NBA East Playoff Update

BY EVAN SPORER

EDITORIAL. PHOTOS BY AP NEWS

Beasts of the East

With the All Star game and the trade deadline behind us, the playoffs are just around the corner. With 11 teams within 4.5 games of a playoff spot, we size up not only who will make it to the playoffs, but ultimately come out on top.

The Big Three

Boston: Currently sitting atop the Eastern Conference by mere percentage points, this veteran Celtics squad has been winning games with its defense. Allowing only 91.7 points per game, the Celts boast the stingiest defense in the league and have all of Boston excited for another title run.

However, a trade deadline shakeup has many fans scratching their heads. Shipping Kendrick Perkins to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Celtics lost a premiere post defender, and an excellent candidate to match up against the likes of Dwight Howard and Amar’e Stoudemire in the playoffs, or even a guy like Andrew Bogut.

However, the player they acquired in return, Jeff Green, certainly adds a different dynamic to these Celtics. At times, this team can at times get wrapped up in a half court offense, and Green will surely make the Celts push the pace. Guarding the Celtics with Green at the four and Garnett at center could prove to be difficult for any team trying to match that versatility.



My guess: pencil the Celtics in for a definite finish in the East’s top three, but the team's seeding will depend greatly on how quickly its roster can mesh with Green. But seriously don’t discount the loss of Perkins. A lot of this team’s title hopes now lie on the shoulders of Shaquille O’Neal. This team will definitely make it out of the first round, but I don’t expect a finals appearance.

Chicago: This is easily the most intriguing team in the East. When Chicago went out and spent max money $13 mil per season on Chris Bosh Amar’e Stoudemire Carlos Boozer, no one expected these Bulls to compete at the top of the East.

Well, that is where Chicago currently sits, or, at least in second, with as good a shot to win the East as anyone. And interestingly enough, they’ve done it without Boozer, who has missed significant time after injuring his ankle while falling over his suitcase in the airport, or something stupid. And just when the Bulls got Boozer back, ex-Gator and rebounding machine Joakim Noah went down with a thumb injury. Still, the Bulls have taken an unfortunate situation by the horns, and managed to remain relevant atop the East.

So let’s dissect these Bulls. Point guard Derrick Rose is hands down the MVP of the league right now. It’s not even a question. If anyone else wins the award, it’s absolutely ludicrous. But besides Rose, Boozer has performed admirably, and a revitalized Luol Deng has been a major contributor.

Chicago is second in the league in team rebounding and defense, something most fans would not know. But head coach Tom Thibodeau has his team believing in his system, and that hey can beat anyone.

One more quick point. It’s cliché, but sometimes you have to lose in the playoffs before you can win. Anyone remember the 2009 playoffs? Celtics vs. Bulls? Seven total overtimes. A boatload of oh my god moments. And a C’s victory in seven. That’s all I’m saying. Some of these players are battle tested, and have the taste of defeat in their mouths. I think the Bulls are a dark horse despite their current position, but I expect Chicago to ride Rose to no less than the conference finals. But, let’s see if they can handle the heat of the spotlight. Which brings me to my next point…

Miami: Oh yeah, those guys.

I’m going to make this really simple. Remember those first awkward days of class each semester? When you look around the room saying, ‘who the hell are these people?’ But it’s ok, because by the end of the semester, you assimilate into the class, and feel totally at home, unless you’re socially awkward.

           

And with that, I give you, the Miami Heat.

Nothing happens over night, but let’s be clear, this team is the best in the East. Two of the best four players in the NBA, and a premiere big-man who has completely been overshadowed by those two guys. The scary thing is, there are other pieces on this team, and it has been beat up all season.

The acquisition of Mike Bibby gives this team depth. Mario Chalmers and Bibby give the Heat a one-two punch at point guard, meaning that Lebron and Wade wont have to run the point, which suites Miami best. Otherwise, Miami has great complimentary players, like Mike Miller, James Jones and Eddie House, who are only asked to knock down shots, which they are more than capable of doing.

Udonis Haslem has been hurt for what seems like forever, but head coach GM Pat Riley continues to insist he will be ready for the playoffs. Well, having Haslem and Joel Anthony defensively in the post is going to give opposing teams headaches, and will start the fast break for the Heat countless times.

Everyone knows its story. The Heat throttle team’s with records below .500, but has struggled against the league’s best. But you know what, those games mean nothing come June. They count for zero, zilch. I don’t buy into the fact that it’s going to become psychological come playoff time. Do you know how big their egos are to join up to create a super team? I’m waiting for them to erect a Mount Rushmore in Miami.

The six-game losing streak certainly made the Heat look vulnerable, and downright unfit to compete with the league’s elite. Tears in the locker room? Five percent from the field with under 10 seconds left in the fourth quarter down by three or less? Insignificant? Absolutely. Let me reiterate; you don’t win a championship in March, you win it in June, when the Heat will be playing its best ball.

The Heat were my pick to make it through the East, and still is, I expect no less than a top three finish, and a trip to the conference finals. That 30-point shellacking of the Spurs? only a sign of things to come for Miami’s squad. The defensive intensity and effort they showed is exactly how to win a championship. 

The Middle of the Pack

Orlando: The Magic is sort of like a jack-in-the-box.

They can lull you to sleep. And you wait, and wait… and wait. And they seem bland. What the hell can this team do? And then, all of sudden, bam! They rain three’s on you. And that is how the Magic can win come playoff time.

No one told the Magic the trade deadline was in February, and instead, GM Otis Smith cleaned house on Festivus shipping away Rashard Lewis, Vince Carter, and Martin Gortat, among others, bringing back Hedo Turkoglu along with the ever-colorful Gilbert Arenas and Jason Richardson.

Orlando takes the most three-pointers per game, averaging over 25 per contest. And putting shooters on the floor and stretching defenses around Dwight Howard could prove to be a wise strategy.

I love Brandon Bass, but I think Ryan Anderson needs to start and see more minutes for this team to be successful. If Orlando is going to make any serious noise this post season, they’ve gotta go balls out. Go big or go home. They live by the three, they die by the three. And Ryan Anderson is certainly a knock down shooter. Sure he gives the Magic a boost off the bench, but I think they’ve got to just shoot, shoot, and shoot if they hope to win. If Orlando can shoot over 35 percent from three in the playoffs, they will be a very tough out.

This is a team that also has to take advantage of its backcourt depth. Sure they’re weak up front past Dwight, but the Magic’s second unit hosts Arenas and J.J. Reddick, two guys that come into any game, and yes, hit shots. If these shooters can come in and force opposing coaches to bring their starters back in earlier than planned, the Magic’s fast paced offense could seriously tire some teams out.

This team is an enigma. A mystery. There’s no reason it is not competing for a top spot in the East with its roster. But the reality is, it’s not. Right now, the Magic is at its ceiling, sitting in fourth in the East, which is where it will finish. But don’t get me wrong. This is a dangerous team, and not a team anyone will want to see in the playoffs. No way this team gets past the second round though. I expect an exit in either round one or two for these Magic.

Atlanta: Truly a middle of the pack team. The Hawks currently sit in fifth in the East, and will either finish in fifth or sixth. Guaranteed.

Atlanta went out this summer and gave Joe Johnson ludicrous money, ensuring he would remain a Hawk. Unfortunately, the Hawks only did that, and have virtually the same team. Its biggest move has been acquiring Kirk Hinrich, Kansas University standout, and mediocre NBA point guard. Oh wait, they have Jeff Teague, so buying out Mike Bibby was smart, right?

Ok, that’s enough jokes for now. But I’ll make this quick. The Hawks are done in the first round. Yeah, they’re a good team… for the East. No offense to Atlanta, but in the first round they’ll either get Orlando or one of those top three teams in the East.

Plain and simple, not gonna happen.

I don’t mean to short-change this team, but they just do not do anything well enough to make any noise in the playoffs. Oh well. At least the Falcons won the Super Bowl NFC South.

New York: No one wants to play the Knicks in the playoffs; here is why.

They can score.

A lot.

With the Knicks, you know what you’re going to get. Offensive prowess, and minimal to no defense on most nights. But making a case for the Knicks is easy. This team can go into any building, and on any given night light up the scoreboard. I don’t care how little defense they play, the Knicks can go out on any given night and outscore any team in the league. Don’t come out and shoot cold from the floor, because it’s going to take about 108 points to beat this Knicks team.

Obviously, now is not the time for the Knicks. Now, 2012, that may be another story. But these New York Knickerbockers are looking at a five or six seed, and a tough first round matchup. To be honest, I think the Knicks would be better suited finishing sixth. The Magic is too good offensively to be stopped by the Knicks, and would most likely face off against New York in a four-five matchup. So, let’s make things interesting, and say the Knicks finish sixth.

This is a team that is certainly capable of taking down the Heat, Celtics, or Bulls. They Knicks are currently 2-0 versus the Bulls, 2-2 against the Heat, and 0-2 against the Celtics (with the two games being decided by a total of 6 points, the second game a nano-second away from a Knicks buzzer-beater win).

In all likelihood, this team is out in the second round. But the Knicks have the potential to make some serious noise. Chauncey Billups is the guy you want running the point for your team come playoff time. Literally, I cannot think of anyone else in the league I’d rather have handling the ball in a playoff game.

If Amar’e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony continue to build up rapport moving forward, it will be scary for opposing teams. Obviously, outside of those two, there isn’t much to write home about. As of late, however, the role players have been stepping up, with the likes of Landry Fields, Tony Douglass, and Shawne Williams proving their worth. Regular contributions from those three and the rest of the Knicks role players and this team can compete with any in the East.

Expect the Knicks out in the second round, but always be ready for the unexpected.

Yes, They Might Make the Playoffs, but it is the East

Philadelphia: In a breaking news story, Allen Iverson is leaving his team in Turkey and taking his talents back to Philadelphia. In other breaking news, Charles Barkley is leaving his TNT job and also returning to the Sixers.

…Just kidding.

It is impressive and unexpected that Philadelphia has mustered to move into seventh in the Eastern conference. After a 3-13 start, the Sixers have gone 33-21, behind the efforts of Andre Iguodala who seriously benefited from playing with team USA over the summer. Still, it just won’t happen for Philly this year. This team can’t take down Chicago, Miami or Boston in a seven game series. No way, no how.

So, Philadelphia currently sits in the seventh spot in the East. The spot of doom. The seventh and eighth seeds in the East are like those two kids at summer camp who were never fast runners, but always fast enough to finish seventh and eighth in the 12-man race you would have.

But those two kids would never beat the two fastest kids in a race in the next round. Unless the two fastest kids broke their legs.

So, barring some broken legs, expect Philadelphia to be out. In four or five (games).

Indiana: Danny Granger is no MJ… or even Reggie.

And the Pacers are no contender, although they currently hold the last playoff spot in the East.

Put the Pacers in the category of, “wow, we’re marginally surprised this Division 1 caliber team has moved into the last playoff spot in the East.”

Yeah, I’ll give them that. I’ll also give them four games against Miami, Chicago or Boston until they’re all playing golf.

As I said, Danny Granger is not good enough to put a team on his back. Unfortunately, that is what the Pacers need, because outside from Granger, there isn’t much.

Roy Hibbert has been a nice surprise for Indiana, but Garnett, Boozer, or Bosh would absolutely eat him alive.

Point guard play is also key in the post season, and while Jamaal Tinsley has performed admirably for the Pacers, Rose, Rondo, or Wade would run circles around him.

Hey, maybe Larry Bird will come down and suit up? I actually give that a better chance than Indiana winning a playoff series.

Detroit: This is why Detroit can WIN a playoff series (yes, this season).

This team is as dysfunctional as any in the league. The Heat may cry, and call out its coach, but it never flat-out boycotted its coach. It never laughed on national television as its coach was escorted from the floor after being ejected.

But let’s just throw some names out. Rodney Stuckey. Richard Hamilton. Tracy McGrady. Ben “I’ve got the biggest balls in the gym” Gordon. Tayshaun Prince. Ben Wallace.

This is a talented team. Ben Gordon almost single-handedly beat the Celtics in 2009. He is a big-time player, whether it was at UConn, or now in the NBA.

So, just to clarify, Detroit first has to make the playoff.

Currently sitting 4.5 games out of the eighth seed and having to climb over three teams, and currently spiraling into oblivion with its off-the-court antics, Detroit’s playoff hopes look slim.

But let me make this clear; of the teams currently sitting in spots 7-11, I give Detroit the best shot at winning a playoff series.

Now, will they get there? Eh… probably not. Which is unfortunate, because it would be much more fun to watch those guys gut it out versus the East’s elite than watch Andrew Bogut get dunked on repeatedly.

                  Where They Will Finish

1 – Boston Celtics    5 – New York Knicks

2 – Chicago Bulls     6 – Atlanta Hawks

3 – Miami Heat         7 – Philadelphia 76’ers

4 – Orlando Magic   8 – Milwaukee Bucks