In the Finals or Gone Fishin’
June 4th, 2009 by ChaI-WalaThe Finalists
Orlando Magic
Truth be told, the Magic have exceeded all expectations. Regardless of what happens in the finals this has been a very….very successful season. They seamlessly weathered the loss of their all star point guard and rode superman all the way to the finals rolling over the favored Cleveland Cavaliers. It remains to be seen how the Lakers Big men handle the beast that is Dwight Howard. Plus having a reputation as being soft doesnt help against the most dominant center in the game today. My problem with the Magc is that they live and die by the 3. They have lived so far, no point changing what has worked for you so far.
Side Notes
word on the street is that Jameer Nelson might play in the finals. I personally think thats a bad idea..as i said earlier, no point in changing the formula that got you to the finals in the first place.
Los Angeles Lakers
Its common knowledge in the NBA that one of the hardest things to do is win back to back championships..just ask the spurs, heat, and celtics…what noone mentioned was that it is even harder for the looser in the finals to make it back the next year. So having said that Kudos to Kobe Bryant and the Lakers for making it back to the finals. The lakers are the favorites to win the championship this year. They do have issues that concern me..their lack of focus in general and inconsistent defense. Now give the Magic any one of those 2 and they will make you pay dearly for it. I like to say that this championship is the Laker’s to loose.
Side Notes
Kobe has a chance to increase his standings in the Jordan – Kobe comparisons, and to give the Laker and Kobe haters one less piece of Amo to use against him. Kobe NEEDS this!!!
Consolation Prizes
Cleveland Cavaliers
Boy..how much more do we appreciate the greatness that is Lebron James after that walloping by the Magic. The Cavs were the favorites to win the championship this season , but after that series it became blatantly obvious how much Lebron masked this teams deficiencies. Too small in the back court, too old in the front court, no scoring ANYWHERE. Mo Williams should be grateful for the all star selection he had this season because he wont be smelling it for a long time. the guard spots in the east will be held down for years to come by point guard phenoms Rajon Rondo and Derick Rose who did what Mo Williams couldn’t do in the playoffs..Raise their level of play!
Side Notes
This upcoming off season will be the most important off season in Cavaliers history because what the Cavs do with their Roster will greatly affect where Lebron plays in the 2010 – 2011 season. Dont….DONT mess this up Danny Ferry.
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets were probably the 3rd best team in the playoffs this year. Chaucey Billups showed the effect of his leadership on Carmelo Anthony and JR Smith and boy was it fun to behold. Carmelo showed that he can be one of the most complete and unstoppable players in the League. He raised his defense to an applaudable level and showed the world that he could score with the best of them (Kobe Bryant). JR Smith showed us aspects of his game we have never seen before. Playing beautiful defense and making jaw-dropping passes off the penetration..while still being a sizzling threat from 3 – point range. Bottom line is this…the Nuggets impressed the hell outta me. Now if only they had a tall big man that could protect the post and guard the 7 footers….oh wait they had one in Marcus Camby but traded him for peanuts 
Side Notes
Expect the Nuggets to contend again next year, they have tasted the blood of success and they believe they are one of the best teams in the league, thats half the job done right there. They really need to address finding a more reliable backup to Chauncey. I love Anthony Carter..but dude is NOT cutting it!
On the Outside looking in
Boston Celtics
With Rajon Rondo emerging as a bonafide all star point guard, the Big 3 just became the Fantastic 4. There is no other team in the league that is as dominant in 4 out of the 5 positions like Boston is. Big Baby Davis will start on a lot of teams in the NBA. Having him comming off the bench is pure luxury. I FULLY expect the Celtics to contend for another championshp next season.