FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Moondizzle... said 07/18, 04:19 PM
I really hate these prediction throwdowns about repeat champions. Out of the best teams in every league that has recently won a title, how many have repeated?

Red Sox? No. Any Hockey team? No. The Colts? No.

You can only point to the Patriots and Lakers in recent history to really make a comparison on champions repeating. And those 2 teams were absolute dynasties.

But I'll humor you.

Why can't the Celtics repeat? Garnett, Pierce, and Allen are still there. The new 'Big Three'...although I resent calling them that.

Name me a team in the East that has gotten so much better, that they absolutely can contend with the Celtics. Cavs? Not so much. Bulls? Rose is a nice addition, but dont christen him a savior yet. The Pistons? And the Sixers made good free agent moves, but they're nowhere close.

Thats Key # 1. The path to the NBA Finals is a short, narrow road. I think by watching the Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, and others - that if you're in it, you can win it.

#2:

The Hornets are 'just going to get better'...I suppose. But are they a finals shoe-in?

Some people think the Clippers arent even a playoff team. Not me. Just sayin.

Obvious topic friend.

Moondizzle... said 07/18, 04:46 PM
So I'm wrong because you say so. Ok. I guess that works for me.

"Look at what the Cavs did considering their line-up."

I did. And they lost. And how have they improved that lineup exactly?

"Look at the Sixers."

I have looked at the Sixers. Miller & Iguodola are not new. Elton Brand is good. Don't get me wrong. But he isn't a franchise player. Not at all.

You say that THAT lineup can beat Boston. Back it up. How so? The Celtics were arguably the best defensive team in the league last year. Are they going to forget to defend?

You see Ray Allen is going to decline in numbers. Right. His scoring average dropped to 17.4 this season. Funny, Pierce's dropped too. And wait for it...So did Garnett's! Blimey! How did they ever win the NBA title with a bunch of declining old men?

Their defense is still tops in the NBA. The team has had this much time to gel and doesn't figure to face THAT much more competition in the East.

The West is stacked. Ok. The Celtics aren't playing The West in the finals. They are playing ONE team. And as I said before, 1 on 1, anybody has a shot to win. Unless they're facing a dynasty. Even then, its do-able.

Assumptions, assumptions

Moondizzle... said 07/19, 03:42 PM
Arguing about how far a team pushed a series is absolutely irrelevant. Over time, many teams have won a title after difficult roads, and nobody doubts they're the best team. For all we know, the Celts sweep if it happens another time.

The East is getting better you say? While I'll admit the Sixers have added players and the Bulls have Rose, how exactly has the East improved?

You're complaining about a 31 and 32 year old? Last time I checked the Detroit roster wasnt full of spring chickens. Otherwise, this team still has 2 to 3 years of serious competition in them. I dont understand how you rely on the age factor.

Nothing about HOW exactly the East got better?

Nothing about WHY I shouldn't underestimate the teams you listed?

I'm not required to provide reasons as to why the East isnt better. I'm simply not convinced.

Any team in the dance has a chance to win. And we know the Celtics are at least top 3 in the East. If not # 1. The road's the same. I can't see why they can't repeat. Who knows.

Throw out age all you want.