We’re pulling into the stretch run in the NBA. With teams having around 20 games left to play, this is when we’ll start to see who’s cranking it up for the playoffs (unless someone sleepwalks into the playoffs like the Celtics last year and then goes on a tear. At this rate that team could be the Heat). Here’s a quick paragraph assessment ranking each of the teams I feel has a chance at winning the NBA title (even if that chance is 1 and 100,000, like the Trail Blazers and Knicks probably are). We’ll see how accurate these rankings are when the playoffs arrive. Without further ado…
10. Portland Trail Blazers
Portland has entered into the discussion of fringe title contender after the incredible Gerald Wallace heist. Portland traded an expiring contract, two mediocre players, and two first round picks (which will likely be in the late teens to early 20s) for a player who just last season made the all-star team (perhaps if Michael Jordan spent less time at the poker table and the golf course, he would’ve shopped for a better deal). In theory, Portland has enough size up front to contend with the Lakers. There main issue is shooting. Relying on Brandon Roy to give you 25 minutes a game in the playoffs is a risky proposition.
9. New York Knicks
Melo, Amar’e, and Billups would have to play out their mind for two months for New York to have a punchers chance at a title. I don’t see them getting it done this year, but their current projected playoff opponent (the Miami Heat) should be scared to death to face them in a seven game series.
8. Orlando Magic
Orlando has done an excellent job of building a cast of misfits around the best center in the NBA. The Magic rely to much on threes to be considered a serious title contender, but if the match-ups fall right Howard could get them to the Conference Finals.
7. Miami Heat
Some folks would point to the struggles of the Miami Heat as a sign that God really exists. While that may be an aggressive opinion, it’s good to see a group that thought they were going to win seven championships has to deal with some adversity. With the lack of a point guard, center, or a bench, this team will be lucky to get past the second round.
6. Oklahoma City Thunder
It’s hard to gauge the playoff potential for this club until we see Kendrick Perkins on the floor. Perkins hypothetically brings enough interior defense to push the Thunder as high as #3 on this list, but No Credentials will need to see a five game sample before putting that in print.
5. Dallas Mavericks
Tyson Chandler has brought a defensive presence to the Mavericks that they have never had in the Dirk Nowitzki era. They’ll want to do everything they can to secure the #2 seed in the West so they can avoid playing a potential game 7 at Los Angeles in round 2.
4. Chicago Bulls
Chicago has the best C/PF combo in Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer, an under the radar wing player in Luol Deng, and the most valuable player in the league this season in Derrick Rose. This is the club I’m worrying about as a Celtics fan.
3. San Antonio Spurs
The transition San Antonio has made from a defensive oriented team to an up-tempo offense has been remarkable. It will be interesting to see what happens if Tim Duncan gets 35+ minutes in the postseason (he’s averaging under 30 so far this season). We may not have seen the best of the Spurs yet.
2. Los Angeles Lakers
People were ready to hit the panic button a month ago (remember the Carmelo Anthony for Andrew Bynum trade rumors?), but an eight game winning streak has silenced most doubters. Their road to the NBA Finals this year will be harder (likely second round match-up with Dallas, either San Antonio or Oklahoma City in the conference finals), but the Lakers size advantage still makes them the favorites in the West.
1. Boston Celtics
Boston’s trades were widely panned by media critics, but the team has gone 5-0 since Jeff Green arrived. Their unselfishness leads to an unguardable offense (when they are firing on all cylinders) because you never know where a shot is going to come from. For those of you concerned about Shaq’s health going into the playoffs, don’t worry. Throughout his career, he has always missed tons of games during the regular season. This guy wasn’t brought in to win games in February and March. He’ll suit up for every playoff game.
No comments:
Post a Comment