Last year I picked the Pacers, and they probably would've faced S.A in the Finals if it wasn't for that fateful night at the you know where. This year, again I'm going with the Pacers.. just as long as nothing stupid happens. Tinsley, Jackson, Artest, O'Neal and Foster... That is a great startling line up... plus if Bender finally shows up, Grager is a nice addition, Anthony proved to be a decent backup and Fred Jones as instant offense.... this team is deadly.
I think it will either be the Heat or the Spurs. If Miami can keep their core team together they'll atleast make it to the Finals. Shaq will need to stay in shape and stay out of injury trouble. All San Antonio needs is Manu, Parker, Bowen, and Duncan. They have the best combination of scoring and defense in recent history.
Spurs Parker/Udith Ginobili/Barry Bowen/Robinson Luis Scola/Robert Horry Duncan/Nazr Mohhamed/Nasho Another chip for the Spurs.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting makaveli80:</div><div class="quote_post">The Raptors Will Win The Title Next Year </div> Just because you say it twice doesnt make it any less ridiculous
Phoenix Suns! We have players that shore up our weaknesses in KT and Raja. Amare will be even better next year as will JJ. The Heat will still be a good team but I think with Shaq aging the Pistons have the edge in the East being that they have the same nucleus and there players are so clutch in the playoffs. The favorite at this point must be the Spurs but with the additions the Suns have made I must pick them.
No doubt, the Suns we will have Nash,JJ,Marion,Amare(at the 4) and a decent center, Nobody can even touch us. That big line up has to be better defensievly. Plus our Bench, Kurt Thomas, Raja Bell, Jim Jackson, Leandro Barbosa, and maybe another big man, talk about depth.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Phoenix Suns! We have players that shore up our weaknesses in KT and Raja.</div>Kurt Thomas is 6'9.Still a small team.
Depends on how much longer Bruce Bowen can play at such a high level defensively. I was amazed when I found out he will be 35 next year. He stays in such amazing shape. Without Bruce locking down the best guard on the other team, the Spurs are a different team.
I guess the Suns can somewhat contend, but until they learn to play some defense they will have no shot at winning. Sure their defense has improved this off-season, but Nash is still such a horrible defender it's not even funny. And they still lack height. Emmanen you better take that pic out of your sig or at least change the size or else it'll be removed...
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting AllNet:</div><div class="quote_post">Depends on how much longer Bruce Bowen can play at such a high level defensively. I was amazed when I found out he will be 35 next year. He stays in such amazing shape. Without Bruce locking down the best guard on the other team, the Spurs are a different team.</div> 35? wow i thought he was younger than that
35... that is also astonishing. I thought he was closer to 30 than 35. IMO, even if he loses a step he'll still be a capable defender, just not the same. The Spurs would definatly lose something, but I think they would be able to replace him.
Like i already said the suns will win it nobody and i mean nobody can stop Amare. Nash can play horrible defense but he gets a double double every night. I would rather have him than a great defender like bowen.
^Thats not even a possibility if the Suns lose Joe Johnson.Pacers are my pick.I explained why earlier in the thread. On the subject of Bruce Bowen,I think hes able to maintain his current shape because he only really has to play 50% of the game.Its obvious to everyone that he devotes all of his effort to defense.All he does offensively is spot up for jumpshots.
The Phoenix Suns got the best chance of winning it all cause with Kurt Thomas in their frontcourt they can cause problems. Cause Kurt can knock down jumpers all day off pick n rolls from Nash. As long as they keep Joe Johnson they are the top contender for me.
