NBA Finals chances

This was prompted by a Bill Simmons' column about the Suns

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/070117

I think he's a little too hyped about the Suns but he does make some valid and interesting points. And as much as I dislike Phoenix because of the new rivalry with the Lakers, they are still entertaining to watch. I watched their game against Memphis on Monday and it was ridiculous. 76-72 at half, 110-98 at the end of the 3rd and 137-122 final. If Memphis would have stayed close they could have easily dropped 150 in regulation. You simply cannot run with them.

With all that said, it's still hard for me to see them winning the championship this year for a couple of reasons.

1) Their top 6 is the best in the league but they absolutely have no depth beyond that and that's going to kill them in the playoffs. After their top 6 they have James Jones, Jumaine Jones, Kurt Thomas, Pat Burke, Marcus Banks, Jalen Rose, Eric Piatkowksi, Sean Marks - simply atrocious.

2) Their defense has improved but I still don't see how they're stopping the Spurs or the Mavs in the playoffs. I still see the Spurs and Mavs shredding their defense. 2 years ago the Spurs dismantled the Suns with Amare at 100% and averaging something crazy like 37 in the series.

3) Nash is clearly the best point guard in the game right now and Amare, Marion, etc. are very nice. But I don't think they have a player who is unguardable one-on-one and can completely take over a series a la Duncan, Nowitzki, Kobe, Wade, LeBron. Until I see Nash do it I won't believe it and I still think Amare is too raw.

My title contenders

1) Spurs - weren't healthy last year and still almost beat the Mavs

2) Mavs - made it to the finals last year and made some key off-season additions in terms of role players





3) Suns - best top 6 in the NBA, best point guard, best offense

4) Pistons - When Billups is healthy they are still very solid, when they trade Nazr Mohammed for some perimeter help they should win the east

5) Lakers - Best player in the NBA, best passing team in the NBA according to George Karl, pretty deep when everyone is healthy, Odom was having career year before he got hurt

6) Rockets - Yao and T-mac are the best duo in the NBA...when healthy

7) Heat - Wade cannot be stopped one-on-one but Shaq is falling apart and the veterans are one year older