NBA Preview

My Count Down of NBA Championship Threats:
1. The Spurs - No one ever pays much attention to solid playing Spurs. Most people excitedly talk about the Sun's and Maverick's offense. However, when the Suns, a quick paced team that tries to bury their opponents in a points hole, took on the hard nosed Spurs in the playoffs last year, the Spurs slowed down the game with tight Defense and won(note: Donaghy was the official in some of those games). Now a word or so about their coach Gregg: The Pistons and Spurs are similar teams, but their is one main reason the Spurs are better than the Pistons. Detroit Coach Flip Saunders has good plays, but Gregg puts the team together. For instance, the Pistons overconfidence and nonchalant attitude crumpled under the Cavalier's "this could be our last game" mentality, but when the Spurs took on the Suns, who have an attitude similar to the Cavaliers, the Spurs matched their intensity along with having some confidence. About the players: Tim Duncan - Center - Solid on both ends of the court; Consistent; not old; but a veteran. He is the nucleus of this team his dominating presence makes him possibly the most formidable center in the league. Bruce Bowen - One of defensive factors; made all-defensive team last year; valuable asset for teams such as Phoenix and Mavericks, who are the Spurs biggest rivals. Tony Parker - the offense of the team; last year's final's MVP; not half bad on defense either. Because they are bringing nearly the same crew back, only a year older, they are the biggest threat in the league.
2. Phoenix Suns - After acquiring the aging but still powerful forward Grant Hill, they have become an even greater offensive machine. With quick play led by Steve Nash, the team has also developed strong in the paint with Amare Stoudemare and Shawn Marion. A wiry team that loves pick-and-rolls, they have only one main obstacle in the league: The Spurs. In addition, if they make it to the finals they might play the Pistons, another defensive team they don't match up well with. While Phoenix has no trouble blowing through other teams, the Spurs loom ominously over them. Once they make it past the Spurs though, they can championship. A closing statement: the Suns have been building over these past few years, adding a new element to the team each season. This seems like if any season is THE season, then this is THE season.
3. TIE - Cavaliers - Last year's east conference champs were swept by the Spurs. While the spurs are an all around better team, the Eastern conference will be easily beaten this year by the Cavs except possibly the Pistons. Revolving around a talented shooter and dunker and blocker and passer, King Lebron, they are a scrappy team that keeps on getting better and better. While most people call this team the the Cleaveland Lebron's, the team over-all is not bad. Most teams double team Lebron, but this allows him to pass to a man with plenty of time to shoot. Last year against the Nets, they beat them handily because they left several people open trying to cover James. Lebron really brings the entire team up to their full potential. My final word: just not good enough.
3. TIE - Pistons - Finally my true love. A team that is now considered too old, they are clamoring to make another play-off run. However, without Ben(edict Arnold), they lack a strong center. My opinion: Saunders has to inspire his team. Maxiell should be put at center, but has to step up and do what we've seen him do before for more than 10 minutes. Tayshaun's still pretty young and is a definite keeper. The other three(Rip, Chauncey, and 'Sheed) are not old timers and are still some of the best players in the league. A critical point - Chauncey and Rip cannot play like they did in the off season last year. The two most consistent players folded like a tent. - They have the potential, they just need to put it all together.

Honorable Mentions: the Bulls, the Magic, the Wizards, the Jazz - They are all solid teams, they just aren't good enough.

Note: I am forming a deep contempt for Oden. First you leave college early, even though you would have led them to at least 1 NCAA championship and now, after being drafted first, can't play the entire season - you're really grinding my bones