Category: NBA

I’m very glad that I decided to wait and hold off on writing the “end of the NBA season, start of the playoffs, MVP award” article.  The internet and newspapers are full of predictions for the playoffs, who deserves the MVP, and all that other hogwash.  I figured I would wait and see how things panned out with the first round of the playoffs and take a little time to reflect on what I have learned about professional basketball.  This sport is both cruel and beautiful.  These playoffs have sent me on an emotional roller coaster ride.  Up and down.  Jubilation and depression.  Excitement and boredom. Shock and predictability.  I don’t know if I have ever been this enthralled in a basketball postseason in the AJ era (After Jordan).  It is only fitting though that the top 3 MVP candidates this season have provided the most intrigue in the playoffs.  Kobe vs. Nash, and LeBron making us all witnesses.  The enticement of a Hallway series between the Clippers and the Lakers (how many premature articles did you read?).  LeBron and Gilbert playing the “anything you can do I can do better” game for a whole series.  A fantastic series so far from the Clippers and Suns in Round 2. Finally, the Cavs…I repeat…the Cavs giving the Pistons fits right now… (Deep breath)…here we go.

By Trevor Freeman

With the second round of the NBA Playoffs one game old, it is time to breakdown the NBA’s “Elite Eight”.  At this juncture it looks like cars are going to be overturned and lit on fire once again in the bustling metropolis known as Detroit.  The Eastern Conference playoffs are just a mere formality on the road to destiny.  Out West there is a little bit more intrigue.  Dallas and San Antonio seem destined for seven games and the Phoenix Suns look to have risen from the ashes.  Without further ado let’s begin where the sun sets………….

First Round Provides Stunning Series

Last second heroics, rim shattering slam dunks, flying mouth guards, and a Clippers playoff victory and that’s only in the first week of the NBA postseason.  The 2006 NBA playoffs were built up to be the emergence of a “King,” the “Diesel’s” last go around (hopefully), Los Angeles’ one man show, and the unfortunate vindication of playing team basketball.  The first round definitely did not disappoint this year.

The crowning of the next championship team is nearing simultaneously with the crowning of the season Most Valuable Player. About eight players are in the running for the award, and I will not be the first to say that they all deserve it. The media clearly has a tough decision ahead of them, but what exactly is the criteria they will base their decision on? In years past, the award was the domain of dominant centers and power-forwards. It was not until last year that point guard Steve Nash surpassed Shaquille O’Neal to win the award.

Nash changed the MVP award, and with so many deserving candidates, it might change once again. My top four for the award are Dwayne Wade, Lebron James, Steve Nash, and Kobe Bryant. How does the award change based on the recipient?

Nash Awarded MVP in Deepest Field Ever

It was my belief that the player who was to be honored as the NBA’s most valuable player was supposed to be a guy who made his team achieve more than what they would have without him.  Therefore, I find it hard to swallow the idea of awarding Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash his second consecutive most valuable player award.  LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers) and Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Kobes/Lakers) both were much more valuable to their team than Nash ever was this year.  I understand and credit Steve Nash as being the catalyst of the Phoenix Suns success.  However, Kobe and LeBron were not only the catalysts of their respective teams; they were the entire chemical solution of their squad.  Unlike the aforementioned MVP candidates, Steve Nash had the luxury of being on a team with much better talent around him, including an all-star and MVP mentionable in forward Shawn Marion.  But many Nash supporters will shield all anti-Phoenix complaints with, “Amare Stoudamire was out all season.”  True yet irrelevant.  The Suns reloaded their roster with talented players that make the supporting casts of Kobe and LeBron look mediocre at best.  I guess most valuable player “just ain’t what it used to be.”

Well the NBA playoffs are finally here (that means only five more months until NFL Kickoff!) and this year’s postseason fraternity has inducted two new members.  The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Clippers, both of whom just recently returning to prominence from years of NBA obscurity, mutually have had very respectable seasons and are looking to make magical runs into the playoffs.  Also jockeying for position in the hunt for the elusive NBA championship: the 2005 champs San Antonio Spurs, Phoenix Suns, Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, and the Los Angeles Kobes (I mean Lakers) from the West.  And representing the East: the Detroit Pistons, Miami Heat, New Jersey Nets, Indiana Pacers, Washington Wizards, Milwaukee Bucks, and Chicago Bulls.  

The winner of the Eastern Conference has always been predetermined due to the lack of competition. This season has been no different as the 5th-8th seeds are separated by half a game to one game. And none of the teams offer much resistence to the Detroit Pistons.

Meanwhile, in the West, things look (a little) more competitive, even in the first round matchups. Here is your first round playoff preview.

By David J. Cohen

If all goes according to plan the Pistons will win it all. As for how the conference playoffs unfold…