The Finals Preview: Dallas Mavericks vs. Miami Heat

After a month and a half of Derrick Rose, Growl nation, Kevin Durant backpacks, and excessive T-Mobile commercials, the Playoffs are over and it's time for the Finals. It's down to the Dallas Mavericks and the Miami Heat and both teams are playing fantastic basketball, very deserving of playing for the Larry O'Brien trophy. A rematch of the 2006 NBA Finals, let's see who will be crowned champion when it's all said and done:

Dallas Mavericks

This year's Mavs team is very reminiscent of the team in 2006 that lost in 6 to the Heat, a team with a lot of depth that has no weaknesses. Unlike the mid 2000 Mavericks however, these Mavs aren't soft and certainly don't crack under pressure. They've thrived in comeback situations this year and have won all their series-clinching games at the first opportunity. The Dirk Nowitzki who once was intimidated by smaller, more athletic defenders (Matt Barnes) and taunted for loving the Hasselhoff  is no longer being ridiculed. He's been the best player in these Playoffs and he's become the most difficult cover in the NBA. He defines the saying "practice makes perfect" and his work ethic has gotten him another chance at a title as the Mavs window of opportunity closes. Besides the German, the Mavs have also played great defense allowing 93 points per game and shutting teams out in the final minutes of games. Tyson Chandler and Brandon Haywood have made it difficult to score in the paint and Shawn Marion continues to be a pest on defense and offense. Jason Kidd has reinvented his game as he ages, and he along with JET, Peja, and J.J. Barea continue to keep defenses honest spreading the floor with the 3 ball and creating room for Dirk to work.

Miami Heat

In comparison to the 2006 championship team, this year's Heat team is the 2006 team on steroids. Unlike a team assembled of aging superstars (Shaq, Gary Payton, Antoine Walker, etc.) this team has three superstars not even in their prime yet and they're clicking at the perfect time. After all the scrutiny, and embarrassing moments  during the season, the Heat have overcome all their past drama and are clearly focused on one objective, winning basketball games. The big 3 have been excellent and are only getting better with each series. Mike Bibby, Mario Chalmers, and Joel Anthony have done exactly what is asked of them and the Gator boys (Mike Miller & Udonis Haslem) have provided difference making performances in the Playoffs that was lacking in the regular season. Chris Bosh looks like one of the best big men in the league again, Dwyane Wade hasn't been stellar, but he's been a good enough Pippen to Mr. Clutch in these Playoffs, LeBron James, and the "Decision" maker himself has been absolutely wonderful. LeBron might be playing the best basketball of his career and he's doing it on both ends of the floor. He's closed games out with hard drives and jumpers, but most importantly, he's done it with his defense. In the previous series against the Bulls, he locked down Derrick Rose to 6% shooting when defending him in the 4th quarter and used his incredible athleticism and size to suffocate the MVP. While everyone criticized LeBron for not having a killer instinct, it seems like he finally understands the full extent of his talent and he may get the last laugh when it's all said and done, proving all haters, including myself, wrong.  

Key Players:

Shawn Marion (DAL) - He was the key to the previous series and he will be again for this series. Dirk will get his on offense and of course is the most important player on the Mavs, but The Matrix has the most important task on the team, and that is to stop LeBron James on the defensive end. These Playoffs have been a resurrection of the all-star Shawn Marion, and he needs to continue to provide that energy and make the opposing team's star player work to get his on offense. Marion will also need to keep LeBron honest on defense and continue to score as well.    

Dwyane Wade (MIA) - He and Udonis Haslem are the only guys left from the 2006 championship team, and he will need to take that experience of winning it all and show the rest of the guys how it's done. In 2006, D-Wade single-handedly won a championship himself and  introduced himself to the world as a league superstar for many years to come. This time around he has greater parts around him, but it's still his job to be the main scoring threat and lead by example. Although it seems that the Heat are now LeBron's team,  Wade is the one that has been there and done it, and he will have to be the difference of this series.

The Edge:

Although this is a series that I definitely did not want to see, I'm positive it will be an excellent series. I don't see any blowouts and I see hard-fought defensive games throughout, similar to game 4 of the Heat/Bulls series. The Mavericks have a hungry veteran squad that knows this may be the last opportunity to win a championship. While the Heat have an opportunity to quiet all the haters, and validate their preseason plans of beginning a dynasty in South Beach. The Mavericks will have one advantage in this series and that is Dirk Nowitzki. He will be a huge problem for the Heat, but that will be it. The Heat play excellent team defense that I have not seen since the Detroit Pistons of the mid 2000s. The Heat will close on passing lanes and contest those threes that were open in previous series for the Mavs and it's going to be very difficult for Dirk to get offensive help. Since the Celtics series, I've been convinced that no one will stop LeBron on this journey for his first title. The man is determined and it's a shame he couldn't play with this desire in Cleveland. Even if the Mavs find a way to throw him off his game, did I forget to mention they still have a guy named Dwyane Wade on their team, oh and Chris Bosh as well. If Dirk couldn't beat D-Wade by himself in 2006, what makes me think he will beat them this time around when the Heat have two more superstars. I understand that this Mavericks team is better and Dirk is a much better player now, but no one is stopping this Heat team. No one is stopping this team from changing the league and beginning an era of super teams. All hail the King.

  

Series: (4-2) - Miami Heat

Playoff Previews: Conference Finals

It's been a crazy Playoffs. It's the beginning of a new era in the NBA. Let's see how the Final Four fair:

Western Conference Finals 

2) Dallas Mavericks vs. 4) Oklahoma City Thunder

The Dallas Mavericks come into this series with a lot of momentum and rest after their beat down of the Los Angeles Lakers. The rest however can have two effects on the team. It can either be very beneficial for a veteran team like the Mavs in need of it or it can be damaging towards that momentum the Mavs had. I think that we'll see the Mavs a little rusty at the start of Game 1 but the long break won't have a huge effect. Zach Randolph had his way with Serge Ibaka in the Conference Semis, and Dirk Nowitzki should be able to do the same. He may even be a more difficult cover. Of course, the one aspect of the Mavs that made them so great in the series against the Lakers that will have to be present in this series as well is three-point shooting. If Jason Terry and Peja Stojakovic can continue shooting the lights out, there is no way this team loses the series. The Mavs are deep and very experienced which will definitely give them an advantage over the Thunder, and they have the "Little Leprechaun of Luck," J.J. Barea.

 

As for the Oklahoma City Thunder, they come off a tough series with the Grizzlies. The Grizzlies deserve a lot of credit for their "never quit" attitude, but that series shouldn't have been as difficult as it was for the Thunder. Often at times, the Thunder showed brilliance because of their limitless talent, but they failed to execute on numerous occasions due to their lack of experience. They can be so much better yet their youth holds them back from what their capable of doing. With all that said however, they've still made it to the Western Conference Finals and they are very dangerous. They're underdogs in this series, but the way I see it, they've overachieved and they're playing with house money with nothing to lose. How they play against the Mavs in this series will most likely be exactly the same as the series against the Grizzlies but with added pressure that the Thunder shouldn't worry about. Kevin Durant will have brilliant games like game 7 Sunday, and he'll probably give a stinker at some point in the series. Perkins and Ibaka will continue to be gritty and physical and Nick Collison should be able to aggravate Dirk a little. James Harden will continue to shoot the ball well and hopefully the rest of bench will continue its solid play.   

Key Players: Russell Westbrook (OKC): Russ is going to have to be the main guy in this series. In these Playoffs, Jason Kidd has not matched up against a young, athletic guard yet, and Westbrook can and will cause a ton of defensive problems for the Mavs. However, he cannot lose his head and be selfish getting caught up with taking jumpers and playing too fast and out of control. All he has to do is attack with a controlled pace and continue to get to the rim. If he can play the way he had in the final games of the series against the Grizzlies, Russ can be capable of getting triple-doubles every game this series. He can be the guy getting the spotlight instead of KD in this series, but he just needs to do it correctly.

Shawn Marion (DAL): I think he's been one of the most underrated players for the Mavs in their Playoff run and his versatility to play the 3 or 4 allows the Mavs to play different rotations (small ball for 3s, big for D, etc.) to their advantage. His main task in this series is to slow down Kevin Durant and tire him out on the other end being a small offensive factor as well. He's been locking down the opposing teams' best wing scorers, and the Mavs are depending on him to slow down the league's scoring champ this series.    

I haven't predicted too many series correctly this year, and I hope I'm wrong again on this one. I have to give the edge to the Mavericks only because of home-court advantage. I really don't believe either team has an edge, and I think this series will actually be better than the Bulls-Heat series. Please KD, prove me wrong.

Series: (4-3) - Dallas Mavericks 

Eastern Conference Finals

1) Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat

No Boston? No problem. This will be an excellent series regardless of what happened in Game 1. You can discredit the series against the Celtics because as great as the Heat were, the C's were just bad and old. The series was an ass-whopping provided by the Heat and sure the Heat can celebrate about it, but it was only advancing past the second round. However, that series did bring out a lot of positives for Miami. It starts with D-Wade and LeBron playing at their highest level of basketball and Chris Bosh is starting to come along as well. After watching Game 1, I could be really discouraged about the Heat and their poor offense, but there's no reason for that. The Heat still have LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, and they're still capable of taking over games any night.

Before Game 1, everyone had the Heat as a heavy favorite and many forgot how good the Bulls really were. This was the team with the best record in the regular season and they play suffocating defense. As I watch them more and more, they remind me a lot of the 2001 Philadelphia 76ers, with better compliments for its superstar. D-Rose is gonna be a nightmare to guard for Mike Bibby and Mario Chalmers and their defense will make it difficult for Bron and Wade to penetrate and get whatever they want. Keith Bogans and Kyle Korver are going to have to hit their threes, the bench will have to continue to dominate like Game 1, and Joakim Noah is going to have to be a beast inside, of course defensively, but offensively as well. 

Key Players: Carlos Boozer (CHI): As important as Derrick Rose is to the Bulls, Boozer is just as important in the series, and maybe even more important in this series. He's been missing in these playoffs, and this is his time to pick up the slack. D-Rose can't do it by himself and Carlos Boozer needs to score. He cannot be outplayed by Chris Bosh and he needs to put up a stat line of 20 points and 12 rebounds a game. In a supposed perimeter-oriented series, he will have to be the x-factor inside and be dominant. It's his time to prove he was worth the big bucks this offseason.

LeBron James (MIA): So he beat the Celtics, and he finally admitted he couldn't do it without Bosh and Wade, finally offering a sincere apology to Cleveland. However, he still hasn't accomplished anything. He's been further in his career already and he can't just settle with beating the C's. He has the compliments now and it's up to him to take his talent to an even higher level in this series and through the rest of the playoffs. Kobe is gone, the Celtics are gone, and now is his chance to take the spotlight and really show the league what he's capable of doing. Triple-doubles or bust for LeBron in this series.

This series will be a continual grind throughout. Both teams are excellent on defense and the edge for each game will be decided by whoever controls the tempo. In the end, I will still give an edge to the Heat, slightly, mainly because they have two superstars in D-Wade and LeBron and because of what they're capable of.  If they can have performances similar to the ones against the Celtics and live up to their potential, the only thing stopping the Heat would be themselves regardless of how great the Bulls defense is.

Series: (4-2) - Miami Heat     

Rebirth of a Dynasty

“It was a challenge bigger than we could beat this year...It’s been a wonderful run.”

With these final words from Phil Jackson, it put a close to another era of championship basketball in Los Angeles. The signs were there, the end was coming, but this soon, no one could predict it. These Lakers were too talented, too experienced, too well-coached to not beat the Mavericks and the rest of the league on their way to a 3-peat. For all the haters, including myself, let's be honest, a bit of why we hated the Lakers was because we feared the Lakers. They have the best player on the planet, they had the best front court, and they had the Zen Master, the greatest to ever coach in the NBA.

That wasn't enough this time around. Too many egos, too much arrogance, too much inner conflict & lack of trust, not enough execution, and age finally caught up to this team. The biggest weaknesses of the Lakers were exposed by the Mavs, mixed with weak emotions, and lost motivation, leading to the embarrassing sweep witnessed Sunday. Just like 2004, the Lakers had the better team in the series, but didn't play like it. They were outplayed in every aspect of the game, and each player on the team had their personal flaws exposed. Pau Gasol (too soft), Derek Fisher (too old), and Ron Artest (worst player in the NBA) are some perfect examples. Steve Blake and Matt Barnes who were supposed to be excellent pick-ups backfired, and the consistent guys all season, Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom played ok, but ended the year shamefully. Lastly of course is Kobe Bryant, and I can't really blame Kobe for this letdown, but with a chance to further his already great legacy and be Jordan-esque by leading his team back from a 3-0 deficit, I thought he would come through with some vintage Kobe. That Kobe didn't show and it seemed like he ran out of gas. All those playoff games, all those nights of putting the team on his shoulders finally caught up. Kobe couldn't do it anymore. The entire team had made its final impression, disorganized and in need of a change.

Laker nation seems to be in a state of panic because of their astonishing beat down and the abrupt end to their season, but they're actually not far from being contenders again next season. The roster needs an overhaul, a new coach needs to be hired, and a bit of Mitch Kupchak magic/cheating needs to take place in order for a contender to be in place next season. There is no way this team will drop off dramatically as long as Kobe Bryant remains on the roster, but there is a lot of work to do starting with:

1) Hiring the Right Guy: Before the Lakers can make any roster changes, they have to figure out who takes over for Phil Jackson. They have to figure out if they still want to run the triangle or do they head in a new direction. Do they want to be more uptempo? Do they want to be more defensive? Do they want an experienced coach or a fresh new face? The rumors of John Calipari and Coach K don't make sense to me if the team wants to stay as contenders. Jeff Van Gundy is another popular name, but he's being thrown around every team that needs a coach, and Nate McMillan is another coach who may be considered, but I believe is not a very good fit. A darkhorse candidate I think fit for the job would be current Minnesota Timberwolves' coach Kurt Rambis, who was Phil Jackson's top assistant before taking the job in Minnesota, but he'd have to be fired to be hired. Therefore the current front-runner and best fit to be Phil's successor is current assistant coach and former player, Brian Shaw. He'll continue to run the triangle and he'll bring the same demeanor of Phil similar to his playing style: calm, cool, and collective. Shaw's been Phil Jackson's assistant for the past few years now and he has Kobe's vote of confidence and I think he'd be an excellent coach.

2) Everyone but Kobe: While I do like the talent of the current team, the chemistry and characters of the players do not mesh well together. As of now, everyone can be moved on the team except for Kobe Bryant. The problem with changing this team though, is the lack of cap flexibility. Theo Ratliff and Joe Smith will be gone, and player options for Matt Barnes (most likely to accept) and Shannon Brown (Lakers need to have him accept) are the only other potential eliminators of contracts. Other than that, this team has everyone else under contract for a couple more seasons so they'll remain capped out. So where to begin reconstructing? I'll begin with the minor changes starting with: 

- Point Guard: Most be more athletic and younger and if Derek Fisher is to be back, he will have to accept a role as a back-up point guard. Steve Blake has not lived up to any expectations and if he can be moved, he should be moved. The free agency doesn't have too many appealing guards so I believe the draft would be the best place to find their next point guard. The only problem, the Lakers only have a 2nd round pick.

- Ron Artest: When Ron Artest signed with the Lakers I thought he would be a perfect fit. He was one of the better small forwards in the league and provided that "Dennis Rodman" edge that a soft Lakers team needed. The only problem was that Artest's tenure as a Laker has been terrible and he's been terrible. His crazy antics are inexcusable and ineffective and he has lost all offensive skill whatsoever. He needs to be traded immediately to any team that would be crazy enough to want him and the Lakers should take anyone offered with a contract less than 3 years. His perfect replacement, Tayshaun Prince. He's a long, excellent defender with championship experience and he has the ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting. He won't be costly and could be signed with a mid-level exception.

- Depth & 3-Point Shooting: The Lakers bench was outplayed immensely in the Mavericks series and was even outplayed in the first round by the Hornets. All season they had the best bench player in the league, Lamar Odom, but that was it. Shannon Brown disappeared after the first quarter of the season and I already mentioned Matt Barnes and Steve Blake's ineffectiveness. Their first task of course should be obtaining three-point shooting. Every team needs a Kyle Korver and call me crazy, but Sasha Vujacic returning would not be a bad idea. The Machine is feisty on defense and he can hit the three ball. A couple other options via free agency may be Jason Kapono, Daequan Cook (restricted FA), Anthony Parker, and the most intriguing pick-up to me could be Michael Redd. After filling the 3-point shooting void, the next task is beefing up the front court, starting with tough, bigs that offer 6 hard fouls. The Lakers have a soft interior and the easiest way to shake that persona is to acquire hard-nosed back up big men. Nzar Mohammed comes to mind, Reggie Evans will grab some boards and nuts, and why not bring back DJ Mbenga just for luck. Of course, the back up big men are just necessary for depth and toughness, but the biggest change will need to come with the starting front court of the Lake show and of course that leads to:  

 3) Superman Landing in Hollywood: This is the most important and crucial task for Kobe Bryant and Mitch Kupchak to accomplish this offseason, but if executed properly, will have the Lakers as the team to beat next year and possibly for many more seasons. Dwight Howard is the perfect player for Kobe to pass the torch to as his best games seem to be behind him and I can almost see a Laker team forming reminiscent to the dynasty of the early 2000s. Dwight can take on the same role as Shaq, having the offense run through him, and Kobe would become the second option with less pressure and work placed on him. Along with being the focal point of the offense, Dwight would be able to work with Kareem Abdul-Jabar to further his offensive skill, and if the triangle is executed correctly it may result in numerous MVP and championship trophies for Superman.

At the deadline, I mentioned this potential trade to a couple friends and they thought I was crazy, but with the Lakers' downfall and Dwight's future intentions known, this trade seems more and more likely. The Lakers possess the greatest trade pieces for the Magic and it's a pretty simple thing to do for the Lakers. If they play their cards correctly they can also come out of a trade with more than just Dwight Howard. It first begins with Kobe doing whatever it takes to lure and convince the big man into believing Socal is the place to be and not New York similar to the way Dwyane Wade persuaded Bosh and LeBron to head to South Beach. The Magic are already in a tight situation because they don't want to risk losing another franchise center at the peak of his career without getting anything in return. Therefore if Dwight is persuaded and wants to be in LA then the Magic are almost forced to oblige. The Magic could demand Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom, and the entire Laker roster and as many future draft picks as they want, and if I am the Lakers they can have all of that except for Kobe. A multiple-team deal would seem most likely, but if it were just between the two teams, the most realistic deal I think that can be proposed would be Andrew Bynum, Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, Steve Blake, Shannon Brown (needs to accept opiton), and four future draft picks in return for Dwight Howard, Jameer Nelson, Brandon Bass, Ryan Anderson, Hedo Turkoglu, and Chris Duhon. Most likely there won't be just a trade between the two because I don't believe the Magic want to have both Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol on their roster, and I don't think the Lakers want Hedo Turkoglu's outrageous contract. However, if these are the guys that the Lakers acquire besides Dwight from Orlando, they can all contribute.

Jameer Nelson is a gritty point guard who has played his entire career with a chip on his shoulder and he would be a huge upgrade from Grandpa Fish. Brandon Bass will have one role which is grab rebounds and be as aggressive as possible. Hedo Turkoglu will continue to suck. Chris Duhon will be... Chris Duhon, and I think a huge X-factor will be Ryan Anderson. The reason I say that is because he can be "Big Shot Bob" for these potential new Lakers. He had a career year and he's a great shooter. If all goes according to plan, we could very well see a Lakers' roster next season like this:


Bench: Nzar Mohammed (FA), DJ Mbenga (FA), Reggie Evans (FA), Ryan Anderson (via Trade Orl), Matt Barnes (Returning), Luke Walton (Returning), Hedo Turkoglu (via Trade Orl), Sasha Vujacic (via sign & trade NJ - Ron Artest), Chris Duhon (via Trade Orl), Derek Fisher (Returning)

Starters: PG: Jameer Nelson (via Trade Orl), SG: Kobe Bryant (Returning), SF: Tayshaun Prince (via FA), PF: Brandon Bass (via Trade Orl), C: Dwight Howard (via Trade Orl)

With a rested and remotivated Kobe Bryant, a new beginning for Dwight Howard, and a revamped roster, the Lakers could very well be a dynasty again without any period of decline. While Phil Jackson rides off to Montana and the previous era of Laker basketball was laid to rest on Sunday. A brighter and better future may be rising in Tinsel Town and for the rest of the league, they should all be afraid, very afraid.       

Playoff Previews: Round 2

Conference Semis, only two surprise teams still in the party (Hawks & Grizzlies). Let's see what's to come.
Western Conference

4) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. 8) Memphis Grizzlies
It was a great upset for the Grizzlies in the first round, not as great as this one, but still deserving of accolades. They ended an era of San Antonio basketball, and this is a team that will not be beaten easily. They played excellent against the Thunder today, and it looks like Z-Bo and brother Marc will be a huge problem through out the series. That still doesn't change my opinion of the series however. I still think the Thunder will get it together. Kevin Durant needs to be more aggressive and Russell Westbrook needs to stop chucking jumpers repeatedly. Perkins will be more of an enforcer inside and "Iblaka" won't allow Zach Randolph to continue to look like the best power forward in the league. The Grizzles will win one more in the series at home, but the Thunder will move on. 

Series: (4-2) - Oklahoma City Thunder

2) Los Angeles Lakers vs. 3) Dallas Mavericks 
The battle of old men should actually be a very fun series to watch. The Dallas Mavericks are not the same team that falters in the playoffs that we've seen in the past. They are resilient and it was evident in the way they bounced back after blowing game 4 to the Blazers and definitively finishing off the series in six games. As for the Lakers, I still believe their biggest opponent in defending their title is themselves. The Lakers live for the unnecessary drama. They still believe they can turn on the switch whenever they want and that attitude needs to end immediately. Pau Gasol needs to grow a pair and Derek Fisher needs to find a fountain of youth. In the end Kobe won't allow an exit in the semis. The ankle injury? That was Hollywood, he'll carry them to the next round, but how many more series can he do that before it takes its toll. He needs help, and hopefully it comes this series.

Series: (4-2) - Los Angeles Lakers   

Eastern Conference

1) Chicago Bulls vs. 5) Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks finally broke their curse of first round exits and they look like their starting to get it together. It's just unfortunate their next series is against the Bulls. I don't see much of a series here and with Captain Kirk most likely out for the series, Derrick Rose should have a field day. When I watched the Bulls in the first round, I expected them to struggle a bit, but the slow starts in games were overblown. This team is the real deal. They handled their business and outplayed the weaker Pacers down the stretch the way they should. The Hawks will probably get one at home, but Derrick Rose is unbelievably great, Joakim Noah is crazy, and they'll take care of the Hawks with ease. ATL Hawk down.

Series: (4-1) - Chicago Bulls

2) Miami Heat vs. 3) Boston Celtics
This is probably the most anticipated series of the semis and the intensity of the series was quite evident today. Although the Celtics dominated the season series, the Miami Heat are a much better team now. They still play the take-turns game with D-Wade and Bron Bron, but the difference is everyone compliments that now very well, and the game is coming easy for Chris Bosh the way it should've been for him all season. For the Celtics, they swept the Knicks, but I can't call Carmelo Anthony vs. The Boston Celtics a legitimate series. They have the experience and they have the big 4, but their lack of firepower and aging core were exposed greatly today. The Celtics still have Rajon Rondo and he is the difference in the series. The ability to takeover a game without scoring goes a long way. James Jones will not score 25 points again in this series and the Celtics will shake game 1 off, I'm positive. Until the road team wins, this is not a series. I've gone with the C's all season and I still believe in experience over LeBron James's playoff curse, so I can't change my pick now. Prove me right Rondo.

Series: (4-3) - Boston Celtics