Picking the 2005 NBA Final Four

It's never too early to talk about the NBA. Training camp opens in less than two weeks and I can hardly wait! The NBA has long been a copy cat league, and this past season has seen more NBA stars change hands than Paris Hilton has had sleeping partners. Almost every coach was replaced in the Eastern conference, Chris Webber says he needs to be "more selfish(?)," and the Shaq and Kobe feud is at full boil. Fans will definitely continue to have lots to chat about on talk radio. Perhaps the more intriguing question is, "Who has the best shot of getting to the finals this year?" Allow me, if you will, to make the case for the NBA Final Four .

From the Easter Conference...

• Miami - Let's face it. It's all about Shaq. The best inside presence has shifted from the Western conference to the East, and he's on a mission. Shaq is reportedly in great shape and has a chip on his shoulder. Coupled with upstart Dwayne Wade, and veterans Eddie Jones, Wesley Person, and Damon Jones, they have the components of a devastating inside-outside threat. Expect the offense to start with Dwayne Wade, but expect it to finish with season career highs for Shaq. I feel for the other teams in the Eastern Conference. Up until now, every playoff slot has pretty much been up for grabs. Not anymore. Look for Miami to be a lock for to go deep into the playoffs.
• Detroit - Detroit is the team equivalent of Rodney Dangerfield. They (still) get no respect. Their beating L.A. was viewed by many as an aberration. A result of Shaq and Kobe not having focus. Not true. Detroit proved that defense in the NBA still wins championships. Detroit still has the best players that you've never heard of. Go ahead and try to name their starting five without looking in the paper or online! The only name you really need to know is that of hall of fame coach Larry Brown. He's the best coach in the NBA. No question.

From the Western Conferences...

• Houston - Yao Ming, T-Mac, Bobby Sura, Juwan Howard, and Jim Jackson make Houston this year's white hot talent squad. To back them up, Coach Jeff Van Gundy has stocked Houston with his former New York Knicks team for added toughness: Clarence Weatherspoon, Charlie Ward, Mark Jackson, Dikembe Mutombo, and Patrick Ewing. Okay, Patrick's coaching the big man, but don't tell me he's not lacing them up with his old teammates in practice. There's no question that Houston's front line is locked and loaded with talent. There are also no room for excuses this year, coach. This is your year.
• Denver - With all they hype surrounding LeBron--Nike commercials, Rookie of the year, etc.--it still amazes me how the 'Mello and Dwayne Wade got overlooked. Last I checked, those two were in the playoffs! Denver's line-up is much improved. Start with Carmello, mix in some Kenyon Martin and Andre Miller, and top it off with Marcus Camby and Nene. Simply put, I really like what Denver has done to improve their low-post game. Don't be surprised to see Denver knocking off Minnesota to get to the Western Conference final.

A note about teams in the NBA would not be complete without talking about the good, the bad, and the ugly:

• The Good: Teams ready to explode:...the Utah Jazz...Orlando Magic...Minnesota Timberwolves
• The Bad: Teams ready to implode...Philadelphia 76ers...New Jersey Nets...Sacramento Kings
• The Ugly: Look for a troubling sophmore year for LeBron James. The Cavs management simply haven't put enough talent around the kid. Lucious Harris? Scott Williams? Lineman...err...Center Robert Traylor? Are you kidding me!?

Finally, some parting thoughts on guys I'll always root for:

• Alonzo Mourning - I love and respect this guy's intensity for the game--even when his team played my beloved Knicks. That said, I really hope his health is stable enough to withstand the rigors of an 82-game season. I'd hate to see the powerful 'Zo I remember finish his career looking like a bum because he couldn't come to grips with a game that has passed him physically. Besides, if and when he decides to hang up the shoes, he'll be a much better color commentator than former teammate, Tim Hardaway.
• Grant Hill - Here's a guy that the NBA should be marketing as comeback player of the decade. With the possible exceptions of Alonzo and Sean Elliot, has anyone been on the comeback trail longer than Grant Hill? T-Mac couldn't wait any longer and demanded a trade, but now the Magic have Steve Francis. Grant says the nagging ankle is finally ready to go. I just hope he mentors Steve to play with the class and dignity that Grant always has. Grant deserves to succeed. Good luck!

Peace,

+THINKER