Bleacher Report - Articles by Zachary Cole

Picking Favorites: Do Fans Have A Right to Bandwagon?

Zachary Cole — Fri, 16 May 2008 12:28:08 -0400

As the NBA Playoffs have forged into the Conference Semifinals, as an avid fan of the game I have found myself torn with potential Conference Finals matchups. Furthermore, many people have accused me of not being a true fan for the fact that I often like to root for different players or teams every season.

Well, this is only somewhat true. I have lived in Boston since I was just two years old, and naturally I am a fan of everything Boston/New England. You name it, I love it. Celtics, Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins, B.C. Eagles. I even root for those teams that few Americans probably even know exist. I'm talking about the Revolution (MLS) and the Cannons (MLL).

But back to the NBA Playoffs. As for the Celtics, I have lived in agony the past few years watching the Celtics go nowhere in the playoffs, get poor draft selections, and eventually post one of the most memorably awful seasons in recent memory in the 2006-2007 campaign.

All the while, I remained faithful to the Celtics and the lucky leprechaun that is rumored to reside beneath the parquet in the Boston Garden. This season, however, my patience has been rewarded after the Celtics' revamped star-studded lineup making the best turnaround in NBA history.

Needless to say, I love watching Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen collaborate and receive team success. I love watching the growth of PG Rajon Rondo, who by the way posted a terrific 20-point, 13-assist, 1-turnover game in a crucial Game Five against Cleveland. Clearly, the Celtics are a favorite to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals and my personal favorite (I'm hoping) to win the whole shebang.

Besides the Celtics, I also enjoy watching Deron Williams and Chris Paul emerge as the elite point guards in the NBA right before our eyes. I grimaced as I saw Chauncey Billups injure himself in the Orlando series, because he, too, is a personal favorite player of mine.

Finally, Kobe Bryant and Tony Parker round out my list of players who I find constantly delivering jaw-dropping plays that make me question the natural laws of physics. When watching regular season games, I cheer for all those players to have great games, and ultimately record a win when all is said and done.

However, as all of these players, and the Celtics, remain in the playoffs, I find it increasingly hard to decide who to root for. I have been accused of being an indecisive, bandwagon fan because I like players who are at the moment having great success.

I disagree. While it is true that the players who grace my list of personal favorites are all having extraordinary seasons, there are additional reasons I enjoy them. I like to look at athletes as people. Kobe Bryant and Chris Paul are one and one-A on my list of favorites because of their extraordinary play AND because of how they carry themselves. Demeanor and presence can go a long way in deciding which players or teams to follow.

So as the Conference Finals roll around, I once again find myself being an "indecisive fan," not knowing who to root for. Should the West come down to the Hornets and Lakers, I will be extremely torn, because I would love to see Paul get a title, but I would also love to see Bryant get a title without Shaq.

At the same time, I want the Celtics to win a championship and return to prominence atop the NBA's elite.

Boston Celtics, Kevin Garnett Send Message Loud and Clear

Zachary Cole — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 06:59:07 -0400

Kevin Garnett let out a ferocious roar to the skies of Boston on Friday night. But to whom in particular was this roar directed?

It could have been to the New Orleans Hornets' fanbase, who probably believed they had a chance of hanging with the Celtics on the Boston home court.

It could have been to the team's faithful, who have stood by the Celtics this season, watching the revitalization of a proud franchise.

It could have been directed toward everyone who doubted the Celtics' ability to persevere through injury, age, and a lineup headlining three superstar egos.

But if you ask me, Garnett was sending a message to the entire league. Fresh off a 20-point blowout of the West-leading Hornets, the Celtics feel that they can take on anyone in the league.

And they have. With this win, Boston has now conquered each team in the league at least once.

As I have said all season long, the key to the Celtics' success is selfless play and a dependency on a defense that has left them with the number one defensive rating in the league.

Veteran leadership has ignited the season as well. The Boston players are smarter and more savvy than before, and have plenty of tricks up their sleeves to stop even the most dangerous of players.

Yes, that includes you, Chris Paul. Although going for 20-plus points and recording double digit assists for the 11th time in 12 games, the young point guard (who many include in contention for this year's MVP) could not topple the mighty Celtics on their home floor.

This is not to take anything away from Paul or the Hornets who are having a tremendous season of their own, but with a 20-point win the Celtics are striking fear into the hearts of the top NBA franchises.

So Kevin Garnett, go ahead and yell. Let yourself be heard by those who will acknowledge your terrific season and winning percentage—the Celtics WILL win 60-plus games this year—yet refuse to put you into the race for the MVP.

You will just have to settle for a Finals MVP and a nice fat ring on your finger. Enjoy.

Boston Celtics Streaking Towards the Postseason

Zachary Cole — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 11:07:00 -0400

Okay, okay, so it's not 20 wins in a row (Houston Rockets), but the Boston Celtics have quietly built up and maintained the NBA's second longest winning streak at 10 games.

So what's responsible for this turnaround shortly after losing three straight?

It's simple: The veteran leadership on this team has created a just-win mentality that has driven Boston all season.

In fact, Boston has attained its first 50 win season since the Bird era, this current team also was the first team to lock a playoff spot (even if it is the Eastern Conference), and still have the league's top record.

Kevin Garnett has brought an entire new attitude to this team. He has challenged his teammates to pick up their defense, and it shows. At 100.2 points, the Celtics hold the NBA's best defensive ranking.

But more than that, the veteran acquisitions have inspired the type of selfless chemistry that is a key ingredient to quality contending franchises, such as the San Antonio Spurs and Detroit Pistons. Garnett has recently even acknowledged Paul Pierce as the MVP of the team, saying that he "makes scoring look easy." With all the talent this team has, it remains impressive how evenly distributed the spotlight remains.

However, Garnett is not the only veteran having an impact on the Celtics' makeup. New acquisitions Sam Cassell and P.J. Brown bring experienced, successful players who will fits into the Celtics' mold because they too carry themselves with class and proper attitudes.

Cassell's mind may possibly be more valuable to the Celtics than his actual on-court minutes. He holds priceless championship experience from his days with the Rockets. Cassell has been using his knowledge to mentor young point guard Rajon Rondo, whose development has been nothing short of terrific.

As an added bonus, Cassell has already logged serious court time with Ray Allen, and Garnett, in Milwaukee and Minnesota respectively. This will be useful because he knows all about their styles of play, where they like to get the ball, and most importantly, how to keep them happy.

Expect the Celtics to finish strong with a terrific record, and keep an eye out as well for their upcoming matchup with the red hot Rockets.

NBA Western Conference Predictions

Zachary Cole — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 04:26:57 -0500

The Western Conference (despite losing the All Star Game) remains the dominant conference.

However, with so many good teams, it is very difficult to differentiate the contenders from the pretenders.

Now that we have entered the second half of the season many teams will rise and fall from the elite western ranks. Here are a few of my predictions of the top teams in the West...

New Orleans

With Chris Paul as a standout MVP candidate leading a relatively athletic team, the Hornets are a team that seems strongest in the West. David West is having a tremendous season, even garnering (along with Paul) his first All Star selection. Tyson Chandler has also matured into a much smarter player, which has in turn made him a better teammate. With the benefit of good chemistry on a talented team, the future looks bright.

Phoenix

Yes, Shaq is now a Sun, however his presence is simply not what it used to be. With the loss of Shawn Marion as part of the deal, the fast break that has made this team so successful, will be ran a little bit slower.

Steve Nash is still the best passer and playmaker in the game, while Amare Stoudemire has proven himself as a powerful big man, so the Suns’ core is remains intact. Backed by Leandro Barbosa, Boris Diaw, and Grant Hill, this team is deep and will have a nice season, but will not contend for the championship.

Los Angeles

Like it or not, there is no denying that Kobe Bryant is the most individually talented player in the world. The fact that he has decided to trust his teammates and make them better this year is astounding, scary, and the reason the Lakers are having a fantastic season.

Pau Gasol is a nice addition who has filled his role very well so far. The question with this team lies in its health. Will Andrew Bynum return and resume his high level of play? Will Kobe come back from his finger injury and lead his team to the top of the West?

San Antonio

The defending champs are not in first place in the West. They are not even in first in the Southwest. So what’s wrong?

Nothing.

When you have Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobilli, and a host of selfless role players who genuinely want to win, you have a team that will contend. The Spurs, headed by Gregg Popovich, are a classy organization, run the right way, and always seem to find a way deep into the playoff picture. Expect nothing different this year.

Dallas

Jason Kidd is soon to be a Maverick, and having wingmen Jerry Stackhouse, Josh Howard, and Jason Terry only gives Kidd the opportunity to really show off his playmaking skills.

With Dirk playing consistently at a high level there should be no reason for us not to see more Mark Cuban antics on the sidelines come June.

Utah

Jazz fans rejoice—the storm is over. Deron Williams has broken out of his slump, which means the Jazz are back on track. Look for Carlos Boozer to step up even more as the season progresses, and for a strong finish from the Jazz.

I expect Utah to get a good playoff seed, however, with so much talent in the West, I do not expect them to contend this year.

Boston Rebound: Look on the Bright Side, Celtics Fans

Zachary Cole — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 10:23:45 -0500

You may have panicked.

You may have yelled at your television.

You may have even avoided reading the newspaper’s box scores if you’re a Celtics fan.

It’s true—all of a sudden they no longer seem invincible. No longer do they hold a record that borders .900, and they have even gone 7-3 over their last 10 games—and yes, that’s a slump for this year’s Celtics.

And it doesn’t stop there.

The injury bug has hit the big three, sitting Ray Allen as well as Kevin Garnett for multiple games apiece. And just in case you forgot, the Cleveland Cavaliers, who have handed the Celtics two of their nine losses, loom just around the corner.

However, through all of Boston's recent struggles, certain positive aspects of this team have managed to reveal themselves. With their current MVP Garnett sidelined due to injuries, the Celtics needed some more leadership on the court.

To everyone’s pleasant surprise it came in the form of point guard Rajon Rondo.

The second year guard out of Kentucky has played brilliantly over the past few games, and increased his offensive production. Rondo scored 24 points and dished out eight assists against the Clippers, one night after putting up 20 points on the Cavaliers.

I have also been impressed with the outstanding energy and intensity with which the Celtics approach each game. There seems to be a collective desire to win that has not been seen in Boston in recent years.

So for those of you who panicked, I give you this: The Celtics hold the league’s best record at 38-9. They have been winning without key players, and they still remain in control of the Eastern Conference.

It’s a long season, so look forward to the return of Garnett, and the return to invincibility.