There is a columnist that writes for SI.com, Peter King. He does a great column every week or so called "10 things I think I think...." This is a great example of a sports writer who doesn't take himself too seriously. It's all just opinions. Anyone who was spent any time taking a statistics or ethics class knows you can make cold hard number say anything you want.
On that note, here are my predictions and thoughts on the upcoming finals and other topics...
1. The Spurs and Cavs won't be a series. I know we will hear both sides of this argument to no end over the next few days but still. The Spurs would have DOMINATED Detroit in that series and it took Cleveland 6 games. The Spurs have too many weapons and are too good on defense. If you go right down the line starting with the coach and going thru the starting 5 for each team, its laughable:
Popovich vs. ....yeah, I can't remember his name either (Ok, its Mike Brown, but you get what I'm saying).
C-Duncan vs. Z-Ilga...not even close
PF-Horry vs. Gooden...this is a better match up but still, edge to the spurs
SF- Bowen vs. King James...edge Cavs but Bowen will be able to D up LeBron better than any person in the playoffs yet. This will throw off LeBron enough that he won't be as effective. While LeBron is the better player, this is an edge to the Spurs because there is NOBODY shutting down their starts.
SG - Finley vs. Daniel Gibson...this would be close except that Manu comes in off the bench. Damon Jones is backing up "Boobie" and collecting social security at the same time. Big edge to the spurs.
PG-Tony Parker vs. Larry Hughes/Eric Snow...whoever, it doesn't really matter. Spurs again.
There has been a decent amount of talk on how LeBron had an out of body game when he put up 48 and now has been talking to MJ. Sorry. I am not buying it. It was a great game and give him his due but it came against a beaten Detroit team with an incompetent coach (more on that later). All we will see over the next 2 weeks is the Spurs putting themselves in the 'dynasty' conversation by beating a weak Cleveland team. That's all folks.
2. The only move Detroit makes is getting rid of 'Sheed. Flip will stay, Chauncey will resign, and it will essentially be the same go around. Except next year, they will be a 4, 5, or 6 seed because they aren't that good. They will have Chauncey in a contract that they will never be able to move and they will then blow up the team. I desperately want to be wrong on this point. Please, Joe D. when you read this, make me a liar. I noticed Blake thru 10 per year out there for him...I think that is a stretch. He is one of those guys that peaked too late during a mid-level amount contract and then is too old to get max money. Maybe somebody will give him max money. Now, please don't read this as me not liking Mr. Big Shot. I do. I just don't think he should get the max. Also, if they don't get rid of 'Sheed, I am done with the Pistons.
3. I will watch 1 (maybe 2) of the 4 games that it takes SA to beat Cle. This is for a couple of reasons. First, the Spurs are NOT fun to watch. Sorry Simmons, not with you on this one. I would much rather watch Nash and Co. light it up for 125 than great defense. Granted, I can appreciate the great team that they have and the chemistry, but you read about that stuff. When they are out on the court its not like you are sitting on the bench next to them hearing how well they get along. Second, the Sports Gal (my wife) has put us into a "No TV" evening tonight. I would imagine this is because she wants to spend more time with me. For some reason, spending time together can't be with SportsCenter on with Scott Van Pelt talking about the latest and greatest, or Berman going thru PLAYS!....OF!....THE WEEK! (Gooooong) Take note you soon to be married people and I know there are at least 3 of you who read this blog. Take note. Third, to echo Blake, relief set in after the Pistons lost. I can care a lot less now.
4. Away from Basketball, the Randy Moss signing will be bigger than everyone thinks. He reported early to camp. Teddy Bruschi said that he has seen him work hard the whole time he has been there. Brady and Belichek are both giving him a chance. This is scary for the rest of the NFL. Do owners not see that the Patriots went to the AFC Championship game with RECHE CALDWELL (61 catches, 760 yards, 4 TDs) as their No. 1 guy!?!?!?!?! Also, here is a fun stat for you....11 different people caught TD passes for the Patroirs last year. Not to mention, Wes Welker and Dante Stallworth signing up. All of the sudden the Patriots just added REAL wide receivers. Tom Brady might throw for 10,000 yards and 100 TD's next year. What you don't think he can? He threw 3500+ and 24 TD's working with Caldwell (61), Ben Watson(49) (TE), Troy Brown (43), and Kevin Faulk (43) as his leading receivers, respectively. How many other QBs could have done what Brady did with what he had?
Alright, that's all for now. Post on.
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2 comments:
1. With ya on the Spurs winning the series although I think it could go six games.
25% chance it's a sweep
50% chance it goes 5
20% it goes 6
5% it goes 7.
No matter how many games it goes, the Spurs will win and all will be right in the universe.
2. I don't think getting rid of Rasheed will be as easy as we would like it to be. First, he's got two years and a lot of money left on his deal. Second, he's nuts. I think they should keep Flip because he's a good coach. He dropped the ball on not doubling LBJ eventually, but the Pistons have played that way since before he got there. Carlisle and Brown both refused to double Shaq, Kobe, whoever. I think if the Pistons should say to Chauncey, here's a 3 yr deal for 30 million or four years for $36, take it or leave it. If he takes it, great, if not, take a walk.
3. I'll probably watch a combined 30 minutes of the NBA Finals, flipping to it while the Tigers are between innings. I really don't care.
4. How often have we heard that same stuff about troubled players. As I recall a lot of that has been said about TO, Iverson, John Rocker, Sheffield, all of the other notorious jerks out there. "Hey, so and so showed up early, they just want to win. They know they made some mistakes in the past, blah blah blah, etc etc etc." I don't buy it, I bet by week 8 Moss is back to his old tricks.
1. I'll enjoy watching this series, partly because I am curious whether or not "Boobie" Gibson is for real or not. He played with confidence again tonight, and he ended up leading the team in scoring.
I'd like to think he is going to be a fluke, though. I don't like Cleveland. Have I mentioned that before?
2. Dumars is widely thought of as one of the best GM's in all of sports-- with very good reason. He's got a number of problems on his hands now, though.
So Flip will be back-- okay. Maybe he can get control of the team, if Rasheed is gone. But like Blake mentioned, who will dare to take Rasheed?
Chauncey-- I think they should do what it takes to keep him. He is a legitimate all star, still in his prime. And the chemistry he has going with his teammates? That kind of chemistry is very hard to replace.
Lastly, Dumars has to decide which veterans to get rid of. Veterans are good, but the Pistons need to open things up, to continue to give more minutes to their very capable young guys, Maxiel, Delfino, and Amir Johnson.
3. I think I will catch at least half of the games in the Finals. I don't like the Spurs or the Cavs, but for me, watching Tony Parker's style of play is just as interesting as watching Nash. He is lightning quick, and the way he scores in the lane is impressive.
4. Randy Moss. Who knows? You guys covered both viewpoints, and right now I am leaning toward bust rather than breakthrough. The fact that his teammates are praising him for working hard (i.e. doing what he is SUPPOSED TO DO) says to me that his teammates are just waiting for that other shoe to drop, and for Randy to start being Randy again.
But Randy or no Randy, I think the Patriots are bound to have another excellent year.
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