Adding Andre Iguodala was a good move, but it's too bad that they had to lose Jarrett Jack and Carl Landry in the process. Those were two key guys for them off the bench last year, so that will hurt, but Iggy definitely boosts their starting five and gives them the opportunity to play small ball with Iggy, Steph Curry, Thompson, Harrison Barnes, and David Lee/Andrew Bogut. The key to the Warriors' success next year will be Bogut's health. If he stays healthy -- and that's a big if -- they could make a run in the playoffs. If not, then I don't think they'll make it past the second round, if they get that far. They will, however, absolutely be one of the funnest teams to watch next season, and I'm looking forward to that.
There was another comment left on part 1 from my old friend Maddie. Hers was specifically about the Jazz. So to say a little bit about Utah, I am actually really excited to watch them this year and go to a few games at Energy Solutions Arena. It will be fun to watch all of their young guys get tons of playing time and see their development, not to mention they will lose a lot of games this year so tickets will be nice and cheap, just the way I like them. Go Jazz! Hopefully I can make it when Chicago comes to town....
Speaking of Bulls/Jazz games, let's take a trip down memory lane.
Alright, you can come back, Jazz fans. Wipe the tears away. Stockton's three almost went in. And no, Karl Malone can't hear you yelling at him to watch out for MJ coming from behind. Sorry. Let's get back to the present (or future, I guess) and how I think the final four of the Eastern Conference will shake out next season.
As I mentioned in part 1, the East will come down to a dog fight between Miami, Chicago, Indiana, and Brooklyn. Chicago has a history of taking that #1 seed when they're healthy, and Miami doesn't seem to care that much about it, so I think Chicago will have it again this year. Depending on the health of Dwyane Wade, Miami could end up getting leap-frogged by Indiana as well, but I'll go ahead and give them the benefit of the doubt and say they'll get the #2 seed. Healthy until proven injured, right? As long as he can sprinkle in a few trips to Germany during the season, Wade might be able to play in 60 games. More on the Heat later. That means I've got Indiana with the #3 seed and Brooklyn at #4. That puts us hypothetically with second round playoff match-ups (and great rematches from last year) of Chicago vs. Brooklyn and Miami vs. Indiana. Awesome. I think that either series could go either way, so lets delve a little deeper into them.
Chicago vs. Brooklyn:
Let's look at the projected starting 5's for each of these teams. For Chicago it would be Derrick Rose, Jimmy Butler, Luol Deng, Carlos Boozer, and Joakim Noah (side note: I've never been more excited and optimistic about a Bulls starting five; can't wait to watch these guys play together). For Brooklyn it would be Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Brooke Lopez. Wow. On paper, this match-up looks like it would be one of the most compelling we've seen in the past few years. I don't see an obvious advantage for either team at any position, and I would honestly take Jimmy Butler over Joe Johnson at this point in both of their careers. Both teams have strong benches, but I have to give the nod to Chicago having home court advantage and the best player on either team (Derrick Rose).
Miami vs. Indiana:
I am actually very intrigued by Miami's signing of Greg Oden. He has now become the only player on the Heat that I like and find myself rooting for. Check out this article by Oden's close friend Mark Titus about the signing. Feel free to ignore it if you don't want to compromise your hate of Miami. It's too late for me. I hope Oden does well for his sake, not for Miami's sake. But if he does do well (and Dwyane Wade stays relatively healthy), it's hard to bet against Miami winning a third straight title. Let's assume the most likely scenario, that Oden will be average at best and won't necessarily put Miami head and shoulders above everyone else in the league. Wade will have knee issues, and so if Miami does win the title, it'll be by the skin of their teeth just like last year.
As for Indiana, they got better. Their starting 5 will be about the same with the exception of the possible reinsertion of Danny Granger, but where they really improved was with their bench. They picked up C.J. Watson from Brooklyn, Chris Copeland from New York, and Luis Scola from Phoenix. That's a solid bench when added to guys that are already there and have proven themselves, such as Lance Stephenson. Am I talking myself into picking a Chicago/Indiana Eastern Conference Finals? Yes, yes I am.
Chicago vs. Indiana:
This would be such a cool series; old school basketball at its finest. Both of these teams make defense a priority, they grind it out on offense, and they aren't afraid to knock you on your butt if you try to invade the lane. The Bulls have an obvious advantage at point guard, and I would give a slight edge to Indiana in the Paul George/Luol Deng match-up, but I'm gonna go ahead and send this post to Luol Deng to fuel his competitive fire a little bit. Don't doubt me, I'll get it to him. ..........Okay, maybe not.
It's going to be an absolute war on the interior. Carlos Boozer and David West? Roy Hibbert and Joakim Noah? Yes, please. If there isn't a scuffle every single game then I will be surprised.
Just thinking about how competitive the East is going to be next year (at least at the top) next year is making me want to splurge on NBA League Pass. Really the only thing that sways me toward one side or the other in this match-up is the "best player on either team" factor, and that, once again, is Derrick Rose. He also happens to be my favorite player, but I promise this isn't just a homer pick. Just a little bit.... =))
So there you have it. My NBA Finals prediction for next year is Chicago vs. San Antonio. Bring it on, Spence. I'm coming over for every game and we're gonna fight. You all know that I would have to pick the Bulls, so I won't bother with any analysis that you'll just take with a grain of salt anyway. Derrick Rose: NBA Champion and Finals MVP? Sounds great to me!
Not to mention a second round exit for Miami next year would most likely spell the end of the big 3 in South Beach, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. We'll leave that subject for another time.
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