...while wondering what ever happened to K.C. Jones

“It’s all about Kobe.”

With those prescient words, we kicked of our NBA Preview Edition some five and a half months ago. And what a season it has been. A ridiculously-competitive West, a veritable trader’s village in the dead of winter and a further addition to the Boston Sprawl.

Never has a conference been so hotly-contested as the Western Conference was this season. If the Golden State Warriors, ninth in the conference and watching the playoffs on the tube were in the East, they’d be the 3 seed. Only seven games separate the Lakers at number 1 from the Nuggets at 8. Every match up has a realistic chance of going either way. The next couple of months are going to feature some insanely entertaining basketball. Out west, at least.

This will forevermore be remembered also as the season of the deal. Now, Shaq moving to Phoenix, JKidd returning home and the rape of Memphis are the ones that will stand out. But there were smaller deals that had just as much impact. The Jazz picking up Kyle Korver’s deadly shooting; the Cavs trading their garbage for Big Ben and some much-needed depth; The Hornets quietly adding the playoff experience of Peja’s former backcourt mate Bobby Jackson. Deals like these not only tightened the vise a little on a the playoff chase but also made the big splashes more about keeping up with the Jonses than leaping to the forefront.

The Patriots are a dynasty, the Red Sox no longer cursed. Is Beantown getting another parade in June? Could be. The Celtics have rampaged through the East and compared to the bloodbath that will be the Western Conference playoffs, should have a relatively easy path to the dance.

But in the end, it’s all about Kobe. He has finally learned how to lead and makes everyone around him better -- something he wasn't able, or willing, to do before. The supporting cast might not quite be ready for prime time, so they could falter. But Kobe Bryant is the best player in the NBA right now.

So how’s it all going to shake out?

EASTERN CONFERENCE

We only hit on six of our eight picks. While we had Boston, Detroit, Cleveland, Toronto and Atlanta making the tourney, we also had Chicago and Miami in. Switch them with Washington and Philadelphia and you have the field.

(1) Boston Celtics vs (8) Atlanta Hawks (another hit for U-F'er)

What can we possibly offer by way of insightful information?
Nothing.

Boston in 4

(2) Detroit Pistons vs (7) Philadelphia 76’ers

This is our Upset Special and if you read us at all, you know why. Flip Saunders. We felt better about this pick before Philly’s four-game slide to end the season and we know our inherent dislike of Flip has reached ginormous proportions, so this pick can't really be respected objectively. But we still think he could single-handedly find a way to blow this. And if we're actually right!??!!? Well, that's just bonus.

Philadelphia in 7

(3) Orlando Magic vs (6) Toronto Raptors

Probably the most entertaining of the conference’s opening round offerings. Two young teams on the rise. While Orlando’s point guard play will hurt them and Chris Bosh is one of our faves, Dwight Howard will take this series over. Look for him and Corky Turkoglu to make it through to the next round.

Orlando in 6

(4) Cleveland Cavaliers vs (5) Washington Wizards

Who cares? Really, Both of these teams are garbage and the only reason the series will go long is because of that. Washington is far and away the most overrated franchise in professional sports. Cleveland has LBJ and the Affordables. But LBJ is enough.

Cleveland in 6

For the record:
We have Boston over Cleveland and Orlando over Philly in round 2, with the C-Men winning the Conference Finals

WESTERN CONFERENCE

We hit on seven of eight preseason picks, with us having Golden State making and the Lakers missing. Oops.

(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs (8) Denver Nuggets

The Tin Men of Texas showed last year that a very good one-seed can choke. And these Nuggets are better than last year’s W’s. But Kobe is better than Dirk. And yes – tougher. But this will not be a cakewalk for Hollywood’s heroes. The Nuggets are just schisofrenic enough to pull an upset out of their asses. Don’t bet on it though.

Los Angeles in 6

(2) New Orleans Hornets vs (7) Dallas Mavericks

It all comes down to heart. If you believe the Bugs are, “not really that good”, then you are wrong. This team is legitimate. They were never as bad as their records have been. Injuries and the Katrina/Grapes of Wrath odyssey masked a quality team. Still, Dallas is equally talented and has signifigantly more playoff experience. If Dallas loses this series it is solely a case of Tin Man syndrome.

Dallas in 7

(3) San Antonio Spurs vs (6) Phoenix Suns

This is an amazing opening series. We know all the reasons for that, but what will it come down to? Both teams have proven their heart. Both have fearless leaders who live for clutch situations. San Antonio has the edge in coaching. But they’re banged up. We’re not convinced Ginobili is 100% and that guy is the key to the Spurs’ fortunes. In the end, until his legs literally fall off, we just refuse to bet against Big Cactus.

Phoenix in 7

(4) Utah Jazz vs (5) Houston Rockets

Utah will destroy this team. 21-game win streak be damned, the Rockettes are just not a good basketball team. And until Sleepy McGrady gets out of the first round, we will always bet against him.

Utah in 4

For the record:
We have Los Angeles over Utah and Phoenix over Dallas in round 2, with the Suns winning the Conference Finals.

And in the big dance?
Boston over Phoenix

It's Showtime!