Since it's Lakers-Celtics XII, I would like to make a list of teams that should have a much better record with it, but don't...
Wish list/likelihood:
1) Phoenix Suns
Admittedly, I'm a sucker for Steve Nash being cut out. He's the Randy Winn of the NBA... Plus, if they keep Amare, they've got a pretty good shot if someone can handle the Lakers... (shrugs) One thing to keep in mind, they have historically been in the Finals (twice, lost).
2) Oklahoma City Thunder
With a team like they've got, the young core that already has playoff experience, this isn't too far off. Especially having Kevin Durant... The Seattle SuperSonics had one [championship] before jumping ship.
3) Dallas Mavericks
The best-balanced team that isn't named the Lakers in the Western Conference (even for a native Colorado kid...), and the only team in Texas (and everything is "bigger in Texas") that doesn't have a championship. Dirk Nowitzki is due for this, especially after the no-show to the Heat in '06.
4) Orlando Magic
This is probably the most interesting case on the list. Besides being my first Eastern Conference team on the list (I'm from the west, give me a break), they have had great rosters in the past. They have only been one time, losing to the Lakers last year. And they had a really good squad this year. If it wasn't for my "love" of the Celtics, I would feel bad for them... Oh, wait, I still do.
5) Atlanta Hawks
This team is not bad at all, and actually have a championship souvenir from their days in St. Louis. But with the squad they have, it is not a far-off possibility for them. That being said, they have to first establish themselves as a consistent power in the Eastern Conference. They did a good job of that this season.
6) Detroit Pistons
For a team that has had a decent history, they fell off the table this year. Time to revert to the success of the early 2000's. They had two championships back-to-back, but since have been very quiet. Still have some of the same players too...
7) New Orleans Hornets
Chris Paul has too good of an ability to be mired in New Orleans, but they have him locked up for now. Not to mention, he's got a brilliant rookie (now soph) backup point in Darren Collison. They are too good to be cut out of the Western Conference picture for too long...
I might post more arguments later as I get to it. Suffice it to say this, here's a list of teams with less than 1 (or 1 championship) between them...
0 championships/appearances:
-Charlotte Bobcats (expansion team of '04)
-Toronto Raptors
-Memphis Grizzlies
-Minnesota Timberwolves
-Denver Nuggets
-Los Angeles Clippers
-Cleveland Cavaliers
-Indiana Pacers (despite Reggie Miller)
-New Jersey Nets
-Utah Jazz
1 championship:
-Sacramento Kings
-Milwaukee Bucks (from the Western Conference, no less)
-Portland Trail Blazers
-Washington Wizards
****
AEPMT
