Upon the Finals

I negelcted a position by position break-down of the Finals because I was lazy. Tonight's Game 3 will find the Pistons with their backs to the wall in what amounts to a must-win home game. The Spurs have gone up 2-0, and with the exception of the first half of the first game, they have looked exceedingly comfortable doing so. This Finals has still been boring in my opinion, but if forced to root for a team I go for the Spurs over the Pistons. The Spurs have shown themselves to be an adaptable dynasty, who can play anyone's style of ball. They lit it up with the Suns, they played Euro with the Sonics, and they bodied with the Nuggets. The Pistons looked very vulnerable getting to the Finals, letting an undermanned Philly linger, then taking too long to dispense with the wounded Pacers, before barely escaping the Heat with Shaq at 40-50%, and Wade injured. This year's incarnation looks like a far cry from the hungry squad who shocked and beat-down the Lakers last year. (the same Lakers who incidentally beat the Spurs) I don't see this series going more than 6, unless the Pistons get real hot at their mis-matched positions. Billups should be able to get one of his 30 point games against Parker, and Tayshaun should be able to cause some havoc. Rip is not going to beat Bowen, Rasheed has Tim Duncan guarding him, and if Ben Wallace is doing the scoring the Pistons are done.

Seriously though, wouldn't Shaq vs Little Shaq (Amare), Nash vs Wade in a "how'd he hit that shot?" contest, Eddie and Damon vs Q and Joe Johnson from 3...etc be a better series to watch? How about another O'Neal/Duncan match, with Manu vs Wade and Zo vs Nazr? Amare vs Ben Wallace, Matrix and Rasheed, Billups and Nash? I had 3 Finals series I was looking forward to seeing, and one I was not. I like this Finals in that it pits the defending champ vs a would-be dynasty. Another issue I have is that of Tim Duncan. We have all heard the "he plays the right way" arguement. We have been told to appreciate the "Big Fundamental" and his contributions. We are even being told he is one of the best players ever. Well I have a question:

Wouldn't one of the best players ever have gotten the US a championship at the worlds? Despite coaching, despite competition, despite anything; Larry, Magic, Mike, Shaq, they would have put their superstar teammates on their back and won the chip. Tim Duncan didn't, and while he is a great player, he doesn't go on my all-time list.