MediaMyopic

With the most tightly contested western conference playoffs race in league history, some of the highest scoring games in NBA history (Denver, 168; Chicago, 151), the revival of storied franchises like the Celtics and Lakers, the emergence of talents like Chris Paul and Dwight Howard, and the best Slam Dunk Contest in my lifetime, basketball fans have much to clamor for as the NBA playoffs kick off this weekend. I encourage fans to celebrate the season, but with a few caveats. The following are what I call the Top 5 media myths of the 2007-08 NBA season: 5) The Eastern Conference Sucks: Actually, the Pistons and Celtics have the best shot at winning it all; Orlando is also a contender; Philadelphia has one of the best post All Star break records; and teams like the Pacers (Jermaine O’Neal, Jamaal Tinsley), Raptors (T.J. Ford) and Wizards (Gil Arenas) would be close to the top of the standings if not for injuries to key players. 4) LeBron James is an MVP candidate: LeBron doesn’t make his teammates better (even after a trade that brought over Ben Wallace and overdue outside shooting), he doesn’t make his team better. And after several seasons in the league remains stuck in .500 mediocrity. Unbelievable that he’s put in the same category as Kobe or Chris Paul. 3) The possibility of the first-round upset: this year’s western conference is a complete anomaly. Since the league changed the first round playoff format from a 5 to 7-game series, the only notable upset was last year’s Golden State-Dallas series. A lenghty series never bodes well for the underdog, so don’t expect any surprises in the Eastern Conference. 2) The Houston Rockets have a prayer: They were simply operating on the adrenaline of a historic win streak. It’s absurd that some analysts have suggested that a team of misfits led by an inconsistent all star could come out of the pack. Golden State is more deserving of a playoff spot. 1) That commentators Doug Collins, Kenny Smith, Tim Legler and Craig Sager know what they’re talking about: These clowns don’t have a clue. If you really want the 411, listen to Barkley and Stephen A. Smith.