NBA Playoffs Round-Up
I’ve got a few things on my mind, so I’ll ramble a bit. Forgive me and stay with me.
I’m in Atlanta as we speak, about an hour before the Hawks host the Miami Heat in Game 5 of this first-round series. And all I’m thinking is: Atlanta has this series in 7 games if they win tonight, as I predicted at the beginning of this series. But if they lose, the Heat are closing them out in Game 6 back at American Airlines Arena.
The thing is, I’m not too excited because…a.) the Chicago/Boston series is just much more appealing right now and…b.) neither of these teams have a snowballs chance in hell of beating Cleveland in the next round.
I love Dwayne Wade, back spasms-and-all. But the Heat had better get him some help for next season. If Wade had significant help now, this wouldn’t be a series and he probably wouldn’t have these back issues.
That’s just my take.
Here’s another:
For all those who think Dwight Howard should not have been suspended for Game 6, shut up! He elbowed Samuel Dalembert in the head. You can’t do that, Period! No matter how soft-as-cottonelle today’s game is.
I just finished speaking to Commissioner David Stern, in Atlanta for the Game Wednesday night, who justified the suspension in simplistic terms: “We’ve worked very hard to come up with a set of rules for all of our teams to understand. You throw a punch…you’re gone! You throw an elbow above the shoulder…you’re gone! Same as a punch. You come off the bench…you’re gone!”
Regarding New Orleans vs. Denver: I stand corrected. Denver is just a better team. Chris Paul can’t beat them by himself. And, by the way, Tyson Chandler is lucky ownership hasn’t tried to give him away for a box of cookies, too. Add David West to that equation.
Holla at you guys later. And remember, Friday marks my last day at the World Wide Leader, ESPN. Yes! It was time. But it does not mean I am not sad about it. I’ll explain in a few days. But not yet, my friends. Not yet.
who you got in the finals and why
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From SAS: Cleveland and LA. Self explanatory.
the playoffs are dope this year!! your show was dope!! we need u back!!
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From SAS: Thanks, my man.
Any chance you be joining TNT?
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From SAS: Who knows! I’d love to, though. Not about to deny that. But I want to work WITH Ernie, Kenny and Charles. I don’t ever want those guys to go anywhere.
Hey Stephen,
I was just wondering about your thoughts on the Portland/Houston series? I really hope Portland comes out of this series, because I think they have a better chance aganist the Lakers. What do you think?
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From SAS: I agree. Lakers have struggled miserably in Portland this year.
i wanna see the King LBJ Knock Out Koby In 4
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From SAS: Actually, I’d love to see the Finals go to a Game 7, but I’d pick the Lakers in 6
Do you think if Denver plays the Mavs in the 2nd round that Carmelo has to play a bigger rule for them to win?
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From SAS: Not necessarily. I expect Denver to win this series, possibly 6, probably 7. But Denver will meet the Lakers in the Conference Finals. I shouldn’t be picking them, though. Chauncey Billups is my man and he always ask me: “Please….Don’t Pick Us.” He feels I jinx him everytime.
Stephen A not on ESPN? A company devoid of a lot of on air minorities loses the best one they have. Honesty is not something you find in media today…everyone so cookie cutter that no one tells a story anymore. I’ll continue to seek you out and follow you on Twitter. Thank you for doing you without compromise! Grahamzlaw
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From SAS: Thanks, my man. But don’t forget me here on StephenA.Com. I’ll be on here a lot. Twitter limits me, as you well know
what up homie its ur boy man im pissed off at my spurs do u think its over keep it real i need tha facts
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From SAS: Not yet. Not if Manu comes back healthy and they get an athlete on their frontline to take either rebounding or scoring pressure off Duncan. Doesn’t even have to be both.
Hey Mr. Smith,
Do you think with the Dwight Howard suspension that the Sixers have a chance of winning this series?
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From SAS: A chance? Yes! Will they actually do it. Absolutely not!
LOL @ the game being soft as Cotonelle tissue. You’re right about that, and absolutely right about the Howard play. I don’t see how they could’ve decided that any other way. It’s basically the same as him throwing a punch. I would get more on Howard for that decision. It’s big for the Magic not to have him for Game 6. And anything can happen in Game 7 the way that series has gone. Holla!!
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From SAS: Agreed. Orlando had better be careful.
once you leave ESPN that means there really will be no reason whatsoever to listen or watch unless is NBA coverage of actual games. Where ever you bounce up, thats where you will find me. Keep us in the loop!
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From SAS: Appreciate that love, Elgin. Hopefully, NBA-TV AND TNT will come calling. Neither would stop me from pursuing other endeavors, which is all I want to do. I would’ve stayed at ESPN and been the happiest man in the world if that could’ve happened.
Girl Scout Cookies right? haha. What is this about last day and all?? I am at a loss for words….I can’t even comprehend how disappointed I’m going to be not hearing the SAS go off bout scrubs and all the biz….maaan! Well I hope to hear what the reason is! Handle your biz though Mr. Smith. Peace!
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From SAS: I intend to, but thanks for the support. Appreciate it.
How much better do you think the Bulls would be with a coach who knew what he was doing? Del Negro has killed the team during the playoffs — not to mention the regular season. Having no TOs in his hip pocket for the first two games of this series was inexcusable.
And could he have told one of his guys to double off onto Pierce at least once down the stretch in Game 5? Tony Allen wasn’t going to hurt anyone and the one time Starbury got the ball late in regulation he made like it was a hot potato and tossed it to Rondo. He wasn’t going to hurt the Bulls.
How good would the Bulls be (or have been during the regular season) with a polished coach like Doug Collins? Or (dare to dream) Mike D’Antoni?
Keep up the good work.
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From SAS: Obviously, they might be a little better, but they’re still in the playoffs. Rose has developed nicely. Gordon has re-established himself as the quintessential “closer.” Del Negro is not bad. He’s just learning. The man deserves credit and I think he’ll be better next season.
Stephen hows it goin man?Your The Man Espn will not be the same without you.You always told people how it is which not everyone does.Im a Huge Celtics fan,How far you think they will go?
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From SAS: Thanks, my man. Celtics will win this series in 7, then lose in the next round.
i’m going to miss you on first take in the morning schooling mr. skip bayless. Well with the chicago/boston series, how do you see that ending up? and with whoever wins this series, how far do you see either team going in the finals?
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From SAS: I see Boston winning this series in 7 games, then losing to Orlando — who’ll also win their series in 7 games — in the Semifinals.
Mr. Smith
Sorry to hear about your departure from ESPN. I am going to miss you taking Skip Baliss to school on First Take. It’s nice to see you embracing change though, I admire your atittude as all always. There is no need to respond to this message, I just wanted to tell you that as a fan of yours I look forward to however you reemerge. I hope you have a chance to discuss politics in your new ventures because I think your pretty good at that as well. Good Luck
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From SAS: I’ll respond anyway by simply saying…Thank you.
One of you many fans,
Mark
Stephen, I am a Basketball fan first, then a Spurs fan. If the Spurs aren’t in it I like the other Texas teams too. I am a huge T-Mac fan. I know people that know him and work for him actually and I have never met a person with a bad thing to say about the guy. I think he’s great on and off the court. I’d love to see the Rockets make it to the next round, but I am concerned that Rockets fans will start to hate on T-Mac. I don’t think the present performance is due to addition by subtraction. I think the Rockets would even be better with T-Mac on the floor. I also think that Shane Battier doesn’t get enough credit. The Stats don’t tell the entire story for Shane. I think he really has a lot to do with the current success.
So what are your thoughts on the whole Rockets/T-Mac situation, and would you say that Shane Battier is under rated?
A bonus question, I am a huge Charlie Villanueva fan. I love his game, although I actually have zero respect for the Bucks, a team that traded Dirk for the Tractor Traylor, among other idiotic moves including losing Ray Allen. Anyway, what are your thoughts on CV as most improved player. I like him and D-Granger for this.
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From SAS: I agree with you totally on T-Mac. He’s a good dude. Known him for years. Love the guy. One of the more sincere guys you’ll ever meet. As for CV, nowhere in Granger’s class for the award this year. Sorry.
Now that “the bleeding has mercifully stopped” (as i’ve heard it put, lately), what changes on, or about the Hornets team do you think need to happen if any, or is it simply that the Hornets need to get 100% healthy?
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From SAS: They need a legitimate post presence. They also need Tyson Chandler healthy. And something has to be done with Peja Stojakovic. He just isn’t getting it done. Plus, I’ll admit my feelings have somewhat changed towards a team that would lay down and lose by 58 points.
Hey Stephen A., while the playoffs have been pretty good so far, you and your expertise will be missed. I invision you joining the TNT squad and/or maybe even the NBATV team. Wherever you end up, I know you’ll be successful. Peace.
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From SAS: Thanks so much, Joel. Appreciate the support. I hope TNT calls, as well. No matter what I’m doing.
You are truly going to be missed on ESPN! I am STILL upset because you are no longer on 1050 ESPN radio!! I may not agree with everything you say, but that is the joy in listening to you. People are afraid when they hear an opinion that is different from what they think and that is why they dislike you, but what they don’t realize is you get them to think out the box! You bring out feelings or ideas that they never had and that is the reason I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us next! Keep up the good work and God bless!!
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From SAS: God Bless, Lisa. Thanks so much for the wonderful email.
Yea Stephen In my opinion your the best analyst hands down and there are some good ones out there,I wont Watch ESPN as much with you not being there,I always go by your opinions man.Yea i agree Im hoping the Celts make it to atleast play the Cavs assuming they advance but its Tough without The Big Ticket and Leon but its nice too see Rondo and Big Baby play so well Plus with The Truth being so clutch as always i think we can go pretty far deff not all the way tho without KG.I think the Lakers will win the Ship this year whose your Pick?BTW Man im also a General Hospital fan love The Mob Element on Gh Jason Morgan is my favorite character..
Stephen,
You broke my heart by saying, the Celtics would lose in the second round…Even if it’s true don’t say it. Think positive.(LOL)
Be Bless,
Marsha
btw, I got you locked in on tweeter..(sassybutclassy7)
“Keep It Coming”
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From SAS: Will do
Cmon man. Don’t be gone for too long. I understand what you mean about feeling limited though. Needless to say, we don’t have to settle for less anymore. I’m sure God will bless you and open up a door with a better opportunity for you to grow. I know you are gonna get another tv show. You belong on the tube.We love you in Baltimore, Md man. Furthermore, I know my Mavs are soft but we are clicking right now and I hope we can shock the world and @ least beat the Nuggets. Peace!!
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From SAS: Appreciate the love, Champ. On another note, love the Mavs. Rick Carlisle is a friend. But I don’t believe they’ll beat Denver. Nuggets in 7, possibly 5
Dear Stephen A,
Keep the Faith! In order for things to change, change must come. So, Be Blessed & Be Encouraged! Your gift will make room for you.
I think it can go either way for Boston/Chicago series which makes it very exciting to watch. Experinece vs. Youth, that’s what I call it. While experience is the best teacher and knows the way, Youth and vitality can take you were experience alone can’t. Again, I think it’s gonna be interesting to see what will happen.
As for LBJ & the Cavs, everybody including Kobe & LA better watch out! And speaking of being soft as cottonelle, what’ up with your boy Gasol? Does he even know how to scrap??? I know he suppose to be finese and all, but, what about really wanting to get a rebound, go after a rebound, fighting for a rebound???
What’s up with that??
Do you think the Hornets as a team quit or do you think the coaching staff quit? Didn’t look to me like CP3 quit. Looks more like he took a beating for the whole team; what’s up with that?
Looking to next season, what do you think is in the future for Washington? Why does it seem like it’s a city you have to come through to be successful? Examples of that success include Tom Glugiotta, Chris Webber,
Richard Hamilton and Roger Mason, Jr.
I cannot take listening to Doug Collins anymore. The guy just drones on and on and on about absolutely NOTHING! His monotone voice is enough to make me want to scream out, “STOOOOPPP, I can’t take it anymore!!” What makes it even worse is he is such a homer for the Chicago Bulls it’s nauseating. Get him off the air now.
So I remember a few months ago when you got on an anchor for disagreeing with you about tracy Mcgrady being better than Mano. And you told them cmon this is basketball, like you say everytime I hear you on ESPN. Well it looks like the rockets just made it out of the first round for the first time since 1997 without the, soft no defense Mcgrady taking to many jump shots. Where the Spurs looked like an 8th seed, and a 5 foot 9 inch white boy got anywhere on the court against them, which much of made you crazy, without Mano. But you are right NO ONE can agrue basketball with you, because you are always wrong, and QUITE FRANKLY, all you have ever done was get shows cancelled and now getting pushed out of the best job you will ever have. Get it over with already and take a job at BET and start your own show their.
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From SAS: Actually, thanks for the idea. I didn’t even think of that one
Hey Man,what do you think the chances Ben Gordon stays in Chicago next year are??And where do you think Iverson will go???
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From SAS: I think it’s 50/50 on Ben. Chicago will be foolish to lose him, but he’s ticked off. However, in this Economy it’s going to be rough for him. As for Iverson, who knows. He hurt himself by departing Detroit that way. That “me mentality” stigma was only elevated once he ticked off Joe Dumars. Big mistake. I hope it doesn’t cost him, though. Love the brother!
Yea Man As a Celts fan Id Love Iverson in Boston do you think there is any chance of that happening?
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From SAS: Doubt it. But Marbury landed there, so who knows.
Where do you think Marbury ends up next season?I Love Marbury the Dude can play he has struggled for us so far im hoping hes big for us against Orlando we need Starbury back to his old self.And My Man so you dont think we got any shot at beating Orlando??
NEEDS MORE CHEEZ DOODLES!
@James Frinzi: I have to disagree on T-Mac. I’m sure he’s a good guy off the court, and he is a big-time scorer. But the Rockets are a better team without him. They are moving the ball much better. When McGrady is on the court, he tends to monopolize the ball.
Plus, I like the chemistry there in Houston. They’ve got a bunch of tough, hungry guys who want to make a name for themselves. I don’t know if T-Mac fits in with that crew. Not saying he can’t help some other team, though.
BTW, add me to the list of folks who will miss you at ESPN. I hope you continue to cover the NBA – we need more journalists out there who love the Association like you do.
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From SAS: Thanks, Bruce. Appreciate the input. We disagree on T-Mac, despite how the Rockets look right now. But it’s cool. That’s what makes the world go round.