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It's National Basketball Association time! So, say later to all those mainstream publications and dig into Doug E's predictions for the 2003 - 2004 season. My fans in New Zealand have been chomping at the bit (in between World Cup rugby games) for this year's NBA prognostications. So, here goes as I rank the teams according to their predicted finish in each conference. Remember, top 8 make the playoffs based on records (except the number two seed which is always the division winner, who might still be the number two team in the conference and might not be the number two team... never mind). Stay tuned throughout the season for more NBA tidbits, columns and other stuff.
What about all those preemptive moves made by other teams, specifically in the Western conference? Minnesota... not enough to even get out of the first round. Sacramento... terrible salary cap management means less depth (so long Keon Clark) plus you know that Chris Webber will find a way to either get injured or to screw up. Dallas... if they jell they might be able to go around the mountain and outscore everyone but still, you have to make at least one stop in the playoffs. The World Champion San Antonio Spurs... they actually did the best job of filling holes and adding depth (with a great deal of experience). The key Spurs pickup might be Robert Horry. Why? Either he or Steve Kerr have played for the last 7 championship teams. Hmmm. The Eastern conference, in the words of Johnny Depp as Donny Brasco, "forgetaboutit!" I barely changed my playoff results from last year - the Lakers will be back in their rightful place at the end of the 2003 - 2004 season. Too many egos? Not enough basketballs to go around? Au contraire, freedom fry boy. Gary Payton will finally bring a transition game back to LA (plus he can still lock guys up most of the time, except your total speed guys such as Marbury, Francis, etc.). Karl Malone will feast on triangle post 15 foot jumpers (plus he can still fill the lanes as good as any big man in the league). And finally, Shaq will want to prove that he can win a title without a major contribution from Kobe Tyson, Colorado's finest future inmate. That's right, once again the parade will be outside the Staples Center. I'm going to miss Mark Madsen's body rockin' moves though. Doug E. For more Doug E. "Sportstalk" columns (or what passes for a columns), click here! ______________________________________________________________________ eberhardt basketball, where "Life is Good but Basketball is Better." |
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