[閒聊]
As of this moment, Corey Maggette appears to have accepted his duel Clipper
role of compulsive scorer as either a starter or sixth man, depending on how
he's defending. Sources say at end-of-the-year meeting between Mike Dunleavy,
Maggette and his agent cleared the air: There are no trade demands, the coach
has the utmost respect for the player's offensive talent, and Maggette will
do his best to improve on the other side of the ball.
Clippers Workout Few For Draft
ALERT: CLIPPERS HAVE WORKED OUT PG BOBBY BROWN, FULLERTON STATE. ANOTHER
PLAYER IN THEIR OWN BACKYARD SLATED AS A 2ND ROUND PICK.
Maybe it is just because they do not have a draft pick until early in the
second round. Or just maybe they already know who they are going to pick in
the 35th position........hmmmmm. If they are just going through the motions,
my guess it is because their target is a player coming out of Europe.
But it is hard to gleam anything out of the workout schedule the Clippers
have displayed so far. Other than Jordan Farmar and Aaron Afflalo who were
already in their backyard, they have only worked out 3 players.
The three players are all shooting guards who have been playing here in the
good ole USA. That is how you know for sure that they are going to draft a
center, forward, or point guard out of Europe. It is the old mis-direction
play.
Anyway, we have a workout with James "Flight" White, a senior from
Cincinnati, Thomas Gardner, a junior from Missouri, and Richard Roby, a
sophomore from Colorado. These guys are certainly not household names in
college basketball. "Flight" is the highest rated and best known of the
group.
They do also have the #52 pick and one mock draft has them drafting a Bosnian
player from the Euro leagues, 20 year old PF/SF, 6"11" Darmir Markota. When
you read his scouting report his game sounds remarkably like Vlad Radmanovic.
And who is on the upcoming workout schedule for the Clippers with 3 weeks to
go......................uh, er, nobody!
If we see any type of report we will let you know. Maybe all of our guys are
vacationing over at a destination resort in the Ukraine. Lot of cute babes
over there.
Ask Sam Smith
The draft is two weeks away and Sam and his readers can't wait
June 14, 2006, 11:57 AM CDT
Two more weeks to go to find out who is right. This is the way I often view
the draft: I'm right; it's just the teams who made the mistakes. This one is
tougher, and you'll see through some of the questions. I count a half dozen
different No. 1 picks, and every one says the Bulls will have made a huge
mistake if they don't pick their guy. I'll admit, I'm not sure how to go
since I think LaMarcus Aldridge, Tyrus Thomas or Brandon Roy would make
sense. I'm not a big backer of Andrea Bargnani, mostly because I've never
seen him play and I am curious about how Adam Morrison will make it at the
next level. Hey, how 'bout me with the "next level" cliche? In a few weeks,
someone will be able to say, "See, I was right!" The questions...
I am 23, and during my lifetime only six teams have won the NBA title. Six!!!
That truly differentiates the NBA from the other major sport leagues. Is this
simply a fluke or does it speak to the quality of ownership and management of
the Lakers, Bulls, Pistons, Celtics, Rockets and Spurs? --George, Chicago
Heck, when I was 23 I think only the Boston Celtics had won the NBA title. Or
it seemed that way. Seeing Red Auerbach with that miserable cigar every
spring was almost the best anti-smoking campaign ever. And when you get to
23, I know you spend a lot of time looking back on your life. Get ready to
enjoy the rest of it--at least with more champions. It looks like Dallas is
on the way to its first and I doubt I'd see them as favorites next season. I
think we're about to embark on a 1970s-like era, without the high heeled
disco shoes and drug availability, of perhaps a dozen teams every season with
a chance to go to the Finals. That's because there is no more colossus. Shaq
is fading away, and there are no super teams. The best I've seen in this
playoffs is the Spurs, and they didn't make to the conference finals. The
Suns could be something if Amare Stoudemire gets back at full strength, but I
think the East is wide open with the Pistons coming back to the pack in
everything but complaining. They proved champions at that.
Do you see any similarities between Villanova's Randy Foye and Dwyane Wade?
--JB, Chicago
A four-letter last name. Foye is said to be more of a combo guard like Ben
Gordon, though not quite the shooter.
Sam, you seem to lump LaMarcus Aldridge in with the big men projects, but do
you really think that's the case? How do you define "project"? I think
Aldridge is polished enough to give the Bulls 10-12 ppg and 6 rpg next year,
and 15 and 8 by his second season. While he wouldn't be considered an
above-average starter as a rookie, he would be an upgrade from what we have
now, and would not be far off from being an above-average starter in the
league. Aldridge has a pretty good NBA body, can step out and hit the outside
shot and has some nice post moves. He seems way more prepared than most big
men coming out of college these days. --Andrew, Chicago
I can't disagree with your analysis. But "project" suggests not being quite
ready. It tends to take big men longer to adjust to the NBA, and Aldridge's
body hasn't filled out yet. It's got to catch up with his skills. You have
the point right about this draft. There's no Tim Duncan there, but aren't
these guys better than Malik Allen and Othella Harrington? Right now! And the
Bulls came on strong with them. Given that these guys will improve, they
should give help right away and because of size and length give the team room
for growth.
What would it take to get Elton Brand back from the Clippers? Both draft
picks, Tyson Chandler and Ben Gordon? --Devin Hapsburg, Skokie, Ill.
Move on. The rest of us have.
Trade the No. 2 pick for Mike Bibby then in free agency go after Al
Harrington, Reggie Evans, Drew Gooden, DerMarr Johnson, Ben Wallace and even
Latrell Sprewell. Spree will be a good addition because like Sam Cassell he
will be out to prove that he can still play the game. --Nemy Cunanan,
Anaheim, Calif.
Nah, I wouldn't count on Sprewell, though he always has been known as a good
teammate. You get the feeling, though, he isn't that reliable since no one
was able to find him last year. Gooden and Wallace are possibilities. Wallace
is interesting because I think you could get him, but you'd probably have to
overpay and I'd wonder about his motivation at this stage of his career. As
for Bibby, I'm not a big fan. He does run a clever pick and roll, but his
defense is atrocious and I think Kirk Hinrich is a much better all-around
point guard right now.
Are the Bulls thinking about Drew Gooden? He might just be the big guy they
need and then they can draft Brandon Roy with the draft pick. Is there any
chance of getting Dee Brown or James Augustine in the draft? Has there been
talk of the Suns trading Shawn Marion to the Bulls and can the Bulls get Dirk
as a free agent in 2007? --Shawn Philip, Des Plaines, Ill.
To summarize, it's likely Gooden will be one free agent they'll seriously
look at if they don't trade for a big man. I can't see Brown because they've
filled the league mandated quota on small guards, but Augustine would fit the
way they like to play. Forget Dirk. Why leave such a great situation? I've
been in Dallas for the Finals and his jersey was by far the most popular. I
never thought I'd see so many Texans wearing the jersey of a German star, and
they even pronounce his name correctly. As for Marion, they say they're
keeping him, but I think it's just until they find out if Stoudemire is fit
to return at a high level. The Bulls probably would inquire if there's a
chance to get him.
Do you feel that Ben Gordon will take it lightly if the Bulls draft Brandon
Roy and give him a chance to start over Gordon? Could a better fit be keeping
Chris Duhon who is more likely to be OK with not starting and can play both
guard spots? Then look for a bigger name by trading Gordon, like to New York,
who has wanted him for sometime now. If so I feel the only player on the
Knicks worth anything is Channing Frye. --Jason K., Peoria, Ill.
That's one of the most interesting questions about the draft. I believe Ben
is a professional and team player, but I know he believes he's a starter and
is coming up on a contract year. And I know he'd want to start in that
circumstance. Watching the Mavs and Jason Terry suggests you can get away
with a small shooting guard, though it's not the perfect way to go. If the
Bulls were to draft Roy, I don't think they'd start him right away and see if
he could beat out Ben. It could prove somewhat uncomfortable. As for the
Knicks, I think the two teams are done dealing.
The Bulls need to draft Tyrus Thomas. Period. End of story. I'm convinced he
instantly upgrades the Bulls frontcourt, regardless of his youth. LaMarcus
Aldridge might be good, but he disappeared in too many games last year and
the last thing the Bulls need is another soft player. Brandon Roy has a
complete game, fills the Bulls' need for a tall guard, and I would be happy
if the Bulls landed him, but here is why Thomas is the only choice. The
backcourt and offense is predicated on screens with high pick and rolls for
their guards. But the Bulls have absolutely no one capable of the "roll"
part. How many times did Chandler set a high screen for Hinrich, roll to the
basket wide open and receive a perfect pass from Hinrich, only to have it
carom off his puny hands? Opponents soon realize the big men are stiffs who
pose zero offensive threat, and begin to jump the screens to double the
guards. This strategy was never more evident than in the final games of the
Bulls first-round playoff loss to the Heat. Heat players swarmed Hinrich,
Gordon, etc. into working much harder than they had to for open shots off
screens. Now with Tyrus Thomas setting the high screen and rolling, I see the
Eastern Conference answer to the Nash-Stoudamire (remember last season?)
combo, with Thomas sending down thunderous dunk after dunk from Hinrich's
precision passes. Who cares if Thomas' outside shot needs to improve? It
will. Factor in his rebounding and shot blocking on defense, I can't see how
the Bulls can afford NOT to take him. --Matt C., Chicago
John Paxson, is that you? I think Paxson looks at Thomas that way as well and
envisions an imposing, athletic defensive front with Thomas and Chandler and
a player in Thomas who can develop more offensively. It's why I believe this
pick will be so difficult. I'm higher on Thomas than some and see the
athletic possibilities.
With all the talk of how the Bulls need a big guard, I can't help but think
how huge Tim Thomas could have been for them this past year. Now, I know in
practice he probably made Scott Skiles nostalgic for Jalen Rose, and I know
the Suns' system is a better fit for players who don't like to run sets or
play defense, but tell me the Bulls would have won fewer games with him on
the floor? Shouldn't the mark of a great coach be the ability to come up with
ways to blend diverse talents and personalities? The Bulls did this once
before, with the Worm. As with bar mitzvah parties, it's nice to have a
theme, but I think the Bulls are ultimately going to trip over their
"hard-nosed hard worker" mold if they can't figure out how to be a little
flexible. --Walt, Washington, D.C.
A little chicken soup for the soul, eh? I understand that, but I happen to
agree with them on Thomas even if I probably would have had him hang around
somewhat longer. Though it's not likely it would have helped much. Tim is not
a bad guy. But sometimes there's just not a fit. The Tim Thomas we saw in the
playoffs would not have been the Thomas in Chicago. I agree they knew how to
handle him better than the Bulls did, but the Bulls' methods are working so
far. The failing will be if players begin to leave. No one yet has
demonstrated they will.
Being in Dallas, Avery Johnson seems a lot like Skiles to me. He's tough on
the players and prides himself on not being a friend and not being afraid to
go after them. In this NBA, I think you need respect first and to show you
are knowledgeable and stand for something. The Bulls allowed too much to slip
in the past. It's about winning in sports. Larry Brown was too tough in
Detroit and then Flip Saunders was too easy, but then Brown was too tough in
New York. It's difficult to maintain. I like the way the Bulls play and
respond to their coach. He may not be perfect, but he's got a lot more going
for him than most around the league now. So you have to put up with a few
eccentricities.
Here’s one more: Trading Chandler and Duhon for Toronto’s first pick and,
off the top of my head, Alvin Williams (or someone to balance the salaries.
At least he is a tall guard). This way we could end this freaking dilemma
about Thomas or Aldridge. Let’s get both and have even more salary space to
re-sign our rookies and hopefully to get some decent free agent next year.
This way we could have a young player at every position and will be able to
get a proven veteran next year in the position we may need the most.
--Nicolas, Mar del Plata, Argentina
Nice wish, but Chandler doesn't get you a No. 1 pick the way he struggled
last season. He has value, but not that high for now. Though I apologize for
the way the Bulls' lack of certainty is upsetting the daily routine in South
America.
The more I look at this offseason the more I'm convinced the Bulls are going
to draft Brandon Roy. It's clear the Bulls need a big 2 guard and a 4 or a 5.
There doesn't appear to be many options for a 2 in free agency, and a trade
for one will be too costly. I do think there are better options in free
agency for the 4 or 5. I know you like Joel Przybilla, but I think they need
to get more athletic in the front court. The guy I like is Chris Wilcox. I
originally heard that Seattle wants to re-sign him but a significant offer
could put Seattle in a bind. --Jeff, Libertyville, Ill.
Not sure where the Bulls stand on Wilcox, though it's always a risk to go for
a guy who had one good season and in his free-agent year. Anyone remember
Eddie Robinson? I think Roy is in the mix, but I also think with the money
they have that they have a shot at two big guys in free agency, maybe even
Przybilla or Nazr Mohammed and someone like Drew Gooden or Nene.
I just viewed some Bagnani highlights. Just from the clips, it's obvious the
kid is the real deal. I say if Toronto does something that causes Tyrus
Thomas to go No. 1, the Bulls should take Bagnani over Aldridge. Bagnani
would create big-time matchup problems with opponents and he plays defense.
--Roscoe, Chicago
You have the advantage on me and I may be wrong in the long run, but I think
the Bulls need someone more sure for now and someone to play inside more than
Bargnani, who, from what I hear, is more a perimeter scorer. I know Nowitzki
has been terrific, and if he were in the draft I'd take him, but I'm always a
little leery about the international guys because of the level of competition
since the NBA has strip mined Europe. I know the games are shorter, but he
averaged about 11 points and I heard he had a single figure tournament game
recently. I'm not saying he won't be a player. And we'd all love to have
Ginobili, but I prefer better what I see here more often.
In order to justify his status as the No. 2 overall pick, a player must be
his team's go-to guy and have taken them somewhere. When Joakim Noah opted
out of the draft the only two players remaining in the projected Top 10 to
meet these criteria are Brandon Roy and Adam Morrison. Some say Roy would
fill a Bulls' need for a big defensive guard. I guess the thinking is that
with a bigger guard, the Bulls could go from being the best defensive team in
the NBA to the best BEST defensive team.Take the best player available: Adam
Morrison. Yes, the Bulls are crowded with second-tier talent at small forward
but that only means they need to trade those players. Let's not forget that
the talk all year was that the Bulls lacked a go-to guy that would force the
opponent into double teams. Adam Morrison is the only player in the draft who
can do this. --Alec Leamus, Glenview, Ill.
And as my mother would say when I had a suggestion, "Another county heard
from." She didn't usually like them. I like your analysis, even if I wouldn't
go for him. To me it would mean trading Luol Deng. Perhaps if you could get a
good big man for him, but I doubt it. Yes, I'd pick the best player available
no matter the position if he were truly great, but there are too many
questions about Morrison regarding other parts of his game. He may well be a
big-time scorer and he does have an interesting attitude, but I don't see him
taking over the NBA the way he did in college in a small conference. Send
this back to me if he becomes the next Jordan.
Sam, I solved the draft problem. The Bulls need an inside presence. So we
take LaMarcus Aldridge with the second pick. He has a polished post game and
will open up the floor for our shooters and also provide a nice contrast to
Tyson's no 'O' game. The only knock on him is his softness, but I think if
anyone can, Skiles will toughen him up. This is not the time to take a "sexy"
pick with a high ceiling like Tyrus Thomas, and have to wait a couple years
for him to develop and get a post game. Let's remember we are one big man and
one big defensive guard away from making a LOT OF NOISE next year. With the
16th pick we take Ronnie Brewer. The kid can flat out play. He has great
intensity and skill on 'D', and is a 6-7 guy who can play SG and even run the
point if need be. In addition, he is an athletic slasher with great court
vision. These are all things that the Bulls need. Projections show he will be
taken around the 10th pick so we may need to trade up to get him. Would a
couple of second-rounders or maybe Michael Sweetney, along with our 16th, do
the trick? Probably. This should be considered if he is still available
around the 10th pick. --Josh Hendon, Normal, Ill.
The Bulls might be able to get to 10 or so with Duhon, whom some teams like
and is not a long-term fit for the Bulls with Hinrich there. So maybe. I'm
enjoying the debate and have been impressed with the analysis of the fans.
Too often fans are taken for granted about their knowledge of the game, but
it's been impressive to read the different scenarios. It's why I'm including
so many this week. Also because of the great variety of certain opinion. I
think Skiles would love to get at Aldridge because Aldridge is considered a
willing student and hard worker. I've liked Brewer because he defends even if
the Bulls wonder about his shooting.
So much is made of how the Bulls need a big guard or a big man to get to the
next level. You mention Brandon Roy as an emerging favorite, a solid guard
who can contribute right away, or Tyrus Thomas, a 6-9 athletic power forward.
However, I think the last thing the Bulls need is another "solid" player. The
Bulls are stocked with solid players, what they need is an impact player.
That is their most glaring need. Draft the BEST player available regardless
of position, take a chance. Rudy Gay has the potential to be a superstar in
this league. Forget the criticisms, he has size at 6-9, has the athleticism
and offensive polish as a guard, works hard and has a good head on his
shoulders. He is the same size as Tyrus Thomas, but with twice the skill and
talent! Gay could play alongside Nocioni. This makes Deng expendable, use him
to trade for a big guard, maybe Mickael Pietrus. --Alex, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Gay is the most interesting because I rarely hear of him in the top five,
though everyone tells me he has the talent to be a star. I think he scares
off the Bulls with a reputation for indifference toward the game. But I
suspect they'll do their due diligence and find out for themselves. But this
does fill out the requests with now a sixth potential overall No. 1 pick. And
I keep getting people telling me the Bulls should take Shelden Williams. Hey,
Josh Howard wouldn't be a bad No. 1 and he was picked No. 29. You get the
feeling in this draft the best player could come from anywhere.
I think way too much stress is put on individual positions when people
address this draft. For instance, we need a big 2 that can guard taller
guards so Kirk Hinrich doesn't have to. When we do this, I think we are
seriously limiting our drafting options. However, I don't think Paxson does
this, so I'm not worried. I don't think Rudy Gay or Adam Morrison should be
overlooked at this position simply because they play the 3, and its our
deepest position. The reality is that the game is not as regimented as the
common fan believes it is. I think both players would be able to play the 2,
and I also think that Deng has that potential. So don't be surprised if Pax
falls in love with a Gay or Morrison, and drafts them despite their typical
position of small forward. I personally would like to see such a move because
the Bulls need another scoring option as much as they need size. --Kevin
Carroll, Chicago
The game is changing and you see it with the Suns, who look for players to
play multiple positions. The impact of the big man is being negated in front
of our eyes in the Finals with Dallas' length and quickness neutralizing
Shaq. I think it will continue to make for better basketball and more
wide-open competition for years to come. Though it has been the plan of the
Atlanta Hawks with a team filled with 6-8 guys who are winning 20 games.
What about trading Ben Gordon and the No. 16 pick to Charlotte, Portland or
Atlanta for their first pick? That would allow the Bulls to get Thomas and
probably Roy and then sign one of the big men in free agency. Unrealistic?
--Kurt Hendricks, Rockford, Ill.
I know Charlotte has had an interest in Ben, but I think those teams are
intrigued with guys like Morrison and probably will stay in the draft.
I may be talking out of my rear end because I live in California now and
don't get to watch my beloved Bulls much, but I actually like our guard
combination the way it is now. I know they're small, but the 3 spot is
another guard anyway, and we've got Deng and Nocioni there. My point is, the
Bulls should draft Tyrus Thomas--the current NBA doesn't have much use for a
back-to-the-basket big man unless he's completely dominant. We could use
Thomas' defense and athleticism more than anything Aldridge can bring. Draft
Tyrus!!! --Matthew Anderson, Pasadena, Calif.
Glad you understand what living in California means, but it's a reasonable
suggestion and I believe high on the Bulls' list.
I hate to bash fellow Bulls fans, but anyone who says Roy is the pick at No.
2 is just dumb. Why is no one talking about Ronnie Brewer or Quincy Douby? I
would love them with the 16th pick. Brewer will be the most versatile player
in the draft. --Jon, Gurnee, Ill.
That's probably too high for Brewer and the Bulls can do much better. Of
course, he may be rookie of the year. Douby is another smallish guard and the
Bulls have enough of them.
To be continued tomorrow...
Wade can put heat on Mavs
04:31 PM CDT on Wednesday, June 14, 2006
What happened Tuesday night in Miami was a complete abomination.
It's one thing to lose a game on the road in the NBA Finals. It's a whole
other story to get beat when you lead by 13 points with barely six minutes to
play.
It's inexcusable.
I know what you're thinking. The Mavericks lost a nine-point lead in a
heartbeat to Phoenix in the opener of the Western Conference finals. And they
still survived. They won that series in six games, making it look easy at the
end.
OK. Fine.
But this is a Miami team that has exactly the sort of player the Mavericks
dread. They have given up huge performances to Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and,
going back to last year's playoffs, Tracy McGrady.
Dwyane Wade is a clone of all those players.
If the Mavericks allow him to run free, like they did all the other perimeter
players who have tortured them in the past year, then they are vulnerable.
Until they show otherwise, this NBA Finals is far from over.
MAVERICKS Q&A
Q: Isn't it obvious to everybody now that the Mavericks-Spurs series wasn't
just for the Western Conference, but for the entire NBA championship?
Mike, San Antonio
SEFKO: Sure, rationalize your loss any way you want to.
You sound like D-Moore whining about how he had the best item on the menu –
even after you ordered the roast duck with the mango salsa.
The Mavs-Spurs series looks like the best matchup of the playoffs. But it
looked like the overwhelming favorite in that respect until the Heat came
alive in the fourth quarter and won Game 3.
Now?
It's hard to tell. The Spurs need to make some adjustments. They know it. The
Mavericks know it. Everybody knows it.
That may very well have been the title series. But until the Mavericks
dispatch the Heat, it's hard to say for sure. My guess is that the Mavericks
will finish things in six games, give or take a game. And at that point, yes,
it will be fair to say that San Antonio was their toughest hurdle.
‧ ‧ ‧
Q: Why don't they put both centers on the court to combat Shaq?
Dave, Coppell, Texas
SEFKO: Wow, I didn't realize our standards had gone from ridiculous to
impossible. The Mavericks held Shaquille O'Neal to an average of 11 points
and 6.5 rebounds in the first two games. But that wasn't good enough,
apparently.
There's a very sound reason why Avery Johnson doesn't put Erick Dampier and
DeSagana Diop on the floor together. Mostly, when it comes to double-teaming
O'Neal, Johnson wants quicker players who can run at the big man as soon as
he gets the ball. But once he passes out, that double-teaming player has to
be able to get back to his man or whoever he is switching onto. That could be
a slow process for Diop or Dampier.
And remember, when not doubling Shaq, one of them has to guard somebody else,
and Antoine Walker would run circles around either of them.
We won't even discuss the obvious offensive problems with both of them on the
court.
‧ ‧ ‧
Q: Is the series coming back to Dallas?
Mark, New York
SEFKO: Absolutely.
Of course, if the Mavericks had won Game 3, I would have said "not a
chance.''
What happened in Game 3 was unforgivable. The Mavs blew a 13-point lead in
the final six minutes. That can't happen if you're talking about being a
super basketball team.
Yes, they lost a nine-point lead to the Suns in Game 1 of the Western finals.
But this is different. The Mavericks need to take stock right now before Game
4. They are in a serious series with a couple of legitimate superstars, even
though Shaquille O'Neal is showing his age.
They will lose another game in Miami. The series ends in Dallas, one way or
the other.
‧ ‧ ‧
Q: Are the Mavericks the next NBA dynasty?
Tim, Norwalk, Conn.
SEFKO: All they have to do is win it all again in at least two of the next
three years and you can officially label them a dynasty.
But these things are hard to come by in today's NBA. Players move freely from
team to team. Even losing one seemingly ancillary piece can change the
dynamic of a team. For instance, what if Keith Van Horn moves on to another
contender for the mid-level exception this summer?
Without him, it's entirely possible the Mavericks don't get past the Spurs in
Game 7, when his 3-pointers were difference-makers.
It's easy to say that as long as Dirk Nowitzki is here, the Mavericks have a
chance to win it all. But let's tap on the brakes a little in regard to
dynasty talk.
‧ ‧ ‧
Q: What teams would be most likely to make a run at Jason Terry or Keith Van
Horn.
Doug S., Garland, Texas
SEFKO: Not many teams have the money to make legitimate offers for Terry.
Charlotte could do it, but the Bobcats apparently are saving their money for
next summer, when the free-agent pool should be deeper and a certain North
Carolinian named Josh Howard could be available.
New Orleans also should have some cash available. There is a chance the LA
Clippers and Atlanta will have some dough, although the Clippers would have
to let loose of Sam Cassell and Vlade Radmanovic. It's highly unlikely Terry
or Van Horn would want to go play for any of those franchises. If they leave,
it will be only to a team with legitimate championship aspirations.
Based on what's happened this season, I can't see Terry leaving. Van Horn is
a possibility. Denver might get him at a good value because his family lives
near there full time. But for a chance at another ring, coming back to Dallas
is not a bad option.
‧ ‧ ‧
Q: I've heard a lot about the nightlife in South Beach. Have the Mavericks
spent much time there during their first few days in Miami?
Don, Dallas
SEFKO: The lures of South Beach are indeed strong. They have some of the
trendiest, most-happening spots on the globe in those scant square miles.
And did we mention that the women all seem like they are drop-dead and eager
for companionship with NBA players?
However, these same NBA players have the chance to mingle with beautiful
people in just about every city they visit. They might not all have the
cosmopolitan feel that Miami has. But there are always opportunities for fun
and frolicking in every NBA destination.
If the Mavericks get whipped in Miami, it won't be because of the
extracurricular activities.
‧ ‧ ‧
Q: Why is Dwyane Wade destroying the Mavericks?
Steve, Rowlett, Texas
SEFKO: Well, the fact that he's a monstrous talent could have something to do
with it.
He's quicker than anybody the Mavericks have, except for perhaps Devin
Harris. Wade also has more pure skill than anybody else the Mavericks have
seen except for LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Tracy McGrady (when he's
healthy).
What all that means is that Wade is a flat-out stud. The Mavericks have no
way of stopping him, other than trying to make him shoot jump shots. Too
often, they are biting in his pump-fakes and he is dribbling in for closer
shots.
The kid is a great talent. The Mavericks can still handle him. But it's going
to take a better effort than we saw in Game 3.
‧ ‧ ‧
Q: Why does Miami have all that white stuff all over the arena?
Joe, Dallas
SEFKO: Excellent question. It has to do with things being "white hot'' in
Miami. But we tend to think that the all-white phenomenon is a different
comment on the weather. As in, "it's not the heat, it's the stupidity.''
The only thing the white-out proves is that the Heat has an arena that looks
like it's ready for a wedding but could still end up hosting a funeral later
this week.
--
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