Saipan NBA Finals picks

Detroit because they have a better balance [of players] at each position. The benches are about equal, but because of the experience. They have five guys who aren’t superstars but that aren’t per say role players either. You’ve got the two Wallaces, Billups, and Hamilton, and Prince—Mr. Everything.

I know San Antonio has Tim Duncan, Ginobli, and Parker, but I don’t know if they have enough to counteract those guys. I know they lost today, but they were in San Antonio. Now with the 2-3-2, all Detroit has to do is win one there.

You’ve got good coaches sparring it out, Larry Brown’s experience, and they’re the defending champions too. I’m rooting for the Spurs but I think Detroit is going to win it.

– Dan Cabanting
Wells Fargo sales representative

I hate saying this because I’m from San Antonio village but I think the Pistons are going to win the championship. I don’t want to experience the same thing that I did last year when I said that the Lakers would totally blow them away. They have a very good defense and I think they’re going to get it.

– Danny Cabrera
softball manager

I’m with the Spurs all the way. I know they’re gonna win because Tim Duncan is my man. I’ve been watching him ever since his college days at when he played for Wake Forest. I know they’ll go all the way with him. I am with the Spurs.

– Norman L. Skilling
MarPac service representative

It’s going to be San Antonio because of Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobli, not to mention that they have better players who are playing better right now. Plus they are rested since they won the Western Conference Finals against the Phoenix Suns.

– Rick Northen
Hamilton’s Bar owner

I think the Spurs will take this one. I like the way they communicate, especially on defense and I think Tim Duncan is going to lead them to another championship.

– Ray Babauta Jr.
youth basketball player

It’s a tough one but I think the Spurs are going to win it. Both have good defense but I think the Spurs will do just enough to beat the Pistons. If Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobli get the support they need, they should be able to win another one.

– Eddie John Fejeran
businessman

Both teams are really good. The last three championships belong to these two teams, but I like the Pistons. They are playing well, have a really balanced attack, and their defense is what makes them strong. You win with defense.

– Schneider Lanzo
NMC student

I like the Pistons. The way it is intensity wise, they’re playing more composed and organized, and you got a complete team…from center, forward, and guard positions. They got the momentum and in basketball, resting for a while before going to a championship can actually work against you, and that might be the case for the Spurs. I think Detroit has the energy and determination right now to pull the right strings and win another one.

I think they deserve to get into the finals this time because of the determination to win back-to-back titles, of course the coach has very good experience, and the players are blending well. I think that’s a lot of the reason why they have a good chance. I mean you have a good solid line up, they play good defense, and they’re very good in offense too.

They have a lot of momentum after winning the Eastern finals, I think they are in their groove to win to win the championship and I hope they do.

– Ricky Itaas
Mid-Pac Micronesia
general manager

I am going for Detroit because they play for the team and are not for the individual. They help each other and I respect that. I used to be a Chicago Bulls fan, but after Michael Jordan left, I was looking for a new team. I thought I found it in the Los Angeles Lakers, but then the whole thing with Shaq and Kobe made me lose interest in them. Then I finally landed with the Pistons, and they seem to be playing for the team.

I saw a big difference in Rasheed Wallace after he moved to Detroit from the Atlanta Hawks and Portland Trail Blazers. He had a lot of problems but he changed. I’m glad for anyone who can make that kind of progression.

– Reavi Gogineni
Bisnes-mami, Inc.
general manager

(Shan Seman and Brad E. Ruszala)