still much room for improvement. Mostly on the defensive end.

I guess the point I'm trying to make is that both conferences (especially the west) are wide open. No one should be doubting the Spurs at this point of the season though. This could be the last season for both Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, and what better way to end their careers than with another championship. If I had to put money on it today, it would be on the Spurs.