Everyone can take a breath now that the NBA finals have come to a close. That is, everyone that had money riding on the series can do that. The tight matchup I thought would come through before the contests began finished much better than it started. But overall, the first four games, with a twenty-one point average margin of victory, couldn't make this battle one of the NBA's best.
And, of course, since the San Antonio Spurs have been handed the Larry O'Brien trophy, the focus shifts to the next exit on the highway. Experts and analysts are ready to deliver a champion for the 2005-2006 season. Namely, it's either the Spurs, or their opponents, the Detroit Pistons.
The reasons for betting on these two teams as favorites are multiple, yet similar. They both play defense above and beyond the rest of the league. Each squad can adapt to their opponent's style of play. Don't forget about the recent playoff pedigree of these organizations. Basically, the teams play as ... well, teams.
So, with both squad returning their core players for next season, it's all sunshine and rainbows when considering which two towns should prep for another finals run.
However, allow me to play the Grinch at this wonderful Whoville gathering and be the "nasty, wasty skunk" with a flavor for variety in my champions. Challengers to the Spurs and Pistons are lurking in the weeds, looking for their place in the last series of the playoffs.
Of course, there are extenuating circumstances that must fall in place. The draft, free agent market, and injury bug need to favor growth instead of harm. But, in light of those gloom and doom situations, the last two champions can't just reserve a seat at the head of the table, whether in the quality-starved East or the ocean-depth West.
The High-Flyers
The Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns were, surprisingly, the best teams in their respective conferences. However, when the playoffs began, there were more than a few people thinking that neither team was assured of making a run to the championship.
If Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade were at full tilt in the East Finals, they might have been challenging the Spurs for the title. The role players and reserves raised their game throughout the postseason, but D. Wade's limited effectiveness in Games 6 (DNP) and 7 (7-20 from the field) prevented South Beach from enjoying their first NBA finals. Look for wishes of health from the Heat, along with another body or two on the bench.
The Suns rose brightly over the regular season, thanks largely to the addition of MVP Steve Nash. A well-oiled machine, Phoenix scored a league-high 110.4 points per game at a frantic pace. Then again, they played less defense than an Arena League football team. Trouble also reared its head when the starters got into foul trouble, exposing a severely undermanned bench.
The plan to improve seems simple in nature. Get deeper, get tougher, and get a hand in someone's face. They seem to be headed in that direction with their interest in Knicks bruiser Kurt Thomas. It's probably not the end-all piece, but it's a start.
The Grizzled Veterans
Over the last few years, there have been a few clubs that have been a constant in the playoffs. Two of them, contrary to past history, are the Nets and Mavericks. But even with a string of continued success, these two teams can't bust through that last wall to find the trophy on the other side.
For New Jersey, the end stared at them like a speeding train picking up steam. Then, an unlikely bolt of energy entered the scene in the form of Vince Carter (27.5 ppg). The much-maligned guard teamed with Jason Kidd (14.4 ppg, 8.3 apg, 7.4 rpg) to concoct the most dazzling backcourt in the Association.
Add in Richard Jefferson (22.2 ppg, 7.3 rpg), and the word potent is a perfect description for the Nets' perimeter. Unfortunately, the post could use a little beef. That issue will probably be addressed in the offseason by Rod Thorne and the Jay-Z brain trust.
From late 2000 through early 2004, Dallas was the NBA's best imitation of a whirling dervish. With scorers throwing in baskets from all angles, the Mavs slugged out their victories rather than going the distance. If one set of offensive talent didn't work, Mark Cuban would tinker with the formula. Different players, same powerful scoring, same result.
Then, this season, one of those cartoon light bulbs must have lit up inside the Dallas boardroom. The Mavericks figured out that more defensive pressure would give them a better chance to win. The addition of tougher position players (Jason Terry and Erick Dampier), plus recent hard-nosed draft picks (Josh Howard, Marquis Daniels, and Devin Harris), give this team an added pop they didn't have in other recent runs.
Now, with Avery Johnson steering the ship, we'll see if they can play some gritty, physical basket-baw.
The Up-and-Comers
In the professional ranks, experience matters, but youth can be so much more fun to watch. Two cases of this in the Association show their worth when you discuss the Chicago "Baby" Bulls and the Denver Nuggets.
Coming from out of nowhere this season, the Bulls are taking their band of high school and collegiate all-stars and rising up the charts. Imagine a lineup with Sixth Man of the Year Ben Gordon, Kirk Heinrich, former Dukies Chris Duhon and Luol Deng, as well as inside presence Tyson Chandler.
While the 22-year-old Chandler has the most experience as a pro among those names, don't think this is a rebuilding project. All the young guys knew how to win at the previous level, and they've brought that attitude to a franchise that didn't have a winning record since the Jordan era came to a close in 1998. The biggest hole for this team is in the middle, where Eddy Curry's health is a large problem. If he can heal, then play, this team is dangerous.
Denver started last year with high hopes and low results, resulting in the firing of head coach Jeff Bzdelik. Then, along came George Karl and his magic fixer elixir. Who knew the Nuggets could ever be described as "white-hot," but they were once Karl took over, ending the season with a 32-8 record.
With a full year of Karl's coaching ahead, Denver could be a player in the postseason. They have a solid backcourt, a physically strong set of post players, and a gem or two hidden on the bench. My advice for the league's top dogs, pack an extra oxygen mask next June for the trophy, just in case.
In the year's length of time it will take for the '06 finals to form, there will be many chances for these teams to show their worth or fall flat on their faces. Chemistry, health, talent, and luck are all needed to become a champion in the Association. The Pistons and Spurs have it, with everybody else trying to catch up.
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