Okay so the fun part of the season is upon us, there's less than 15 games left for most teams, and as expected, most are jockeying hard for playoff positions while trying desperately to stay injury free. With that, I want to look at which teams are my fav's to move in, far and all the way towards the Finals.
First the East: (From best to worst, as I see it)
Boston: By far the cream of the crop, this team is strong in every aspect, they have 3 solid guys to lead them, and plenty of support all around. What startles me the most is their chemistry and defense and how both have been so strong in their domination this season. They're my favorites to represent the East in the Finals. The only obstacle I can see is their lack of playoff battles together, that may hinder them a bit, but with solid veteran guys like Pierce, Allen, Cassell and most importantly Garnett, this team looks poised to bring Beantown its first title since a guy named Larry did it for them 22 years ago.
Cleveland: Okay so most of you might be thinking, why does he have Cleveland ahead of Detroit here?, well for me it comes down to two things; one is Detroits lack of that "je ne sais quoi" factor that has led them to massive flame outs the past two seasons, when really they should have gone to the finals both seasons, and two is one LBJ, the only player in the league not named Kobe who can will a team past another. The man wearing Jordan's famed number 23 these days can seriously destroy an opponent at will. His team is not as talented as either Boston or Detroit, but his ability to carry his team, but most notably instill confidence in his teammates to play way beyond their capabilities catapults Cleveland to my number 2 slot in the East. However, if Cleveland continues it's current slide, they may not have a chance to repeat as East Champs, a meeting with Boston in the Semi's is looking more and more a reality everyday. Ouch!!!
Detroit: Let me point this out first, I hate this team, HATE, they are annoying, pesty and the most over hyped team ever, and their win in 04' was more due to LA's internal breakdown than to their own dominance. Okay so there, I got that off my chest. But no matter my personal feelings, this team is dangerous. They could beat any team in the league on a good day, but like the cocky team that they are, the can also loose to a crappy Washington team another. They have the veterans, they have the clutch players (Billups, Wallace), they have the experience, the chemistry and for the first time in 4 years, they have a bench full of young guns, who for once can be counted on to produce. I've never been one for Flip Saunders, but this is by far his best coaching season, he's developed his bench while not overplaying his stars. But as I've said before, I just don't see them winning it all, there's something missing in this group. I could be wrong, they seem to like being the underdogs.
Orlando/Toronto/Philly/Washington, etc...: I won't even bother, none of these teams has a chance, Orlando might scare one of the above 3 into stealing a game or two, but their not ready. Toronto is too soft and missing a go to scorer, a team built around Bosh will never win, Philly is too young and inexperienced, Washington doesn't play defense, and whoever claims the last spot is just lucky and delaying the innevitable.
That's the East, Now the West
Los Angeles Lakers: The deepest, most athletic and talented team of the bunch. They have it all, a quality bench, great post players, a quality and experienced point guard and the best player in the league, the MVP and a guy who can smell blood. They've played together for a couple seasons now, they finally have some talented bigs in Gasol and Bynum, they have versatile wings in Odom, Ariza and Turiaf, good point guards in Fisher and Farmar, and a great and promising shooter in Vujacic and well Kobe there too. They should go far and it should be fun to watch. I wil point out this, if they make the finals, they will do so the ugly way, this team is young and young teams tend to play up and down from time to time. However, all this depends on Gasol and Bynum returning next month, if they don't then they're a 2nd rounder at best.
San Antonio Spurs: It's easy to write them off, they're older, slower, and more injured. Their bench is worse, they've been more up and down than ever since 02' and for once Duncan actually looks human. But with all that seems to be going wrong, they've still managed to win games, play defence and still scare people. I see them either going all the way or falling out in the semis. They're built for the playoffs, so forget everything you're seeing right now
Phoenix Suns: Nash, Hill, Stoudemire and O'Neal. Wow!! Four future hall of famers and they're only third on my list. This team is my dark horse, the team I could see winning it all or falling out in the 1st round, they could go either way. It all depends on Shaq and how he responds to his new Wilt Chamberlain role, can he run up and down and rebound the way they need him too? Can he score 10-15 like he can and should? If he does both of these tasks then I could see them in the finals with Boston. But picture this, a Phoenix vs LA showdown in the Conference Finals, ohhh wee that would be awesome. Shaq vs Kobe, man that series would be the highest watched ever. Can't wait.
New Orleans Hornets: I'm having trouble reading this team, they play for me very similar to Detroit, as in consistent, strong, with a chip on their shoulders but just like Detroit, I just can't see them winning the West. They have no playoff experience, and to be honest when the games slow down, I just can't see David West and Tyson Chandler dominating Tim Duncan or Shaq or even Bynum and Gasol. But just like Detroit, they could just surprise me and everyone. Chris Paul is nuts good, a new Isiah Thomas. Whoever plays them in the first round better look out
Utah Jazz: Good, but not that good. What they lack is another post player to put with Boozer and a true wing player that get his shot off at any time. They rely too much on set plays and such and well when the games get close, you need that star "I can win this for us" guy who can sink and destroy any team. They're scary, just not that scary.
Houston Rockets: I see this team sinking and sinking fast. That 22 win bullshit streak they just had was all good and dandy but come on, wait until Duncan absolutely destroys senior citizen Mutombo in a 7 gamer. McGrady is good and all but he lacks the overall heart to lead his team to the promised land. He'd be a great no 2 player, similar to Carter his cousin, but putting the reins to your team in his hands can only lead to disaster and heartbreak.
Dallas Mavericks: Well Jason Kidd and Josh Howard it's time to earn your pay checks. Nowitzki's injury is going to sideline him most of the rest of the season, and well they had better hope he comes back soon or they'll be looking on from the outside when Denver and Golden State pass them. This team is good, but not that good, 2 straight years of Avery's over coaching and total meltdowns had led them here. If they don't go far this season, its time to break them up and move on. Do I hear trading Nowitzki in Mark Cuban's blog sometime soon
Denver/Golden State: These two teams are offense and no defense. They're both supremely athletic, tall and can both be very dangerous depending on matchups. Just like Dallas of last season, they could upset anyone and it should never surprise anyone to thinking this way. But until either one decides to commiting their time into defense, neither will go anywhere. Phoenix learnt this the hard way the past 3 seasons, that's why they went and got Shaq.
Okay so now I'm officially a BBall dork, but hey there's no one for me to talk to anymore, my bro is now a MMA fan, by bf is a workaholic and well my gf is totally not interested. My only hope is this blog and my boss', but even they hate Kobe. later.
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