Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Why Watch the NBA Playoffs?
I do not like the NBA, it's a league I once called a circus and meant every word of it. However, like any self-respecting sports junkie, I follow it. Prior to the dress code, and some more attention on everyone's image, it really was tough to watch. However, like a true sports fan, I suck it up every spring and follow the NBA playoffs. There are bits of excitement as crowds come alive and the players actually seem to care.
This year, I'm going to watch, not because I love the players or the product, but there is no better time that a good circus. Now, without further ado, here are 10 reasons why you should watch the playoffs:Reason #1
How far does Kobe have to take the Lakers? Seriously, when does the general public turn from "he's a wife-cheating ball-hog" to "I can't believe he wins games one of five." If this were any other player, wouldn't he be guaranteed the MVP? Kevin Garnett single-handedly got the T-Wolves in the playoffs year after year and he was given his due. I am not saying we should all Kobe, I am just curious to see if he could carry the Lakers over someone good and see if things change. Chances are the Lakers get smoked, but who doesn't like watching Kobe jack up shots in desperation to at least get a win?
Reason #2
Ladies and Gentlemen, the return of Ron Artest to the playoffs! Now, I know these chances are again slim, but in the most heated environment possible, can we really be sure nothing is going to happen with Mr. Artest? I'm thinking it's Game 5, things are going poorly for the Kings in an elimination and for the 500th time, Manu Ginobili drives wildly into the lane, and Ronnie just loses it and clothesline's him. You know this is possible, maybe not probable, but something worth keeping our eye on in what should be yet another boring series. Uh-oh, don't put your head in that lion's mouth!
Reason #3
Speaking of boring series, the new playoff format for the first round will destroy upsets waiting to happen. I know everyone and their dog have written at one point or another about how bad this seven-game idea is going to be, but let's review it anyway. Half the series will be either 4-0 or 4-1, which means we could have just handled this in a 50-gamer and saved everyone some time. Two series will six-gamers that are won by the "better team."
These are the series that might have been exciting if they were five-gamers that might have provided an upset or at least a game where the "better team" was facing elimination. I am thinking Miami versus Milwaukee and New Jersey versus any team were pretty good five-game series that just got ruined.
Finally, two series will go to seven games, but they would have gone to five anyway. So really, we are just pushing back one-game elimination games so far back that people will be bored of the first round and Dirk Nowitzki will be able to grow his hair out, or shave it, or whatever he's doing this year, I've lost track. By the way, Cleveland and Washington are going seven and so is Denver/L.A. Clippers (assuming matchups hold). So, maybe we save everyone's time and just play a three-game series for these teams and give the other six favorites a free pass to the next round.
Reason #4
Dick Bavetta and his band of renowned are back again. While other leagues have taken a run at the NBA's 15+ consecutive year-run for worst league-wide officiating, the favorite for 2006 is still the NBA, but for the first year in a while, it's up for grabs. Kudos to both the NFL and the results of the NHL's crackdown, for making it a conversation, though. So, after the NFL playoffs, the NBA has to do something, right? How can the NBA not have a hugely controversial call decide a big game or series? It has to happen, that's all I am saying. Here come the clowns out of the car!
Reason #5
It relates heavily to reason number four, but David Stern has got to do something to prevent Pistons/Spurs. This series has only happened once, but why does it feel like I have seen it every year? Am I the only one dreading this? ANY OTHER COMBINATION! PLEASE! Can we all chip in and make this happen? Nearly 300 million people in North America, one dollar per person, and we split $150 mil to each team to politely bow out.
So, something has to give, and I like Phoenix (more on this later). Phoenix is ready to do it, it's their time, Steve Nash only has so much time left. Their road is relatively paved to the conference finals. Really, all we'd need is one fixed series and that's a piece of cake for ol' D-Stern. Even Detroit/Phoenix I can live with. Unfortunately, I don't see any way Detroit doesn't represent the East. By the way, what does it say about a league when a team with no bench is currently listed in Vegas at less than 2-to-1 to win the championship because their competition in their half of the league is that poor? 37-3 at home, I will leave it at that.
Reason # 6
It's not the playoffs exactly, but we could have a four-way tie in the East at 41-41 and all the teams will make the playoffs! This is brutal, really it is. Jerry Sloan is not happy. People talk about the San Diego Padres last year, the seedings for the NBA/NHL playoffs because of the division winner getting a top-three seed, and even the CFL and their six of eight teams making the playoffs, but four teams at .500! This is at-best I am talking about here. At least Padres won their division. Listen, it's going to happen that the eighth team in a weaker conference will finish with a losing record. That's okay, there are 15 teams in the conference, so the math makes sense, but four?!
Reason #7
Charles Barkley. I don't need much more than the name. What a group on TNT. No circus comparison necessary, this speaks for itself. Super enjoyable. The only situation where I want half-time to last longer is when Charles Barkley is involved.
Reason #8
The Phoenix Suns. This is our only chance to save the NBA. Phoenix has got to make the Finals and whether they get beat by Detroit or not, they are the only thing entertaining about the actual game of NBA basketball that happens prior to the last 60 seconds. Regular season MVP is cool, but, as a Canadian, I am really looking for a Steve Nash, NBA Finals MVP. This team probably could have been in the Finals last year, but injuries derailed them. Let's hope this won't be a factor this year. They have been great with or without Amare Stoudemire.
Reason #9
You didn't think I would go a whole column without mentioning the debut of King James in the playoffs. Come on, LeBron! Let's see you do it! Seriously, LeBron James in the playoffs is reason enough to tune in. Dwayne Wade has shown he can do it in the playoffs and we're all looking forward to seeing him get at it again. Carmelo Anthony has been clutch frequently in his career to this point. This is LeBron's first chance to do a Magic/Michael/Larry-type playoff thing and while his team may be in trouble come the second round, I am ready and willing to suspend reality for this season and hope LeBron does something special.
The playoffs are where the big boys come to play, regardless of age and experience. I am not asking for a championship, but let's at least see something special in round one at least. He gets his first shot at importance. Will he be like MJ or T-Mac? We shall see starting this week.
Reason #10
Two words: Chris Kaman. Maybe if they win a series and since he's in L.A. somebody will offer to help that guy out with his look. Sweet lord, man, you are scaring the children. I have no real basketball point here, but if in two weeks time you watched Kaman and it didn't invoke some uncomfortable feeling inside you, then I think you may have a problem.