GREEN/GOLD- This Ain’t Bananas Talk!

Alister AlbertJun 7, 2008

For most of us from the island of St. Lucia in the late 80’s and early 90’s, Green Gold resonates with us as a widely used political term for our days as a country dependent on our agricultural crops of bananas which was the staple source of international revenue as a result of much exportation, thus the use of the colours; Green- the fruit, Gold- the money it generated

Fast forwarding to St. Lucia in 2008, where tourism earns its steady flow of income from much renowned talent exhibitions like the recently passed St. Lucia Jazz Festival, die-hard basketball enthusiasts now see a much more vibrant, less colonial connotation to the colours as they are associated with the two top teams in the NBA today who begun the epic clash in the 62^nd installment of the NBA Finals.

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Most us of will have to settle for taking in the action from our living rooms as we can only dream of affording the US$10271 (£5136/EC$27424) ticket stub for courtside seats to Game 1. But that does nothing to lessen the hype and excitement of this year’s season.

The two most historical franchises are squaring off for the Larry O’Brien trophy. Yes, we all know of the 30 championships shared between these clubs with the banners hanging in their rafters (16-Celtics, 14-L.A.) but there is no more Magic and Larry, and definitely no more Kareem and West and Russell and McHale. So in 2008, this present and future rivalry lies with Kobe and Allen, Gasol and Garnett, Fisher and Rondo, Odom and Pierce.

To view the comparisons that has everyone wondering, which will push each of these teams past the other, check out the analysis of the 5 positions and coaches in the relevant sections.

POINT GUARD

Derek Fisher and Jordan Farmar for the Lakers versus Rajon Rondo and Sam Cassell of the Celtics. They are basically evened out if you ask me. Fisher and Cassell are two old heads who have been around the block and know a thing or two about winning championships (albeit Cassell’s last ones coming in ’94 and 95 in Houston AFTER Jordan’s first retirement to baseball). Then you have Rondo and Farmar, the 21 and 26 picks respectively in the first round of the 2006 NBA draft, who both blossomed tremendously from their rookie campaigns.

The story of this position is going to be the play of Rondo on D-Fish. It is easy to believe that Fisher would have the advantage but don’t count out Rondo as his play has been nothing short of spectacular in this his playoff and Finals debut. The sophomore turned out to be the mature Kentucky product who silenced the critics with his play on Chauncy Billups in the Conference Finals as he held his own with averages of 9.2 PPG, 6.5 APG, 4.4 RPG and outstandingly just over 2 turnovers per game.

“He’s our general” stated Garnett in a recent post game interview and he definitely has to continue to be if Boston is to fight off the Lakers. He may not be the player who determines the overall outcome, but he is definitely in the mix as a role player that has to produce and keep focus if the Celtics are to contend.

Rondo’s play on the defensive end is also a key feature to his game, just as significant as his point (10.5), assists (6.6) and turnover (1.9) production as he currently averages just over 3 steals per game. His presence as a pick-pocket will have to be intact as it could frustrate the Laker guards as it did to the Detroit Piston back and front court, which would create easy fast break opportunities for himself and Celtic wingmen. Look for Rondo to be everywhere and surprise us further.

Luckily for Rondo he has a veteran in Sam Cassell who could come off the bench and give a spark if he slips in anyway. Cassell has not gained many minutes in these playoffs as he averages just over 13 minutes and 4.7 points per game. That is all attributed to the strong play of his colleague, Rondo who averages a bulky 33.4 minutes. Who would have thought that Sam Cassell would play second fiddle to Rondo when coming to Boston? Again though do not think Cassell will not impact this series in some way. He was traded from the Clippers to back Rondo in these exact situations, for experience and he just may put his stamp on this series just as another team-mate veteran, who will be mentioned.

Derek Fisher. Mr. 0.4. Known for his clutch heroics and mental focus in the Laker rotation. He will be the point-man as usual for the Lakers. We all know he brings 3 championships, solid playoff career 3-point field goal percentage (.559) and the professionalism and fight of the President of the Players Association we have all come know. Starting the triangle offence, Fisher will be the one to get into spots after Kobe has drawn all the attention and knock down open shots. He undeniably would have to be a priority cover in the final minutes of each game.

Jordan Famar is the leader of the Lakers second unit but I don’t see him having much of an impact on this series as he will be the utility player coming in to give Fisher rest in between quarters, barring injury.

SHOOTING GUARD

Ray Allen versus Kobe Bryant. Advantage, L.A. Lakers. Hands down! It’s usually difficult for me adorn Kobe with praise, as it’s no secret that I am a staunch Allen Iverson supporter and firm believer that no one will come close to the greatness of Michael Jordan (apart from wearing number 24) but being objective is key and after all Kobe is the MVP (*sigh*, we need another AI!).

Kobe comes into this series averaging 32, 6 and 6 to Ray Allen’s 14, 3 and 2. For Kobe however it would be important for him to do what he did all season long and be the team-mate his other Lakers players’ need. He will not be able to do it alone as it is certain that Doc Rivers and the league’s best defensive team will be ready to pick him up. Lamar Odom in a press conference yesterday mentioned the importance of ball movement and knowing that “[Lakers wont] win this series [by giving] the ball to [Kobe] and let him go one on one, ‘cause [Boston] wont let him do that.”

Kobe is known as the league’s best “closer.” He even arrogantly admitted it after a win over the Spurs where he remained tentative throughout the first 3 quarters and then turned it up in the fourth, saying “I can get off at anytime.” However, he does it with such frequency, you can’t help but accept that he’s going to do what he wants, when he wants and he, just like LeBron James accepts that he has a command and relishes the moment in the final 12 minutes. This is the first time since the Shaq-Kobe era that I’ve seen him walk with “I’m the man” strut. It’s definitely going to be tough for Ray Allen but more so James Posey, who I believe would and should be guarding “Triple-ocho.”

Doubling Kobe with weak side help might seem like the most sensible thing to do, but that only makes him more dangerous as now after breaking the traps (which he does with great efficiency- natural talent from his “ball-hog” days), he now has another option in finding the open shooter or going to the rack himself. My suggestion to Boston and Doc Rivers, DO NOT DOUBLE KOBE! Let him go for 60 points. Let him break another individual scoring record, cover the other player options and execute on the offensive end.

Ray Allen could not have chosen a better time to start playing better. Coming off sub-par playoff outings against Atlanta and Cleveland, where in the last series he averaged a horrid 9.3 PPG. Ray Allen’s team mates would be his best help, where looking for him on open shots and setting necessary screens for him to roll off is key. Ray Allen will also get help from Eddie House off the bench, but the onus will be on “Sugar-Ray” to produce.

SMALL FORWARD

Vladimir Radmanovic and Luke Walton occupy this spot in Phil Jackson’s rotation. Radmanovic is a spot-up, set-shooter who does not get to the rim and free-throw line much. His one dimensional game would therefore be easy to contain. Luke Walton presents a better challenge as his court awareness and inside and outside game is the dynamic that makes the Lakers role players so hard to guard. I don’t see either of them going for 20 and 10, but their input would be needed. How they do it will be a mystery, against stifling Boston defense. KB24, would be the one to get these guys open looks, by making plays that will suck their defenders, thus granting room to operate. Hence the reason Boston should not double.

By far the Celtics small forwards will dominate the position. Paul Pierce in my opinion, the team’s MVP, has proven to be the most unstoppable player at that position in the playoffs. Remember him going toe for toe with LeBron in Game 7 of the East semis scoring 41 points to James’ 45? He definitely answered Kenny Smith’s call of superstars needing to step up and scoring at least 40 in must win games. KG has been known throughout his career to pass up the open jumper in the closing seconds and Ray Allen will always be hacked on coverage. Aside from Rondo, Paul Pierce is the only creator on this team who can get his shot off, by getting to the rim or creating enough space for the jump shot. According to LeBron who noted apart from Kobe, Paul Pierce is another player he admired in the league for his “great footwork.” More than ever the Celtics will need Pierce dancing on Garden parquet and crossing this last hurdle that might earn him his first and Boston’s 17^th NBA championship.

Pierce is helped by James Posey who will be a very integral part to the Celtics championship hopes. By bringing his championship calibre defense and spot up shooting, Pose will pose a big threat on the court and will be in my opinion the guy who will be charged with “stopping” Kobe.

POWER FORWARD and CENTER

On the Gold team we have Lamar Odom, Pau Gasol, Ronny Turiaf and DJ Mbenga and in the Green corner, Kevin Garnett, Kendrick Perkins and PJ Brown. Lots of big bodies there but of course the four which stand out are Lamar, Pau, KG and Perk. These four are not natual centers but definitely can switch between the 4 and 5.

Kevin Garnett is going to bring it every night. We know that! The league’s current Defensive Player of the Year is averaging 21 and 10 in these playoffs, but his presence speaks much louder than his statistics. His hands will be full juggling between Odom and Gasol but will be ready. He has been waiting his whole 12 year NBA career for this moment and with his Hall of Fame, father-like NBA figure, Bill Russell cheering him on the sidelines, he won’t disappoint. Look for the usual tenacious, court slapping, head banging, always roaring defense from the “Big Ticket.” However my only knock on Kevin is that he shies away from pressure moments. He has to want the ball in the closing minutes. His high percentage points will be needed in crunch time but will he be up for the challenge?

Lamar Odom rounds out the Lakers own version of “The Big 3.” The Jamaica, Queens NY native has been the Lakers "x-factor" throughout the season, quietly averaging a double-double of nearly 15 and 10. He’s the one teams tend to forget, when concentrating on Kobe and Pau. His blue-collar, workman like attitude is what’s going to get it done for the Lakers with his rebounding and small forward-like abilities. Another player who has dreamed of playing in the Finals is now here and playing against Boston, near his hometown is all the motivation he needs.

Kendrick Perkins aka “The Big Nasty,” is definitely no comparison to Sam Perkins aka “The Big Smooth.” Perkins has gained the moniker by being the guy you hate to go up against in the zone. He aggressively pounds the boards and gets in your face to shot block. The small-mouthed, wide-eyed forward/center does not need to say much on the court as his presence has definitely spoken up for him. Already having a career defining playoff campaign, Perk will be the other guy guarding the Celtic basket and ensuring no one, including Kobe Bryant gets there easily. Like Rondo he will need to do what he has been taught and execute to get his team over this final hump, namely rebounding, shot blocking, quick outlet passes and plainly being "Nasty".

Former All-Star and Spanish hero, Pau Gasol, received in the trade of the century from Memphis Grizzles for almost nothing (apart from the talented point-guard Javarais Crittenton), has been very impactful since his debut with the Lakers where he showcased his 20-10 ability, netting 24 points and reeling in 12 rebounds against the New Jersey Nets. Gasol comes into the Finals averaging solid 2008 playoff figures of nearly 18 PPG, 9 pulls and 2.5 BPG. He definitely is the reason apart from Bryant as to why the Lakers are in this position and it could not have come at a better time with Andrew Bynum having to sit out the remainder of the season due to knee surgery.

In the two regular season games these teams played, Gasol was still in Memphis andthe Celts won both convincingly. Now with Gasol in the fray the Lakers have another go-to dynamic which makes them even more Pau-erful. This trade definitely validated L.A.’s title hopes and could be the reason why Gasol could earn his first championship after going winless in 3 playoff appearances with Memphis. The key things Gasol needs to do is continue anchoring the triangle on offence and defense and shaking his softy play which he has been chastised for over his career. It is also important that when the offence flows and he floats into free-throw range he knock down that open jumper which league players respect. This also creates space for passing to cutters like Kobe, Odom and Walton. It is imperative that Gasol stays aggressive and showcase the spicy Spanish determination that will help the Lakers overcome the Celtics.

Ronny Turiaf and DJ Mbenga round out the Lakers rigid front court. Born in Martinique (St. Lucia's neighbour), Turiaf brings the Caribbean excitement and energy in the Lakers second unit and his workhorse like mentality is fun to watch. He’s like Dennis Rodman to this team only with a less colourful personality. He and Mbenga are role players who would need to make most of their minutes and keep their bodies on both Garnett and Perkins and the rest of the Celtic front court.

PJ Brown, who I thought was on retirement earlier this season, had been the unlikely hero alongside Pierce that got the Celtics over the Cavaliers in the previous round, being in the right spot at the right time. Making the big play has been the definition of Brown’s career and when you least expect it. His veteran leadership and court savvy makes him a very important man off the bench for the Celtics and the Lakers by no means should leave him unguarded since he can knock down that 15-17 foot jumper. From his days with the Hornets and Heat he had always been the thorn on the side of opposing teams who he stings and burns surruptitiously. His value to his teams is almost Robert Horry-like and though he is averaging just 2.6 points in these playoffs, it’s the biggest 2.6 points most of us might ever see in the game of basketball.

Coaches

“Zen Master” versus the Doc. The experience factor and disparity is clear as “night and day” according to Doc Rivers who expressed that he is not even going to attempt to compare himself or his resume to that of Phil Jackson. “I’m gonna coach my team and he’s gonna coach his team...Why try?... I’m just gonna to do my job.” The numbers go on and on when one analyses the playoff legacy of Phil Jackson. Jackson is tied with Celtics’ legendary coach Red Auerbach with 9 championsips and a series win would make him the sole master of the championship.

Doc Rivers however is responsible along with Cletics GM, Danny Ainge for the biggest turnaround in franchise history by taking the last place Celtics the previous year, to first place glory this season. He is also the architect of an impressive Celtic team which brought 3 future Hall of Famers together, neutralised their egos and almagated their talents for the benefit of one outcome, being NBA champions. He has guided the team through a very surprisingly tough playoff exhibition against the feisty Hawks and former East champs Cleveland and Detroit. Like a chameleon adapting his play book to the tune of the series as it goes along and filling the necessary gaps when they present themselves. Doc Rivers may not be the one with all the accolades but he has definitely shown to be a formidable opponent behind the sidelines, roaming and orchestrating X’s and O’s while Phil allows his boys to play themselves into a rhythm, which the Zen Master has been most famously noted for.

However great or small the disparity, one thing is certain, both teams will be playing the same game of basketball on the same stage, for he same amount of time. The past is vibrant and these finals are filled with nostalgia but the future is now and it seems quite exciting with one of these coaches running the correct plays at the right times that will consequently lead to a series victory. One thing is certain, it is not going to be easy neither quick!

This series is definitely going to be a long grinded out series just like that of its historical roots as both teams possess highly potent weapons that can shape the outcome of the games as they progress. This one is definitely a hard call and not easy to say who a winner will be. On one hand there is the Celtics sweeping the regular season series, which unmistakably missed Pau Gasol and then you have the Celtics having home court advantage throughout the playoffs which has played to their favour throughout previous series. Then you got the Lakers who have Kobe Bryant and a supporting cast that many GM’s in the league would dream of having as starters on their squads and Phil Jackson on the sidelines directing the “Lake-Show.” It is hard to come outright and say one team will win because there are so many factors at play. No “analyst” can predict how long this series could go, but it is definitely safe to say that it will go 7. Radical predictions that this series will go to triple overtime in game 7 game is crazy, but definitely not impossible. The truth is there are too many unknowns to be played out.

The way forward with a guess is to be biased or ride the confidence of one’s favourite or most liked team. It’s that easy. In that case I predict Green will triumph over Gold, the Lakers lose in 7 to the Celtics with Paul Pierce gaining MVP honours. Why? Rewind and read everything I just wrote. Have fun!

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1. Desire- Celtics 21 championship hunger strike vs. L.A.’s 4 year wait

1. Most NBA Finals wins in NBA history 79 victories for Lakers, Celtics 2^nd with 70, followed by Chicago with 24
2. Most NBA Titles: 16 Boston titles, Lakers 14, followed by Bulls with 6 and, Spurs with 4