Thank god . . . because now (in another thread) I am questioning if the rockets are really a good team. Go ahead and respond, I bring it upon myself . . .
One of the fifteen best players in NBA history, one of the best point guards in the game and an All-Star-caliber shooting guard, plus great coaching and a strong team defense. It really is a mystery how San Antonio succeeds. Next: How on Earth do the Celtics do it?
Now come on, they have Matt Bonner as a starting center. That alone should say they are vulnerable. They also have washed up Finley starting at SG . . . and the only real quality person coming off the bench is Manu. I would continue trying to make my points but I see I'm fighting a losing battle . . . not just what other posters are saying, but it's hard to argue against 30-14
Duncan is still one of it not the top big man in the league. I'd take him over every single one, actually, including Howard, for the year. Parker is a top 5 guard both in individual production and his ability to help his team. Manu is not epic Manu from 1.5 years ago, but few teams have a better third option than them. Better coaching, system than everyone else in the league.
Isn't Finley playing SF? I thought Mason was there starting SG. Bowen is still a great defender off the bench
Yeah, but Ginobili is really their shooting guard, for all intents and purposes, even if he doesn't start. And a really good one. Ginobili is pretty underrated...he's been a star-level shooting guard for a number of years and adds excellent defense. A Duncan/Parker/Ginobili trio is every bit as good as Garnett/Pierce/Allen. Actually, I'd probably prefer the Spurs' trio. It's the players surrounding the trios that separate the Celtics and Spurs. Bonner, as you note, is not so good. The Celtics have Rajon Rondo which really gives them a fourth excellent player. And the Celtics have a better bench.
Bonner has been a pretty effective player in his career. Nothing great, but not bad, either. The thing is that Duncan is SO good and Parker is better than almost everyone else at his position... Manu is really good, too. The team doesn't have to be bulletproof at every position to be really good. Ed O.