Third Coast Connect

What a crazy year it’s been in the NBA!

The Boston Celtics have gone from bottom dweller last year (24-58) to the top seed in the East, with a miraculous record of 65-16! If memory serves, only the San Antonio Spurs of 1996-97 had a one year turnaround that even comes close to the Celtics’. The quartet of K.G., Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, and Ray Allen has just dominated the league this year. Of course, Boston is a favorite to win it all in 2008.

The Atlanta Hawks somehow managed to wiggle their way into the playoffs, taking full advantage of the weakness of the Eastern Confernce. Kudos to the sub .500 Atlantans! They have a pretty tough road ahead, taking on the aforementioned Boston Celtics, who by the way, swept the season series 3-0. Practice hard Hawks!

Orlando is worth a mention, as they made a great turnaround as well. In 2006-07, they were 40-42 (still made the playoffs), and have improved on that to a record of 50-30 (as of 4/15). Led by Dwight Howard, they have achieved their first 50 win season in 12 years, and have no doubt that this 3-seed in the playoffs will be quite a force to contend with, and I don’t think Toronto OR Philadelphia has a chance at winning this one.

Let’s switch it up a bit and talk about the WESTERN CONFERENCE. The west this year has been totally unpredictable. From one day to the next, not a soul could nail down exactly how the standings would end up. At this point, the L.A. Lakers have snatched the top spot, followed closely by the New Orleans Hornets. San Antonio has continued their winning ways with their 9th consecutive 50 win season.

As of today, the Utah Jazz have the 4 spot for the second year in a row. Carlos Boozer is a beast inside, not only on the glass, but he has some crazy post moves. Deron Williams, Utah’s 3rd pick in the draft back in 2005, has not disappointed this year, as he has notched 19 points per game along with 10.6 assists per game. His ability to drive to draw defenders on his drives and find the open man is unmatched.

Just kidding. Chris Paul of the Hornets has got him on that one. Speaking of - In my opinion, Chris Paul is DEFINITELY the MVP of the league this year. Sure, Kobe has his 30 points per game, but he really didn’t kick in to high gear until after Pau Gasol arrived. Of course K.G. is a monster, but I just don’t think his numbers really justify MVP this year. Chris Paul has full control of this team, and as the old saying goes, “He makes everyone around him better.” I mean, have you seen some of the alley-oops he throws to Tyson Chandler? Man. It’s just fun to watch him play.

The Lakers REALLY surprised me this year. When Andrew Bynum went out, I really thought they were going to slide. Wrong. Their ferocious play, coupled with that steal of a trade to get Pau Gasol, have propelled the Lakers to the top spot. Whoever plays them in the first round, whether it be Denver or Dallas, better come ready to get it on because Kobe is on a mission.

Truthfully, I’d love to see a first round match up between the Lakers and Mavs. Dallas has proved that they are a force to be reckoned with, notching their eighth 50 win season. Forget the fact that they dropped the season series to the Lakers 1-3. This Dallas team is deep. Dirk, Jason Kidd, Josh Howard, Jason Terry, and Jerry Stackhouse are my number ones. But don’t you dare forget about Brandon Bass, Devean George, Eddie Jones, and Erick Dampier. All of these guys have that much touted playoff experience (with the exception of Bass), which Avery Johnson hopes will get them over the hump this year. Watch out Lakers, Dallas has your number!

Poor Golden State. Knocked out of the chase for that 8 spot by the Suns. It’s a shame we won’t get to see them play this year. Remember them knocking off Dallas in the first round? Oracle Arena will be silent this playoff season, and ALL seeds, 1-8, should be thankful for that one.

My championship game: Boston vs. New Orleans

My champion: Boston. Bandwagon you may say. Maybe you’re right. But how can you bet against them?

The 2008 NBA Playoffs are sure to be spectacular this year. I for one, can’t wait.

What do you think?