I didn’t have much to work with for the first issue of “Erick’s Hardwood Hypothesis” as the season had just begun. There was no point in bringing up who was 1-0 maybe 2-0 and stating who was looking good. 

But alas, now that we’ve had more than a week’s worth of basketball more concrete opinions can be formed. 

This week’s bigger headlines seem to be concentrated in the West, as the Eastern conference seems to be playing out somewhat predictably at the moment. 

Holy crap, let’s PLEASE start with the Portland Trail Blazers. Starting 5-1, beating the Kings, Suns, Lakers and Nuggets. 

If you recall from last Hardwood Hypothesis, I ctritized the team for being too reliant on Lillard’s scoring and lacking a big man presence. Am I wrong? No, I don’t think I am. However, thus far these two issues don’t seem to matter. 

Ok so we got Dame and Anfernee Simons. With the cast of Gary Payton II, Trendon Watford, Greg Brown III, Keon Johnson, the veteran Jerami Grant, Drew Eubanks and Jusuf Nurkic. 

And yes, I know the last two mentioned are big men, so far they seem to be doing a solid job in the paint with Eubanks averaging 8 points. Nurkic averaging 15 and 12 rebounds. Will Nurkic be enough to fill the big man gap I claim the team has? 

The San Antonio Spurs are eye-catching with a 5-2 record.

They lost to the young Hornets squad, then beat the Pacers, not so impressive. But then beat the 76ers, Timberwolves and Bulls which is definitely not how we thought those games were going to go.

I don’t even know who to highlight on the roster. I looked at the roster, and the only names I recognize are Dejounte Murray, Zach Collins and Gorgui Dieng. Dieng only because he was a MENACE in NBA 2k20.

I’ve always liked the Spurs for their efficiency as a small market team. Without the publicity and salary that many of the bigger teams are fortunate of having, they really have to stretch their dollar in smart ways. Due to this underdog status, I would love to see them do well this season. 

But I remain skeptical, I don’t think this team can be considered as a dark horse just yet. 

The Lakers, Oh geez. I didn’t know Helen Keller was their shooting coach. 

The Lakers are  1-5, they fell to the Warriors, Clippers, Trailblazers, Timberwolves and Nuggets. They sit in last place in the West. 

Folks, this team can’t make a shot to save their lives. The whole roster has the shooting percentage of Shaq outside of the paint. Ok, not literally, but you know what I mean. 

The lakers are shooting 26.6% from deep.

Needless to say something will NEED to change. 

I’m a Lakers fan, but I personally don’t like the Lebron era that the team find themselves in. Bosh rosters hand selected by LeBron that look good on paper, but don’t have grit or spirit, I mean last years record reflects that. And the 2020 bubble season was a joke, that doesn’t count. 

From an overall league aspect, there’s really nothing more to add. Every strong team has records that reflect that. It’s too early to see packs forming, but that will soon change. 

I would like to highlight a “Player of the week” if you will. And this is something I would like to continue for further issues of Hardwood Hypothesis. 

This week, umm, let’s see. I’m gonna have to go with Desmond Bane with the Grizzlies.

The sophomore scores 24 per game with 44.1% shooting. More impressive though, he is currently shooting 44.6% beyond the arc. 

Sure I could’ve picked one of the leading scorers who had a breakout second half *cough cough* Damian Lillard.

But we already know those players are good, I would like to shed more light on roleplayers who don’t get the publicity. 

I excitedly and patiently await for more basketball to be played to give y’all some more substance to these Hardwood Hypothesis.