Both conference finals should be exciting, as the Lakers appear more vulnerable than they have in
the past two years (if only slightly so). The Lakers will attempt to slow down the Kings who can
only beat the Lakers in an up-tempo high scoring game. The Kings will also need a healthy
Stojakovic to stand a chance. Although unlikely, the prospect of a Nets-Kings finals is an
exciting one, that would force the Nets normally fast paced game into overdrive. Lets just hope
the Celtics don't slow down the Nets too much- the Celtics haven't won pretty so far, and I have
little desire to watch anymore 66-64 games. Jason Kidd seems too determined to let the two-player
Celtics get in his way, but I think the Celtics strong zone defense will keep the series close.
The Knicks aren't the only team to pass on Doug Christie, he was also a Laker and a Raptor. He's
an excellent defender and great in the open court- a perfect fit for the fast paced Kings, who
need Christie's defense but don't need for him to be able to create his shot. His game resembles
that of fellow swingmen Shandon Anderson, Ron Arteste, Bruce Bowen and Kerry Kittles. But I don't
think Knick fans should spend much time regretting the loss of Christie; I don't see him being
much more effective in the Knicks half-court offense than Anderson is.
