NBA Finals Conspiracy Theory

Ron Party · Sep 29, 2010

Players just started reporting to camp and the regular season begins in 1 month.

Channeling Mel Gibson for a moment, if you are a conspiracy theorist and believe that the NBA itself and/or the TV networks and advertisers can exert influence over which teams make it to the finals, which 2 teams do you believe they would propel to the finals?

In the west it is the Lakers (barring serious injuries to Kobe or Gasol), but which team comes from the east?

Is it the Heat with their 3 stars? Or is it the Celtics again, which would sort of settle the score -- you know, 2 out of 3 -- with the added drama of having Shaq back in the finals but playing for the Celts?

Steve Williams · Sep 29, 2010

I still like the Celts because they know how to play defense, something the Big3 and the Heat IMO dont have. To watch LeBron give up in the last final game of the past two seasons when his team was losing was nothing short of shameful.

I still believe the Heat has to get by the Celts and/or the Magic to prevail in the east

rad · Sep 29, 2010

Well!! lets see...... since the inception of the NBA only 2 teams have accounted for I think 1/2 of the Championship titles. So the logical answer would be the Lakers & Celtics. Hmmm conspiracy somewhere???? YA Think?
But hay, lets see who can throw around the most money & maybe buy themselves a ring.
I love the pro game as much as anyone but it truly has become a joke & has been for a long time.

sorry, just my two cents.

great topic, should spur some response

FrantzM · Sep 29, 2010

Hi

It will be the Lakers and ... not-The_Heat in the Finals... The East is very competitive. More so than people realize. Chicago is poised to cause serious damages to anyone on their path. They will at the very least tire a good team enough for their latter competitors to have an easier way.. It comes to them (Bulls), the Celtics and yes, The Magics.. This will be a bloody... Whomever comes out (and I don't think it will be the Heat with that paper-thin bench) will be scarred and have to face a much improved Lakers with a likely healthier Bryant

Steve Williams · Sep 29, 2010

I agree completely about the lack of depth on the Heat bench. Nothing more than a bunch of journeymen rounding out the other 9 players. I would be surprised to see the Heat win the East let alone the NBA Finals

Steve Williams · Sep 29, 2010

es347 said:
I can more easily tell you who it won't be....our hapless Pacers

If that unfortunate fight had never occurred with Artest and the fans, he would never have been suspended for a year and traded thereafter and would never have become a Laker without whom the Lakers lose to Celtics in game 7

Strange isn't it how fate deals some cards. Who will never forget Ron Artest interviewed at the end of the series gives thanks to his psychiatrist..

JackD201 · Sep 29, 2010

Who do you guys think'll give LA the hardest time in the West now that Phoenix and San Antonio look like they've gone into rebuilding mode? Could it be young Oklahoma or Portland?

I'm guessing Orlando in the East. Celts for all their heart look battered. Heat for all the flash, no second team to keep their big three durable.

Steve Williams · Sep 29, 2010

Hands down Oklahoma. Their toughest series IMO last year was vs KD and Oklahoma. They are young and never accept no for an answer

JackD201 · Sep 29, 2010

Durant leading Team USA to victory in the FIBA World Championships has no doubt added even more bounce to his step. This should be a good year for the NBA.

Ron Party · Sep 29, 2010

I started this thread not with the purpose of asking people who they thought would make it out of the east - people have answered that question and gave good answers - but instead who they think the league, tv networks and advertisers would want to have come out of the east.

The Heat are, of course, grabbing almost all of the headlines at this time, and I think a strong conspiracy theory argument could be made that the league, tv networks and advertisers would prefer it to be the Heat. We'd be bombarded with Kobe v. LBJ and stories of the Olympics.

And an equally, if not more compelling, conspiracy theory argument could be made that the league, tv networks and advertisers would prefer it to be the Celtics. We'd be bombarded with Kobe v. Shaq and the fact that it would be a rematch to decide which team truly is the best, since each team beat the other once, and of course the Celts would argue they would have won game 7 with a health Perkins.

Finally, no way would any conspiracy theorist argue the Magic or Bulls come out of the east.

JackD201 · Sep 29, 2010

For the ad dollars then? Going by endorsement dollars alone.....

L.A. vs Miami

rblnr · Sep 30, 2010

And an equally, if not more compelling, conspiracy theory argument could be made that the league, tv networks and advertisers would prefer it to be the Celtics. We'd be bombarded with Kobe v. Shaq

I think Kobe vs. Shaq is done as an issue for most fans. LA vs. Miami would be the sexiest from a promo POV -- the stars collide.

JackD201 · Sep 30, 2010

From the Merchandising perspective as well, great point. Yeah I think Kobe vs. Shaq is done. They even get along now I've read.

FrantzM · Sep 30, 2010

JackD201 said:
For the ad dollars then? Going by endorsement dollars alone.....

L.A. vs Miami

Yep !

Steve Williams · Sep 30, 2010

Gavin

I have followed the NBA since the 60s. I remember when Phil Jackson, Don Nelson, Bob Cousy etc were playing in their prime. I watched Wilts 100 point game and can say therefore that I have followed it for 5 decades. I love the game and the abilities of these athletes. Absolutely right about the tattoos etc but heck this is the 21st century and it is more than a sport. It is entertainment. Take it for what it is but to see the game played at it's best, my vote goes to the NBA.

JackD201 · Sep 30, 2010

es347 said:
I can proudly say that I didn't watch one game last season. The NBA doesn't do it for me any more. I was a big fan in the 80s when Larry and Magic were going at it but alas, their retirements ended it for me. Too many tattoos and earrings for me I guess. College ball is where it's at these days!

Bad Hoosier! How could you have abandoned Miller, Jackson, the Davies' and company! Larry even coached! For shame!

Well not to keen on the tats and piercings either but I wasn't too keen on the short shorts, knee high socks and Chuck Taylor shoes of yore either. Ben Wallace's home game do however I totally dug!

Ron Party · Sep 30, 2010

Like this?

Or maybe this?

JackD201 · Sep 30, 2010

Yeah! Who'd wanna drive into the lane when the Center could block your shot with his head!

JackD201 · Sep 30, 2010

Was just teasing

Steve Williams · Sep 30, 2010

IMO Reggie reins supreme as the best dressed color commentator on TV

NBA Finals Conspiracy Theory

WBF Founding Member

Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator

Well-Known Member

Member Sponsor & WBF Founding Member

Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator

Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator

WBF Founding Member

Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator

WBF Founding Member

WBF Founding Member

WBF Founding Member

Member Sponsor & WBF Founding Member

WBF Founding Member

Member Sponsor & WBF Founding Member

Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator

WBF Founding Member

WBF Founding Member

WBF Founding Member

WBF Founding Member

Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator