The Second NBA Season

I am really tired of turning on my computer and reading the words Blake Griffin Is Overrated.   Rather than change my home page, I decided to break my silence.  Certain life changes have impeded my blogging time, but I have not missed watching any sports thanks to my DVR.  What a great invention.  I know it's not cutting edge technology anymore, but I still sing its praises.

The NBA regular season ends this week.  For Griffin and the Clippers it will be another lengthy off-season free from the encumbrance of playoff games.  This season was different for the Clips, however.  There is unfamiliar optimism within the organization. They are still the Clippers though, so any optimism must be met with trepidation.  The Clippers improved just in time for a lockout and the possibility of a third NBA franchise in L.A.

The playoffs begin Saturday with 12 teams capable of winning a series.  It's hard to pick against the Lakers in the West, but Kendrick Perkins makes OKC a true threat.  OKC had one need as a team and they answered it.  The Perkins acquisition shows they believe they can win a championship this season.  I still worry that they are not mature enough to beat the Lakers, but Durant has proven himself as a leader and they will give the Lakers all they can handle if they meet.

You can't count out top seeded San Antonio or Dallas based on their regular season record, but Denver and Portland are two teams I am even more interested in.  They are both wild card type teams that are much better than the casual fan might realize.  They both lack true superstars, but their depth and team chemistry make them a challenge for any team.

Denver improved after the Carmelo Anthony trade.  The Nuggets now have the most depth in the NBA and play better defense.  Eight players average double digit points.  Denver will have fresh legs and weapons inside and on the perimeter.  Their biggest concern is a first round matchup with OKC.  That should be a great series.

Portland became a legitimate threat when they acquired Gerald Wallace.  He is an effective scorer who also does the dirty work and makes hustle plays that help his team win.  Lemarcus Aldridge has emerged as a star and Brandon Roy will be healthy enough to play quality minutes.  They won't wow you with their names, but they play well together and have a variety of weapons.  Portland can beat Dallas if they face each other in the first round.

Despite the pests, it will be a surprise if anyone other than OKC or L.A. advances out of the West.  San Antonio has a great pedigree but they aren't as athletic as you'd like for a long playoff run.  Dallas is famous for playoff let downs and the rest of the West lacks a superstar.  L.A. has struggled a bit at the very end of the regular season, but once the playoffs begin, they are the team to beat.

The East will be just as competitive.  Boston was my favorite before the Perkins trade, but they have played stunned ever since.  At this point, there is little reason to believe Shaq will be effective in the playoffs after missing most of the regular season.  Without an inside presence they are susceptible against Miami, Chicago and Orlando.  They will also have a test in the first round against the Knicks.

The entire Miami Heat season was a constant adjustment of how to play together as a team.  Even under heavy scrutiny they finished second in the Eastern Conference. The Heat have found a rhythm that was lacking as they enter the playoffs.  When Miami fully commits to defense they can be unstoppable.  Chicago and Orlando pose the biggest threat and they won't meet until the Eastern Conference Finals.  If Miami wins the series against the Celtics their momentum could carry them into the Finals.  They will have to protect their leads better as they have a habit of letting big leads dwindle.  Regardless of how you feel about them, the Heat will be entertaining.

Orlando has the player I believe deserves the MVP this season.  Dwight Howard has stepped his game up and played angry since the All-Star break.  He dominates both sides of the court and is a mathcup nightmare.  He has a solid cast around him but he will have to live up to his Superman nickname to lead them to the Finals.  Chicago will be the biggest test for Orlando who actually match up better against Miami.

It's hard to find a reason why Chicago can't win the East but I would be surprised if they do. Derrick Rose has cemented himself as elite, but Chicago lacks maturity and their collective playoff experience is minimal. The Bulls will contend for years with Rose leading the way, but I don't think this is the year he gets a championship.

Needless to say, I can't wait for the playoffs.  If the regular season is any indication the playoffs should be legendary.  I hope to see Miami versus OKC in the Finals, but I don't think anyone can stop the Lakers from once again defending their title.  Miami greatly improved their chances by beating out Boston for the 2 seed.  If the Heat can avoid Orlando, I think we will get a Kobe versus LeBron Finals.