The NBA Playoffs

The "Basketball for Thought" is a commentary by Kris Gardner.

May 1999

The NBA's truncated season is over and the Playoffs are set to begin. The 50 game sprint to the finish has ended; and, it's time for the real season to get underway. However, the eventual champion will deserve to be called a champion without having an asterisk placed by their name stating: "No Michael". The only designation needed should pertain to the lockout: "50 game regular season due to stubbornness". Many different things occurred this season -- some good, some bad; but, as a whole, this 92 day "season in a bottle" was definitely an experience that won't be forgotten. Surprises and disappointments abound.

First, the good. This year's class of rookies was pretty exceptional. From Toronto's Vince Carter's stellar rookie season to Milwaukee's Robert Traylor's steady contribution as starting center despite being 6'7". Hardly any team can claim a rookie was a bust this season. (Michael Olowokandi, the top pick in the Draft, wasn't spectacular for the Clips; but, he was solid and showed flashes of brilliance.) The list goes on and on: Paul Pierce in Boston, Jason Williams and Peja Stojakovic in Sacramento; Michael Dickerson and Cuttino Mobley in Houston; Dirk Nowitzki in Dallas; Michael Doleac and Matt Harpring in Orlando and more. Despite limited practice time and a shortened training camp, this year's rookie class could go down as one of the league's best.

Another positive was teams like the Sacramento Kings, Philadelphia 76ers, and Milwaukee Bucks ending long playoff droughts and qualifying for the post - season. Each of these teams had endured years of futility and losing seasons; however, thanks to some shrewd trades, draft selections, and free agent signings, the light at the end of the tunnel finally stopped being a train.

"White Chocolate" (Williams) or as I call him "Milk" and "The Answer" (Iverson) dazzled fans and opponents with breath taking beauty, ball handling, and athleticism and helped lead his respective team out of the dank pit of despair and hopelessness.

Now, for some disappointments. Seattle and New Jersey were both expected to be legitimate playoff contenders; yet, each club will be home watching the playoffs on television. Injuries and poor chemistry destroyed the Nets while poor acquisitions doomed the Sonics. Expect both teams to make smarter moves during this off season.

Obviously, the biggest disappointment is the ridiculously low scores and horrible shooting percentages. Practice time was practically non - existent; however, it's time for players to accept some responsibility and learn the basic art of shooting. Coaches need to stop pounding the ball in the half court and bring back the fast break. Defense may win championships; but, if players can't shoot, no offense will work and scores will still plummet.

Without "His Airness" taking up all the post season media attention, a new star or two will blossom on the national scene. Whether it's Iverson, Tim Duncan, Grant Hill, Jason Kidd, or someone else, the 1999 NBA Playoffs should be remembered as the dawning of a new era for the league. MJ won't be replaced or forgotten; but, it's time for a new star to emerge.