I don't see the rationale behind Simmon's comment in today's article: " Right now, there's a steep drop from Miami to the next five Eastern playoff contenders (Boston, Chicago, New York, Brooklyn and Indiana). It's just a fact."
I understand most analysts and even posters here seem to agree with this sentiment. But I'm unable to understand the reasons beyond the typical "because they are the champs." My question is, why? I know teams can go on some big runs (Spurs and Lakers combined for 8/11 up to 2010), but I also disagree with such a strong statement based on a few points:
2012 Playoffs:
1) The 66-game season: By the end, we were cooked. Each series wore us down even more. And the losses were huge. I think non-Cs fans largely underestimated AB's potential impact in the playoffs. Ray and Steamer couldn't stay on the court or were often non-factors. Pierce lost his step, attacked the rim less and couldn't score in iso when we were desperate for a bucket. I recall a crucial point in a playoff game that we had Dooling, Marquis, and Hollins on the court. Wow.
2) The Bosh impact: An aberration. When has Bosh ever nailed 3-4 corner treys? To every one watching, Bosh's return marked the end of the ECF. Did it? Yeah. How many times out of 100 is he spreading the court like that, on that stage? I'll go comfortably with less than 10%. Remove that little one-game aberration and we're in the Finals.
3) Battier/Miller: Can their performances be repeated? I don't know. I wouldn't bet against Battier. But 1/2 of the hired snipers in the league would've had that huge game in Miller's position - with no one within 10 feet of him, against a team on its heels & terrified as they witnessed Lebron's transcendence to manhood. That leads me to 4...
4) Lebron's impact: He won the 'chip. You could see it in his eyes game 6 - he was taking it at any cost. But he found help exactly when he needed it. And a lot of it.
Will he be hungry enough to repeat that performance? Will it be even easier now with all the pressure off? I'm not sure... but I do know a healthy, deeper Cs defense cuts off his/Wade's driving lanes and recovers to Battier/Miller/Chalmers 10x more effectively. That's how we got to the series.
Looking ahead:
5) Heat in 2013: They got better. We have had enough Ray talk - he will see fewer mins, his health is in question, etc. Rashard Lewis can benefit from open 3s like Ray - he won't be an eye-popping difference, in my opinion. But maybe I'm wrong... and if they both have big seasons, how can we match-up?
6) Cs in 2013: We got A LOT better. Again, AB is still underestimated - in my humble opinion, if he's healthy, he's going to be a star. Terry provides the big scoring threat, a seasoned vet and confidence off the bench that we've been craving, a lot of energy, and a back-up PG if need be. He has the clutch gene, too... the guy can/will hit huge shots for us when it matters most. I've no question. Wilcox, if healthy, will be a huge addition. He runs the floor well with Rondo, rebounds well, he's familiar with our system, selfless, and he's a tough inside presence. Green is Green... he's good at worst, very very good at best... giving Pierce spells, alone, is huge. He will be productive offensively. If he becomes confident, he can be really productive offensively and a long, flexible option defensively as well.
7) The NBA: There's a lot of bball to be played before the 2013 playoffs. There's the Dwight Howard situation, the inevitable injuries, and a lot of talented, hungry teams. But we're selling ourselves - and the Cs - short if we forget where we come from. We haven't lost our identity since the Red/Russell/Bird years... we are a culture, a tight-knit group that goes to battle every night... and when the time comes, whether we are playing Lebron/Wade and Co., Kobe/Nash/Howard, or Durant/Westbrook, we will be close. I've no doubt. Danny has prepared us well for 2013 and beyond and, in my opinion, there isn't a better coach - from an X's and O's standpoint AND a mentor - in the league than Doc. In spite of Ainge's "tough love" (which I generally hate), our age in the past and our new identity towards the future, Doc is a big part of why we remain a tight-knit, cohesive unit. And he'll be there with us in the trenches, again, this year.
Perhaps my homerism is reaching new heights with our successful off-season. But based on last post-season, our rosters on paper, and all the intangibles that make us us, I feel we are neck-in-neck with Miami Beesh.
Topic: Cs are not as far from #1 in East as advertised (Read 3609 times)