Don't Be a Menace in the NBA While Refs Screw up the Game

Rajon Rondo has just been suspended for excessive passion, and caring about the outcome of an NBA game.  If you didn't see The Celtics Game 1 against Atlanta, toward the end of the 4th quarter referee Marc Davis awarded a questionable foul call in the Hawks favor when it seemed that a jump ball might have been the better call.

I don't really want to debate the merit of the specific call, as much as the NBA's reaction to Rondo.  The call was close, could have gone either way, thus the anger and heat of the moment reaction from Rondo.  First he got in Davis' face, presumably using some naughty language which earned him technical foul number one.  Upon receiving the first technical Rondo's mood escalated leading him to lightly chest bump into Davis, at which point Davis did every refs favorite move, the over enthusiastic "you're out of here" point/maneuver.

Davis was in the heat of the moment just like Rondo, so I blame him a little less than the NBA in this whole scenario, but all the same I think the job of the ref is to have a cool head especially when the players don't.  In a league where lack of passion, effort, and enthusiasm is the main gripe from detractors, why are we punishing a competitor like Rondo for losing it a little bit during a big time playoff game? Shouldn't we want this, don't we all long for the golden days of the bad-boy pistons, or Jordan's relentless intensity, or the hate fueled Celtics-Lakers rivalries of the 80's?

Davis may have been obligated to toss Rondo for making contact with him, so really this comes down to the way the league deals with such issues.  Not only did Rondo get tossed from a big game, but now the league punishes him, his team, and all NBA fans by suspending him for game 2.  And for what?  I know the league feels a necessity to protect officials, but unless Davis is secretly a Faberge Egg, he wasn't in too much danger from Rondo's chest graze.  

Adding to the insult here is the indignation the league acts with as if refs are absolutely beyond question, and forever without fault.  This is the same league that not long ago had an official betting on games that he was reffing.  Ref Joey Crawford once ejected Tim Duncan from a game for smiling and laughing at a bad call from the sideline. Excuse Rondo and the rest of us for daring to challenge the holy brotherhood of NBA officiating.

The larger point here is that a little common sense would go a long way.  If Rondo reared backed and Metta World Peace'd Davis in the back of the head then of course a suspension would be warranted.  But a snap reaction that resulted in nothing more than some profanity and minimal chest bump does not a suspension warrant.  There's a pretty obvious line between a guy getting excited over a call, and losing his mind and becoming a danger to others.

In other Words, David Stern, passion is good, violence is bad, and the difference is fairly obvious.

Quick and Dirty NBA First Round Predictions

I'm in a time crunch folks, I'm going to get my marriage license this morning, but that doesn't mean I've forgotten the most important thing, the NBA Playoffs:

(1) Chicago Bulls V. (8) Philadelphia 76ers

The Sixers are athletic and deep, but they just don't have enough offensive punch to last in this series.  They'll compete and these games will be basketball played the right way: team defense, sharing the ball, good effort.  The Bulls just play that style better.  Chicago in 5.

(2) Miami Heat V. (7) New York Knicks

This should be a lot of fun.  Talent all over the court.  Carmelo Anthony has been arguably the best player in the league over the second half of the season, and Tyson Chandler should really dominate the boards and challenge Lebron and DWade at the hoop.  Still, There's nobody that impacts the game as profoundly as James, and I think he's on a mission this year.  Heat in 6.

(3) Indiana Pacers V. (6) Orlando Magic

It's simple, there's just no way Orlando does anything without Dwight Howard.  Indiana gets a free pass into the second round.  Pacers in 4.

(4) Boston Celtics V. (5) Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks did it again! Piled up wins in the regular season only to be bounced by a poised, smarter team in the postseason.  The Celtics defense has been stifling since the all star break and the emergence of Avery Bradley has made a big impact.  Celtics in 6.

(1) San Antonio Spurs V. (8) Utah Jazz

Things didn't turn out well for the Spurs last year when they achieved the top seed, but I don't see that happening again.  With Paul Milsap and Al Jefferson the Jazz have the size to bother the Spurs, and should steal a game or two at home, but they won't win the series.  Spurs in 5. 

(2) Oklahoma City Thunder V. (7) Dallas Mavericks

The Thunder are no longer an inexperienced playoff team, and I think Dallas is on its last legs for this year.  The Thunder will run them out of the gym and the series early.  Thunder in 5.

(3) LA Lakers V. (6) Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets are the type of team that could bother LA.  Their young, deep, and athletic, but they don't have a go to scorer which matters in the playoffs, and they will struggle in the more half-court style of the postseason.  Denver also has no match for Bynum and Gasol, but who does?  Kobe is rested and the Lakers finally have speed at point guard to counteract the likes of Ty Lawson.  It will be a struggle but the Lakers win.  Lakers in 6.  

(4) Memphis Grizzlies V. (5) LA Clippers

This is the best series of the first round maybe along with the Heat-Knicks.  The Grizzlies are really tough inside with Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol, but the Clips counter with Deandre Jordan and Blake Griffin.  Rudy Gay has no match on the Clippers, but Chris Paul is the best player in the series.  Then there are countless good role players on both sides: Nick Young, Caron Butler, Mo Williams and Randy Foye for LA.  OJ Mayo, Mike Conley, Tony Allen, and Marreese Speights for the Grizzlies.  I Might be nuts here but I think Super-Stars are the difference in the playoffs, so I'll take Chris Paul to find a way.  Clippers in 6. 

Who Each Team Should Take in 2012 NFL Draft

1.       Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB Stanford

There’s no doubt about this pick, and I do subscribe to the theory that this many scouts and personnel experts can’t be wrong.  The kid might not walk on water, but he’s going to be a hell of a player.  Indy fans might want another Peyton Manning, I think what they’re getting in Luck is the next Aaron Rodgers.  He’s mobile (his combine numbers were identical to Cam Newton’s) he’s the most accurate thrower in the draft, played in a pro system, has a very strong arm, and he’s the smartest football player to come out in years.

2.       Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB Baylor

The Skins have to take RG3 not only because they gave up a king’s ransom to get him, but also because he’s the first potential franchise changing player they’ve had an opportunity to draft in years.  Washington has some nice pieces on defense, and they added Josh Morgan and Pierre Garcon to complement Chris Cooley in the passing game.  Griffin has Mike Vick speed, with better accuracy, and an infinitely better head on his shoulders.  Both Luck and Griffin will be stars, and either would be great #1 overall picks. 

3.       Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, LT USC

The Vikings are trying to screw this up as only they could, attempting to trade back and stockpile picks when they have a chance to draft a franchise player at a true position of need.  Kalil is athletic, strong, smart, durable, and fills a huge void on the Vikings offense.  He plugs in immediately and protects last year’s investment, Christian Ponder.  Kalil’s brother, Ryan, is an all-pro center for the Panthers, Matt might turn out to be even better. 

4.       Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB Alabama

Don’t tell me they have to give Colt McCoy a receiver unless you believe Colt McCoy is the answer at quarterback.  Getting Richardson gives you a franchise back that can run behind studs Joe Thomas and Alex Mack for the next 5-7 years.  Yes running backs have a short life span in the league, but a truly impactful one can make you relevant fast.  Richardson like Luck is the best runner to come out in a while, since Adrian Peterson. 

5.       Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Justin Blackmon, WR Oklahoma St.

My Draft Philosophy is that unless you have a glaring need; take an opportunity to make yourself really good at something.  Adding Blackmon to newly signed Vincent Jackson and incumbents Mike Williams and Kellen Winslow would give the Buccaneers one of the best receiving corps in football.  With the addition of all-pro guard Carl Nicks to an already strong offensive line, bringing Blackmon into the fold sets up Josh Freeman with everything he should need to return to his form of two seasons ago.

6.       St. Louis: Morris Claiborne, CB LSU

St. Louis is mad if this is the way things go, but really they shouldn’t be.  Claiborne is an elite prospect and would form a formidable duo with newly signed Cortland Finnegan.  The Rams defense has some promise with Chris Long and James Laurinitis, and Claiborne would represent the next building block of something truly special.  I know Sam Bradford needs weapons, but the worst thing to do is reach to get him a weapon, when you could have gotten a similar player in a later round.  Besides, sometimes a good defense is a quarterbacks best friend (ahem Alex Smith).

7.       Jacksonville Jaguars: David DeCastro, OG Stanford

Yes all conventional wisdom will say this is too high to select a guard.  People will say Jacksonville needs some sex appeal, something to draw people to the games etc.  Well, ultimately what draws people to games is winning teams.  And the Jaguars have missed on a whole lot of picks lately.  DeCastro is maybe the best lineman in the draft and he will help be the glue to a young and struggling line in Jacksonville.  Not to mention, he will help protect Blaine Gabbert, who showed some bad tendencies last year, but it’s way too early to bail on him after selecting him in the first round.  Maurice Jones Drew would also probably like this pick.

8.       Miami Dolphins: Melvin Ingram, DE South Carolina

Don’t reach for the wrong guy; I just can’t say it enough.  Ryan Tannehill is talented, but he was a wide receiver for two years, and then played in the wide open big 12 where the game is very different from the NFL.  Pair Ingram with Cameron Wake and you’ve built on an already impressive defense.  Draft a passer in round two or three where you get a good value for them, and don’t have to reach.  The draft is about improving your team, not taking chances or making panic boom or bust moves. 

9.       Carolina Panthers: Fletcher Cox DT, Mississippi State

Jon Beason will be back for the Panthers at linebacker so as tempted as I am to put Luke Kuechly here, I think Cox fits a bigger need.  Cox is a good pass rusher from the inside, an active and disruptive player that excelled in a man’s league, the SEC.  Pair him with Beason and add some defensive backs later in the draft and the Panthers begin to rebuild what was a really bad defense last year. 

10.   Buffalo Bills: Luke Kuechly LB, Boston College

Kuechly is just a good all-around player.  He’s smart; runs well, can cover, and is a sure tackler.  I think he’s the type of guy that makes a few pro-bowls and is always a positive contributor to your team.  Marcel Dareus is going to be a star, and putting Kuechly behind him along with the return of a healthy Kyle Williams is an exciting thought for the Buffalo defense.

11.   Kansas City Chiefs: Stephen Gilmore CB, South Carolina

The Chiefs have some really nice pieces coming back to the offense- Jamal Charles, Tony Moeaki, and last year’s top pick Jonathan Baldwin will hopefully develop to complement Dwayne Bowe.  I don’t love Matt Cassel or Kyle Orton, but this is a team with enough weapons to make those players serviceable.  Gilmore would make a really nice complement to budding star Brandon Flowers at the other corner and Tamba Hali rushing the passer will make Gilmore’s transition easier. 

12.   Seattle Seahawks: Quinton Coples DE, North Carolina

In terms of size and ability Coples is very reminiscent of another former Tarheel, Julius Peppers.  Seattle has some nice pieces on defense, and adding premier pass rusher could take them to the next level. 

13.   Arizona Cardinals: Michael Floyd,  WR Notre Dame

I like Floyd, I don’t know that he’s a star but he’s a big physical talented player that will be trouble if you try to single cover him.  Alongside Larry Fitzgerald Floyd should flourish as a second receiver.  If Kevin Kolb can’t make it work with those two wide receivers than he’s just not the guy. 

14.   Dallas Cowboys: Mark Barron, S Alabama

The offense is loaded with talent, the front 7 is strong, and it’s the secondary that really needs help.  Dallas needs corners as well, but Barron is the best defensive back on the board at this point.  He hits like a linebacker and covers a lot of ground.  He should start immediately and develop into a good starter. 

15.   Philadelphia Eagles:  Michael Brockers, DT LSU

Brockers is a huge man with great talent who produced at a big time program.  He also fits a need as the Eagles were terrible up the middle of their defense last year.  New middle linebacker Demeco Ryans and Brockers should be a true shot in the arm for this defense. 

16.   New York Jets: Dontari Poe, DT Memphis

The Jets defense is starting to age and the defensive front could use an influx of youth and talent.  Poe is a big time risk with big time upside, sounds just like Rex Ryan’s type of player. 

17.   Cincinnati Bengals: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB Alabama

Kirkpatrick is a big time talent and fits the zone scheme the Bengals tend to use in coverage.  Jonathan Joseph’s departure hurt last year and Kirkpatrick can help fill the void opposite Leon Hall.

18.   San Diego Chargers: Kendall Wright, WR Baylor

Some might see this as a reach but Phillip Rivers too often is expected to just carry the team.  Wright is an explosive player that catches the ball well, is good after the catch, and seems the perfect weapon in the slot.  Wright, Antonio Gates, and Ryan Matthews are pretty nice Weapons to put around Rivers.

19.   Chicago Bears: Riley Reiff, OT Iowa

The Bears could use a solid, smart player that can come in and hold his own on the offensive line immediately.  That’s Reiff.  He may never be spectacular, but he should be solid right away and will turn into a good tackle opposite Gabe Carimi.   

20.   Tennessee Titans: Whitney Mercilus, DE Illinois

Mercilus is a pure pass rusher, and has a ton of talent.  It’s a position of need and if Mercilus is on the board, this is a no brainer. 

21.   Cincinnati Bengals: Cordy Glenn, G Georgia

They could probably use a complement to AJ Green, some help in the defensive front 7, and a running back to take Cedric Benson’s place since his wheels are about to fall off.  But, they also need to replace Bobbie Williams at guard, and Glenn is the best value above any wideout, d-lineman or running back left in my draft. 

22.   Cleveland Browns: Ryan Tannehill, QB  Texas A & M

I don’t love Tannehill but at pick 22, and needing a quarterback this is too good of a scenario for Cleveland to pass up.  In all reality there’s no way he lasts this long, but in a world where logic prevails (my draft world) Tannehill is a Brown with the 22^nd pick.

23.   Detroit Lions: Jonathan Martin, OT Stanford

The Lions have needed line help for a long time, and Martin is an above average athlete with solid technique and good intelligence.  Matt Stafford and Calvin Johnson are true superstars, give them time to operate and they will win a lot of games.  Running back is also a need as is secondary help, but the line I think has to come first. 

24.   Pittsburgh Steelers: Don’t’a Hightower, ILB Alabama

Hightower is really a Steeler type of player.  He’s physical, strong, bruising and fits well as a replacement for James Farrior. 

25.   Denver Broncos: Coby Fleener, TE Stanford

Everyone gets better when Peyton Manning is on their team.  That means a Denver defense with some holes will get better just by virtue of Manning holding the ball longer and putting up more points.  So I say give Peyton the weapons he’s going to need.  Fleener is a good athlete, he’s big, will be great in the red zone and can contribute immediately. 

26.   Houston Texans: Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB Alabama

Is it me, or could you basically field a team with just Alabama and Stanford’s draft class this year?  Upshaw is a big strong player that can both rush the passer from the outside linebacker spot, and occupy blockers as a 3-4 end.  I think he continues to build the Texans defense into one of the best units in the league. 

27.   New England Patriots: Janoris Jenkins, CB North Alabama

You’d be correct in saying that this guy doesn’t really epitomize the “Patriot Way” but Bill Belichick also relishes reclamation projects, and loves to mold talent.  Jenkins is a top 15 player in this draft in terms of talent, and if put in the right environment like New England, maybe he flourishes.  New England needs corner help, and Jenkins has the raw talent to be a star. 

28.   Green Bay Packers: Jerel Worthy, DT Michigan State

I’m convinced the Packers defensive backfield has enough talent to regroup and play much better, and the offense is historically good.  They need help in the trenches and Worthy can probably play any spot along the defensive front.  He represents depth, versatility, and an upgrade in talent.

29.   Baltimore Ravens: Peter Konz, C Wisconsin

Matt Birk is as old as time and Konz could probably play guard until Birk retires and then slide over.  Ben Grubbs left via free agency so the interior line is a must to address.  Stephen Hill might be another thought at wide receiver, but they already drafted their burner last year in Torrey Smith.

30.   San Francisco 49ers: Stephen Hill, WR Georgia Tech

Yes they need a guard and they stocked up on wide receivers in free agency, but if Moss doesn’t work out, then they’re down to Mario Manningham and Michael Crabtree.  I think Hill represents a good value because of his rare size and speed, but I won’t be mad if the Niners go with Kevin Zeitler (guard, Wisconsin) here. 

31.   New England Patriots: Chandler Jones, DE/OLB Syracuse

So the Patriots get a cover corner and a pure pass rusher, this would be a good day for New England fans. 

32.   New York Giants: Doug Martin, RB Boise State

I don’t love taking a running back in the first round unless it’s a rare breed like Richardson, but it’s at the back end of the first round, Brandon Jacobs is gone, and Ahmad Bradshaw can’t carry the load by himself.  I think Martin will help right away, and reminds me of Mark Ingram coming out.  A balanced, solid runner who will go over 1,000 yards a time or two in his career. 

The Bruins are Back

Accuse me of hyperbole, being a homer, whatever your choice of words, you’re probably right.  But I’m not wrong when I say the UCLA Bruins basketball program is back in a big way.  Weeks after a Sports Illustrated article came out exposing the seedy underbelly of the Ben Howland era, somehow the Bruins shook off the PR nightmare to land the best recruiting class in the country.

It used to be that getting a great recruiting class meant good things were coming in 2-3 years.  These days in college hoops the best players depart for the NBA as soon as possible, meaning many times the best players in the country are freshman.  And UCLA brought in a slew of “diaper dandies” culminating on Monday with the signing of big man Tony Parker. 

Parker joins other top recruits Shabazz Muhammad, Kyle Anderson, and Jordan Adams giving UCLA 4 of the top 40 rated freshman in this year’s crop.  Muhammad is the true gem of the class, rated as either the number 1 or 2 high school player in the country depending on whether you believe more in rivals.com or ESPN’s rankings.

Either way Muhammad brings athleticism, skill, and most importantly, creativity on offense.  He has the ability to take over the scoring load by himself.  Howland’s teams have historically been predictable and sluggish offensively, and Muhammad is the rare wing scorer that can take a game on his shoulders even if the offensive system is sputtering.

Anderson is the other true blue chip recruit in this class, though Adams and Parker should both compete for heavy amounts of playing time right away.  Along with Muhammad, Anderson was considered at least a top 5 player in the nation.

If Muhammad is the slasher and scorer, Anderson is the table setter.  A silky if methodical athlete, Anderson is a 6’7” point-forward with elite court vision and passing skills, not to mention a good mid-range offensive game, rare amongst today’s young players.

These fab freshmen would be enough by themselves to elevate UCLA back to the NCAA tournament and even greater heights it would seem, though they won’t be filling up a bare cupboard.  Still remaining on the Bruins roster is the talented but forever out of shape Josh Smith- a behemoth of a man for the college game.  If his conditioning ever matches up with his ability he can dominate college basketball. 

The brothers Travis and David Wear proved to be solid post players that should improve in their second year with the school after transferring from North Carolina.  With the Freshman Parker, Smith, and the Wears UCLA will possess a rare amount of size and versatility in the post that should make them a nightmare to matchup with. 

Then slide over to the wing where Muhammad should be an instant star, and will be accompanied there by the talented guard/forward Tyler Lamb.  Anderson will likely play a lot of point guard, and perhaps Norman Powell will be able to build on his decent freshman campaign of a year ago to provide depth at the guard position.  Adams will also slide between guard and forward providing great athleticism and scoring punch. 

What success is really going to boil down to in Westwood is Coaching and expectations.  Given the talent on this team there’s no reason to think they aren’t capable of making a run at the elite 8 and maybe even beyond.  We’ve seen the importance of freshmen in changing the landscape of college hoops and maybe UCLA has enough young talent to continue that trend.  But after all the dysfunction that has plagued this program over the past 2-3 years, can we as fans really expect this team to reach its potential?

That’s where the coaching comes in.  At one point Howland seemed to be one of the truly elite coaches in America.  He made Pittsburgh into a power, and then swiftly rebuilt UCLA into a juggernaut that reached 3 consecutive final fours producing NBA stars (and a slew of other solid NBA players) like Russell Westbrook and Kevin Love along the way.  

You would think that type of success would buy a little leeway and some more time to get things right when they go astray.  But the expectations at UCLA are always sky high, and things certainly have veered off course recently. 

Howland’s recruiting haul is both a blessing and a curse.  It should, if things go according to plan and potential, once again restore the luster to the Bruins program.  If, however, UCLA underachieves it could cost the man that so recently restored Bruin Pride his job in Westwood.  

The Sneaky Lakers?

Is it possible for the Los Angeles Lakers to fly under the radar?  In the dramatic sense no.  Andrew Bynum’s behavior, Kobe’s latest injury, the Pau Gasol trade drama where all headline stories at some point this season, but to what end?  These stories were more empty calories, fun for the sports world to snack on, but not really substantive issues as it relates to whether this team can win a championship.  In the respect that the Lakers are a legitimate threat to win another title, yes they can and are flying under the radar.

No, they are not the prohibitive favorites to win a ring, or even favorite’s period.  Their bench is thinner than Tony Kornheiser’s hair, and not quite as entertaining to watch.  They still lack overall athleticism, they don’t have great outside shooters, and Mike Brown despite piloting the team to the West’s three seed doesn’t seem to have the respect of many in Laker nation. 

Still, when looking at LA’s roster, how many teams can really compare to their talent level?  Andrew Bynum may have been the best center in the league before Dwight Howard was lost for the season with a back injury, and certainly Bynum is now the most dominant center in the league.  He continues to grow and get stronger seemingly by the quarter.  Over the last ten games, most of which Kobe missed with an injury Bynum has posted averages of 23 points and 12 rebounds (he’s at 19 and 12 over the course of the season).  Complement Bynum with the most skilled post-up player in the league, Pau Gasol, and the Lakers have the preeminent duo of big men in the league. 

Typically, when you combine 2 of the best 5 big men in the game, with a guard that is the league’s leading scorer, and will end his career as a consensus top ten player of all time you have a pretty good formula.  Yet the Lakers weren’t complete until a couple of things happened. 

The first vital change was the addition of Ramon Sessions at point guard, and the subsequent jettisoning of father time Derek Fisher.  Sessions is not a super-star, but at 25 years old he is one of the quickest players in the league and has tremendous open court speed.  He brings an ability to slice into the lane and create opportunities for the rest of the team, an element the Lakers have been lacking for years.

 

Sessions is not a great defender, but he at least has the speed to stay with the likes of Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul, Mike Conley, Tony Parker, and Ty Lawson.  He also will make the opposing point guard work on defense, whereas Fisher was nothing more than a spot up shooter.  Sessions has averaged 13 points and 6 assists with the Lakers, more than double the production D-Fish chipped in.

The other important development for LA was the addition by subtraction that occurred when Kobe went out with a shin injury.  With Bryant sidelined LA went 5-2, Bynum and Gasol became the focal points that many Laker fans have been screaming for them to be even with a healthy Bryant, and Ron Artest had his best offensive stretch as a Laker.  Artest has poured in 15 points per game over the last ten contests, more than double his season average.  He seems to be in better shape, more confident, and more willing to take smaller defenders into the post and use his strength to get to the bucket.

 

Add the improved play of Matt Barnes, the steady play of Steve Blake, and the little bit of run that Devin Ebanks received in Bryant’s absence, and the Lakers showed they are more than just the Mamba and two big men.

In fact, the Lakers will only have a shot to win a championship if Bryant was taking close notes of what he saw from the sideline these past two weeks.  Kobe is having his worst shooting season percentage wise since his rookie campaign, despite the fact that he leads the league in scoring.  Kobe will always take a lot of shots, but he has to be smart enough, and check his ego enough to realize that Bynum (shooting 56%) and Gasol (shooting 50%) need to get more attempts. 

Once a team that looked old, slow, injury prone, and lacking any depth now seems to be growing increasingly formidable.  What other team can boast three players that might all be the best in the league at their respective position?  The Heat might be close in that respect, but Sessions and Artest aren’t the dead weight that rounds out the Heat starting five; in fact both are above average NBA players. 

The final piece to the possible puzzle for a Lakers championship is the fact that every other contender in the league has major flaws. 

The Heat lack depth, and rely on a mega-star whose talent is matched only by his own sense of self-doubt in clutch situations. 

The Bulls again look to be a great defensive team that will struggle to score and will increasingly rely on the terrific but overburdened and banged up Derrick Rose. 

The Celtics have gotten hot lately, but will struggle against bigger teams, Rajon Rondo doesn’t have to be guarded from 15 feet and out, and they will have to beat the Bulls and the Heat to make the Finals.

The Pacers just aren’t ready to beat the big boys, but their regular season success at least merits their mention in the contender discussion.

On the Western side of things the top teams similarly possess conspicuous flaws.  The Thunder has virtually no inside scoring.  Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins are impressive post defenders, but relying on Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook to make enough jump shots to win a championship is not an easy formula.

The Spurs did this act last year, having a wonderful regular season and then disappearing in the playoffs.  Tony Parker is a super-star, but Ginobli has lost a step, and Duncan has lost a step and a half. 

The Clippers are incredibly impressive athletically, and the Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, Deandre Jordan lob city trio is as fun as NBA basketball gets, but this team lacks wing scoring, great depth, and playoff experience. 

The Grizzlies are everybody’s chic pick right now, but I don’t see enough in the way of a true go to guy to carry them through four best of seven series. 

So no, the Lakers aren’t the favorites, but I don’t know that there is a team that you can point to this year as one that “should” win if they stay healthy and play their best ball.  We could be in for the best, most competitive playoffs in years, just don’t be surprised if the Purple and Gold sneak their way to yet another championship.