As the first 25% of the season comes to an end, we see that the reigning MVP is hardly reigning. In fact, Dirk's shooting percentage from the field, three, and free throw line are all down from his career marks, and drastically lower than last years standard.

I honestly asked myself this question during last years playoff series with Golden State. The Warriors elminated Nowitzki's catch and spin move by bringing in a double team mid-spin. This became a turn over virtually every time, which forced Dirk to either a) shoot over a double team, or b) pass as soon as possible.

In last nights loss to the Duncan-less Spurs, the Mavs All-Star took only 11 shots in defeat, including his missed 3 pointer that could have been the game winner. Normally after someone wins the MVP award they're a guaranteed contender for at least the next year, especially when they're still in their twenties. It doesn't look like that now for the big German.

I'm not going to throw a bunch of numbers in your face here; we all know he's got the best all around numbers since 1987, but it's his will and ability that have impressed me this year. I watched the Cavs play the Kings at Arco this year and saw LeBron erase a defecit and deny the Kings a win. A play that comes to mind was one in which LeBron was headed to the basket and Mikki Moore and Brad Miller both hit him hard.

LeBron took the hit and finished the layup, but instead of LeBrons usual "playin' it cool" after a clutch shot, he slammed his fist against his chest with his teeth barred. You could almost see saliva fly from his frothing mouth; he was like an unstoppable gladiator. It was amazing to see someone that good simply refusing to lose. It became clear that LeBron is the greatest talent in the world right now.

Contrary to every expert out there, I predicted that the Bucks would be awful. They have a group of nobodies surrounding Michael Redd, who joins Joe Johnson in the "best player in the league not good enough to be a franchise player" club. I'm not sure why everyone thought they would be so good; obviously Bogut is a bust for a number one pick, and Redd can't play any better, what was the rational behind that?

Ok, end of my bluffing, I have no idea who chooses what games are on TV, but they need to be fired. I can't keep track of how many times the Nuggets play Golden State or Phoenix plays Dallas, but the NBA decides to air San Antonio against Portland or Detroit against Milwaukee. Do they know why the ratings are down? If the game is a combination of a lottery team and/or Detroit or San Antonio, NO ONE wants to see it.

It's a shame that I know the Pistons and Spurs bench players but have never seen a Hawks game ever. I know that conflicts with my no lottery team theory, but they have some exciting young guys on that team that people don't even know about.

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