NBA playoffs are just around the corner, so you know what that means! Yes, long awaited playoff articles describing how losing the first game spells doom for any team, and how one player could be the deciding factor while we all sit back, and laugh at how one sided bloggers get. Well with the playoffs starting next Sunday, I think it’s time we run down the last week of regular season action in the NBA.
The Eastern conference is loaded with good teams in the playoffs. The teams they face in the first round aren’t as talented. Let’s start off with the one seed.
The Chicago Bulls who all but have the Eastern Conference locked up, are led by the MVP Derrick Rose, (who hasn’t claimed the award, but c’mon, he’s as sure a lock as Ricky Rubio tanking in the NBA) and his supporting cast of self-less role players such as Carlos Boozer, Joakim Noah, Luol Deng, and so on. They would matchup against the Indiana Pacers who managed to creep into the playoff picture thanks to the play of Danny Granger and up-start, hot and cold center Roy Hibbert. Many already have the Bulls moving into the second round, but you never know with the eight seed. Look out west a few years back when the Mavs were the top team, and had to play the Warriors who just managed to get into the playoffs. Golden State took it to Dallas, and left with the win. Indiana is a great basketball town, so you can never count out the fans. Chicago takes it though with Rose leading the way. Bulls win the series 4-1
The second matchup is still undecided as either the Boston Celtics or the Miami Heat could secure the two seed. The opponent for that seed is the Philadelphia 76ers who have come on strong this season, with new Head Coach Doug Collins leading the way. The team is focused on defense, and is playing an all-around game. They have had success against top teams this year and could surprise a team that tries to overlook them. If the Boston Celtics get the two seed this series could be a good one, as the 76ers are young enough to try and run the Celtics out the gym, as Boston would try to use their experience over the younger opposition. If the Heat were to end up with the two seed, the series could become an up and down series with the two teams using a fast paced run and gun game. The results could be different for both teams. Boston would win 4-2, while the Heat would win 4-1.
Now the same story with the six seeded New York Knicks. They could wind up playing either Boston or Miami, and if it were up to them, they would prefer the Knicks. The season series ended in a tie, compared to Boston winning out 3-1. The Knicks are able to play the Heat well with both Amare Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony. Against the Celtics, the Heat would struggle to contain all the impact players, especially Rajon Rondo who although has been struggling, could still get by Chauncey Billups. If the Knicks get the Heat, the series could be a classic, as both teams could face chemistry issues during the tough times of adversity. Boston would win 4-2, Knicks would win 4-3 against the Heat.
Now the four and five seeds, the rematch from last year. The Magic take on the Hawks in what could start a rivalry between the two franchises, continuing on from what happened last year. Last year in the second round of the playoffs the Magic completely destroyed the Atlanta Hawks, sweeping the playoff series 4-0, sending the Hawks into complete confusion on what they could do to improve. This year, the Hawks look pretty much the same as last year, just swapping out Kirk Heinrich for Mike Bibby, while the Magic looks completely different. With the trades made this season, the Magic now have Hedo Turkoglu in for Vince Carter, and Jason Richardson in at the shooting guard position. The Magic live and die by the three, and aren’t as stable as they were last year. This means it won’t be a sweep for either team, but quite a good matchup. The difference is that Orlando has home court in the series and will use it to their advantage. The Magic win the series 4-2.
Now the East is predictable as you know what each team will produce come playoff time. The first round especially as the lower seeded teams are just happy to make the playoffs while the higher seeded teams know how to send them home early. The West is where the upsets happen, with every team hungry to take a higher seed out.
The problem with the West is that every seed is still undetermined except the Spurs and the Lakers. The rest of the seeds are still fighting for positioning and could alter all the matchups.
Anyways, time for awards. Let’s get to it!
MVP: Derrick Rose
Is this really a surprise to anyone? The media has blown him up to the point where he really seems like a human fathead. His stats are great, and he has the Bulls on top of the East when everyone just expected them to progress from last year. Sadly, the rest of the NBA players didn’t really establish anything, and because the award has to be handed out, he gets to walk away with it. Enjoy the trophy Rose, you probably won’t be holding another one this season, realistically.
Coach of the Year: Erik Spoelstra
What other coach has had to worry about his boss taking his job at any point in the season, and still have his team within reach of the two seed in the East? The Heat have had problems all season, but one person who has remained consistent in what they preach has been their head coach. Spoelstra has the Heat looking good, regardless of the issues they have together. Sure, more was expected with having LeBron and Wade on the same team, and sure let’s throw in Chris Bosh into the mix, but you can’t just win games like that. Spoelstra has the rest of the team fitting in, and he’s working with what he has. He earned it this year, respectively.
Rookie of the Year: Wesley Johnson…. Ahh gotcha, Blake Griffin.
Griffin had the award won, six games into the regular season. Is there really anything else to be said? He made the Clippers relevant again, and has them hopeful. Hell, maybe now they’ll get a new owner, and actually do something in the league.
Sixth Man of the Year: Lamar Odom
In all honesty, yes he has been the best player coming off the bench for the Lakers, but he’s come off the bench in basically half the games, and started the other half. Regardless, he’s having a career year in Los Angeles, and has put up numbers that have helped the Lakers improve this year. The only way LO doesn’t win this award is if the voters say that he’s started too many games to be considered, otherwise the award goes to Glen Davis. It’s all about exposure people.
Defensive Player of the Year: Dwight Howard
Why? Because he is Dwight Howard, arguably the best center in the game and will continue to be for years to come. Plus he plays defense, and takes a beating every night. Plus he isn’t on the Knicks.
Most Improved Player: Michael Conley Jr.
Mainly because everyone else stayed mediocre, or just didn’t care. Conley actually proved he can play in the NBA this year, and helped the Grizzlies make the playoffs while being an impact player.
Least Valuable Player of the Year: Travis Outlaw
Literally, the Nets fans chanted “M-V-P” while he was at the free throw line. When you suck that bad, that your own fans make fun of you at the line, you have no value. It’s the sad truth. Maybe next year buddy.
While the West is still sorting itself out, we can all enjoy what basketball is left over the next week. Then the real season begins, and the officiating gets much worse. To the teams that are out of the playoffs, you guys can still make teams mad (especially out West) with some crazy wins. Here’s to the NBA.