We’ve gotten too used to slam-dunk easy NBA Playoffs series to predict.
For years, a few teams at the top have dominated the NBA Playoffs, but even those underling teams had a clear hierarchy of who-beats-who.
Young teams are discounted in the playoffs. It’s a new environment, and it’s hard to adapt.
This year, we have the typical young upstart teams that will predictably be ousted in the first round. I have the Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto Raptors, and the Minnesota Timberwolves in this category.
Now, a new category has emerged. I call it the “we’re lead by a young superstar whose talent alone can beat the crap out of you”-factor. This year, a few young teams who fit this mold, deserve their respect and, most importantly, will knock some heads off this NBA Playoffs.
The Celtics Are What Seed Again?
On a recent episode of my podcast, I said that I didn’t feel confident in the Boston Celtics’ depth. Rotations shrink in the playoffs, but title contenders still need at least eight competent players to have a shot. I saw seven players that head coach Ime Udoka could trust, but there was no eighth man.
Well, recent developments have proved me wrong.
Payton Pritchard has shown that he can be that last man in a rotation and possibly even more. In a recent six-game win streak, Pritchard shot 62.8 percent on three-pointers and provided decent playmaking in about 20 minutes on the floor. Seeing as Boston only has two other guards in Marcus Smart and Derrick White, Pritchard could be the final ingredient the C’s need to make a run.
Robert Williams‘ injury will hurt the Celtics in the short term, but the center should be able to return by the Second Round of the NBA Playoffs. In the meantime, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will have their usual total freedom to showcase their potential as a dynamic duo.
Ben Simmons has yet to play for the Nets. The Sixers are banking on DeAndre Jordan to backup Embiid. The Bulls are succumbing to a tough schedule down the stretch.
Meanwhile, Boston is first in the NBA in defensive rating with 105.9. Without Robert Williams, this will fall off some, but they have proven their defense is elite.
Other Eastern Conference contenders are showing their vulnerabilities down the stretch while the Celtics are flourishing. They are currently a fourth seed in the East.
Dallas Has Received Zero NBA Playoffs Love
I get it. Luka Doncic has never made it past the First Round. Actually, he’s never made it past the Clippers, who are not likely to make it too far this year, so he’s got that going for him!
On the real, Dallas has had to deal with Kristaps Porzingis‘ lackluster play for both of Luka’s postseasons. This year’s different lineup will at least give another ingredient to a core that desperately needed change.
The Porzingis trade may prove to be addition by subtraction, but the midseason move also yielded a valuable tool for Dallas to make a postseason run.
Spencer Dinwiddie‘s career renaissance, and a pair of game-winners, will be a massive boost to the Dallas Mavericks’ chances. The man has postseason experience and can run the offense while Luka rests.
Not to mention, the Mavericks are currently seventh in the NBA in defensive rating with 108.5! They will not be an easy team to beat in a seven-game series if they can defend at a high level in the playoffs and match that with efficient offensive production.
Forget Ja Morant, the Grizzlies Are Legit!
The Memphis Grizzlies are 17-2 without Ja Morant in the lineup. Let that sink in for a moment.
The Grizzlies have the best chance to make an actual title run out of these three teams. Why? They have the most team chemistry, a clear identity, and defined roles for their supporting cast. This was the secret ingredient to Memphis’ success without Ja Morant and what could take them all the way to the NBA Finals and beyond in 2022.
Limiting your superstar’s minutes in the early rounds is vital to keep them fresh for the more challenging opponents later. At 22 years old, Morant likely won’t need a lot of rest, but rest is just as valuable a weapon as any in the young guard’s arsenal.
When discussing the Grizz as a playoff contender, many quickly suggest their youth and inexperience will prevent them from winning.
I say the opposite. Ja’s “I’ll dunk over anyone” nature is special. His work ethic and team-first nature are conducive to winning basketball. But more than anything else, this team doesn’t even need him to be elite.
On paper, I see the Memphis Grizzlies as a great overall team that also happens to have the game’s foremost up-and-coming young player. They know they can play, they know their roles, and they will be ready come time for the NBA Playoffs.
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