This could be called something like, "The 2nd half preview," but that doesn't really make sense. Let's just talk about where we are in the season right now, shall we?
Western Conference
I was mostly wrong about the Rockets in predicting them to win the Finals. I was also wrong in giving them a 30% chance to keep all their guys healthy during the season, it was 0% and I apologize. However, I think that they are the answer to the question, "who can give the Lakers a series in the Western Conference?"
First of all, I doubt the Lakers get knocked out before the Finals. I think the Rockets WOULD beat the Lakers in a first round seven game series. But to do this, the Rockets would have to get the eight seed which they won't. If they have to play another team, I'm not sure they can beat anybody else, and if they get past a team in the first round, there's no way everyone's healthy for 2 WHOLE series. This is really the most depressing team in the league because, for whatever reason, their injuries seem inevitable. My point is, in the 1 in 1098234809285 chance that the Rockets are healthy by the time they play the Lakers in the playoffs, I think they win. That whole paragraph might be totally useless on account of the odds I put up. What am I doing with my time...
One myth that is out there that you, the public, should not be fooled by is the idea that the Spurs are a threat to the Lakers. It's becoming more and more obvious why Avery Johnson was fired. His voice is obviously hugely obnoxious and he continues to spout ridiculous bullshit (not the good kind). He has said in the last few weeks these two beauties:
A. "...but I don't think Boston needs home court advantage to win the Eastern Conference Finals."
B. "...but the Spurs will be there in the end."
OK, the second one wasn't an exact quote, but you get the point. It's so gutless to say someone will "be there in the end" because what the hell does that mean?? Especially when it's the Spurs. He also said that the Spurs are "very deep." ...Wrong. After Duncan, Parker and Ginobili, the rest of their roster could all be considered at least on the outside edge of the term "scrub." They're also old as old can be with a great coach who happens to be owned by the coach of the best team in the conference. It is not the Spurs' time, quit being a woman and say so.
Coming out of the West pick: Lakers
Eastern Conference
Now to address comment A. Really Avery? REALLY? They don't get passed Atlanta last year without home court. The real issue, which should be obvious, is that regardless of home court, they will lose to Cleveland.
One issue that has come up in the East is the rise of Orlando. With all those road wins against Western Conference teams, everyone has been forced to accept them as one of the elite teams. Well, not this Buddies!
Orlando is a team that thrives on hot shooting. Do I really have to say anything else? Picture this team beating either Cleveland or Boston. Can you even do it? I'll give you a few reasons that Orlando still doesn't matter:
1. Their crunch time scorer is Hedo Turkoglu. Again, what more do I have to explain? Is that working in the playoffs? What is with these question marks? Hedo Turkoglu (and I would be pronouncing it "Turk a glue" even though I know it's not how you say it as a sign of disrespect) cannot win you a playoff series against a good team.
2. You know else can't do that? ...Dwight Howard. It's hard to say bad things about this guy because he's such a nice guy and so fun to watch dunk. If I wasn't rooting so hard against this team in general, it would be hard to say this, but Dwight is a choker and it's written all over his face. I'll make the statement right now that he won't get out of the East his whole career and I'm not even nervous.
3. Jameer Nelson. Another guy that will be counted on that shouldn't be counted on. This is an an OK shoot first point guard that has been super hot lately. He said last season after they lost to Detroit that they were the "better team." That is the sign of a loser.
That's three reasons that don't involve the phrase, "3-point shooting teams can't win in the playoffs (even though it's true)."
Now for the important issue of who the Cavs should trade for (YESSS!!!!!).
I don't feel like going through the options so I'm just making the claim of the guy I want. Antwan Jamison.
The trade is this: Wally Szczerbiak and a first round pick for Antwan Jamison, Darius Songaila and a 2nd round pick. The Wizards are actually under the cap in that situation and the Cavs get the only decent person on the Wizards and another Lithuanian who is of no consequence.
I know a little about Antwan anyway, but after I heard of him as an option, I looked up his Hollinger Scouting Report on ESPN.com. The first thing it says is that he is incredibly good at moving without the ball and the last thing it says is that he is a "locker room sage." Moving without the ball?? Cleveland has the best passer in the game! Give me Antwan...gimme.
That's all for now. I just sent an email to ESPN in an attempt to get an internship with them so wish me luck! Later folks.
Let's get this straight... The Cavs, Celtics, or Lakers ARE winning the championship this year. No one else will even compete. The Rockets are a mess and Orlando is a regular season team if I have ever seen one. With that being said I will move on to something that matters... the player the Cavs need to acquire with Wally's expiring contract.
ReplyDeleteThere are several players that I wouldn't mind seeing the Cavs make a run at getting from a few different positions.
1. Antawn Jamison: A legit 20 and 10 threat every night and can spread the floor from the power forward position. His defense is a little weak but nothing Mike Brown couldn't fix (that was a little weird giving Mike Brown a compliment).
2. Marcus Camby: The Cavs defense is already the best in the league and with the addition of Camby it would become way better. He blocks shots and gives another big body to guard the Dwight Howard's and (unfortunately) Andrew Bynum's of the world.
3. Vince Carter: The addition of VC could be great or it could be disastrous. The man can score and create for himself. He seems to be alright playing the second fiddle in Jersey but there is just that uneasy feeling that he brings with him. In the end I think LeBron is capable of handling any problems he might pose.
4. Gerald Wallace: A very athletic wing man who can stuff the stat sheet. Some question his ability to shoot the ball but the Cavs already have enough shooters (that's something I've never said before) and I think G-Force could be a solid role player.
Those are the players that I feel the Cavs should trade Wally for. I am tired of seeing this Mike and Brad Miller bullshit. Those players would make very minimal impacts on the team and Ferry should be able to get one of the four players that I listed. It doesn't much matter to me which one.
Any opinions on the rest of these guys Buddies?