- Is there a more absurd character in the game of basketball right now than Sasha Vujacic? One has to wonder what the origins are of this odd complex he holds, always manifested through some disproportionate belief in his own defensive abilities.
- The news that Chris Bosh too will be joining “the talks” is unfortunate. I had thought all along that the rumors of him wanting to be “the man” were overblown. But the most curious part of the story is the group’s acceptance of Joe Johnson. How did he manage to get an invite? No chance I am alone in this sentiment – as soon as the headline initially broke, one of these things was certainly not like the others…
- I got another moment to reflect on the man who is Ron Artest during his very awkward interview with TNT’s Craig Sager. The irony of the game’s most maligned star, possibly the most infamous character in the league’s history, is that he’s a genuinely good person, and I’m glad to see him enjoy success. With that said, boy am I glad we let him go.
- Pleasant surprise to see both series’ actually become….well, series’. I’m not sure if that was punctuated correctly. Anyhow, I entered the Conference Finals expecting/hoping for Lakers/Celtics – now I’m praying for Suns/Magic. Lakers vs. Celtics would invariably be a bloodbath, carrying some interesting themes pertaining to legacy, redemption etc etc. But what’s really the point if Bynum’s not healthy? Has there ever before been a series featuring four 7 footers in the starting lineups? (I know it’s not listed, but KG is 7 feet.) In any event, if the Magic continue to push the pace, a matchup with the Suns would be quite the treat, so long as ESPN promises to cut down on the number of ‘WIRED’ segments featuring Stan Van Gundy.
- Speaking of Stan, Jeff Van Gundy has been absolutely on his game in these Conference Finals. His prescience and incredulity over boneheaded mistakes heightens the entire viewing experience and overall just makes one feel smarter watching the game. (And of course it is very appreciated that Mark Jackson seems to have toned down the forced contrarianism.) A dream Finals lineup would feature Van Gundy, Marv Albert, and Mike Fratello in the booth alternating between quarters with Kevin Harlan and Doug Collins (I like Doug; I know you don’t, but I do), Hannah Storm on the sidelines, Kenny/EJ/Charles back at the studio, and conflicting subsequent trade reports between Peter Vescey and David Aldridge.
- I feel for the Suns. They finally have a bench, Grant Hill is great, and they actually have some semblance of acceptable play from the 5 spot in Frye and Lopez, but you just miss Marion and Joe Johnson. They are the elephant in the room as we come upon a likely Lakers victory. Watching them, I get that feeling I had in 2005 when I thought, “if only it were that we had last year’s lineup (Biggio, Beltran, Bagwell, Berkman, Kent) with this year’s pitching (a healthy Petite to go with Oswalt, Clemens, and Backe), I might not have this feeling that we’re about to get swept in the World Series.”
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