JVG weighs in

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Another expert picks LA (from this NY Post article -- http://www.nypost.com/seven/06032008/sports/knicks/van_gundy_sees_laker_dynasty_113679.htm)

Van Gundy spoke on an ABC conference call yesterday to promote the tradition-drenched Celtics-Lakers finals matchup beginning Thursday at the new Boston Garden. He says LA is too powerful offensively for even his buddy, Celtics associate coach/defensive guru Tom Thibodeau, to stop.

Van Gundy envisions a glorious Laker future with Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom still in their primes, an up-and-coming point guard in Jordan Farmar and a team doing it without budding injured star center Andrew Bynum.

"My pick, I think the Lakers are the most talented team in the league, and they're missing their third or fourth best player in Bynum," said Van Gundy, who will join Knicks broadcaster Mike Breen and Mark Jackson for the 11th finals meeting between two storied rivals.

"So when they get [Bynum] back next year, I think they can be a dynasty. The Lakers will win it this year over a very good Celtic team."

Van Gundy has LA in six or seven, winning it on the road. "The Lakers have the best offense," he said. "They've ratcheted up their defense in the playoffs and they have the ultimate closer in Kobe Bryant."

[Bahku]

Interesting ... I would have thought Van Gundy would go with the C's, but I guess he's as subject to propaganda as much as anyone.  But seriously, he's pretty knowledgeable about basketball, and I doubt he'd say this without believing it. I just think he and many others don't see a lot of the many positive "intangibles" that we who know this team a little more thoroughly can see.

I don't think they realize the magnitude of true "team" play and monster defense, or how dominating these guys can be when they're "on". It's probably the "consistency" question, and that's understandable, but I have faith that the C's have learned their lesson in that department, and have some surprises in store. Go Celtics!

[BudweiserCeltic]

Interesting ... I would have thought Van Gundy would go with the C's, but I guess he's as subject to propaganda as much as anyone.  But seriously, he's pretty knowledgeable about basketball, and I doubt he'd say this without believing it. I just think he and many others don't see a lot of the many positive "intangibles" that we who know this team a little more thoroughly can see.

I don't think they realize the magnitude of true "team" play and monster defense, or how dominating these guys can be when they're "on". It's probably the "consistency" question, and that's understandable, but I have faith that the C's have learned their lesson in that department, and have some surprises in store. Go Celtics!

JVG has been known to be wrong a lot, apologize for his mistake, and change his mind... he'll do once he sees the first game.

[Hrvoje]

I'm really shocked with most of "experts" picking Lakers. I'm not one of those who always says "Celtics will win this one", but I'm very confident Boston will beat LA, we are just better.

[Bahku]

Interesting ... I would have thought Van Gundy would go with the C's, but I guess he's as subject to propaganda as much as anyone.  But seriously, he's pretty knowledgeable about basketball, and I doubt he'd say this without believing it. I just think he and many others don't see a lot of the many positive "intangibles" that we who know this team a little more thoroughly can see.

I don't think they realize the magnitude of true "team" play and monster defense, or how dominating these guys can be when they're "on". It's probably the "consistency" question, and that's understandable, but I have faith that the C's have learned their lesson in that department, and have some surprises in store. Go Celtics!

JVG has been known to be wrong a lot, apologize for his mistake, and change his mind... he'll do once he sees the first game.

Yeah ... I think so, too. It will be interesting to see how the media twists this thing along the way, especially if the Celtics dominate like we think they will. I'll be lovin' it! 

[Petro]

You know whats intresting is that right before the playoffs started JVG said the same thing about the Celtics on a ESPN radio show. He predicted that they would meet up with the Lakers and beat the Lakers now he's changing his tune so kudo's to him for being consistant. You know what it is its the fact that  the Celts struggled against the Hawks and cavs the Lakers seemed to breeze through the west and they have become the "Fashionable Pick" all these so called experts who were killing Kobe last year for his "selfishness" which he is make no mistake regardless of how good he is on the court.Now its Kobe and the European Lakers theyre cool theyre fun to watch. Don't listen to the experts they are wrong alot but they all change thier tune as things develope.When the C's get a ring this year he'll sit there and say "The Celtics have been the best Team all along its no suprise they won" just like he did before the playoffs started.FYI all these experts picked Detroit to beat the C's in 6 suprise!

[Barnabas]

Van Gundy may be right this time.  The two teams seem to be fairly matched but the Lakers' offense is superior.  It's false to think that all a team will need to win a championship is defense.  Defense is great, but you have to have an equally good offense.  The Lakers not only have the personnel to be very explosive, but they have a structured system that helps those players get very easy baskets.  Whereas Boston is all jumpshots.  There will be stretches in the game when those jumpshots won't fall.  I believe that is Boston's weakness, the offense.  And not necessarily Doc's system, it's the way the team is built.  The offense come from jumpshots, since we don't have a Gasol at the low post.

[NicaraguanFan]

I'm really shocked with most of "experts" picking Lakers. I'm not one of those who always says "Celtics will win this one", but I'm very confident Boston will beat LA, we are just better.

Don't worry, so called experts picked Detroit last Series.

NF.

[Hoops]

Van Gundy may be right this time.  The two teams seem to be fairly matched but the Lakers' offense is superior.  It's false to think that all a team will need to win a championship is defense.  Defense is great, but you have to have an equally good offense.  The Lakers not only have the personnel to be very explosive, but they have a structured system that helps those players get very easy baskets.  Whereas Boston is all jumpshots.  There will be stretches in the game when those jumpshots won't fall.  I believe that is Boston's weakness, the offense.  And not necessarily Doc's system, it's the way the team is built.  The offense come from jumpshots, since we don't have a Gasol at the low post.

The reason they say that defense wins championships is because great defense only requires effort - defense can be very consistent. Offense, on the other hand, comes and goes. LA may have a great offense, but all it takes is one or two games where a couple of guys shoot poorly and they put themselves squarely behind the 8-ball.

[eddietours]

who benefit more LA or BOSTON from all the day's off l believe is boston
l like being the underdog is sweeter after we beat them down 

[MBz]

Well Vegas has as underdogs too, supposedly we're favored in all four home games yet the Lakers are favored for the series.  Gotta love when things like that makes sense.

[Edgar]

No love before this season starts

No love before finals start

We did pretty well during season

We will do pretty well during Finals

 

[Bahku]

No love before this season starts

No love before finals start

We did pretty well during season

We will do pretty well during Finals

 

I agree, Edgar (TP) ... and I truly believe, that regardless of the outcome, the world will finally get to see what an amazing athlete Paul Pierce is, how great defense should be played, what heart and spirit truly means, and what sacrificing one's own agenda for the sake of the team is all about. Thank you, Celtics, for this amazing year ... I love you guys!