Thursday, June 5, 2008

NBA Finals Preview (Chocolatey Edition)

Ladies and Gentlemen I present to you the Chocolate Puma's first annual preview of the NBA Finals.

Point guard: Rajon Rondo vs. Derek Fisher
In this battle we have the talented young point guard against the seasoned veteran point guard. Rondo is at his best when the Celts are pushing the ball, and Fisher is at his best when the Lakers are running their triangle offense. In this battle I think the youth and talent of Rondo is evenly matched with the experience and playoff knowledge of Fisher.
Edge: Even

Shooting Guard: Ray Allen vs. Kobe Bryant
While Ray Allen is one of the best shooters of his time, Kobe is possibly one of the most talented players of all time. No question Kobe wins this battle.
Edge: Lakers

Small Forward: Paul Pierce vs Lamar Odom
Lamar Odom is one of the most versatile players in the NBA. With his size and ability to handle the ball he can play four positions on the floor. That said there have been questions about his motivation. Paul Pierce is just flat out a beast. He shoots the ball, is dangerous driving to the hole and is one of the best rebounding small forwards in the game. With his ability to score, I give the edge to Pierce.
Edge: Celtics

Power Forward: Kevin Garnett vs Vladimir Radmonovic
I don't even need to analyze this one. Garnett is one of the best rebounding and defensive power forwards ever. Oh and he can score any way he want really. Gonna be a long day for whoever is guarding KG.
Edge: Celtics

Center: Kendrick Perkins vs. Pau Gasol
Perkins is a young, ferocious rebounder and plays with tenacity. Pau Gasol is a finesse center by trade but can bang when he wants to. He passes the ball very well which makes him extremely dangerous because when you play him to pass he can just as easily take the shot himself. Perkins is going to be a bit overmatched here.
Edge: Lakers

Bench: The Celtics bench is led by Sam Cassell, a playoff veteran and streaky scorer Eddie House. The real wild card is the two headed monster of Glen "Big Baby" Davis and Leon Powe. Both provide great sparks off the bench with their scoring and rebounding. The Lakers have the tenacious Rony Turiaf, not to mention the great passing Luke Walton, and Jordan Farmar. I gotta call a push on this one.
Edge: Even

Coaching: Doc Rivers vs. Phil Jackson
Really? Does this even need to be examined? Doc Rivers hit the lottery with the pick up of Garnett and Allen, two players smart enough where they really don't need coaches. Whereas as Jackson is one of the most accomplished coaches of all-time having coached and nurtire this current team to the top. One of his finest jobs to date. This one is no contest.
Edge: Lakers

Series: Lakers in 6.
MVP: Kobe Bryant

No comments: