But he would be a very small piece of any significant trade

Wallace and Garnett are doubly dangerous because of their comfort in playing on the perimeter.The Lakers boast a formidablefront line of Andrew Bynum, Pau Gasol, and Lamar Odom. Odom and Gasol are comfortable sliding between different positions, and Bynum has quietly become the most dominant center in the Western Conference.The teams are also loaded in the back court with players who are considered superstars, and are able to get their own shots in pressure moments, or when the game slows down.Ray Allen and Paul Pierce for the Celtics are seasoned veterans with championship experience and a renewed passion to reach the Finals for a second time in three years.Allen may have slowed down a bit, but Pierce looks as quick as ever and is the only true Celtic capable of breaking down an isolation defense off the strength of his dribble-drive.Vince Carter of the Magic may prefer perimeter shots, but he does possess the ability to put the ball on the floor, and has the size and strength to be bullish in the paint when posting up.Kobe Bryant is possibly the top perimeter player in the league as well as the most versatile, and is capable of getting his own shot whenever he pleases, and is dangerous from every spot on the floor.The road records of all three teams cannot be discounted, because the ability to consistently win games away from home is a sign of the true will and resolve of teams with championship characteristics.Of the three, the Lakers have played the least number of road games, but that will change in the approaching weeks, and the Lakers should be prepared as they were the best road team in the league last season.The past two NBA Finals are comprised of the Lakers, Celtics, and Magic, with the Celtics and Lakers hoisting the last two banners respectively, and all three look as if a return trip could be in the cards.True championship teams have to have certain elements in order to be complete, and these three teams are a representation of what it takes on all levels of the game to achieve championship aspirations.. This past week, New York Mets beat writer, Brian Costa, of the Star Ledger was kind enough to allow me to submit to him questions regarding Mets Hot Stove rumors.To obtain the questions I scoured the forums, as well as the chat room here at Mets Merized to try to come up with the best and most frequently asked questions regarding the team’s future.I’m confident that this interview will give you, the fans, valuable insight on the team’s plans for the 2010 season. Enjoy! PH: It seems that the Mets are making an effort to stock up on catchers this off-season. They have already signed Chris Coste and are rumored to be looking into Henry Blanco and Bengie Molina. That being said, where does this leave Omir Santos, who showed the potential of being a solid backup behind the plate Could he be used as a piece in a trade to fill one of the team’s other needsBC: The signing of Blanco is bad news for Santos, who now appears unlikely to make the Opening Day roster. Santos would be a viable backup, but Blanco will be a better one.

If the Mets pursue a trade with a team that could use an extra catcher, sure, it’s conceivable they could throw in Santos. But he would be a very small piece of any significant trade. PH: Many have criticized Mets GM Omar Minaya over the years for unnecessarily overpaying on veteran players, such as Julio Franco and Marlon Anderson. In your opinion, for a team that is rumored to be cutting back why would Minaya commit so much money to a reserve position that could have been filled at a cheaper priceBC: I know why the Mets wanted to re-sign Cora, but I don’t know how they arrived at $2 million, other than that’s what his base salary was last year I agree, it’s a lot of money for a utility infielder. What is your take on this Do the Mets need to rebuild entirely, or will one or two big-name free agents be enough for a playoff runBC: No, I don’t think they need to rebuild entirely. And no, I don’t think a big-name free agent or two is all this team needs. If they address their needs in the offseason and stay reasonably healthy (remember Jose Reyes) all major ifs it’s not crazy to think they could contend for a playoff spot. PH: Roy Halladay, Matt Holliday, John Lackey, Jason Bay and Adrian Gonzalez are all names that have been thrown around a countless number of times on the Mets blogosphere. Based on your knowledge, which one of these five players do the Mets have the best chance of landing this off-seasonBC: I’m not sure they’ll land any of them, but Holliday and Lackey seem like the most realistic targets at this point. PH: The Mets have been linked to a number of second tier pitching free agents this year, mainly Joel Pineiro, Randy Wolf and Jason Marquis.

Of these three pitchers, who is the best fit for the Mets rotationBC: In terms of pure ability, probably Wolf, with Pineiro a close second. Marquis might be a better overall value than the other two, especially since he’s a local guy who would love to pitch for the Mets. PH: Even with a solid 2009 campaign, Luis Castillo still has about $12 million left on his contract, which is turn off for many of the teams interested in acquiring him. In your opinion, will Omar Minaya be able to move the 34-year-old this winter to clear the way for someone else to take over at second base, or should do you think Castillo should returnBC: They can move him. It’s just a matter of what they’ll be able to get in return, and whether that’ll make it worth doing.