by Tariq al Haydar
Back in December 2007, when the New England Patriots had just completed their undefeated regular season, I turned to my friend, the Ant and said: "The New York Giants are a stupid team."
"Why?" he asked.
"I just don't trust them. In fact, I'll bet you 2000 riyals that the New York Giants will not win the Super Bowl."
I'm blessed. The Ant didn't take my bet.
And speaking of improbable Super Bowl scenarios, remember when we all thought the Arizona Cardinals would play in Super Bowl 43? Yeah, me neither.
Conversely, we all know that the Lakers will make it to the NBA Finals, unless the Spurs manage to pull off a massive upset in the West. And we know either the Celtics or the Cavs will be there as well.
I was watching some show on NBA TV last night. I wasn't really watching, but a statement caught my attention:
"I think we can all agree that the Portland Trail Blazers are true contenders."
And then four panelists nodded and muttered, "Absolutely."
Really? Portland is a contender?
Yeah, they may win a series. They may even somehow manage to get to the WCF, but I will be shocked if they get to the Finals. And all those other teams that look like they're in such good shape right now... your Orlando Magics and Denver Nuggets...Does anybody really give them a shot?
You shouldn't.
When was the last time a real Cinderella team made it all the way to the NBA Finals?
Let's look at the Finalists this decade:
2000- Lakers v Pacers
2001- Lakers v Sixers
2002- Lakers v Nets
2003- Spurs v Nets
2004- Lakers v Pistons
2005- Spurs v Pistons
2006- Mavs v Heat
2007- Spurs v Cavs
2008- Lakers v Celtics
Since the turn of the century, the only team whose presence in the Finals was even mildly surprising was the Cleveland Cavs in 2007. Cleveland had already taken the Pistons, the team they beat in the conference finals, to seven games the previous season. And in 2007, they won 50 games and were the #2 seed in the East.
Point being, we already know who will play in the 2009 NBA Finals. And that's kinda sad.
But then again, there's something comforting in knowing that the strongest teams will inevitably collide. I'd like nothing more than to see Kobe Bryant and LeBron James in the Finals. And that's probably how it's going to play out.
The problem is that it's more difficult to get excited about earlier rounds. A potential series between, say, the Denver Nuggets and the Utah Jazz would pit two pretty good, well-balanced teams against each other. And yet, as you watch, you already know that both teams are doomed.
Enjoy the Playoffs, kids! :)
And yet, there is one team that gives me hope: 
The 1999 New York Knicks!
Welcome
"We, the elite Linkstigators, have formed like Voltron, We could have used our powers for evil. It was quite tempting, actually. But instead, we have decided to bless the internets with the most slammin' blog (no pun intended). A blog which is dedicated mainly to the game of basketball, but also to diverse topics such as Mountain Dew Code Red, Democratic primaries, Guitar Hero 3 and post-structuralism. We are sponsored by Nabisco."
The Players
Cheryl
Cheryl will offer “A Sistah’s Point of View” (ASPOV) to this madness, because as you will read over the next few months, it will be needed. I see connections, like Haley Joel Osment sees dead people. Connections between modern sports, culture, politics, race and racialization, art and dance, religion and myth. I will try to point these out without being too esoteric or dogmatic (but if I am, sue me). But what you can always expect is that I will be open, honest, and often catty. (That was an awfully un-feminist thing to say, huh?)”
Eboy
White Hot Eboy, or just plain E, is a polarizing figure. On the SLAM site, the place of his e-origin, Eboy seems to move between love for his regular foils to sheer unbridled hate for his detractors. Here in this blogventure, look for Eboy to speak on basketball in all forms, movies, tv, politics, sports in general and anything else that he can throw his opinion at. Besides, he's legally obligated to be truthful and forthright, so stay ready, an E-storm is brewing.
TADOne
TADOne, or just plain TAD, is quite possibly the most sane member of this blog group, although, that is not saying much. My sarcasm, or just plain lack of empathy, has been known to reach epic levels of true disdain. Because of this, I have a love of binge drinking and mindless humor. Therapy is good.
Tariq
I am a sensitive, delicate soul. I use sarcasm and cynicism as self-defense mechanisms, douchebag. I do this to protect my faberge-egg-like psyche. If only I could increase my self-confidence, maybe then I could achieve a moment of sincerity. But I can't. So instead I have to be content with writing sublime pieces which delve into the realms of basketball, football (American), football (real), literature, religion, The Legend of Zelda and Reese's Pieces. I may even occassionally shed some insight into the complexities of the human condition. No promises, though.
My turn-ons are non-smokers and world peace. My turn-offs include crystal meth and springtime.
AR
You may (though most likely don't) know me as commenter H to the izzo from SLAMonline.I will no longer answer to that moniker-ever.I'm retiring only to return again,but this won't be no Linkin Park collaboration.My list of lifetime achievements include being the second most foreign member.The youngest member,the least educated member.I roughly rank as the 3rd most white member and am three time Vodka chugging champion in my district.I intend to prove that basketball opinion and having little else better to do are a dangerous mix.I am usually wrong and am possessed by the ghost of Charles Oakley's right fist.
15 comments:
Dang I'm prolific!
(Suck it, Cheryl!)
(just kidding)
Arizona Cardinals.
I have something in the works that will change the face of SKO posting for years to come.
I'm excited, E. Get that out!
Well......the content is going to be off the charts controversial...but in a way that all of us who love ball will relate to in some way. And no, there's nothing related to Kobe in it.
Uh oh. But I'm still excited, with that kind of hype. As Homer Simpson once said, "It's gonna be bigger than ten Super Bowls!" When is it coming?
I may drop it in parts. Part 1 may be up by Friday.
Can't wait.
i am going with a Cavs-Nuggets finals this year, just like i have been predicting ever since the Billups trade. The Nuggets are the most balanced team in the west, and the Cavs are the most balanced in the east. Its gonna happen.
"Eboy in not fond of Kobe shocka!"
BET, if the Nugs get to the Finals this year, I'll call you Uncle BET for one calendar year.
What about the Houston Rockets! They are a miracle team. At least, the 86 version was.
Ya'll suck. I'll give you a true sleeper team: The Atlanta Hawks.
Blazers!
blazers can go light a spliff. They aren't going anywhere this year moose. They'll be lucky to make it to the top 5 in the playoffs with the stretch they've got coming up....
Also, Utah is going to catch them and force the seeding even LOWER. So maybe a 6th seed?
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