Tuesday April 26 2011 – 11:58pm Eastern – Toronto, ON

One series came to an end tonight …
One team fought off elimination …
And another team is trying to keep a pesky, spunky 7th seed at an arm’s length …

The NBA post-season has been outstanding to this point  and while I await the 2nd half of the Lakers and Hornets (Game 5) … I thought I’d check in with some observation from around the Association:

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Remember when Chris Paul couldn’t shoot the 3?  He’s done a fabulous job at improving his range … year after year.

Jermaine O’Neal was the unsung hero of Boston’s 1st round sweep of the Knicks.

What in the world can / will the Magic do with Gilbert Arenas and the buckets of cash that are still owed to him?

Derrick Rose may be the MVP of the league, but I’ve talked to many in Chicago that will tell you that Luol Deng would win the ‘team’ hardware in the Windy City.  He has been incredible for the Bulls this season.

If certain teams around the league don’t have a coach and/or GM when July 1st rolls around, what will they do if the lockout only last a few days or a few weeks (and not the few months that many are expecting)?  Do you not risk falling behind the competition – for trades and free agents, etc – because you’re too busy trying to get together search committee for a coach an/or GM?

Carl Landry needs to be cloned.  Every team needs a Carl Landry.

Bigger ‘names’ may be out there but it’ll be interesting to see if the Pacers stay the course with Frank Vogel  – and the high he had Indy riding after replacing Jim O’Brien – or if Larry Bird will look elsewhere.

Paging Pau Gasol … Pau Gasol …

I really don’t care if Chris Bosh is married or not.  Leave that to ET or TMZ.  Let’s talk playoff basketball instead!

Kevin Durant:  leave the backpack in the locker room next time.  Thanks.

Shane Battier is a free agent this summer and I expect a long line up of suitors.  He’s the kind of ‘vet’ that would fit in with a young team in need of a leader or an older team in need of guy who’ll play a role – even if it’s a reduced role.

What if Brandon Roy and Greg Oden were never plagued by injuries?

The best thing for Andy Rautins in New York (if he is to become a PG – like the Knicks want him to be):  another year to learn under a mentor like Chauncey Billups.

Unless they were moving to Vancouver (which they’re not) … I don’t want to see the Kings leave Sacramento.  Arco Arena is a favourite road stop for the fanatical fan-base and the old-school (albeit, outdated) feel of the building.

GM that deserves more publicity and credit than he gets:  John Hammond in Milwaukee.

My gut tells me Cory Joseph should spend another year in the NCAA … but you can’t fault the youngster for declaring for the NBA Draft … because he’s handling things properly by not signing with an agent and, thus, maintaining his college eligibility.  It’s the best of both worlds.

I couldn’t have said this better myself … Spurs forward Antonio McDyess on being down 3-1 to the Grizzlies:  “We’re playing like a bunch of wussies.”

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I’ll be back with more in this space on Wednesday and/or Thursday.

Enjoy the 2nd half of the Lakers and Hornets … and the NBA Playoffs overall!

Have a good one

E. Smith

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