Do you guys think there is any team in the East that you could consider a title contender? I know with Shaq coming back, Miami will step it up, and Chicago has plenty of weapons, and Lebron James is good enough to keep his team in any series, but I think all these teams are mearly Eastern Confrence contenders rather then title contenders. Is there any team in the East that you could confidentally say "these guys can win the title", and hang with the power houses of the West?
possibly detroit, but with c-webb their pretty soft up front now. I would say miami still has the best shot.
Of course they can and there's a possibility but im pretty sure that this year West wins the championship.
I'd say they can. However, I actually think Chicago gives them their best chance. They're very, very balanced. They play team basketball. They have their 20ppg scorer now that everyone complained that they didn't have in Ben Gordon. They're one of the top defensive squads in the NBA. And what I like most about them, they're extremely deep. Scott Skiles is not afraid to go 10 or 12 deep on any given night, and I think that helps them. They stay fresh and don't wear out their main guys by playing them heavy minutes during the season.
Yeah, after not very great start of the season. Chicago has really found a rhythm now. Possible winners of the East title imo: Detroit, Cavaliers, Bulls, Heat. I don't think that Cavs will win the title, Detroit or Bulls. Maybe. But West teams like the Suns, Mavs, Spurs, Houston, Utah, Denver and LAKERS (hell yeah;D) are still very hard to defeat by Eastern teams. Detroit has the best winning percent from the East atm, 600%. There are 6 teams in the West who are over 600% (Phoenix, Dallas, Spurs, Utah, Lakers, Houston). But anything can happen in basketball. In playoffs, your regular season's % doesn't matter anymore.
Yeah the East has somewhat of a shot. ESPECIALLY if an existing solid team adds a Pau Gasol or someone else via a trade. The GM of the Wizards or the Bulls if they are smart will try and make a move THIS year because this is a good opportunity to make some noise in the East. The main advantage is that whoever reps the East in the finals will most likely be playing a team that had to go through HELL to just GET to the finals. If Shaq can come back and offer up say 28mpg, the Heat have a SLIGHT chance to repeat.
The East could definitely win, but it really depends on the teams. I doubt the if the Heat could beat the Spurs, Suns, or even Mavs again. The Cavs, Pistons, and Bulls in the same position, so I'm not sure if they could either.
I think we're going to make a very strong push heading into the playoffs, I really wouldnt be surprised if we won it all again this year. We've had a very similar season to our 2003/2004 championship year. Once we start clicking, we'll be hard to stop I think.
Don't see It happening. The top west teams just are head and shoulders above everyone else in the east at this moment in time.
<div class="quote_poster">NTC187 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I think we're going to make a very strong push heading into the playoffs, I really wouldnt be surprised if we won it all again this year. We've had a very similar season to our 2003/2004 championship year. Once we start clicking, we'll be hard to stop I think.</div> I think the Pistons will have trouble with the Mavs, Suns, and Spurs.
<div class="quote_poster">Carter Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I think the Pistons will have trouble with the Mavs, Suns, and Spurs.</div> I def. agree. The only teams that I reckon could win the East are the Heat (Riley, Shaq, Wade) the Bulls (defense, Ben Wallace, athleticism) and the Wizards (Jamison-Butler-Arenas)
Although the Wizards are at the top of the East, I'd say the Pistons have a much stronger chance. The Pistons are more team oriented and have all the pieces and some nice players off the bench like McDyess. They lost to Washington last night only by 3 without a center. Cleveland shows some potential, but as a team they are streaky when it comes to shooting the ball well and LeBron isn't Kobe Bryant who can carry a team EVERY night.
I dont think so. The best record in East is 25-17 (Washington Wizards) and if Wizards were in the West, they would be 7th behind 1. Suns 2. Dallas 3. Spurs 4. Jazz 5. Houston 6. Lakers East is clearly sorry this year. I am predicting Detriot Pistons to make it to the finals with the addition of Webber, but they will lose to Spurs, Mavs, Suns like Carter said.
I dont think the Suns or Mavs will win, infact i'll be surprised if either one even makes the finals. We should all know by now that the team that finishes with the best record at the end of the regular season usually doesnt go on to win the Championsip, and in most cases even make the finals. Which is the other reason why I like our chances heading into the playoffs.
<div class="quote_poster">NTC187 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I dont think the Suns or Mavs will win, infact i'll be surprised if either one even makes the finals. We should all know by now that the team that finishes with the best record at the end of the regular season usually doesnt go on to win the Championsip, and in most cases even make the finals. Which is the other reason why I like our chances heading into the playoffs.</div> So you expect someone else to beat the Mavs or Suns? I just don't see It. Spurs aren't looking great and I know they do this every year but they just look old now. Bowen is not shutting guys down like he used to and overall the depth has taken a hit. It's not just about records either, It's what they have on their team is what counts. Dallas have a great roster, top to bottom and a great coach. They are a very good defensive team and a great rebounding team. Thats what wins in the playoffs. If you don't have that you can't win. Which is why I expect Dallas to win It all. I have faith in the Pistons making the finals due to the east being so bad but overall the Pistons like the Spurs are looking old, they don't seem to be able to close out teams when they have good leads. They also aren't as quick as they should be. Flip Saunders coaching is very questionable and I'm not sure If the Pistons can win anything with him as coach. Have to wait and see I guess.
