Eight Thoughts for Eight Games
With game one behind us and the playoffs truly upon us, here are eight thoughts on the first eight games.
Hawks X Wizards (G1)
The Thought: John Wall is amazing, why isn’t he seen as such?
Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE – Presswire
Wall is the best point guard in the east, and there’s no doubt about it. After a down year and offseason knee surgery, Wall put on a show this year. Overshadowed by the play of other players , Wall’s game is often gone uncovered. Wall and Bradley Beal, when healthy, have been an unguardable backcourt combination. Wall is still searching for new sneaker deal after feeling being under-represented by the brand and feeling some type of way about other point guards not on his level getting contracts that mirror his own. If there were ever a platform to grow his brand, it would be making it to the Finals. Although, for Wall, this will be a very steep uphill climb. With the Cavs and Celtics seemingly ready to fall apart at the seems, this may be the time for the Wizards to push through.
Prediction: Wizards in five
TrailBlazers X Warriors (G1)
The thought: The Blazers are one star away from being a dangerous team.
The Blazers have been surprisingly accomplished team considering they blew up their roster two seasons ago. They have made the most out of a relatively mediocre roster and have managed to make the playoffs each year since. With Damian Lillard and CJ Mccollum, both fringe all-stars, they have one of the best back court duos in the league. They’ve been one of the few teams that have matched up well with the Warriors, but there’s always something missing. Whether it be a reliable big or wing that can be consistently effective off-ball, ‘Rip City’ needs a bit more from its supporting cast. Jusuf Nurkic could potentially be that difference-maker, but he’s played just 20 games with the team. Mo Harkless, Allen Crabbe, and Evan Turner are decent role players but have yet to show their potential.
Prediction: Warriors in six
Celtics X Bulls (G1)
The thought: Is Jimmy Butler that good or are the Celtics that flawed?
After a close game one loss to the TNT Bulls, Boston has to regroup as the team’s role players underperformed. Isiah Thomas had another stellar performance, and Al Horford filled up the stat sheet getting close to a triple double. Although, for the rest of the team, only Avery Bradley scored more than 9 points and is this just another game in the stretch of inconsistent play. The Celtics need a solid team performance every game if they are going to get out of the first round. The Celtics team has thrived in the regular season, but as their team continues to revolve solely around Thomas’ offense, their offense continues to grow more predictable. On Tuesday, Boston will have the opportunity to get a home split before heading to Chicago.
Prediction: I would like to plead the ‘fifth.’
Clippers X Jazz (G1)
The Thought: Chris Paul is going to look good in a Spurs jersey next season.
The Clippers flame out in this round because their team is like a game of Tetris that has gone all wrong. The “Clips gon’ clip” sentiment has reached new levels because they’ve found a way to miss out on a championship. Paul has spent six years in L.A trying to win a title and almost did, but unfortunately, when the going got tough they blinked and found themselves ousted before they could recover. Well, Paul is now 31, and he’s coming up on free agency and has decisions to make. Close friends with both Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James, Paul should look over at what Anthony is currently going through in New York after resigning with the Knicks with no real infrastructure and a minimal future, James has moved teams to get the best chance to win a title.
If Paul is interested in winning a title he needs to consider looking around the league for a team that requires a great Point Guard but can also support him as he ages. Even if the Clippers can resign Blake Griffin, they won’t be able to afford Paul, and J.J. Reddick whom is essential to the Clippers game. The Clippers salary cap will be maxed out if Paul resigns so with no money and no picks, the Clip