As the off-season comes to an end what teams do you think improved themselves the most to get to the promised land...With the NBA season less then a month away I want your pre-season finals picks, who you think will surprise some people? My Pick: Minnisota Timberwolves vs. Indiana Pacers Post Away People
I think, if we're speaking of most improved team this past offseason, it's the Nuggets. Most people might say the Heat because of the fact that they got Shaq, but, I believe the Nuggets improved the most. The acquisition of Kenyon Martin gives them arguably the best front line in all of the NBA. However, despite this, they play no role in the NBA Finals. The West is still too strong and they won't make it past Conference Semis this year pending who they meet there. Anyways, for my finals prediction: San Antonio vs. Detroit Pistons That's my prediction, if that happens, I don't know how much of it I'll watch cause that'd be so utterly boring to watch two defensive teams go at it. But, there you have it. Defense wins championships, Detroit proved that last year and they could prove again this year in my opinion.
I think it will be: Miami- 4 games Minnesota- 3 games Minnesota will have to deal with Shaq once again, and I don't think they will be able to handle him. But the Conference Final will look like this. Eastern Conference: Miami- 4 games Detroit- 2 games Western Conference: Minnesota- 4 games San Antonio- 3 games
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I think it will be: Miami- 4 games Minnesota- 3 games Minnesota will have to deal with Shaq once again, and I don't think they will be able to handle him. But the Conference Final will look like this. Eastern Conference: Miami- 4 games Detroit- 2 games Western Conference: Minnesota- 4 games San Antonio- 3 games </div> Minny took it 6 games WITHOUT Sam Casell in the 6th game against the loaded Laker team with a somewhat effective Malone and Payton...The role players were also playing well in that series. If the Wolves can take the Lakers to six with Shaq/Kobe/Payton/Malone, what makes you think they cant take it over a Shaq/Wade/Jones combo? Anyways, my predictions... Spurs vs. Detriot. It's simple. Spurs will own the West (Minny has a chance though) Detriot will own the East (Indiana is close but the champs want to repeat. Miami is not deep enough, I don't care how dominant Shaq is) As for Miami vs. Detriot, I wil guarantee you it will be a sweep. Larry Brown knows to stop Shaq, you have to stop his teammates around him. And if Tayshaun Prince can stop one of the best offensive forces in the league in Kobe, the likes of Dwayne Wade, Wesley Person and Eddie Jones should be less tougher. I don't even think Miami is good enough to beat Indiana yet, much less win a championship in 7 games against a West powerhouse. Nuggets are definetly most improved but they don't have enough experience, nor do they stand a chance against Minnesota/Spurs.
I agree with Spawn. Detroit will dismantle the Heat. I'd love to see a rematch between the Lakers and Pistons, but I have a feeling that the Spurs will beat the Lakers in the West Finals (yes, Lakers will get that far ) and then will go on to play the Pistons in the Finals. Hmm...tough decision really, but I am afraid that Duncan and the Spurs will lose to the Pistons in seven.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Courtking031:</div><div class="quote_post">As the off-season comes to an end what teams do you think improved themselves the most to get to the promised land...With the NBA season less then a month away I want your pre-season finals picks, who you think will surprise some people? My Pick: Minnisota Timberwolves vs. Indiana Pacers Post Away People</div> Wow, that's the exact prediction that I have made. I thought I was in the minority. Garnett has been more determined for the championship season by season, and I don't think he can get as determined for this season's championship. This applies to Jermaine and Reggie, who probably have the deepest team in the league.
Im going with a surprise here..I am sticking with the Nuggets..I think they will run teams out of the playoffs this year if everyone can stay healthy.. Denver Nuggets Vs. Indiana Pacers Denver winning..
Its hard to say now but anything can happen in an NBA season,an injury can change a teams outlok in the matter of one game,but I am going with the Spurs in the West,they barely lost to the Lakers last year and they only added more players in the offseason,if this team stays healthy they are deffiantly going to the Finals imo,I would also like to see them play the Wolves in the Confrence Finals also(KGvsTD). Its hard to say in the East also,they have improved overall as a confrence and I think there could be a lot of suprises and upsets once playoff time comes around.I think the Pistons have a good shot at going to the Finals again but I think the Pacers will be able to compete with them. My prediction: Detroit vs Spurs with Detroit winning in 6 games,
Minny vs. Pacers. It will be very close between Minny and the Spurs. Both teams had a very nice offseason, bring their entire team abck, except for the Spurs adding Barry to their roster. I'm going with Minny because, well, I have faith in them. One problem they will face is trying to stay healthy. And the Pacers because I think they have what it takes to beat Detroit, although, Detroit might be the favorties right now. Minny in 6 to win the championship.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting rudygayfan1:</div><div class="quote_post">I think it will be: Miami- 4 games Minnesota- 3 games Minnesota will have to deal with Shaq once again, and I don't think they will be able to handle him. But the Conference Final will look like this. Eastern Conference: Miami- 4 games Detroit- 2 games Western Conference: Minnesota- 4 games San Antonio- 3 games</div> I couldn't agree more MavsJ33. The timberwolves don't have the power to stop shaq inside plus dwayne wade and eddie jones on the perimeter.
Most Improved team - Nuggets, though Rockets aren't far behind. Remember they also got Juwan Howard in the Tmac deal, and he can still play. Add J Jackson and M Taylor coming off the bench, and they aren't half bad. The bulls also had a nice draft, but their new additions won't have nearly as much impact, at least immediately. The Heat obviously. While initially, it looked like Miami depleted their entire team to get shaq, they have recovered rather nicely with additions like D Jones, Doleac, etc. Surprises - The celtics will win the Atlantic. The Knicks will also surprise people, but in the wrong way. They have too many ego infested ball hogs and the wrong coach for a team with high liklihood of imploding due to chemistry. The Bucks will be worse than last year (they didn't make any major additions, while teams around them got better, plus doesn't look good for TJ Ford and they lost D jones). Dallas will play some defense and put up a fight, but still won't have what it takes in the playoffs. Finals predictions - Minny over Detroit. Minny would have won it if SamIAm was healthy. Though i think, with Spree and Sam not getting younger, this year is their last shot with this current roster. KG still has plenty of gas left, but Spree and sam won't keep putting up #s like last seasons for ever.
NBA Finals Spurs vs. Pistons The Spurs have added Brent Barry, who will play well in the Spurs. They are a similar team to the most recent championship winning one. Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili will have their best year so far, and Bruce Bowen will still be there. Tim Duncan will have an MVP candidate again, and he has a good chance to get the award. The champion Pistons have added size in Antonio McDyess, who if healthy could be a great signing. The core group of players from last season will still be there, and now after a season together will be extremely hard to beat. I predict the Pistons to repeat, in 7 games.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting spawn:</div><div class="quote_post">As for Miami vs. Detriot, I wil guarantee you it will be a sweep. Larry Brown knows to stop Shaq, you have to stop his teammates around him. And if Tayshaun Prince can stop one of the best offensive forces in the league in Kobe, the likes of Dwayne Wade, Wesley Person and Eddie Jones should be less tougher. I don't even think Miami is good enough to beat Indiana yet, much less win a championship in 7 games against a West powerhouse.</div>I think what happened was that the Lakers weren't finding better ways to feed Shaq the ball. Shaq was 63% from the field and didn't take many attempts. Shaq just stopped getting the ball. Kobe let the Pistons contain him. If he would've passed the ball around then waited to get it back for the open shot he would've done way better. Instead he was taking contested shots and holding on to the ball too long. Expect the Heat to be passing the ball around a lot more. The Heat are loaded with shooters so when Shaq draws the double/triple he's gonna have 4 ppl around him and one of em will have a wide open shot. Also the Heat know, when a guy is 63% from the field in the Finals, they're gonna find whatever ways possible to feed him the ball. PF-Haslem is a great defender and rebounder so him and Shaq should click and give the Wallaces trouble. The Riley system is still in place; SVG learned from the great one. SVG teams focus on defense (look at the Heat in the playoffs last season how they did against Indiana). Heat > Spurs in 6 Games the Big East is back.
I'm with the Minny and Pistons series myself. With KG and Spree winning their first titles. Hopefully ratings don't take a dip like the 2k3 finals.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting realdealbneal:</div><div class="quote_post">I agree with Spawn. Detroit will dismantle the Heat. I'd love to see a rematch between the Lakers and Pistons, but I have a feeling that the Spurs will beat the Lakers in the West Finals (yes, Lakers will get that far ) and then will go on to play the Pistons in the Finals. Hmm...tough decision really, but I am afraid that Duncan and the Spurs will lose to the Pistons in seven.</div> That's a quote that I just have to put in my sig.
Yeah yeah I would like to see the Lakers vs. Heat in the Finals and Kobe keeps booming it on Shaq's ass... but it isn't realistic. Real one: Pistons vs. Timberwolves... would be fun to watch I wanna know how Garnett & co. figure out a way to break the Pistons' defense... it's gonna be real fun... they gotta win the first 1-2 games in blowout cuz then Detroit will hang their heads...
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting PupMelo:</div><div class="quote_post">they gotta win the first 1-2 games in blowout cuz then Detroit will hang their heads...</div> You don't much about the Pistons do you? they never hang their heads no matter what the situation is. The finals was proof of that.
The 'average' NBA fan would absolutely hate a finals matchup with the Pistons vs. Spurs. Both play a very slow tempo of basketball and there are very few Duncan fans out there because he's considered 'boring.' I'm such a huge fan of the game itself that I wouldn't care, however you have to look at the entire picture. Nets vs. Spurs did terrible in the ratings, just imagine the Spurs vs. Pistons. Lakers won't make it to the finals, that simple. Most people know that as well and it's because theres too many teams out there that are better than them. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Kobe keeps booming it on Shaq's ass... </div> Don't try to discredit Shaq.. As for my predictions, I honestly have no idea. For the east I'll take the Pistons because they play with so much heart and have the depth. As for the west - The Nuggets and Grizzlies will be teams that will shock many, and they too have the depth to get far. Then you have the Spurs, and TWolves who are loaded with talent as well.
