Spurs Brazil
04-19-2008, 09:31 AM
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/columnists/mmonroe/stories/MYSA041908.10D.BKNquestions.3564c84.html
So, what's the story? Mike Monroe's answers on the NBA
Web Posted: 04/18/2008 10:44 PM CDT
San Antonio Express-News
We put eight tough questions to the Express-News' veteran NBA writer, Mike Monroe. He gave us eight straightforward answers.
Which team is this year's Golden State Warriors?
The 76ers. Just as the Warriors turned around their season to get into the 2007 playoffs, the 76ers, once 12 games under .500, turned things around and gained the No. 7 seed. Even facing the playoff-tested Pistons, they pose the greatest threat for a first-round upset.
Who is this year's Big Shot Rob?
Robert Horry hasn't played since March 21, and he struggled all season long. But there's a role player out there capable of hitting a game-winning 3-pointer. The Celtics' James Posey has done it before, during the Heat's drive to the 2006 title.
Can one player carry his team to the Finals, a la LeBron?
Probably not, but if anyone is going to dominate a conference tournament the way James loomed over the East last year, Orlando's Dwight Howard has the best chance. The Magic won't win the East unless he dominates.
Who is in for the biggest disappointment?
LeBron James carried the Cavaliers all the way to the Finals last spring. This time around, he's apt to be on the sidelines after one round, which is going to fuel speculation he will bolt Cleveland for New York as soon as he can get out of his contract.
Who's got the best chance to be Finals MVP?
The West is such a crapshoot it would be foolhardy to pick any Western player, even Kobe Bryant, the player most likely to win the regular-season MVP trophy. There's little risk picking the Celtics to emerge from the East, though, so we'll make Kevin Garnett a 2-1 favorite to be Finals MVP.
Who could be this year's Tony Parker?
Nobody expected a point guard to dominate the 2007 Finals; not with Tim Duncan and LeBron James playing. If there is to be a surprise finals MVP this time around, it will be Boston's Rajon Rondo. He's capable of Parker-like play.
Can Tracy McGrady finally win a playoff series?
McGrady never has played past the first round. His Rockets have home-court advantage over the Jazz, but almost no chance of escaping a first-round matchup against a team that is tougher and has better on-court leadership.
Which team will take home the Larry O'Brien Trophy?
The answer to the ultimate playoff question: the Celtics. They're poised to zip through the Eastern playoffs with relative ease, so they will be rested and ready for a Western survivor that will be drained from the most rigorous conference playoff test in league history.
So, what's the story? Mike Monroe's answers on the NBA
Web Posted: 04/18/2008 10:44 PM CDT
San Antonio Express-News
We put eight tough questions to the Express-News' veteran NBA writer, Mike Monroe. He gave us eight straightforward answers.
Which team is this year's Golden State Warriors?
The 76ers. Just as the Warriors turned around their season to get into the 2007 playoffs, the 76ers, once 12 games under .500, turned things around and gained the No. 7 seed. Even facing the playoff-tested Pistons, they pose the greatest threat for a first-round upset.
Who is this year's Big Shot Rob?
Robert Horry hasn't played since March 21, and he struggled all season long. But there's a role player out there capable of hitting a game-winning 3-pointer. The Celtics' James Posey has done it before, during the Heat's drive to the 2006 title.
Can one player carry his team to the Finals, a la LeBron?
Probably not, but if anyone is going to dominate a conference tournament the way James loomed over the East last year, Orlando's Dwight Howard has the best chance. The Magic won't win the East unless he dominates.
Who is in for the biggest disappointment?
LeBron James carried the Cavaliers all the way to the Finals last spring. This time around, he's apt to be on the sidelines after one round, which is going to fuel speculation he will bolt Cleveland for New York as soon as he can get out of his contract.
Who's got the best chance to be Finals MVP?
The West is such a crapshoot it would be foolhardy to pick any Western player, even Kobe Bryant, the player most likely to win the regular-season MVP trophy. There's little risk picking the Celtics to emerge from the East, though, so we'll make Kevin Garnett a 2-1 favorite to be Finals MVP.
Who could be this year's Tony Parker?
Nobody expected a point guard to dominate the 2007 Finals; not with Tim Duncan and LeBron James playing. If there is to be a surprise finals MVP this time around, it will be Boston's Rajon Rondo. He's capable of Parker-like play.
Can Tracy McGrady finally win a playoff series?
McGrady never has played past the first round. His Rockets have home-court advantage over the Jazz, but almost no chance of escaping a first-round matchup against a team that is tougher and has better on-court leadership.
Which team will take home the Larry O'Brien Trophy?
The answer to the ultimate playoff question: the Celtics. They're poised to zip through the Eastern playoffs with relative ease, so they will be rested and ready for a Western survivor that will be drained from the most rigorous conference playoff test in league history.