[Ghost01Participant]

I honestly think this is highly debatable.

Lets talk about Boston first- sure, if they were 100 percent i think most people would believe this team is the best in the league. But i think most people realize that this team in all liklihood will never be healthy. KG has become as injury prown as anyone and even if he comes back weve seen when he has bad knees how ineffective he is. Perkins is returning from a MAJOR injury. Acting as if its a given he is coming back and will have no problems in the future is also unlikely. The O Neals have both spent the better part of the past 4 years wearing suits on the bench. So there health is also doubtful. And Delonte West is a guy whose injury i think is being overrated. Rondo and Allen are going to both play 35 minutes and you still have Nate in the picture so lets quit acting like Delonte is the missing piece of this team. The bottomline is i dont think they are the best team in the league simply because their age is their weekness in this situation because they constantly have guys getting hurt. And theres no reason to believe they will miraculously get healthy come playoff time. Last year was a best case scenario for them- everyone fell asleep on them, they all got healthy at the same time, and it worked.

The other contenders are headed by the Spurs. I have refused to believe in this team, but i am starting to change my mind. Tim Duncan is no longer a dominant statistical force. Although Parker and Ginobli have been playing some of the best ball of their careers. If they are healthy, which surprisingly they have proven to this point this year, they are my favorites. DeJuan Blair is finally waking up along with George Hill and Gary Neal off the bench really giving them a boost. RJ is giving them a surprise solid season as well. And although nothing from last year to this year would tell you this team is any better, it just seems like thats the case. They are a complete basketball team and their record is impeccable to this point.

The Mavericks have catapulted themselves into this argument with there vastly improved defense. Tyson Chandler was a great pickup for them (while Haywood was a horrible resign) and Dirk is playing at the highest level he possibly can. My problem with them is that I dont know if i believe in there scoring. Dirk is there no.1, and Terry comes alive in the 4th, but the rest of there nucleus doesnt have much dynamic scoring. Caron Butler looks aweful, Shawn Marion is nowhere near what he used to be, and no one is really stepping up to be a scoring force. It will be intruging if Roddy Beabois comes back and is a big time player, but his injuries are now a major concern.

The Lakers are the two time defending champs. But this team is starting to look old. Kobe is not getting to the rim like he should, Gasol is now looking like he was completely overworked at the beginning of the year. Bynum is always hurt. I think that the load of the 3 peat and the mileage is starting to add up.

The Heat have been denounced at some points this season, but overall they have put themselves into sneaky contender position. Wade and LBJ are playing out of there minds and although there depth wont scare anyone, a healthy Miller and a health Haslem for the playoffs could make this team unstoppable. There defense has been the best in the league over the past 15 games and they are winning games in impressive fashion. They may not be as complete as Boston, but they have a 1-2 punch no one has an answer for.

Dont count out the Magic and the Bulls….both these teams still have to make moves (Magic a big man, Chicago a shooting guard) before they can be in this argument legitimately.

[Toronto16Participant]

My vote goes to Gang Green.  Dealing with so much injuries yet remain somewhat consitant.  Imagine how scary they’ll be once they are healthy.

[Toronto16Participant]

My vote goes to Gang Green.  Dealing with so much injuries yet remain somewhat consitant.  Imagine how scary they’ll be once they are healthy.

[Sonny RedParticipant]

I still have to go with the Lake show. They aren’t playing their best basketball at the moment, but I think they will be able to turn it on when the time comes. Baring any big injures I think they will get their three-peat. I think their length will give the Spurs trouble in a seven games series. How the Lakers role players play will be key, I’m not worried about Kobe, Odom, or Gasol. Boston could beat the Lakers, but their age scares me to death, if Allen or Garnett breakdown they will be screwed.

[Sonny RedParticipant]

I still have to go with the Lake show. They aren’t playing their best basketball at the moment, but I think they will be able to turn it on when the time comes. Baring any big injures I think they will get their three-peat. I think their length will give the Spurs trouble in a seven games series. How the Lakers role players play will be key, I’m not worried about Kobe, Odom, or Gasol. Boston could beat the Lakers, but their age scares me to death, if Allen or Garnett breakdown they will be screwed.

[sacphil_08Participant]

Somewhat consistent??? they are 24-6 and theyve had a million injuries already. the difference between them this year and in past years is that they are deeper than they have been so theyll have enough to still have one of the best records in the league and come playoff time if they are healthy i dont think anyone can beat them… as far as the best team RIGHT NOW id say san antonio and/or dallas (who play tonight coincidentally enough) san antonio has been incredibly efficient and popovich is managing his aging stars’ minutes quite well. dejuan blair has been great and they always manage to get someone we’ve never heard of to play really well off the bench. this year thats gary neal. dallas’ D is great and their offense is even better. dirk is still a top 10 player in the league IMO and the addition of tyson chandler has been paramount. watch out for these two teams to be able to potentially take down LA especially if LA doesnt have home court advantage

[sacphil_08Participant]

Somewhat consistent??? they are 24-6 and theyve had a million injuries already. the difference between them this year and in past years is that they are deeper than they have been so theyll have enough to still have one of the best records in the league and come playoff time if they are healthy i dont think anyone can beat them… as far as the best team RIGHT NOW id say san antonio and/or dallas (who play tonight coincidentally enough) san antonio has been incredibly efficient and popovich is managing his aging stars’ minutes quite well. dejuan blair has been great and they always manage to get someone we’ve never heard of to play really well off the bench. this year thats gary neal. dallas’ D is great and their offense is even better. dirk is still a top 10 player in the league IMO and the addition of tyson chandler has been paramount. watch out for these two teams to be able to potentially take down LA especially if LA doesnt have home court advantage

[the lake show]

Still say Lakers. And kobe is getting to his spots just like he did last year and the year before. He doesn’t need to get to the rim often thats why he worked on his post game. Just like MJ when he got up and age and got to the rim less and less he started scoring more off the post and picking his spots for jumpers. Players like those two who work on other parts of there game don’t have to go to the hole alot to be effective

 

The Lakers will continue to be the champs/the best untill someone knocks them out of the playoffs

[the lake show]

Still say Lakers. And kobe is getting to his spots just like he did last year and the year before. He doesn’t need to get to the rim often thats why he worked on his post game. Just like MJ when he got up and age and got to the rim less and less he started scoring more off the post and picking his spots for jumpers. Players like those two who work on other parts of there game don’t have to go to the hole alot to be effective

 

The Lakers will continue to be the champs/the best untill someone knocks them out of the playoffs

[BKKnicksfanParticipant]

I’ll go with the Celtics. Once their completly healthy, I really don’t see anyone contending with them.

Consider they have had injury issues and there still what? 24-5?

 

Perkins and West still didn’t play. This is gonna be a tough team.

[BKKnicksfanParticipant]

I’ll go with the Celtics. Once their completly healthy, I really don’t see anyone contending with them.

Consider they have had injury issues and there still what? 24-5?

 

Perkins and West still didn’t play. This is gonna be a tough team.

[Ghost01Participant]

The Celtics will never be completely healthy.

[Ghost01Participant]

The Celtics will never be completely healthy.

[BKKnicksfanParticipant]

They will be mostly healthy then. I just think they could dominate any team they play at this point.

What scary about them is the fact they have Shaq, KG, Jermaine O’Neal, Perkins, Big Baby and Erdin as bigs. That’s monsterous.

[BKKnicksfanParticipant]

They will be mostly healthy then. I just think they could dominate any team they play at this point.

What scary about them is the fact they have Shaq, KG, Jermaine O’Neal, Perkins, Big Baby and Erdin as bigs. That’s monsterous.

[BothTeamsPlayedHardParticipant]

The Celtics bigs aren’t as good as the Lakers, and they won’t be as fresh as Duncan because Pops is playing him like its the preseason. It is hard for me to go against the Lakers in the West and Heat in the East, not because I think that it be shocking if that is the Finals matchup or neither are there but because I don’t think I would pick against either of them in any matchup leading up to the Finals.

[BothTeamsPlayedHardParticipant]

The Celtics bigs aren’t as good as the Lakers, and they won’t be as fresh as Duncan because Pops is playing him like its the preseason. It is hard for me to go against the Lakers in the West and Heat in the East, not because I think that it be shocking if that is the Finals matchup or neither are there but because I don’t think I would pick against either of them in any matchup leading up to the Finals.

[fgrrghgParticipant]

 don’t forget their most important big.. harangody

[fgrrghgParticipant]

 don’t forget their most important big.. harangody

[BKKnicksfanParticipant]

True, but the Celtics big rotation can go toe to toe with LA’s big and still do well. If LA and BOS meet again, Rondo is the key piece. Kobe has lost a step to me and I don’t think he’s the defensive player we believe he was 2 years ago.

 

If Boston goes into the playoffs healthy, with their main 5 guys in tact, they should win the title this year IMO.

[BKKnicksfanParticipant]

True, but the Celtics big rotation can go toe to toe with LA’s big and still do well. If LA and BOS meet again, Rondo is the key piece. Kobe has lost a step to me and I don’t think he’s the defensive player we believe he was 2 years ago.

 

If Boston goes into the playoffs healthy, with their main 5 guys in tact, they should win the title this year IMO.

[the lake show]

I doubt it. J.Oneal is not a factor, Shaq can’t stay healthy and Perkins will be coming back from a major injury that takes a full season to get fully healthy from

[the lake show]

I doubt it. J.Oneal is not a factor, Shaq can’t stay healthy and Perkins will be coming back from a major injury that takes a full season to get fully healthy from

[Malik-UniversalParticipant]

the best team right now i think is between either celtics, mavs or spurs or heat

[Malik-UniversalParticipant]

the best team right now i think is between either celtics, mavs or spurs or heat

[BKKnicksfanParticipant]

I doubt it. J.Oneal is not a factor, Shaq can’t stay healthy and Perkins will be coming back from a major injury that takes a full season to get fully healthy from

 

– O Neal played 10 games. I’m not calling him a non factor just yet. Shaq, once the playoffs rolls around should be healthy. I think Perkins, at the best could provide 5-10 min. Erdin has gotten solid PT, Big Baby is still there and he plays well.

[BKKnicksfanParticipant]

I doubt it. J.Oneal is not a factor, Shaq can’t stay healthy and Perkins will be coming back from a major injury that takes a full season to get fully healthy from

 

– O Neal played 10 games. I’m not calling him a non factor just yet. Shaq, once the playoffs rolls around should be healthy. I think Perkins, at the best could provide 5-10 min. Erdin has gotten solid PT, Big Baby is still there and he plays well.

[the lake show]

Watching O’neal last year added to this year and i’m not worried abut him one bit. And now with KG reinjuring that knee im worried even less. Even more so with the added addition of theo plus Bynum (if he is actually healthy for the finals) odom and gasol, theres no front court thats as good as that. Erdin is not gonna get much PT unless someone is hurt. He isn’t even close to ready to compete against the Lakers bigs in the Playoffs

[the lake show]

Watching O’neal last year added to this year and i’m not worried abut him one bit. And now with KG reinjuring that knee im worried even less. Even more so with the added addition of theo plus Bynum (if he is actually healthy for the finals) odom and gasol, theres no front court thats as good as that. Erdin is not gonna get much PT unless someone is hurt. He isn’t even close to ready to compete against the Lakers bigs in the Playoffs

[BKKnicksfanParticipant]

So your not worried about the O’Neal signing BUT your promoting the Theo signing?

Come on now.

[BKKnicksfanParticipant]

So your not worried about the O’Neal signing BUT your promoting the Theo signing?

Come on now.

[the lake show]

NO i/m saying O’neal signing and Theo cancel each other out. So that leaves Shaq , Big Baby,KG(? about his knee)  vs Odom, Gasol, and Bynum. That’s why im not too worried just liek i wasn’t last year when the lakers won and the year before when they won

[the lake show]

NO i/m saying O’neal signing and Theo cancel each other out. So that leaves Shaq , Big Baby,KG(? about his knee)  vs Odom, Gasol, and Bynum. That’s why im not too worried just liek i wasn’t last year when the lakers won and the year before when they won

[BKKnicksfanParticipant]

I disagree about the Theo/O’Neal cancel each other out part because mainly, O’Neal has looked better then Theo when I seen both play. Did I also mention Ratliff has barely played while O’Neal has come backed 5 games ago? I’m sure he’s provide solid backup.

 

I think those 3 are somewhat matched. The factor for me is Perkins/Erdin. If Boston feels Perks isn’t coming back, I wouldn’t be shocked Erdin gets some nice PT later in the season.

I’m not arguing to argue, I just like Boston’s bigs over Los Angeles.

[BKKnicksfanParticipant]

I disagree about the Theo/O’Neal cancel each other out part because mainly, O’Neal has looked better then Theo when I seen both play. Did I also mention Ratliff has barely played while O’Neal has come backed 5 games ago? I’m sure he’s provide solid backup.

 

I think those 3 are somewhat matched. The factor for me is Perkins/Erdin. If Boston feels Perks isn’t coming back, I wouldn’t be shocked Erdin gets some nice PT later in the season.

I’m not arguing to argue, I just like Boston’s bigs over Los Angeles.

[the lake show]

Yeah the past 2 seasons Someone likes some team over the lakers and i’m sure this season wont be different. Some one will come up with a new reason why the lakers won’t win and then at the end the Lakers will win once again. Different year same result

[the lake show]

Yeah the past 2 seasons Someone likes some team over the lakers and i’m sure this season wont be different. Some one will come up with a new reason why the lakers won’t win and then at the end the Lakers will win once again. Different year same result

[BKKnicksfanParticipant]

I never said the Lakers wouldn’t win. I said I like Boston’s big over them and I think right now, Boston is the best team in the NBA. I’m sure Los Angeles will be there when it’s all said and done.

I do wonder though what if Boston gets homecourt though…. would last year be a different story.

[BKKnicksfanParticipant]

I never said the Lakers wouldn’t win. I said I like Boston’s big over them and I think right now, Boston is the best team in the NBA. I’m sure Los Angeles will be there when it’s all said and done.

I do wonder though what if Boston gets homecourt though…. would last year be a different story.

[jsev24Participant]

The Celtics are facing lots of injuries now, KG most recently, but still finding ways to win despite that. Once they become healthy, they are a scary team to go up against. Of course that would depend on their health, so it’s still hard to bet for that. Either way, they are one of the legit contenders for the title.

 

The Lakers have been struggling this season even though having the easiest schedule in the league. Gasol’s MVP talk has dwindled down, and has not been performing to his level this past few games. Kobe as well has been struggling with his shooting, but that might be because of the broken pinkie, idk. But they’ll be OK come playoff time.

[jsev24Participant]

The Celtics are facing lots of injuries now, KG most recently, but still finding ways to win despite that. Once they become healthy, they are a scary team to go up against. Of course that would depend on their health, so it’s still hard to bet for that. Either way, they are one of the legit contenders for the title.

 

The Lakers have been struggling this season even though having the easiest schedule in the league. Gasol’s MVP talk has dwindled down, and has not been performing to his level this past few games. Kobe as well has been struggling with his shooting, but that might be because of the broken pinkie, idk. But they’ll be OK come playoff time.

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

the mavs are fooling people once again……

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

the mavs are fooling people once again……

[HitsterParticipant]

If Perkins does get back then would Doc Rivers look to get his former starting 5 back in situ or would they stick with Shaq as a starter down the play off run. If Perkins can get back then he can see good minutes towards the end of the regular season as unless Boston are really chasing home court advantage then KG and Shaq would logically have their minutes reduced. But moving Shaq from the starting line up could well upset him as he is a very proud man and this may cause some locker room issues.

Boston’s bigs are all past their peak but they can give good minutes as a unit and using them in short stints they can help to collectively nulify to opposing bigs or create double teams on the likes of Dwight Howard etc.

At the moment if the championship went outside of Boston, Lakers, Heat or the Spurs I’d be a bit surprised but the new look Orlando could click and Dallas may have one more good run left in their current roster. The Bulls possibly need another year and the Knicks may be a year or so away from being able to have a run to the Conference Finals at least.

Personally if I had to pick it now, I’d say a Miami and Lakers final but with Boston and the Spurs very close to them.

[HitsterParticipant]

If Perkins does get back then would Doc Rivers look to get his former starting 5 back in situ or would they stick with Shaq as a starter down the play off run. If Perkins can get back then he can see good minutes towards the end of the regular season as unless Boston are really chasing home court advantage then KG and Shaq would logically have their minutes reduced. But moving Shaq from the starting line up could well upset him as he is a very proud man and this may cause some locker room issues.

Boston’s bigs are all past their peak but they can give good minutes as a unit and using them in short stints they can help to collectively nulify to opposing bigs or create double teams on the likes of Dwight Howard etc.

At the moment if the championship went outside of Boston, Lakers, Heat or the Spurs I’d be a bit surprised but the new look Orlando could click and Dallas may have one more good run left in their current roster. The Bulls possibly need another year and the Knicks may be a year or so away from being able to have a run to the Conference Finals at least.

Personally if I had to pick it now, I’d say a Miami and Lakers final but with Boston and the Spurs very close to them.

[Ghost01Participant]

Again…show me why i would believe that the O Neals, who have been hurt for the better part of the past 3 seasons, Perkins, who is coming off a 200+ day injury, and KG, who everytime it looks like hes back reinjures his knees are going to be magically healthy come playoff time.

I think the Lakers biggest test is gonna be San Antonio. This team may seem like the same one its always been but i think Ginobli and Parker are playing the best ball of there careers and Neal and Hill are becoming major contributers off the bench.

If i had to pick right now, i would say Spurs vs. Heat, but the Lakers have plenty of time to prove me wrong, and ofcourse, if the Celtics are completely healthy come playoff time they would have a great chance, but i dont see that happening, nore them shutting down Wade and James. I know they are 2-0 against the Heat this year, but those might be the 2 worst games of D Wade’s career.

[Ghost01Participant]

Again…show me why i would believe that the O Neals, who have been hurt for the better part of the past 3 seasons, Perkins, who is coming off a 200+ day injury, and KG, who everytime it looks like hes back reinjures his knees are going to be magically healthy come playoff time.

I think the Lakers biggest test is gonna be San Antonio. This team may seem like the same one its always been but i think Ginobli and Parker are playing the best ball of there careers and Neal and Hill are becoming major contributers off the bench.

If i had to pick right now, i would say Spurs vs. Heat, but the Lakers have plenty of time to prove me wrong, and ofcourse, if the Celtics are completely healthy come playoff time they would have a great chance, but i dont see that happening, nore them shutting down Wade and James. I know they are 2-0 against the Heat this year, but those might be the 2 worst games of D Wade’s career.

[SteroidParticipant]

I’ll have a better opinion of the teams closer towards the playoffs. Anything could happen between now and the playoffs, and teams are known to have pushes after the All-Star break. If the Lakers can go back to playing great, they’ll be the team to beat, which they still are in my mind, but obviously teams with the best records right now are playing the best at the moment. They are no pushovers either, but being great in the season play doesn’t win you a championship. It will be easier to debate about this once the season is coming to an end.

[SteroidParticipant]

I’ll have a better opinion of the teams closer towards the playoffs. Anything could happen between now and the playoffs, and teams are known to have pushes after the All-Star break. If the Lakers can go back to playing great, they’ll be the team to beat, which they still are in my mind, but obviously teams with the best records right now are playing the best at the moment. They are no pushovers either, but being great in the season play doesn’t win you a championship. It will be easier to debate about this once the season is coming to an end.

[Author]

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