It's been done before. But this time it's a lot closer... California and Texas. Undoubtedly, the two greatest states in the greatest country on the greatest planet in the greatest solar system of the greatest galaxy in the universe. The sport at which they are greatest? Basketball. But which state is greater when it comes to said sport? That part's not as cut and dry anymore. California: Sacramento Kings - Have continued their downward trend of the past couple years, but look to have lost a little more this year. Age ain't nothin' but a number...too bad that number shows most in the loss column. You never can count the Kings out though, they're just too cohesive. Los Angeles Lakers - Took part in weakening the Kings when they signed Divac; but the loss of Shaq is far greater than anything the Kings could ever lose. However, that loss could be a positive when, coupled with the hiring of Rudy T, could give the Lakers their first chemistry-laden team since Magic left the first time. Los Angeles Clippers - Lost Quentin Richardson, but got Kerry Kittles for nothing. Last year's PG deficiencies seem cured with the drafting of Shaun Livingston and Lionel Chalmers. Elton Brand, Corey Maggette, Chris Kaman, Chris Wilcox and Marko Jaric definitely make the Clips a very solid young team. Maybe their best year since the days of Danny Manning? Golden State Warriors - Have cool jerseys. Texas: Dallas Mavericks - Lost some very key players, but drafted a nice young PG to replace Nash and finally don't have to worry about the center position. While their roster has a little less firepower, they actually can field a player at every position this year. Any team Dirk's on will be good, and this one's even better than good. San Antonio Spurs - The addition of Brent Barry and the presence of Manu, Tony and Tim make the Spurs probably the best team in the NBA. Houston Rockets - See the GARM forum. So who's your pick, and why? I know most of the people on this board are from Texas, but try to be objective. In my opinion, it's been close the last couple years but California has won on the strength of the Lakers and Kings. Those two look to have come down a notch, as have the Mavericks. The Clippers should be quite a bit better, but the Rockets and Spurs seem to have separated themselves from the other teams...on paper, at least. I'm going with Texas this year.
Texas. Spurs better than Kings Dallas = Kings Rox better than Lakes. Clips and Warriors still Clips and Warriors.
If you had a game of the " Texas all stars" and the "Cailfornia all stars" , how would that go ? 5 - Yao Ming 4 - Tim Duncan 3 - Dirk Nowitski 2 - Tracy Mcgrady 1 - Tony Parker v. 5 - Brad Miller 4 - Elton Brand 3 - Peja Stojakovic 2 - Kobe Bryant 1 - Mike Bibby I think Texas has the better players, and better teams overall.
On paper, Parker vs Bibby, T-Mac vs Kobe, Peja vs Dirk would be very evenly matched. However, inside the paint, Yao and Duncan would eat Miller and Brand/Odom alive. Those three are all boarderline allstars, and they are very very good players. However, Yao and Duncan together is simply invincible, since they can both dominate and play teamball better than almost anyone in the world (other than Shaq). This is just on paper, though. The team USA has taught us things on paper don't mean a thing.
What about Webber? Let's see the 8-man rotations. I give the slight edge to Texas. Clippers and Warriors will be no better than before. I don't care what nice additions the Clippers get: the only time they were half-decent in my memory was when they had Larry Brown for a coach. Without leadership, they'll be bad regardless of talent. The Spurs are the best of the remaining teams. Kings are likely next, unless they're foolish enough to trade Peja. Lakers, Dallas and Houston are roughly on par, and all have some chemistry question marks with all the offseason changes.
Every one of the Cali teams either downgraded (Kings, Lakers) or stayed pat (Clipps, Warriors), while the three Texas teams all got better. Texas hands down
Two texas teams got better. IMO Dallas is not going to be half as good as they were in previous years.
I expected a Texas bias. And, I myself voted for Texas. But, I didn't expect this vote to be this one-sided!
So Dallas won't be half as good as previous years. Hmm. The Mavs have been winning on average of around 55 games. If Dallas is 'half as good' as those 55 win years then you are predicting the Mavs will win 20 something games? Please put down the crack pipe and slowly walk away.
obviously i'm not talking about their win record. I am talking about their line up. maybe you should put down the crack pipe and go to nba.com to check out dallas' new line up. lets see during this summer they have either traded or lost many key players such as nash, antoine walker, and the 6th man of the year, and in return all they have gotten is jerry stackhouse? How can you say I'm smoking crack. You must be crazy to think that Dallas' new line up compares to their old one. However, Since they are getting dampier it will be a semi redeemed summer, but you know what? I actually won't be surprised if they have a 20-30 something win season.
Texas hands down. It's not really even close comparing the teams and best players from the two states. And that is totally unbiased.
