I’ve yet to do any playoff previewing here at DBB, but I got warmed up with this little nugget over on Yahoo’s Ball Don’t Lie:
So what can we expect now that the games actually matter? For starters, forget what you saw in the regular season. Yes, the Sixers managed to win two of four against the Pistons, but that included one game in which not a single starter for the Pistons cracked 30 minutes. Flip Saunders did an admirable job resting his starters this year, sacrificing a handful of wins in exchange for letting young guys like Jason Maxiell and Rodney Stuckey sink or swim in the fourth quarter. But in the playoffs, Saunders will coach to win, not develop the future.
Hard-hitting, I know. Give me a break, I’m talking to the masses over there, not hard-core fans like yourself. Hit up the newspapers for the mainstream previews (I’ll trust you’ve seen that Pistons Newswire tab at the top of the page by now, or better yet, the MCB Pistons section), but here are some other series previews from around the internet:
Key matchup:
Detroit’s experience vs. Philly’s youth vs. Detroit’s youth. Yes, that’s a trick answer. On the off chance that the Sixers’ frenetic style pans out in the post-season, the Pistons can still matchup by bringing Jason Maxiell, Rodney Stuckey and Amir Johnson off the bench.
Everyone thought the Sixers were hot as sh*t about a month ago. I never bought it. This squad is out-talented, out-matched, out-witted and out-housed. They’re one of those “We have a balanced attack” teams. Yeah, balanced attack this. The Pistons are going to shut them down at every angle. Even if one of their Little LeBowski Achievers manage to pop off for 25 points or more, the rest of them are going to bomb like they never existed. The Pistons will put the lock down, the shut down, and the smack down on the little surprise Sixers. They might be able to sucker the Pistons into a low shooting night, but they’re not going to average over 85 points for the series. Say goodnight, kiddies. It’s time for the big boys to go to work.
This series doesn’t seem quite as hopeless as Atlanta versus Boston. Instead of having only a snowball’s chance in hell, I’d say the 76ers are more like a large, stubborn block of ice in hell. Still melting, but maybe a bit more slowly.
Last but not least, a few random links worth your perusal:
- Jason from BallHype took a look at blogosphere’s preseason previews and compared them with the final standings. Of the four Pistons blogs that participated, each one underestimated this year’s win total by 7-9 wins. Consider that a reminder that 59 wins is just nuts. It’s easy to take this team for granted sometime, but that’s the third-best record in team history.
- Also from BallHype, don’t forget about their Playoffs Pick’em Contest. It’s like filling out a March Madness bracket, except it takes skill and you actually know who all the teams and players are.
- Whoa, I did not expect to see this: the Free Press is pimping our Free Amir t-shirts. Seems like a good time to mention that you can get free shipping if you use the promo code SPRINGFREE (if you’re in Canada, use CADSPRINGFREE) when ordering any DBB shirt this weekend.
- Depressed Fan ponders whether ESPN’s experts are showing a lack of respect. I think they are — not one is predicting a sweep? Outrage!
i challenge the preconceived notion that on the whole we sacrificed wins by incorporating the bench more. i assumed, as most of us did, that this would be the case, but i don’t think it’s what has happened.
we went 59-23. that, as you said, is nuts. last season we were 53-29. that’s six more wins by dumping webber and giving more minutes to the kids. why is it assumed that they cost us games, when it looks like we have a net gain in wins?
they’re not as good as the starters, obviously. but when they’re on the court, the starters play better. i think we have as good a chance as ever at winning a championship, but i worry that if we spend too much time with the starters all playing together, for the millionth time, sure that they can pull it out in the fourth, we’ll lose. if we keep the mix that’s been working, the focus and and athleticism of the kids will keep the remaining starters focused, involved and aggressive.
i don’t think those kids didn’t cost us wins this year, i think they brought us more. let’s maybe look at those games where at the end of the first we were down because the starters didn’t come out hustling. then see what the score was at the half. then we’ll see what’s up.
*i don’t think those kids cost us wins this year,*
I like the “stubborn block of ice in hell” metaphor the best.
Looking at the playoffs this year, I’m optimistic, but I can’t help thinking about the lost opportunity last year. No shame in losing to the Spurs in 7 three years ago; and while the loss to Miami two years ago stung, at least the Heat went on to be the NBA champs, and they were playing at a very high level (who knew how soon that would end?). But last year, we lost to a Cavs team that really was not as good as were were. This year, we’re better — because of the bench — but the obstacle to getting to the Finals, the Celtics, is better too.
Then again, think about the West. Either the Spurs or the Suns are going to lose *in the first round* (because they play each other). That’s rough.
Speaking of ESPN’s experts showing a lack of respect, I was watching SportsCenter this morning and one of the hosts actually used this line to lead-in to the NBA portion of the show:
“Which Western Conference Team will the Celtics see in the Finals?”
I don’t see how you “rule out” a team with 59 wins before the playoffs even start.
The last time a Piston’s team was shunned this badly by the national media was in 2004 when all the talking heads where debating whether L.A. would win in 4 games or 5.
Loved the achiever reference from The Big Lebowski.
The Freep blurb is unexpected!
And, for the record, ESPN’s not totally biased against the Pistons.
From Chad Ford’s last chat transcript:
Adam (Farmington Hills, MI): Chad, so many are picking a Celtics Lakers Finals, how can so many dismiss what the Pistons have done year in and year out? Especially as we’ve seen the last 10 games or so….the Pistons Bench is BACK? What would your prediction be if the Pistons-Celtics face off in the Conference Finals?
SportsNation Chad Ford: I’m picking the Pistons to win it all. I’ve stuck with that since the pre-season. Ditto for JA Adande. You have some support Adam. I love their experience and their new found depth.
Ziller’s interview with Hooper gets a major points deduction for having Tay trick out his Priuses with Jerome Williams. Doesn’t he know Lindsey Hunter has an auto customizing shop?
Word of warning though about reasoning . . . Adande and Ford love the experience and depth and what ultimately is one of the best Pistons clubs this decade, but both people admitted in their podcast that Detroit/Los Angeles is karma for a league of fans fawning for a return to the 80s via shady trades. Also, Adande seemed to think that karma’s a serious bitch to David this summer for the Seattle situation, fueling yet another Pistons victory.
So, whoever sent them that laced Faygo, props.
Chad Ford is very pro Pistons and he gets a lot of One on Ones with Joe D. I agree with his predictions, but I wonder how objective he really is.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espnradio/player?context=podcast&id=3351188#
Better than hearing Sheridan declare the Cavs team to be superior in every way to the Pistons.
What value does objectivity have when none of these “experts” have the slightest clue what will happen?
Most of ESPN’s guys are pretty much like we are - they have their favorites. Anyone who’s read a Bill Simmons article knows he can barely get through two paragraphs without mentioning, relating, or arguing something about his beloved Boston teams.
And, I got a Q to go through with Adande’s chat:
Sauce (Detroit, MI): If Boston fails to win the championship this year, then what is the revised ‘window’ for their chances to win one?
SportsNation J.A. Adande: (3:25 PM ET ) I don’t think this was ever a win-or-bust for the Celts this year. Sure, they’d love to capitalize on the great position they’ve put themselves in. But it’s very rare for it to all come together in one season in this league. Next year they might be concerned about Ray Allen staying healthy, but I don’t think any of their key players are near their expiration date. And the young guys — Rondo, Big Baby, Perkins, etc. — will be better from their playoff experience this year
http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=20217
Personally I am not too worried about the Sixers beating us in a 7 games series.
I am however concerned about who our second opponent will be; i.e., Orlando.
Right before that series I will explain why
And we will anxiously await your insight!
Sorta OT: the Wizznutzz have made their playoff prediction:
“We will go to Ohio, and we will dine upon Damon Jones’s pancreas, and then we will urinate upon his hollowed bloodwarm cadaver! Acrid pissy steam will rise, mixing with the Cuyahoga mist, and the billowing gray clouds will form the mouth of Agent Steinz, and the mouth will speak: ‘Wizards in six!’”
Rob G, that’s magic!
Nothing against the (clinically insane yet still amusing) Wizznutz, but LeBron James is LeBron James. I’m sick of all these (retarded) so-called “expert” prognosticators writing off LeBron James against a squad so average as Washington. Wizards in 5, Skeets? Really? All I can hear about is how weak these Cavs are and how much these Wizards have heart. The Wizards are so dangerous and the Cavs are injury-depleted and have no supporting cast, blah blah blah. Seriously? I remind you Wizards-loving “experts”, even at 80% (which there’s no indication that’s he even that low right now) he’s still LeBron James and you’re not. Cleveland LeBrons: 1 Washington Wizards: 0. This guy is dangerous, period.
That was quite a game. The Wizards should have won that, they did play better than Cleveland. This game was won at the free throw line for Cleveland… They shot 37 free throws to Washingtons 17. Ugly…
MP: While I won’t argue the ugly nature of that game, Washington should not have won it in my view. LeBron carried the Cavs for the whole game, and kept them afloat with some HUGE 4th quarter plays. If the Wiz are going to get over, they’re going to need all 7 games. Why won’t LeBron get the love he deserves as a bona fide superstar? He carries a JV squad and gets more out of them than maybe any NBA player (outside of Kobe or maybe even Chris Paul?) would. I know that I’m starting to sound like LeBron’s publicist at this point, but I swear I have not seen one preview take the Cavs over the Wiz.
LB: It might be a lingering pessimism from last year’s NBA finals. The floated through the Eastern Conference and got smashed in the finals. Until Detroit, they didn’t play any difficult games. And by the time they got to us, we gift-wrapped the series and handed it to the Cavs with a kiss on the cheek. Their true colors were finally shown when they met the Spurs in the finals.
Last season, the Cavs swept the Wiz– but Washington was without Butler or Arenas. Don’t get me wrong, the Wiz not a clear threat to Cleveland, but they have a healthy big three, a better Haywood and a nice spark from Blatche. They’re improved. The Cavs have been shakey since the trade. And with the lingering doubts from last year’s playoffs, I can understand why pundits would be picking Washington in this series.
And who knows, maybe the pundits all share my own personal opinion of Lebron– that I want to see him out of the playoffs in the first round, no matter the opponent.
because Lebron treats objects like referees.
I can’t understand why pundits pick this way. It just seems like cutesy storyline prognosticating, and as you mentioned, wholly misguided pessimism based on an NBA Finals hangover. It’s almost like these guys are trying to cultivate a storyline (Wiz finally avenging Cavs) that hasn’t yet and won’t yet happen. You can’t rewrite history.
The Cavs are the defending Eastern Conference champions (no matter how undeserving of that accolade they may’ve been last year). They return the star of that team, and since LeBron is around, this year’s Cavs really can’t be significantly “worse”, because he’s the only player that matters. They’re not playing in the West, so there appears to be no serious danger of a defending conference champion going out in the first round (nervous, Spurs fans?). These facts should guarantee their place in the 2nd round. I also wouldn’t call Arenas coming off the bench as completely “healthy”. The Cavs aren’t necessarily good enough to lay a proverbial “beatdown” on the Celtics, but they shouldn’t be doubted by EVERYONE against the likes of the Wizards.
“cutesy storyline prognosticating”
It might be– you’re right. I tell you one thing though, I probably wouldn’t have switched on this game if a) arenas/stevenson weren’t talking shit about lebrong and b) if the Wiz weren’t being pushed by the punditry. i pride myself about not getting pushed around by those types of people, but all of this combined with my hatred of the cavs– and I tuned in at tipoff. otherwise, I would not have paid attention to anything more than box scores.
MP: In the words of Pauly Shore on Entourage, “You got got!”. You’ve been sucked into hating on the LeBron entity. While I would never venture to argue that LeBron’s relationship with the officials is regrettable, the guy is an unbelievable talent who is a joy to watch (unless he’s stomping a mudhole in the Stones). Watching him play is really, truly a gift (see: watching clips of Jordan now that he’s retired). The guy is a marvel.
The storyline adds intrigue, but it’s essentially a mass media-driven, ton of hooey. Stevenson and Arenas are goofballs (lovable goofballs?). Betting about 10% of his contract last season on a three point competition with Arenas and subsequently losing? Good one, DeShawn. Point is, while the drama of Arenas/Stevenson v. LeBron in a war of words, coupled with the fact that this is the third year in a row these teams have met in the 1st round, certainly adds some sizzle, the guy who’s been carrying the Cavs on his back is the steak.
Also, I don’t think punditry has seemed to routinely take the Wizards in this series in order to push a storyline. I think punditry took the Wizards because on occasion, punditry can miss it big time (see: Pistons over Lakers in 2004 Finals). This blog-crazy era proves that there are plenty of fans once viewed as “arm-chair quarterback, lay-people” with no journalistic or game playing experience who have a wholly relevant and insightful point of view. Fortunately, I exist to slap around guys like Skeets (is he a pundit or is he disqualified by virtue of being a blogger?) for saying “Wizards in 5″.
I agree, Lebron is an unbelievable talent– absolutely unreal. For me, though, I can’t stand watching the guy. While I can recognize and respect his unnatural talent, I don’t watch the NBA for a one man highlight reel. I have preferred, from the beginning of my fanhood, team offense and defense and a stacked, even box score. Passing, forced turnovers, unselfish play, a big shot point guard, a 50% shooting guard and a 7 foot power forwards with a monster heart and a killer tramp ball. In short, the Pistons.
I enjoy quite a few other teams in the league– I didn’t mind watching the Bulls in the last few years that I lived in Chicago. I loved the Golden State / Dallas series last year (still on my hard drive). You’ll probably hate to hear this LB, but I’ve enjoyed the Lakers games I’ve watched in the Gasol era. But for me, a one man highlight reel with a JV team, as you said, just ain’t my cup of tea.
Quoting our bald-spot-big-man, I can’t wait for a team, Pistons or not, to “get that shit out of here” with regard to Lebron. When there’s a buzz that it may be Washington that has a shot, I’ll tune into a few games…
Don’t get me wrong though, I’m not suggesting that there’s anything wrong with player-focused fanhood in some examples. Having always read your comments with keen interest, I know you respect the the whole game and are as much of a team-focused fan as I am. Hell, we’ve got the best team in the league for that. My fanhood might just not be as well rounded. I’m just a stubborn, bron-hating bastard.
MP: The guy destroyed us in Game 5 last year. Our effort not withstanding, 25 straight in an NBA playoff game against this year’s Hawks would be a feat to marvel at, let alone on the road in the conference championship against us last year. While I agree with you that the well-crafted team is the superior unit than LeBron, the Wizards aren’t a “well-crafted team”, so in this round, my nod goes unapologetically to LeBron.
Re: the Lakers, I hate how fans love such a deplorable guy. Kobe is an amazing talent. However, the guy has been an absolute asshole his whole life (see: Isiah Thomas, except Kobe was never a Pistons/IU alum, therefore granting Zeke a miniature sliver of redemption while granting Kobe none), but people still love Kobe (truly) unconditionally. Everyone seems to ignore the fact that this is the first season (of 12) the guy’s ever acted like a decent teammate. Does it not matter to you (or another fan) that LeBron has ALWAYS been unselfish amid a cast of also-rans? It’s not LeBron’s fault that Danny Ferry hasn’t successfully built around him. LeBron has always passed and will always to pass to whoever is around. When Kobe was amid a cast of also-rans he was always selfish. He’s the best player in the NBA, but he has done absolutely NOTHING in his career to merit cheering (Lamar Odom, Derek Fisher, Ronny Turiaf, different stories).
Exciting to watch? Hell yeah, but what a prick. LeBron is also exciting to watch, but taking advantage of a referee’s willingness to give you a call is a lot less damning than Kobe’s indefensible behavior.
P.S.: Big shot … Timmy?!?!? What a game.
Yeah, Kobe is an asshole, no question. He’s a poor human being and has (or has not) done some really ugly stuff in his life. He’s arrogant. That’s the hardest part for me to handle. Lebron is also arrogant. This is why it is so hard for me to watch Lebron. Since the first time I watched him play pro ball, I couldn’t stand him. No sense of grace, humility, appreciation for his gift. Call me crazy, call me wrong, but it is my perspective and why I can’t stand him. I think where Kobe is obviously on the dark side, Lebron is doing a poor job of hiding the fact that he leans that way.
Players like Chris Paul? Steve Nash? Dwight Howard Kevin Garnett? Rookies Kevin Durant and Greg Oden? Or how about the entire Pistons team with the arguable exception of Rip (who can be quite the asshole himself, although he’s MY asshole since he’s wearing the white/red/blue). Good players, good people. They all have a sense of humility, with more pride in the game that in themselves. I have a ton of respect for that kind of attitude– one that I NEVER see out of Lebron.
Can I blame Lebron? He’s essentially had the whole world felate him his entire life, telling him he’s the greatest thing ever, possibly the 2nd MJ. Its probably hard for that NOT to go to your head. Maybe that’s another reason I love the underdog…
MP: Wow, I pretty strongly disagree with what you’re saying, MP. LeBron has had a JV squad all 5 years he’s been in the Mistake On the Lake, and not once has he gone off like Kobe did in the infamous grocery store parking lot rant. Phil Jackson talked about Kobe being “uncoachable” in “The Last Season”. Admittedly, Kobe has grown up a ton this season, but for me that doesn’t erase the previous eleven years.
Conversely, LeBron may not handle things with the humility of a Steve Nash, Kevin Durant, Greg Oden or Dwight Howard but he’s not in the same class as Kobe.
[Chris Paul punched Julius Hodge in his groin during a college game, so he’s not in my “doesn’t misbehave” club, though he has proven to be EXTREMELY humble. And Garnett? Also humble, but we’re talking about the guy who chucked a ball at McDyess over nothing then ran like a scared little kid. The guy thinks backing up a teammate is a license for volatility. This guy is so insane on the court but somehow he gets a free pass. Garnett is framed in such a way by the media, that people who don’t pay attention forget that when it has to do with the game of basketball, he’s a respect-demanding, crazy-ass, loose cannon.]
You can question LeBron, but if you erase homerism, you could just as easily question Chauncey (Mr. Big Head ought to be his nickname), Rasheed (like screaming “Ball Don’t Lie” isn’t arrogant?) and as you said, Whiny McHamilton (I’m sorry Rip, please know that I still LOVE you). These guys are athletes, and arrogance is usually part of the package. But in my mind, arrogance alone doesn’t convict them. Arrogance is separate from how you treat your teammates and the way you play the game itself. If we talk about how they Pistons play on the floor, then obviously they understand that team stands for “Together Everyone Achieves More” (that was lame, I know and I’m sorry). But, so does LeBron, and he’s displayed that since coming in the league. Kobe, not so much.
Lebron hasn’t complained about his position, yes. You can still be a good teammate and arrogant at the same time. I see Lebrons arrogance as much less overt. Its the subtleties that lead to my judgement of Lebron, which as I said was immediate, right when I saw him play in his first season. Again, I sincerely feel that Lebron, unlike those other names mentioned, has more pride in himself than in the game. I have a hard time seeing through that.
Unless Lebron ever wears a Pistons uniform, my judgement remains the same. My judgement isn’t for everybody, just me.
I’d argue that Rasheed is quite the opposite. Outspoken, passionate, but not arrogant:
“Most athletes seek praise and recognition; Wallace loathes both. In the 2005 Finals, each player was told to stand on a podium during the pregame intros; Wallace refused to do so before Game 1 and lasted on one for less than a second before Game 2. “Rasheed was totally embarrassed,” says Larry Brown. “I had to beg him to do it. I almost had to hold his hand.” His reaction to being named to this season’s All-Star team was similar, with him displaying almost as much frustration at having to cancel a family trip to the Bahamas as at being forced to confront the possibility that he’d become one of those “baby dolls” he despises.”
I think it comes down to a simple difference of opinion. I’d continue to feel this way even if I was the only one feeling it. I’ve always read people quite well, and I stick to my gut about my judgements. Hey, maybe I’m the arrogant one?
Always enjoy talking with you, LB. I sincerely respect your understanding of this game and the players within it.
LawyerBoy, I agree with everything you’ve said except Wallace’s “Ball don’t lie” being arrogant. It’s not arrogant, as he usually says it after a foul is called he doesn’t agree with. I’ve found it humorous since long before his days with Detroit.