The 2008 Beijing Olympics is upon us and decorated swimmer Michael Phelps is not the only recognizable American hoping to return home with gold. There are twelve other American athletes, the men who comprise Team USA Basketball, who this time travel to China with a chip on their shoulders, for they are no longer considered the best in their sport. On August 10th, Team USA Basketball officially begins their quest for Olympic gold, a shot at redemption and the right to once again proclaim that America’s brand of basketball is the best on the planet.
Over the past eight years, Americans have been flat out embarrassed in international competition. Team USA finished sixth in the 2002 World Championship. They finished 3rd in both the 2004 Olympics and the 2006 World Championships. Despite underachieving recently, Team USA is once again considered the favorite to win the gold medal. By all accounts, they should live up to those expectations. This team and coaching staff, under the guidance of Phoenix Suns owner Jerry Colangelo, was assembled differently than in years past, embracing a team concept over emphasis on the individual superstar. While this current ‘Dream Team’ still features Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, only one player on this roster, Jason Kidd, owns a gold medal, hopefully leaving eleven more with the desire to join him in that honor.
Under the leadership of head coach Mike Krzyzewksi, several factors, if used to their advantage, set up nicely for an American return to dominance, yet Team USA must not take any opponent lightly. Not only will anything less than a gold medal be a tremendous disappointment, it will also serve as a glaring reminder that the United States is no longer the epicenter of the basketball world.
Rules: While international rules are generally the same as the NBA, there are a few subtle differences that Team USA should be able to use to their advantage. International play is more physical than in the NBA. Hand-checking, long banished from the NBA, is allowed. Team USA will have to adjust to more physical play on the defensive end, particularly on the perimeter, while learning what is whistled and what is not. A return to perimeter hand-checking should help a stronger USA team if they practice it properly. They also can’t get frustrated when covered in that fashion. While many American players may still be able to use their star power to warrant a foul call, Olympic officials will not stand for the temper tantrums for which most NBA players are known. Team USA must also be aware that traveling as it exists in the rule book will be strictly called. The extra step (or two) allowed by many an NBA referee will not be tolerated. Offensive goaltending, which is illegal in the NBA, is allowed in international play. If NBA players can become accustomed to reacting quickly to put-backs, not only can they take advantage of this rule, but emphatic dunks, in addition to the two points, will have a secondary effect of mesmerizing and demoralizing the opponents. Dwight Howard could have a heyday.
Jump-Shooting: The international three-point line is considerably closer to the basket than in the NBA (20 feet, 6 inches as opposed to 23 feet, 9 inches). This is enough to make jump shooters like Michael Redd salivate. Most anyone on Team USA can shoot from the perimeter. That being said, they must not fall in love with the jump shot. While undersized (Team USA features no seven-footers), the Americans must still use their strength and quickness to their advantage. While Team USA only has Chris Bosh and Dwight Howard in the post, they should still be able to work the inside-outside game to their advantage. A cold shooting Team USA that settles for jumpers will lead to fastbreaks and if that’s the case, Team USA better have their transition defense in order. Team USA shot 66% from the floor in their warm up against Canada, by blending a nice mix of post-up and perimeter play. While it’s unlikely that the US can shoot that high a percentage from the floor against the remaining Olympic competition, a number relatively close to that should guarantee a gold medal
Point Guard Play: Jason Kidd is the only current player on this U.S. team to have a gold medal on his mantel. While many pundits questioned his invitation, his veteran presence has allowed him to become the team leader. As one of the game’s premier point guards over the past decade, he has earned the respect of his teammates. While he’ll likely not log the minutes of his more capable backups, Chris Paul and Deron Williams, it will be Kidd who starts the games and sets the tempo. Much like a starting pitcher sets up shop for the closers, Paul and Williams should close out what Kidd has started… with flair. Against Canada, Coach K played both Paul and Williams at the same time. That lineup could definitely work, particularly against the speedier teams in competition. Paul and Williams have proven they are the next generation of NBA point guards and should be a load for any opposing perimeter defense. Paul and Williams must also play competent 'D' to shut down opposing playmakers such as Spain’s Jose Calderon. Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James might also likely see some time handling the ball.
Desire: If USA basketball's recent international woes are not enough to motivate this team, nothing will be. In 1992, when the original Dream Team of Michael, Magic and Larry took the floor, opponents were awestruck. Competitors were too busy asking for autographs to be concerned that they were being beaten by an average of fifty points per game. While scoring discrepancies of that magnitude are unlikely in this Olympics, the US team should be motivated enough to humiliate its opponents. After all, Team USA has been humiliated over the past eight years and turnabout is fair play. Team USA should have their game faces on. Anything less will be a total disappointment.
Coaching: Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski has assembled a talented group of coaches to assist him in bringing home the gold. Current Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni was an obvious selection because of his international experience. Portland Trailblazers coach Nate McMillan and Syracuse University coach Jim Boeheim are also great basketball minds. These coaches should do fairly well at keeping this young team’s eyes on the prize.
Size/rebounding: Team USA only features one true center: Dwight Howard. Chris Bosh will also share time on the low blocks, as will Carlos Boozer. Team USA will be undersized when they face Yao Ming and Team China in their opening game. Dwight Howard is still recovering from a fractured sternum, though by his accounts, he’ll be ready to play. An aggravation to that injury, however, will leave Team USA center-less. Boozer, Bosh and Carmelo Anthony should all help with the rebounding load, and LeBron has been known to pull down his fair share. But Team USA will be at a disadvantage if opposing teams are successful pounding the ball inside and getting Team USA into foul trouble. Players are allotted five fouls only in Olympic play, not six as NBA players are accustomed to. The team USA frontcourt will have to learn how much physicality they’ll be able to defend with while not getting themselves into foul trouble.
LeBron’s health: The chosen one, LeBron James, is nursing a bum ankle but should likely be 100% come tournament time. Can Team USA win gold without a healthy LeBron? Likely. Will Team USA be much more entertaining to watch, as well as more intimidating with LeBron on the floor? Unquestionably.
Competition: Several teams should pose at least somewhat of a threat to Team USA. Team Germany features former league MVP Dirk Nowitzki. Team China features Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian. Team Australia boasts 2005 top draft pick, Andrew Bogut. Andrei Kirilenko suits up for Russia. But the Americans should be able to dispatch these teams with relative ease. The stiffest competition should come from either current gold medalists Argentina with Manu Ginobili, Luis Scola and Andres Nocioni or Team Spain with Jose Calderon and Pau Gasol. Regardless, no team will have the depth and talent of Team USA. A well-coached and properly motivated American team should reestablish its international dominance and bring home the gold to its rightful owners.
Let’s face it. When was the last time you talked about the WNBA, or even bothered to read a post about it? David Stern’s decade-long project, known as the Women’s National Basketball Association, has provided hundreds of female athletes with a means to professionally pursue their basketball careers. It has generated immeasurable interest among young females. However, it has also been subsidized by the NBA since its existence. While not entirely devoid of talent (the WNBA has seen the likes of Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes, Diana Taurasi and Lisa Leslie), most sports fans would rather watch paint dry than attend a WNBA game.
Rarely will highlights from the WNBA lead a sportscast, never mind be reported. That was until this week. In Tuesday night’s Los Angeles Sparks – Detroit Shock game (yes, I had to look up the names of those two franchises), a brawl broke out involving both players and coaches. There hasn’t been a good ruckus in Detroit in some time, so the fans were due.
Tempers had been flaring throughout the game. After a made Marie Ferdinand-Harris free throw, Plenette Pierson and league savior Candace Parker got entangled, with both of them hitting the ground shortly thereafter. Pierson then immediately got up and accosted the young Parker as she lay on the court. Ultimately, benches cleared, punches were thrown and players were ejected. Dare I say, more quality contact was made in this scuffle than in most NBA brawls.
Candace Parker, the former standout and two-time national champion at the University of Tennessee, is already the face of the league. She’s attractive, plays in Los Angeles and to coin #### Vitale, can flat out shoot the rock. She scored 34 points in her league debut back in May and could conceivably win both Rookie of the Year and league MVP awards. She leads the league in rebounding and is fifth in the league in scoring. All this means she has a target on her back. One would expect a touch of resentment in the league and it reared its ugly head Tuesday when Pierson ‘welcomed’ her into the WNBA.
In response to the fight, the league suspended ten players, as well as Detroit assistant coach Rick Mahorn, for their role in the fisticuffs. As expected, Pierson received the harshest suspension, four games, for instigating Artestly. The multiple suspensions will be staggered so that both teams have enough players to field a team over the next few games. It is worth noting that Rick Mahorn and Bill Laimbeer, formerly of the Detroit ‘Bad Boys’ and no strangers to league suspensions, are on the Detroit coaching staff. Rick Mahorn now holds the distinction of being the only person suspended in both the NBA and WNBA.
Controversy surrounds Mahorn’s role in breaking up the fight. Mahorn is 6-foot-10 and probably tips the scales at close to 300 lbs. In an attempt to separate some of the players involved, he placed his hands on Lisa Leslie who then fell backwards. As it seemed at first glance that Mahorn may have shoved Leslie, several of her teammates, including former Florida Gator DeLisha Milton-Jones came off the bench to throw punches at Mahorn. Mahorn, obviously did not retaliate and made every effort to help Leslie up after she fell backwards.
Should we be surprised that a fight ultimately broke out in the WNBA? After all, it is competition, woman’s basketball at the highest professional level. Tempers and adrenaline run high, just as in any sport. Altercations break out in men’s sports all the time. Why should women be exempt from adrenaline-infused poor judgment? The worst result of the fight came when Shock player Cheryl Ford left the game with a torn ligament in her knee, just for trying to break up the fight. She will miss the rest of the season. What’s even more astounding is that head coach Bill Laimbeer will fill Detroit’s vacant roster spot with 50 year old, basketball Hall-of-Famer, Nancy Lieberman. She used to COACH the Shock ten years ago!!! To put things in perspective, Magic Johnson isn’t fifty yet.
Bottom line is… violence sells. Otherwise, Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarznegger wouldn’t be millionaires. Commissioner Stern has gone to great lengths to clean up the image of the NBA, particularly after the 2004 Malice at the Palace. However, a few more scuffles might just generate some interest in the women’s league. Far be it from me to condone violence but isn’t that the only reason people watch hockey?
The saying goes there’s no such thing as bad publicity. The WNBA might just be a victim, or benefactor of such circumstance. The commissioner will likely continue to rule with a stern hand to avoid any future incidents, but there is no denying the scuffle brought attention to a sport that had been craving it.
She was a worthy adversary to be sure. Prior to posting, we’d discuss potential debate topics and allow each other to choose a side. It was a great exercise in writing and we received enthusiastic support from the blogosphere.
When Danny Ainge pulled off a coup by landing both Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen in the 2007 off-season, Bluegrass and I debated whether that move guaranteed a Celtic title. While I was still (a little) skeptical, Bluegrass chose the side of the C’s. One has to figure that if you took the field against the Celtics pre-season, you’d have to like your chances. Then they tipped off.
The Celtics tore through the regular season, losing only 16 games. When the playoffs hit, they slowly picked up tempo, building up confidence, then absolutely destroyed the Lakers in a Finals that should not have made it to six games.
Looking back at my argument, I felt I had some valid points which the Celtics players, coaching staff and entire operations eventually put to rest to ensure their team hoisted the O’Brien Trophy by season's end.
Point Guard Play: After watching Rajon Rondo throughout his college career at Kentucky, I never questioned his talent. I just questioned whether he’d be able to lead a team to a title in his sophomore year in the league. Not only was Rondo impressive, but he outplayed every point guard that tried to cover him, including Mike Bibby, Delonte West, Chauncey Billups and Derek Fisher, ALL of whom have more playoff experience and years in the league. Rondo was consistently quicker than his defenders and made great decisions on BOTH sides of the ball. He came through with timely steals throughout the playoffs and his assist/turnover ratio was as good as can be expected (over 3:1). Heck, in Game Six, he even took Kobe Bryant off the dribble and drew a foul for a three point play. Of course it doesn’t hurt to have three of the most potent offensive players of this generation to play alongside. The addition of Sam Cassell was also key as Sam I Am came off the bench throughout the playoffs and provided offense, or at least shot attempts, to a sometimes sputtering Celtic offense.
Back Court Defense: While Rondo never had to face the likes of Deron Williams or Chris Paul, he still was effective against opposing point guards. His quickness and instincts forced turnovers, Celtic fast breaks and key swings in momentum. The rest of their backcourt also combined to take Kobe Bryant out of his element, holding him to 40% shooting for the Finals.
Cap Space: Credit Danny Ainge. The old Celtic earned his keep, and a GM of the Year award, by making key acquisitions in PJ Brown and Sam Cassell, veteran presences who provided quality minutes throughout the second season. In fact, the entire Boston bench outplayed the Lakers. The Celtics featured a near perfect blend of starters and subs. There were few players that didn’t make memorable contributions. Each player knew their role and accepted it for the common goal: an NBA Crown.
Age and Health: While the Celtics got more dinged up as the playoffs progressed, their communal will and determination helped them rise above. Doc played the Big Three a fair amount of minutes throughout the regular season. But it’s not like Garnett (32), Allen (32) and Pierce (30) are THAT old. They certainly didn’t play like it when it mattered. In fact, despite their injuries (and questionably staged re-entries) the Celtics’ Big Three looked as energetic and spry as their twenty-two year old point guard. In the end, they would not be denied. No bumps, bruises or nagging injuries would stand in their way.
Coaching: Okay…. here I owe a sincere apology. Remember, Doc Rivers used to coach my Orlando Magic. Before that, he was one of the finest and most articulate TNT announcers to work the mic. When Doc underachieved with the Magic, Orlando fans were bitter. But it was wrong to ever question his smarts, leadership or class. Sure, he had a roster full of talent, but he should be credited for discovering exactly what it took to lead this team to greatness. And he did it with flair. When Ray Allen struggled early, he always backed his man. Heck, most would argue he even out-coached Phil Jackson in the Finals. Case in point, early in Game Six, with the outcome of the game still in question, Doc received a technical for arguing that Kobe Bryant tossed aside Eddie House while moving through a pick. We’re talking about the ninth man off the bench against the biggest name in the league. There was no way House was going to get that call. In fact, it was a great move by Bryant to get around the pick. But for Doc to receive a tech with his season on the line and have the back of his ninth man says something about the man’s character. The Celtics have themselves a great coach and leader, and we can now add his name to a select few that have won a title. One gets the feeling this will not be his last.
Competition: The Celtics may have played down to their opponents on occasion, dropping three to both the Cavaliers and Hawks, but when it mattered most, they got the job done. It is pure speculation to wonder whether they could have made it through the West unscathed, but considering how they dismantled the Lakers, as well as having dominated against the West all-season, it’s safe to assume the Celtics are without question the best team in the league.
If you weren’t moved by watching Kevin Garnett in tears as the confetti fell in the Garden, then you're not a fan of the game and simply don’t have a heart. Anything is possible.
So congratulations to Celtics fans everywhere. I'm glad to stand corrected.
Lady Bluegrass knows her hoops. Heck, she’s from Kentucky. It’s her birthright.
Let this be a lesson to us all. Before you get into a debate with a woman, rest assured you’ll end up on the losing side of the argument.
After one of the most memorable (or forgettable) collapses in recent sports history, the Los Angeles Lakers now stare at a nearly insurmountable 3-1 deficit against the far superior and eventual champion Boston Celtics. In Thursday’s Game Four, the uninspired and now downtrodden Lakers led by as many as twenty points midway through the third quarter, yet they somehow managed to grab defeat from the jaws of victory. To be sure, it was the largest comeback in Finals history in the shot clock era. It was the 2007 Mets, 2004 Yankees and 1978 Red Sox all rolled into one. And all Kobe Bryant had to say in his post-game press conference is how he wanted to go out and get drunk on… wine, beer and twenty shots, to be exact. Is this a champion’s reaction? Can we once and for all end the comparisons between Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan? Michael never lost in the Finals. Kobe’s about to lose his second.
Honestly, is there anybody inside or outside that locker room that thinks the Lakers still have a chance at a title? How is this the same Lakers team that beat the defending champion San Antonio Spurs? The team that suited up last night didn’t look like they could beat an NBDL team. They scored 33 points in the second half. That's two less than they scored in the first quarter. So much for consistency.
What’s even more amazing is that the Lakers led the first quarter by the largest margin in Finals history, outscoring the Celtics 35-14. Then they got lazy. They abandoned the triangle and failed to keep their foot on the neck of their opponents by settling for jump shots. How did the Zen Master let this happen?
I can’t lay all this on the Lakers. The Celtics played a great game. In fact, they probably should have won Game Three. Technically this series should be over by now. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve always been a proponent of more basketball, but not this brand. I’m not even a Lakers fan and I feel deflated after watching that massacre. I can only imagine what they’re going through. It got so bad last night, Lakers fans were cheering on the Celtics. Who does that??
At the beginning of this series, Kobe Bryant said his Finals experience has shown him that a team can want it as bad as anyone, but it all boils down to execution. Well the Celtics are doing both… wanting and winning.
I give tremendous credit and praise to Doc Rivers and his coaching staff. They were able to tap into and inspire a team of men in Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce that wanted to be remembered as champions. If you’re an NBA fan, you have to be happy for these guys.
Meanwhile, somewhere, Kobe sits in a bar drowning his sorrows. Hope he’s a good tipper.
The prospect of Roger Clemens having sexual relations with a 15-year old country music star
But that’s about all I could think of. This Lakers supporting cast is THAT bad.
Going into this series, many boasted that the Lakers bench would have a clear advantage over Boston’s. Au contraire. In Games One and Two, the Lakers bench has been outplayed, out shot, out-hustled, outclassed and outmanned. Their only somewhat useful players are Ronny Turiaf because of the energy he provides and Sasha Vujacic when he can hit a jump shot. Luke Walton has been absolutely awful, dare I say hooooorrrrrible. Luke, Bill is NOT your father. The apple fell VERY far from that tree. And the only thing about Jordan Farmar that belongs in this NBA Finals is his first name.
The Lakers were outscored by 14 in the second quarter of Sunday’s Game Two, partially because Vladimir Radmanovic failed to cover Paul Pierce, but primarily because the Lakers bench simply cannot function as an independent unit.
Here’s a summary of the first two minutes of the second quarter….
11:42 Luke Walton bad pass (P J Brown steals)
11:30 Trevor Ariza defensive rebound
11:29 Trevor Ariza lost ball (Sam Cassell steals)
11:27 Trevor Ariza personal foul
11:21 Sasha Vujacic misses 22-foot jumper
10:36 Luke Walton bad pass (James Posey steals)
10:30 Ronny Turiaf shooting foul
10:21 Sasha Vujacic traveling
10:07 Luke Walton shooting foul
9:55 Jordan Farmar misses layup
If you’re not counting at home, that’s four turnovers, three fouls, two missed shots and one rebound in less than two minutes. Even our economy’s not that unproductive. That may very well have been the worst five players on the floor at the same time in ANY Finals EVER. My jump shot got worse just watching them.
With PJ Brown, Sam Cassell, Leon Powe, James Posey and even House and Davis, the Celtics bench is giving Doc Rivers exactly what he needs. The Lakers bench is giving Phil Jackson indigestion.
Look, bench play is not the only reason the Lakers are taking it on the chin in this series. Boston wants it more and they’re playing like it. Kevin Garnett’s desire is contagious, Paul Pierce cannot be stopped and Ray Allen is coming back to form. The only thing L.A.’s bench is contributing is to a larger Lakers deficit.
The supporting cast on Phil Jackson’s championship teams have always made key contributions, but Phil doesn’t have any confidence in this bunch, with good reason. While Cassell, Powe and Brown can, and have, give the Celtics double digits and quality minutes, on any given night, the Lakers bench don’t have that. Rick FOX could outplay these guys.
With the Lakers starting cast all having a sub-par series to date, the Lakers are struggling to find any spark whatsoever. It’s definitely not coming from the pine. This does not bode well for the Lakers and their fans.
Yes, the series now shifts back to Los Angeles for three straight games and the tide can potentially turn to L.A.’s favor. But if the Lakers continue to get no production out of their supporting cast, this series may not make it back to Beantown.
I’m no school teacher, but I’d like to offer up some post-season grades to each NBA team that made the playoffs. Let is serve as a prequel to Nique’s exit interview questions, that is if we ever get a chance to see them.
Eastern Conference:
Atlanta Hawks: B
Let’s be real. Nobody has expected the Hawks to fare well ever since Dominique Wilkins retired. They’ve consistently been the cellar dwellers of the league. Yet it finally looks like Atlanta finally has a product they can be proud of. After taking the Boston Celtics to a seventh game, Atlanta fans should expect nothing less than playoff appearances for the next several years. They have a respectable young nucleus of players in Josh Smith, Joe Johnson and Al Horford. It will be interesting to see if they keep Mike Bibby and for how long. The next step for Atlanta will be actually winning a playoff series, but it appears they’re on the right track.
Washington Wizards: C-
The Wizards are still a team without an identity. Yes, they made the post-season, but is that enough? They’ve also done so the past few years and it seems they’re now regressing. The Wiz feature one of the league’s more dynamic players in Gilbert Arenas, but next year could be a critical one for both him and the franchise. Can he stay healthy? And if so, can he coexist with his teammates? I have a gut feeling things are going to get worse for Arenas before they get better. In this day and age, with the emergence of Deron Williams and Chris Paul, an NBA point guard cannot think shoot first and pass second and that’s not Arenas’ modus operandi. Caron Butler had a great season when on the floor, but I’m not convinced the tandem of Brendan Haywood and Antawn Jamison are the bigs that can carry a team to the next level. I predict Arenas will eventually play his way off this team and ultimately end up on a real contender. The question is who and will they want to take a gamble on The Hibachi.
Philadelphia 76ers: B-
There are contenders and there are pretenders. Nobody outside of the Philadelphia locker room gave this team much of a chance to win anything, yet this confident group of individuals gave the Detroit Pistons a run for their money. Similar to Atlanta, this team has a young nucleus of talent to build around. But they still have question marks. I’m not sure what it will take this team to get to the next level, but I think they’re still several pieces away. Andre Iguodala is a fine young player, but can he consistently be the go to guy for this franchise.
Toronto Raptors: D
In my opinion, the Raptors are at a crossroads. They have talent to build around in Chris Bosh, but the top teams in the East have set the bar high. The Celtics Big Three will be around for a few more years at least, LeBron isn’t going anywhere any time soon, the Magic have Dwight Howard and the Heat could eventually become a force with Dwyane Wade, Shawn Marion and either Derrick Rose or Michael Beasley. This means, in order to keep up with the joneses, Toronto will have to add some pieces. And it’s unlikely they’re going to be major players in the free agent market. This team looked flat against an Orlando team they should have competed with. Toronto has been surprisingly good over the past two seasons, but do their fans and ownership care enough to become a serious contender. I’m not so sure. Unfortunately, Sam Mitchell will ultimately take the fall for a team that nobody would be able to win with.
Cleveland Cavaliers: C
The clock ticks loudly in Cleveland. This poor city cannot sleep for rumors that King James will eventually leave this franchise for greener pastures. Until then, they’ll have to keep him happy by surrounding him with talent. While anything less than an NBA title would have been a disappointment for the Cavs, those goals were unrealistic. They were the third or fourth best team in the East, and will probably be so again next season. Both Detroit and Boston are clearly better than the Cavs. Despite LBJ’s performance in Game 7, this team was not getting by Boston. In the fire sale that was this NBA season, the Cavs added Ben Wallace (useless), Joe Smith (functioning), Delonte West (decent, but not a starter) and Wally Szczerbiak (white). The experiment of starting two centers, Z and Wallace, failed miserably. And at times, it looked like Mike Brown didn’t know who to play. Should he put in Joe Smith for offense or Anderson Varejao for rebounding? What Ben Wallace gives you defensively (which isn’t all that much these days), he takes away in offensive presence. I mean the guy was four feet away from the basket and still didn’t shoot it. I give credit to the franchise for making an effort, but those players were not what this team needed. Next time, use some logic when making acquisitions. Whatever they do in the off-season, they better do it quickly and wisely for that ticking clock is only going to get louder. Every season the Cavs come up short will make playing in Madison Square Garden all that more palatable for King James.
Orlando Magic: C+
And yet we have another Eastern Conference team at a crossroads. Perhaps Orlando should play Cleveland in a seven-game series for the Eastern Conference’s bronze medal, because neither of these two teams was going to get any closer than that. The Magic will ultimately have to find themselves a point guard to play alongside Dwight Howard. Carlos Boozer has Deron Williams. Tyson Chandler has Chris Paul. Even Bosh has TJ Ford. The jury is still out (or is it) on whether Jameer Nelson is their point guard of the future. Additionally, Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu are offensive minded, non-rebounding machines. Howard needs help on the blocks and he’s not getting it. While this team has gotten better in recent years, in order to compete with the Clevelands, Detroits, and Bostons of the world, the Magic still have to add pieces to their puzzle.
Detroit Pistons: C (if they lose to Boston); A (if they beat Boston)
Another season… another Eastern Conference Finals appearance for Detroit. That wasn’t good enough for Atlanta Braves fan (fourteen division titles, one World Series championship) and it’s likely not good enough for Pistons fans either. It’s unclear whether Flip Saunders is capable of winning a title with this team and unfortunately for him, he’ll always be living in the shadow of Larry Brown, who may have only won his title by running into a dysfunctional Lakers team at the time. However, this Pistons team did not lose BECAUSE of Saunders. You can’t point to any specific coaching blunders that justify him losing his job. If anything, they’ll lose (again) in the Eastern Conference Finals because of an unhealthy Chauncey Billups, but it’s more likely that Boston is just the better team. Joe Dumars will have some questions to answer in the off-season. Does he keep this team intact and what’s needed to get this team back to where they need to be?
Boston Celtics: A- (if they beat Detroit); D (if they lose to Detroit)
Danny Ainge’s bold off-season moves paid off in more than just a GM of the Year award. Along with Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen have the Celtics one win away from the NBA Finals. The pieces of this franchise fit nicely together. Ainge didn’t just look at whoever was out there and land players that didn’t match, a la Cleveland. Boston’s bench is capable and complementary to their core unit. And Rondo has proven he’s more than capable of leading this team. The only question that remains is whether they’ll be able to beat the purple and gold. While anything less than a title will be disappointment for those in the Boston locker room, a Finals appearance should still be considered a successful season.
In the beginning of Game One of the Lakers-Spurs series, Tim Duncan went up for an offensive rebound. As he was coming down, before his feet hit the floor, he tipped it to a wide open Bruce Bowen on the perimeter. Duncan wasn’t even squared, touch-passing it sideways across his body, with laser-like accuracy, knowing exactly where his teammate was on the floor. Bowen went on to miss that jump shot, but it’s that type of play which illustrates, that despite all the big name, free agent signings of Phoenix, Dallas, L.A. and Boston, there is no substitute for a talented, well coached and cohesive unit of individuals working in near perfect synchronicity for an(other) NBA title.
As in years past, most pundits, including myself on occasion, have consistently and inexplicably counted out the San Antonio Spurs. After going 3-3 against the upstart New Orleans Hornets, the Spurs minced no words in a Game 7 victory IN the Big Easy. In the first half of tonight’s opener against the Lakers, the Spurs once again show the world why they are the NBA’s best team this decade.
This core group of Duncan, Parker, Ginobili and their supporting cast continue to impress true basketball fans with their execution and teamwork. And Gregg Popovich remains the most underappreciated coach the game has ever seen.
Let’s now assume the following. IF the Spurs shock the world and knock off BOTH the Lakers and Celtics (assuming Boston’s in), this may be the most impressive run of their dynasty. Yes, the Lakers and Celtics both have more talent on paper. Kobe is the single, most impressive talent in the game. Garnett is playing like a man possessed. But let us not forget Tim Duncan is likely the best power forward any of us have ever seen.
This season, the NBA saw a slew of teams spending big time dollars and possibly jeopardizing their future, jockeying to acquire talent for a run at a title. In retrospect, when has this EVER worked in building a basketball dynasty. They are not created overnight.
Amazingly, GMs still fail to look at the San Antonio model to see how titles are won, which is by landing a heady, determined coach that knows the game and trusts his players as they trust him in return. (Landing the opportunity to draft Tim Duncan doesn't hurt either).
Nobody expected Tony Parker to come into the league and do what he’s doing. Not only has he landed the homecoming queen, but he continues to put up high percentage shots while breaking down opposing point guards. Ginobili continues to get off shots as he pleases. Per Reggie Miller, the league has STILL not figured out that he’s left-handed. And Tim Duncan is well… Tim Duncan. The role players of Bowen, Finley, Vaughn, Horry, Barry, Udoka, Oberto and Thomas never force the issue and play within themselves much like the supporting cast of the 1990s Bulls. Pop goes eleven players deep into that bench and nobody gripes about touches, knowing that in the course of events, they’ll get theirs. That’s coaching, friends.
If the Spurs somehow knock off the giants of the league (they should really be considered one themselves), they’ll have beaten the Lakers, Celtics and Hornets, teams with the three best records in the regular season. After tonight's performance, does that at all look unrealistic?
By looking at San Antonio, and to a lesser extent Detroit, shrewd GMs league-wide may finally second guess (but probably not) the way championship teams are constructed, opting for the long-term prize rather than the quick fix. The Spurs offense is crisply executed, like players who have been running together for years. The Lakers and Celtics, while extremely talented, do not yet have that luxury. It shows when they face a quality defense.
If the Spurs pull this off, while impressive, it should really come as a surprise to no one. I mean, we’ve been watching this team for years, haven’t we? I know we live in a world of immediate gratification but isn’t long-term, sustained success better than rolling the dice? I think Gregg Popovich knows the answer to that question. Why doesn’t anyone else?
Charles Barkley had to pay a $40,000 finance charge for his latest gambling debt?? And to think I complain about the $1.50 convenience fee when I use an ATM that’s not my own bank.
PJ Brown was a masterful pickup for Danny Ainge.
I’m not sure who the Bulls will pick at #1, but they can’t go wrong with either Derrick Rose or Michael Beasley. I’m inclined to think they’ll go with the local boy, Rose. With the emergence of Chris Paul and Deron Williams, teams will need a quality ball-handler to compete. Kirk Hinrich has been a bust and would be much better suited as a backup. Similarly, either draft pick will fit in nicely with the Heat at number two.
The Chicago Bulls head coaching position suddenly becomes a lot more coveted. Do you think Mike D’Antoni’s thinking he jumped the gun by taking that Knicks job?
As if there were any doubt, Detroit and Boston are clearly the two best TEAMS in the Eastern Conference.
I had totally forgotten that Flip Saunders used to coach KG in Minnesota. You’d think that would work at least somewhat in Detroit’s favor. Yeah, right, like anyone has an answer for the Big Ticket.
One sportscaster tonight commended these Detroit Pistons for accomplishing so much with ‘no hall-of-famers.’ Hmmmm…. are you sure about that? None of those guys in the Hall? I think it’s a little too early to definitely say that. Billups has a Finals MVP under his belt and ‘Sheed is one of the most versatile players the game has seen in recent years. If they manage to win another title, I’d beg to differ with that statement.
Why is the Fleet Center hazier than any other arena? Do they allow smoking in there like they did back in the day? That’s why all those old black and white photographs turned out looking so cool.
Playing an intense Game 7 against Cleveland two days ago does not seem to have slowed the Celtics down one bit.
Jack and Coke is a truly, delectable beverage.
Rodney Stuckey is good. Where did this kid come from?
Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy and Mike Breem were at Fenway for Jon Lester’s no-hitter last night. How cool is that?
In the first half, Detroit’s taken significantly more free throws, yet the Celtics have more points in the paint. Go figure.
Tayshaun Prince was an absolutely perfect fit for this Piston team. Keep in mind Tubby Smith recruited both he and Rajon Rondo (that one’s for Bluegrass).
Fifteen people exchanging a Heineken makes me think of warm beer and backwash. What exactly were they thinking with that commercial?
Matt Ryan’s rich.
In the first half, Boston shot 51% from the floor. Detroit shot 39% and only trailed by a single point. One need look no further than free throw shooting discrepancy (Detroit had 11 more points from the line).
Where are my Orlando Magic exit interview questions? ‘Nique, get on the ball.
Did Jay Bilas say you can’t make a mistake with the number one pick?? Perhaps he’s never heard of Kwame Brown or Michael Olowokandi.
LeBron needs to add a post-up game to his repertoire.
This Hulk movie should be much better than the first. No truth to the rumor that I turned down the role as body double due to other obligations.
It’s nice to see professional basketball players on both teams consistently knock down 17-footers. Well, that is, everyone except Ray Allen.
With this game getting chippy in the fourth quarter, who do you think will be the first player ejected from a game in this series?
Kevin Garnett and Rasheed Wallace have been among the top five power forwards in the league for the past decade. I could watch these guys go at it for hours.
With six assists and five steals, Rajon Rondo is slowly starting to prove me wrong. As is Doc Rivers ability to coach this team.
The Celts looked good tonight. I’m not sure they can beat the Lakers, but they look pretty darn good.
Five road games, five road losses for the Boston Celtics. This same Boston team had only ten road losses this season, the best in the NBA. In only eleven post-season games, they’ve already lost half that many.
Make no bones about it. Danny Ainge assembled this Celtic team with one intention and one intention only: to win an NBA title. We’ve heard Kevin Garnett say anything less would be a disappointment nearly as many times as we’ve seen his Gatorade commercial.
Lofty expectations for sure, and once thought to be realistic…. until we all saw the product they’ve put on the floor lately. After boasting the regular season’s best record, the C’s are now 6-5 on the road and yearn for the friendly confines of the Fleet Center after each loss.
After listening to Magic, Charles and Kenny on Monday night’s “Inside the NBA,” they all, without directly throwing Doc Rivers under the bus, claimed that this team is still searching for an identity, that they're not getting the shots they want. Magic aptly pointed out that Rajon Rondo cannot be taking more shots than both Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. And he’s right. While their presence on the floor might free Rondo up for shots, he should still be the facilitator, not the shot-taker for the “Charles told me not to call them the” Big Three. On the road, their offense is stagnant. They scored twelve points in last night’s fourth quarter. Perhaps it's time for Doc Rivers, a la Gene Hackman in "Hoosiers," to pull out his measuring tape and measure the free throw line to the basket and the height of the rim to the floor to show his team that courts away from the Fleet Center are the same size as at home.
Someone needs to be held accountable. Yes, Doc pulled Rondo off the floor after a late and ill-advised three-point attempt and told him not to take any more ‘hero shots.’ But it is ultimately the coach’s responsibility to direct this team and help them find that identity. How hard can that be? They’ve played 90+ games together and are all veterans and potential Hall-Of-Famers. Doc is a former point guard.
Personally, I think the fact that none of these three can handle the ball hurts their ability to run their offense. Kobe can bring the ball up the floor. LeBron always has the handle at the end of the game. The fact that those three can’t do that hurts their chances. Again, that’s just one man’s opinion.
Look, I’m no Celtics fan, but I do like the team they’ve assembled. That being said, they need to elevate their game. Like KG says “playoffs is playoffs!” While the Celtics may only need to hold serve throughout, I’m sure they and their fans would cherish a road victory like a newborn baby at this point. No Celtic fan in their right mind wants any part of LeBron, the Pistons or Kobe Bryant in a Game Seven no matter where they’re playing or how many clovers they have on their uniform. Anything can happen, and probably will to a Celtic team with shaken confidence.
Whatever the problem is, Doc better figure it out soon. While anything less than a title might be a disappointment, anything less than the Eastern Conference Finals might just get Doc fired.
