awesome Justin, but I am old and they are still to me
the
which included 3 players I loved:
Muggsy Bogues, Manute Bole &
Bernard King
I post that pic in particular cuz there was a year when he almost single handedly beat us*, denying us the best record in the NBA
and we fell to the Celtics in the finals
so yeah, out of the East, go Bul, err, Wizards!
*=when I say "us" I mean Lakers, for if you scratch my skin, you will find Laker "purple & gold" underneath
Yes, I remember the Bullets! It was really cool when Muggsy & Manute played together. The tallest guy in the NBA and the shortest guy in the NBA.
Actually, I think he was the shortest guy in NBA history! It's a shame Manute died so young. And I remember Bernard King! I liked him a whole lot better than today's "King." I'm just not a fan of "King" James. Hopefully someone knocks the crown off his head this year. In the East I think the Bulls, Brooklyn Nets, and Pacers can beat the Heat in the playoffs. In the West I think the Thunder, Warriors ( can't believe I just wrote that,) Clippers ( they have work to do though,) & your Lakers can do it! If Kobe, Pau (sp?), & Steve Nash can all stay healthy I think they can do some serious damage. And I think Nick Young can be a nice addition. He's got some game. My Uncle is a huge Lakers fan too. Lol, I like your description about scratching your skin and finding Laker purple & gold underneath. I'm sure my Uncle feels the same way.
Just my two cents, but I'm not buying into the Knicks and Grizzlies at all this year. However, if Amare can get healthy the Knicks could make some noise. I like the addition of Metta World Peace! However, I'm just not buying into Carmelo & especially J.R. Smith. With ballhogs like that championships simply are not won. These guys are not George Mikan, Michael Jordan, or Kobe Bryant. Those guys are "ballhogs" who have flat out delivered. Carmelo doesn't hold a candle to these gentlemen. Heck, I'd take Dominique Wilkins over him. Carmelo is the number one reason I abandoned the Nuggets. I just got tired of him. I think he's a good human being but I'm just not fond of his game. As for J.R. Smith, he couldn't hold a candle to Byron Scott. I'd take Byron Scott in a minute over his overrated ass. Also, Kobe has become a better passer for sure! Jordan did as well, later in his career. And of course Jordan played his last couple of years with the Wiz.
*-(added writing)- I use the term "pick-n-pop" way too much in the writing underneath this. Two weeks ago I heard an interview with Jalen Rose on sports radio, and he said, "the most important play in today's NBA is the 17 foot pick-n-pop." Basically the "pick-n-roll" Stockton & Malone used so successfully in all those years with the Jazz.
-The Spurs had a great run last year ,but they are a year older. I just don't see it. *-(added writing)- They can't be ruled out. I dismissed them too easily. However, I have a lot of doubts that the league's oldest team can make one more run.
-The Celtics are a total disaster. They're putting their entire organization into the hands of Rondo & Jeff Green. What the f***?
-The Griz were awesome last year but they lost a great coach in Lionel Hollins. Heck, they may not even make the playoffs.
-The Nuggets fired George Karl and let Andre Igwuodola (sp?) skate away in free agency. Totally ridiculous. I don't see them in the mix.
-I like the Pistons! A lot! I think they have the biggest front line in the history of organized hoops. Good Lord! When Josh Smith is playing the 3 you know there is some serious timber in Motown. Smith at the 3, the underrated Greg Monroe at the 4, and Andre "Baby Face" Drummond in the post.... as my Grandma would say, "Heavenly Days McGee!" Plus they just traded for the Bucks point guard, whose name escapes me at the moment. All I know is dude can play. I can see the Pistons getting the 7 or 8 spot in the East and maybe pulling a first round TKO.
-I'm loving me some Cavaliers. Kyrie Irving is hitting "j's" on a dime and dishing and dashing all over the damn court. Plus they got the #1 pick in the draft, Mr. Anthony Bennett from UNLV. If Irving & Bennett can chrystalize a 17 foot pick-n-pop then stop the presses! It'll be Stockton & Malone all over again. They have a long way to go of course ,but they definitely have the raw tools to accomplish this goal. Can "Big Man" Bynum stay healthy? That is indeed, the zillion dollar question. I know you're very familiar with the big fella from his years with the Lakers, Robby. If "Big Man" Bynum can stay healthy all season and Irving & Bennett pull a 17 foot pick-n-pop magic act, then the Cavs have a shot at the playoffs.
*-(added writing)- I forgot the Houston Rockets. They are probably alot of people's favorites to represent the West in the NBA Championships. I still would pick the Thunder ( a healthy Thunder team) & the Warriors( incredibly talented & deep team that plays with passion plus) before I'd pick the Rockets to represent the West. That's just my opinion. I feel Dwight Howard really did the Lakers wrong. What's your opinion, Robby? I feel what he did was much worse than what LeBron did to the Cavs. LeBron's problem was his total mishandling of the transition. Anyway, the Rockets are gonna be a serious contender. With Dwight Howard, James Harden (great player,) Jeremy Lin, and the terrific outside shooter, whose name escapes me, they are loaded with talent. I like Harden and Lin a lot but I won't be rooting for them. I believe with Dwight Howard joining them they are now the "villains" of the West. I wouldn't be surprised if they were showered with "Boo's" in every arena they travel to this season. Especially in Orlando & L.A. Two teams that most folks feel D Howard screwed over.
*-(added writing)- I probably forgot another contender or two. Sorry for the long winded post.
-I'm jazzed the season is here! These are just some observations of mine. Who do you think is gonna contend for the title, Robby?