re: playoff locks

[kevin lok <bostonceltics17@yahoo.com>]

> Playoff Locks:
> 
> Philadelphia: They have a top 5 overall talent in Allen Iverson, a top 3
> center in Dikembe Mutombo, and quality role players throughout their roster.
> No way they don't make the playoffs baring injuries.

seemed like a lock to return as conference champions. added good shot
blockers via draft. Only way to see them implode is IF Larry Brown
suffers a burnout.

 
> New York: With Houston, Sprewell, and Camby, they're too talented to not make
> the playoffs, especially in the East.

I think Jeff Van Gundy has no more hair to pull!! Another undersize PF
Weatherspoon  (forgetti, he's can't guard SF - too slow). I think if
the Knicks makes the conference finals with this team, JVG deserves
Coach of the Year.
Speaking of Knicks, I like Othella Harrington (I think I said it b4).
I Like his hustle and heart (he's got some good footwork and post
moves too). He didn't pout or whin from the bench when JVG went with
others. The impression I got why JVG didn't play Othella much is this
: I noticed that Othella does not play like the (nowadays)
conventional PF (positioned at high post, drawing out the big man,
crashing the boards for the follow up). Instead, he seemed to park
himself at the post, waiting for the ball to be *dump* to him. I think
this is not what JVG had in mind - his 1-2-3 options are
Spre-Houst-Rice, not big O.

Anyway, I like Othella just like I (would) like Nazr - only if (1)one
of V/Battie/Blount/Moiso is traded (2) if minutes are available (which
I don't see now)

I wonder if Knicks are stupid enough to take either EWilliams and/or
Wallah for Othella + pick. (somehow via a 3rd "under cap" team)

> Orlando: If they make their expected signings of Ewing, Ho Grant, then
> they're gonna be a nasty, nasty team. With a starting lineup of Ewing, Grant,
> Hill, McGrady, and Armstrong, they could be a formidable opponent for the
> Sixers.

I think Orlando lives and dies with their old man/veterans!!! Imagine
a 82 game schedule and Ewing - huffing and puffing, Grant Hill - I am
sure doing more infomercials than dunks, Ho Grant - more of towel
waving on the bench.

yeah, T-Mac is right to say he is shooting for the MVP. With all
injured, he'll up his level of play and carry Magic to the playoffs
once again.

> Cleveland: Lost an 11/10 guy in the Spoon and added a 19 year old center with
> bad feet and very little basketball experience. They won't be good.

I think Cleveland's next years picks are very valuable becos they'll
stink this year. Lucas' (and Paxson) moves so far (trading for Doleac
and Diop drafting) makes me think Lucas derives great satisfaction in
reclamation work. I think Lucas sees something in Doleac which none
others see (me see Doleac just like a better built Matt Bullard) if
not how else can you explain that lob sided trade of Haywood.

I am hoping Wallace can convince Lucas to take on more "challenging"
players like EWilliams/Wallah. Hey, Cavs's '02 round 2 picks are
diamonds too!!

> Washington: If Jordan comes back, they'll make the playoffs. If he doesn't,
> they could be worse than the Bulls.

I don't know why the world keep thinking Jordan will make a
comeback!!! I don't believe it! Jordan not only risk his "legendary or
God" status (or hype), he would be risking his millions as he need to
divest his shares in the ownership of the Wizards (NBA rules disallows
players owning teams). Jordan is a smart business guy, he would risk
millions for just highlights of himself on the jumbotron.


> New Jersey: Kidd will help them but who does he pass to? Van Horn? Martin?
> Todd "McIlvaine" MacColluch?

I think Bryan Scott is beginning to impose his "vision" on the Nets.
Whole of last season, he trashed the whole team for it's character (no
heart and all). You can see from this draft, he is going for
"character" guys, safe guys who will put in the effort night in night
out. He's had enough of those prima donnas (marbury). But somebody got
to reign Scott in - T-Mac (the immobile 7 footer) for 33mil/6
year???!!!! I think Scott is the beginning of Pitino part 2, in NJ.

 
> Toronto: Any team that has Vince Carter will be in playoff contention but
> they're not good enough to be a "lock." 

I am waiting anxiously to see how Vince would react when the Raptors
presents him the extension next few months. I am convinced Vince would
not reup in Canada. why? Vince is also a smart business man (he dumped
Puma for Nike) and he knows the big endorsements dollars are on the
other side of the border. Toronto would have got ass whupped with
those long term deals to Antonio Davis and Jerome Williams (Alvin
Williams' deal is coming next)


> 
> Boston: If one of the rookies doesn't emerge like Pierce did in '98, they
> won't make the playoffs. I don't really care who it is but one of the rooks
> is gonna have to play beyond his years if we are to make the playoffs.
> Mike Celtic

I think the Celtics of the last half of last season (after RP
resignation) *speaks volumes*!! I am not too worried (now) about the
contributions from the 3 rooks as I think we've got a playoff caliber
squad as everybody (except Moiso and Battie) played hard and we came
to 0.5 ball, it's great! 
I think the *no illegal defense* rule ,which has been abolished, will
be a great help to Pot and Blount. It will help them be better man to
man markers.

I think with OB's methods and coaching, everybody knows their specific
role (and more), nobody's confused, therefore it will be a better
effort night in night out. 

I am sure of it. cheers
kevin