NBA finals prediction thread!!!

**Shawn** · 03-06-2004, 07:40 PM

Yes my friends i know who is gunna be in the NBA Finals this year. Some of you may be asking," How the **** do you know " . Well the truth is i dont. I just wanted to write 2 dramatic lines about how i did. Anyhow.

I didnt see a predictions thread about the NBA finals , and since we are getting to the home stretch i thought i would start one. One thing i would like to see is you guys elaborate a bit on your predictions. Give stats or reasoning. I hate 2 line posts that read like

pistons
lakers

So here i go. First off the east. I'm from Indiana,but before people think i'm biased let me point some things out. First, All this talk about how a East team cant beat the West is BS. Theres 2 teams that can beat the west and thats INdiana and Detroit. There records prove me right. Indiana has the best record against the West in the league! Not only that they have the best recrod in the league , and guess what ! Ron Artest is back bitches! And he's good! Reggie miller is shooting the ball like he was in the early 90's and you know Reggie always shows up in the playoffs! Last year Reggie had the ankle injury that bothered him . So he was someone what of a no show. Also Indiana has what i think is the deepest bench in the league. Chroshere, Bender, Harrington, Johnson, Jones, K. Anderson, S. Pollard. These guys are some of the best bench players you can have and a couple of the would be starters on any other team. Kings bench is good but not as deep. The only team that stands in INdiana's way is detroit. GL detroit. Pistons are 0-3 against us this year. SO INdiana is my pick to come form the East.

Heres the West. I'm not gunna offer stats or records for my pick from the west. Let me start by saying. You know how about every 4 years or so every sport has that one team that gets in the finals/series/bowl. That people always look and think," Where they come from "? Well here it is. I think the Houston Rockets are going to the Finals. Yes i said it. The Rockets. For some reason everytime i watch this team play on tv i feel as if there one of the l33t teams in the league. Ming dominates shaq for some reason. Francis seems as if he's ready to be a huge player in the playoffs, and Mobely has stopped taking the stupid shots to get his 20 a night and is passing it into Ming. Also Ming just looks as if he blends with these guys now. It wasnt like that last year. They have beef up fromt with Kato and Ming. They have a decent bench. I see them getting on a roll and going to the Finals.

Indiana in 6. If Indiana gets home court throughout the playoffs they can beat any team in the west in 7 games.

**DaveWadding** · 03-06-2004, 07:46 PM

Shut the fuck up, you stupid homer.

**Shawn** · 03-06-2004, 07:50 PM

Could you elaborate on that?

**DaveWadding** · 03-06-2004, 09:04 PM

Indiana is the best! Indiana has the best bench and the best record against Western Conference teams than anyone else! Did I mention some of the guys on our bench would be starting in other places? Detroit is no good against us! I mustered up all this bullshit about the Pacers, but I won't bother doing the same with my choice from the West! I just think the Rockets will make it. PACERS IN SIX!!!!! If they get home court they can handle anyone!!!"

Shut the fuck up.

**loopydate** · 03-06-2004, 09:14 PM

LOL.

Personally, I'd love a Pistons-T'Wolves final, but I imagine it'll be Pacers-Kings.

**The Miz** · 03-06-2004, 09:38 PM

kings over pistons in 5

**Jesus Shuttlesworth** · 03-07-2004, 01:01 AM

Pacers - Lakers

Lakers winnin it

**Supreme Olajuwon** · 03-07-2004, 01:12 AM

I picked the Pistons in the beginning and I'll stick with it

There's always talk about West Coast big men and Sheed used to be one of them. Now him and Big Ben can be a force down low against a Shaq/Malone or Miller/CWebb/Vlade or whoever. I think the Kings will make it to the finals but I think Detroit matches up well against them. Billups is a good scoring point guard and Hamilton is a solid 2. Prince is obviously the weak link and Peja would just embarass him. Maybe Carmelo would have been a better choice eh Dumars?

But yeah Pistons in 7

**BCWWF** · 03-07-2004, 04:56 PM

It will be some form of Kings/T-Wolves vs. Pacers/Pistons, so quit your moaning.

**Shawn** · 03-07-2004, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Indiana is the best! Indiana has the best bench and the best record against Western Conference teams than anyone else! Did I mention some of the guys on our bench would be starting in other places? Detroit is no good against us! I mustered up all this bullshit about the Pacers, but I won't bother doing the same with my choice from the West! I just think the Rockets will make it. PACERS IN SIX!!!!! If they get home court they can handle anyone!!!"

Shut the **** up.

Hey you ****ing retard. How bout you stop trying to be the cool witty computer guy and come up with something to offer to a thread yourself. I gave stats as to why i thought the pacers would win. I also gave my reasoning for why the rockets would get there you stupid cocksore. So shut the **** up and find another thread to type with a stick up your ass. Until you can come up with better reasoning for who you think is going to win. You should stay out of the conversation. Its obvious that you came here only to **** with someone who isnt as popular as your retarded ass cause if you hadnt then you would have already gave an opinion on the topic at hand. Lets see 2 posts from DaveCumwadding , and non of them have to do with the topic. I think your the one that should shut the **** up . Tard boy.

**Shawn** · 03-07-2004, 05:34 PM

Stima i dont know about the Lakers getting there. Kobe is out for a month now. As i'm typing this there losing to the Nets without Jason Kidd, and on there home court. There somewhat old and they cant keep there 4 stars on the court at the same time. I think if there fully healthy there gunna get to the finals but i also think thats a big if.

Supreme i agree Pistons worry me alot. They defenetly beefed up with the pickup of Bluntman ( sheed ) . I've always loved his game. I think Pistons Pacers series in the East finals will be a classic.

**BCWWF** · 03-07-2004, 05:48 PM

Shawn, don't worry about Dave, nobody cares about him anyway.

**Shawn** · 03-07-2004, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Shawn, don't worry about Dave, nobody cares about him anyway.

Nah man i'm not worried just pisses me off a little cause this is the second or third time i've seen someone try to make conversation and he posts something stupid.I just wanna talk B-ball.

**BCWWF** · 03-07-2004, 06:01 PM

Well you're probably better off jumping on the Memphis bandwagon or something, because liking your home team is a crime to some of the guys here.

**Shawn** · 03-07-2004, 06:04 PM

Believe it or not i love Memphis. Man if Kobe gets on that team there gunna be a force in the west. They remind me of the Kings when the Kings were trying to beat the Jazz for like 3 years. I dont think its a coincidence that Jason Williams was on the Kings and is now on the Griz. He brings excitement and hope to these young teams IMO. I hope the Griz make it to the PLayoffs. Griz v.s Kings in the first round will be fun.

**Supreme Olajuwon** · 03-07-2004, 06:10 PM

Memphis could be a top 4 team in the East. An incredibly deep team

They have a better 12 man roster than most teams in the NBA

**BCWWF** · 03-07-2004, 07:17 PM

I wish the NBA could have figured out a way to keep New Orleans in the East and move Memphis to the East. Milwaukee could go West, nobody would notice

**The Outlaw** · 03-07-2004, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shawn

As i'm typing this there losing to the Nets without Jason Kidd, and on there home court.

Spoke too soon.

**The Miz** · 03-07-2004, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BCWWF

Well you're probably better off jumping on the Memphis bandwagon or something, because liking your home team is a crime to some of the guys here.

HAHA you are the biggest crybaby ever. the only reason anybody makes fun of you is because you act like minnesota teams are the greatest teams ever. do you have to bring this up in every topic?

**Shawn** · 03-07-2004, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Spoke too soon.

Sure did.

**Jesus Shuttlesworth** · 03-07-2004, 10:21 PM

Celts beat the T'wolves 2niiiiite

**The Dub** · 03-08-2004, 02:12 PM

Here are my picks.

With the East, I'm still not convinced that anyone in the East can beat New Jersey. It's really out of three teams: Indy, NJ, and Detroit. Most might count out NJ because people don't think they can possibly come out of the East yet again.

Shawn, I agree that Indy has a chance, but if what happened last season is any indication of how they will perform in the playoffs this year, you will be very disappointed. There was no way they shoud have lost to Paul Pierce last year. That's right, Paul Pierce beat Indy almost single-handedly in the playoffs last year. In order for them to reach the Finals, J.O. has to be dominant. He needs to take his game to another level. He has the support, but he has to make it a point to be "the man".

Detroit has always been an iffy team to me. Even with the addition of Rasheed Wallace, I still don't see them in the Finals. It's not like R. Wallace would give them such a great advantage at the 4. Given they make it far enough, he'll have to face either K-Mart or J.O. I just don't care for Chauncey Billups. Out of the three teams I mentioned, the Pistons would be my third pick.

Which leads me to my pick. I pick NJ to three-peat as East champs for a few reasons. They have not changed their team much, so the guys who were there when they went to the Finals the last two years are still there. Another reason: Jason Kidd. The only player I can think of who can dominate the game without scoring a single point. I could say Ben Wallace, but he doesn't get his teammates involved. Kidd may be the reason why Lucious Harris is still in the league. Their bench isn't that great, but I like Aaron Williams and Harris. If they had another proven shooter, they'd definitely come out of the East. Of course, it's also easy to go with the team who has won the East the last two years.

So my Eastern Conference Champion would be the New Jersey Nets.

On to the West.

First of all, I want to say who I definitely think will not win the West. That team is the Minnesota Timberwolves. There is just no way I would even think of picking a team with absolutely NO playoff success, no matter how much they have improved. The Spurs are on their asses, and even if they keep the 2 seed, they'll probably end up facing Houston, who I believe can beat them like they did the other night.

Shawn, I like the Rockets, but I don't believe that they are championship contenders just yet. Yao is starting to become the dominating force everyone was expecting him to be. Steve Francis hasn't wowed me, so I don't know about him being ready to become a top playoff performer. Cat Mobley is taking better shots. It's good now that Steve and Cat don't have to do all the scoring. I believe that their best off-season acquisition was Jim Jackson. He has finally found a home in Houston and his veteran experience could help them in the palyoffs, Mark Jackson as well.

Now on to the real contenders...

Having shown what they can do with a low seeding, you have to consider the Lakers. Even though it may seem like their plans of sending a baby-Dream team and Rick Fox out on the floor and totally dominate has been foiled, eveyone knows LA saves their best for the playoffs. If they are seeded high enough, they should be able to dispose of their first-round opponent without either Kobe or Malone, except if it is Houston. They want to get back to where they were the three previous seasons. You just can't count out LA, no matter how much you don't like them.

This year mey be Sac's best chance yet to finally make it to the Finals. With C-Webb back and Peja having an MVP-like season, they have the league's best record. That means homecourt advantage. That means having to go to one of the loudest arenas in the league, Arco Arena. They are not a good defensive team, but not as bad as Dallas, who I won't even consider (as much as I love them) because they traded Nick Van Exel, the man who burned the Kings last year. B.Miller is great. And you cannot forget Bobby Jackson. Vlade can foul the other team's center out with his great flopping ability. They have great chemistry and with two superstars on your team, yor chances are definitely good. Yes, I now consider Peja a superstar.

The San Antonio Spurs. This team has one superstar, but they have everything it takes to win it all again. They finally faced their fear of the Lakers last season, but I think LA is more talented. The Spurs cannot compare to some of the West contenders in terms of talent, but they win. They are only 2 games behind Minnesota, who doesn't have a chance no matter how good their REGULAR SEASON is going. They were able to catch Dallas last year when it looked impossible. I believe they are going to do the same to the Wolves, even though the task isn't nearly as daunting as it was last year. They have Robert Horry. Defense wins championships and they allow 84.6 points per game. If they continue to allow those kind of numbers, though unlikely, they could be headed back to the Finals.

Tough decision, but I think it is Sacramento's year. So my Western Conference Champions would be the Sacramento Kings.

A Finals matchup between the Kings and Nets would be interesting. The Nets play good defense, but I don't think they can stop the Kings' firepower. This is why I think they really needed a shooter or someone off the bench not named Rodney Rogers who can score. You give New Jersey Nick Van Exel and they win. Since they don't have him, I'll have to go with the Kings.

NBA Champion= Sacramento Kings

**SuperSlim** · 03-08-2004, 02:14 PM

Detroit and Sacremento- Sacremento wins

**The Dub** · 03-08-2004, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BCWWF

It will be some form of Kings/T-Wolves vs. Pacers/Pistons, so quit your moaning.

You replace T-Wolves with Kings or Lakers, then your post will make sense.

**TheJShow** · 03-08-2004, 02:20 PM

Toronto and Memphis - Toronto wins

**Supreme Olajuwon** · 03-08-2004, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rabidwolverine

You replace T-Wolves with Kings or Lakers, then your post will make sense.

so it would say Kings/Kings

good call

**Shawn** · 03-08-2004, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Shawn, I agree that Indy has a chance, but if what happened last season is any indication of how they will perform in the playoffs this year, you will be very disappointed. There was no way they shoud have lost to Paul Pierce last year. That's right, Paul Pierce beat Indy almost single-handedly in the playoffs last year. In order for them to reach the Finals, J.O. has to be dominant. He needs to take his game to another level. He has the support, but he has to make it a point to be "the man".

They actually handled Peirce pretty well. He was great, but thats what great players do. Mcarty was the guy that was killing the pacers. I'm sure Stima will inform us on this because i think he's a boston fan. It was one of those series where the underdog got red hot and the favorite got Ice cold.

**BCWWF** · 03-08-2004, 04:00 PM

Wolverine, you made good points and everything, but I am not counting on the Spurs passing the second round. The only team that should for sure be in the Western finals is the Kings. If Tony Parker is playing, nobody can stay with him, but if he does what he did last year, they won't make it out of the second round.

Your 100% ruling out of the Timberwolves is also laughable. Past playoff success means nothing when your second best guy is Troy Hudson. This year the Rockets will probably lose in the first round because there players aren't good enough, that doesn't mean they will lose again next year...and the year after that...etc etc. The Timberwolves teams that lost in the playoffs in the past included the likes of Joe Smith, Anthony Peeler, Rasho Nesterovic, Marc Jackson, Dean Garrett, a few others, they are all gone now. Now they have Sam Cassell (two time NBA champion, all-star this season), Latrell Sprewell, Michael Olowokandi, Trenton Hassell, and Mark Madsen (former NBA champion). To even compare those teams is rediculous.

I am not saying the Timberwolves will win the NBA finals, make the NBA finals, or even make the Western Conference Finals, but I can guarantee you that without a doubt they will win their first round of the playoffs this year. Kevin Garnett is easilly the best and most dominant player in the league, he has a supporting cast much more talented than Tim Duncan does, and in a SI coaches poll, they were voted as having the best zone defence in the league, no other team even got votes. So when it all comes down to it, the Wolves have a good defense and a player who matches and betters Tim Duncan. I hate the Spurs by the way.

**The Show Off** · 03-08-2004, 06:58 PM

New Jersey Nets versus Los Angles Lakers

And it will suck so bad. I hate Jason Kidd, his retarded son and his wife beating ways. And I can't complain about the Lakers because I'm a Yankee fan, and the Lakers are the basketball Yankees. However in basketball if you have the most talent on your team you win. I can't wait until Shaq retires because I'm sick of this shit.

**Rain Man** · 03-08-2004, 07:03 PM

Lakers-Pacers Lakers in 7

**BCWWF** · 03-09-2004, 12:27 AM

The Lakers don't have all the talent. The Kings and Mavericks are both much more talented and they have better chemistry. Unless the Lakers go back to early season form when Malone gets back, they aren't going anywhere fast.

**DaveWadding** · 03-09-2004, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BCWWF

I can guarantee you that without a doubt they will win their first round of the playoffs this year.

I am quoting this for future reference, in case the need to laugh at you arises later.

BTW, if you "hate the Spurs" then you can't be objective...which makes your opinions worthless.

**The Dub** · 03-09-2004, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BCWWF

Wolverine, you made good points and everything, but I am not counting on the Spurs passing the second round. The only team that should for sure be in the Western finals is the Kings. If Tony Parker is playing, nobody can stay with him, but if he does what he did last year, they won't make it out of the second round.

Your 100% ruling out of the Timberwolves is also laughable. Past playoff success means nothing when your second best guy is Troy Hudson. This year the Rockets will probably lose in the first round because there players aren't good enough, that doesn't mean they will lose again next year...and the year after that...etc etc. The Timberwolves teams that lost in the playoffs in the past included the likes of Joe Smith, Anthony Peeler, Rasho Nesterovic, Marc Jackson, Dean Garrett, a few others, they are all gone now. Now they have Sam Cassell (two time NBA champion, all-star this season), Latrell Sprewell, Michael Olowokandi, Trenton Hassell, and Mark Madsen (former NBA champion). To even compare those teams is rediculous.

I am not saying the Timberwolves will win the NBA finals, make the NBA finals, or even make the Western Conference Finals, but I can guarantee you that without a doubt they will win their first round of the playoffs this year. Kevin Garnett is easilly the best and most dominant player in the league, he has a supporting cast much more talented than Tim Duncan does, and in a SI coaches poll, they were voted as having the best zone defence in the league, no other team even got votes. So when it all comes down to it, the Wolves have a good defense and a player who matches and betters Tim Duncan. I hate the Spurs by the way.

Jud Beuchler was an NBA champion. So was Bill Wennington. So was Dickie Simpkins. What's your point? Would adding these guy make them better? No, because they"ll be in their warmups the entire game. Being on a championship team doesn't necessarily mean that you're any good. I can see mentioning Sam Cassell because he actually contributed to Houston's championship runs. Mark Madsen was just a crowd-favorite bench warmer. You should have mentioned Sprewell's playoff experience, having been to the Finals and all, having been a contributor to the Knicks' playoff run.

You say that my ruling them out is laughable, yet you don't even have any real faith that they can win it all. I just know they won't. Second round at best. You're dreaming if you think they will get any further.

I'm tired of you saying how dominant Kevin Garnett is and how he matches and betters Tim Duncan. He can achieve dominant status when he starts winning in the playoffs. Regular season stuff doesn't count and it's not even a guarantee if they'll win the Midwest. The Spurs are only two games behind with 15 or so games left. They were able to steal the Midwest from Dallas last year. With Minnesota at the 3 seed , they could end up playing Memphis or even Dallas. At the 4, They could play LA. The only teams you could put a safe bet on them beating is Denver and Memphis. No, I wouldn't rule out Houston. Yao Ming is a pretty dominant player, too. Or at least he's getting there and it funny that now he is coming into his own, playing his best ball near the playoffs.

Don't hate the Spurs, man. The Wolves are a good team, but you have to become a great team by winning in the postseason. The 1993-94 Seattle SuperSonics had the best record in the league at 63-19. Were they a good team? Yes. Were they a great team? Hell no. They lost to an 8th seed, 42-40 Denver team and they are probably Seattle's most disappointing team ever.

I'll give them props when they win and only when they win. And didn't I tell you about mentioning Trent Hassell?

**The Outlaw** · 03-09-2004, 01:02 PM

Yeah, this year is the only year he has a point saying the T'Wolves will win, ya know, since they have more than KG

But, whether or not they WILL win, we will find out soon enough.

**BCWWF** · 03-09-2004, 04:48 PM

What about Trenton Hassell? That he is one of the top defensive guards in the league this season?

**BCWWF** · 03-09-2004, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveWadding

I am quoting this for future reference, in case the need to laugh at you arises later.

BTW, if you "hate the Spurs" then you can't be objective...which makes your opinions worthless.

Ladies and gentlemen!!! Its a miracle!! Dave has got ambition in his life! Someone get the champaigne!

**BCWWF** · 03-09-2004, 05:07 PM

Basically, your whole theory stinks. You need to have experience to win in the playoffs is basically what you are saying, so basically no new team can ever win in the playoffs. With this logic, the Jazz should still be trying to make a run to beat the Bulls in the NBA Finals. Wait though, those teams have changed, they no longer have the same players and are no longer good, so we won't be seeing them in the NBA Finals anytime soon.

Two years ago, the Nets made the NBA Finals for the first time in their franchise history, they had no playoff experience, how does that work with this logic? The Spurs hadn't done anything spectacular in the playoffs since 1999, but they took it all last year. Of course a team like Memphis isn't expected to go through the first round of the playoffs this year, that doesn't rule them out of going to the second round next year.

Both the Timberwolves and the Spurs totally changed their core players over the offseason. The Spurs added Rasho, Turkolu, and Ward as their biggest additions in the past year, none of those guys have proven that they can win a championship, especially Rasho who was a major part in all of the Timberwolves losses of the past. The Timberwolves, on the other hand, added Cassell, Sprewell, Olowokandi, Madsen, Johnson, Hoiberg, Oliver Miller, and Hassell. To judge a team who has changed all but four of their players from last year is cursed is just ignorant. The Timberwolves you are seeing in the playoffs is a team that you have never seen before, simple as that.

The whole key to the Spurs success will be Tony Parker, who more than anyone else being discussed in this topic at all has yet to proove himself in the playoffs. If Parker can play at his peak, he is almost unstoppable, the key word there is the if.

**DaveWadding** · 03-09-2004, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BCWWF

The Timberwolves, on the other hand, added Cassell, Sprewell, Olowokandi, Madsen, Johnson, Hoiberg, Oliver Miller, and Hassell.

I can't argue Spree and Alien, but Kandi, who's had his ass glued to the IL ALL YEAR? Mark Madsen and E.J who are scrubs? Hoiberg and Hassell who warmed the BULLS bench last year? Are you fucking kidding me?! BTW, how big is Oliver now? 400 lbs? 450?

**BCWWF** · 03-09-2004, 05:31 PM

Kandi is back for good now, but he is pretty much worthless at offense. The reason he is out there is because of his presence on defense, judging by his five blocks the other night, I think thats working out just fine.

Just wait until the playoffs, because unless you have seen the Timberwolves play a lot, you have no idea what is Trenton Hassell. He can't score worth, well you Dave, but he holds opposing shooters to such low percentages. Against Sacramento, Peja was shooting like 29% with two air balls on the night. Paul Pierce was like 10 for 23 or something the other night. Hassell can guard any of the best SG and SF's out there, whether its Kobe, AI, Pierce, Peja, put Hassell out there and he will slow them down all night.

**BCWWF** · 03-09-2004, 05:33 PM

I wasn't saying that all those guys were great players either, compare the Lakers third string center to Ollie Miller, or Fred Hoiberg. The only team that I would say is deeper is Memphis, because everyone on Minnesotas bench can play.

03-06-2004, 07:40 PM	#1
Shawn Posts: 438	NBA finals prediction thread!!! Yes my friends i know who is gunna be in the NBA Finals this year. Some of you may be asking," How the **** do you know " . Well the truth is i dont. I just wanted to write 2 dramatic lines about how i did. Anyhow. I didnt see a predictions thread about the NBA finals , and since we are getting to the home stretch i thought i would start one. One thing i would like to see is you guys elaborate a bit on your predictions. Give stats or reasoning. I hate 2 line posts that read like pistons lakers So here i go. First off the east. I'm from Indiana,but before people think i'm biased let me point some things out. First, All this talk about how a East team cant beat the West is BS. Theres 2 teams that can beat the west and thats INdiana and Detroit. There records prove me right. Indiana has the best record against the West in the league! Not only that they have the best recrod in the league , and guess what ! Ron Artest is back bitches! And he's good! Reggie miller is shooting the ball like he was in the early 90's and you know Reggie always shows up in the playoffs! Last year Reggie had the ankle injury that bothered him . So he was someone what of a no show. Also Indiana has what i think is the deepest bench in the league. Chroshere, Bender, Harrington, Johnson, Jones, K. Anderson, S. Pollard. These guys are some of the best bench players you can have and a couple of the would be starters on any other team. Kings bench is good but not as deep. The only team that stands in INdiana's way is detroit. GL detroit. Pistons are 0-3 against us this year. SO INdiana is my pick to come form the East. Heres the West. I'm not gunna offer stats or records for my pick from the west. Let me start by saying. You know how about every 4 years or so every sport has that one team that gets in the finals/series/bowl. That people always look and think," Where they come from "? Well here it is. I think the Houston Rockets are going to the Finals. Yes i said it. The Rockets. For some reason everytime i watch this team play on tv i feel as if there one of the l33t teams in the league. Ming dominates shaq for some reason. Francis seems as if he's ready to be a huge player in the playoffs, and Mobely has stopped taking the stupid shots to get his 20 a night and is passing it into Ming. Also Ming just looks as if he blends with these guys now. It wasnt like that last year. They have beef up fromt with Kato and Ming. They have a decent bench. I see them getting on a roll and going to the Finals. Indiana in 6. If Indiana gets home court throughout the playoffs they can beat any team in the west in 7 games.

03-06-2004, 09:14 PM	#5
loopydate FIT Challenge Slag People Posts: 13,816	LOL. Personally, I'd love a Pistons-T'Wolves final, but I imagine it'll be Pacers-Kings. Last edited by loopydate; 03-06-2004 at 09:15 PM. Reason: 1,600 posts. (Insert comment of elation here)

03-06-2004, 07:46 PM	#2
DaveWadding LIMITLESS Posts: 32,276	Shut the fuck up, you stupid homer.

03-06-2004, 07:50 PM	#3
Shawn Posts: 438	Could you elaborate on that?

03-06-2004, 09:04 PM	#4
DaveWadding LIMITLESS Posts: 32,276	Indiana is the best! Indiana has the best bench and the best record against Western Conference teams than anyone else! Did I mention some of the guys on our bench would be starting in other places? Detroit is no good against us! I mustered up all this bullshit about the Pacers, but I won't bother doing the same with my choice from the West! I just think the Rockets will make it. PACERS IN SIX!!!!! If they get home court they can handle anyone!!!" Shut the fuck up.

03-06-2004, 09:38 PM	#6
The Miz Clutch Poster Posts: 11,997	kings over pistons in 5

03-07-2004, 01:01 AM	#7
Jesus Shuttlesworth Posts: 42,765	Pacers - Lakers Lakers winnin it

03-07-2004, 01:12 AM	#8
Supreme Olajuwon You know that�s right Posts: 52,754	I picked the Pistons in the beginning and I'll stick with it There's always talk about West Coast big men and Sheed used to be one of them. Now him and Big Ben can be a force down low against a Shaq/Malone or Miller/CWebb/Vlade or whoever. I think the Kings will make it to the finals but I think Detroit matches up well against them. Billups is a good scoring point guard and Hamilton is a solid 2. Prince is obviously the weak link and Peja would just embarass him. Maybe Carmelo would have been a better choice eh Dumars? But yeah Pistons in 7

03-07-2004, 04:56 PM	#9
BCWWF The People's Member Posts: 18,092	It will be some form of Kings/T-Wolves vs. Pacers/Pistons, so quit your moaning.

03-07-2004, 05:34 PM	#11
Shawn Posts: 438	Stima i dont know about the Lakers getting there. Kobe is out for a month now. As i'm typing this there losing to the Nets without Jason Kidd, and on there home court. There somewhat old and they cant keep there 4 stars on the court at the same time. I think if there fully healthy there gunna get to the finals but i also think thats a big if. Supreme i agree Pistons worry me alot. They defenetly beefed up with the pickup of Bluntman ( sheed ) . I've always loved his game. I think Pistons Pacers series in the East finals will be a classic.

03-07-2004, 05:48 PM	#12
BCWWF The People's Member Posts: 18,092	Shawn, don't worry about Dave, nobody cares about him anyway.

03-07-2004, 06:01 PM	#14
BCWWF The People's Member Posts: 18,092	Well you're probably better off jumping on the Memphis bandwagon or something, because liking your home team is a crime to some of the guys here.

03-07-2004, 06:04 PM	#15
Shawn Posts: 438	Believe it or not i love Memphis. Man if Kobe gets on that team there gunna be a force in the west. They remind me of the Kings when the Kings were trying to beat the Jazz for like 3 years. I dont think its a coincidence that Jason Williams was on the Kings and is now on the Griz. He brings excitement and hope to these young teams IMO. I hope the Griz make it to the PLayoffs. Griz v.s Kings in the first round will be fun.

03-07-2004, 06:10 PM	#16
Supreme Olajuwon You know that�s right Posts: 52,754	Memphis could be a top 4 team in the East. An incredibly deep team They have a better 12 man roster than most teams in the NBA

03-07-2004, 07:17 PM	#17
BCWWF The People's Member Posts: 18,092	I wish the NBA could have figured out a way to keep New Orleans in the East and move Memphis to the East. Milwaukee could go West, nobody would notice

03-07-2004, 10:21 PM	#21
Jesus Shuttlesworth Posts: 42,765	Celts beat the T'wolves 2niiiiite

03-08-2004, 02:12 PM	#22
The Dub Dub loves the kids! Posts: 526	Here are my picks. With the East, I'm still not convinced that anyone in the East can beat New Jersey. It's really out of three teams: Indy, NJ, and Detroit. Most might count out NJ because people don't think they can possibly come out of the East yet again. Shawn, I agree that Indy has a chance, but if what happened last season is any indication of how they will perform in the playoffs this year, you will be very disappointed. There was no way they shoud have lost to Paul Pierce last year. That's right, Paul Pierce beat Indy almost single-handedly in the playoffs last year. In order for them to reach the Finals, J.O. has to be dominant. He needs to take his game to another level. He has the support, but he has to make it a point to be "the man". Detroit has always been an iffy team to me. Even with the addition of Rasheed Wallace, I still don't see them in the Finals. It's not like R. Wallace would give them such a great advantage at the 4. Given they make it far enough, he'll have to face either K-Mart or J.O. I just don't care for Chauncey Billups. Out of the three teams I mentioned, the Pistons would be my third pick. Which leads me to my pick. I pick NJ to three-peat as East champs for a few reasons. They have not changed their team much, so the guys who were there when they went to the Finals the last two years are still there. Another reason: Jason Kidd. The only player I can think of who can dominate the game without scoring a single point. I could say Ben Wallace, but he doesn't get his teammates involved. Kidd may be the reason why Lucious Harris is still in the league. Their bench isn't that great, but I like Aaron Williams and Harris. If they had another proven shooter, they'd definitely come out of the East. Of course, it's also easy to go with the team who has won the East the last two years. So my Eastern Conference Champion would be the New Jersey Nets. On to the West. First of all, I want to say who I definitely think will not win the West. That team is the Minnesota Timberwolves. There is just no way I would even think of picking a team with absolutely NO playoff success, no matter how much they have improved. The Spurs are on their asses, and even if they keep the 2 seed, they'll probably end up facing Houston, who I believe can beat them like they did the other night. Shawn, I like the Rockets, but I don't believe that they are championship contenders just yet. Yao is starting to become the dominating force everyone was expecting him to be. Steve Francis hasn't wowed me, so I don't know about him being ready to become a top playoff performer. Cat Mobley is taking better shots. It's good now that Steve and Cat don't have to do all the scoring. I believe that their best off-season acquisition was Jim Jackson. He has finally found a home in Houston and his veteran experience could help them in the palyoffs, Mark Jackson as well. Now on to the real contenders... Having shown what they can do with a low seeding, you have to consider the Lakers. Even though it may seem like their plans of sending a baby-Dream team and Rick Fox out on the floor and totally dominate has been foiled, eveyone knows LA saves their best for the playoffs. If they are seeded high enough, they should be able to dispose of their first-round opponent without either Kobe or Malone, except if it is Houston. They want to get back to where they were the three previous seasons. You just can't count out LA, no matter how much you don't like them. This year mey be Sac's best chance yet to finally make it to the Finals. With C-Webb back and Peja having an MVP-like season, they have the league's best record. That means homecourt advantage. That means having to go to one of the loudest arenas in the league, Arco Arena. They are not a good defensive team, but not as bad as Dallas, who I won't even consider (as much as I love them) because they traded Nick Van Exel, the man who burned the Kings last year. B.Miller is great. And you cannot forget Bobby Jackson. Vlade can foul the other team's center out with his great flopping ability. They have great chemistry and with two superstars on your team, yor chances are definitely good. Yes, I now consider Peja a superstar. The San Antonio Spurs. This team has one superstar, but they have everything it takes to win it all again. They finally faced their fear of the Lakers last season, but I think LA is more talented. The Spurs cannot compare to some of the West contenders in terms of talent, but they win. They are only 2 games behind Minnesota, who doesn't have a chance no matter how good their REGULAR SEASON is going. They were able to catch Dallas last year when it looked impossible. I believe they are going to do the same to the Wolves, even though the task isn't nearly as daunting as it was last year. They have Robert Horry. Defense wins championships and they allow 84.6 points per game. If they continue to allow those kind of numbers, though unlikely, they could be headed back to the Finals. Tough decision, but I think it is Sacramento's year. So my Western Conference Champions would be the Sacramento Kings. A Finals matchup between the Kings and Nets would be interesting. The Nets play good defense, but I don't think they can stop the Kings' firepower. This is why I think they really needed a shooter or someone off the bench not named Rodney Rogers who can score. You give New Jersey Nick Van Exel and they win. Since they don't have him, I'll have to go with the Kings. NBA Champion= Sacramento Kings

03-08-2004, 02:14 PM	#23
SuperSlim Oh Sht* Posts: 19,302	Detroit and Sacremento- Sacremento wins

03-08-2004, 02:20 PM	#25
TheJShow Jays Posts: 1,339	Toronto and Memphis - Toronto wins

03-08-2004, 04:00 PM	#28
BCWWF The People's Member Posts: 18,092	Wolverine, you made good points and everything, but I am not counting on the Spurs passing the second round. The only team that should for sure be in the Western finals is the Kings. If Tony Parker is playing, nobody can stay with him, but if he does what he did last year, they won't make it out of the second round. Your 100% ruling out of the Timberwolves is also laughable. Past playoff success means nothing when your second best guy is Troy Hudson. This year the Rockets will probably lose in the first round because there players aren't good enough, that doesn't mean they will lose again next year...and the year after that...etc etc. The Timberwolves teams that lost in the playoffs in the past included the likes of Joe Smith, Anthony Peeler, Rasho Nesterovic, Marc Jackson, Dean Garrett, a few others, they are all gone now. Now they have Sam Cassell (two time NBA champion, all-star this season), Latrell Sprewell, Michael Olowokandi, Trenton Hassell, and Mark Madsen (former NBA champion). To even compare those teams is rediculous. I am not saying the Timberwolves will win the NBA finals, make the NBA finals, or even make the Western Conference Finals, but I can guarantee you that without a doubt they will win their first round of the playoffs this year. Kevin Garnett is easilly the best and most dominant player in the league, he has a supporting cast much more talented than Tim Duncan does, and in a SI coaches poll, they were voted as having the best zone defence in the league, no other team even got votes. So when it all comes down to it, the Wolves have a good defense and a player who matches and betters Tim Duncan. I hate the Spurs by the way.

03-08-2004, 06:58 PM	#29
The Show Off Total Non-Stop Apologist Posts: 4,430	New Jersey Nets versus Los Angles Lakers And it will suck so bad. I hate Jason Kidd, his retarded son and his wife beating ways. And I can't complain about the Lakers because I'm a Yankee fan, and the Lakers are the basketball Yankees. However in basketball if you have the most talent on your team you win. I can't wait until Shaq retires because I'm sick of this shit.

03-08-2004, 07:03 PM	#30
Rain Man MoeFREAK Posts: 1,682	Lakers-Pacers Lakers in 7

03-09-2004, 12:27 AM	#31
BCWWF The People's Member Posts: 18,092	The Lakers don't have all the talent. The Kings and Mavericks are both much more talented and they have better chemistry. Unless the Lakers go back to early season form when Malone gets back, they aren't going anywhere fast.

03-09-2004, 01:02 PM	#34
The Outlaw Unofficial Legend Posts: 11,931	Yeah, this year is the only year he has a point saying the T'Wolves will win, ya know, since they have more than KG But, whether or not they WILL win, we will find out soon enough.

03-09-2004, 04:48 PM	#35
BCWWF The People's Member Posts: 18,092	What about Trenton Hassell? That he is one of the top defensive guards in the league this season?

03-09-2004, 05:07 PM	#37
BCWWF The People's Member Posts: 18,092	Basically, your whole theory stinks. You need to have experience to win in the playoffs is basically what you are saying, so basically no new team can ever win in the playoffs. With this logic, the Jazz should still be trying to make a run to beat the Bulls in the NBA Finals. Wait though, those teams have changed, they no longer have the same players and are no longer good, so we won't be seeing them in the NBA Finals anytime soon. Two years ago, the Nets made the NBA Finals for the first time in their franchise history, they had no playoff experience, how does that work with this logic? The Spurs hadn't done anything spectacular in the playoffs since 1999, but they took it all last year. Of course a team like Memphis isn't expected to go through the first round of the playoffs this year, that doesn't rule them out of going to the second round next year. Both the Timberwolves and the Spurs totally changed their core players over the offseason. The Spurs added Rasho, Turkolu, and Ward as their biggest additions in the past year, none of those guys have proven that they can win a championship, especially Rasho who was a major part in all of the Timberwolves losses of the past. The Timberwolves, on the other hand, added Cassell, Sprewell, Olowokandi, Madsen, Johnson, Hoiberg, Oliver Miller, and Hassell. To judge a team who has changed all but four of their players from last year is cursed is just ignorant. The Timberwolves you are seeing in the playoffs is a team that you have never seen before, simple as that. The whole key to the Spurs success will be Tony Parker, who more than anyone else being discussed in this topic at all has yet to proove himself in the playoffs. If Parker can play at his peak, he is almost unstoppable, the key word there is the if.

03-09-2004, 05:31 PM	#39
BCWWF The People's Member Posts: 18,092	Kandi is back for good now, but he is pretty much worthless at offense. The reason he is out there is because of his presence on defense, judging by his five blocks the other night, I think thats working out just fine. Just wait until the playoffs, because unless you have seen the Timberwolves play a lot, you have no idea what is Trenton Hassell. He can't score worth, well you Dave, but he holds opposing shooters to such low percentages. Against Sacramento, Peja was shooting like 29% with two air balls on the night. Paul Pierce was like 10 for 23 or something the other night. Hassell can guard any of the best SG and SF's out there, whether its Kobe, AI, Pierce, Peja, put Hassell out there and he will slow them down all night.

03-09-2004, 05:33 PM	#40
BCWWF The People's Member Posts: 18,092	I wasn't saying that all those guys were great players either, compare the Lakers third string center to Ollie Miller, or Fred Hoiberg. The only team that I would say is deeper is Memphis, because everyone on Minnesotas bench can play.