All purpose NBA thread 07/08

Yeah, I changed it to Chris Bosh, but Howard right now is more dominant than Garnett. I would rather have that in the post.

 

Oh I see you made an edit ... ok, yeah. Put Chris Bosh through, too. When it counts, I'll still take Garnett.

 

That's a tough call, I will agree. But when it matters, I'll take Garnett. He's more seasoned, and while his playoff experience doesn't really talk loudly -- I think he wants it more than just about anybody right now. But don't get me wrong, D-Howard and Orlando COULD surprise and make a solid run at things. I guess you could throw the Cavs in the mix sort of, but I'm not drinking the "Ben Wallace will be re-energized" Kool-Aid.
But like I said a while back, bottom line is, the NBA is finally dragging themselves out of the gutter and putting a solid product back on the court. Good to see.

 

Honestly, Ray has made more big shots this year than Pierce and if given the choice, I'd choose Ray to take the big shot. Pierce is great, but he's not dominant in the 4th quarter anymore for whatever reason. He even struggles at the line late in games...he used to be automatic in those situations.

Rondo's been terrific this season, especially on defense. And the critics said he couldn't shoot, but he's a pretty good shooter for a PG. He's probably a future All Star, but he does have the knack of making a boneheaded rookie play at times, a play that could cost a playoff game late in the fourth quarter. Cassell will definitely help him in that respect, but let's hope Sam can remember that he's not the starter here and never will be. It's Rondo's job. If he grasps that, it's a dangerous combination.

Sam and KG are two of the best leaders of this generation and could both probably be head coaches someday. They go about it in different ways: Sam is deeply respected and looked upon by teammates on the floor, almost in a coach-like manner, while Garnett displays infectious charisma even on the bench and his inspiring intensity is unmatched during games. However they go about it, I'd rather have both guys on my team in the playoffs.

Doc will hopefully start resting starters a bit more down the stretch. The Celtics need KG at 100% to get past the Pistons and/or the Western Conference team that reaches the finals. He looked like shit out West, and that's the main reason why they struggled on their road trip. The C's are completely different without him. The statistics don't even begin to describe the impact he brings.

 

Garnett over Bosh every single time. You could make a convincing case for Howard though.

 

Inspiring intensity? Infectious charisma? Am I talking with Bill Walton ;-)

In all seriousness though, I'll agree with you on that last part. As the Pistons have found out over the last few seasons, winning 60 plus with your starting 5 playing 38 plus a night gets you literally no where come May. Gassed legs and tired minds won't get it done. I guess in the end, the one thing to be concerned with in Boston might be that bench. Because Detroit's 5 are all playing considerably less this season as their bench now makes them about nine or 10 deep legitimately. I think this is Detroit's best team since they won it in '04 and came close again the next year. I'm definitely hoping for a Boston-Detroit rivalry renewal this May.
And I think that unless LeBron pulls another freakshow, that's exactly what we'll get. Should be fun.

 

haha, I am writing a column while surfing the board and am trying to switch between modes. But seriously, the charisma and intensity KG brings IS inspiring to teammates. There is no other superstar who supports or motivates teammates better than Garnett...he's constantly screaming out encouragements while on the bench, waving a towel, handing out advice or scolding young guys, scowling at opponents, trash talking, glaring at refs, hustling on every play, getting the crowd going. His engine never stops. You see guys like Perkins, Powe, and Davis get pumped up because of his attitude.

I agree that the Pistons have their best team since '04. Lots of talent and a solid bench. Hopefully it's Pistons-Celtics in Eastern Conference Finals like it should be.

 

Anyone catch LeBron get a standing-O from the crowd at MSG last night? Are you serious? He said it was one of the best things that's ever happened to him. Word to Clevelandites ... soak up the greatness while you can, because he's taking the first train off the mistake by the lake as soon as humanly possible.

 

I love Cassell. But I'm not sure one of the best leaders of his generation would play for EIGHT teams, especially when he's a very talented player. You'd think a guy who had a lot of skills, and was such a great leader, might have played with only, I don't know, four or five teams in a career. Just because you talk a lot on the floor doesn't mean you're necessarily a great leader. Or maybe I'm still just bitter from watching K.G., Spree and Casssell completely mail it in in 2005.

 

Sam's a heck of a player -- I haven't watched him this year to see how much he has in the tank on D. He does like to take the big shot though. I assume that he'll be happy and smart enough to defer to the others to try get the bookend ring for his career.

 

Good point Small Town ... all personal bias aside.

I've always thought Sam was a good player, and he fit well in certain areas ... but I don't think I'd call him one of the best leaders of his generation either. KG on the other hand, is obviously one of them.

 

KG really guided those T-Wolves to a few NBA rings. :