Doug Collins Previews the Western Conference
Chris Paul (photo. Chad Griffith)During today’s TNT announce crew conference call, Doug Collins was asked to preview the Western Conference. Collins admitted that last year’s West playoffs were “disappointing, with all the sweeps and how quickly some of the series’ ended.” Other observations from Doug:
PACIFIC DIVISION
* He picked the Lakers to win the West. “They’re loaded. If Kobe Bryant stays healthy, he’s coming off a brilliant season, and they have Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol together,” Collins said. “This team has the ability to bring Lamar Odom off the bench, which only strengths what I think is the best bench in the NBA.” He added that when looking at L.A.’s roster, “I don’t see any weaknesses.”
* “The Suns will be interesting to watch with their new style. With them it all comes down to how many games will Nash miss, and how many games will Shaq miss.”
* “The Clippers could be a surprise team if they can stay healthy. They have a lot of talent.”
* The Warriors and Kings are young and in transition. About Monta Ellis, Collins said, “My first quetsion is, did he ever hear of Jason Williams?”
SOUTHWEST DIVISION
* “The best division in basketball.”
* The Hornets will be that much better after having lost a Game Seven on their home floor.
* With Ron Artest, “it’s never a question of talent, it’s always one of chemistry.” Nonetheless, the Rockets have one of the most talented teams in the NBA.
* Collins is worried about San Antonio’s energy and production off the bench, but believes Gregg Popovich “always does a great job of managing his star players’ minutes, so they’ll be ready for the playoffs.”
* The Mavs will have to run with Jason Kidd.
* The Grizzlies “are rebuilding.” That’s literally everything he said about them before going back to discussing the Mavs.
NORTHWEST DIVISION
* Utah’s core is back and he likes them to take the division.
* Denver’s biggest question mark is replacing Marcus Camby. He wondered if George Karl has the passion and love to keep coaching, “otherwise it’ll beat you down.” Collins said Denver’s “lack of attention to detail” has hurt them in the playoffs in recent years.
* It’s a big leap for the Blazers to go from a 40-win team to a 50-win team. The biggest thing will be playing well at home and going at least .500 on the road. “They got their home court back last year,” Collins said. “They’ve got the fans excited about their team again.”
* The Wolves are “young and improving” and Collins likes the nucleus of Al Jefferson, Kevin Love and Mike Miller. They and the Thunder are “heading in the right direction.”
October 23rd, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Sam I Am says:
Doug Collins is AWESOME….Like John Madden is to football
Always listen to the coach..always !
T-Wolves to win the West !!!!!!!
October 23rd, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Sam I Am says:
and by direction … he means the Thunder and Wolves in the Western Finals 4-2 > Minny
October 23rd, 2008 at 3:32 pm
fallinup says:
That was a stat quo answer…but on the money. Lakers have to be favored with NO being a real close second. It’ll be another brawl in the west all the way to the end of the season.
Doug is still the man.
October 23rd, 2008 at 3:36 pm
Big V says:
Any plans for him to preview the east?
October 23rd, 2008 at 3:38 pm
doc says:
How do the Lakers got the best bench in the league.Sasha Luke Vlad and Farmer.I wouldnt call that the best nothing except for best people who know how to let Kobe shine without stepping on his toes.
October 23rd, 2008 at 3:46 pm
fallinup says:
doc, if Odom goes to the bench..which he should…it’s the best bench hands down.
October 23rd, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Drink the Haterade (KB24 Chip 09) says:
Doc–
You should look at the stats from last year and also there is a reason the media calls them the “Bench Mob”
October 23rd, 2008 at 4:38 pm
GEE...Built yourself a little fort? F$#@ yo fort!! says:
Imma have to roll with doc on this. Forget stats where was this best bench last year.
-Silence-
Exactly.
October 23rd, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Big Sia says:
Doug = Legend
October 23rd, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Ansonious says:
Wow I didn’t realize Doug had so many fans
October 23rd, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Ian says:
collins is the shit
phil jackson stole his hard work in time to get the praise and rewards
fuck you phil
October 23rd, 2008 at 6:39 pm
JHov says:
Collins is most definitely the ish!! Best color guy on tv!!
October 23rd, 2008 at 6:43 pm
Celts Fan says:
I don’t know, 2 teams that might have a better bench:
Portland:
whoever doesn’t start at 3 among Outlaw, Batum, Webster
whoever doesn’t start at 1 between Bayless and Blake
Channing Frye, Joel Pryzbilla (dude was legit last year as a starter, never an all-star, but a good shot blocker. I’d LOVE him ont he Celtics,) Rudy Fernandez, and I know I’m missing someone else too.
Detroit:
Maxiell, McDyeuss, Stuckey, Afflalo, Kwame (he’s a joke based on where he was picked vs. those expectations, but for a backup big, he’s solid,) Lindsay Hunter (they bring him back? couldn’t remember) and I know I’m leaving a few off of that too.
I like the Lakers right up there, but I might slide both those teams ahead of them.
October 23rd, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Ian says:
celts fan
the spurs bench of course if manu doesnt start is good also
October 24th, 2008 at 4:15 am
QQ says:
Imma go with the Hornets taking the West.
October 24th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
MSkittle says:
Nice to see all the love for Doug Collins. I agree too. He’s the best announcer in basketball.