The East will rise again

By Derek Daggett Sports Central Columnist

Playoff time is rapidly approaching, and as usual, most people are looking ahead to the NBA Finals -- you know, the one that is played between the top two teams in the West? The East has been such an afterthought since the days of Michael Jordan, most people assume that the Western Conference winner will be the league champion. Well, I am here to tell you that times, they are a changin'.

The East has two legitimate contenders for the league title this year (believe it or not, I say this with a straight face). The Detroit Pistons are playing unconscionable defense and locking down teams tighter than San Quentin. Larry Brown has formed one of the most dominating frontcourts in the league. Rasheed Wallace and Ben Wallace are like two immovable forces in the key for Detroit. Teams should heed the "Enter at Your Own Risk" sign they post from the foul line in.

And, behind Rip Hamilton and Chauncey Billups, not to mention 'Sheed, the Pistons can score more than enough points to keep with the teams out West. This could finally be Larry Brown's year to claim that elusive title.

The Indiana Pacers pose a different, but just as legitimate, threat to Western dominance. Jermaine O'Neal has been playing lights out since the All-Star Break of last year. Averaging 20 points a game and 10 rebounds in the block, O'Neal has emerged as a true MVP candidate.

In addition, Ron Artest has finally screwed his head on straight and become the defensive and offensive force this team needs. Throw in Reggie Miller's experience and a rejuveniated Al Harrington, the Pacers matchup well with any team out West.

The emergence of these two teams could be the salvation the NBA has been looking for. Not since Jordan has the East had anything resembling a title contender. The NBA Finals have been a joke, with the outcome all but scripted out for the past several years. However, with the emergence of O'Neal in Indiana and Rasheed Wallace swapping conferences, the East now has big men to contend with the West.

However, this is all contingent on one team, the Los Angeles Lakers. They are the one team that no team in the East can matchup with. While the West has the offensive big men in Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan to pull Shaq away from the middle, the East cannot contend with the Big Fella. If the Lakers make it to the Finals, bring another title to L.A.

However, unlike years past, it is not an absolute certainty that the NBA tile will reside out West this year. And that is something all basketball fans can look forward to.

Article courtesy of Sports Central.