Halftime Hype

As a head coach in the NBA, one must be extremely aware of various statistics and facts. Evidently, Doc Rivers is not. In an interview with ESPN 980, Rivers forgot a key detail or two about his match-up against the Lakers in 2008. Here's what he had to say:

"They still have not beaten our starting five. Our starting five against the Lakers starting five has a ring...We will be back strong and Perk will be there next year if there's a game seven."

Rivers has clearly forgotten that Andrew Bynum did not play in the 2008 playoffs. You read that correctly: 0 minutes. In fact, in May 2008 Bynum underwent arthroscopic surgery on his kneecap. C'mon Doc, even a quick look at Wikipedia would have revealed that. Already Doc isn't looking too sharp. Since Bynum - the Lakers' starting center - was out, Rivers is factually incorrect in his assertion that his starting five "against the Lakers starting five has a ring."

In addition, Trevor Ariza was coming off an injury at the time and only averaged 6.63 minutes throughout the '08 Finals and didn't even play the first game. To elaborate:

• Game 1: Did not play
• Game 2: 0-1 from the field, 0 points, and 2 rebounds in 7:19 minutes of playing time
  
• Game 3: 2-3 from the field, 0-1 for three-pointers, 4 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist in 8:49 minutes of playing time
• Game 4: 2-2 from the field, 1-1 on three-pointers, 1-2 on free throws, 6 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block in 8:43 minutes of playing time
• Game 5: 0 shot attempts, 0 points, 0 everything except for 1 foul in 1:15 minutes of playing time
• Game 6: 1-3 from the field, 1-2 on free throws, 0-1 for three-pointers, 3 points, 1 rebound in 9:04 minutes of playing time
  

As predicted at Halftime Hype, the Lakers won in 7.

After all the hype, one of the most-storied series in NBA history, an epic duel between a mix of star-studded individuals known as the Los Angeles Lakers against a seasoned and unified cast referred to as the Boston Celtics, finally concluded. When the smoke cleared and the confetti dropped, it was official: the 2010 championship caps and t-shirts were being handed to the Lakers. Kobe Bryant had "one more than Shaq." Ron Artest somewhat successfully filled Ariza's void. Derek Fisher may be aging by the minute, but he proved that his leadership continues to make a dramatic impact. Lamar Odom, whose versatility is the basketball equivalent to a Swiss Army knife, didn't let a marriage to a reality TV star get in the way of on-court ambitions. Pau Gasol was anything but a "softy." However, this championship was special equally as much for its statistics (#16, Kobe's fifth, etc.) as for its journey.

I remember attending a Lakers game the year right after Shaq had been traded. It was April 17, 2005, the last home game for the Lakers. The Mavericks were in town to play Kobe & Co., who didn't make the playoffs for the first time since the 1993-94 season. The Lakers were down by quite a bit, rallied, but still ended up losing by two, 114-112. It was after that game, and several times throughout the course of that season that I wondered what Charlotte Bobcats fans have been pondering for years, "Why should I continue supporting this team?" There was no particular indication that things would get better. Phil Jackson was on hiatus, calling Kobe "uncoachable" in a book he published about the '04 season, The Last Season. With Rudy Tomjanovich's resignation and assistant Frank Hamblen's miserable tenure as interim head coach, things couldn't have gone worse. But unlike Charlotte Bobcats fans, I had an answer to my question: These are the Los Angeles Lakers. They are practically the identity of the NBA. Kobe Bryant, one of the most talented basketball players ever, is on our team. A super-rich owner is pulling the strings. The legacy and significance of this team is just too great. Things will turn around."

And they did. Nevertheless, it's almost funny to think about how things, indeed, could have gone much worse. The organization was on the verge of collapse when Kobe demanded "bring new players in, or I'm out." During his rampage, he also declared that he was open to the idea of playing on Pluto, which would subsequently lose its status as a planet. With tensions flaring, it would have been so easy for General Manager Mitch Kuptchak to abide by Kobe's demands and indeed "ship Bynum's a-- out" or outright trade Kobe. At the time, Kuptchak was one of the most despised - and misunderstood - men in Los Angeles. In fact, at a season-ticket holder event, one fan asked the GM to resign. I don't know how he kept going, but he did - and God bless him for it.

Mitch Kuptchak slowly and secretly repaired the roster. Phil Jackson was back on the sidelines. Kwame Brown and Smush Parker were gone. Derek Fisher was back. Trevor Ariza was acquired. Andrew Bynum developed - making Kuptchak look like a genius for drafting him. Kobe eventually won an MVP award. The Lakers would advance to the NBA Finals, and #24 found yet another source of motivation: Shaq's amateur rap taunting the Black Mamba ("Kobe, tell me how my a-- taste"). Two Lakers championships and a couple NBA Finals MVP trophies later, the stakes have reversed. Two years it ago, as Kobe has admitted, Boston was clearly the better team. This year, as the record shows, the Lakers held the upper hand.



Although the end result of this season and last season were the same, the unique paths to the title were quite different. In '09, the Lakers actually seemed to care about the regular season. This year the Lakers played like high school seniors: as long as your results/grades aren't too poor, you could still get to your destination (the college you want to go to, in the case of a high school senior; the NBA Finals in the case of the Lakers). Last year, the Lakers were also under more pressure to win a ring. Frustration was mounting and Kobe could not let another year go by without adding jewelry; that ring belonged to the Lakers. This season, it was "been there, done that. Don't stress about this loss; focus on the title." Still, in both circumstances the Lake Show finished as the best in the West.

Despite winning a championship in '09 and '10, the two Finals' series differed immensely. The Orlando Magic didn't pose a threat at all to the Los Angeles Lakers. All-Star and starting point guard Jameer Nelson was injured for part of the series and Dwight Howard just couldn't do it all by himself. All the talk of Kobe not being able to win without Shaq was all gone. After seven long years, L.A. could finally raise another banner. On the other hand, this year was all about defending the title and proving that the previous championship wasn't a fluke. There were whispers about how far Boston could have gone if Garnett wasn't sidelined for part of the playoffs. Kobe and the Lakers proved they would have none of it, though. They sealed the deal by earning another ring after Game 7. Now, Kobe has surpassed the man who, to him, was nothing but a Big Bully.

The main difference, however, was Ron Artest. Plenty of folks doubted how effective he could be when he first came to Los Angeles. Even Kobe wasn't sure if Ron could replace Trevor's role. Regardless, word on the street was that Phil Jackson had lobbied for the acquisition. In hindsight, Ron didn't have a particularly memorable season. He was lost on the offensive end and had a big defensive game seemingly once every blue moon (do people still use that expression?). He was an "enigma" as Andy Garcia narrated in the documentary of the Lakers 2009-2010 season, The Association.



There was no question about his desire to win, though. During the ring ceremony at the season opener, Artest stayed in the locker room, "sick to his stomach", according to his agent. As written in Lee Jenkins' article for Sports Illustrated, "It's not that he didn't want to see the rings (he downloaded photos of them onto his phone)...It's that he didn't feel he deserved the privilege. Even in the days leading up to the Finals, when ABC asked the players to pose with the Larry O'Brien Trophy, Artest refused to touch it." What's more, Artest, in a way, had predicted this championship long ago. After the Lakers lost to the Celtics two years ago, Ron met up with Kobe in the locker room - or more specifically, when Kobe was in the midst of a shower - and ensured that #24 wouldn't be let down again. Ron would come to the rescue. Indeed, he did. He stepped up in the playoffs, forced Durant and Paul Pierce into tough shots, and even had some notable offensive games of his own (Game 3 against Utah; Games 1 & 6 vs. Phoenix; Games, 1, 6, and 7 in the NBA Finals). Without him, who knows how Game 7 would have ended.

At the end of the day, the Lakers have won their sixteenth championship and fifth in the last ten years. Everybody made key contributions. Whether it was the dominant post presence of Pau & Bynum or the leadership and clutch shots by Fisher, Kobe's brilliance or Artest's stellar defense, General Manager Mitch Kuptchak's organization of the roster or Dr. Jerry Buss' willingness to open his check book, Phil Jackson's genius or Lamar Odom's acceptance of coming off the bench, there were many pieces to the puzzle. The quest to defend the title was a formidable trek and, as history will forever show, the Lakers were successful.

After months upon months of preparation, plenty of playoff games of enhancement, alas all the blood, sweat, and tears will be defined by a single game. The greatest rivalry in the NBA will conclude another chapter in its storied history in a mere 48 minutes of play. After four quarters, "there can only be one." Whoever wins tomorrow at Staples Center in Los Angeles is the 2010 NBA champion, simple as that.

What a great time to be a sports fan. The NBA Finals, now tied at 2-2, feature the greatest rivalry in the league. Simultaneously, the FIFA World Cup, arguably the largest sports stage in the world, is underway in historically significant South Africa. Among the more hyped match-ups is Team USA vs. England. From one perspective, there are plenty of differences between the Lakers facing off against the Celtics and the Yanks vs. the Brits. However, from another point of view, there are certain similarities.

First of all, there is a historical significance to each rivalry. With the United States and England, obviously you have the colonial period and the revolt from British rule. In that sense, USA vs. England is a clash between enemies. On the other hand, in modern times, the United States and England have been allies. Look no further than World War II, when Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Winston Churchill united to defeat the Nazis. In a way, it's kind of like competing against your best friend; it's a great feeling to hold the upper hand against a buddy, not to mention bragging rights.

With Boston and Los Angeles, the history lies in the actual competition between the teams. Jerry West once said that the Celtics-Lakers rivalry really wasn't a rivalry until the 80's, because the Lakers lost the first 7 match-ups between the two teams. Ironically, the Finals match-up in 2008 is what makes 2010 better; the rivalry now has a modern touch. In '08, fans and the media had to rewind two decades to justify the hype. Now, you just have to scroll back a couple years. In the words of Eminem, Kobe Bryant and the Lakers "chewed up and spit out and booed off stage"; the Lake Show had some ugly episodes.

In my opinion, Landon Donovan of Team USA also identifies with the Celtics' Rajon Rondo. Both are rising stars that have recently earned a lot of attention. Ever since Landon Donovan went on loan to Everton in the past year, he has caught the eyes of soccer pundits around the world. Similarly, in the last season and throughout the playoffs, Rondo has proven to be Boston's best player, when only a couple of years ago he was arguably the worst player in the starting lineup. In terms of skill, both are also exceptionally skilled at creating scoring opportunities for their teammates, as well as for themselves.

By the same token, I would compare England's Wayne Rooney to the Lakers' Kobe Bryant. Both are leaders and arguably the best players on their respective teams. If their teams aren't successful, as in they don't meet expectations, they will suffer the most. They are also both talented scorers, and though they have a vast repertoire, scoring is what they're renowned for.

Overall, England vs. USA and the Celtics vs. the Lakers are two very unique and historic match-ups that share some - not many, but some - similarities. Oh, and Game 5 of the NBA Finals and England vs. USA are both in the same weekend! What a great time to be a sports fan.

The NBA Playoffs are a long and intricate odyssey, with a fair share of superb play and clutch shots. At the heart of it, though, it's a competition searching for the best of the best, ultimately crowning a champion. That's where the NBA Finals come in. The Los Angeles Lakers are officially the best of the West, while the Boston Celtics have emerged as the Eastern Conference champions. Despite the fact that both teams faced off against each only two seasons ago - with the C's winning championship #17 - it would be foolish to compare this year's match-up to the 2008 Finals.

Significance
For one, each team has at least one significant addition since '08. The Lakers signed one of the best defenders in the NBA, Ron Artest, and the Celtics acquired a 6'11" power forward with championship experience and a jumpshot in Rasheed Wallace. Plus, Bynum was barely around in the '08 playoffs, mostly recovering from an injury. Not to be forgotten is the Celtics' Nate Robinson, who put on a show in Game 6 versus Orlando. In the process, each team also lost an influential player. Los Angeles gave up the chance to re-sign Trevor Ariza, who made game-changing plays for the Lake Show during their '09 title run, and Boston no longer has Eddie House, a streaky three point ace who greatly contributed to momentum.

This series also has a different significance than it had two years ago. Back then, Kobe had just received the MVP award and was still trying to prove he could win a title without Shaq. Meanwhile, the Celtics were attempting to fulfill their championship prophecy, formulated the previous offseason after the acquisition of Garnett and Ray Allen. This season, Kobe & Co., who acquired championship experience, are motivated by revenge. On the other hand, the Celtics want to prove the naysayers wrong, specifically those who doubted them during the regular season.

For certain players, the Finals - or rather winning - hold a different significance. If the Celtics win it all, Rondo will be credited with leading his squad to a title. He's been a champion before, but never a leader. If the Celtics come up short, Rondo's performance in the playoffs won't be remembered outside of Beantown (and Orlando, Cleveland, and Milwaukee). Thinking about it from the other side, this may be Derek Fisher's last championship. Considering that he may retire after this season, the 2010 NBA Finals are pretty special.



Then there's the superstar, Kobe Bryant. What does this mean for him? Instead of Shaq, Kobe has Lebron in mind. The pundits and most fans have dismissed Kobe Bryant as the best player in favor of "King James." As Fanhouse's Bethlehem Shoals blogged, if Kobe wins, people will have to rethink their opinions. Is Lebron really the best? He still hasn't won a ring, and Kobe just led his squad to a championship. Imagine how Kobe, who performs at such a high rate without any motivation, will play with the "best player" debate secretly fueling him.

Analysis
Contrary to what some may say, this series - and thus, the NBA championship - could go either way. Boston boasts a unique physicality that has challenged L.A. and a productive bench, while the Lakers have Twin Towers and a former Defensive Player of the Year, as well as the best closer in the game.

The point guard match-up is definitely an advantage for the Celtics, since Rondo will always be several steps ahead of Fisher. It is imperative that Rondo use his quickness to create plays and drive, rather than utilizing his newfound jumpshot. Fisher can't keep up on a run to the basket, but he has no problem sliding his feet and contesting jumpers. The question is how often Doc Rivers will turn to Nate Robinson, who recently showcased his repertoire, and whether Phil Jackson will resort to Jordan Farmar or Sasha Vujacic as Fisher's backup. Both are quick, but neither Farmar or Vujacic have a high basketball IQ. Unfortunately for Lakers fans, Derek Fisher ought to be pretty fatigued by now. He's had to chase Russell Westbrook, Deron Williams, and Steve Nash. Phil Jackson must sub in Vujacic and Farmar for the well-being and stamina of Fisher. In spite of this disaster, Rondo should get the best of the Lakers' PGs.

Nevertheless, Kobe Bryant may end up guarding Rondo, too, with Fisher switching to Allen. In that case, Rondo will have to exploit his other options. Ultimately, if Rondo - the key to the Celtics offense - isn't effective, the Celtics don't stand a chance. Of course, that's easier said than done.

The game's greatest closer, L.A.'s Kobe, and the catalyst, Boston's Ray Allen, occupy the shooting guard positions. The only way Ray Allen can score while matched up against Kobe is with the assistance of screens. If Allen's teammates can provide a good pick, and Ray can run at the right angles, then he'll get his shots. But don't expect him to perform too well, which should really concern the Celtics. On the opposite end of the floor, Ray will have to guard Kobe, one of the most difficult defensive assignments ever. However, Ray doesn't get enough credit as a defensive player as he should. Even though Kobe sank the shot, you couldn't ask for better defense from Ray Allen on Kobe's game winner in Boston earlier this season. Kobe wins this match-up hands down.

At the 3, the Lakers' Ron Artest will defend the Celtics' Paul Pierce. Artest is undoubtedly the main difference between the unsuccessful '08 Lakers squad and this year's team. Sometimes, Ron Artest's defense can turn the game into a 5-on-4, simply by taking the opposing small forward out of the game. That said, Paul Pierce is a talented offensive player who shouldn't be underestimated (neither should his acting abilities). When he gets hot, his jumpshot is hard to stop. The disadvantage is that because of Artest's defense, Paul Pierce wouldn't be a reliable clutch player, causing the Celtics to look elsewhere during crunch time. Typically, I would say Pierce gets the advantage over Artest, because of his offense, but Artest has recently showed he can put up points too. This match-up is a tie.



What a great power forward match-up. Pau Gasol, and at times, Lamar Odom, against Kevin Garnett. Pau has beefed up and KG has aged, but is still effective. This is the time for Pau to prove people wrong. Two years ago, he heard it all. The Olympian was said to be "weak" and a "softy". In case you didn't catch him during the Lakers-Utah series, this is not the same Pau Gasol. Although Pau has gotten stronger, Kevin Garnett is still an intimidating and effective player. He, just like Pau, is capable of making mid-range jumpers. And at the heart of it, they're both excellent power forwards, which implies that they are good rebounders and have a dominant post presence. Two years ago, I would have given the edge to Boston. But a clash between Garnett and the new Pau Gasol is a tie, at least on paper.

The center position is really what won Boston the championship in '08. Pau was playing out of position and Perkins gave him hell. Everybody saw Perkins' excellent defense against Dwight Howard, and I wouldn't expect anything less of him against Bynum. The injury-plagued Bynum has only scored more than 13 points twice during the playoffs and that's against the likes of Nenad Kristic, Kyrlo Fesenko, and Jarron Collins. Perkins has come a long way, but still doesn't exactly stuff the stat sheet. What he does do is frustrate his opponent and hustle, which outdoes Bynum. But he also outdoes Bynum in technicals; one more T and Perkins is suspended. Regardless, Big Baby is also a good defender and is, in many ways, similar to Perkins. Nonetheless, I don't think Big Baby is as effective as Perkins. The only reason the Lakers can be optimistic is because of the height advantage. If Bynum can exploit that, expect some big games. I don't. The Celtics' centers have the advantage in this matchup.

Lastly, there's the bench. Almost any bench is better than the Lakers'. It's more than just a matter of talent. The Celtics' reserves are smart players. The Lakers' bench sometimes makes decisions that cause one to question their competence. Oh, and their defense needs a lot of work. If you're the Celtics, don't be discouraged if you're facing a double-digit defecit; the Lakers' reserves are very forgiving. In fact, they'll let you right back into a game - just to make things interesting, of course.

The Verdict
In 2008, the Celtics had home court advantage and an overwhelming advantage at the 1,3,4, and 5. Now, they barely have advantages, and slim ones at that (except for the bench). Home-court advantage is ultimately a deal breaker. According to John Schuhmann of NBA.com, "The team with the first two games at home has won 19 of the 25 Finals since the NBA switched to the 2-3-2 format in 1985. The Celtics have already won five road games in these playoffs, but the Lakers are 8-0 at home thus far at Staples Center." Plus, the Lakers have the best clutch player in the game, Kobe Bryant. My prediction: Lakers in 7.

As spectators everywhere marveled at Kobe Bryant's game-winner versus the Boston Celtics (in Boston) on Sunday, after the game, I couldn't help but look forward to the NBA Finals. Honestly, it doesn't seem like there's a team in the Western Conference that could defeat the Los Angeles Lakers in a playoff series. Sure, they may encounter a speedbump here and there, but nobody else in the West is capable of truly challenging the defending champs. Which got me thinking about the Eastern Conference. Despite the fact that the Boston Celtics are currently 7 games behind the Cavs, the two teams seem like the frontrunners in the East. Of course, we can't forget about the Atlanta Hawks.

On paper, Boston is undoubtedly the most talented team in the East and right there with L.A. They just seem like the more disciplined team. They already had the vets among the Allen-Garnett-Pierce triumvate, but Rasheed Wallace adds championship & NBA Finals experience. Furthermore, the development of Rajon Rondo has been a huge factor toward the Celtics' success thus far. One of ABC's commentators, I believe it was Van Gundy, noted today that in the past the vets weren't quite comfortable with Rondo facilitating the offense.

But, of course, things have changed. Rondo has emerged as a rising prospect in the league, a walking double-double if you will. If only he could hit his free-throws. In addition to this already talented cast, at center may be one of the most underrated players in the league: Kendrick Perkins. With his big frame, he's able to give his opponents trouble en route to averaging 2 blocks per game. Offensively, when a guy is shooting over 63% he deserves his props.

However, as good as they may be, the Celtics' vets are just that - veterans, experienced but old players. They have become increasingly injury-prone, and this squad hasn't proven that they are able to consistently win without one of their key pieces. Plus, in the last two seasons it's taken the Celtics 7 games to advance out of the first round. That kind of fatigue can't be good.



Then, I remembered the Cleveland Cavaliers. When you have one of the best players in the game, you're bound to make a solid run for the cup. Although analysts claim he doesn't have much help, I'm not buying it. Anderson Varejao is a hustle player who can ultimately change the outcome of games. Shaq, though he no longer dominates, still has a physical presence that frustates the opposition. To make it a 1-2 punch in the frontcourt is Big Z, who has range and height. Oh, and let's not forget about Mo Williams, a good playmaker equally capable of scoring as he is passing. J.J. Hickson has been a great boost as well. Anthony Parker is able to come in and chip in a few points here and there. Jamario Moon has some of the best hops in the league. Lebron may not play alongside star-studded talent, but he does have some good pieces among him.

One of the things that stands out when contrasting the Cavs with the Celtics is how they've faired against the defending champs. Whether or not the Cavs managed to catch the Lakers off guard (twice!) or they were just pure victories, they were still able to defeat them handily on the road and come away with a victory at the Q. The Celtics, on the other hand, weren't able to hold a double-digit lead vs. the Lake Show...at home. As Lebron has said before, the Lakers serve as a "measuring stick", and in this sense, the Cavs have faired better than the fellows in Beantown.

Everything considered, though, Lebron is the heart and soul of the team. If you're able to negatively alter his game (easier said than done), the Cavs won't have a chance of winning a playoff series; throughout the course of multiple playoff games, if the opposition can at least wear Lebron down, chances aren't that great for the Cavs. Then again, the Cavs are looking extra hungry this year and with Lebron's free agency approaching, Cleveland is doing the best it can to go for the gold.

Now the Atlanta Hawks are one special team. Having gone all the way to seven games with the Celtics in the same year as their championship run just two seasons ago, this team always excities me. On the flip side, though, it took them seven games to defeat a mediocre Miami squad last season. Nonetheless, this is a different team, in small part because of Josh Smith's maturity as a player.



What's so great about the roster is the youth. This team is among the Eastern Conference elite and the average age of a member of the starting lineup is about 26 years old. Make sure not to sleep on these ballers. Running the point is the experience of Mike Bibby, the former Sacramento Kings player who is capable of nailing down a long-range jumper just as easily as throwing up a floater. Joe Johnson and Jamal Crawford are probably two of the most underrated players in the league, both of whom can create looks for themselves at will. Josh Smith, who has grasped an understanding of his capabilities, has no problem flying for a jam or, just as lovely, a monstrous block. Al Horford is a terrific rebounder and shotblocker, who has proven his abilities from Day 1.

All in all, you don't want to mess with this Hawks team. In the playoffs, leaving their court with a win is no small task, either. The names on the roster might not stand out at first, but the game of the Atlanta Hawks shouldn't be underestimated.

Despite a somewhat impressive record, my judgement has convinced me not to bring up the Orlando Magic. For some reason, they seem like they lack the heart and fluid-ness required to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. Vince Carter is no longer what he used to be. Dwight Howard can't hit free-throws. Also, has he thought of adding some range to his game. Rebounding, shot-blocking, and dunking make up a great skillset, but it's ok to take a shot out of the paint every once in awhile.

Who knows, I could be totally wrong about these predictions. The Hawks may be upset in the first round and the Magic might face off against someone other than Lakers. Right now, though, Boston seems like the disciplined team, the Cavs have the most heart, and the Hawks are not to be forgotten. Can't wait until June already!

As I've voiced earlier, these playoff have belonged to the young'ns, to use a Civil War term. Whether it was Birdman flapping his wings or Derrick Rose hitting clutch shots, it has been a new generation of newcomers who have taken over professional basketball. However, until the Finals came around, we, fans of the game, weren't able to watch the talent of All-Star point guard, Jameer Nelson. Needless to say, Jameer Nelson won't ever go down in history books - at least, not yet - and certainly not as an "All-Star." Ok, he can score and pass. There are many point guards who are capable of doing that. Is his performance really that impactful on the outcome of games? We've seen former street baller, Rafer "Skip to My Lou" Alston outperform the opposing PG and guide the Magic past challenging opponents, namely the Cavs. We have yet to see him fully shine and show his skills to the nation.

Personally, I think he's still holding on to his college success. While he's a good shooter in this league, having shot better than 50% on his field goal attempts this year, he really hasn't distinguished himself from other players on the court. I'll admit, his college accolades are rather impressive; in 2004, he won: Oscar Robertson Trophy, John R. Wooden Award, and Naismith College Player of the Year. Those awards, though, are given to the best players, who later turn out to be great marketers in encouraging players to go to college when they perform brilliantly in the NBA. Just look at some of the All-Star players of have previously been presented with the John R. Wooden Award: Marcus Camby in '96, Tim Duncan in '97, Antawn Jamison in '98, and the list goes on and on. Do you honestly belive that we can compare Jameer Nelson to any of these players?

And the fact that he isn't truly All-Star caliber, is only one of the things that bewilders me about the man ; the problem is that he's getting a little too much playing time now. Despite the fact that his minutes have been decreasing with every game (23 in Game 1, 17 in Game 2, and 11 in Game 3), I believe that if he plays less and the Magic stick with the system they've been using for the last four months during Nelson's injury, they will have a much better shot at winning the title. Take a moment to reflect on how much Rafer Alston has provided for this young Magic squad: equal quickness and ball-handling in comparison to Jameer, clutch play, and a valuable amount of momentum. The last thing the Magic need is to change around their line-up and replace a stable guard with one that has been absent for a player whose last game prior to the NBA Finals was on February 2. The Magic really can't afford to believe in Magic right now.