2008 was the year classic basketball rivalries experienced a major revival. It had been far to long since the glorious battles of the 80′s featuring Larry Legend’s Celtics and Magic’s Lakers had met their demise. Basketball was getting stagnant after Jordan left the Bulls. Then 2008 came, and as David Stern danced around the room with joy, basketball’s biggest rivalry pounced back into the mainstream.

This year marks the second time in three years the classic match up of Celtics vs. Lakers returns to the NBA Finals stage. Will this series have that same feel that those classic battles of the 80′s did?

Or will this series simply be one sided, like many of this years playoff series were?

I believe it will be a good series, but other than Lakers fans, who just as they did in 2008, are already planning a $1 million-plus celebration parade before the thing is won, who can truly be convinced the Lakers have a chance to win this thing?

What will happen if Kobe guards Rondo?

After much deliberation, I found a few points that could cause this series to shift in the Lakers favor:

Kendrick Perkins’ temper vs. technical fouls

Perkins is 1 technical foul away from a league-imposed suspension. Should Perkins lose his cool, and receive a technical, he will likely be out the following game. This could be double trouble if Perkins compounds this mistake and gets ejected from a game that the Celtics lose. They are a far weaker team without Perkins occupying the middle.

If the Celtics have to try and stave off a two-game losing streak without Perkins is as close as close can get to impossible.

Can the Celtics bounce back from injuries?

Rasheed Wallace and Glen “Big Baby” Davis headline the list of injured Celtics. They are two of Bostons key reserve players. Losing either of them for extended time will hurt the Celtics depth and game plan.

The fact is the Celtics are old. They will not recovering from injuries like they used to. Any little minor tweak, twist, or pull will slow their veteran roster and possibly put a massive crimp in Doc Rivers’ season-long masterplan to keep his older stallions healthy for the race with the biggest purse.

Speaking of Injuries: Will Andrew Bynum’s knee explode?

Bynum is currently playing with torn cartilage in his knee. His minute per game average has experienced a significant regression since the first round, raising the question: Can he be effective against a tough defensive team that plays a tought and sometimes dirty style of basketball?

Will a Rasheed Wallace, Kevin Garnet, or Kendrik Perkins bump or elbow underneath the cup cause Bynum’s knee to explode while trying to grab a rebound?

All jokes aside, if Bynum cannot play effective basketball, it does not bode well for the Lakers. Transversely, if he can, it will dramatically help their chances.

Ron Artest’s ability to shut down Paul Pierce

Ron Ron has been a flat out stud at shutting down Pierce in the past. If he can continue this it will definitely make the series as tight as possible for the Lakers.

Who will Kobe guard?

Ray Allen will keep Kobe occupied defensively as Bryant (and eventually exhausted) chases him through infinite screens and baseline cuts, leading to the question: Does Kobe guard Rondo?

If Kobe does guard Rondo, then who covers Ray Allen?

Allen might be older, but he is very capable of exploding for 30 plus points if someone like Derek Fisher is trying to chase him through a myriad of screens. This factor might possess the most potency as to how it affects the series.

Kobe and the Lakers could afford to assign Kobe on Russell Westbrook because Thabo Sefolosha is a horrible shooter, but Ray Allen? I think you need to keep Kobe on him, and pray Fisher doesnt embarrass himself playing against Rondo.

Summary

Ultimately the Lakers have yet to face anything remotely close to a team as defensively strong during the 2010 playoffs. Even if Kobe scores 40 points a game, the Celtics can shut down the rest of the Lakers, so it will not matter. The Celtics will still win games. The Celtics playan amazing style of team basketball, never relying on just one player all the time.

They essentially never defer as much as the Lakers defer to Kobe to win games for them. They don’t have to.

It’s a well documented fact that stronger defensive teams persevere over offensive teams. Unless the Lakers can “out-defend” the Celtics, I can’t see the Lakers repeating as NBA Champions in 2010.

Prediction:

Boston will win the series in 6 as long as Perkins keeps his cool and Garnett, Pierce, Allen, and Rondo all stay healthy.

Sunday night the Boston Celtics were handed a loss at the buzzer by a ridiculously clutch fade away shot by Baron Davis of the Los Angeles Clippers. There was not much to say. The Clippers stayed in the fight, and made tough shots before and after Rajon Rondo choked on consecutive free throws with 1.5 seconds left.

Monday night things did not fair much better as the young Golden State Warriors, led by Monta Ellis’ 37-point explosion, took the Celtics down to the wire and winning 103-99. Boston is now on a 2-game losing streak against less than mediocre teams. They have been without Paul Pierce while this streak has occured.

Man, we stink without the Truth! (Credit: picapp.com)

Paul Pierce has been out of the line up since having a procedure to drain fluid from his knee. Evidently, the knee infection is rather serious. The reality is the Celtics are far from good without Pierce.

Boston is having trouble winning without him, and making matters worse, they have dropped 2 games in a row to two teams with losing records. In a situation where one would think a championship caliber team should course-correct after a close loss against the Clippers, the Celtics were unable to find a answer to stop Monta Ellis and his Warriors.

The Clippers team is better on paper than their record would indicate, however, the Warriors simply stink this year.

The Warriors are an abysmal 9-21.

It gets you wondering about whether or not the Celtics can win against quality teams without Pierce. Boston heads to Phoenix for another road game Wednesday.

This is bad news for the Celtics, as The Suns annihilated the Lakers Monday 118-103, and looked incredible while doing so. This is a game the Celtics must be looking at and dreading, based on their current 2 game lull against bottom tiered teams.

Can a healed knee can heal a losing streak? (Credit: picapp.com)

With 4 out of their next 5 games being on the road, Boston needs to get it together, or pray that Paul Pierce returns from his knee surgery without lingering residuals.

They will face Phoenix, Toronto, Miami and Atlanta. All of whom are far better than the Clippers or Warriors on any given night.

Pierce makes this team championship caliber and without him they could not defeat a Warriors team decimated by injuries. Even with Rajon Rondo dropping in 30 points with 15 assists, the Warriors got the better of them. Celtics fans had better hope Pierce comes back soon.

For our first post of the week, we thank a recommendation given to us by Jason from Los Angeles. He recommended we take Paul Pierce of the Boston Celtics and morph him together with the legendary Beetlejuice from The Howard Stern Show’s Wack Pack.

These guys are far apart on the similarity spectrum. Paul Pierce is 6’7” and is a professional athlete.

Beetle is 4’3”, and lets just say we have not seen him busting out with any sky soaring slamdunks.

However, both men share the fact that they are entertainers.

Pierce lets his success on the court do most of the talking for him, averaging 22.9 points per game over his 11-year NBA career and is a 7-time NBA All-Star. He boasts a plethora of moves to the rim. He nails his free throws. Being a true inside out threat, he can ice the 3 as well. Paul Pierce is an overall dominant player.

Beetlejuice dominates the airwaves and television sets appearing regularly on the legendary Howard Stern show. Beetle has his own song, titled “This Is Beetle”. It has been covered from major recording acts such as Blues Traveler and Staind. After  an agreement was made between CBS, Stern, and Sirius, The show has retained the rights to use it again.

Videos like this one can help one realize Beetlejuice’s fame:

Writing this piece has skewed my view on Paul Pierce forever. NBA All star and Champion fame aside, all I can see now is Beetlejuice. It is crazy after putting these guys side by side, then morphing them , how bizarrely similar these guys appear to one another.

To be completely honest, after doing this, I can never look at Paul Pierce the same way. All I see now is Beetlejuice. I am considering buying tickets to watch the Celtics play so I can shout at Pierce and call him Beetlejuice.

One word can describe the way I feel after doing this: creepy.

Jason, should I be thanking you for this recommendation, or should my therapist be thanking you after I write this? After all, I foresee therapy as the only avenue for removing the visions of Beetle when I see Paul Pierce.

Here is the reason I might have to visit a therapist, NBA Look Alike Morphing #12 Paul Pierce vs Beetlejuice:

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Have a NBA look alike comparison that you would like to see us morph? Please submit the form below or mail morphing@protectthepaint.com to submit!
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This summer marks the continuation of major spending reform (and not for the better) in the NBA. The Vince Carter, Shaquille O’Neal, and Richard Jefferson deals exemplify that liquidating huge contracts for scrap (or crap) heaps, and aiming to win it all now, is THE popular trend–the rich getting richer. Ben Gordon, Hedo Turkoglu, Jason Kidd, and many other free agents will land large deals, but who can afford to pay them?

Teams are preparing for next summer by dangling expiring contracts via trade to desperate teams.  Assessing the chances to land a marquee name–LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Amare Stoudemire, Chris Bosh, Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash, Paul Pierce, Manu Ginobili–in 2010 is becoming commonplace, and as a result unthinkable trades are being made.

But let’s not forget, there is top-notch talent available this summer, and Protect the Paint will now evaluate who we think the most relevant free agent is for the teams with the most spending power. Lets face it, money talks, or else the free agent walks.

The teams with the most cap space are:

1. Memphis ($18 mil)
2. Detroit ($16.6 mil)
3. Atlanta ($14.8 mil)
4. Oklahoma City ($14.7 mil)

Other teams with significant room are:

1. Utah ($9.2 mil)
2. Portland ($8.1 mil)
3. Miami ($6.7 mil).

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

Memphis is going to need every penny they have if they hope to lure a major free agent to play for the Grizzlies. We’re talking about a small market team and a perennial losing franchise. It is doubtful any free agent of substance would be willing go there. What’s the draw? Don’t say Mark Gasol. Beale Street is pretty nice though.

Whoever Memphis signs, they will likely pay more than that player’s true market value. Additional revenue is the only thing luring a player to the Grizzlies. The only destination less attractive may be Milwaukee where Brandon Jennings hardly looks (or sounds) like a savior.

BIGGEST NEED: New Location. If the Grizzlies were located in a larger market, we’ve got to believe more players would consider playing there. Until then, have your checkbook ready Griz. They do have the money to offer Hedo Turkoglu a salary he could not refuse. The combo of Turkoglu, OJ Mayo, and Rudy Gay is solid yet entirely unrealistic.

DETROIT PISTONS

Wednesday’s breaking news of head coach Michael Curry being fired implies Joe Dumars wants to insure free agents will want to come to Detroit. It is well documented that Curry ruffled more than just one player’s feathers. Apparently, Dumars plans to let Allen Iverson and Rasheed Wallace walk.

Iverson and Wallace are in the twilight of their careers, and locking either one of them into a long-term deal makes absolutely zero sense when the Pistons are building around Rodney Stuckey and Tayshaun Prince. Acquiring a third scoring option who is entering/closer to his prime is what Detroit needs.

Gordon's offensive skills would help Detroit (Credit: chi-ball.com)

GREATEST NEED: Ben Gordon or Hedo Turkoglu. Ben Gordon is ideal for Detroit. He is a young, capable scorer who would give the Pistons a solid trio of offensive weapons to build a bright future around. Turkoglu might not make sense with Rip Hamilton and Stuckey already there, but he is a major factor why Orlando went to the finals and the Pistons can afford him.

ATLANTA HAWKS

After recently acquiring Jamal Crawford from Golden State, it raises questions if Atlanta will re-sign Mike Bibby. Crawford gives Atlanta another 4th quarter scoring threat, easing the defensive pressure on Joe Johnson.

Atlanta can let 30-year-old Bibby walk, and re-sign key reserves Zaza Pachulia and Flip Murray. Retaining Pachulia gives Atlanta depth in the post, which is a necessity for playoff basketball.

Will Childress play another year in Greece? (Credit: lowposts.com)

GREATEST NEED: Keeping what they already have (re-signing Pachulia and Murray). These two players are too valuable and affordable not to re-sign and the Hawks need to save their coin for Johnson who can opt out next summer. Josh Childress returning from Greece would give them back-court flexibility.

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

OKC cannot afford to spend too much on a major free agent. The Thunder need to spend frugally in order to retain the core of Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, and Russell Westbrook. It is an unconditional must. This being said, signing a mid-level free agent would be the wise move for OKC and there are several available. One in particular would fit nicely with the Thunder’s nucleus.

Millsap would thrive playing with the Thunder (Credit: deseretnews.com)

BIGGEST NEED: Paul Millsap would immediately add a tough rebounding presence and the blue-collar attitude that the young Thunder need. Adding Millsap makes the playoffs a possibility, especially considering Yao Ming’s injury in Houston puts the Rockets 2010 playoff hopes in major jeopardy opening up a spot for another Western Conference team. Millsap gives any team he’s on many second (and often third) chance opportunities on the offensive end. If Boozer opts out of Utah, then expect the Jazz to match any offer made on Millsap.

UTAH JAZZ

The Jazz faced potential free agency disaster, but both Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur have decided against opting out and will stay. Luckily for Utah, Boozer’s injury-plagued 2008-09 season and lingering questions of his ability to stay healthy is most likely all that prevented him from bailing and receiving a large offer elsewhere. Does he care about money more than winning? He did bail on LeBron. That should answer that question.

Okur–a big man who can shoot–must believe his best chance for another title (he won a ring in Detroit) lies in Salt Lake City.

Mehmet Okur won't abandon the Jazz. (Credit: nba.com)

BIGGEST NEED: Staying healthy. A healthy Jazz are as good as any team in the NBA. Re-signing Milsap as insurance for the fragile Boozer would be huge, but chances are good a team with more cap room will nab him.

PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS

Portland is a young team on the rise. They made the playoffs, and in doing so, exposed their greatest weakness.  Depending on which players they decide to retain the rights to, they could go as far as $15-30 million under the cap. They will not advance past the 1st round with Steve Blake as the starting PG. The Blazers have a solid leader in two time All-Star Brandon Roy, but they need a savvy veteran who can bring the ball up court.

Andre Miller is a massive ugrade to Steve Blake (Credit: ESPN)

BIGGEST NEED: Andre Miller or Jason Kidd. Miller would instantly bring leadership and make Portland a title contender as the Blazers mature. Miller has a lot of game left in the tank, and with $8 million to spend in cap space, they could afford to sign him.

With Jason Kidd coordinating the offense, there is no telling where the Blazers could go. Odds are Kidd remains in Dallas or signs with the New York Knicks. Kidd is already in New York and ready to begin negotiations.

MIAMI HEAT

Miami obviously has no interest in spending any money this summer. Their top priority is re-signing Dwyane Wade. The irony might end up being that in not making moves to secure talent around Wade they may lose him. Wade has made it abundantly clear in the media that he wants players provided for him now, not later. What Miami really needs is a low post presence. A solid center would immediately seal up a lot of loose ends for the Heat.

Marcin Gortat can start and make a difference in MIami (Credit: pablonasportowo)

BIGGEST NEED: Marcin Gortat or Anderson Varejao. With Orlando recently acquiring Vince Carter, Orlando will have trouble matching offers for Gortat. With Cleveland making the O’Neal trade they have no chance of paying Varajao the money he wants. Gortat has proven to be a solid performer when filling in for foul-prone Dwight Howard, and could be an affordable solution to fill the void in the middle in Miami. Varejao’s athleticism and defensive prowess might be the better move for Miami. He can give them what last year Jermaine O’Neal couldn’t.