12/18/24
November 02, 2004
Is the lane clear for the Pistons to repeat?: We've hashed out the dynamics of Kobe minus Shaq. We've discussed Spree's need for greed. Now comes the important question -- just who is the favorite to win the NBA title this season?
posted by wfrazerjr to basketball at 03:44 PM - 8 comments
Wow, the NBA really gets people fired up around here, doesn't it?
posted by wfrazerjr at 09:17 AM on November 04, 2004
Heh, sorry fraze. I still can't fathom why the NBA would schedule opening night the same as election night. The Mavs/Kings game, which is usually a really hard ticket to get, didn't even sell out. Anyhow...on topic: Most of my focus'll be in the West, since that's where I pay the most attention... Pacific: There are a ton of questions in this division. Disgruntled Peja and the volatility of C-Webb will impair the Kings, big time. I see this team fizzling out and getting blown up at the end of the year. I'd be surprised if the Lakers didn't make the playoffs, but not completely. At least Chris Mihm will finally get elevated to All-Star status (uh, that's a joke). I think Phoenix has a shot at taking the division title. They'll be a fun team to watch this year (as any team with Steve Nash running the point is). NorthWest: Spree's recent hysterics will cause a riff in the team. I just don't believe in KG enough as a team leader (in the locker room) to think that he can do the damage control. Cassell can be a bit of a pest too. I don't know if Szczzczczcerbiack's return will be enough of an explosion to outweigh the potential Soap Opera feel of the team. Still, they've got to be clear division favorites. Utah and Denver both made pretty big improvements, though. They could challenge. Should be a fun division to watch, but not as fun as... SouthWest: This is where it goes down. All five of these teams have playoff potential, and with the exception of the Hornets, I think they're all likely to see postseason play. It's time for Pau to step up and earn that max extention if Memphis is going to fight for a division title. The Rockets still lack a valid PG (no offense to Charlie Ward) and there are questions about McGrady's ability to play team ball, but they are a talented club without a doubt. We'll see if Van Gundy can string up a contender with the pieces. San Antone is probably still the favorite, but with both Manu and Duncan playing Olympic ball this summer, they look as vulnerable as ever. Adding Brent Barry was fucking genius though. The (once again) new look Mavs have an ever rotating cast of crew playing the guard spots, but if Daniels (once he heals up completely) can play as consistently well as he did last year, this could be his breakout year. Devin Harris has looked good during the preseason, but there are still a lot of questions about throwing a rook out there with this squad. Dampier needs to own the middle nine games out of ten. They (uh, once again) have been focusing on patching up the defense, and if they can do that, I think they're solid contenders. That said, none of that matters if Dirk doesn't step up and become the SuperStar he's come so close to being recently. The team rides on his shoulders. So predictions for the West: Division titles to San Antone, Phoenix, and Utah. The rest of the playoff teams in no particular order: Dallas, Minnesota, Denver, Memphis, and Sac-town, with Houston, LAkers, and Portland coming very close but falling short. Should be a good ride though. As far as the East goes, the Pacers and Pistons will go toe to toe again. Stephen Jackson gives Indiana another non-geriatric scorer. He could be the difference maker. I'd rather see Detroit come through again though. Miami should win their division, but there's not enough depth on that team to consider them Finals contenders yet. YMMV, of course.
posted by Ufez Jones at 10:55 AM on November 04, 2004
Ufez, I cannot believe you didn't include the Gun Shot Wounds on your list of playoff teams! After all, now that Richardson and Murhpy got their huge contract extensions, how can they miss? Especially with the new near-retirement age college coach?
posted by billsaysthis at 01:48 PM on November 04, 2004
It's enough to make you wonder if Mullen fell off the wagon, bill.
posted by Ufez Jones at 01:58 PM on November 04, 2004
;)
posted by billsaysthis at 05:48 PM on November 04, 2004
Let me say that I am a fan of Derek Fisher. He's just a good guy, nice personality, solid player, team leader, hits the big shots... I could go on. But $37 million for a backup point guard!?
posted by dusted at 06:02 PM on November 04, 2004
dusted, I know, I was really surprised when Speedy Claxton beat him out. Chris Mullin, basketball executive god.
posted by billsaysthis at 09:31 PM on November 04, 2004
I'm excited to watch the openers tonight for two reasons: there is no clear favorite, and it will distract from all the political bullshit.