GOLDEN AGE ATL *Russell/West Regions* 2ND ROUND

[penbeast0]

POSTED BY KOSTA



C-Mark Eaton
PF-Buck Williams
SF-Dominique Wilkins
SG-Joe Dumars
PG-Magic Johnson

Reserves: Rik Smits, Chris Webber, Kenyon Martin, Rip Hamilton, Ron Harper.

vs



C-Artis Gilmore
PF-Elton Brand
SF-Scottie Pippen
SG-Chris Mullin
PG-Gary Payton

Props to penbeast for creating a great team, especially from his draft position, which is not easy at all.


Gilmore/Brand vs Eaton/Buck

Do the Bullets have a big advantage here? At first glance, you'd think so. But which Artis Gilmore are we looking at here? Yes, still a highly efficient scorer (one of the best all time) but not the dominate Artis that won ABA MVP and made all defensive teams. An all-star, he was, but a dominant force, he was not. Mark Eaton will be matched up with him here and he'll be able to handle Gilmore straight up. Gilmore is giving up 35 pounds here, both will try to impose their physicality on one another, making this one hell of a battle. At the 4 another great battle will brew, two 6'8 PF's who can really bang you around and play some defense. Elton the more gifted offensive player, while Buck scores on better efficiency, the better man to man defender, and holds a big edge in rebounding. Other than post scoring, Buck has the edge here in just about every other area. But it's his rebounding that will certainly make a difference, while Gilmore and Eaton are comparable on the glass when you factor in the per minutes, Buck really gives the Celtics an edge in rebounding overall, with a trb% of 18.7 between '85-'87, while Brand holds an average of 14.7 between '05-'07. This will give the Celtics extra second chance opportunities, and also limit the Bullets offensive rebounding leading to one and outs offensively for Scottie/G.P and the crew.

Scottie Pippen/Mullin guarding Dominique Wilkins

The Bullets will use one of these guys on Wilkins, maybe even a combination of both. Scottie being one of the best perimeter defenders of all time, there's no downplaying that, this guy can straight up shut you down. Well most players that is, not Dominique Wilkins, he was going to score on you no matter who you were. In 32 games against the Bulls from '87-'99 starting from Pippen's first season in Chicago, 'Nique put up better than his averages. Albeit, with a poor record against the Bulls overall, but that probably had more to do with M.J and how great the Bulls were as a team. He put up 27.5 points on 48% shooting vs Jordan AND Pippen. If the Bullets decide to put Mullin on 'Nique, it's going to be a fireworks show with Magic setting it off. Mullin just doesn't have the lateral quicks and athleticism to stay anywhere near Wilkins.

Joe Dumars AND Magic Johnson will take turns on Gary Payton.

The Celtics will be using Joe D on Payton (along with Magic). Dumars much like he did with K.J last round will make life miserable for G.P, smothering him on the perimeter, pressuring and hounding him to be quick and decisive on every single possession. It might even get easier for Dumars as G.P will be focusing so much of his energy trying to stop Magic on the defensive end. It's worth to note that in the 13 games the Pistons/Sonics played between '90-'97, G.P was held way below his averages at 15 points and only 5 assists. Magic Johnson will also get some time guarding G.P, and with his size will take Payton out of his comfort zone in the post.

Gary Payton guarding Magic Johnson

How about the '87 finals and Dennis Johnson for an example? Magic poured in 26.2 points, 13 assists and 8 rebounds on 55/50/96 shooting and a Finals MVP against one of the greatest perimeter defenders of all time. Now I ask you, does Gary Payton stand a chance against a prime Magic?

Payton is only giving up 5 inches and 35 pounds to Magic here, yes, "the glove" was awesome on the perimeter locking down the superstars of his generation, but he never locked down Magic, never seen a point guard like Magic.

Scottie Pippen guarding Magic Johnson

'91 FInals, Lakers vs Bulls, Pippen shutdown Magic?

Game 1: 19 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds.
Game 2: 14 points, 10 assists, 7 rebounds.
Game 3: 22 points, 10 assists, 6 rebounds.
Game 4: 22 points, 11 assists, 6 rebounds.
Game 5: 16 points, 20 assists, 11 rebounds. (No Worthy or Scott)

This was a banged up Lakers team at the end of their run, Jordan was just too much. But one thing if for sure, Magic didn't get shutdown, and this is not even a prime Magic.

In 9 regular season games vs Chicago's Jordan and Pippen, Magic averaged 18/10.4/6.1 on 52% and 48% from deep. Doesn't mean much, as this was just regular season, 1 game was even in '96. Imagine what a prime playoff Magic would do to Pippen. Probably kind of like what he did to D.J and the Celtics.



Defensively the Celtics will put Wilkins on Pippen, his length, quickness and athleticism is a good match against Scottie on the perimeter. Dumars and Magic will both be switching on Payton at different points in the game, a defensive nightmare for G.P. Defensive rebounding will be a strong point with Buck Williams, Dominique and Magic being such great rebounding players at their positions. There isn't one mismatch the Bullets can seriously exploit on the Celtics side. The Celtics interior defense is excellent led by one of the best shot blockers of all time and will help lower the Bullets frontcourt offensive efficiency. The Celtics also hold great perimeter defense with Joe Dumars leading the charge defensively in the backcourt.

Defensive match-ups for Celtics:

Eaton on Gilmore
Buck on Brand
Wilkins on Pippen
Magic on Mullin and Dumars on Mullin
Dumars on Payton and Magic on Payton

Offensively it's no secret the Celtics will employ their high octane attack led by Magic, up and down the floor, they will try to run the Bullets into the hardwood. Coupled with the Celtics great defensive and offensive rebounding the Bullets will have a tough time slowing this attack. With Magic controlling the game, use your imagination, anything is possible. Magic will use his size on Payton in the post to score and create for others, Dumars and/or Wilkins to attack Mullin off the dribble. It really depends on how the Bullets plan to match-up defensively, but the mismatches are there for the Celtics regardless.

Depth wise, both teams are very strong. The Bullets may be more talented, but how much playing time does a guy like Fat Lever get in this series behind Gary Payton? On the other hand a veteran guy like Ron Harper will be happy to come in and provide good minutes for the Celtics when Magic needs a rest. Byron Scott and Rip Hamilton are pretty even from a bench perspective, both will provide some scoring. Chris Webber and Kenyon Martin will get good minutes as the primary big guys off the Celtics bench, how much p.t do an aging Walton and L.J get, will it be enough for them to maximize their production? Probably not. Both benches are deep. No real advantage either way.

As for intangibles, the Cetics hold 6 chips in the backcourt alone and I don't mean overall for the players careers either. Magic, Dumars and Harper won 2 chips each in the 2 year peaks I have them in. These guys flat out know what it takes to win and help lead a championship caliber team. Magic and Joe Dumars together provide perhaps the most leadership and intangibles of any pairing in this league.


My honest take on this, Magic and with what he has to work with is just too much for a Payton/Pippen led team. The Celtics have Dumars and Magic defending Payton, this will at least even if marginally help slow down G.P, each guy takes away at least one of G.P's main strengths out on the perimeter and in the post. If the Celtics can successfully take G.P out of his game, it's party over, turn off the lights. Up front, the Celtics won't outscore the Bullets duo of Gilmore/Brand but with the Celtics defensive minded bigs they can help bring down Gilmore/Brands efficiency, making them less effective and lowering their overall impact. When you look at the 3/4 positions, the Celtics should end up being more productive when you consider that Buck will have an easier time shutting down Brand than Pippen will have trying to stop a prime Wilkins. So if the Celtics successfully match Brand and Pippen's production, where exactly do the Bullets make up for the edge the Celtics hold with Magic/Dumars in the backcourt? Unless Artis Gilmore becomes the game changer and goes off for historic numbers, I don't see it happening. Magic is the superstar and ultimate game changer in this series, he brings this one home in a close hard fought match.

[penbeast0]

This round the Bullets are matched up with the Boston Celtics, a team built around the playmaking of Magic Johnson. Any team with Magic has to be considered a threat, he was one of the greatest players in the history of the game, multi-talented/efficient/unselfish, a dominant threat. However, the Bullets are a balanced team with both scoring and defense inside, outside, and at the point. The Celtics have a defense at one guard in Dumars and inside with Eaton and Wiliams (assuming Buck starts over Chris Webber) but are weak on the wings with Magic (average) and Nique (awful). Similarly, they have terrific offense from their point and wing spots with Magic,Dumars, and Nique but get very little from Eaton and Williams inside. We will attack their vulnerable wings, use our great defenders to limit Magic and Nique, and our inside edge should give us the victory.

INSIDE SCORING: Gilmore v. Eaton, the most efficient scorer in NBA history and one who is still in the prime of his career, though handicapped by a selfish lazy team (Woolridge, Theus, etc., ewwww) v. one of the least dangerous offensive players in NBA history, the immobile and stone hands Mark Eaton. Even assuming Buck Williams is competitive with Brand (he isn't as competitive as it first appears, see the rebounding section), STRONG EDGE BULLETS

WING/POINT SCORING: Magic Johnson is quoted as saying that Gary Payton is the only defender who could make him turn and back the ball down. Magic was wonderful but his height, while it gave him unparallelled view of the passing lanes, meant that he carried the ball very high where it was vulnerable to a harassing defender like Payton. This vulnerability slows the Celtic fast break and leaves Magic as either a jump shooter (not his strength) or trying to post up Payton which would be great except that with Eaton such a non-factor, Gilmore is free to roam inside and Magic's big size advantage on Payton turns to a big disadvantage on Gilmore. Similarly Nique needed to go inside for his spectacular athleticism to take effect, he wasn't a jump shooter. He will be marked by Scottie Pippen, a great defender who has the athleticism to stay with him, plus again, Gilmore roaming the baseline. And, Nique was the least efficient of the great SFs of the 80s. He shot .468 and .463 with 3 point averages of .186 and .292 . . . and that's against the average defender. To contrast, Pippen in this league shoots .500 and .320 and that's before factoring in Nique . . . a player once voted the worst defensive effort in the league (over George Gervin! -- from SI's Fly column). Dumars will be his normal efficient self against Chris Mullin; and visa versa, but he's the 3rd option from the backcourt.

On our side, Pippen and Payton will be attacking Nique and Magic. Pippen will get isos on the weak link Nique and Payton (.358 from 3) or Mullin (.536/.346 from 3) will keep Magic outside the 3 point line or get open looks to keep Magic off the boards and passing lanes (Magic liked to sag off trying to get steals in the passing lane). Again, Dumars will be effective though these players are too good to shut down, but his teammates are very vulnerable. They have great talent but we have the superior outside scoring. EDGE BULLETS

Playmaking: The Bullets have great playmaking from Payton, Mullin AND Pippen . . . one of the all-time great PGs and two of the all-time great playmaking wings. The Celtics have Magic. . . . mmmm, Edge Celtics (yeah, he was that good)

Rebounding: Kosta makes a point of Buck Williams's rebounding edge over Elton Brand. Williams averaged 17pt/12.3reb v. Brand's 22.6pt/9.7reb in these years. However, Buck's teams played at a MUCH faster pace, (B-R Pace Factor of 102.6 to 91.3). That cuts the difference by over 10%. Buck's edge isn't as big as you would think (and Elton's scoring edge is even larger!). Eaton averaged only 9.3reb/game v. Artis's 10.2 and Walton/LJ are stronger rebounders than Smits/Webber so the big men are at worst roughly even. Boston's outside rebounding should be strong with Magic(6.1) and Nique(6.4) covering for Dumars(2.7) but Washington's is even stronger with Pippen(8.4), Mullin(5.7), and Payton(5.6). Edge BULLETS

Defense: Inside, both sides have excellent man defenders and great shotblocking. Eaton is the best, but Gilmore is very good (2.6) and has more freedom to roam without worrying about Eaton's scoring plus Elton Brand(2.4) has a strong edge on Buck(1.3). Outside, things are different. Dumars is a terrific defender, nearly the equal of Scottie Pippen and Magic and Mullin were both smart team defenders with average man skills but there are 5 men on the floor and the difference between Payton (one of the greatest to ever play) and Nique (a poor defender) is huge! Edge BULLETS

Bench: Walton is clearly better than Smits per minute at everything but volume scoring, particularly defense, passing, and rebounding (Bullets). Johnson is a more efficient scorer and greater effort defender than Webber, Webber brings superior length and passing (push). Wilkes brings at least as much defense to the 3 as Kenyon Martin and a better offensive game, esp considering Martin is playing out of position (Bullets). Scott and Rip were similar players with similar games (push). Lever brings the defense and rebounding that Harper does, with more offense and playmaking (Bullets). Edge BULLETS

OVERALL: The Bullets bring a more balanced attack both offensively and defensively. We have more efficient scorers both in the post and on the wings plus better 3 point shooting to open the floor. We have great defenders on both the Celtic's prime threats while the Celtics have to use Nique as a defensive stopper against Pippen. The Celtic's bring Magic Johnson and hope his unique skills can elevate the rest of their team's games. Magic was great but the Bullets should win this.

[Baller 24]

The Sacramento Kings v LA Lakers

Rematch of the 2002 WCF finals, with no referee interference

Starting 5:

Chris Paul
Clyde Drexler
Tayshun Prince
Ralph Sampson
Hakeem

Bench:

Derek Harper
Raja Bell
Mark Agguire
PJ Brown
Dale Davis

Chris Paul v Steve Nash .

I think I have the advantage here in terms of what Chris Paul produces and overall abilities, and since they are present day point guards we can see how they have faired head 2 head:

Paul:
21.7ppg, 8.1ast, 5.0reb, 3.0stl, 2.1TO, 45% FG, 35%3PT, 78%FT
Nash:
17ppg, 9.8ast, 3.0reb, 0.6stl, 4.3TO, 46% FG, 37% 3PT, 80%FT

They really aren't that much different head 2 head on the offensive end, but when talking about defense, I think Paul clearly has the advantage. Not only does Paul force Nash to average 4.3 turnovers per game, but he also contains his regular shooting percentages of 50% FG, 40% 3PT, which is VERY impressive when talking about Nash. The height difference between the two isn't big, just about 1 or maybe 2 inches, so there won't be a problem with the opponent shooting over Paul with his lack of height. Paul recorded a steal on 3.9% of the opponent's possessions while he was on the court. That was the best mark in the NBA this season by a mile. To put that in perspective, the runner-up, Ronnie Brewer (3.2%) ,was closer to tenth place than he was to first place. Paul is an above average defensive rebounder for a guard, and his defensive rebounding is even more impressive when you consider his size. Now I'm not saying Paul is a great defender, since his size limits his abilities big time, but his hands and quick speed make up for it, and when facing Nash who really isn't that much taller then Paul, then I don't expect Paul to have ANY problems, on both the defensive end, and offensive end. The Kings will look to exploit this match up with Paul's terrific dribble penetration and scoring abilities. And I'd say there explosive scoring abilities against Nash, with Paul dropping 42 against him this past season Nash's defense isn't anything special, he is IMO a liability his defensive winshares are horrible with the highest ever being a terrible 6.3. Paul will likely take advantage of this.


Advantage: Kings

Clyde Drexler v Doug Christie
I also think I have the advantage here, especially using one of the greatest 30-35 players of all time. Christie was a terrific defender, but I really think hes going to have his work cut out for him guarding Drexler. Kobe Bryant and Tracy McGrady are two players that have a similar game to Drexler, and heres how they faired against Christie who's considered a VERY good defender.
Kobe:
25.5pts, 43% FG, 29% 3PT, 2.6TO

McGrady:
26pts, 43% FG, 31% 3PT, 2.5TO

So all in all I really don't think Drexler's game is going to be affected at all since Drexler was a much better FG % shooter then both Kobe and McGrady shooting around 48%. The Kings will look to exploit this match up big time, and Drexler will pretty much do what ever he wants to against Christie.

Advantage: Kings

Bird v Prince

Bird is considered one of the "immortal 6" in a thread made by JordansBulls lol, so I think I get the picture of whats going to happen with this match up. The Lakers will likely look to take advantage of this match up but I don't think its going to be that well exploited especially with the advantage I have in the back court with Paul and Drexler on the offensive end. Prince will affect Bird's game, but he will still likely go off.

But on the offensive end, Prince would have a good maybe even above average series with Bird guarding him. Bird is a high IQ defensive player, but he isn't known for man to man defense to actually lock down and contain a player. For example Rodney McCray averaged 16pts on 58% shooting against Bird. Prince would probably have a pretty good or even an above average series. But saying this Bird will also likely have an EVEN BIGGER series. But again I'm not worried about the scoring by Bird, since I have Drexler and Paul being guarded by a player that is a defensive liability in Nash and Christie who really can't keep up with Drexler on the offensive end.

Advantage: Lakers

Sampson v McHale
This is a terrific match up between two very good players during their time. Sampson didn't do as expected in the finals against him, but still was a force to deal with. Sampson averaged 15pts, 10reb on 43% shooting, but he was only taking 13.3 shots per game, which isn't bad at all. McHale had a terrific performance in the finals, and really did what he could to Sampson who is a tough player to handle on the offensive end.

Advantage: Lakers

Hakeem v Parish

In the '86 Finals these front court mates faced each other, and it was a tough hard battle that the Celtics won due to the perimeter presence of Larry Bird. But anyways I think I have the advantage here especially with Hakeem. Hakeem in the finals was constantly triple teamed by Bird, McHale, and Parish, but that didn't stop him, take a look at any of these videos to see how he was still unstoppable.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=pTUD2tA6tyg
http://youtube.com/watch?v=XjVga6qPriI
http://youtube.com/watch?v=GYxO6t3GbPs

Hakeem was terrific defensively especially against Parish, who he contained and basically shut down. Parish during the season as averaging 16pts on 54% shooting, but facing Hakeem changed all of that as he averaged only 12pts, 6reb on 41% shooting. Hakeem on the other hand being double and tripled teamed averaged 24.7ppg, 11.8reb, 2.3stl, 3.2blk, on 47% FG shooting. Remember though this is Hakeem ONLY IN HIS 2ND NBA SEASON, imagine 2 time DPOY, MVP, Finals MVP, NBA Champion Hakeem v the Celtics front court, it wouldn't be pretty.

HUGE ADVANTAGE KINGS


Bench:
My bench is basically composed of strong defensive players and just solid role players that don't like to jack up a lot of shots to score. I have a VERY efficient scorer coming off the bench with Agguire, but this is the Agguire that helped Detroit win back to back tittles, where he was efficient, but just took less shots. Raja Bell will come of the bench to bring strong defense and terrific 3pt shooting, where in his peak he has shot over 40% from behind the arc while draining over 200 3s in 2007 and over 170 in 2008. At PG I have Harper who is a big tough defensive point guard that would likely come in for Paul when things get tough. And at PF and C Brown and Davis combine for 20/20 while taking very limited amount of shots, and scoring at a high efficiency.

Advantage: Kings

Overall:
Again the 1st option on offense will likely be Hakeem, and with the videos I've linked, and the stats Hakeem has put up against the Celtics big 3, this shouldn't be a problem at all for peak Hakeem to score, rebound, and play strict defense. Paul and Drexler will be the perimeter scorers who will likely get hot with their defenders not being able to guard them. Play making is another area that the Kings will likely use as both Drexler and Paul combine for over 17 assist, both look to get their teammates involved. Defensively the Kings look like a much stronger group as they cooperate terrificly with team/help defense. I don't see the Lakers posing much threat especially with Hakeem being dominant inside, while I have Paul and Drexler on the outside, and with Prince being the dark horse who can get hot with his defender not being good man to man defensively.

[Kosta]

And, Nique was the least efficient of the great SFs of the 80s. He shot .468 and .463 with 3 point averages of .186 and .292 . . . and that's against the average defender.

Considering that the Celtics will be running with Magic, it's a safe assumption to say 'Nique's efficiency will go up in transition off lay-ups and dunks in the open court. You pointed out his averages against the rest of the league, but let's take a look at what he put up vs Pippen and the Bulls.

Some games from '90 on, to be fair to Pippen.

1990----36 points on 46% shooting.
1991----34 points on 52% shooting, 37 points on 45% shooting, 28 points on 58% shooting. 43 points on 62% shooting, 39 points on 58% shooting.
1992----33 on 55% shooting
1993----26 points on 48% shooting.

(It's fair to point out that Pippen also put up some big numbers vs Wilkins after '92, after 'Nique's best prime years.)

These are big numbers vs great defensive Pippen, not the one before the Bulls started winning championships. How much better does a prime mid 80's 'Nique do against Pippen? Now again take into factor the transition game Magic will be running and these numbers should go up. Pippen for his career only averaged 15.5 points on .496 shooting and .275 from three when matched against the Hawks and Wilkins. However, his rookie season skews these numbers a little overall, since he didn't play much and probably didn't primarily guard Wilkins when on the floor.

Gilmore is free to roam inside and Magic's big size advantage on Payton turns to a big disadvantage on Gilmore. Similarly Nique needed to go inside for his spectacular athleticism to take effect, he wasn't a jump shooter.

'Nique was a guy who liked to bump and move away from the defender in air, so he'll be moving away from Gilmore when he tries to contest. His athleticism gives him that extra air time that enables him to move in flight and finish with contact. With the Celtics game, 'Nique will be able to outrun Artis down the floor allowing him to get early post ups, with Magic and 'Nique both running down the floor, it's going to be easy to beat him to their spots. The Celtics great defensive rebounding will trigger the transition attack.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=tzUzAlOnCLE

Check out .:35, 1:17, 2:55

Rebounding: Kosta makes a point of Buck Williams's rebounding edge over Elton Brand. Williams averaged 17pt/12.3reb v. Brand's 22.6pt/9.7reb in these years. However, Buck's teams played at a MUCH faster pace, (B-R Pace Factor of 102.6 to 91.3). That cuts the difference by over 10%. Buck's edge isn't as big as you would think (and Elton's scoring edge is even larger!)

I won't argue the pace factor, good point. Even when you factor that in, I don't think there's any doubt Buck was much better at rebounding, 6 straight seasons of 12 or more boards, bring up the pace all you like, that's impressive no matter how you slice it. Brand's top rebounding season of his career (11.7 in '01-'02) doesn't even match Buck's lowest output through those 6 12+ board seasons. As for the pace again, Brand is better suited playing half-court in a slow down style with his 275 pound wide frame, which he uses to battle opponents down low and position himself. There's no guarantee Brand's rebounding would be significantly better in a faster paced style. Brand put up 22/53% on 16.6 shot attempts, Buck 17/54% on 11.6 shots, now add in Magic and the extra shots, he's scoring the same on better efficiency.

The Bullets have the inside scoring and post play edge, but the Celtics will attack and pound Brand in the post with Buck.

Eaton averaged only 9.3reb/game v. Artis's 10.2.

This stat is heavily skewed since Eaton only played 26.1 minutes in '83-'84, in '84-'85 he put up 11.3 boards in 34.3 minutes with a trb% of 17.0 that year, higher than both of Gilmore's seasons between '80-'82 (16.9, 16.7) where he averaged 34.3 minutes combined for both seasons chosen for this ATL. It's more than fair to say they are comparable at rebounding in the years chosen.

Boston's outside rebounding should be strong with Magic(6.1) and Nique(6.4) covering for Dumars(2.7) but Washington's is even stronger with Pippen(8.4), Mullin(5.7), and Payton(5.6).

'Nique averaged 7.1 boards from '85-'87 and Magic 6.3 from '86-'88. With Mullin chasing around Dumars on the perimeter his rebounding becomes less of a factor. Payton and Magic are close in averages with the seasons chosen, but who'd you rather have trying to grab a board for you in a playoff game, a 6'9 Magic or a 6'4 180 pound Payton? I'm taking Magic.

[penbeast0]

(1)I trust large sample sizes and personal observation, Wilkins was spectacular but inconsistent, Pippen was a terrific defender, I'll take that matchup.
(2) (I'm sorry, somehow I picked up the wrong numbers, my mistake), Still, using your correct numbers, Nique's boards are appreciably lower than Pippen by about the same amount adjusted for pace as Brand is lower than Buck; and while Magic is a half a board better than Mullin, Payton has a 3 boards per game advantage on Dumars, (the difference between prime Shaq and, say, Brad Miller) . . . the overall point still stands. We rebound roughly the same inside and pull more of the long rebounds mainly due to Pippen and Payton's great quickness and hustle. Magic over Payton sure . . . our 5 as a group over your 5 . . . also true though it is reasonably close.
(3) You just keep hoping Magic will improve everyone's efficiency and team play enought to compensate for their lesser peak performances. It might work, but we still have advantages in inside scoring, outside shooting, and have superior defenders. We should still win this matchup.

[tkb]

Los Angeles Lakers vs Philadelphia 76ers





Lakers rotation

C - Robert Parish (30) / Andrew Bynum (8)
F - Kevin McHale (34) / Pau Gasol (24)
F - Larry Bird (38) / Paul Pressey (14)
G - Doug Christie (30) / Michael Finley (14)
G - Steve Nash (34) / Terrell Brandon (14)

First off, I'm not going to go deep into each individual match up. Why? Because basketball isn't about 5 one on one match ups. It's about two teams facing off, and whichever team functions the best as a unified unit wins. This isn't golf or tennis. My team has excellent chemistry, the players' skill sets fit, and the core is more or less proven to be effective playing next to each other.

Bench play

I feel like I have an advantage in this series when it comes to depth. Dale Davis and PJ Brown were both good role players, but neither of them are on the level as a Pau Gasol overall. Derek Harper and Terrell Brandon were fairly close during their peak years though Brandon was a back to back all star, while Harper never got voted to an all star team. Aguirre and Finley are also close, while Pressey was better than Bell without much doubt.

I do think all series will be determined by the starters, but having an advantage (although not huge) is nice since it puts a little bit more pressure on his starters to outperform mine.

Statistics (scroll down for all players)

Code: Select all

LARRY BIRD
Season   GM   MIN   FG%   3P%   FT%  REB  AST  STL  BLK   PTS
1984-85  80  39.5  .522  .427  .882 10.5  6.6  1.6  1.2  28.7
1985-86  82  38.0  .496  .423  .896  9.8  6.8  2.0  0.6  25.8
1985: MVP, All NBA 1st, 1st in PER.
1986: MVP, All NBA 1st, Finals MVP, 1st in PER.
* 3 times on the All D Team in 82, 83, 84. 7 times top 2 in MVP voting over his career.


KEVIN MCHALE
Season   GM   MIN   FG%   3P%   FT%  REB  AST  STL  BLK   PTS
1985-86  68  35.3  .574  .000  .776  8.1  2.7  0.4  2.0  21.3
1986-87  77  39.7  .604  .000  .836  9.9  2.6  0.5  2.2  26.1
1986: All D 1st, 13th in MVP voting.
1987: All NBA 1st, All D 1st, 4th in MVP voting.
* 2 time 6MOY, 6 time All D member total in his career.


ROBERT PARISH
Season   GM   MIN   FG%   3P%   FT%  REB  AST  STL  BLK   PTS
1980-81  80  28.0  .545  .000  .710  9.5  1.8  1.0  2.6  18.9
1981-82  82  31.7  .542  .000  .710 10.8  1.8  0.9  2.4  19.9
1981: 7th in MVP voting, 4th in blocks.
1982: All NBA 2nd, 4th in MVP voting, 5th in blocks.


STEVE NASH
Season   GM   MIN   FG%   3P%   FT%  REB  AST  STL  BLK   PTS
2005-06  79  35.4  .512  .439  .921  4.2  10.5  0.8  0.2  18.8
2006-07  76  35.3  .532  .455  .899  3.5  11.6  0.8  0.1  18.6
2006: MVP, All NBA 1st, 1st in assists, 1st in TS%.
2007: All NBA 1st, 2nd in MVP voting, 1st in assists, 1st in TS%.
* MVP in 2005


PAUL PRESSEY
Season   GM   MIN   FG%   3P%   FT%  REB  AST  STL  BLK   PTS
1984-85  80  36.0  .517  .350  .758  5.4  6.8  1.6  0.7  16.1
1985-86  80  33.8  .488  .182  .806  5.0  7.8  2.1  0.9  14.3
1985: All D 1st, 17th in MVP voting.
1986: All D 1st, 13th in MVP voting.


MICHAEL FINLEY
Season   GM   MIN   FG%   3P%   FT%  REB  AST  STL  BLK   PTS
1999-00  82  42.2  .457  .401  .802  6.3  5.3  1.3  0.4  22.6
2000-01  82  42.0  .458  .346  .775  5.2  4.4  1.4  0.4  21.5
2000: 13th in MVP voting.
2001: 15th in MVP voting.


PAU GASOL
Season   GM   MIN   FG%   3P%   FT%  REB  AST  STL  BLK   PTS
2005-06  80  39.2  .503  .250  .689  8.9  4.6  0.6  1.9  20.4
2006-07  59  36.2  .538  .273  .748  9.8  3.4  0.5  2.1  20.8
2006: 9th in blocks (tot), 8th in defensive win shares.
2007: 8th in blocks, 7th in PER.


DOUG CHRISTIE
Season   GM   MIN   FG%   3P%   FT%  REB  AST  STL  BLK   PTS
2001-02  81  34.5  .460  .352  .851  4.6  4.2  2.0  0.3  12.0
2002-03  80  33.9  .479  .395  .810  4.3  4.7  2.3  0.5   9.4
2002: All D 2nd, 5th in steals.
2003: All D 1st, 4th in steals.


TERRELL BRANDON
Season   GM   MIN   FG%   3P%   FT%  REB  AST  STL  BLK   PTS
1995-96  75  34.3  .465  .387  .802  3.3  6.5  1.8  0.4  19.3
1996-97  58  36.8  .438  .373  .775  3.9  6.3  1.8  0.4  19.5
1996: 3rd in FT%, 7th in Stl%, 5th in PER.
1997: 2nd in FT%, 10th in Stl%.


ANDREW BYNUM
Season   GM   MIN   FG%   3P%   FT%  REB  AST  STL  BLK   PTS
2006-07  82  21.9  .558  .000  .668  5.9  1.1  0.1  1.6   7.8
2007-08  35  28.8  .636  .000  .695 10.2  1.7  0.3  2.1  13.1
2007: 22nd in TS%.
2008: 14th in PER, 1st in TS%, 5th in Reb%

Offensive strategy

Like I mentioned in my first round match, I'll be running a high powered triangle offense. The reason for this is because I have some of the best shooters ever, who also were some of the best passers ever AND among the players with the highest BBIQ ever in Bird and Nash. I think that offense fits their strengths perfectly and I also think my core is set up perfectly to run this offense with high percentage shooters and solid passers all around.

I have the best outside shooting team in the league, and I have the best passing team in the league IMO. I also honestly feel like I have the best player in this series in Bird (aren't many players in history who can claim they had a better peak than him).

Needless to say, the 3 pointer and shots in the paint will be the main focus for my offensive strategy (since those shots both create the most points, and the most offensive rebounds). Since I have no real weakness on offense, doubling my team is virtually impossible unless you either want to leave a 60% interior scorer open or a 40% 3P shooter open. Double this team, and we burn you, badly. Don't double and we still score rather easily, so I'm not worried about offense at all.

Hakeem was a fantastic defensive player, but he can't stop my team on his own because he can't guard every spot on the floor at the same time (which he would have to if he were to stop us).


Defensive strategy

My defense will be geared towards limiting Drexler as much as possible, and Hakeem as much as possible. Baller has a little bit of the same issues with his team as the 76ers had in the first round. He doesn't have great 3 point shooters in his starting lineup (although he has some decent ones). Drexler at 32%, Paul at 35% and Prince at 36%. I'll def sag off Drexler and play him for that outside shot since he was much more efficient going to the hoop than bombing from outside. This also helps me pack the lane a little bit to make it crowded there for Hakeem. Hakeem I would double hard to get the ball out of his hands as much as possible.

My shot blockers will be important in this series, which is why I will always have 2 strong shot blockers on the court at all times (like 2 bpg players which McHale, Parish, Gasol and Bynum pretty much all are). I will funnel the drives towards those shot blockers.

My defense will be designed to let the role players beat me, and I honestly don't think they will given how great my own offense is. I seriously doubt that the Kings can match my offensive output, and that's pretty much game if they can't.

Rebounding

Both teams are good, but I think I have a slight rebounding advantage because of Bird which will come in handy. I'm pretty sure I will out rebound the Kings (both because I think I have a slight raw rebounding advantage, but also because I think there will be more reboundable shots on my defensive end since my offensive is super efficient).

Clutch play

Hakeem turned into a clutch player after that "Choke City" incident. Having said that, he pales in comparison to Bird in that aspect of the game. There is only one player in history who is on the same level as Bird when it comes to pressure situations, and that isn't Olajuwon (MJ btw). I will for sure have an advantage when it comes to late game situations with Bird and Nash because of their clutch shooting, and I think that will be important in determining the series.

Overall

I feel like I have the strongest team overall in this series, and I also think I have the best individual player in the series in Bird. My team is set up to be more than 5 individuals on a basketball court at the same time. We're greater than the sum of our parts. We make the next guy better. We're excellent shooters and passers and we help each other on defense. We are also better in pressured situations. Baller has created a very solid team (one of the better teams to be honest), but I think the Lakers as a unit are stronger. Let's hope Bird does like he did in real life, and sends Hakeem home the only time they met in the playoffs (Bird averaged 24.0 pts, 9.7 reb, 9.5 ast and 2.7 stl that series btw).

[Baller 24]

Defensive strategy

My defense will be geared towards limiting Drexler as much as possible, and Hakeem as much as possible. Baller has a little bit of the same issues with his team as the 76ers had in the first round. He doesn't have great 3 point shooters in his starting lineup (although he has some decent ones). Drexler at 32%, Paul at 35% and Prince at 36%. I'll def sag off Drexler and play him for that outside shot since he was much more efficient going to the hoop than bombing from outside. This also helps me pack the lane a little bit to make it crowded there for Hakeem. Hakeem I would double hard to get the ball out of his hands as much as possible.

The problem with this is that this time I have a terrific and efficient ball handler in Chris Paul who has great dribble penetration, and seeing how bad Nash's defense is its not going to be a problem for him to both score and create, which will allow Drexler to be terrific attacking the hoop and pulling up for a midrange jump shot.

My shot blockers will be important in this series, which is why I will always have 2 strong shot blockers on the court at all times (like 2 bpg players which McHale, Parish, Gasol and Bynum pretty much all are). I will funnel the drives towards those shot blockers.

Parish won't have a big shot blocking impact in this game, especially when Hakeem is going to be on the floor A LOT. Parish like I said in the finals against young Hakeem only manged to do 12, 6, on 40%, which is pretty poor considering his caliber of play.

My defense will be designed to let the role players beat me, and I honestly don't think they will given how great my own offense is. I seriously doubt that the Kings can match my offensive output, and that's pretty much game if they can't.

I'd say otherwise, the Kings will look to take advantage of the backcourt which has two players ready to explode, they can both play off the dribble, and both are terrific passers, which is only a bonus to have with Drexler (see 1990, 1992 Blazers...Porter/Drexler).

Clutch play

Hakeem turned into a clutch player after that "Choke City" incident. Having said that, he pales in comparison to Bird in that aspect of the game. There is only one player in history who is on the same level as Bird when it comes to pressure situations, and that isn't Olajuwon (MJ btw). I will for sure have an advantage when it comes to late game situations with Bird and Nash because of their clutch shooting, and I think that will be important in determining the series.

Hakeem has his moments of simply just showing up in playoff games, but I'm not going to argue at all that Bird is the better clutch player, actually I think hes the most clutch player in NBA history, and even MJ said he'd take Bird over anyone in the 4th, including himself

But that being said, with a defender like Parish on Hakeem, I really don't think there is much that Parish can do to him, I can see Hakeem going off for 40pt games like the way he did against 1995 MVP and terrific defensive player David Robinson, Parish simply can't handle Hakeem.

Overall

I feel like I have the strongest team overall in this series, and I also think I have the best individual player in the series in Bird. My team is set up to be more than 5 individuals on a basketball court at the same time. We're greater than the sum of our parts. We make the next guy better. We're excellent shooters and passers and we help each other on defense. We are also better in pressured situations. Baller has created a very solid team (one of the better teams to be honest), but I think the Lakers as a unit are stronger. Let's hope Bird does like he did in real life, and sends Hakeem home the only time they met in the playoffs (Bird averaged 24.0 pts, 9.7 reb, 9.5 ast and 2.7 stl that series btw).

Yes, that was the only time they met, but that was also a premature Hakeem in his 2nd season. The front line couldn't simply stop him, and Parish was made a fool of, just imagine peak Hakeem. And btw, peak Hakeem easily dismantled Ewing, Drob, and even outplayed young Shaq. If Hakeem averaged 25pts, 12reb, 3.2blk, 2.3stl on 47%, imagine what peak Hakeem of 4.0+ bpg, and 27ppg would do not only to Parish but the entire front line of the Celtics.

The Kings are more or so going to take advantage of the backcourt advantage, but first running through Hakeem, who IMO I have no doubt in my mind that he will show up, possibly exploding on the offensive end for 40+ points, especially with Parish as the defender.

[zong]

Vote Celtics, Kings

[Kosta]

Vote for Kings.

[Warspite]

Celtics, Kings

[TrueLAfan]

Vote: Kings, Bullets

[Baller 24]

Vote Celtics

[tkb]

Vote: Bullets

[WesWesley]

Just my opinion, but I think GMs should refrain from using stats etc. from years that are not eligible during their arguments.

[Sharpie]

Bullets and Lakers.

[WesWesley]

vote: bullets and kings

[TMACFORMVP]

Vote: Celtics and Kings

[Warspite]

As of midnight est time the polls will close on the Russell and West regions. All voters please cast your votes ASAP. Whoever is ahead of the time of polls closeing will be declared the winner if the 7 votes min is not reached..

[Myth_Breaker]

Vote: Celtics and Lakers.

[penbeast0]

Lakers