Official NBA Playoffs Thread (Predictions Welcome!)

[Miramonti]

The "next Jordan" is generally referring to a dominating, marketable superstar. LBJ fits that mold better than anyone since Jordan, except that he has no rings. Kobe hasn't really fit that role because of his - let's call them "personality quirks". Besides, I get the impression Kobe doesn't care too much about his marketability.

Kobe's got the #1 jersey sales, and as long as he keeps winning and closing out games like tonight, he's the face of the league imo.

Lebron's personality is definitely more marketable, but he lacks a lot more than rings. Kobe's killer instinct is the most revered and respected (tonight was a perfect example why), and it's a stark contrast to James' offensive performance when the game was on the line in the 4th quarter.

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

Hahaha YES I knew he sounded familiar.

And Dragic reminds me of Sarunas Marciulionis, although Sarunas was stronger.

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

Kobe's got the #1 jersey sales, and as long as he keeps winning and closing out games like tonight, he's the face of the league imo.

Lebron's personality is definitely more marketable, but he lacks a lot more than rings. Kobe's killer instinct is the most revered and respected (tonight was a perfect example why), and it's a stark contrast to James' offensive performance when the game was on the line in the 4th quarter.

It's not just the league, though. It's Gatorade, and Nike, etc. And those kinds of endorsements reflect back on the NBA. Kobe is nowhere near the cultural icon that Jordan is.

Kobe's killer instinct wasn't always where it is now. It was just a few years ago that he was actively looking to quit on the Lakers, rather than try to take the team to the next level. If it's taken Kobe a dozen years to attain the level of greatness that he now has, then we should accord LBJ the same consideration when comparing the two players.

 

[Ballatician]

Kobe's got the #1 jersey sales, and as long as he keeps winning and closing out games like tonight, he's the face of the league imo.

Lebron's personality is definitely more marketable, but he lacks a lot more than rings. Kobe's killer instinct is the most revered and respected (tonight was a perfect example why), and it's a stark contrast to James' offensive performance when the game was on the line in the 4th quarter.

I hope the 4th quarter you are referring to isn't from the Boston series...I have a few possible theories on that one but it doesn't change that he averaged more 4th quarter points than Kobe all season. I respect Kobe's killer instinct, though it has hurt his teams in the past when he has tried to do too much but lets not forget what LeBron has done, for example against the very good defense of the Pistons a few years ago.

The shots Kobe was hitting tonight were ridiculous and while I don't really see him as the face of the league, his is the team to beat. Does his #1 jersey sales have anything to do with the number change? maybe that was a while back...don't remember

 

[Miramonti]

And Dragic reminds me of Sarunas Marciulionis, although Sarunas was stronger.

No way you posted that w/o looking up how to spell his last name.

Sarunas was an awesome player. Very smart, aggressive, relentless, played both sides of the court (not common on Nellie's teams, lol). Too bad his knees gave out. While he played, he shot 50%.

I can't say I see him in dragic, but they are both tough players who play better the more shots to the head they take.

 

[Miramonti]

I hope the 4th quarter you are referring to isn't from the Boston series...I have a few possible theories on that one but it doesn't change that he averaged more 4th quarter points than Kobe all season. I respect Kobe's killer instinct, though it has hurt his teams in the past when he has tried to do too much but lets not forget what LeBron has done, for example against the very good defense of the Pistons a few years ago.

The shots Kobe was hitting tonight were ridiculous and while I don't really see him as the face of the league, his is the team to beat. Does his #1 jersey sales have anything to do with the number change? maybe that was a while back...don't remember

Kobe is a more mature player, and I think he's doing everything he can for his team to shine these days than to make highlight reels.

As for Lebron, the pistons series, one of the most awesome playoff performances I've seen (24? in the 4th quarter?? )

But wtf, we saw NONE of that 'pure abuse' in this year's playoffs. It was actually pretty shocking imo...his jumper in traffic sucked, particularly late in the 4th.

 

[Ballatician]

Kobe is a more mature player, and I think he's doing everything he can for his team to shine these days than to make highlight reels.

As for Lebron, the pistons series, one of the most awesome playoff performances I've seen (24? in the 4th quarter?? )

But wtf, we saw NONE of that 'pure abuse' in this year's playoffs. It was actually pretty shocking imo...his jumper in traffic sucked, particularly late in the 4th.

All the more reason that I think something was seriously amiss in those last couple games. He was willingly giving the ball up everytime it was in his hands. Either a much more serious injury than previously thought or unease due to a slight first injury, something off the court, or outside manipulation IMO.

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

No way you posted that w/o looking up how to spell his last name.

Sarunas was an awesome player. Very smart, aggressive, relentless, played both sides of the court (not common on Nellie's teams, lol). Too bad his knees gave out. While he played, he shot 50%.

I can't say I see him in dragic, but they are both tough players who play better the more shots to the head they take.

Hell, I couldn't even spell his 1st name w/o looking it up! D:

Dragic reminds me of Sarunas because of his herky-jerky style of play and his determination. I agree that Dragic isn't as good, and Sarunas was bigger, and a better defender.

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

All the more reason that I think something was seriously amiss in those last couple games. He was willingly giving the ball up everytime it was in his hands. Either a much more serious injury than previously thought or unease due to a slight first injury, something off the court, or outside manipulation IMO.

I think that LBJ was not giving a 100% effort to win against the Celtics once he realized the Celtics were really good. No doubt he was hurting, but I think losing to a championship-caliber team fits in the with whatever plan he and his "inner circle" came up with.

 

[Ballatician]

I think that LBJ was not giving a 100% effort to win against the Celtics once he realized the Celtics were really good. No doubt he was hurting, but I think losing to a championship-caliber team fits in the with whatever plan he and his "inner circle" came up with.

That is what I'm afraid of and as a fan of basketball and the type of game he possesses, it sucks.

 

[Miramonti]

All the more reason that I think something was seriously amiss in those last couple games. He was willingly giving the ball up everytime it was in his hands. Either a much more serious injury than previously thought or unease due to a slight first injury, something off the court, or outside manipulation IMO.

For his sake, I hope you're right. It was disappointing. If he has surgery on his elbow, we'll know. If he stays with the cavs, but delonte west is shipped out...we'll know.

 

[Miramonti]

Hell, I couldn't even spell his 1st name w/o looking it up! D:

Dragic reminds me of Sarunas because of his herky-jerky style of play and his determination. I agree that Dragic isn't as good, and Sarunas was bigger, and a better defender.

Haha.

After thinking about it, I can see where you might have drawn the comparison...Sarunas would drive aggressively, not always the most graceful, and improvise once he got into the paint to get the shot up over, around, or under people. And both have a fantastic touch and play(ed) with no fear. Dragic (as was Sarunas) is a lot of fun to watch.

 

[techforums]

From tragic to dragic, he has dramatically improved. Hopefully, this happens every year.

 

[wkabel23]

Agree about Dudley. I liked the defense he was playing and not only that but don't take out Dragic when he's hot. Barbosa wasn't making great decisions so replace him but not the whole unit. It takes 1 or 2 possessions to get back into the game and the starters were sitting for like 6 minutes.

Dudley was one of my favorite players in college and I was really impressed by him this series. Very hard-working player.

Yeah, Barbosa has yet to regain his pre-injury form. He had a couple of 3s that he hesitated, stepped in and took the long 2. Yes, the Lakers close out, but you can draw a foul on a hard close out (even if it isn't actually a foul...ask Fish).

I would have liked to see Nash and Dragic in the 4th. The most interesting question is whether the Suns would have won had they kept the bench in the game. Dragic had that fire in his eyes. To be fair, Gentry relied on his starters--his veterans--and they let him down. Grant Hill was a huge disappointment in such an important game.

I don't know how the Suns could expect to coast through the first 40 minutes of the game and bring the intensity in the last 8 and expect to win.

Props to artest for backing up his "OMG i'm being disrespected" attitude.

Unfortunately, we now have a Celtics-Lakers finals and a bunch of tools in Boston and LA foaming at the mouth about their crap teams and cities.

 

[libertyl]

Yeah, Barbosa has yet to regain his pre-injury form. He had a couple of 3s that he hesitated, stepped in and took the long 2. Yes, the Lakers close out, but you can draw a foul on a hard close out (even if it isn't actually a foul...ask Fish).

I would have liked to see Nash and Dragic in the 4th. The most interesting question is whether the Suns would have won had they kept the bench in the game. Dragic had that fire in his eyes. To be fair, Gentry relied on his starters--his veterans--and they let him down. Grant Hill was a huge disappointment in such an important game.

I don't know how the Suns could expect to coast through the first 40 minutes of the game and bring the intensity in the last 8 and expect to win.

Props to artest for backing up his "OMG i'm being disrespected" attitude.

Unfortunately, we now have a Celtics-Lakers finals and a bunch of tools in Boston and LA foaming at the mouth about their crap teams and cities.

Man sounds like a lot of sour grapes. But you Suns fans should be used to this

 

[Ns1]

Unfortunately, we now have a Celtics-Lakers finals and a bunch of tools in Boston and LA foaming at the mouth about their crap teams

crap teams with multiple rings and playing in another NBA finals


What team are you rooting for again?

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

Unfortunately, we now have a Celtics-Lakers finals and a bunch of tools in Boston and LA foaming at the mouth about their crap teams and cities.

All that the other teams had to do was win, and yet they couldn't. So I guess it's the other 28 teams that are "crap".

 

[Miramonti]

Finals start Thursday.

Lakers in 6.

They are stronger physically and mentally than '08, and the celtics aren't (Powe destroyed the lakers in '08, plays for cleveland now) Rondo will be a relentless b!tch, but on the other hand, Artest will make Pierce work on every single play.

Kobe now gets to guard Ray Allen and not be abused by Pierce's size.

Gasol is stronger and more relentless than in '08, altho both he and Bynum will be abused by Perkins at times. Garnett is 2 years older afaic, and won't be as strong as in '08 imo.

Until yesterday (2), Kobe was averaging almost 10 apg's against the suns. He's probably playing the best 'winning basketball' of his career. Throw in a guy like Odom, who's capable of 19 pts/reb in a single game...the lakers match up very well against the celtics. However Tony Allen will do some damage for the celts.

Anyhow, I'm excited for the series. Two legitimate power teams, both very well coached, playing true 'championship-caliber basketball', going head to head. Would love to even see a game 7. :thumbsup:

 

[TurtleCrusher]

Lakers in 5. Sad, but Boston collapses here.

<<From a Blazers fan.

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

11 point lead at the end of the first, 21 to start the 4th, never less than 14 down the stretch...just saying.

Beat LA!

Congrats on the lucky guess. Bad Orlando managed to show up after it looked like they were banished. Plenty of college teams could have beaten Orlando that night.

Good luck with Boston beating LA. I'd like to see it happen because I'd rather the Eastern Conference take home the championship. However, they'd have to play at least 3 games out of their minds, like they did against the Magic, and I don't believe Boston can do that two series in a row.

 

[preCRT]

in 7 games

 

[zerocool84]

LeBron cannot be even in the same paragraph let alone same sentence as Kobe or Jordan until he wins a couple rings. This playoffs and him giving up has shown his immaturity and lack of killer instinct. Hell look at last year and him just running off the court without giving props to the Magic when they beat him. He still has a lot of growing up to do.

 

[marrr]

Boston in 6 or 7 games!

 

[JJChicken]

in 4 games

Fixed :sneaky:

 

[MotF Bane]

Boston in five. They won't lose in the Garden.