NBA Finals Preview
First and foremost, in case you're a die-hard baseball fan, this NBA Finals marks the beginning of the end for exciting sports season...unless you want to speculate on which college football team will do well.
And what a fine Finals it should be - rematch from 2006. I don't particularly care for either of these teams to be perfectly honest, but it should make for some great competition and story lines such as....
Who's the more desperate team?
I give the slight edge to the Mavericks here - they're old and you got a superstar who's hungry to cement his legacy and shake the choker/can't-win-the-big-one label. The Mavericks are also aging...and fast. Kidd, Marion, Butler, Dirk - those cats aren't getting any younger and they know that their window is closing.
On the flip side you've got the New York Yankees of the NBA who are desperate to show that they CAN win a championship with this team as that's why they put this whole thing together. Although they aren't quite as desperate, they are still feeling it, trust me. Especially one Lebron James who can erase much of the criticism around his "decision" tactics with a ring.
Desperation meter points in the favor of the Mavs.
Who's playing better ball right now?
This one is super tough. The Mavericks look like a completely different team than most Mavs' fans are accustomed to seeing. Even their demeanor following the OKC series would make anyone believe this is a team with laser focus. And Dirk? Forget about it - I've always respected his skills/talent, but never been a huge fan as he's your stereotypical European player. But this is a different Dirk in so many ways - his shooting percentage, his ability close out games, his free throw shooting - he's playing at a peak level right now that shows no sign of waning.
On the flip side Miami finally seems to have put it all together and much of this is Lebron James. Say what you will about his legacy in going to play with 2 great players (Bosh is not a superstar folks), but you can see the difference in the pressure he's feeling. In Cleveland, he WAS the man. Period. Now? He's got options - and when is taking those fourth-quarter shots, he's not feeling like he has to make them or else. Even Bosh is playing at a pretty high level right now and let me tell you folks, he's a very good player, but he's not in the same league as Wade and James. Not even close. But when they need him, he makes big plays.
Who's-playing-better-meter is a tie.
Home-court advantage...
Is going to be HUGE in this series...and that does not bode well for the Mavs. This may sound crazy, but I think if Dallas is going to win this series, they can't lose at home. Period. They are not going to win more than 2 in Miami (and 2 is a stretch) and so they can't lose at home.
With that said, I don't think Miami is as tough a place to play as Dallas so that is a small, but important shift in the Mavs favor. Of course that's just me saying that - I'm sure there are folks in Chicago who would argue otherwise right now.
Home-court advantage - are you sitting down???? It goes to Miami.
Star power advantage?
Although both have fantastic rosters, you simply can't put Dallas above Miami in this department...and for obvious reason. Dwayne Wade and Lebron James. Period.
How do the match ups look?
I've saved the best little nugget for last here. Some very intriguing possibilities with this series.
Who will guard Dirk?
This will be a defense-by-committee match up for sure. I have to believe, especially late in close games, that we'll see Lebron take his shot on guarding the big German. Lebron is certainly strong, quick and long (that's what she said), but Dirk has been too good down low, within 10 feet of the basket. Lebron is great, but it will be a tough one for him.
I imagine we'll see Chris Bosh play his hand in the Dirk carousel as well, but honestly I think Dirk will abuse Bosh. I don't even know if this will be close to be honest with you, especially if he is able to maintain the same level of focus that he's held throughout these playoffs.
Shawn Marion the X-factor?
Seriously, maybe. If he can create even the slightest bit of havoc for Lebron defensively than he's done his job. Marion had a huge game in the deciding game 6 of the OKC series and if he can maintain that focus (kind of a big IF), it will be huge for Dallas and just may be the difference. I imagine Lebron will abuse him quite often, but Marion doesn't have to (read: can't) shut him down, he just needs to bring some frustration and disruption at times.
Who Will Rule the Paint - Chandler or Bosh?
Both players have been benefited greatly from the fact that so much defensive attention is put on their respective teammates, leaving wide open dunks and clean-up shots in the paint. Will be interesting to see how this continues. Both also serve big roles as the last line of defense in the lane. Although Chandler is more susceptible to getting into foul trouble early, both players will need to play disciplined help defense so as not to leave the other wide open under the basket. Bosh is a better offensive player, but Chandler is the better defender which makes this match up so intriguing.
Who the Hell is Going to Guard Dwayne Wade?
I have no idea, but I don't think it will be pretty.
Blah, Blah, Blah - So Who Wins?
Let me preface this with I don't like either team all that much - but here's where my gut/heart are at.
My heart tells me that Dallas has found a new identity, turned a new leaf and is playing out of their minds. Although not as dominant, this reminds me of the Lakers 2001 championship run (their second of the 3) where they just steamrolled everyone in their way, losing only game 1 of the Finals to Philly along the way. Dallas has lost a couple of times in there, but even when you thought they were going to pull a...well, a Mavericks after that brutal loss to Portland, they did the opposite and kicked it up a notch. That game was where they flipped a switch and really turned it on. They have a stronger front court and MUCH stronger bench. So my heart says Dallas, despite not having home court, takes this in 7 games. To do this though, I strongly believe that Dallas simply can't lose a game at home. Period.
My gut tells me that Miami's trio of stars, coupled with that coveted home court, will take this in 6 games. The health of Haslem is really big for the Heat, especially given how much better Dallas' bench is. Of course we'll see if he can keep up that level of play we say at the end of that Chicago series, but it was a good sign.
Lebron and Wade on the wings is simply too much - and they're clicking right now. My gut says Miami in 6 or 7, and the gut always knows better than the heart.
Is This the End of the NBA for a While?
The NBA is really in a tough spot. These playoffs this year have been really great for the league and the fans - some really phenomenal games and match ups. And most important, you're starting to see the emergence of some future stars. HOWEVER, there is a work stoppage looming after the season and if you think the NFL is in a tough spot, just wait until the NBA negotiations start happening - the chasm that separates these groups is miles long. So many teams are losing so much money that they don't even care if there's a lockout or not. Not good. Owners want to get rid of guaranteed contracts (who can blame them?), but right now the NFL is the only league without them so that's going to be a tough sell. Of course I'd put NBA players much higher on the "irresponsible with money" list so they may cave pretty quick. Who the hell knows.
Either way, very bad time for this league to have a lockout - frankly they were just starting to climb out of an ugly hole in terms of popularity and fan loyalty.
Fall from Grace:
After 10 seasons at the helm of one of the nation's top programs, the "great" Jim Tressel resigns his post....and frankly leaves in a disgraceful way. Talk about tarnishing the brand you were hired to protect and build. On the football side, Tressel has been a hugely successful coach, winning multiple titles at Youngstown State (Division II) and bringing OSU it's first title in over 34 years. On the integrity side, Tressel is somewhat of an enigma. For someone who has spoken endlessly on the subject of honesty, integrity and character, he sure seems to draw quite a bit of accusations and investigations - even going back to his years at Youngstown State. Now that the ink has dried on his resignation letter, it appears that the issues that have clearly existed in Columbus go back even further and involve many, many more past and current players.
The coach is one thing - coaches come and go all the time, many acting like jackasses, in schools big and small across the country. But, if you'll recall, the University vehemently defended their coach and went so far as to suggest that he did absolutely nothing wrong. Now, the school not knowing the details is certainly more plausible than the coach not knowing the details (which he clearly did), but there's not a single soul on that campus who's looking good today.
In all reality, this story is only a big deal because it's Ohio State - this happens all the time. And yet again, the parallel subject arises of the validity and effectiveness of many of the NCAA rules regarding athlete behavior. With that said, stupid rules are still rules - and breaking them is no way to go about changing them (ask SMU).
The million dollar question is what does this mean for the program going forward? I do think there will undoubtedly be a fall out from this and I can certainly see this program falling back a bit - but let's be honest, it's Ohio State and the chances of them staying down are very low. Not impossible, but not likely. Remember, in Tressel's time there, he went 106-22 - that's pretty astonishing. Not just any coach can come in and do that so it stands to reason that a fall off would be natural. Either way, I'm sure folks in Ann Arbor are going to have a field day with this....until they remember who their coach is.
In other news - I'd bet my right arm we never see Terrell Pryor in an OSU uniform again.
Funny sh*t my 4-year old says part 38...
Ella: "Dad, do you shoot baby deer?"
Me: "Oh no, of course not. I'd never do that."
Ella: "Well don't shoot mommy or daddy deer either."
Me: "uuummmm.......ok"
Ella: (pausing for 10 seconds) "....because it's rude"
Me: (silence)
Ella: "Tell your friends too."
And what a fine Finals it should be - rematch from 2006. I don't particularly care for either of these teams to be perfectly honest, but it should make for some great competition and story lines such as....
Who's the more desperate team?
I give the slight edge to the Mavericks here - they're old and you got a superstar who's hungry to cement his legacy and shake the choker/can't-win-the-big-one label. The Mavericks are also aging...and fast. Kidd, Marion, Butler, Dirk - those cats aren't getting any younger and they know that their window is closing.
On the flip side you've got the New York Yankees of the NBA who are desperate to show that they CAN win a championship with this team as that's why they put this whole thing together. Although they aren't quite as desperate, they are still feeling it, trust me. Especially one Lebron James who can erase much of the criticism around his "decision" tactics with a ring.
Desperation meter points in the favor of the Mavs.
Who's playing better ball right now?
This one is super tough. The Mavericks look like a completely different team than most Mavs' fans are accustomed to seeing. Even their demeanor following the OKC series would make anyone believe this is a team with laser focus. And Dirk? Forget about it - I've always respected his skills/talent, but never been a huge fan as he's your stereotypical European player. But this is a different Dirk in so many ways - his shooting percentage, his ability close out games, his free throw shooting - he's playing at a peak level right now that shows no sign of waning.
On the flip side Miami finally seems to have put it all together and much of this is Lebron James. Say what you will about his legacy in going to play with 2 great players (Bosh is not a superstar folks), but you can see the difference in the pressure he's feeling. In Cleveland, he WAS the man. Period. Now? He's got options - and when is taking those fourth-quarter shots, he's not feeling like he has to make them or else. Even Bosh is playing at a pretty high level right now and let me tell you folks, he's a very good player, but he's not in the same league as Wade and James. Not even close. But when they need him, he makes big plays.
Who's-playing-better-meter is a tie.
Home-court advantage...
Is going to be HUGE in this series...and that does not bode well for the Mavs. This may sound crazy, but I think if Dallas is going to win this series, they can't lose at home. Period. They are not going to win more than 2 in Miami (and 2 is a stretch) and so they can't lose at home.
With that said, I don't think Miami is as tough a place to play as Dallas so that is a small, but important shift in the Mavs favor. Of course that's just me saying that - I'm sure there are folks in Chicago who would argue otherwise right now.
Home-court advantage - are you sitting down???? It goes to Miami.
Star power advantage?
Although both have fantastic rosters, you simply can't put Dallas above Miami in this department...and for obvious reason. Dwayne Wade and Lebron James. Period.
How do the match ups look?
I've saved the best little nugget for last here. Some very intriguing possibilities with this series.
Who will guard Dirk?
This will be a defense-by-committee match up for sure. I have to believe, especially late in close games, that we'll see Lebron take his shot on guarding the big German. Lebron is certainly strong, quick and long (that's what she said), but Dirk has been too good down low, within 10 feet of the basket. Lebron is great, but it will be a tough one for him.
I imagine we'll see Chris Bosh play his hand in the Dirk carousel as well, but honestly I think Dirk will abuse Bosh. I don't even know if this will be close to be honest with you, especially if he is able to maintain the same level of focus that he's held throughout these playoffs.
Shawn Marion the X-factor?
Seriously, maybe. If he can create even the slightest bit of havoc for Lebron defensively than he's done his job. Marion had a huge game in the deciding game 6 of the OKC series and if he can maintain that focus (kind of a big IF), it will be huge for Dallas and just may be the difference. I imagine Lebron will abuse him quite often, but Marion doesn't have to (read: can't) shut him down, he just needs to bring some frustration and disruption at times.
Who Will Rule the Paint - Chandler or Bosh?
Both players have been benefited greatly from the fact that so much defensive attention is put on their respective teammates, leaving wide open dunks and clean-up shots in the paint. Will be interesting to see how this continues. Both also serve big roles as the last line of defense in the lane. Although Chandler is more susceptible to getting into foul trouble early, both players will need to play disciplined help defense so as not to leave the other wide open under the basket. Bosh is a better offensive player, but Chandler is the better defender which makes this match up so intriguing.
Who the Hell is Going to Guard Dwayne Wade?
I have no idea, but I don't think it will be pretty.
Blah, Blah, Blah - So Who Wins?
Let me preface this with I don't like either team all that much - but here's where my gut/heart are at.
My heart tells me that Dallas has found a new identity, turned a new leaf and is playing out of their minds. Although not as dominant, this reminds me of the Lakers 2001 championship run (their second of the 3) where they just steamrolled everyone in their way, losing only game 1 of the Finals to Philly along the way. Dallas has lost a couple of times in there, but even when you thought they were going to pull a...well, a Mavericks after that brutal loss to Portland, they did the opposite and kicked it up a notch. That game was where they flipped a switch and really turned it on. They have a stronger front court and MUCH stronger bench. So my heart says Dallas, despite not having home court, takes this in 7 games. To do this though, I strongly believe that Dallas simply can't lose a game at home. Period.
My gut tells me that Miami's trio of stars, coupled with that coveted home court, will take this in 6 games. The health of Haslem is really big for the Heat, especially given how much better Dallas' bench is. Of course we'll see if he can keep up that level of play we say at the end of that Chicago series, but it was a good sign.
Lebron and Wade on the wings is simply too much - and they're clicking right now. My gut says Miami in 6 or 7, and the gut always knows better than the heart.
Is This the End of the NBA for a While?
The NBA is really in a tough spot. These playoffs this year have been really great for the league and the fans - some really phenomenal games and match ups. And most important, you're starting to see the emergence of some future stars. HOWEVER, there is a work stoppage looming after the season and if you think the NFL is in a tough spot, just wait until the NBA negotiations start happening - the chasm that separates these groups is miles long. So many teams are losing so much money that they don't even care if there's a lockout or not. Not good. Owners want to get rid of guaranteed contracts (who can blame them?), but right now the NFL is the only league without them so that's going to be a tough sell. Of course I'd put NBA players much higher on the "irresponsible with money" list so they may cave pretty quick. Who the hell knows.
Either way, very bad time for this league to have a lockout - frankly they were just starting to climb out of an ugly hole in terms of popularity and fan loyalty.
Fall from Grace:
After 10 seasons at the helm of one of the nation's top programs, the "great" Jim Tressel resigns his post....and frankly leaves in a disgraceful way. Talk about tarnishing the brand you were hired to protect and build. On the football side, Tressel has been a hugely successful coach, winning multiple titles at Youngstown State (Division II) and bringing OSU it's first title in over 34 years. On the integrity side, Tressel is somewhat of an enigma. For someone who has spoken endlessly on the subject of honesty, integrity and character, he sure seems to draw quite a bit of accusations and investigations - even going back to his years at Youngstown State. Now that the ink has dried on his resignation letter, it appears that the issues that have clearly existed in Columbus go back even further and involve many, many more past and current players.
The coach is one thing - coaches come and go all the time, many acting like jackasses, in schools big and small across the country. But, if you'll recall, the University vehemently defended their coach and went so far as to suggest that he did absolutely nothing wrong. Now, the school not knowing the details is certainly more plausible than the coach not knowing the details (which he clearly did), but there's not a single soul on that campus who's looking good today.
In all reality, this story is only a big deal because it's Ohio State - this happens all the time. And yet again, the parallel subject arises of the validity and effectiveness of many of the NCAA rules regarding athlete behavior. With that said, stupid rules are still rules - and breaking them is no way to go about changing them (ask SMU).
The million dollar question is what does this mean for the program going forward? I do think there will undoubtedly be a fall out from this and I can certainly see this program falling back a bit - but let's be honest, it's Ohio State and the chances of them staying down are very low. Not impossible, but not likely. Remember, in Tressel's time there, he went 106-22 - that's pretty astonishing. Not just any coach can come in and do that so it stands to reason that a fall off would be natural. Either way, I'm sure folks in Ann Arbor are going to have a field day with this....until they remember who their coach is.
In other news - I'd bet my right arm we never see Terrell Pryor in an OSU uniform again.
Funny sh*t my 4-year old says part 38...
Ella: "Dad, do you shoot baby deer?"
Me: "Oh no, of course not. I'd never do that."
Ella: "Well don't shoot mommy or daddy deer either."
Me: "uuummmm.......ok"
Ella: (pausing for 10 seconds) "....because it's rude"
Me: (silence)
Ella: "Tell your friends too."
posted by The Bearden Wonder at 5:06 PM
0 comments
