Fierce...
So already one of my four "picks" in the NBA is out of the tournament. Knocked out, no less, by San Antonio, the team I predicted wouldn't have an impact. And the "Leastern" Conference series have actually been more interesting than I ever thought they could be. I love seeing Detroit (who suck on a personal level) and Boston lose.
And yet the story of the playoffs is the story of the lackluster, blockbuster trade. And it's a comedy.
Jason Kidd. Shaquille O'Neal. Allen Iverson. All three went from East to West in order to take a great team better (or, in Denver's case, a so-so team gooder). And ultimately to win a championship.
But so far. Denver, Phoenix and Dallas are a combined 0-4 in playoff series. Granted, including Denver in those numbers is going to throw everything off because they suck so much. But the point is still made.
I personally think that the Kidd trade was a good move. Kidd should fit in and, with a few more minor personnel adjustments, Dallas could become a San Antonio-like team. But only when Kidd becomes "the man." Nowitzki is more effective as part of a pair or trio where he shares the spotlight.
I also think that Denver could win a championship with Iverson, but only if they trade Carmelo Anthony and bring in some quality players. Points will never be an issue with the current Denver lineup, and points are all Anthony has to offer.
But Phoenix is a tough one. I like Nash and Amare. But I never thought Shaq was the missing piece. Shaq could do more for Phoenix by retiring and opening up a lot of cap space when a quality big, a Yao or Bosh, ends up on the free agent. Or retiring and becoming a good trade chip. Of course, still got those years left on the contract, so...
So I'm just left looking forward to a Lakers-Celtics finals.
And yet the story of the playoffs is the story of the lackluster, blockbuster trade. And it's a comedy.
Jason Kidd. Shaquille O'Neal. Allen Iverson. All three went from East to West in order to take a great team better (or, in Denver's case, a so-so team gooder). And ultimately to win a championship.
But so far. Denver, Phoenix and Dallas are a combined 0-4 in playoff series. Granted, including Denver in those numbers is going to throw everything off because they suck so much. But the point is still made.
I personally think that the Kidd trade was a good move. Kidd should fit in and, with a few more minor personnel adjustments, Dallas could become a San Antonio-like team. But only when Kidd becomes "the man." Nowitzki is more effective as part of a pair or trio where he shares the spotlight.
I also think that Denver could win a championship with Iverson, but only if they trade Carmelo Anthony and bring in some quality players. Points will never be an issue with the current Denver lineup, and points are all Anthony has to offer.
But Phoenix is a tough one. I like Nash and Amare. But I never thought Shaq was the missing piece. Shaq could do more for Phoenix by retiring and opening up a lot of cap space when a quality big, a Yao or Bosh, ends up on the free agent. Or retiring and becoming a good trade chip. Of course, still got those years left on the contract, so...
So I'm just left looking forward to a Lakers-Celtics finals.
Labels: Mark
posted by M S Martinez at 4/30/2008 08:17:00 AM
5 Comments:
The playoffs are better than I imagined and I am not surprised by the losers like Denver(most laughable playoff team), Phoenix(most mixed up players)and Dallas(trying to hard and bringing in an over the hill point guard). The most pitiful thing about the playoffs so far is: Dallas has fired Avery and Phoenix is about to do the same to Mikey. So much for sports. Go Jazz and Hornets!
Last night's game was good. I wonder how much of a chance the Jazz have against the Lakers. . . the way I see it it all comes down to if the Jazz can stop Gasol. Let Kobe shoot, but if Gasol can get the ball down low and run the offense from there the Jazz are screwed.
Deron Williams is a bad-ass.
oh yeah, and phoenix needs to fire Kerr, not D'Antoni
Let's face it, Phoenix has to do something. They have the talent but they never perform in the playoffs. D'Antoni is an easy scapegoat. And I love the Mavs, but I hate Jason Kidd.
I hate the Lakers so bad. It is going to be very painful having to watch Luke Walton celebrate on the sideline.
Kerr made a trade the made the Suns a worse team. By far. I find it hard to believe that the Grizzlies wouldn't have taken Marion for Gasol instead of Kwame Brown. Why didn't that trade get done? The only logic I can see is if Marion wasn't working out because of conflicts with D'Antoni, in which case they should have fired him BEFORE trading one of the best all-around players in the game.
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