The title #4 refers to this year's NBA Finals outcome. It's in reference to one the baddest, SHUT YO, player in the land. Yes, that's right. I predict Shaq Diesel and the Heat will prevail in this year's NBA Finals and walk away with a ring. Shaq's 4th overall. It will take 6 games. Mark Cuban will have to watch the Heat celebrate their title on his own hardwood.
Here's why:
SHAQ: Still the most dominant inside force there is. He's makes the smartest decision with the basketball every time he touches it. Posting, passing, re-posting, scoring and rebounding. He'll be able to get deep position which will force the Mavs to double and leave an open shooter. As long as he stays out of foul trouble he can be a menace on the defensive end as well. Dampier cannot guard him and neither can Diop. I know no one on the Heat can guard Dirk but they have more options than the Mavs have at guarding Shaq.
Posey, Walker, Haslem, Anderson, Mourning, Wade : All mentioned I am sure will at some point guard Dirk. Just to give him different looks and double teams. Like I said, Mavs can't do this with Shaq. Not enough big bodies.
Wade : Best player on the court. Scores, passes and defends well. Nobody drives the lane better. And with no big man in the middle to change his shot there will be no stopping him.
Payton/Mourning combo : You know the deal. Two all-star veterans, career dwindling down. Signed with Miami for a chance at a ring. Now here it is.
Riley : Say what you want about him but the guy knows how to coach. He knows how to win and he knows the Finals. For as much as a "star" Avery Johnson has become you have to believe he's overmatched here.
Heat in 6.
3 comments:
I agree with everything except the Payton/Mourning assessment. That whole "veterans trying to get a ring concept" was blown out when the Lakers failed a few years ago with Payton and Mailman on their team. And of course, Shaq was on that team with Kobe.
I agree Miami is great. But I'm not ready to hand them the title. This one is going 7. I do believe that.
I'm happy with the finals. If Shaq wins, it will further damage Kobe (fantastic!!!!). If the Mavs win, (a) a German gets an NBA ring, and (b) Mark Cuban wins a title - I know that he may not be liked by many, but any owner that loves his team so much that he constantly makes a fool out of himself is o.k. in my book (we in Philly have had many owners that just haven't given a sh*t).
I don't mind Cuban getting one.
And the whole veteran thing failed with those lakers but worked with past teams. Including the Lakers.
Mitch Richmond comes to mind.
I'm not only talking bout basketball when it comes to that either. You know the Ray Borques and so on.
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