I remember first hearing about Josh Hodge's potential back in 2012 when he was just starting his professional journey - the same year he began what would become a remarkable stint with the Bolts. It's fascinating how time flies when you're watching athletes develop their careers, and now here we are in 2023 with another exciting NBA season unfolding before our eyes. The connection might not seem immediately obvious, but there's something special about following a player's journey from those early days to the bright lights of the NBA stage. This season has been particularly thrilling, with games coming thick and fast, and I find myself constantly checking the schedule to make sure I don't miss any of the action.
When I look at today's NBA landscape, I can't help but draw parallels to Hodge's development path. The league has evolved tremendously since 2012, but the fundamental excitement of catching live games remains unchanged. Just yesterday, I was calculating how many games I've managed to watch this season - we're talking about 47 complete games and countless quarters caught between work commitments. The accessibility of games today is remarkable compared to a decade ago. I recall back in 2012, you'd need multiple cable subscriptions to catch most games, whereas now I can stream every single matchup on my phone while commuting. The technological advancement in broadcasting has been nothing short of revolutionary, though I must admit I sometimes miss the simplicity of gathering around the television with friends for major matchups.
The 2023 schedule has been particularly demanding on players, with teams playing an average of 3.4 games per week during the busiest stretches. Having followed Hodge's career since his early days, I've noticed how player management has become increasingly sophisticated. Teams are much more careful about rest and recovery than they were in 2012, and frankly, I think it's for the better. The quality of basketball we're seeing as a result is spectacular - players are fresher, movements are sharper, and the overall product is more entertaining. Just last week, I watched a game where the lead changed 18 times in the fourth quarter alone, something that rarely happened in previous seasons.
What really excites me about this season is the depth of talent across the league. Back when Hodge was starting, there were maybe 8-10 truly competitive teams. Now, I'd argue there are at least 15 teams with legitimate championship aspirations, and another 10 that could upset anyone on any given night. The parity has created this incredible environment where every game matters, regardless of who's playing. I've found myself watching teams I normally wouldn't care about simply because the matchups have become so compelling. The league office has done a brilliant job with scheduling this year, creating natural rivalries and storylines that keep fans engaged throughout the season.
From a pure basketball perspective, the game has evolved in ways I couldn't have predicted back in 2012. The three-point revolution has completely transformed how teams approach offense, and the defensive schemes have had to adapt accordingly. I've been tracking the statistics, and teams are attempting approximately 34.7 three-pointers per game this season, compared to just 18.4 in 2012. That's nearly double the attempts from beyond the arc! While some traditionalists complain about the loss of post play, I find the current style exhilarating. The pace and spacing create more highlight-reel plays and dramatic comebacks than ever before.
The real-time updates available today are another game-changer. I remember in Hodge's early years, you'd often have to wait for the morning newspaper or the evening sports highlight show to get comprehensive game coverage. Now, I can get instant notifications about every significant play, injury update, or coaching decision. The immediacy has created this wonderful sense of community among fans, even when we're watching from different locations. My group chat with fellow basketball enthusiasts is constantly buzzing during games, sharing reactions and analysis in real-time. It's like having a virtual sports bar experience without leaving your couch.
Looking at the remaining schedule for 2023, there are several matchups I'm particularly excited about. The Christmas Day games are always special, but this year's lineup looks especially promising with at least three potential playoff previews. I've already marked my calendar for the January 15th matchup between last year's conference champions - that should give us a good indication of how the playoff picture might shape up. Based on what I've seen so far, I'm predicting we'll see at least six teams finish with 50-plus wins this season, which would be the most since 2016.
As we move deeper into the season, I'm keeping a close eye on how veteran players manage the grind. Having watched Hodge's career progression, I've gained appreciation for how athletes adapt their games as they age. The league is getting younger overall - the average age has dropped to 25.3 years this season compared to 27.1 in 2012 - but the wisdom and experience of veterans often proves decisive in crucial moments. I've noticed that teams with the right mix of youthful energy and veteran leadership tend to outperform expectations, and that's something statistics don't always capture perfectly.
The beauty of following the NBA in 2023 is that every game tells a story, and the complete schedule provides this wonderful narrative arc to the season. From the early optimism of opening night through the dog days of January and into the playoff push, there's always something compelling to watch. My advice to fellow fans is to embrace the entire journey rather than just focusing on your favorite team. Some of my most memorable basketball moments this year have come from watching teams I had no particular attachment to, simply because the games were so well-played and competitive.
Reflecting on how much has changed since 2012, I'm genuinely excited about where the league is headed. The game continues to evolve, the players keep getting more skilled, and the access for fans improves every year. While I appreciate the nostalgia of earlier eras, I firmly believe we're watching the golden age of basketball right now. The combination of elite talent, strategic innovation, and global accessibility has created this perfect storm for basketball enthusiasts. As we enjoy the remainder of the 2023 schedule, I'm confident we'll witness more unforgettable moments that we'll be talking about for years to come, much like we still discuss those pivotal early games from Hodge's career and other memorable moments from seasons past.