Graphic By: Doni Neel
 

An Eastern Conference Champion?
| Published 4/30/04

It's been six years since the last Eastern Conference team (the Chicago Bulls) won a championship. In that time, we've seen the Spurs win two and the Lakers win three. The Eastern Conference has become a "junior varisty" conference, and storied franchises like the Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics are pathetic. Boston did make the playoffs but only barely. They stunk up the court for four games that were more of a warm-up than an obstacle. So could it be possible that an Eastern Conference team tops the dominant West?

I think so. This year there are three teams in the Eastern Conference that could not only represent the Conference but provide a good challenge for a Western contender: Indiana Paces, Detroit Pistons and New Jersey Nets. I think an Eastern Conference victory will depend heavily on who comes out of the West. I do not believe the Lakers to be the best in the West anymore; the matchups (and we all know playoffs series are about matchups) are just too difficult for an under-sized Eastern frontline. Here is my analysis of Eastern Conference contenders:

Indiana Pacers

The Pacers won over 60 games this year and it is definitely Jermaine O'Neil's team and not 'Uncle' Reggie Miller's. However from this series, I still see that Reggie runs through those screens and pops those three's in a similar fashion to the old days. I think they could match up extremely well against the Spurs or Timberwolves, but lacking a big sized man (like departed Brad Miller) is hurting them in the matchup department. Remember, Indiana is 20-8 against the Western Conference but only 3-5 against its top-seeded teams. Still, imagine the Finals with Ron Artest and Bruce Bowen. That would be an enticing matchup.

New Jersey Nets

Yeah, they've been in the Finals a few times, and they were easily handled by the Lakers and Spurs. However put them against a team like Sacramento or Dallas that likes to run the floor, and I will put money down on the Nets. The Nets are one of the best fast break teams in the league, and Richard Jefferson is evolving his game every year. Sacramento and Dallas don't offer enough defense and attitude to blow apart the Nets. Also, Kenyan Martin, Jefferson, Aaron Williams and Jason Collier are hitting shots that they couldn't hit two years ago. The Nets are no longer a simple fast break team; they are really beginning to develop a half court presence as well. Still, I believe the Nets lack size and ability at center, which will cause problems against the West.

Detroit Pistons

Ahhh, and finally, the Pistons. Former "Bad Boys" of the NBA, I believe that Coach Larry Brown is assembling a similar squad. You have Ben Wallace, a strong rebounder, shot blocker and help defender despite his size. Also there is the volatile and talented Rasheed Wallace. Richard Hamilton offers fluid shots. Teyshaun Prince's long arms can surprise people, and Chancey Billups can move the ball as well as make that big shot. Too bad Darko Milicic didn't get enough time to really develop this season, but watch out in the future. Detroit would matchup well with San Antonio, a low scoring, defense orientated team.

Final Outlook

Like I stated earlier, the Eastern Conference's chances weigh heavily on which team comes out from the West. I am not even sure if Detroit can make it out of the East, simply because they don't have enough firepower to put up points against New Jersey and Indiana in a seven game series. If Indiana makes it to the Finals, I think they will quickly realize how much they miss former players like Brad Miller, Dale Davis, Antonio Davis and Mark Jackson. However as a man on the east coast, I will be cheering for an Eastern Conference team all the way.

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