A Blueprint For Fixing My Beloved Dallas Mavericks

So the Mavs have problems. I think we've established this. The question is, how do we fix them?

First things first: we do not fix them in the draft. Get that out of your heads right now. We're not moving up to the top two spots, and that's all there is to it. You're not getting a top two pick in this draft without giving up a top 20 player--and that might not be enough. Take the Grizz for example: if they get the number 2 pick, and Boston decides, "Fuck it, let's blow it up all the way" and offers them Paul Pierce for that pick, straight up...I don't think they do that deal. I don't think I'd do that deal. So while I'm not that high on Oden, yes, I am that high on Durant. But everyone else in the world is that high on Oden, and that's what really matters. In other words, our first round pick in this draft is nothing but a little icing to throw into a trade.

Okay, so now we've established that the draft is worthless to us. What do we need, exactly? Here's what we need:

1) Resign Devean George and Austin Crochere for as little as possible.
2) Convince Jerry Stackhouse to a sign and trade, and not just a straight up signing with someone.
3) A Power Forward with a post game. Someone who scores exclusively from the low block.
4) A big guard. Someone at least 6-3 and at least 200 pounds.
5) A veteran point guard who can run a team and hit an open jump shot. Doesn't have to be a 3 pointer; can just be a mid range (15-18 foot) jumper. Preferably, someone like this who can be incorporated with #4.
6) A slashing small forward. Someone who shoots 3's just well enough to keep teams honest, but scores the majority of their points by taking it to the hole.

That's what we need. Now who's available? And what will we give up for him? Below is a list of who I would trade from the Mavs, in reverse order of importance (worst to first). Within each member of that list is the names that I would want back, in order of importance (first to worst). With me?

Who I would trade our 1st round pick (or any minor player) for
* Earl Watson (PG, Sonics): I would love to get my hands on Earl Watson. I think he's a very underrated point who's never got a real chance to play in any of the situations he's been in. I also think he's very gettable from Seattle, as they are A) going so through much flux right now with the OKC drama, and B) they already have Luke Ridnoir.
* Antonio Daniels (PG, Wizards): Nicely solves #4 & #5, and for a cheap price. Don't know how willing the Wiz are going to be to part with him, though.
* Mikki Moore (PF, Nets): I'm sorry, but I think Mikki Moore is a very underrated player. I'd try to give up less than a first rounder for him...but if I had already made a big play for a guard, and was somewhat desperate for a power forward, I'd give up the 1st.

Who I would trade Jason Terry/Sign & Trade Jerry Stackhouse for
* Corey Maggette (SF, Clips): Perfect solution to #6 & #4 (Maggette can play both the 2 & 3 spot). He's also gettable, as the Clippers flirted with the idea of trading for him all season long. You might even be able to talk me into dealing both Terry & Stack for Maggette.
* Sam Cassell (PG, Clips): Perfect solution to #5. However, Sam I Am does not do well coming off the bench, and at this point you only want to bring Harris off the bench for a star. If you can talk to Sam and convince him that, "It's okay that Harris starts the games--you're going to finish them", then this would be great. This being a contract year for Sam, you might be able to do that. But this is playing with fire.
This might be a hard trade to pull off, because of Shaun Livingston's horrific leg injury that will probably keep him out of all of next season. Also, I wouldn't give up both players for Sam; one or the other, along with our 1st rounder. That's it.
* David Lee (PF, Knicks): Very good solution to #3. Isiah Thomas would be stupid to do this trade. That being said, Isiah Thomas is racist and hates white people (no, I'm not kidding), and Isiah Thomas is stupid (no, I'm not kidding). I don't know if I'd trade Terry for Lee, but I'd trade Stack for Lee in a heartbeat, and then make fun of Thomas for it once I got off the phone. I'd trade Terry for Lee and a draft pick within the next two years.
* Andre Miller (PG, Sixers): Little smaller than I'd like, but a great veteran point. You might have to give up one of the two and the 1st round pick. I'd think long and hard about that, but I might do it.
* Kenyon Martin/JR Smith (PF/SF, Nuggets): This is a big gamble, and I'm not sure I'd do it. However, I'd give both up for the two of them. You're gambling on Ken to be healthy, and Smith not to ruin his welcome here--something he's done for both teams he's played for. A last resort.

Who I'd give up Devin Harris for
* Jason Kidd (PG, Nets): I'd give up Harris, Terry or Stack (one of the other; not both), and the 1st for Kidd. And feel good about it. Kidd perfectly solves #4 & #5; he's gettable, especially if Vince Carter leaves (not a certainty though); that's not much to pay for one of the best point guards of all time. Yes, we are somewhat mortgaging the future. Yes, his jumper still is not consistent. That's okay. He solves enough problems that if we can convince the Nets to do this deal, we do it, and feel great about it.
* Andre Kirlenko (PF, Jazz): I drool at the thought of Kirlenko on this team. True, he doesn't have quite as much of a post game as I would like. However, he can guard ANYONE, and his presence allows him and Dirk to both play hybrid PF/SF rolls that would cause matchup nightmares, and his defensive abilities mean that we won't have someone go Stephen Jackson on us, even when he's playing PF on offense. I think you can EASILY get him for the above trade, maybe even a little less. My only concern is he is going to play so well in the Golden State series that the Jazz don't move him.
I also don't give up any more for him because he is too injury prone. Don't forget about that before you start talking about trading Howard for him!
* Chauncey Billups (PG, Pistons): The only reason I have this so low is I don't think we can really get him. I'd love it if we got Chauncey and didn't have to give up Josh Howard. Unfortunately, I think there is a slim chance of that happening. However, if Detroit came to me and said, "We'll sign & trade Chauncey for Howard straight up; deal?" I'd think LONGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG and hard about it.
* Andrew Bynum (C, Lakers): At absolute most for Bynum, I would deal Harris straight up. And I'd think carefully before doing that (I'd only do it if I'd gotten a point guard from somewhere else; like Cassell, for instance). The only reason I put Bynum here is that the Lakers are desperate, and Mitch Kupchak is stupid. The combination of those two mean if I'm the Mavs, I'm calling and starting at Terry/Stack, and willing to make my way up to here, just to see if I can get a deal.
* Shaq (C, Heat): How unbelievable is this? That we've reached the point where I say, "Really? Would I give up Devin Harris for Shaq?" But I still don't know the answer to that question. The answer, I think, is no. However, if I can unload some bad contracts (Eric Dampier! Eric Dampier!) and get Shaq, then yes, I'd trade Harris for him. But definitely not straight up--I let go of Harris for Shaq only if I get something else sweet in return.
Time is a funny thing, huh?

Who I'd give up Josh Howard for
* Ray Allen (SG, Sonics): I'd really like to give up less than Howard for him. Here's actually what I'd try: Allen & Watson for Harris, Terry or Stack, our first, and our second or any other bench player. If we can do that, I'm walking away happy, and I'm trying to flip the Other (Terry or Stack) for Sam Cassell or a PF. I think Allen might cost more than that, though. If I can get Allen & Watson for Howard, I do it. If I can just get Allen...maybe. Tough.
* Jermaine O'Neal (PF, Pacers): I question how many miles O'Neal has left, so I'm really hesitant to make this move. However, I think Larry Bird & Donnie Walsh are serious when they say they aren't giving O'Neal away (the opposite of Kuptchak & Thomas: they're not stupid). If I can get O'Neal for anything less (you know the package by now), I do it. I think hard about Howard, and I maybe ask for something else along with O'Neal, but I might do this deal.
* Paul Pierce (SG, Celtics): Pierce is the one player I would trade Howard for straight up and feel that both sides are even. Good deal for both teams.
* Pau Gasol (PF, Grizz): Again, I think they want too much for him, and the Bulls are going to drive his asking price up. I don't really see this happening--even for Howard. Basically, if the Grizz get one of the top 2 picks, I call the next day and offer the Harris Deal and hope in their euphoria they take that. But that's about all you can hope for here.

Who I'd give up Dirk Nowitzki for
Kevin Garnett (PF, Wolves): I've been thinking about this all week. I never though I'd seriously entertain the idea of trading Dirk--trading a star like this is never worth it; at best you get back $.75 on the dollar. But KG...one of the premier competitors in the NBA, who's only had one good team around him--that he took to the Conference Finals and lost to an all-time great Lakers team. I look at this team, and I see a borderline All-Star in Josh Howard, who can slash and has range. I see a deep threat in Terry. I see an up-tempo point guard who's midrange jumper has improved every year in Harris. And if I can turn Stackhouse and our first round pick into someone like Corey Maggette...then yes. I do it. I trade Dirk. Both for KG's low post game, and for filling the leadership void that Dirk never quite could fill. I'd do it.

Free Agents I'd like to acquire
* Grant Hill (SF, Magic): If I'm the Mavs, I'm at Hill's house at 12:01am, or whatever is the first minute that free agents are available. Grant Hill has made his money in his career; at this point, a championship is more important to him. He perfectly fulfills #6 and can even fulfill #4. He brings the veteran leadership role that the Mavs have sorely lacked, and he means we now have more flexability tradewise; now all we need is a PF and a PG. Finally, he's from Dallas (remember Calvin Hill, played for the Cowboys, and if memory serves works for the Cowboys still), and so can be convinced to come here. If you go get him, I'll even let you deal/save money on Devean George by letting him go.
* Matt Barnes (SF, Warriors): Will this take pride-swallowing? Absolutely. But again, Barnes fulfills #6, and if you're really lucky you might get him for cheap (though with each passing Warriors game that is less likely). Finally, you hurt the Warriors by helping yourself, which makes it even better.
* Antonio McDyess (PF, Pistons): Chauncey signs with Milwaukee (most likely scenario). CWebb signs wherever (jokes on them). Will McDyess want to go back to Detroit? Probably not. He gives you #3, and the much needed CHAMPIONSHIP veteran leadership in the locker room. Especially if you make a big splash and get a star guard (Kidd, Pierce, Allen), I go for this option.
* Mike Bibby (PG, Kings): Though he's by far the most talented member of this group, he's A) the least likely to acquire, and B) might have trouble fitting in. Bibby is still a starting, big minutes point guard, and that is what Harris wants to be (and is almost ready to be). Also, he's going to want a lot of money; you'd almost certainly have to sign & trade for him. Is he worth giving up one of our trade bits for? Probably not. Finally...I'm not convinced he's going to opt out this season. The market for him isn't that great, and he's got a coupla good salary years left on his current deal. He didn't have a great season this season, so he might elect to stay a King and get paid.
* PJ Brown (PF, Bulls): Our last resort to fill the PF spot. A solid low post defender and lots of veteran leadership; however, he's getting VERY old. Again, only if you make a big acquisition with a guard, can't get McDyess, and are somewhat desperate.

Who I don't go after under any circumstances
* Vince Carter (SG/SF, Nets, FA): He's a bitch. He's always been a bitch. He'll never win anything meaningful, and when the going gets tough, he checks out. I don't even want to hear his name mentioned.
* Rashard Lewis (SG/SF, Sonics, FA): Very good player. Borderline All Star. But does he help the Mavs in any of the areas we need? Not really.
* Ron Artest (SF, Kings, Trade): I will hurt anyone who even suggests going after this nutcase.
* Ben Gordon (SG, Bulls, Trade): A poor man's Jason Terry. I don't want the real Jason Terry. No thanks.
* Zach Randolph (PF, Blazers, Trade): Yes, he puts up stats. But there's a reason Portland is more than willing to trade him for $.50 on the dollar--he's a team cancer who doesn't play hard and is a constant troublemaker. No thanks.

Okay...I Think I Can Write My NBA Playoff Preview Now (Part Deux)

Continued from yesterday...scroll down to read about Rounds 1 & 2.

PJ'S NOTE: TOMORROW--HOW TO FIX THE MAVS!!!

Conference Finals

Pistons (1) v Cavs (2)
My predition: Pistons in 6

I'm impressed with the job the Cavs have done in the second half of the season. They are a team that has learned to maximize their strengths and minimize their weaknesses. The rebound the ball incredibly well. They play physical, solid D and O, as that is what they're best at. They're better at not just standing around and watching Lebron do his thing; they have good ball movement and more players who can create their own shots. I LOVE the move they made to play Larry Hughes at the point and move Sasha to the 2. The Achilles' Heal of this time was always their point guard play; Jeff Mcinnis, Eric Snow, and Daniel Gipson all tried, but none could get the job done. I'm glad that Mike Brown finally said, "Fuck it, I'm going with by best five guys to start, and who cares if one of them is playing out of position." Coaches don't do that enough.

That being said, I think their weaknesses are still a little too much to top this Pistons team. They are not going to dominate the boards against the Pistons as they've done in Rounds 1 and 2. The Pistons backcourt will expose the difficincies of playing two 2-guards. Sheed and CWeb will outplay Gooden and Big Z, who can barely move at this point.

That being said, I still think this is an incredibly close series. I think all of the games will come down to the wire. However, that's the Cavs' biggest weakness: I don't think this is a clutch team. Lebron's issues with free throws--especially at the end of games--are well documented. When push comes to shove, I think the Pistons will end up winning up two games that the Cavs could have won but didn't, and that will cost them.

If it goes 7 games and San Antonio beats Phoenix, however, the Cavs win, and Lebron shoots 25 free throws in the last game as the NBA desperately tries to avoid another Pistons/Spurs final.

Suns (2) v Jazz(4)
My prediction: Suns in 6

Whether it be the Suns or the Spurs here, this will be an entertaining and ultimately inevitable victory for one of those two teams over the Jazz. Like I said, I love the Jazz, but asking them to go to the NBA Finals their first year back in the playoffs out of this competitive of a Western Conference? That's just too much. The Suns (since that's who I'm hoping for) offense is too wide open for the Jazz D to stop, and the Suns have enough big guys to throw at Boozer (Amare, Marion, Thomas) and enough mobile guys to throw at Okur when he wants to shoot 3's (Marion, Amare). Deron Williams will light up Steve Nash, but Little Stevie Nash will also light up Deron. And I'll definitely take the Raja Bell/Leondro Barbosa combo over Gordon Giricek.

The games will be close, but never in doubt. Suns in 6.

NBA Finals

Pistons (1) v Suns (2)
My prediction: Pistons in 7

That's right. As much as it pains me to say it, for some reason I just have this feeling that this is the Piston's year. The defection of Ben Wallace that turned out to be addition by subtraction, the gift of CWebb, and the way they've flown under everyone's radar has me feeling that this is their time. Again.

Also, don't underestimate the crappy East. There comes a point where the professional media needs to realize that the beating all the outstanding Western Conference teams take against each other plays a factor in the NBA Finals. Which would you rather do: face an Orlando team that is an absolute and complete joke, face a Bulls team that just chucks jumpers all day, and then finally play a halfway decent team that is ultimately flawed in several different ways, or fight through a Lakers team led by arguably the best player in the NBA, the dynasty that is the Spurs, and an extremely well-balanced Jazz team that just beat the hottest team in the playoffs? Yeah. I thought so. I mean seriously...how much different is the Cavs from the Lakers? If they met in a 7 game series, wouldn't you say Cavs in 7, but if Kobe and one other guy gets hot, it's the Lakers? And the Cavs are the second best team in the East! The imbalance makes the playoffs entertaining, but it takes its toll on the Western Conference teams.

Also, I think asking the Suns to win the whole thing in the Amare comeback year is just too much. They'll get there...they'll make mistakes...they'll learn from them and come back next year. I think the Spurs have a much better chance at beating the Pistons in the Finals than the Suns do.

Don't get me wrong; the Suns have the talent and the matchups to win. I just don't think they have the experience, rest, and momentum to. I think the Pistons squeek it out.

And then, hopefully, Chauncey Billups comes to Dallas next year.

Okay...I Think I Can Write My NBA Playoff Preview Now

Why is this coming so late, you ask? You know why. I was going to write this on the Monday after the first weekend of the NBA playoffs--just a little bit behind schedule--but once the Mavs' series started, I couldn't. I just had to watch. And then I had to recover. So here's what happened, what I would have predicted would happen (you'll just have to trust me), and my analysis. Enjoy.

FIRST ROUND

Detroit Pistons (1) v Orlando Magic (8)
My prediction: Pistons in 5
Result: Pistons in 4

I enjoyed this series because I finally got a chance to see the Orlando Magic play. I realized two things: 1) This team sucks, and 2) Dwight Howard is a HORRIBLE basketball player. Just terrible. Sure, he is one of the most impressive physical specimens I've ever seen. I've never seen people get out of a man's way when he goes to dunk like they do with Howard--even Shaq in his prime wasn't as feared. But Howard has NOTHING else. Doesn't know a single post move. Doesn't have any type of shot. He's an incredible athlete, but has a lot of work to do.

I thought the Magic were athletic and good enough to steal a game from the Pistons. After watching them for five minutes, I knew I was wrong.

Cleveland Cavaliers (2) v Washington Wizards (7)
My prediction: Cavs in 4
Result: Cavs in 4

No Arenas or Butler? Please.

Toronto Raptors (3) v New Jersey Nets (6)
My prediction: Nets in 6
Result: Nets in 6

Loved the Raptors. Hate Vince Carter. I would have loved it had the Raps won--and my secondary prediction was Raps in 7, in the classic, "if they can make it to a 7th game at home, they will win it--they just have to get there." However, in the NBA, always take the savvy veteran team who underachieved during the regular season over the young, inexperienced, and overachieving team. Sorry Raps. I was rooting for you.

Miami Heat (4) v Chicago Bulls (5)
My prediction: Bulls in 6
Result: Bulls in 4

THANK YOU!!! The only time I was happy in the first round. I couldn't believe all the pundits who were buying into the Heat. Let me get this straight...this team sucks except for one player, and that player is hurt, and you expect them to take it? Please. Now granted, after the Bulls stinkbomb the last game of the season, I expected them to be a little shell shocked and it take them a bit to recover--hence the in 6 prediction. But instead, it made them made and focused. Good for them. Good riddance, Miami.

Mavs (1) v Warriors (8)
My prediction: Mavs in 5
Result: Warriors in 6

Okay. So here's what happened:

* ALL of the Warrior's strengths were the Mavs' weaknesses. Huge backcourt? Check. Quick power forwards who can penetrate and shoot? Check. Good point guard play? Check.
* THEIR EX-COACH WAS IN CHARGE OF THE TEAM. I learned this lesson when Jon Gruden and Tampa Bay were in the Super Bowl years ago. Everyone thought the Raiders were going to win, but I remember that Scott Alexander (the best boss I've ever had) said, "Are you kidding me? He's their ex-coach! He knows every single one of those players inside and out! You can't beat that advantage." And Scott was exactly right. Mavs-Warriors was the ultimate test: a drunk, still-haven't-recovered-from-my-nervous-breakdown-over-a-decade-ago man who knows all of a teams strengths and weaknesses is still a huge advantage. You can't beat somewhen when you know all their tricks.
* Avery is an impressive coach. For his experience level, he's an amazing coach. But he still has things to learn. He got outcoached in the Heat series last year, and he got INCREDIBLY outcoached (I can't even believe I'm writing these words) by Nelson this year. He should have played everyone and beat Golden State the last matchup of the regular season; had we won that game, we would have beaten the Clippers 4-0 instead of losing to the Warriors 2-4 in the first round. He should NEVER have changed his starting lineup in Game 1. I still can't believe he did that. I said to my friends then: he just told Golden State that we're scared of them. It was incredibly stupid. Really, the series ended right there. He waited too long to start double teaming Baron Davis. He played Jerry Stackhouse too much (as always). He played zone wayyyyyyyyyy too much. And he didn't play Austin Crochere enough.
Avery is a great coach. But he still has things to learn.
* Baron Davis, Stephen Jackson, Jason Richardson, and Matt Barnes all decided at the same time to play at the pinacle of their potential. It's as simple as that. Sometimes you get hot...and they ALL got not just hot, but INCREDIBLY hot at the exact same time.
* The Golden State crowd is 800 times better than the Dallas crowd. And we all know how much I love my fair city, so this might hurt most of all to write. But it's true. Shame on you, cocaine-and-boobjob crowd (as Rhiner correctly calls you), who gets dressed up in clubbing clothes, high heals, and suit jackets to come watch a playoff game. Who sit their and drink, socialize, and try to be scene instead of watching the game and being seen. Go to the fucking W; we don't want you in here. And if you don't think a post about how pretenious my beloved city has gotten is coming down the line...well, then you don't know me very well.
* And, finally, Dirk. Dirk wasn't as bad as people think he was--notice he's last on the list of reasons we lost--but obviously he did not play well. Last year, Dirk was successful because he was willing to post up and grind out in the paint when the going got tough. He was not willing to do that this year, and that's really what killed him. It's not that he was scared; Dirk is no Michael Jordan, but he proved last year (and in game 5) that he is a fairly clutch player. He just wanted to beat this team playing HIS game...and his game was the worst possible matchup for this team. He has to be versatile to win, and he wasn't versatile in this series.

So that's what happened. Now remember, this isn't as bad of an upset as it appears; it was top ten bad, but I don't know if it was top 5 bad. The Mavs were slightly overrated; even though they had 67 wins, they were a team that never had injury problems and played hard every night while half of the conference tanked half of the season for the draft, and the other half all suffered injuries that put them out of contention at points of the year. No fault on the Mavs, just don't think just because of that number that I would rank them over many other teams in the last 20 years. On the other hand, the Golden State team that is playing now is not an 8 seed. This is a team that started the year with major injuries to key players (Davis had knee surgery in the offseason and only played 63 games; Jason Richardson missed almost all of the first half of the season and only played 51 games) and then traded half of their team for new players at mid-season (Stephen Jacksona and Al Harrington). So it was a fluke that this was an 8 seed; they're much better than the Lakers, better than the Nuggets, and better than the Rockets.

Like I said, it was the worst possible draw the Mavs could have faced. But as the old saying goes...

C'est la vie.

Phoenix Suns (2) v LA Lakers (7)
My prediction: Suns in 5
Result: Suns in 5

A team in dissaray meets one of the four premier teams in the league. Kobe can steal one game...but that's it. And that's pretty much exactly what happened.

I can't wait til the Lakers end up trading Andrew Bynum for a player half as good this offseason to try to appease Kobe...and then get to watch him in the All Star game in 2 years (you heard it here). Good times!

San Antonio Spurs (3) v Denver Nuggets (6)
My prediction: Spurs in 7
Result: Spurs in 5

Why, oh why, do I ever pick the Nuggets or Jayhawks to do well in anything? Why? No matter how good they look, in games or on paper, they're losers. It all goes wrong, and I end up looking stupid. And I know it's going to happen. I know that there are losers in the world, and that the Nuggets and Jayhawks are going to be losers, no matter what. But I always fall for their bullshit.

On paper, this--like the Mavs and Warriors--was the worst possible matchup for the Spurs. Coupla big guys (Camby and Nene) to guard Timmy and make him work defensively; two dynamic scores (Iverson and Melo) so that Bruce Bowen can't just take one star out of the game; point guard quick enough to guard Parker (Iverson); small forward quick and strong enough to guard Manu (Melo). Should have been great. And what happened?

The losers were losers. Again.

Utah Jazz (4) v Houston Rockets (5)
My prediction: Rockets in 7
Result: Jazz in 7

What a fantastic series. I'm so disappointed I didn't get to enjoy it more, because I was in such a depressed fog over what was happening with the Mavs that I didn't watch as much of this as I normally would have (I needed time on the off-nights to step away from the NBA). Poor TMac. The guy tries so hard, and the guy is SO GOOD. People don't realize that his teams are always overachieving. Mavs to 7 games that one year? Magic up 3-1 that one year? Those teams SUCKED. They should have never made it as far as they did. Yet TMac was able to carry them there--and yet, when talent finally won out, it becomes his fault. Well, let's look at this Rocket's team: they have TMac, one of the more overrated players in the game in Yao Ming, and a decent player in Shane Battier. THAT'S IT. There is no one else on that roster. Rafer Alston? Luther Head? Chucky Hayes? Look, they play real hard. But they SUCK. End of story.

As for the Jazz, I've been saying for years that this is a great team, and they're finally realizing it. Great point guard play with Williams and Fisher; big hole at 2-guard, but at least they have a good shooter (Giricek) and an athletic stopper (Brewer). They have the best defensive player in the league at Small Forward (AK-47), and one of the best all-around subs in the league coming off the bench (Matt Harpring, who's never got the respect he deserves because he's not flashy and plays in Utah), one of the without question top 20 and possibly top 10 best players in the league this year (Carlos Boozer), and a top ten best center in the league who creates huge matchup problems because of his shooting and passing ability. Oh, and he's crazy clutch, too (Okur).

So no, it's not TMac's fault that the Rockets fell short again. A good team met a much better team. It happens.

Okay...this is getting really long, so I'm going to do the Secound Round today and finish the playoffs off tomorrow.

SECOND ROUND
*NOTE* my prediction will be before the first two games of these series

Detroit Pistons (1) v Bulls (5)
My prediction: Pistons in 7

I thought Chicago would put up more of a fight than they did the first two games, since they were the Hot Team of the East (like the Warriors were in the West) in the first round. However, Detroit quickly went out and kicked the shit out of them. I figured Detroit would win because of the lack of low post scoring from the Bulls; I didn't think they'd get spanked because of it, which is what looks like will happen. The Bulls could get hot and come back, but it's doubtful.

This just goes to prove that the Bulls should have traded for Gasol during the season, and should definitely do so during the season. Depending on where their first round pick falls--if it's top 2 obviously keep it; if it's anything else--they should call the Grizz and say, "Gordon, Nocioni, Thomas, Wallace (just in case West is senile enough to take him; he's not, but one can hope), or our first round pick; choose any two of the three for Gasol." You can then allow yourself to be cajoled into something minor on top of those two (A second round pick; Malik Allen, maybe even Duhon, but I would hesitate on him) and make the deal. Easy, and both teams win, unless the Grizz take Ben Gordon, the most overrated player in the NBA.

Cavs (2) v Nets (6)
My prediction: Cavs in 6

The Cavs are playing too good right now, and the Nets are just not that good. It's as simple as that. The Nets are too smart of a veteran team to go out without a fight, but this series will never really be in doubt.

Suns (2) v Spurs (3)
My prediction: Suns in 7

Really, I have no idea. Watching the Spurs in the regular season, I thought they had slipped a notch. However, now it appears that they were simply playing possum: Tim Duncan is healthier than ever and is playing fantastic; Parker is playing great; Finley is on fire. However, Steve Nash is in full blown "I will not let us lose this series" mode, and I think his teammates respect him/are scared enough of him to respond. Plus, D'Antoni is doing a fantastic job coaching; he's learned the subtelties of the playoffs the last two years, and is showing a deft touch (such as starting Kurt Thomas to help with the boards in Game 2). Really, I can see this series going either way. Since I want the Suns to win, I'll go with Suns in 7, but this is basically a sit back and enjoy the ride.

Phoenix must win one of the next two in San Antonio.

Jazz (4) v Warriors (8)
My prediction: Utah in 6

I was very impressed with Golden State's first game performance; after their emotional win against their hated arch-rivals, I figured Game 1 would be a letdown game. Oh contraire, mon fraire. What a fantastic game. However, I think Utah wins this series, and while the games will all be close, they win it fairly easily (meaning the outcome is never in doubt). Remember: Utah's best player is a dominant low post scorer. The Warriors CANNOT stop that. Not even close. The 20 rebounds Boozer had in Game 1 was no fluke; he will EASILY average 15 rebounds in this series. The best defensive small forward in the game will take JRich out; no dynamite series for him. And while Williams can't stop Davis, he can play him to a standstill; he's big and strong enough to slow him down defensively, and is good enough offensively to where it will at least end up being break even. Once you throw in Okur, Harpring, and Milsap, and it's just too much firepower for the Jazz. The Warriors will fight valliantly, and they might even get hot in Game 3 and win that in a blowout, but as the series winds on this team will beat them up, and they won't be able to take it. Jazz possibly in 5, easily in 6.

Back with Conference and NBA Finals tomorrow...