Summertime

Now that the Hawks have been in humiliated by the Celtics in Game 7 which led to the end of two weird weeks for Atlanta, from the sixteen teams which started the playoffs, only eight are remaining. I wrote a first-round preview, but couldn’t do that for the second round. Why? Because the second round already started on Saturday night, while the Celtics still had to get rid off those pesky Hawks. So instead of writing a preview, let’s take quick look to those eight teams who are gone, but not forgotten.

East

Atlanta Hawks: They are so inconsistent. Gave the Celtics all they could handle, so that must mean this team is capable of way more than they have shown so far. If young guys start to use their heads slightly more than rely on their athleticism, they will be in the playoffs again next year, and might even win a round. I’m really impressed by Al Horford, and one of the keys to a better season than they had now is Mike Bibby. Because although the Joshes, Marvin and whoever need to think a little bit more, Bibby and backcourt partner Joe Johnson have to lead them in the right direction.

Philadelphia 76’ers: Gave the Pistons some trouble, even when Iggy wasn’t playing well. Dr. Dre Miller is the perfect leader for this team, and still a very, very good point guard. Thaddeus might be Young, and so is Louis Williams but in a couple of years these two might be the stars of the Sixers. Dalembert might be overpaid, but had a good season for them (he and Evans on the boards are a nice combo to have), which leaves us to Iguodala. I have a feeling that this is his Gillette moment. The best a man can get. He’s good, but can he get better, or has he reached the ceiling? The Sixers are a team without true starts, until Iguodala becomes one.

Toronto Raptors: It didn’t surprise me that the Magic won. The Raptors haven’t been playing well for months. The trade rumors are already starting, mentioning New Jersey Net Richard Jefferson going there to provide some help. I think talent isn’t the issue with the Raptors, but as I said many times before, it’s mentality. Maybe Sam Mitchell’s coaching ways aren’t working anymore, or maybe it’s just all between the players’ ears. But they have some great players, who provided some magic of their own against Orlando. They just disappeared.

Washington Wizards: When Arenas is saying that the Wizards might be a better team without him, can be considered a trade request? Last season and this one the Wizards weren’t healthy for the playoffs. I would like to see them make one more run. That’s all I can say about that. I heard some stuff a while ago that Antawn Jamison might not be there next season, but I certainly hope that isn’t the case. He and Caron Butler are just as important as a healthy Arenas. One more run to see what these guys can really do. Mason and Blatche can only get better, and the only thing the Wizards might benefit from is a quality rebounder. And for Deshawn Stevenson to shut up.

West

Denver Nuggets: This is the only team I don’t know what to say about. Rumors say that Marcus Camby will be traded. Why? Because he was the Defensive Player of the Year one season ago? Who are they trading him for? Good shotblockers are hard to find, so good luck with that. I’m happy for George Karl that he will be back next season, he seems like a good guy. But I wonder how far he can take them. If they do make a change, I hope they take a look at Paul Silas. Other than that, I have no idea what should happen in Denver, besides the fact that they should play some defense. Simple as that.

Dallas Mavericks: Mark Cuban’s got more problems than R. Kelly. What they have in common? They created those problems themselves and can’t keep it on the down low. It’s out in the open, because the trade for Jason Kidd has yet to prove to be a good one. I still believe Kidd can lead the Mavericks to another good regular season, but his quest for a championship will end on a sour note. There is no way in hell Dallas will win a championship with their current roster, and the West will even be better next season. Besides Josh Howard and Brandon Bass, who are the other players on the team who have some improvement left? Besides those two, it’s a team without a future, and part of their future is ballin’ in Jersey.

Phoenix Suns: Same problem as the Mavs, somewhat. They want to win now, but now doesn’t seem to happen, and getting older is. Now what? The window of winning titles is faster than Barbosa can sprint down the court. I believe Nash still has enough in the tank to be a top point guard, but he still can’t defend. Shaq is old, wise, but still old. He’s an asset because the star of the team, Amare Stoudemire, is playing his natural position again, and is more dangerous than ever. But let’s be honest here: there are too many teams who can beat the Suns in the playoffs right now, and they are not only named “Spurs”. Can you imagine the Suns beating the Hornets or Lakers right now? The Jazz? I’m not sure, and what’s also not sure if coach Mike D’Antoni will be back next season. I wonder how this team will respond to another coach.

Houston Rockets: Good team, good players, but a very difficult year lies ahead with teams like the Blazers on the come-up. You can always ask “what if?”, because what if Yao Ming was healthy? I think the Jazz would still have beaten them. Luis Scola should start 82 games next season, they have a decent bench and a great starting five. But will they get past the first round next year? Is it, or isn’t it T-Mac’s fault? Is Adelman the one to blame? And the most important question of this summer will be: how old is Dikembe Mutombo really anyway?