Nba Tickets - Nba Notes

Here are some things about the NBA I thought were worth noting as of Nov

. 1, 2009.

This looks like the season of young centers. Several young big men appear to be making the leap to the next level in their development this season. Memphis' Marc Gasol is averaging 16 points and 10 rebounds, despite the fact that the team drafted a center with the second overall pick in the draft. Chicago's Joakim Noah is averaging 11 points and 12 rebounds, while looking like a budding defensive ace. Portland's Greg Oden seems to be putting it together, as well, staying out of foul trouble, growing offensively and leading the league in blocks.

The Lakers' Andrew Bynum is also looking good, averaging 18 and 10 on the year, though Pau Gasol's absence early on opened the door for more minutes and opportunities for the young center. All four of these guys are becoming players that can sell NBA tickets this season.

Josh Smith has found his game. No longer fancying himself as a perimeter player, the Atlanta Hawks forward has essentially ceased hoisting threes and is getting down to what he does best. He's taking the ball to the basket, rebounding, playing great defense and showing off his above-average passing ability. He and the Hawks are having a fine season as a result.

Rudy Gay wants that contract. Gay did not receive a contract extension from the Memphis Grizzlies this past offseason, as it was being reported that he wanted a deal similar to the one Danny Granger received. Gay had a bit of a down year in 2008-09, but he's asserted himself as the lead dog in Memphis' attack, despite being on a team with other ball-dominant players like O.J. Mayo and Zach Randolph. Gay is shooting 50 percent from the field on his way to 21 points and 7 rebounds per game this season. He looks like he'll be a coveted restricted free agent next summer, and teams like Minnesota and Phoenix are sure to take a hard look.

Who are you and what have you done with Gerald Wallace? Wallace has always been a good player, but he's looking better than good as of late. Wallace outplayed LeBron James recently and his play has been helping the Bobcats to wins. This team is not as bad as most people think, and I wouldn't rule out a run at the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference now that they've added some offensive firepower in Stephen Jackson. Wallace's rebounding has also been phenomenal this season.

Tyreke Evans is legit. I was definitely a big critic of Evans around draft time and I thought the Kings made a big mistake in taking him over Ricky Rubio. Apparently I was wrong. Evans just has a way of bullying himself into the lane and getting to the rim. He's bigger than most guards and he's really using that physical advantage to get where he wants on the court. While I still don't believe that he's a point guard, he is averaging 19, five and five.

The Thunder could be a year ahead of schedule. Oklahoma City is 9-8 and would be the first team out of the playoffs in the West if the season ended today. The conventional thinking coming into the season was that this team looked to be a year away from being a real playoff contender. They're bound to improve as the season progresses and could snag a playoff spot this season if things go well enough. Kevin Durant is already one of the most talented scorers in the league, but it will be Russell Westbrook's development that makes or breaks this season. He's got star potential.

by: Brent Warnken

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