Cleveland vs. LA 2010

With the new additions to both the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Lakers, it appears each has taken a step toward making a run at the 2010 NBA championship.

With Shaq and Z, the Cavaliers have strength inside to deal with anyone. They can and should dominate the paint night in and night out. In which case LeBron, Delonte, Mo, and everyone else should benefit greatly. Cleveland can deal with anyone in the eastern conference right now.

The addition of Ron Artest has brought to the Lakers another good defender to go along with Kobe. Taking nothing away from Trevor Ariza, but Artest is little more rugged and can bang with LeBron. He may not stop him, but he can make it more difficult for him simply because of his size.

For Cleveland to win the series LeBron and company have to dominate inside. With the Big Fellas inside, and LeBron’s ability to get to the hole at any time, this is where the series will be won. Free throws could doom the Cavaliers chances should they shoot under 70%.

LA by contrast has to get Cleveland’s big guys outside and force them to play defense on more mobile players. If Shaq and Z are forced to guard quicker players on the perimeter, they can become fatigued and get into foul trouble. In which case Bynum, Gasol, Odom will be the difference in the repeat.

I am sure we will see Cleveland vs. LA on Christmas day to preview what we could see in the finals.

The Other Half or the NBA Final Four

The Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs present themselves as formidable opponents for Cleveland and LA respectively.

If Rasheed Wallace ends his career in Boston, he could give them another inside outside presence that could give Cleveland fits. His skills as a passer feeding Kevin Garnett make it impossible to double team KG, leaving him to go to work inside. If you do decide to double it has to be from the weak side leaving Ray or Paul to spot up for the three. With Rasheed, the Celtics would have an attack that could humble most teams.

The addition of Richard Jefferson has put San Antonio in contention for another title. He is a very good complimentary player that can go off to score when called upon. His size and ability to drive and hit the open jumper will have a great effect on Tim Duncan, Michael Finley, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker and the rest of the Spurs. Look for the Spurs to make some noise during the playoffs.

Both the Eastern Conference Finals and Western Conference Finals the teams listed above are there will be even more exciting than this past year’s was. That is saying a lot because 2008 was a fantastic year in the playoff and made me fall in love with the NBA all over again.