Finals Prediction & Notes
I've seen where some of my fellow hoops writers have cranked out more than 3,000 words on why so-and-so is going to win the NBA Finals, which I find to be a little extreme. Do you really want to read 3,000 of my words on Kobe vs. KG, etc.? And furthermore, since I had Cleveland vs. Phoenix, and then Orlando vs. Phoenix in the Finals, do you really want to hear my thoughts on the Celtics vs. Lakers? If you've gotten this far, I assume the answer is 'yes,' but I'm going to keep it short and sweet.
The Lakers will win this series because of two things; Home court & Kobe. There it is – a two-word expose' on why the Lakers will win. I obviously kid, but it is nearly that simple. No matter how long you've been a hoops fan, you remember the Lakers vs. Celtics in the Finals in your lifetime. It happened in 2008 (congrats, Celtics) and has happened a total of 11 times up to this point, which will soon jump to 12. The Celtics have dominated, winning in 1959, '62, '63, '65, '66, '68, '69, '84 and '08, while the Lakers beat the Celtics in 1985 and '87.
The Celtics basically shocked the world by getting this far, and have the experience to win another ring in June. But given Kobe's current focus and drive, the Lakers' home-court advantage, and the fact the Lakers are 'due' to beat Boston, I am feeling pretty confident about the Lakers at this point. We'll find out what happens soon enough, but when you throw in the fact that Ron Artest is now around to shut down Paul Pierce, or whoever gets hot for the Celtics, this thing is already over. And I've determined that, even before getting into the 'Phil vs. Doc' angle. Plus, the Lakers need to win again this year to ensure Phil comes back to coach next season. He's going to see his salary slashed by Jerry Buss, but the lure of a third "trifecta" will be enough to pull him back in. So…
We go @LA for Games 1 & 2 (6/3 & 6/6), @ BOS for 3, 4 & 5 (6/8, 6/10 & 6/13) and back in LA for Games 6 & 7 ( 6/15 & 6/17).
Finals Prediction: Lakers over Celtics 4-2
Other Offseason Thoughts
Kobe Vs. LeBron
I'd much rather own LeBron James in a fantasy league, but Kobe Bryant has proven himself to be the game's most lethal player. Is LeBron's fate set in stone, and will Kobe always be thought of as the better player? Something tells me that LeBron's 'killer instinct' switch will eventually be flipped, so I'll say 'no.' But for right now, Kobe is the best player in the league – period.
D-Wade's Free-Agent Summit
Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Joe Johnson plan on keeping in contact and will very likely discuss various offers they received this summer and ideas about where they might end up. Frank Isola said it best on Twitter: "Can you imagine Magic, Bird & Jordan meeting to discuss free agent plans? Would never happen & they sure wouldn't invite Joe Johnson." I would have added an 'as hell' to the last part, but he makes a great point. And while owners are being fined left and right for mentioning LeBron's name, it is interesting that these players are allowed to freely discuss their options with the other big-named free agents. Would your boss allow you to discuss your salary with one of your co-workers as they go to renegotiate their next contract? Probably not.
Throw Dirk In The Mix
Dirk Nowitzki is likely to opt-out for Dallas, and he could easily end up being part of the "super summit," as well.
Coaching Musical Chairs
My predictions: Dwane Casey coaches the Hawks. Pat Riley takes over in Miami. Tom Thibodeau coaches the Hornets. The Nets job is a total crapshoot, but I still would not be surprised if John Calipari lands there. As for the Bulls? I have no idea, but would not be surprised if the answer is Lawrence Frank, while Phil Jackson should return to the Lakers. I think Larry Brown is out in Charlotte, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Sam Mitchell or Avery Johnson end up there, although that is purely speculation. I'll say Kelvin Sampson ends up with Blake Griffin, Eric Gordon and the Clippers, while the Cleveland job is still completely up for grabs. Mitchell or Johnson makes sense there too, although it all depends on whether they're able to convince LeBron to stay. In other words, I have no idea who will be coaching the Cavs next season, but we do know it won't be Mike Brown. Doug Collins will coach the Sixers and is talking about starting Elton Brand over Samuel Dalembert at center, but I'll believe it when I see it.
LeBron Landing
I'm not going to pretend like I know where LeBron will play next season, but I think the Nets make the most sense. The owner has a bottomless paycheck and can hire the coach of LeBron's choice. Plus, they'll be playing in Brooklyn soon enough, and the Jay-Z connection is a big one. Just sayin'.
NBA Draft
Yes, I think Gilbert Arenas and John Wall can play together, and Wall is the obvious pick for the Wizards, regardless of what they do with Arenas. I still think the Sixers will take Evan Turner at No. 2, even though many folks seem to think Derrick Favors will go No. 2. And I am still thinking Gordon Hayward is going to end up with the Pacers. I don't know that he's worth the No. 10 pick, but it just seems that they're leaning toward taking the hometown hero. My draft sleeper is Paul George, out of Fresno State, who is an athletic swingman. He should be a solid fantasy player and reminds me of Andre Iguodala. Keep your eye on him.
Z-Bo
Zach Randolph was connected to an altercation at a nightclub recently, but is also linked to a drug ring in Indianapolis. There's a very good chance that Randolph could skate free of charges in Indy, but his recent problems are going to likely keep teams from offering him big-time money once his contract runs out at the end of the season. He must love the 'Hoop Family' more than he loves the NBA.
Amare and Turkoglu
Suns owner Robert Sarver said on Saturday "stupid" and "get him out of there" in reference to Amare Stoudemire, which makes me think he won't be back in Arizona next year. And Hedo Turkoglu has said he doesn't want to return to Toronto. Expect both players in different uniforms next season.
I've seen where some of my fellow hoops writers have cranked out more than 3,000 words on why so-and-so is going to win the NBA Finals, which I find to be a little extreme. Do you really want to read 3,000 of my words on Kobe vs. KG, etc.? And furthermore, since I had Cleveland vs. Phoenix, and then Orlando vs. Phoenix in the Finals, do you really want to hear my thoughts on the Celtics vs. Lakers? If you've gotten this far, I assume the answer is 'yes,' but I'm going to keep it short and sweet.
The Lakers will win this series because of two things; Home court & Kobe. There it is – a two-word expose' on why the Lakers will win. I obviously kid, but it is nearly that simple. No matter how long you've been a hoops fan, you remember the Lakers vs. Celtics in the Finals in your lifetime. It happened in 2008 (congrats, Celtics) and has happened a total of 11 times up to this point, which will soon jump to 12. The Celtics have dominated, winning in 1959, '62, '63, '65, '66, '68, '69, '84 and '08, while the Lakers beat the Celtics in 1985 and '87.
The Celtics basically shocked the world by getting this far, and have the experience to win another ring in June. But given Kobe's current focus and drive, the Lakers' home-court advantage, and the fact the Lakers are 'due' to beat Boston, I am feeling pretty confident about the Lakers at this point. We'll find out what happens soon enough, but when you throw in the fact that Ron Artest is now around to shut down Paul Pierce, or whoever gets hot for the Celtics, this thing is already over. And I've determined that, even before getting into the 'Phil vs. Doc' angle. Plus, the Lakers need to win again this year to ensure Phil comes back to coach next season. He's going to see his salary slashed by Jerry Buss, but the lure of a third "trifecta" will be enough to pull him back in. So…
We go @LA for Games 1 & 2 (6/3 & 6/6), @ BOS for 3, 4 & 5 (6/8, 6/10 & 6/13) and back in LA for Games 6 & 7 ( 6/15 & 6/17).
Finals Prediction: Lakers over Celtics 4-2
Other Offseason Thoughts
Kobe Vs. LeBron
I'd much rather own LeBron James in a fantasy league, but Kobe Bryant has proven himself to be the game's most lethal player. Is LeBron's fate set in stone, and will Kobe always be thought of as the better player? Something tells me that LeBron's 'killer instinct' switch will eventually be flipped, so I'll say 'no.' But for right now, Kobe is the best player in the league – period.
D-Wade's Free-Agent Summit
Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Joe Johnson plan on keeping in contact and will very likely discuss various offers they received this summer and ideas about where they might end up. Frank Isola said it best on Twitter: "Can you imagine Magic, Bird & Jordan meeting to discuss free agent plans? Would never happen & they sure wouldn't invite Joe Johnson." I would have added an 'as hell' to the last part, but he makes a great point. And while owners are being fined left and right for mentioning LeBron's name, it is interesting that these players are allowed to freely discuss their options with the other big-named free agents. Would your boss allow you to discuss your salary with one of your co-workers as they go to renegotiate their next contract? Probably not.
Throw Dirk In The Mix
Dirk Nowitzki is likely to opt-out for Dallas, and he could easily end up being part of the "super summit," as well.
Coaching Musical Chairs
My predictions: Dwane Casey coaches the Hawks. Pat Riley takes over in Miami. Tom Thibodeau coaches the Hornets. The Nets job is a total crapshoot, but I still would not be surprised if John Calipari lands there. As for the Bulls? I have no idea, but would not be surprised if the answer is Lawrence Frank, while Phil Jackson should return to the Lakers. I think Larry Brown is out in Charlotte, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Sam Mitchell or Avery Johnson end up there, although that is purely speculation. I'll say Kelvin Sampson ends up with Blake Griffin, Eric Gordon and the Clippers, while the Cleveland job is still completely up for grabs. Mitchell or Johnson makes sense there too, although it all depends on whether they're able to convince LeBron to stay. In other words, I have no idea who will be coaching the Cavs next season, but we do know it won't be Mike Brown. Doug Collins will coach the Sixers and is talking about starting Elton Brand over Samuel Dalembert at center, but I'll believe it when I see it.
LeBron Landing
I'm not going to pretend like I know where LeBron will play next season, but I think the Nets make the most sense. The owner has a bottomless paycheck and can hire the coach of LeBron's choice. Plus, they'll be playing in Brooklyn soon enough, and the Jay-Z connection is a big one. Just sayin'.
NBA Draft
Yes, I think Gilbert Arenas and John Wall can play together, and Wall is the obvious pick for the Wizards, regardless of what they do with Arenas. I still think the Sixers will take Evan Turner at No. 2, even though many folks seem to think Derrick Favors will go No. 2. And I am still thinking Gordon Hayward is going to end up with the Pacers. I don't know that he's worth the No. 10 pick, but it just seems that they're leaning toward taking the hometown hero. My draft sleeper is Paul George, out of Fresno State, who is an athletic swingman. He should be a solid fantasy player and reminds me of Andre Iguodala. Keep your eye on him.
Z-Bo
Zach Randolph was connected to an altercation at a nightclub recently, but is also linked to a drug ring in Indianapolis. There's a very good chance that Randolph could skate free of charges in Indy, but his recent problems are going to likely keep teams from offering him big-time money once his contract runs out at the end of the season. He must love the 'Hoop Family' more than he loves the NBA.
Amare and Turkoglu
Suns owner Robert Sarver said on Saturday "stupid" and "get him out of there" in reference to Amare Stoudemire, which makes me think he won't be back in Arizona next year. And Hedo Turkoglu has said he doesn't want to return to Toronto. Expect both players in different uniforms next season.
