The past few days, I have been thinking about something I had mentioned in a previous thread, and thought to get yall's info on it. This year, the western conference is slightly weaker than that of last year. Still, it is obviously very dominant over the east coast, but the teams that would have "championship expectations" I believe are weaker. I deem these teams, LA, Sac, Dal and SA. (At this point, you are probably in semi agreement about SA, Dal, and Sac but wondering how I think LA is weaker? I will explain.) I would include NJ, but realistically the loss of Mourning is probably crippling. And also realistically, we will probably not be playing them in the playoffs. What I have been thinking about is this, We will probably not go deep or reach the Conference finals, but a strong argument could be given on why we could. I believe that this argument would be stronger for us than any team in the west, beside the "4 teams with championship aspirations" Sea, Pho, Den, whoever it is, will not challenge. So far, I really believe we have underachieved, I mean Steve definetly can play better, and like Van Gundy has said, they have definite higher standards to meet. I just believe that are top 8, if they gelled well could be dangerous to any of those for teams, here's why. San Antonio- Last year, Not only did have the best Pf in the game, but they had the 3rd or 4th most effective center, I mean Drob was old, but he was certainly a presence. Duncan needs that kind of a presence, Rasho is nice, but not nearly as effective. I'm sure the numbers are the same, but see the record. Really I see them in the same boat as us, the best medicine would be a dose of chemistry. If we gell and they dont, TDunk might not be enough. Oh yes, while I am remember, Minny, well to tell you the truth. I believe we are easily better than them right now. I mean all Olo, Spree and SamC are nice, but I don't know what to say, more bark than bite maybe? Sac- With their best player out right now, this team is definetly showing is best asset (which is not Webber) it is the amazing chemistry they have, really there talent level is not that strong, its just really consistent at every facet. I really thought B Miller was gonna be a bust. Their high-octane and were a good D team. Webbers inconsistent. So this is probably the least vulnerable Really, with their chemistry, if we draw them first in the playoffs we are screwed. But we could make a series of it. LA is the best in the league, but I'm just as scared about SAC Dal-With Dallas, I just don't know. It's an odd mix, and I just really cannot see them being better than last year. We have played poorly against them recently, however, if our defense is legit, we do have a 7'6 advantage of them. If we drew them in the playoffs and stole maybe the first 2/3, they might become a bit worried. I can't wait to get to the playoffs, because I think that 7'6 advantage is gonna destroy some team. LA- La has looked extremely sharp. Payton, how ageless is that guy? And Malone, same thing. However, if we continue to grow positively this season, I believe that LA would fear us more than any team in the league. That is assuming that they finish the season in top form. Really, a Kobe-Shaq breakup or any injury at all could really take them down a hard notch. But, at full strength. Shaq has to deal with Cato and Ming, both of which have played decent D on shaq at times. Malone obviously will be guarded by one of those guys, but I think MoT, at least could provide a presence on him also. Kobe is good, and so is our perimeter defense. They have weapons, and good ones at that, but they would have to fear most, the team with the defense, and the 2nd best center in the league. Because without Shaq, LA would not get past the 2nd round. Shaq, is key and there is no definitive answer to him, but who has a better one than us. It seems like the glass is always half empty around here, but I can't wait for the playoffs. I think by the time it starts, their is gonna be a FIFTH western power, with a dangerous 7'6 advantage. Not to mention a couple of good guards (assuming no deals) and a cast of solid roleplayers. A lot of reading you this are saying "wow, this all hinges on an entire deck of cards falling our way, but I don't know, it doesn't seem to far-fetched, and any way, its just Optimism
Don't you mean hear, hear? There is a reason for optimisim since we're winning, but I'll reserve my judgement til we actually do get in the playoffs. Although it would help if the Rockets swept the rest of their games.
How nice to see someone optimistic on this board for a change!! Everyone was wailing after the 1-4 road trip like the bubble had burst and we were going to the lottery again. I was disappointed, but not dismayed, because I knew we had played a disproportionate number on the road and had a nice home stand coming up. Sure enough, we've continued to play well at home. Right now we're 5-6 on the road and 7-1 at home. If we keep playing at those clips, we'll finish -- drum roll, please -- 55-27.
Plus we're going to get Eddie back so that he can dominate (change the outcome) of at least one playoff game (I mean in a positive way!). This comment definitely belongs in this thread. Thanks for providing the optimism.
I, too, am VERY optimistic about the playoffs as the brand of bball that JVG is teaching is the kind of ball that wins PLAYOFF games. Inside-out passing offenses that get the defense out of position by overcommiting to guys like Yao, SF, and Cat will lead to easier baskets and great shots. Dallas might be able to fast break us to death in the regular season, but bball doesn't work that way in the playoffs, as the Mavs found in May. The biggest reason to be optimistic about hte playoffs is the defense that JVG is teaching. We are tenacious on D and, as in every sport, defense wins championships.
Well, a lot of things have to go right for everyone. Probably, the reason the Western Conference seems weak to you, is that they did so much upgrading, so it's taking time to gel and develop chemistry, just like we're facing. And, just like if Shaq or Kobe got hurt, we'd be in trouble if Yao or Francis got hurt. Things have to go our way. I like that we're getting smarter ... but, only time will tell. And, keep up the positive posts!
Good points Sherlock. It wasn't too hard for LA to catch on with seasoned hall of famers willing to add what it takes. Look how good they make Fischer and George look - pick your poison. On the injury thing - Olowhatever at Mn. That shows your point. On the other hand - Webber/Miller at Sac is scary if they improve that much when Web gets back. Our injuries / suspensions have hurt too. I think MT will be a big part of the O starting to click, as well as Pike's 3 point capability and JJ starting to hiit a few. AG should help as well....
Do you seriously believe Eddie Griffin will be back this season? He can solve his mental problem, legal problems (one is felony charge) and come back in shape in couple months? Well, dream on. I don't even so sure he can continue his NBA life. Optimism and pessimism. Why not keep our cool here? Don't be so high talking about challenging big four when we just have a 3 game winning streak and go to the other extreme when we are losing. This team was a lottery team last year, so if they can make playoff and take 6th or 7th seat or so in the west, I will be satisfied. It will be more realistic to talk about how they will do in playoff after they actually make it.
"Mental Problems..." I'm not his physician, I'm not sure when he'll be back. Could it be this year? yes. Do you know either way? No. "Legal issues (one is a felony)"... Is rape not a felony? Isn't Kobe playing now... "shape" ...rumor is he's working out right now with a Rox asst. coach. i would say it's possible. "Dream on"... that's what this thread is about, isn't it?
Good post. JVG's style of ball is geared for the playoffs. My mantra remains, "No one will want to see this team come playoffs."
Here's the thing, guys: We meet Dallas in the playoffs, we beat them. Anybody else of the big five? Weeeeeell we can dream, but realistically: NO. Dallas is just not a playoff team, period! They are a gimmicky team, much like the Sonics of the mid-90s. You meet them in the regular season, and you don't know what's going on: zone defences, quirky lineups, barage of jump shots, etc. In a seven game series team will figure them out and expose their lack of toughness. Remember last year they blitzed Portland to a 3-0 lead and then barely escaped in seven games... San Antonio: sure they are struggling, sure Rasho and Hedo turned out to be big busts just as I predicted, but, boy! Timmy is so freakishly effective player and then Parker and Manu is quite a good backcourt. Then you have Bowen and Rose that play very well in the playoffs, plus Robert who as we all know wakes up just for that time of the year. In a word: too much experience and too much Duncan for us to have a chance. Minny: This team is formidable. Remember this: the last few years KG's supporting cast was a complete joke. Now with Spree and Cassel he has a couple of legit, playoff tested, been-there-done that warriors. This team can go places. Sacto: We might have a chance with them, but we really will have to find a way to get into their heads. They have so much chemistry and fluidity around them, that we need to do something drastic to get them off rhytm, something of the sort Cato kicking Vlade in the balls or something of that sort. Lakers: Well, we can dream, right...
Thanks for the optimism. It is very refreshing to hear. The beauty of the West is that any 8 teams that make it to the playoffs are a serious threat. What was it, two years ago that Minnesota won 50+ games and was the 8 seed? That is scary. The Rockets will scare the crap out of anyone, especially with their toned up D. The Suns are on the rise, TWolves will get Wally back and give them even more weapons. Sactown will get Webber back and BMiller looks like he was born to play with the Kings. (He was, the Kendalville native is used to the Indiana style of BBall that the Kings play, and i dont mean the Pacers! Dallas could be very scary if they figure out how to play with each other, although I doubt it. The Lakers are simply the Lakers, and Tim must be feared in SA. All that being said, the Rockets do have a good shot at doing some serious damage. It will be fun to watch!!
Sherlock, interesting as always to hear your points. Although I am gonna start posting more, as a lurker, your input is always top choice. However, I do feel infact, that at least SA, DAL, and SAC did not upgrade. Obviously, both Manu and Parker are gonna be good guards, and Rasho is nice, but as I previously stated, I believe the Robinson loss does in fact negate all of that.. Also, both Parker and Manu are small. This worked last year, because of Robinsons superior boarding ability (to Rasho anyway) but I feel that it will hinder them now, and that goes for D also. DAL has bigger names, but is obviously weaker. They were like 20-1 last year at this point weren't they. When Dirk Nowitzki is playing center for you, and your PF is Jamison or Walker, I believe there is infact less effectiveness than Lafrentz/Nowitzki, especially considering the loss of Van Exel who really got them a bit farther than they should of. Sac in my mind, is playing strong basketball right now, because of the exceptional play of B Miller. He is doing a lot of the things Webber would be doing (solid passing, Rebounding etc.) They didn't loose anyone to badly, but I do remember JJ being the solid 3rd or 4th wheel on that team. I just do not feel that adding Webber to that core will do anything but maybe blur the definition of roles and take away from chemistry. And talk about reliability.......... However, I do acknowledge that the competition seems weaker because WE have upgraded, but I do still feel they are weaker teams than last years. I am interested to hear more from you guys,. P.S. Sherlock- I didn't mention loosing Kobe as a threat to the Lakers. To tell you the truth, I don't think they would drop off nearly as much with the loss of Kobe. Every team may have 2-4 stars but I believe there is only one Key. Shaq is a key, Yao is a key, TDunk is a key, and Bmiller (now ) is a key. You would argue Peja, but the Kings have a really solid perimeter cast and Divac and would feel really lonely without MIller or CWebb.
Considering we will probably be in 5-7th come playoffs, I list the teams in order of beatability in my opinion. SA Sac DAL LA I wanna get SA, and put Duncan up against our towers, I think good things would happen.
