Despite the fact that the Cleveland Cavaliers got booted out of the playoffs and LeBron James is officially a free-agent, the NBA playoffs are still going on. A travesty, I know, because what could ever be more important that the most anticipated free-agency of all time?
Nothing.
At least that's the mindset that the media and water-cooler talk is taking. Will LeBron choose Chicago? New York? Miami? The Moon? It's really quite insane and the sad part is that we are going to forced to hear this drivel a good chunk of the summer. Which excites me to no end...and that's sarcasm, if you didn't catch it.
But, as loathe as some are to admit it, the Playoffs continue on.
With both the Eastern Conference and Western Conference Finals set to mix it up, it's obvious that the two teams that hold home court, the Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers, are the clear favorites to emerge to the Finals. This would set up a rematch of last summers less than thrilling match-up.
But, and I know I use this word a lot, let's not overlook the experience (ie old) of the other two teams as well. The Boston Celtics are basically the same team that won it two seasons ago except that Rajon Rondo has materialized into an elite point guard, taking the attention off the erratic play of the 'Big Three'. Over in Phoenix, the Suns are still riding the ever-solid play of point guard Steve Nash, who plays ten years younger than he is, which is 36. Throw in fellow all-star Amare Stoudemire and you have a dangerous combo that could threaten the defending champs.
For the sake of posterity, let's rank the remaining four teams, giving you my choice for who is going to advance and ultimately win this years NBA Championship.
Orlando Magic
My favorite to win it all out of this remaining bunch, the Magic are the hungriest team in the playoffs. They should wear out the Celtics in 6 and just overpower the Lakers in 5. Yep, I said it, they will take the Lakers in 5.
Los Angeles Lakers
Experience, size and skill will get them to the finals but it won't be enough to make them back to back champs. The fading Kobe, and yes, he is fading, won't be enough on his own as the Magic will control the paint with Dwight Howard.
Boston Celtics
Like the Lakers, the Celtics are chalk full of experience. The difference, though, is two-fold. They are playing the Orlando Magic and they are playing the Orlando Magic. That was something I felt needed repeated.
Phoenix Suns
The wild card in this years playoff, I fully think that the Suns are capable of upsetting the Lakers. But reality and conjecture are two different things. The Lakers should win this in 6.
The sad part of the remaining playoffs, and the reality, is that they are going to take a back seat to free agency. The only chance the NBA has of gaining attention for the Finals is if they inexplicably have the Los Angeles Lakers face the Boston Celtics. The echos of past match-ups might be enough to pull the wandering eye back in.
But (thought I'd give one for the road), I don't see it happening.
