are we witnessing the greatest era in basketball?

Back in 2003, when it happened. I immediately turned all my attention to the NBA to keep me from thinking too much and to keep me "sane". Once again, it's the NBA to the rescue right now. As the Lakers/Celtics Xmas day showdown will keep my mind from certain things.

Just today, Chris Paul set a new steals record by getting at least a steal in 106th consecutive games. He's also leading the league in double doubles. He's so good that when I see him drop 15 and 9 I feel disappointed because he had a bad game.

Chris Paul is that good. He has to do it a few more years to prove his place among the all time greats. But he had a season last year that was arguably the highest level any point guard has played at since prime Isiah Thomas in 1988...and for those of you who may not remember--Zeke was DAMN GOOD.

The scary thing? Chris Paul isn't even the big story this season. There's the the utter dominance of the Celtics and the Lakers, both teams are on pace to break the Bulls 72 win mark (they won't do it, though). Both teams are led by a living legend who already has accomplished enough to be ranked among the all time greats. Kobe is a top 15 player, ever. KG is a top 30 player, ever. Both are still in their primes (somewhat for KG).

Then there's arguably the best player in the world, Lebron James and his surprising Cavs. The fact that the Cavs are this good shows how good Lebron is--his supporting cast is far inferior to what KG or Kobe has. But yet the Cavs are basically right up there with the Lakers and Celtics right now. With so many great players available in 2010, all people can talk about is Lebron. Why? Because he is ridiculous. He has the best combination of strength, speed, size, athleticism, skills, and basketball IQ since, well....ever. To think that he's only at maybe 80%-85% of his potential right now is scary. He won't be in his prime until 4 more years, folks.

That's not all. There's D Wade doing his thing. He reminds me of an 80s Jordan, only shorter and not as good a shooter. He basically attacks the rim relentlessly and gets these ridiculous blocks outta nowhere. Did you know he was averaging like, 2 blocks a game just a few games ago? I think that number has dropped off since. But he's dropping 28 points, 8 dimes, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 3 steals a night on nearly 50% shooting.

I've gone on for a bit and I haven't even talked about the fact that two of the ten greatest players ever (and the two best players of this decade) Shaq and Tim Duncan, are both still playing at a high level. Throw in perennial franchise players like Dirk, and consider how good guys like Manu and Melo are.

The talent level in the league may be at an all time high. Sure the top three still can't match Jordan/Bird/Magic from say, 1988. But right now, if we rank players according to greatness, gusy like Deron Williams (fucking legit), Ray Allen and Iverson wouldn't even crack the top 30.

And I haven't even mentioned two time MVP Nash, one of the ten greatest PGs ever in Jason Kidd, and up and comers like Rudy Gay, Danny Granger, and Brandon Roy.

It's a good time to be a basketball fan right now. And with Stern eyeing that China market. NBA has the brightest future of all sports. And I think it has the most room to grow out of ALL forms of entertainment.