Post by duce on Feb 25, 2007 1:12:49 GMT -5
The 2002 BBS season has shaped up as many have expected it to. The powers in the eastern conference have not disappointed thus far and it would not be farfetched to think that whoever comes out on top in the eastern conference finals will take the BBS championship. At the moment we're left wondering just who that team will be. While the answer to that will have to wait, it's never too early to speculate. Let’s take a look at the top five teams, their strengths and weaknesses, and perhaps shape up a more clear perspective on what it will take for these squads to come out on top.
The favorite to most, the Pistons have the best record in the league and have an outstanding starting line-up that consists of Jason Kidd, Allen Iverson, Antonio McDyess, Chris Webber and Shaquille O’Neal. Such a group of players could be confused for an all-star team and that’s not an exaggeration.
Best Player: Shaquille O’Neal
Strengths: Everything. Detroit has every area covered. There are no holes in their line-up and they excel in all of the team statistics. The Pistons have every reason to believe they’ll hoist the BBS crown for the second time in four seasons.
Weaknesses: There really isn’t any of significance. This roster has had health concerns and they need to prove they can dominate the other eastern contenders still.
The 6ers have been in the lead in the Atlantic for most of the way. Their big-3: Dirk Nowitzki, Ben Wallace and Stephon Marbury are as good as any in the league. Philly’s GM has gone all out to stack the roster with quality players and put the team in position to win a championship.
Best Player: Dirk Nowitzki
Strengths: An excellent combination of star-players and roll-players give this team a unique edge over others. They don’t lack offense or defense and will be a great threat because they have a star in each aspect. They also have outstanding depth.
Weaknesses: You have to nitpick to criticize here but... They may be too dependent on Stephon Marbury offensively, and they need a consistent 3rd option.
Indiana is an interesting team to watch because they have a very complete line-up, they’re pretty deep and they can beat you in many areas. When you combine this with a star with the ability of Kevin Garnett, you can’t count the Pacers out.
Best Player: Kevin Garnett
Strengths: This is a very tall and athletic team. They can play most styles of offense thanks to Andre Miller and Grant Hill. Adonal Foyle is having a career year defensively. The Pacers do well in almost every area.
Weaknesses: There is virtually no outside shooting on this team. The roster doesn’t match up particularly well with Detroit or Chicago - a definite concern.
With the trades made of late, the Bulls have gone from an ordinary playoff team to a championship contender. Chicago has a complete starting line-up and is a nightmare match-up for almost any team in the league.
Best Player: Elton Brand
Strengths: Every eastern contender has a strong interior offense, but the Bulls have the best interior defense because of Dikembe Mutombo and Shawn Bradley. They can play most styles without skipping a beat.
Weaknesses: They’re in strong need of a more reliable 3rd scorer - something that has ended many playoff runs for many teams. Elton Brand and Manu Ginobili, two of their best players are very young and foul trouble/minutes could be an issue.
The Nets have the most dominant frontcourt in BBS. Tim Duncan isn’t just their best player; he is THE best player. Adding Danny Fortson to the equation instantly makes them a dominant force that is capable of beating anybody in a 7 game series.
Best Player: Tim Duncan
Strengths: They have the most inside scoring and the most talented rebounding. They’re surprisingly efficient.
Weaknesses: They’re not anything special defensively - outside of Duncan. It’s a small statement, but a big deal.
The race in this conference is truly unique. All the top teams have a dominant star big-man. They’re all extremely strong in the frontcourt. When playoff time rolls around, whoever is the winner out of this bunch will have a lot to be proud of because this is no walk in the park. These teams will face each other and have physical match-ups(ratings-wise). The best team - obviously - will prevail and likely become the 2002 BBS champions.
Detroit Pistons
The favorite to most, the Pistons have the best record in the league and have an outstanding starting line-up that consists of Jason Kidd, Allen Iverson, Antonio McDyess, Chris Webber and Shaquille O’Neal. Such a group of players could be confused for an all-star team and that’s not an exaggeration.
Best Player: Shaquille O’Neal
Strengths: Everything. Detroit has every area covered. There are no holes in their line-up and they excel in all of the team statistics. The Pistons have every reason to believe they’ll hoist the BBS crown for the second time in four seasons.
Weaknesses: There really isn’t any of significance. This roster has had health concerns and they need to prove they can dominate the other eastern contenders still.
Philadelphia 76ers
The 6ers have been in the lead in the Atlantic for most of the way. Their big-3: Dirk Nowitzki, Ben Wallace and Stephon Marbury are as good as any in the league. Philly’s GM has gone all out to stack the roster with quality players and put the team in position to win a championship.
Best Player: Dirk Nowitzki
Strengths: An excellent combination of star-players and roll-players give this team a unique edge over others. They don’t lack offense or defense and will be a great threat because they have a star in each aspect. They also have outstanding depth.
Weaknesses: You have to nitpick to criticize here but... They may be too dependent on Stephon Marbury offensively, and they need a consistent 3rd option.
Indiana Pacers
Indiana is an interesting team to watch because they have a very complete line-up, they’re pretty deep and they can beat you in many areas. When you combine this with a star with the ability of Kevin Garnett, you can’t count the Pacers out.
Best Player: Kevin Garnett
Strengths: This is a very tall and athletic team. They can play most styles of offense thanks to Andre Miller and Grant Hill. Adonal Foyle is having a career year defensively. The Pacers do well in almost every area.
Weaknesses: There is virtually no outside shooting on this team. The roster doesn’t match up particularly well with Detroit or Chicago - a definite concern.
Chicago Bulls
With the trades made of late, the Bulls have gone from an ordinary playoff team to a championship contender. Chicago has a complete starting line-up and is a nightmare match-up for almost any team in the league.
Best Player: Elton Brand
Strengths: Every eastern contender has a strong interior offense, but the Bulls have the best interior defense because of Dikembe Mutombo and Shawn Bradley. They can play most styles without skipping a beat.
Weaknesses: They’re in strong need of a more reliable 3rd scorer - something that has ended many playoff runs for many teams. Elton Brand and Manu Ginobili, two of their best players are very young and foul trouble/minutes could be an issue.
New Jersey Nets
The Nets have the most dominant frontcourt in BBS. Tim Duncan isn’t just their best player; he is THE best player. Adding Danny Fortson to the equation instantly makes them a dominant force that is capable of beating anybody in a 7 game series.
Best Player: Tim Duncan
Strengths: They have the most inside scoring and the most talented rebounding. They’re surprisingly efficient.
Weaknesses: They’re not anything special defensively - outside of Duncan. It’s a small statement, but a big deal.
The race in this conference is truly unique. All the top teams have a dominant star big-man. They’re all extremely strong in the frontcourt. When playoff time rolls around, whoever is the winner out of this bunch will have a lot to be proud of because this is no walk in the park. These teams will face each other and have physical match-ups(ratings-wise). The best team - obviously - will prevail and likely become the 2002 BBS champions.