July 23, 2010
Threepeat Dreams
So the Lakers took the NBA championship in 7 games, like I had predicted. The Celtics were a worthy opponent -- when they went up 3-2 in the series, it was the first time the Lakers had trailed in a series during the entire playoffs. But they smoked the Celtics in Game 6, setting up the come from behind win in Game 7. A classic Finals.
But coverage of the NBA had already started to shift to the big names in free agency, and as soon as the Lakers were crowned champs the headlines became about Lebron, Wade, and Bosh all the time. All three decided to sign with the Miami Heat (with Lebron announcing his decision on a polarizing ESPN special) to create an Eastern conference superteam. Lebron clearly quit in the playoffs, and by joining Wade's team has basically admitted that he cannot be the primary option (a.k.a. alpha dog) on a championship team. While this hurts his legacy as an individual player, there is no doubt that the Miami Heat are transformed into a championship contender immediately. Pat Riley has already filled out the remaining roster with sharpshooters and wily veterans. His handpicked successor is coaching the squad, and you can never rule out the possibility that he may return to the sidelines himself. Other top Eastern teams such as the Celtics and Magic have kept themselves mostly intact, but I'm not sure they are capable of defeating the Heat in a 7 game series.
In the Western conference, the playoff teams from this year are likely to back in the playoffs next year (save perhaps Phoenix), but none have improved enough to beat the Lakers at full strength in a playoff matchup. So I think a Lakers-Heat final is quite possible.
If we are looking at a Lakers-Heat Finals next year, I think the Lakers are well equipped to handle it (barring injuries). Matt Barnes and Ron Artest will provide the pesky defense on the wings to make Lebron and Wade work hard for their points and Bosh will struggle against the length of Gasol and Bynum in the post. Steve Blake (from Maryland, Go Terps!) should help keep the ball moving and drain open 3s along with the ever reliable Derek Fisher.
Even Wade had to admit that the two-time defending champions are still the favorites next year, despite the Miami hype. I think the Heat will win championships -- likely even multiple championships. But only after the Lakers reign is over. And its not over yet. Threepeat here we come!
May 30, 2010
Back To The Future
There's nothing quite like the Lakers-Celtics rivalry in basketball. The history goes back many years, but over the last 3 seasons it's been renewed in style. The two squads that are set to face off in the 2010 NBA Finals look very similar to the ones that matched up in 2008. The Celtics took that series in 6 games.
This years Celtics rely more on the playmaking of Rajon Rondo who has blossomed into the leader of the team. The future hall-of-fame "Big 3" (Garnett, Allen, and Pierce) remain mentally-tough, battle-tested veterans who can erupt for big games and hit clutch shots. And they are still playing great team defense.
But I think this is the Lakers year. Here's why:
1) The Lakers have home court this time around. The Celtics are a very good road team, but the Lakers role players have played consistently better at home. The Lakers have not lost a home playoff game this year.
2) The Lakers have Bynum available to play this year. His knee injury has limited his mobility, but along with Gasol and Odom he gives the Lakers plenty of size to match up with Garnett, Perkins, and Wallace.
3) The Lakers now start true a defensive stopper (Artest) rather than a defensive liability (Radmanovic). Artest provides the kind of toughness that Lakers lacked against a physical Celtics team in 2008. And when he plays within the system, Artest can still provide the kind of 3-point threat that Radmanovic did.
4) The current version of the Celtics don't have as good of a bench. Nate Robinson and Rasheed Wallace are decent, but not quite James Posey and Eddie House (who combined for 29 points to spark the Game 4 comeback win in LA back in 2008).
5) The revenge factor. The Lakers were outplayed in 2008, and while they won it all last year, it was against the Magic. This is their chance for redemption.
I think this will be a classic series. The Celtics are (rightfully) convinced they can win this series. They will execute their game plan and avoid mental mistakes. They will play tough D.
For the Lakers to win, they will need Kobe to continue to play like the best player in the league. At the start of the postseason I thought his injuries were too much, but he has been scoring 30+ regularly while maintaining a high shooting percentage and getting his teammates involved. He's nearly had a triple double twice. Gasol and Odom will have to contribute consistently and Bynum will have to prove himself capable of mixing it up inside. Artest will have to earn his defensive-stopper credits. And Fisher will have to continue to be the level-headed rock that keeps the team on an even keel.
This will be Fisher's 7th Finals. His matchup with Rondo will be a tough one, but he's got the guts, heart, and experience to do his job. Gasol and Odom have 2 years worth of Finals experience to draw on. I think they will come through as well. Artest is the wild card. Can he harass Pierce (or whoever he is chosen to to guard) as well as he did Kevin Durant? Can he choose his shots wisely?
I think he'll manage it well enough. My prediction: Lakers in 7
April 12, 2010
Ravens Looking Good
The Ravens have addressed their biggest weakness this offseason by upgrading their receiving corps significantly. Boldin, Stallworth, and a re-signed Mason paired with maturing QB Flacco give the Ravens possibly the best aerial attack they've ever had. Ray Rice has come into his own as a multi-purpose offensive threat. And stalwart defense remains the Ravens calling card.
With division rivals making knee-jerk moves (Santonio Holmes to the Jets for a 5th rounder -- really??) and Ozzie Newsome's history of excellent draft choices there are lots of reasons for optimism. Go Ravens!
Lakers Not Looking Good
They will finish with the best record in the stacked Western Conference, but the defending champion L.A. Lakers are not looking very good right now. Kobe Bryant is not healthy. Some are chalking it up to simple fatigue, but I think his numerous small injuries are taking their toll. They've recently lost to each of their possible first round opponents (Spurs, Blazers, Thunder).
If Phil can get the team focused, and Kobe is able to heal sufficiently, they are still capable of another Finals run, but it's going to be an uphill climb.
December 22, 2009
Top Ten Albums of 2009
Wow, has it really been over six months since I've posted anything on my blog? I didn't mean to abandon it, but life has been hectic. 2009 seems to have flown by faster than any previous year. I'm convinced time is accelerating, for me at least. I still managed to find some great music, though -- here are my ten favorite albums (in no particular order):
