Post by ianboyd on Aug 12, 2010 10:47:04 GMT -5
Part II of my playoff preview at the deadline. This time I will touch up on the ultra competitive Eastern Conference.
Playoff teams record: 370-181
Winning percentage: 0.672
Average Points/game: 105.2
Average Points allowed: 98.4
The Larger View: The top of the East is considered by just about everyone to be the cream of the crop of the league. Seven out of the eight current playoff bound teams have a winning record of .600 or better, almost all of them can also claim a winning record against their Western counterparts. By default, the race of the East has been long believed to be the REAL NBA championship series. SEC! SEC! SEC!!
Practice, We talkin' 'bout PRACTICE?: The rest of the Eastern Conference might be slacking, while half of the faces in the race for the West are new faces, only the Nets find themselves among a group of teams that have "been there, done that", while the top of the East is competitive, the rest must remain diligent or the East might become real stagnant in a few years with only a handful of teams competing year after year. While we're talking about competition, let's take a look at why the East is perceived to be so much better than their Western brothers, and the biggest reason among them is:
Veteran Leadership: It is no well kept secret that experience and leadership are key ingredients in any well ran professional sports organization and the East have plenty of them. Even after the retirement of Finals MVP Michael Jordan, the top of the conference is STACKED with experienced superstars such as Malone, Hill, Webber, Olajuwon, McDyess and such. Almost every playoff bound team's roster hosts several players of 28 years or older. With that much experience and star power, it's no wonder that the East reigns supreme.
The Teams
1.
Key Players: Chris Webber (PF), Damon Stoudamire (PG), Shawn Marion (SF)
Strength: Explosive offense that can score from anywhere on the court, dominant on the glass, great assist/turnover ratio
Weakness: Lack of defensive minded guards in the backcourt, absence of a shot blocker in the middle leads to too many fouls.
Top Offensive Statistics: 113.0 points per game (1st), 26.4 assists per game (tied 2nd), 12.3 turnovers per game (3rd), 42.2 field goals per game (1st), 47.9% field goal (1st), 23.9 free throws made per game (1st), 32.7 free throws attempted per game (1st), 73.0% free throws (4th), 42.7% 3-pointers (1st)
Top Defensive Statistics: 53.2 rebounds per game (4th), 48.1 rebounds allowed (4th), 15.1 turnovers from opponents (1st)
Team Overview: The Celtics were bounced out of the playoffs in round 1 a year ago, this year's squad, is a different story. With a seemingly unending list of offensive categories they lead in, this is by far the best offensive unit in the entire league, not only can they score in bunches, but they do it with such efficiency that the rest of the league dread matching up with the C's. Behind MVP candidate Chris Webber's nearly 30 points per game, the Irish can score from the paint with deadly precision, if teams attempt to pack in the zone and pressure the middle, the only alternative for the Celts is? Only the most efficient 3 point shooting in the league. Bounced out a year ago, this is a team with a mission, nothing short of the ultimate redemption of holding that Larry O'Brien (Irish name, coincidence? I think not) will satisfy these hungry Celtics.
2.
Key Players: Kobe Bryant (SG), Karl Malone (PF), Terrell Brandon (PG)
Strength: Long and lengthy players that rebound at every position, scores extremely well, harasses the passing lanes very effectively
Weakness: Lack of suitable replacement at the SF by the retirement of Michael Jordan leaves a huge gap in offensive and defensive talent, prone to turnovers occasionally
Top Offensive Statistics: 107.9 points per game (2nd), 41.7 field goals per game (2nd), 47.1% field goal (tied 2nd), 20.6 free throws made per game (2nd), 28.3 free throws attempted per game (3rd)
Top Defensive Statistics: 54.5 rebounds per game (1st), 8.9 steals per game (4th), 7.4 blocks per game (tied 1st), 42.9% field goal allowed (tied 2nd)
Team Overview: The defending champions lost some major swagger and the aura of invincibility from a year ago, with the retirement of Finals MVP Michael Jordan and the looming end of Karl Malone's career. Many considered their crown to be no longer certain, that is, until Kobe Bryant showed up in training camp. In a staggering fashion the likes of which never before seen, young Kobe ascended his status from 2nd fiddle to MJ into the best player in the NBA which have helped the Raptors retain their production. However, a Finals MVP is not so easily replaced, taking a look at their title winning roster, a huge gap of talent disparity is easily seen at the SF position which could be a cause for concern. If the Raptors were to have any hopes of surviving the treacherous East and repeating their title, the younglings burdened with the task of replacing Michael MUST step up.
3.
Key Players: Rasheed Wallace (PF), Sam Cassell (PG), Shareef Abdur-Rahim (SF)
Strength: Balanced between offense and defensive, knows how to find the foul line, can create match up problems with their size in the front court
Weakness: Defensively weak in the back court, commits too many unnecessary fouls by gambling for steals
Top Offensive Statistics: 105.7 points per game (3rd), 40.6 field goals per game (4th), 20.1 free throws made per game (4th), 27.5 free throws attempted per game (4th)
Top Defensive Statistics: 53.1 rebounds per game (5th), 14.8 turnovers from opponents (4th)
Team Overview: The Magic enjoyed a decent post season a year ago, while they did not reach the conference finals, they were able to reach the 2nd round and performed reasonably well. Nothing major has been changed about this team, the Magic can still score effectively, reach the foul line and have improved upon their substandard 3 point shooting. However, the same problems from a year ago still haunt this team, while Rasheed Wallace is a star in this league, Orlando is simply out matched by some of the elites of the East at multiple key positions. To advance beyond what they performed last year, Orlando must once again raise their level of play, which means less fouls, less turnovers and hold their opponents to the reverse.
4.
Key Players: Rashard Lewis (SF), Darrell Armstrong (PG), Danny Fortson (PF)
Strength: Great outside shooters that space the floor, great rebounding that leads to many 2nd chance points, defends the 3 point line well
Weakness: too many turnovers for a playoff team, doesn't match up well with teams with elite wing scorers
Top Offensive Statistics: 7.2 3-pointers per game (1st), 41.7% 3-pointers (2nd)
Top Defensive Statistics: 54.1 rebounds per game (2nd), 36.4 field goals allowed (4th), 43.3% field goal allowed (4th), 32.8% 3-pointers allowed (1st)
Team Overview: A team that had the honor of being the only team to challenge the Raptors to a 7 game series, this year's goal becomes more ambitious. With a year of experience under their belts, the Bees will try to solidify a first round home court advantage by doing what they do best, shoot and make 3 pointers, converting 2nd chances and defend the 3 point line. What was a question mark a year ago has been fixed this year as the Eastern Conference Powerhouse Hornets find themselves atop the best rebounding teams in the league. If they can maintain their hot shooting streak from beyond the arc in the post season, this is a team that can be quite a nuisance for any that match up with them.
5.
Key Players: Kevin Garnett (PF), Antwan Jamison (SF), Ray Allen (SG)
Strength: Solid defense, disrupts the passing lanes well, knows how to share the ball
Weakness: Lack of shot blocking, very old at the center position that lacks athleticism
Top Offensive Statistics: 27.0 assists per game (1st), 46.9% field goal (tied 4th), 73.2% free throws (3rd)
Top Defensive Statistics: 8.9 steals per game (tied 4th), 14.9 turnovers from opponents (tied 2nd)
Team Overview: One of the key additions this season for the Hawks is sharp shooter Ray Allen to boost the firepower of Atlanta. In just his first season with a new team, Allen is shooting a staggering 43% from beyond the line while maintaining his efficiency at the foul line. For a team that was already solid at scoring from the post and mid range, the long range force of Allen has been a major reason that Hawks are doing as well as they are. The only question mark for this team is the aging centers on their rosters and how well they would match up with the stronger, more athletic centers they will surely be facing come playoff time, if these guys can rest up and find a 2nd wind, this could become a very dangerous team.
6.
Key Players: Allen Houston (SG), Yao Ming (C), Ben Wallace (PF)
Strength: good chemistry between teammates that leads to assists, twin tower effect that grabs many rebounds and scoring in the paint, takes advantage of trips to the foul line
Weakness: Defensively weak in the back court, assist/turnover could use improvement
Top Offensive Statistics: 26.0 assists per game (4th), 46.9% field goal (tied 4th), 74.7% free throws (2nd), 5.6 3-pointers per game (4th), 40.9% 3-pointers (3rd)
Top Defensive Statistics: 48.0 rebounds allowed (3rd)
Team Overview: A year ago, the Nets were able to acquire their version of a "Big Three" of Ben Wallace, Shawn Marion and Allen Iverson, fast forward one year later, the only piece that remains is Big Ben. But thanks to some nifty trading, the other 2 have been all but forgotten as New Jersey welcomes in Allen Houston, Steve Nash and unanimous rookie of the year candidate Yao Ming. With the addition of Nash and Allen, the Nets have suddenly found a chemistry they've never before had, sharing the ball has never been easier, shooting the 3 pointers scoring in the paint have also improved. Behind their 7'6'' monster from the far east, the Nets find themselves the only team without any playoff experience in a competitive East, while it isn't likely that their first trip to the post season will result in a title, this is a team that will compete for the East for years to come.
7.
Key Players: Stephon Marbury (PG), Elton Brand (PF), Ruben Patterson (SF)
Strength: Potent offensive productions from their best 2 players, takes care of the ball relatively well.
Weakness: Prone to be out rebounded by the opposition, gives up huge scoring runs, allows too many free throws
Top Offensive Statistics: 105.3 points per game (4th), 40.9 field goals per game (3rd), 47.1% field goal (tied 2nd), 20.3 free throws made per game (3rd)
Top Defensive Statistics: none
Team Overview: One year after being nearly swept out of the first round, the Cavs haven't done much to improve their roster. Although they can score in bunches, they still can't defend worth a lick and fouls way too often. To get anywhere further than what they accomplished last year, Cleveland will still have to rely on their "small ball" approach to outpace their opponents and hope to turn each game into a shootout, otherwise, in a defensively grinding half court set, this team will be tossed out just like a year ago by the brutal and ruthless Eastern Conference.
8.
Key Players: Grant Hill (SF), Antonio McDyess (PF), Bryant Reeves (C)
Strength: Potent inside scoring from the block and slashing,
Weakness: Lack of scoring threat from the back court or long range shooting, no proven scorer outside of best 2 players
Top Offensive Statistics: none
Top Defensive Statistics: none
Team Overview: This is a team that fits the description of "talent disparity" to a T. McDyess and Hill are 2 of the best players in the league, for them to be on the same team, you would expect the Team of Brotherly Love to produce better stats than they have. The problem is though, none of the other players' production would even make the cut for backups at many of the other Eastern Conference playoff teams. A year ago they were able to at least rely on free throw shooting as a way to mask the outmatched players, this year the Sixers can't even rely on that. If they can get past the first round like they did a year ago, it would be considered a huge victory.
Playoff teams record: 370-181
Winning percentage: 0.672
Average Points/game: 105.2
Average Points allowed: 98.4
The Larger View: The top of the East is considered by just about everyone to be the cream of the crop of the league. Seven out of the eight current playoff bound teams have a winning record of .600 or better, almost all of them can also claim a winning record against their Western counterparts. By default, the race of the East has been long believed to be the REAL NBA championship series. SEC! SEC! SEC!!
Practice, We talkin' 'bout PRACTICE?: The rest of the Eastern Conference might be slacking, while half of the faces in the race for the West are new faces, only the Nets find themselves among a group of teams that have "been there, done that", while the top of the East is competitive, the rest must remain diligent or the East might become real stagnant in a few years with only a handful of teams competing year after year. While we're talking about competition, let's take a look at why the East is perceived to be so much better than their Western brothers, and the biggest reason among them is:
Veteran Leadership: It is no well kept secret that experience and leadership are key ingredients in any well ran professional sports organization and the East have plenty of them. Even after the retirement of Finals MVP Michael Jordan, the top of the conference is STACKED with experienced superstars such as Malone, Hill, Webber, Olajuwon, McDyess and such. Almost every playoff bound team's roster hosts several players of 28 years or older. With that much experience and star power, it's no wonder that the East reigns supreme.
The Teams
1.
Key Players: Chris Webber (PF), Damon Stoudamire (PG), Shawn Marion (SF)
Strength: Explosive offense that can score from anywhere on the court, dominant on the glass, great assist/turnover ratio
Weakness: Lack of defensive minded guards in the backcourt, absence of a shot blocker in the middle leads to too many fouls.
Top Offensive Statistics: 113.0 points per game (1st), 26.4 assists per game (tied 2nd), 12.3 turnovers per game (3rd), 42.2 field goals per game (1st), 47.9% field goal (1st), 23.9 free throws made per game (1st), 32.7 free throws attempted per game (1st), 73.0% free throws (4th), 42.7% 3-pointers (1st)
Top Defensive Statistics: 53.2 rebounds per game (4th), 48.1 rebounds allowed (4th), 15.1 turnovers from opponents (1st)
Team Overview: The Celtics were bounced out of the playoffs in round 1 a year ago, this year's squad, is a different story. With a seemingly unending list of offensive categories they lead in, this is by far the best offensive unit in the entire league, not only can they score in bunches, but they do it with such efficiency that the rest of the league dread matching up with the C's. Behind MVP candidate Chris Webber's nearly 30 points per game, the Irish can score from the paint with deadly precision, if teams attempt to pack in the zone and pressure the middle, the only alternative for the Celts is? Only the most efficient 3 point shooting in the league. Bounced out a year ago, this is a team with a mission, nothing short of the ultimate redemption of holding that Larry O'Brien (Irish name, coincidence? I think not) will satisfy these hungry Celtics.
2.
Key Players: Kobe Bryant (SG), Karl Malone (PF), Terrell Brandon (PG)
Strength: Long and lengthy players that rebound at every position, scores extremely well, harasses the passing lanes very effectively
Weakness: Lack of suitable replacement at the SF by the retirement of Michael Jordan leaves a huge gap in offensive and defensive talent, prone to turnovers occasionally
Top Offensive Statistics: 107.9 points per game (2nd), 41.7 field goals per game (2nd), 47.1% field goal (tied 2nd), 20.6 free throws made per game (2nd), 28.3 free throws attempted per game (3rd)
Top Defensive Statistics: 54.5 rebounds per game (1st), 8.9 steals per game (4th), 7.4 blocks per game (tied 1st), 42.9% field goal allowed (tied 2nd)
Team Overview: The defending champions lost some major swagger and the aura of invincibility from a year ago, with the retirement of Finals MVP Michael Jordan and the looming end of Karl Malone's career. Many considered their crown to be no longer certain, that is, until Kobe Bryant showed up in training camp. In a staggering fashion the likes of which never before seen, young Kobe ascended his status from 2nd fiddle to MJ into the best player in the NBA which have helped the Raptors retain their production. However, a Finals MVP is not so easily replaced, taking a look at their title winning roster, a huge gap of talent disparity is easily seen at the SF position which could be a cause for concern. If the Raptors were to have any hopes of surviving the treacherous East and repeating their title, the younglings burdened with the task of replacing Michael MUST step up.
3.
Key Players: Rasheed Wallace (PF), Sam Cassell (PG), Shareef Abdur-Rahim (SF)
Strength: Balanced between offense and defensive, knows how to find the foul line, can create match up problems with their size in the front court
Weakness: Defensively weak in the back court, commits too many unnecessary fouls by gambling for steals
Top Offensive Statistics: 105.7 points per game (3rd), 40.6 field goals per game (4th), 20.1 free throws made per game (4th), 27.5 free throws attempted per game (4th)
Top Defensive Statistics: 53.1 rebounds per game (5th), 14.8 turnovers from opponents (4th)
Team Overview: The Magic enjoyed a decent post season a year ago, while they did not reach the conference finals, they were able to reach the 2nd round and performed reasonably well. Nothing major has been changed about this team, the Magic can still score effectively, reach the foul line and have improved upon their substandard 3 point shooting. However, the same problems from a year ago still haunt this team, while Rasheed Wallace is a star in this league, Orlando is simply out matched by some of the elites of the East at multiple key positions. To advance beyond what they performed last year, Orlando must once again raise their level of play, which means less fouls, less turnovers and hold their opponents to the reverse.
4.
Key Players: Rashard Lewis (SF), Darrell Armstrong (PG), Danny Fortson (PF)
Strength: Great outside shooters that space the floor, great rebounding that leads to many 2nd chance points, defends the 3 point line well
Weakness: too many turnovers for a playoff team, doesn't match up well with teams with elite wing scorers
Top Offensive Statistics: 7.2 3-pointers per game (1st), 41.7% 3-pointers (2nd)
Top Defensive Statistics: 54.1 rebounds per game (2nd), 36.4 field goals allowed (4th), 43.3% field goal allowed (4th), 32.8% 3-pointers allowed (1st)
Team Overview: A team that had the honor of being the only team to challenge the Raptors to a 7 game series, this year's goal becomes more ambitious. With a year of experience under their belts, the Bees will try to solidify a first round home court advantage by doing what they do best, shoot and make 3 pointers, converting 2nd chances and defend the 3 point line. What was a question mark a year ago has been fixed this year as the Eastern Conference Powerhouse Hornets find themselves atop the best rebounding teams in the league. If they can maintain their hot shooting streak from beyond the arc in the post season, this is a team that can be quite a nuisance for any that match up with them.
5.
Key Players: Kevin Garnett (PF), Antwan Jamison (SF), Ray Allen (SG)
Strength: Solid defense, disrupts the passing lanes well, knows how to share the ball
Weakness: Lack of shot blocking, very old at the center position that lacks athleticism
Top Offensive Statistics: 27.0 assists per game (1st), 46.9% field goal (tied 4th), 73.2% free throws (3rd)
Top Defensive Statistics: 8.9 steals per game (tied 4th), 14.9 turnovers from opponents (tied 2nd)
Team Overview: One of the key additions this season for the Hawks is sharp shooter Ray Allen to boost the firepower of Atlanta. In just his first season with a new team, Allen is shooting a staggering 43% from beyond the line while maintaining his efficiency at the foul line. For a team that was already solid at scoring from the post and mid range, the long range force of Allen has been a major reason that Hawks are doing as well as they are. The only question mark for this team is the aging centers on their rosters and how well they would match up with the stronger, more athletic centers they will surely be facing come playoff time, if these guys can rest up and find a 2nd wind, this could become a very dangerous team.
6.
Key Players: Allen Houston (SG), Yao Ming (C), Ben Wallace (PF)
Strength: good chemistry between teammates that leads to assists, twin tower effect that grabs many rebounds and scoring in the paint, takes advantage of trips to the foul line
Weakness: Defensively weak in the back court, assist/turnover could use improvement
Top Offensive Statistics: 26.0 assists per game (4th), 46.9% field goal (tied 4th), 74.7% free throws (2nd), 5.6 3-pointers per game (4th), 40.9% 3-pointers (3rd)
Top Defensive Statistics: 48.0 rebounds allowed (3rd)
Team Overview: A year ago, the Nets were able to acquire their version of a "Big Three" of Ben Wallace, Shawn Marion and Allen Iverson, fast forward one year later, the only piece that remains is Big Ben. But thanks to some nifty trading, the other 2 have been all but forgotten as New Jersey welcomes in Allen Houston, Steve Nash and unanimous rookie of the year candidate Yao Ming. With the addition of Nash and Allen, the Nets have suddenly found a chemistry they've never before had, sharing the ball has never been easier, shooting the 3 pointers scoring in the paint have also improved. Behind their 7'6'' monster from the far east, the Nets find themselves the only team without any playoff experience in a competitive East, while it isn't likely that their first trip to the post season will result in a title, this is a team that will compete for the East for years to come.
7.
Key Players: Stephon Marbury (PG), Elton Brand (PF), Ruben Patterson (SF)
Strength: Potent offensive productions from their best 2 players, takes care of the ball relatively well.
Weakness: Prone to be out rebounded by the opposition, gives up huge scoring runs, allows too many free throws
Top Offensive Statistics: 105.3 points per game (4th), 40.9 field goals per game (3rd), 47.1% field goal (tied 2nd), 20.3 free throws made per game (3rd)
Top Defensive Statistics: none
Team Overview: One year after being nearly swept out of the first round, the Cavs haven't done much to improve their roster. Although they can score in bunches, they still can't defend worth a lick and fouls way too often. To get anywhere further than what they accomplished last year, Cleveland will still have to rely on their "small ball" approach to outpace their opponents and hope to turn each game into a shootout, otherwise, in a defensively grinding half court set, this team will be tossed out just like a year ago by the brutal and ruthless Eastern Conference.
8.
Key Players: Grant Hill (SF), Antonio McDyess (PF), Bryant Reeves (C)
Strength: Potent inside scoring from the block and slashing,
Weakness: Lack of scoring threat from the back court or long range shooting, no proven scorer outside of best 2 players
Top Offensive Statistics: none
Top Defensive Statistics: none
Team Overview: This is a team that fits the description of "talent disparity" to a T. McDyess and Hill are 2 of the best players in the league, for them to be on the same team, you would expect the Team of Brotherly Love to produce better stats than they have. The problem is though, none of the other players' production would even make the cut for backups at many of the other Eastern Conference playoff teams. A year ago they were able to at least rely on free throw shooting as a way to mask the outmatched players, this year the Sixers can't even rely on that. If they can get past the first round like they did a year ago, it would be considered a huge victory.
