My first article revolves around the seemingly up for grabs Western Conference. Before the season started San Antonio was the clear favorite after the Mavericks(specifically Dirk) were exposed by Golden State, Phoenix’s run and gun circus ran out of gas, and the Lakers imploded once again in the first round. After a summer of discontent in my beloved Lakerland, favoritism among GM’s(Danny Ainge and Kevin McHale), and scandals among referees David Stern returns with an encore of “Were Better Than Major League Baseball Even Though Our Ratings Don’t Prove It”. The standings are cluttered with teams vying for the top spot which is why im here to clear the smoke and show you who will make the playoffs in the west.
1.San Antonio Spurs- The defending champion Spurs have been decimated by injuries, but with Tony Parker expected back after the all-star break the champs are poised to make a run at the title again because when they roll on all cylinders they’re almost impossible to beat.
2.Los Angeles Lakers- Many people would argue about this pick but I believed this pick is justified. The acquisition of Pau Gasol was a smart move because as the Lakers proved against Orlando the Pau/Kobe one/two punch is almost unguardable. With Andrew Bynum expected back by mid-March, it gives them enough time to click and get a feel for each other. Because they’re the only team I think could last in a seven game series with San Antonio.
3.Dallas Mavericks- If Steve Kerr weren’t such a coward the Suns would be here but things didn’t work out that way. The Mavs could possibly do something if Dirk would stop folding like A-Rod in the playoffs and play to his potential. I’m interested to see if Mark Cuban moves Devin Harris to acquire Jason Kidd as rumored. Making that move would give them a two year window of opportunity until Jason Kidd begins to decline so stay tuned for further developments.
4.Phoenix Suns- Let me start this pick off by saying the Suns get this spot by default because everyone below them is mediocre or overrated. Yes, the Suns acquired Superman(Shaq) forgetting they also possess kryptonite(their offensive system). Another thing weve learned from this trade is that Steve Kerr is a bad poker player. The Lakers Pau Gasol acquisition forced Kerr to acquire an aging, selfish, overpaid has been whose ego exceeds his contract. Another reason is that Amare Stoudemire has had his lack of defense exposed time and time again this year. On a side note I’ll apologize in a future article if this trade works out.
5.New Orleans Hornets- This team is good but not great as there record would suggest. This was proven when the Lakers came to town and totally outplayed them at home. With that said they won’t last ten minutes with an experienced team like the Spurs in a playoff series.
6.Utah Jazz- The Jazz are out to build on last years playoff run and I think they can if people show up. Its time for Andrei Kirelenko to put up or shut up. He’s getting paid superstar money on a playoff contender in the Bestern Conference yet he wants to be the “guy”. If he plays like he is capable, these guys can sneak up on some teams.
7.Denver Nuggets- Allen Iverson to Denver was over a year ago and this team is still only exciting to watch. Coincidentally, I think not. If the NBA extended quarter lengths by about 5 minutes this team would be my number one seed because then there would be enough ball to go around. Until then they’re just only exciting.
8.Golden State Warriors- Some may argue this spot belongs to Houston but I’ll wait for T-Mac to get healthy. But, even the Rockets just aren’t that good. Golden State is fun to watch led by black Santa Claus Baron Davis however I don’t see them getting past the first round this year unless they run into the Mavs again because they have no defense.
Stay interested because my next article is my Leastern excuse me Eastern conference playoff seedings.
