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The NBA playoffs are almost upon us, basketball’s biggest stage. The stage that differentiates those who play to “feed their families” from those whose purpose is to leave a lasting basketball legacy. Recent champions Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Isaiah Thomas, Hakeem Olajuwon, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, Chauncey Billups, Manu Ginobili, Dwyane Wade, Tim Duncan, and Tony Parker have given those who appreciate the beauty of basketball memories to last a lifetime, memories of pride, drive, determination and the will to win.
I believe that there are time-tested characteristics of championship teams. This season’s eventual NBA Champion will embody the following characteristics and more.
Veteran leadership: the NBA regular season pales in comparison to the intensity of the playoffs. The regular season is an 82 game grind but when the stakes become win or go home, veteran players do what it takes to succeed. Veteran players understand that each possession is critical and their concentration level rarely wavers.
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Teams that fit the bill: San Antonio Spurs, Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers, and Cleveland Cavaliers.
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Teams that miss the cut: New Orleans Hornets, Houston Rockets, Orlando Magic, Washington Wizards, Toronto Raptors, Philadelphia 76ers, Atlanta Hawks.
Team defense: the game of basketball can be fickle. Team shooting percentages consistently hover around 50%. Even great teams aren’t immune to off shooting nights. When this happens, championship teams fall back on their time-tested defensive prowess. They dig deeper when adversity strikes.
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Teams that fit the bill: San Antonio Spurs, Utah Jazz, Boston Celtics.
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Teams that miss the cut: Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Hornets, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Cleveland Cavaliers, Washington Wizards, Toronto Raptors, Philadelphia 76ers, Atlanta Hawks.
Steady playmaker: playmaking encompasses more than assists. Playoff playmakers are practically immune to pressure. They are able to quiet the storm in a hostile environment and lead their team to victory from the guard/forward positions.
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Teams that fit the bill: San Antonio Spurs (Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili), Phoenix Suns (Steve Nash), Dallas Mavericks (Jason Kidd), Denver Nuggets (Allen Iverson), Los Angeles Lakers (Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher), Cleveland Cavaliers (LeBron James), Utah Jazz (Deron Williams), Boston Celtics (Sam Cassell), Detroit Pistons (Chauncey Billups).
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Teams that miss the cut: New Orleans Hornets, Houston Rockets, Orlando Magic, Washington Wizards, Toronto Raptors, Philadelphia 76ers, Atlanta Hawks.
Championship caliber low-post scorer: high percentage shots are essential in playoff basketball. Low-post scoring opens the game up for perimeter play. Championship low-post scorers have delivered in intense situations and against top competition.
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Teams that fit the bill: San Antonio Spurs (Tim Duncan), Phoenix Suns (Amare Stoudemire, Shaquille O’Neal), Detroit Pistons (Rasheed Wallace), Boston Celtics (Kevin Garnett), Utah Jazz (Carlos Boozer).
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Teams that miss the cut: Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Hornets, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Orlando Magic, Cleveland Cavaliers, Washington Wizards, Toronto Raptors, Philadelphia 76ers, Atlanta Hawks.
Championship strategist: team leadership must come from the sideline as well as on the basketball court. Contrary to popular opinion championship players want to be coached. They want to be led by men who know what it takes to win.
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Teams that fit the bill: San Antonio Spurs (Greg Popovich), Los Angeles Lakers (Phil Jackson), Utah Jazz (Jerry Sloan).
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Teams that miss the cut: New Orleans Hornets, Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Cleveland Cavaliers, Washington Wizards, Toronto Raptors, Philadelphia 76ers, Atlanta Hawks.
Clutch performer: clutch plays are often times the difference between a win and a loss. Being clutch requires great focus and mental strength. This characteristic turns great players into legends. There will be many pivotal playoff moments. The player who seizes the opportunity and delivers in the most pressure-packed situations will ultimately lead his team to the title.
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Teams that fit the bill: San Antonio Spurs (Manu Ginobili, Robert Horry), Los Angeles Lakers (Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher), Boston Celtics (Paul Pierce, Sam Cassell), Detroit Pistons, (Chauncey Billups), Cleveland Cavaliers (LeBron James) Jason Kidd (Dallas Mavericks).
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Teams that miss the cut: New Orleans Hornets, Utah Jazz, Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Orlando Magic, Washington Wizards, Toronto Raptors, Philadelphia 76ers, Atlanta Hawks.
Two months ago, I listed my contenders and pretenders. That list remains the same.
The San Antonio Spurs are the only team that fits the bill on each of my championship characteristics.
For the Lakers, Jazz, Celtics, or Pistons to win the championship, someone will need to step up.
The Los Angeles Lakers need a return of Andrew Bynum or for Pau Gasol to play the role of championship caliber low-post scorer. They will also need to be more consistent defensively.
The Detroit Pistons will need a return of the elite defense that took them to two straight NBA Finals and for Flip Saunders to prove his worth.
The Utah Jazz will need Deron Williams to play big in the clutch.
The Boston Celtics will need Doc Rivers to make impeccable in-game adjustments and be a calming force when the pressure mounts.
These will be the greatest NBA playoffs of all-time.
