The NBA playoffs are almost upon us, basketball's biggest stage. The stage that distinguishes those who play to "feed their families" from those whose purpose is to leave a lasting basketball legacy. Recent champions Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Isaiah Thomas, Hakeem Olajuwon, Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Chauncey Billups, Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan, and Dwyane Wade have given those who appreciate the beauty of basketball memories to last a lifetime, memories of pride, drive, determination and the will to win.

I believe that there are time-tested characteristics of championship teams. This season's eventual NBA Champion will embody the following characteristics and more.

Veteran leadership: the NBA regular season pales in comparison to the intensity of the Playoffs. The regular season is an 82 game grind but when the stakes become win or go home, veteran players do what it takes to succeed. Veteran players understand that each possession is critical and their concentration level rarely wavers.

Teams that fit the bill: Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, New Jersey Nets, Los Angeles Lakers.

Teams that miss the cut: Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz, Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets, Orlando Magic, Golden State Warriors, and Washington Wizards.

Team defense: the game of basketball can be fickle. Team shooting percentages consistently hover around 50%. Even great teams aren't immune to off shooting nights. When this happens, championship teams fall back on their time tested defensive prowess. They dig deeper when adversity strikes.

Teams that fit the bill: San Antonio Spurs, Utah Jazz, Chicago Bulls, and Detroit Pistons.

Teams that miss the cut: Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, New Jersey Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto Raptors, Houston Rockets, Orlando Magic, and Washington Wizards.

Steady playmaker: playmaking encompasses more than assists. Playoff playmakers are practically immune to pressure. They are able to quiet the storm in a hostile environment and lead their team to victory from the guard positions.

Teams that fit the bill: San Antonio Spurs (Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili), Phoenix Suns (Steve Nash), Dallas Mavericks (Jason Terry), Miami Heat (Dwyane Wade), Denver Nuggets (Allen Iverson), Los Angeles Lakers (Kobe Bryant), Chicago Bulls (Kirk Heinrich), New Jersey Nets (Jason Kidd) and the Detroit Pistons (Chauncey Billups).

Teams that miss the cut: Orlando Magic, Washington Wizards, Toronto Raptors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, and the Houston Rockets.

Championship caliber low post scorer: high percentage shots are essential in playoff basketball. Low post scoring opens the game up for perimeter play. Championship low post scorers have delivered in intense situations and against top competition.

Teams that fit the bill: San Antonio Spurs (Tim Duncan), Phoenix Suns (Amare Stoudemire), Detroit Pistons (Rasheed Wallace), Miami Heat (Shaquille O'Neal), and the Dallas Mavericks (Dirk Nowitzki).

Teams that miss the cut: Orland Magic, Washington Wizards, Toronto Raptors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets, New Jersey Nets, Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, and Denver Nuggets.

Championship strategist: team leadership must come from the sideline as well as on the basketball court. Contrary to popular opinion championship players want to be coached. They want to be led by men who know what it takes to win.

Teams that fit the bill: San Antonio Spurs (Greg Popovich), Dallas Mavericks (Avery Johnson), Los Angeles Lakers (Phil Jackson), Utah Jazz (Jerry Sloan), Chicago Bulls (Scott Skiles) and the Miami Heat (Pat Riley).

Teams that miss the cut: Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, Washington Wizards, Toronto Raptors, Denver Nuggets, New Jersey Nets, Golden State Warriors, and the Houston Rockets.

Clutch performer: clutch plays are often times the difference between a win and a loss. Being clutch requires great focus and mental strength. This characteristic turns great players into legends. There will be many pivotal playoff moments. The player who seizes the opportunity and delivers in the most pressure-packed situation will ultimately lead his team to the title.

Teams that fit the bill: San Antonio Spurs (Manu Ginobili, Robert Horry), Los Angeles Lakers (Kobe Bryant), Miami Heat (Dwyane Wade), Detroit Pistons, (Chauncey Billups).

Teams that miss the cut: Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Utah Jazz, Chicago Bulls, New Jersey Nets, Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards, Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic.

The San Antonio Spurs embody all of these characteristics and more. Parker, Ginoboli, Duncan, Bowen, and Horry have gone to battle with one another and emerged victorious time after time. Despite having the NBA's most difficult path to the Finals they know what it takes to claim basketball's greatest prize and they will be this year's NBA Champion.