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I think there are a few teams that cannot be dismissed as contenders to go to the Finals.
-OKC: I am not crazy open Perkins as a starting C nor do I like their lack-of low-post scoring option but they have good individual defensive players. Durant has improved. Westbrook is not an ideal PG because he isn't the most willing passer at times but always seems to make the right play and get the ball to Durant in the clutch.
-DAL: Chandler is gone but their defensive numbers have become even more efficient per-possession. It is actually their offense which has struggled (Chandler is a far more threatening scorer than Haywood because of his athleticism catch would-be lobs and what he did on the offensive boards). They miss J.J. Barea and Kidd seems older than even a year ago. But they can get back to the Finals.
-MEM: Beat SAS last year with George Hill and Antonio McDyess and have the third best record in the conference despite Zach Randolph not playing at all (remember when ESPN said that Z-Bo would be just as valuable as Rose? I do).
-SAS: Manu hasn't been there most of the year yet they have the second best record in the West. And when they lost to Memphis last year, Ginobili had a broken arm. They have a chance...
-LAL: Very, VERY outside chance. They need a PG but if they get one, they can get back to the Finals. Great rebounding team and they play good defense at 4 positions (not PG- especially with Blake on the floor). When Fisher is on the floor, their offense tanks.
-LAC & DEN: Not good enough defensively to make it all the way to the Finals I don't think but deserve some mention. They could do damage in the playoffs.
Thoughts?
-OKC: I am not crazy open Perkins as a starting C nor do I like their lack-of low-post scoring option but they have good individual defensive players. Durant has improved. Westbrook is not an ideal PG because he isn't the most willing passer at times but always seems to make the right play and get the ball to Durant in the clutch.
-DAL: Chandler is gone but their defensive numbers have become even more efficient per-possession. It is actually their offense which has struggled (Chandler is a far more threatening scorer than Haywood because of his athleticism catch would-be lobs and what he did on the offensive boards). They miss J.J. Barea and Kidd seems older than even a year ago. But they can get back to the Finals.
-MEM: Beat SAS last year with George Hill and Antonio McDyess and have the third best record in the conference despite Zach Randolph not playing at all (remember when ESPN said that Z-Bo would be just as valuable as Rose? I do).
-SAS: Manu hasn't been there most of the year yet they have the second best record in the West. And when they lost to Memphis last year, Ginobili had a broken arm. They have a chance...
-LAL: Very, VERY outside chance. They need a PG but if they get one, they can get back to the Finals. Great rebounding team and they play good defense at 4 positions (not PG- especially with Blake on the floor). When Fisher is on the floor, their offense tanks.
-LAC & DEN: Not good enough defensively to make it all the way to the Finals I don't think but deserve some mention. They could do damage in the playoffs.
Thoughts?
