- The Boston Celtics did what they were supposed to do at home, which is dominate an eighth seeded team. The Atlanta Hawks did what they were supposed to do in Game 7 on the road, which is play like an eighth seeded team...

- How will Gang Green gang up on Lebron James? Or do they even need to? Early prediction is Celtics in six, with James averaging close to 40 in the series...

- But I won't be surprised if Boston suffers an early exit if Cleveland's role players play their role to perfection. In the Name of the King, the Knights of the Brown Table will be expected to battle for their lives. Ok, maybe it's not life and death. But it's the NBA Playoffs, where there is only one...

- Just like I thought, the Detroit Pistons' big backcourt of Chauncey Billips and Richard Hamilton manhandled tiny Jameer Nelson and inadequate but game Maurice Evans in their 91-72 blowout of the Orlando Magic. This will set the tone for the series...

- If Orlando can't pick up the pace and force a running game, Detroit will control the tempo, keep the scores low, keep it physical, and will keep on frustrating center Dwight Howard. At this point, the young and inexperienced Howard will not have the moxie to will his team to recover. Superman is looking more like Superboy and thus the Pistons should close it out in five... 

- I keep saying to the skeptics, don't sleep on the Pistons...

- Byron Scott is one hell of a coach. His team came prepared for battle and took it to future Hall-of-Famer Tim Duncan like no other opponent has done to him before. Props to the former L.A. Lakers shooting guard, who came up with a genius strategy to hold Duncan to five points and three boards, Brian Skinner numbers...

- Duncan looked like Shaquille O'Neal out there on Saturday night. Slow and tired with no lift and contstantly getting burned on defense. With Duncan also missing his free throws a la Shaq, the only thing missing was the Hack-a-Tim. But I'm sure Scott won't employ that tactic anytime soon...

- We did see the Hack-a-Chandler for a quick second, which came to everybody's surprise. Since Popovich loves doing it so much, I'm beginning to think we should start calling the Hack-a-Shaq, Pop's Special Recipe...

- And be sure to check out the latest hit on television. It's called...

  YOUNG GUNS: The Assault Continues

Starring Kobe Bryant as William H. Bonney aka Mamba the Kid

Pau Gasol as Doc Scurlock

Lamar Odom as Chavez

Andrew Bynum as Richard "D!CK" Brewer

Sasha "Vidal Sasoon" Vujacic as Dirty Steve Stephens

and introducing Luke Walton as Charley Bowdre

with Phil Jackson as John Tunstall, Mamba the Kid's teacher and mentor 

This is how the West will be won - the old fashioned way, with all the gunslingers taking over your town.

The first round of the NBA playoffs is almost complete and I've seen enough of the games to be able to tell which teams are for real and which teams are going to come up short.

After watching and dissecting about 3-4 games per day, I've definitely received a strong dosage of postseason action thus far. While teams continue to beat up on each other, the annual awards are being passed out and the incomparable Kobe Bryant waits patiently for the MVP trophy.

Meanwhile,  Ernie, Kenny, and Charles continue to be the best in the business at giving fans expert analysis, new footage for Youtube, and up-to-the-minute updates on who's going fishing.

What can we expect from here on out? Here's a glimpse:

L.A. Lakers - The Young Guns have been on a mission since day one of training camp. They made a statement by dispatching the high-powered Denver Nuggets, the first 50-win team in history to get swept out of the playoffs. OOPS, scratch that. Thanks to Hoffman's expertise, the Lakers also dispatched the  50-win Portland JailBlazers 7 years ago. Good job, Hoff. It appears the Lakers make a habit of embarrassing good teams with high expectations in the playoffs.  

Kobe is dominating like only he can, while Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom continue to provide the inside presence the Lakers need for them to keep teams guessing on defense. The role players are coming off the bench and taking over during short stretches in games when the stars are either resting or are in foul trouble. The roster is the deepest in the league and they're about to get defensive specialist Trevor Ariza back in a couple weeks. Phil Jackson is on a major mission for his tenth title and has something to prove as a coach. Lakers fans are talking title. It's safe to say the Lakers are back. Advantage, Lakers. 

Prediction: Western Conference Finals, NBA Finals, NBA Champions

San Antonio Spurs - Everyone counted them out because they were 1-3 against the Phoenix Suns in the regular season. Everyone said they were too old and lacked the depth needed to successfully defend their title. Everyone said there was a reason the Spurs don't ever repeat as champions.

Then the playoffs started. Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker, and Gregg Popovich continue to impress in the postseason because like Kobe, Derek Fisher, and the Zenmaster, they've been there and done that. Once again they've flipped the switch, they're playing championship level defense, and they're proving to the Suns that in order to play elite, you've got to dictate the tempo, protect possessions, and get to the foul line when it matters most. When the Spurs run into the Lakers, they'll realize that the Lakers are just as good in doing the things the Spurs do best. And the Spurs will find out the Lakers are deeper and bigger. And the Spurs won't have home-court advantage. Advantage, Lakers.

Prediction: Western Conference Finals

New Orleans Hornets - The suprise team of the year keeps on surprising. They're stellar play on offense and defense comes from a balanced lineup that is being coached by someone who knows what it takes to go deep in the playoffs. They are about to free the disappointing Dallas Mavericks from their misery and will probably face the Spurs in the second round. The Hornets are deep enough to match up and compete with San Antonio, but a major advantage for the Spurs is that they will get a number of calls going their way late in games.

Against S.A., the Hornets will have to figure out how to prevent Ginobili and Parker from penetrating at will, and Duncan from abusing the 6-9 David West in the post. Popovich will devise a strategy to nullify the Chris Paul-Tyson Chandler alley-oop so  Byron Scott will have to find a way to genetrate fluidity and continuity on offense with players like Morris Peterson, Bonzi Wells and Jannero Pargo, who will need to come up huge. And we know that Bruce Bowen will be physical with Peja Stojakovic, thereby minimizing his effectiveness as a three-point shooter so it makes it even that much more important for the Hornets' bench to counter Brent Barry, Fabricio Oberto, Michael Finley, and Kurt Thomas. It will be a great learning experience for the young Hornets, who are still a Michael Redd type of shooting guard away from being a great team. Advantage, Spurs.

Prediction: Western Conference Semifinals

Utah Jazz - The coaching brilliance of Jerry Sloan can only take them so far. Just like last year, the Jazz will give a solid effort only to come up short because a bigger and better team beats them inside. They beat up on a Houston team that was missing their lone inside presence in Yao Ming and included a center who should be retired and an undersized rookie power forward (Luis Scola) who never got any calls going his way. Their best point guard didn't play until game three but it was already too late and the Jazz took advantage. But this time they will face a Lakers unit that has won 12 of 13 dating back to the end of the regular season.

Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer are two of the best pick-n-roll players in the NBA, but Mehmet Okur and Andrei Kirilenko are also two of the most inconsistent players on that Jazz frontline. The Jazz will be game, but they'll be hard pressed to take the Lakers to seven games, let alone win two. They're just not deep enough and their lack of size and muscle inside and absence of a solid defender against Kobe will lead to their demise. They were 1-3 against L.A. in the regular season and Pau Gasol  didn't even play in any of those games, making it even harder for the Jazz to strategize and plan their matchups. In addition, former Jazz guard Derek Fisher knows all their plays. Advantage, Lakers.

Prediction: Western Conference Semifinals

Gone Fishin': Houston, Dallas, Phoenix, Denver

Boston - Their two losses at Atlanta prove what I've been thinking all along. This particular team's lack of experience playing together in games of significance has come back to hurt them temporarily. But it's not too late for the guys in green. They're full of veterans and this may be the wake-up call they need in order to get their act together, which they will.

But if it's Detroit and Boston in the East Finals, I like the Pistons' chances. Postseason special Tayshaun Prince will be a load for Paul Pierce, Rasheed Wallace will give KG fits inside and outside, and Chauncey Billips and Rip Hamilton will execute much better than Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo. And the difference will be the Pistons' bench outplaying the Celtics' bench. Two lingering questions remain: Can Kevin Garnett take over a series and is he really cursed? We shall see. Advantage, Pistons.

Prediction: Eastern Conference Finals

Detroit - The unpredictable and mysterious Detroit Pistons already received their wake-up call and they pulled out a tough one on the road against the surprise of the East, Philadelphia. Their success, once again, lies on the shoulders of the enigmatic Wallace. Another huge concern is Coach Flip Saunders' ability to motivate his bunch. It seems like everyone on the roster has something to prove, especially since they collapsed last year at the hands of the one-man show they call Lebron James. If anything, Detroit still has the best team defense in the East when it comes to postseason play because they've proven it so many times in the past. As of press time, Detroit is blowing out the Sixers by 17 and siezing all momentum in the series.  Advantage, Pistons.

Prediction: Eastern Conference Finals, NBA Finals 

Cleveland - King James keeps doing what he does against the Wiz Kids. The only question is whether or not his teammates will follow suit. Their overall play in the playoffs has been respectable but not exceptional. One thing is clear: the only "soulja" in the series between Cleveland and Washington has been James. The big test comes in the second round against Boston, and if Lebron treats the Celtics the way he did the Pistons last year and advances, I will finally believe. But I just don't think that the Cavaliers have enough toughness as a team unit to match up with the Celtics position for position. Advantage, Celtics.

But for now, let's just enjoy being witnesses.

Prediction: Eastern Conference Semifinals

Orlando - The big surprise in the Magic's first round series against Toronto hasn't been the dominance of Dwight Howard. It's been the steady play of point guard Jameer Nelson. His consistency spearheaded Orlando's attack and he suddenly became another valuable weapon, hitting big shot after big shot. However, Orlando is still prone to giving up easy baskets and Detroit's offensive weapons will know how to take advantage. And if Howard ends up in foul trouble, the Magic will have a hard time keeping Prince, Jason Maxiell, and 'Sheed from scoring inside. In addition, Orlando's guards don't have what it takes to matchup with Detroit's guards, who all move well without the ball.  Advantage, Pistons.

Prediction: Eastern Conference Semifinals

Gone Fishin': Washington, Toronto, Atlanta, Philadelphia

And lastly, please Kenny Smith... I plead with you. Do not take that job with the New York Knicks!

- Believe it or not, the once left-for-dead Phoenix Suns have turned it around and it's all because of Mike D'Antoni and his coaching staff. He has finally found a way to incorporate and involve The Big Diesel into the system. That high double-post set on offense is being utilized to perfection by Steve Nash, Amare Stoudemire, and O'Neal. Kudos...

-  While STAT's stats have gone up, Nash is still pick-n-rolling opponents to death and continues to find his three-point shooters within their new offensive set that still emphasizes ball movement, fluidity, but more importantly allows O'Neal to do his thing, whether it's attacking the offensive boards, finding the open man, or simply making his presence felt. And with Boris Diaw slowly starting to find his groove, the Suns actually have a legitimate shot of reaching the NBA FINALS...

- If Shaq doesn't get hurt and continues to average 15 and 10, the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs will have to revise their game plan...

- Although he may not win MVP, Chris Paul is the best guard in the NBA pound for pound...

- A New Orleans Hornet deserves a regular season award this year. Byron Scott for Coach of the Year, because his team has maintained its position atop the West the entire season...

- Kobe Bryant deserves to be MVP while any other year Paul would win the award. Tim Duncan should win MVP every year and we all know it, but we have to make it fun for the fans so we use statistics as indicators instead. Kevin Garnett already won an MVP but this time around he has a much better supporting cast and he's missed some games so it ends there for KG. Lebron James has to wait his turn to be crowned King of the NBA, especially if the team he plays on won't even qualify for the playoffs in the West...

- Nice to see The Birdman out of his cuckoo's nest and flying again... 

- If the Dallas Mavericks wind up playing the New Orleans Hornets in the first round, I would not be shocked if the Mavs do to the Hornets what the Warriors did to them last year...

- Everybody keeps talking about how Elton Brand would fit in perfectly with Dwyane Wade and Shawn Marion in Miami. No one is talking about the possibility of Brand in a Golden State Warriors uniform. Imagine a lineup of B-Diddy, Monta Ellis, Stephen Jackson, Andres Biedrins, and Brand. Scary to think of that team running up and down the court...

- The fact that Washington was minus-19 with Gilbert Arenas on the floor during the Wizards' loss in his first game back makes me realize that the uninspired, video game playing blogger known as Agent Zero would make a perfect Los Angeles Clipper. Welcome back to L.A., Gilbert. We already know you're coming...

- If the Atlanta Hawks started the season with Mike Bibby running the point, they would be ahead of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference playoff race right now...

- Golden State will not make the playoffs this year because they play only one style of basketball. At least Denver and Dallas can go inside if they wanted to...

- The key to the recent surge by the Denver Nuggets to propel them back in the playoff hunt hasn't been Carmelo Anthony or Allen Iverson. It's been the player who's rediscovered his talents, Kenyon Martin...

- The Utah Jazz have the best home record in the NBA but is only 16-22 on the road. They will be the featured topic on the next episode of Unsolved Mysteries...

- The fact that the Los Angeles Lakers did not sign Chris Webber and chose to bring in D.J. Mbenga instead solidifies Mitch Kupchak for Executive of the Year. Many will say Danny Ainge, but the entire universe knows Kevin McHale was the one responsible for the revival in Boston. And guys like James Posey, Eddie House, and Sam Cassell decided to go green not because of Ainge but because of Garnett. Kupchak built his team from the ground up with his best player threatening to go elsewhere. Ainge used a former MVP to entice free agent veterans to come join the fray...

- For the first time since the 1980's, fans will hear "Beat L.A." chants more than ever in every city the Lakers will play in during the playoffs...

- I love how every contending playoff team's fans will chant "MVP! MVP! MVP!" for their star player even though they know he won't win the award. It goes to show how fans are once again loving this game...

- The regular season MVP Award is the most overrated award in all of professional sports. On paper, the Phoenix Suns should win it all because they have three MVP-type players in O'Neal, Stoudemire, and Nash. The Celtics have two in Paul Pierce and KG, the Rockets have Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, and the Nuggets have Melo and A.I. The funny thing is that neither of these teams will make it to the NBA Finals...

- The biggest mistake anyone can make in the postseason is to sleep on the Detroit Pistons. Like in 2004, they are at their best when flying under the radar. That was the same way in which the great Joe Dumars approached the game and it was what made him a legend in Motown...

- Fans are always looking for storylines when it comes to the NBA Finals. We all want to revive the battles between the Lakers and the Celtics. We all want to see Kobe vs. Lebron in the Finals, which would be the new version of Bird vs. Magic. We all wish that Phoenix played in the East so we'd have a chance to see Kobe vs. Shaq in the Finals. But it almost always seems to never work out as we expect it to be. Who would have thought that Cleveland would make it to the big dance last year? That's why in 2008, it will be... 

- Lakers over the Pistons in the 2008 NBA Finals. Just like Mike versus the Bad Boys in the late eighties, Kobe finally gets past Detroit when it counts most. 

- And finally: If you don't love this game, check yourself. 'Til next time...

Alright ladies and gentlemen, it's time to play some basketball! In less than a week, the NBA suddenly became a lot more interesting, providing sportsfans a seamless transition from football.

So I start to wonder...

- Now that new Suns center Shaquille O'Neal has decided he wants to be the one responsible for keeping the great Kobe Bryant from having another shot at a title, where does this put Phoenix in the grand scheme of things? And what is Shaq's real weight these days?

- Which team would win in a seven-game playoff series? The Young Guns with the best closer in the game, who has a supporting cast consisting of two All-Star caliber seven-footers and lengthy multi-position players who hustle and play defense? Or the runnin'-n-stunnin' veteran bunch with a former champion past his prime, who'll screen-and-roll alongside arguably the best PG in the league and who will join a high-fly act and an assortment of long range gunners?

- Now that the NBA is beginning to really shape into form and the stars are properly being aligned, who becomes the favorite to capture the O'Brien Trophy?

- As we undergo the makings of a fairy tale season, what team now possesses the most potent core unit?

In the east, you've got "The Boston Three Party." Cleveland has King James and the Knights of the (Mike) Brown Table. Detroit has a bad boy and a bunch of princes in a palace, while a magical kingdom called Orlando has something "big" to brag about. But let's not forget about The Flash and The Matrix, coming soon to a theater near you.

Out west, the Young Guns of Hollywood continue to be the story of the year and the blazin' Suns look to get even hotter by switching to diesel. The defending champion Spurs have the luxury of knowing how to win at the highest level while their Dallas neighbor is keeping a close watch nearby. Byron Scott has the Hornets buzzin', and it's the same ol' jazz tune being sung in Utah.

- Since blockbuster trades seem to be the theme for 2008, are we going to see Yao and T-Mac team up with Jason Kidd? Or will Kidd wind up in Portland, so he can lob passes to Greg Oden, Travis Outlaw, Brandon Roy, and Martell Webster? Either way, Kidd wouldn't mind having a center who could actually play like a center.

- The disgusted Dwyane Wade and Miami Heat continue to experience a long and disappointing campaign, as losses keep mounting. In his new reality commercial, Dwyane Wade similarly grows frustrated as Charles Barkley's annoying calls to him begin to mount. Funny how life works sometimes.

Whatever happens in the next few months, one thing is certain: the next five years are promising to be the greatest period of competition the NBA will have ever experienced. It is so competitive in the Western Conference that a two game losing streak could drop you from second to seventh in a matter of hours. Just ask the Los Angeles Lakers. They were atop the conference standings for two days, then quickly dropped from first to sixth after one loss!

And there is balance between youth and veterans around the league, there is parity between teams, and above all there is a significant amount of All-Stars, SuperStars, and SuperDuperStars that are on contending teams.

The National Ballers Association is primed and ready for topnotch action. It's where amazing things happen, so let's get ready to rumble!

With another new year on the horizon and just about a third of the NBA regular season in completion, bloggers will continue to blog, haters will continue to hate, fans will continue to watch, trades will continue to be rumored, and NBA players will continue to play.

What we will all be saying to ourselves in 2008, a year that promises to shell out a ton of surprises:

"It's about time Isiah Thomas did something."

"All the Miami Heat did was buy the most expensive championship in pro sports history because it was worth it even though they knew all along that they would get nothing from Shaq in the long run. No surprise that he is strongly hinting at retirement."

"Shaquille O'Neal is not as great as I once thought he was because guys like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Patrick Ewing, and Moses Malone were still averaging well over 17 points and 10 boards a game when they were over 35 years of age."

"Jerry Buss and Mitch Kupchak are geniuses."

"Kobe Bryant is GOD dressed up as a basketball player."

"I knew all along that the Los Angeles Lakers were more of a championship contender than the Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz, Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets."

"Amare Stoudemire and Steve Nash are the next Karl Malone and John Stockton. All that talent with nothing to show for"

"See, I told you Jason Kidd would end up playing in Dallas again."

"Utah's Western Conference Finals appearance last year was a fluke. I really can't believe the Jazz missed Derek Fisher and his leadership that much. "

"How is it that Smush Parker is still playing in this league?"

"David Lee needs way more playing time."

"Dwight Howard is going to need a point guard to get him the ball."

"Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer are solid All-Star caliber players but don't possess the killer instinct that can make an impact to take their team over the top."

"The teams that everyone loves to watch - Utah, Phoenix, Golden State - have finally made me realize that it takes defense and bigs to win games of importance in this league."

" I sure hope Greg Oden doesn't turn out like Sam Bowie (cringe)."

"The Houston Rockets are softies and Rick Adelman is not as great a coach and innovator as I thought. He's like Mike D'Antoni and Mike Dunleavy."

"It was just a matter of time before Pau Gasol ended up where he is now."

"I can't believe I once thought that Lebron James and Dwyane Wade had better supporting casts than Kobe Bryant."

"Nothing ever changes with Don Nelson and how he loves to tease all of us only for us to be disappointed in the end."

"It's the same old Los Angeles Clippers."

"It's the same old San Antonio Spurs."

"Somehow I'm getting the feeling that David Stern really wants the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals instead of the Detroit Pistons."

"It's the same old Pistons."

"What ever happened to Mike Conley? Oh I know... Juan Carlos Navarro."

"Why isn't Damon Stoudamire representing the Miami Heat, where old,  washed up PG's love to congregate?"

"That Carmelo Anthony-Allen Iverson tandem is getting old."

"Air Jordans are just not what they used to be."

"Michael Jordan's been practicing a lot with the team lately. I wonder if he's..."

"Kobe is the next MJ. Period."

"Bryant-Bynum-Odom is the next Magic-Kareem-Worthy in Lakerland, and it's not called the Lake Show either. It's the Young Guns, like Estevez-Sheen-Sutherland."

"I shouldn't have underestimated the Lakers and overestimated the Suns."

Happy Christmas and Merry New Year.

- New Jersey is 9-12 with their Big Three and slipping, as everyone awaits a major transaction...

- Four other teams besides the Nets likely to make a move of significance before the trade deadline: Bulls, Sixers, Grizzlies, and Knicks...

- Three more teams that need to be looking for trade partners: Heat, Kings, and Cavaliers...

- Multiple THUMBS DOWN to ALL Jazz fans for booing Derek Fisher, the epitomy of class, during his first game back in Utah as an opposing player...

- 29 other teams would absolutely love to have Shaquille O'Neal and his 15 point 7 rebound average, but at $1.3 million...

- Surprising to say but Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony averaging 25 apiece for the Nuggets is NOT gonna get it done...

- On the other hand, the Lakers have four players averaging in double-figures and two more right under 10 ppg with Jordan Farmar and Vlad Radmanovic at 9.8 and 9.4 respectively. Watch out, it's only the beginning...

- Lebron James, hands down, is the MVP of the NBA right now, with Hammer Howard second...

- Josh Smith is the best team defensive player in the league, while Kobe Bryant remains the best one-on-one defender in the game...

- Just imagine if  Kobe and Smith were on the same team...

- Like I said after the second week of the season, by Christmas time the Clippers would be back in their old true form...

- Most suprising team is Orlando while Miami is the most disappointing...

- San Antonio, in its quest to repeat as champions for the first time, is serious about gaining home court advantage throughout the postseason and having the best regular season record in the NBA...

- Sleeper to win the Western Conference has to be the L.A. Lakers and the sleeper in the East has to be the Cleveland Cavs...

- Most likely teams to be disappointed in the playoffs: Phoenix and Detroit...

- My TOP 10, with special mention in parentheses:

1) San Antonio (12-0 at home)

2) Boston (10-0 at home)

3) Phoenix (10-3 on the road)

4) Orlando (11-2 on the road)

5) New Orleans (only 6-5 at home, but 8-2 on the road)

6) L.A. Lakers (above .500 both home and away)

7) Detroit (above .500 both home and away)

8) Utah (only 5-7 on the road)

9) Dallas (only 4-6 on the road)

10) Denver (only 4-5 on the road)

And Finally...

A team that considers itself a title contender and then loses to the Minnesota Timberwolves (worst team in the NBA and is on the verge of threatening the all-time record for futility) is probably not going to win the championship anytime soon. Boy I can't wait for Christmas Day...

After a long layoff from FOXBLOGCITY, and after drinking my share of PURA VIDAS and enjoying beautiful COSTA RICA with friends and my sizzling Stephanie... THE DIZZLE is BACK!

The 2007 edition of TEAM USA Basketball is about to play Venezuela tomorrow to kickstart the quest for gold in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

We certainly have some top talent on this summer's squad, but I am not convinced that this should be the team to represent our country next year against the likes of France, Argentina, Yugoslavia, Greece, and Spain. I do believe, however, that this team is better than the team that lost to Greece last summer in Japan because this time around KOBE replaces AI. Mr. Bryant is the real answer.

But there are still questions. Will TIM DUNCAN or THE MATRIX be in the red, white, and blue next year? What about the CELTIC TRIO? Will D-WADE be healthy enough? Does SHAQ give it one more go 'round or will GREG ODEN take his place? We can dream about the real DREAM TEAM, but we must use what we have at our disposal right now...

AIR KOBE, J-KIDD, BRON BRON, MELO MAN A,  buh buh buh BILLUPS, AMARE, LEFTY REDD, HOWARD THE DUNK, DERON WILL.I.AMs, T-CHANDLER, MILLER MIKE and FRESH PRINCE OF COMPTON.

My crunch time starters are: PG- Kidd Magik, SG- Kobester, SF- Fresh Prince, PF- Amare, C- Howard the Dunk

Melo Man A, Chauncey, The King, and Lefty will head the second unit. Tyson, Will.I.AmS, and Miller Mike are there in case of foul trouble, much like THE LAKERS used Slava Medvedenko, Sasha Vujacic, and Devean George.

So tip off is tomorrow on NBA TV. Who are your STARTERS? Feel free to speak your mind.

This is how the playoffs should play out...

First Round - Dallas and San Antonio advance as expected, while Houston grinds it out over Utah in seven and the Lakers pull off the biggest upset in NBA history. There are no real surprises in the East as Detroit, Miami, Cleveland, and New Jersey all advance because they are simply more experienced than their opponents.

Semifinals - In a battle of Texas heavyweights, Dallas outlasts Houston whose heavy hitters T-Mac and Yao give the Mavs all they can handle. In a war of former heavyweights, the Lakers' youth, depth, and exuberance serve them a little better than the Spurs' wisdom and moxie do for them as L.A. puts away San Antonio in seven. There are no surprises in the East once again as Detroit outlasts Miami and King James conquers Jersey.

Conference Finals - By this time, Kobe and Odom cannot be stopped. Not even newly crowned MVP Dirk Nowitzki can prevent The Assault from happening. Meanwhile in another land, King James' crusade continues as Cleveland takes over Detroit in a battle for the ages.

NBA Finals - What more could Emperor Stern want than a showdown pitting KOBE versus LEBRON? In a ratings-filled classic matchup, Kobe earns his first ring without the Diesel and Odom dedicates the championship to his son. King James puts up a valiant effort and vows to return. The Lakers become the first 7-seed to win it all, and two new nicknames are coined to go along with " Showtime." - "K-O Time" and "Los Angeles K-O"

Thanks again for your insightful comments - homers, haters, and sports fans all over the planet. I know all you Suns fans want to bash me, so bring it on. It's PLAYOFF TIME. I got my game face on. Do you?

As Lebron goes, the Cavs go.

His masterpiece performance against the EAST favorite the other night showed the world why LEBRON is capable of catapulting his team to the FINALS.

He made an apparent game winner. He made a key blocked shot on RIP HAMILTON. He made the plays to carry his team like a championship caliber leader often does.

Something is telling me that Lebron has been pacing all year. Something is telling me that Lebron is taking it to another lever for the remaining 20 games of the season. Something is telling me that his teammates are along for the ride. Lebron knows that now is the time to peak, just like the mighty SAN ANTONIO SPURS are doing now.

And Lebron's teammates have Lebron's back better than KOBE's teammates have KOBE's. But Cleveland has veterans like Z, Gooden, Hughes, and Snow. Kobe has amateurs and wannabe ballers in Smush, Cook, Radmanovic, and Brown so we understand why.

Although I pick Detroit to return to the East Finals, I am not counting out Cleveland. The Cavs are the East version of the Lakers. They have a legitimate MVP All-World SuperBaller. They can lose to the worst teams but they usually step it up against the elite. They have unpredictable and inconsistent role players.

KOBE is suspended so there's no need to talk about him and the LAKERS right now. 

So LEBRON HATERS, where you at?

There are numerous debates as to who is the best player in the NBA. How about seeing who is among the best at each position, with several characteristics I have listed as  being the key determining factors?

In terms of  ball distribution, assists, setting up teammates, finding the open man, running the team as a floor general, making teammates perform better, being a good "locker room" guy, being a "coach" on the floor, team's win percentage, scoring the occasional clutch basket when your team needs it, and playing "good enough" defense (in that order)... the best point guard in the NBA is... 1) Steve Nash  2) Chauncey Billups  3) Tony Parker  4) Chris Paul and 5) Baron Davis

In terms of ability to make any shot, scoring at will, clutch play, getting to the line at anytime, team's win percentage, making teammates perform better, being a good "locker room" guy, leading by example, playing better-than-average defense, creating plays that demoralize opponents, and leading by example (in that order)... the best shooting guard in the NBA is... 1) Kobe Bryant 2) Dwyane Wade 3) Gilbert Arenas 4) Allen Iverson and 5) Richard Hamilton

In terms of controlling the lane, being an inside presence, rebounding, blocking shots, high percentage scoring, clutch play, altering shots, intimidation, team's win percentage, being a team player, leading by example, finding the right man out of a double-team, and overall basketball instincts (in that order)... the best center in the NBA is ... 1) a healthy Shaquille O'Neal 2) Yao Ming 3) Dwight Howard 4) Marcus Camby and 5) Mehmet Okur

In terms of solid post play, rebounding position, being a defensive presence, efficient scoring and clutch play, the "hustle factor", containing the opposing team's best big man, ability to get to the line, sheer toughness, and team's win percentage (in that order)... the best power forward in the NBA is... 1) Tim Duncan 2) Dirk Nowitzki 3)  Kevin Garnett 4) Jermaine O'Neal and 5) tie between Carlos Boozer and Rasheed Wallace

In terms of all-around contributions, ability to play multiple positions, the "hustle factor", scoring ability from short, mid, and long range, making other players better, being a finisher on the break, value to the team, ability to get to the line, being a defensive stalwart who can rebound, team's win percentage, and accepting multiple roles on the team (in that order)... the best small forward in the NBA is... 1) Lebron James 2) Carmelo Anthony 3) Lamar Odom 4) Shawn Marion and 5) three-way tie between Josh Howard, Tayshaun Prince, and Tracy McGrady

In terms of ability to generate offensive and defensive chemistry, motivate egos, tactical and strategic planning, x's and o's, making the most of what you have, being a player's coach, and team's win percentage (in that order)... the best head coach in the NBA is... 1) Phil Jackson 2) Greg Poppovich 3) Avery Johnson 4) Jerry Sloan 5) Jeff Van Gundy

It's amazing to hear some of the stuff people say about my boy Kobe Bryant and how he is a ball hog, not a team player, won't ever win a title without Shaq, etc. Y'all know who you are. What about the respect where respect is due?

This guy is the most committed "basketball player" in the world. Bar none. He is the first one in the gym and the last one out. Each year, there is something in his game that improves. The only thing I'd like to see is for him to increase his assists per game. But to be honest with you, he really doesn't have to when you've got Lamar Odom who nearly gets a triple double every game. I guess you could say that he's a walking double-triple (double figures in two out of three categories).

Kobe plays hurt all the time and never misses a game unless he absolutley has to. Shaq, on the other hand, will get a cut on his finger and take two weeks off. Talk about commitment to excellence. Mr. O'Neal has a commercial with Icy Hot heat pad and claims, "Just like you I work hard every day." Bunch of baloney coming from an out-of-shape so-called Most Dominant Ever. Shaq's game has gotten worse since 2002 and has no go-to move. The great ones, like wine, get better with age. Case in point: Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson, Karl Malone, Moses Malone, Jordan, Isaiah Thomas, and yes Kobe Bryant.

If Shaq were committed to his game, he would have developed the sky hook long ago and he would still be considered a top-tier player. The only reason Miami won last year was because the East stunk and Dallas, with no center, couldn't stop Wade after a 2-0 lead. Remember, Shaq averaged a dismal 13 ppg in the Finals. It was the comibination of Dwyane Wade, Walker, Payton, J-Will and their hunger that allowed Miami to win and not Shaq's dominance.

People just love to hate Kobe because they all wish Bryant was on their favorite team. I understand, so it's ok. But please give respect where respect is due. The infamous trial doesn't play into this because I'm talking strictly basketball on-court contributions. Kobe is by far in his own league. Dwyane Wade, Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, Allen Iverson, Nash, KG, Duncan, they're all superstars and worthy of being MVP any given year but as far as dominance is concerned, nobody does it like Kobe.

He gets off any shot he wants and can command free throws at any time, is a first team all-defense caliber player, can hit the trey, is an above-average passer and playmaker, is always in tip-top shape, is as good a dunker as any high-fly act in the league, and has a superb mid-range game. Above all, he is at the peak of his prime and is slowly starting to develop the leadership skills that made Michael Jordan great. Not to mention that he is also the best clutch player in the game over the last 5-plus years.

I'm most annoyed when critics say Kobe is a ball-hog. If you were that good and that confident about your ability to take over a game and you had the lineup the Lakers had last year, what would you do? Thought so. In 1987, Jordan average 37 ppg with a lineup that featured Charles Oakley, Dave Corzine, Brad Sellers, and Orlando Woolridge and finished 40-42. Not until '91 did MJ win a title with the key additions of Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant. Last year, Kobe averaged 35 in his first full-year with the new-look Lakers and almost took them deep in the playoffs. In my opinion, had they defeated the Suns, they most likely would have beaten the Clippers because L.A.'s "other" team would have simply faltered under the pressure of the Laker mystique. Furthermore, we all know that Dallas not only lost the season series to the Lakers but they also had no answer for MJ, er Kobe, who put up 62 in 3 quarters against the Mavs.

Don't get me wrong, guys like Lebron and Wade will undoubtedly end up with storied careers and will have their time. But right now, Kobe is in a league of his own.