The chicago bulls are tied with boston for 1st place

It's going to be pretty interesting to see how the East ends up. I still think the magic won't have to play Boston in round 2

so i guess i'm saying

1)Chicago
2)Boston
3)Miami
4)Orlando

 

Operation: Jeff Green has been a resounding success.

 

Ainge blew it.

I'll say this much: Based on how the Celts finished out the regular season last year, I won't bury them now because it doesn't seem like they care much about winning. They want everyone to be fresh for the playoffs. Carlos Arroyo, Troy Murphy and Sasha Pavlovic won't get off the bench when the real season starts.

The problem is their chemistry has been blown by trading Perkins and adding Green and Krstic. Their top 7-8 rotation now has two foreign elements, neither of which is known for mental toughness. If Shaq doesn't return and contribute big in the playoffs, the Celts will have a very tough time reaching the Finals.

They also don't seem to be having much fun.

Wouldn't surprise me of the Heat passed them and the Celts fell to #3.

 

Derrick Rose is the MVP there is no doubt. The guy is flat out amazing.

 

I hope the season ends with the same standings. Mainly because things would be really tough for the Heat. A potential first round match-up with the Knicks and then most likely the Celtics in the second round. And yes, I enjoy watching the Heat fail.

 

You and me both buddy.

 

While I think they should have kep Perkins, Kristic has not been that bad.

 

Heat will grab the number one spot, they have a chance to win the next 14 games, and are only 1-2 games behind Chicago now.

 

if the bulls somehow manage to be tied for first or in second place in the east when the season ends if Rose isnt the MVP and thibs isnt COY then the whole system is rigged.

 

Agreed.

 

Well Thibs has already won COY...they just haven't told him where to pick it up yet.

 

Popovich should definitely get some consideration. Did anyone pen the Spurs in for the best record in the NBA (by far)?

 

The east is weak this year. The lakers better not win the title again. I will not stand for a 3 peat.

 

The Jeff Green trade is still a headscratcher to me.

 

apparently perkins wanted more money than they offered, so ainge thought might as well get some value for him instead of letting him walk. and green is a good piece for the future.

but they threw away a championship this year.

 

The Heat have 3 more losses and have lost the series with the Bulls. If Miami finishes the season on an 18-0 run (with 15 of of those games remaining), the Bulls would have to 11-4 or worse. IMO, the chances of Heat catching them are small.

On the other hand, the Celts have several very tough games left and I bet they fall to #3 and face the Knicks in the 1st round. The Heat will get to mop up the Sixers. The Bulls will get a cakewalk against the Pacers, Bobcats or Bucks.

 

This is Green's 5th year as a starter. I don't see him getting much better, and he doesn't appear to have improved all that much in the last few years. I just don't understand what they saw in him.

 

well, Chicago also have an easy schedule left, only games against Boston and Orlando are difficult. and Miami has played two more games than Chicago.

 

Problem is, Jeff Green flatlined after his rookie year. He is not starter material on a contender. His reputation free-loaded on OKC's growth as a team but he was not responsible for it.

BTW, Perkins made his debut tonight with OKC and did pretty well. But it was against the Wizards. OKC plays at Miami on Wednesday.

2nd BTW: Ibaka had a post move on Javelle Magee tonight that reminded me of Hakeem. Last year Brooks wouldn't let him shoot the jumper; this year he can. This season, Brooks has made him (for the most part) keep lid on the post moves. But check this one out:

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