Click Away for Free Picks from the Nations Best   Team Chemistry!! Big Al McMordie May 2004 Chemistry in team sports is an interesting facet to examine. Since it’s nearly impossible to mark statistically, it's easy to overlook by sports bettors. But team chemistry is something to try to understand and be aware of. Don’t ever forget that professional athletes are human beings. Think back on your life for a moment. Of all the people you’ve met socially, at work, in school or in business, I’ll bet there are many with whom you got along great, while there were others with whom you simply didn’t click. It happens. It’s simply part of our social fabric. Sometimes there is a certain chemistry or rapport with another person or group, and sometimes it’s not there. The tricky part is that you can’t force, or will it to happen. In sports, chemistry is something that general managers are aware of when they look to bring in a new player to a team. New England Patriots' head coach Bill Belichick is a strong proponent of chemistry. He looks for hard-working, team-oriented players. When All-Pro WR Terry Glenn complained during the 2001 season, Belichick didn’t hesitate to cut him loose. Many fans and GMs took notice when the Pats went on to win the Super Bowl that season without their former star. Terry Glenn's football abilities were clearly secondary to team chemistry. As the NBA playoffs have unfolded, you may have noticed chemistry popping up in the news frequently. The Dallas Mavericks have plenty of talent and were nearly unbeatable at home this season, going 37-6 straight-up and 26-13-2 against the number. But on the road, their chemistry (particularly on defense) was nonexistent where the Mavs underachieved en route to a dismal 16-28 SU and 15-28-1 ATS mark. There were complaints about playing time and effort, especially away from home, and poor chemistry seemed to be a factor between certain players and the coaching staff. So, I wouldn't be surprised if Don Nelson is replaced by, say, Avery Johnson, with whom the Mavericks seem to get along. Like a smoking volcano, the Lakers have also been bubbling with controversy much of the season. Being a public team makes matters worse, as their problems have been all over the news. Shaq and Kobe apparently are not the best of friends, Kobe and Phil Jackson have had an icy relationship, and newcomer Gary Payton seems to be the most selfish and unhappy of all. During the series with San Antonio Payton said, “It's Gary Payton vs. San Antonio. Blame me for everything. I could care less. I'm going to go home and play with my kids. Ain't no problem.” He sounds like a lot of fun to be around. If the Lakers don't get past the Spurs then team chemistry will be one of the storylines. The Pistons, too, have been interesting for their lack of controversy thus far. That is, head coach Larry Brown has a history of wearing fast on his players before he moves on, while newcomer Rasheed Wallace has also had a long history of being a problem-child, both on and off the court. Yet so far, the Pistons have been focused 100 percent on playing winning basketball, so give coach Brown the credit there. But other than inconsistent play, such as the home/road dichotomy of the Mavericks that I mentioned, it's not always easy to define with statistics how chemistry affects a team. But it can be there, and it's something to be aware of, particularly as the NBA playoffs continue and the importance of the games increases. Good luck, as always....Be sure to join Big Al McMordie here for all of his winning selections, and pay only after you win! Guaranteed Selections - Must win or there is no charge! Owned and operated by Alliance Sports Media  Any information furnished by this site is for information and entertainment only and is not to be used in violation of any federal, state, provincial or local laws - Privacy Policy Contact Servus - Picks2bet.com