The 2008 Beijing Olympics is upon us and decorated swimmer Michael Phelps is not the only recognizable American hoping to return home with gold.  There are twelve other American athletes, the men who comprise Team USA Basketball, who this time travel to China with a chip on their shoulders, for they are no longer considered the best in their sport.  On August 10th, Team USA Basketball officially begins their quest for Olympic gold, a shot at redemption and the right to once again proclaim that America’s brand of basketball is the best on the planet. 

Over the past eight years, Americans have been flat out embarrassed in international competition.  Team USA finished sixth in the 2002 World Championship.  They finished 3rd in both the 2004 Olympics and the 2006  World Championships.  Despite underachieving recently, Team USA is once again considered the favorite to win the gold medal.  By all accounts, they should live up to those expectations.  This team and coaching staff, under the guidance of Phoenix Suns owner Jerry Colangelo, was assembled differently than in years past, embracing a team concept over emphasis on the individual superstar.  While this current ‘Dream Team’ still features Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, only one player on this roster, Jason Kidd, owns a gold medal, hopefully leaving eleven more with the desire to join him in that honor.

Under the leadership of head coach Mike Krzyzewksi, several factors, if used to their advantage, set up nicely for an American return to dominance, yet Team USA must not take any opponent lightly.  Not only will anything less than a gold medal be a tremendous disappointment, it will also serve as a glaring reminder that the United States is no longer the epicenter of the basketball world.

Rules:  While international rules are generally the same as the NBA, there are a few subtle differences that Team USA should be able to use to their advantage.  International play is more physical than in the NBA.  Hand-checking, long banished from the NBA, is allowed.  Team USA will have to adjust to more physical play on the defensive end, particularly on the perimeter, while learning what is whistled and what is not.  A return to perimeter hand-checking should help a stronger USA team if they practice it properly.  They also can’t get frustrated when covered in that fashion.   While many American players may still be able to use their star power to warrant a foul call,  Olympic officials will not stand for the temper tantrums for which most NBA players are known.  Team USA must also be aware that traveling as it exists in the rule book will be strictly called.  The extra step (or two) allowed by many an NBA referee will not be tolerated.  Offensive goaltending, which is illegal in the NBA, is allowed in international play.  If NBA players can become accustomed to reacting quickly to put-backs, not only can they take advantage of this rule, but emphatic dunks, in addition to the two points, will have a secondary effect of mesmerizing and demoralizing the opponents.  Dwight Howard could have a heyday.

Jump-Shooting:  The international three-point line is considerably closer to the basket than in the NBA (20 feet, 6 inches as opposed to 23 feet, 9 inches).  This is enough to make jump shooters like Michael Redd salivate.  Most anyone on Team USA can shoot from the perimeter.  That being said, they must not fall in love with the jump shot.  While undersized (Team USA features no seven-footers), the Americans must still use their strength and quickness to their advantage.  While Team USA only has Chris Bosh and Dwight Howard in the post, they should still be able to work the inside-outside game to their advantage.  A cold shooting Team USA that settles for jumpers will lead to fastbreaks and if that’s the case, Team USA better have their transition defense in order.  Team USA shot 66% from the floor in their warm up against Canada, by blending a nice mix of post-up and perimeter play.  While it’s unlikely that the US can shoot that high a percentage from the floor against the remaining Olympic competition, a number relatively close to that should guarantee a gold medal

Point Guard Play: Jason Kidd is the only current player on this U.S. team to have a gold medal on his mantel.  While many pundits questioned his invitation, his veteran presence has allowed him to become the team leader.  As one of the game’s premier point guards over the past decade, he has earned the respect of his teammates.  While he’ll likely not log the minutes of his more capable backups, Chris Paul and Deron Williams, it will be Kidd who starts the games and sets the tempo.  Much like a starting pitcher sets up shop for the closers, Paul and Williams should close out what Kidd has started… with flair.  Against Canada, Coach K played both Paul and Williams at the same time.  That lineup could definitely work, particularly against the speedier teams in competition.  Paul and Williams have proven they are the next generation of NBA point guards and should be a load for any opposing perimeter defense.  Paul and Williams must also play competent 'D' to shut down opposing playmakers such as Spain’s Jose Calderon.  Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James might also likely see some time handling the ball. 

Desire:  If USA basketball's recent international woes are not enough to motivate this team, nothing will be.  In 1992, when the original Dream Team of Michael, Magic and Larry took the floor, opponents were awestruck.  Competitors were too busy asking for autographs to be concerned that they were being beaten by an average of fifty points per game.  While scoring discrepancies of that magnitude are unlikely in this Olympics, the US team should be motivated enough to humiliate its opponents.  After all, Team USA has been humiliated over the past eight years and turnabout is fair play.  Team USA should have their game faces on.  Anything less will be a total disappointment.

Coaching:  Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski has assembled a talented group of coaches to assist him in bringing home the gold.  Current Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni was an obvious selection because of his international experience.  Portland Trailblazers coach Nate McMillan and Syracuse University coach Jim Boeheim are also great basketball minds.  These coaches should do fairly well at keeping this young team’s eyes on the prize.

Size/rebounding:  Team USA only features one true center: Dwight Howard.  Chris Bosh will also share time on the low blocks, as will Carlos Boozer.  Team USA will be undersized when they face Yao Ming and Team China in their opening game.  Dwight Howard is still recovering from a fractured sternum, though by his accounts, he’ll be ready to play.  An aggravation to that injury, however, will leave Team USA center-less.   Boozer, Bosh and Carmelo Anthony should all help with the rebounding load, and LeBron has been known to pull down his fair share.  But Team USA will be at a disadvantage if opposing teams are successful pounding the ball inside and getting Team USA into foul trouble.  Players are allotted five fouls only in Olympic play, not six as NBA players are accustomed to.  The team USA frontcourt will have to learn how much physicality they’ll be able to defend with while not getting themselves into foul trouble.

LeBron’s health:  The chosen one, LeBron James, is nursing a bum ankle but should likely be 100% come tournament time.  Can Team USA win gold without a healthy LeBron?  Likely.  Will Team USA be much more entertaining to watch, as well as more intimidating with LeBron on the floor?  Unquestionably. 

Competition:  Several teams should pose at least somewhat of a threat to Team USA.  Team Germany features former league MVP Dirk Nowitzki.  Team China features Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian.  Team Australia boasts 2005 top draft pick, Andrew Bogut.  Andrei Kirilenko suits up for Russia.  But the Americans should be able to dispatch these teams with relative ease.  The stiffest competition should come from either current gold medalists Argentina with Manu Ginobili, Luis Scola and Andres Nocioni or Team Spain with Jose Calderon and Pau Gasol.  Regardless, no team will have the depth and talent of Team USA.  A well-coached and properly motivated American team should reestablish its international dominance and bring home the gold to its rightful owners. 

2007-2008 was supposed to be different.  The National Basketball Association which in recent years has been characterized by Western Conference dominance (seven of the last nine titles reside in the West, as well as the last six MVP’s) was supposed to see a rise in Eastern competitiveness.

The New York Knicks after a promising first half last season appeared to have turned things around.  The Nets behind Jason Kidd, Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson were poised to contend for a title.  After winning the Atlantic Conference last year, the Toronto Raptors, behind Chris Bosh and TJ Ford, were to become an up-and-coming and consistent force in the league.  The Cleveland Cavaliers made the NBA Finals last year and many felt LeBron James had turned the page into becoming the best player in the game.  The upstart Chicago Bulls were expected to give the more veteran teams in the league quite a challenge.  And the Miami Heat, who only two seasons ago were hoisting the O’Brien Trophy, were to once again be led by their dynamic duo.

Currently, only one of the aforementioned teams is above .500.  Meet the new boss, the same as the old boss… the Western Conference.

There have been a few pleasant surprises in the East.  The Celtics Big Three look like potential NBA champions.  The Orlando Magic behind man-child Dwight Howard raced off to a hot start.  And the Detroit Pistons are still the Pistons.  But questions even lie within these rosters.  Will the Celtics add a veteran back-up point guard to provide support for young Rajon Rondo when it matters most… in June?  Does anyone expect Rondo to contend with the likes of Tony Parker, Steve Nash or Deron Williams, never mind Chauncey Billups?   Despite the hot start, the Magic have dropped seven of their last ten, are playing sub-.500 ball on their home floor and are allowing 100 points a game.  And although steady, does Detroit have enough in their tank for one more title run.

The remaining Eastern Conference teams have been nothing less than tremendously disappointing…

Toronto Raptors (15-14):  This team is waiting for someone to step up and become a third scorer.  Bosh and Ford are talents but the rest of their roster is devoid of consistent, clutch scoring.  Top draft pick Andrea Bargnani is averaging less than 10 points per game and is being outscored by teammate Jason Kapono.

New Jersey Nets (12-15):  Is it any wonder that we hear weekly rumblings about Jason Kidd’s trade demands?  For years, the Nets have failed to land an inside presence to help their backcourt.  Show me a team where the point guard leads the team in rebounds and I’ll show you a team destined to get bounced in the second round of the playoffs, if they make the post-season at all.  Can anyone even name the Nets starting power forward and center?  I didn’t think so.

New York Knicks (8-19):  On paper, the Knicks actually look like they could be a contender:  Jamal Crawford, Zach Randolph, Stephon Marbury, David Lee, Quentin Richardson.  Unfortunately for Knicks fans, Isiah Thomas is still their coach and James Dolan is still their owner.  With off-court problems casting a heavy shadow over the franchise, it’s unlikely the Knickerbockers will emerge and pose a serious threat in the Atlantic Division.

Cleveland Cavaliers (13-16):  Ultimately, LeBron’s decision to re-sign with Cleveland when his contract is up will make or break this franchise.  Their inability to surround him with top caliber talent might make his decision to bail easier.  The front court of Drew Gooden and Anderson Varejao is formidable, but they’re no Carlos Boozer.  Daniel Gibson is a spark, but the Larry Hughes experiment has been a total failure.  There’s only so much one man can do, even if he is the chosen one.

Chicago Bulls (9-16):  Chicago’s inability to get it together just cost Scott Skiles his job, but the Bulls’ fate may have been sealed when they signed Ben Wallace to a long-term contract.  I know Big Ben was acquired for his defense presence, but he may very well be the highest-paid player per point scored to ever play the game.  He’s making $15 mil this season and averaging fewer than five points per game.  You do the math.  Kobe trade rumors may have distracted the team, but at this point, Chicago should have pulled the trigger.  They couldn’t be playing much worse.

Miami Heat (8-20):  Hampered early by Dwayne Wade’s health problems and currently by Alonzo Mourning’s, the Heat look hard-pressed to make the playoffs.  Shaquille O’Neal is averaging career low numbers and looks considerably older than 35.  If anyone other than Pat Riley were coaching this team, he would have already been relieved of his duties.  Even Stan Van Gundy, who’s now having the last laugh in Orlando, didn’t lead the Heat to an 8-20 record.

There have been some pleasant surprises in the East.  The Atlanta Hawks are playing .500 ball and their young talent may be enough to bring this team into the post-season.  But winning a playoff series is beyond anyone’s legitimate expectations.  Indiana and Washington are mediocre at best.  And nobody expected Charlotte or Philadelphia to be any good this season… and they’re not.

Contrast that to the Western teams who most thought would be average.  The Lakers have shown renewed life and are playing among the best of the West.  The young Portland Trailblazers have now won 11 straight.  And there’s always the Jazz, Spurs, Suns, Nuggets and Mavericks.

Come June, we’re bound to hear even louder rumblings for Commissioner Stern to revise the league’s playoff structure, co-mingling the Eastern and Western teams in early rounds to weed out the lesser talent.  As least hoops junkies can take solace in the fact that the Eastern Conference Finals between Detroit and Boston will be a series worth watching and the winner should pose a legitimate threat to whichever team comes out of the West.  The rest of the Eastern teams might as well combine their rosters to form an All-Star team to contend with the top two.  After all, that’s what Pistons and Celtics management has done and it seems to be working fairly well for them.

Museums exhibit priceless works of art.  The world boasts countless objects of near perfection.  Last night, fans were witness to one more: the Team USA’s first quarter against the Mexican national team.

Already boasting a 4-0 record in this year’s FIBA Americas Tournament, Team USA has been slowly reestablishing its international dominance…. and doing so with style and force.

For those unfamiliar with FIBA tournament rules, teams play four ten minute quarters (as opposed to twelve in the NBA) with fewer stoppages in play than the average NBA game as well.  Monday night, Team USA scored 45 points in ten minutes.

Briefly watching the sparse SportsCenter highlights does not do this team justice, for there’s no way to effectively capture the vertical dunk-fest that has become Team USA’s dominance of this year’s FIBA tournament.  So here’s an attempt to recap a near perfect first quarter, showcasing the world’s greatest basketball players playing an unbeatable level.

• Starting for Jason Kidd, Chauncey Billups set the tone early scoring five points in the game’s first thirty seconds, first by launching a three-pointer and then, by converting a fastbreak lay-up off a LeBron James steal.
• Off a missed Mexican lay-up, Amare Stoudemire kicked the rebound out to Billups on the wing.  Billups took one dribble, fed the ball up-court to LeBron, who drove, drew a double team and one-handed it out to Kobe on the left wing.  Kobe spotted Carmelo Anthony (who’s been making a living in the paint this tournament) under the basket for the bucket and the foul.  All five players touched the ball in a possession that took only eight seconds, longer than it took to read that paragraph.
• At the 6:41 mark, Carmelo nailed a three-pointer, giving him eight of Team USA’s fifteen points.
• After turning the ball over the previous possession, Kobe Bryant rattled home a shot from about five feet behind the three-point line.
• At the 5:20 mark, Jason Kidd entered the game.  Cue the highlight reel.
• LeBron pulled down a strong, one-handed rebound from above the rim, found Kidd running up the floor, who then got it back to LeBron on the right wing.  LeBron then took THREE Mexican players to the hole and drew the foul.  That possession took another brief, eight seconds.  In response to LeBron’s dunk, Bill Walton muttered “We’re used to that very much.  The Mexican players… I’m not sure that they’ve EVER seen anything quite like LeBron James."
•  In the first five minutes of the quarter, Team USA missed one shot attempt.
• Quadruple-teamed in the lane, LeBron spotted an open Mike Miller, who, rather than opting for the three, immediately whipped the ball to an open Amare Stoudamire for a signature two-handed dunk.
• Mike Miller drove the lane, attracting double-team coverage, but found a cutting Jason Kidd, who threw a two-handed touch pass to Carmelo behind the arc.  Carmelo drained it.
•  Dwight Howard, after being fouled, missed his second free throw attempt, which was then rebounded by Carmelo Anthony, who out-hustled three Mexican big men for the ball.
• Then, perhaps the most obscene play of the half… Carmelo grabbed a rebound from an errant Mexican three-point attempt and kicked the outlet pass to Jason Kidd running up the right side of the floor.  Kidd took one dribble and from BEHIND THE HALF-COURT LINE, threw a strike to Dwight Howard who snuck behind two Mexican defenders, then seemingly jumped over them for the alley-oop.
• After consecutive dunks by Carmelo and Dwight Howard, Bill Walton appropriately proclaimed “this is getting out of hand quickly.”
• Michael Redd launched a three-pointer… and hit.  So far, Team USA has only missed two shots in the quarter.
• On a commercial break that could not come soon enough for Team Mexico, Better Basketball offers a video, giving viewers the opportunity to “learn shooting from perhaps the best shooter in basketball history.”  I’m excited about the possibilities until I learn they’re talking about J.J. Reddick.
• Deron Williams played the two-man game to perfection with ‘Melo in the post, who then proceeded to dunk over the man covering him.
• After another dunk, Carmelo finished the quarter with sixteen points on 6-6 shooting.
• Fittingly, as the clock wound down, Deron Williams threw another alley-oop to Dwight Howard, who flushed it emphatically at the buzzer.

Team USA finished the quarter up 45-23.  Ten minutes, forty-five points.  To my recollection, Dream Team Jr. missed a total of four shots.

Critics will say not to get excited, that Team USA has only played Venezuela, the Virgin Islands, Brazil and Mexico, and that Argentina still remains on the docket.  But after years of recent disappointment and underachieving, the Americans are playing as expected.  Coach Krzyzewski is effectively managing his players’ minutes, while simultaneously keeping their eyes on the prize.  Kobe Bryant is shutting down opponents.  The American players have all checked their egos at the door and are feeding off each other’s talent. 

Yes, the United States is turning the ball over, but that’s to be expected with their up-tempo style of play.  At this pace, Team USA is looking invincible and is one more blowout victory closer to their ultimate goal:  an Olympic gold medal.

Kobe Bryant is finally getting a dream fulfilled: to play alongside Jason Kidd.  Unfortunately for Kobe, it’s not in a purple and gold uniform, but he’s already making the most of this opportunity.  Bryant and Kidd are the starting back court for Team USA, who had their first FIBA match-up last night against the Venezuelan national team in the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.  Team USA did not disappoint.

Team Venezuela did not score their first field goal until halfway through the first period and as expected, the men in red, white and blue (they should have been wearing capes), continued their undefeated streak against their neighbors to the south.  And Kobe was nothing short of spectacular.

Apparently Mr. Bryant has turned over a new leaf.  He’s left behind the nagging media questions about his off-season trade demands and is clearly focused on the task at hand: ensuring Team USA qualifies for the Beijing Olympics.  As long as Team USA reaches the final game of this FIBA tournament, they’re assured an invitation to next year’s Olympic Games.  If they fall short of that goal, however, consider it a new low for USA basketball.

Kobe and Kidd have been getting along famously and are both providing the veteran leadership needed on a team that’s loaded with young talent.  Just by looking at Bryant, you can tell he’s in the best shape of his life.  He’s dropped eighteen pounds, has totally revised his diet, and is traveling with his own personal Pilates instructor.  He’s told Coach Krzyzewski that he wants to guard the opposing team’s best player night in and night out.  If last night’s game was any indication, opposing guards could be in for a heck of a tournament.  Kobe’s defense was swarming.  He also was an integral part of the offensive onslaught, pouring in fourteen points.

This is the Kobe Bryant fans want to see.  He’s thriving by playing with the best players in the world and is proving he very well may be the best among them.  Stay tuned, friends, as the dunkfest is just beginning.

“Smiles, everyone!  Smiles!”

Mr. Roarke uttered these memorable words weekly as he and his miniature sidekick, Tattoo, would welcome visitors off of their hydroplane and onto Fantasy Island.  Similarly, Celtics fans nationwide are currently pinching themselves, awaiting their complimentary leis and shamrock beverages, as Boston ushers in a new and promising era.  By landing both Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett this off-season, Danny Ainge may have already locked up G.M. of the Year.

However, let us all not drink the green Kool-Aid just yet.  While the Fleet Center‘s future is certainly more promising than in seasons past, the Celtics are still far away from locking up the Eastern Conference, never mind an NBA title.  Championships are not won on paper; several factors still stand in the way of the Celtics raising the O’Brien Trophy.   The lack of a quality point guard both offensively and defensively, limited cap space, lack of a quality defensive presence on the interior, a strengthened Eastern conference and very possibly their head coach could all deter the Celtics from hoisting their 17th championship banner.

Who’s Bringing up the Ball?:  Recent rumors have pointed toward the signing of veteran point guard, Brevin Knight.  But can Ainge get him to sign for peanuts, knowing he’ll still have to land another big man?  And are Knight and Rajon Rondo, a second year point guard who averaged four assists and two turnovers last year, enough to be the Celtics floor generals and dictate the tempo of the ballgame?  And if not Knight, who?  They won’t need much scoring out of this position, but they will need quality decision-making, limited turnovers and solid defense.

Who’s Defending the Point?:  The last five NBA champions have all had one thing in common: a quality ball-handler in the clutch.  Tony Parker won last year’s Finals MVP Award and has run the point for San Antonio’s last three titles.  Dwayne Wade handled most of the crunch time point guard duties during Miami’s championship run.  And Chauncey Billups won the Finals MVP for the Pistons in 2004.  Whoever runs the floor for Boston will have to contend with tough point guard play.  In a recent article, Bill Simmons compared the signing of these three superstars to the Rockets’ Barkley-Drexler-Olajuwon experiment.  He appropriately pointed out that their point guard, Matt Maloney, was routinely broken down in the playoffs by John Stockton, leading to the Rockets being ousted prior to the Finals.  The modern NBA has seen the emergence of Deron Williams, Chris Paul and T.J. Ford.  In the Atlantic Division, the Celtics will regularly have to defend Ford, Jason Kidd, and Garnett’s former teammate, Stephon Marbury.  If Boston is fortunate enough to get to the Finals, they’ll likely have to defend against Parker or two-time MVP, Steve Nash, both of whom are perfectly capable of breaking down a quality defender, never mind a mediocre one.  If Danny Ainge fails to land a somewhat competent point guard who can mesh with this team and play on both ends of the floor, this experiment may all be for naught.

Cap Space: With Garnett, Allen and Pierce, the Celtics have all but expended their available salary.  Management will have to be very creative under the cap.  Anyone they acquire, and there are still key roster spots to fill, will have to put their egos aside and sign for close to the league minimum.  I foresee Ray, Paul and KG picking up many dinner tabs in their immediate futures.

Age and Health:  Adrenaline, drive and determination are essential to winning an NBA title.  Unfortunately, so are minutes from the big guns.  Both Ray Allen and Paul Pierce missed major playing time last year due to injury.  Pierce played in 47 games and Allen suited up for 55.  Tony Allen, who may also split time at 1- and 2-guard position, only played 33 games last season.  The Big Three will all have to stay healthy for the Celtics to achieve their dream of a title.  The coaching staff must effectively manage their minutes to ensure they’re all 100% come playoff time.

Coaching:  Doc Rivers currently holds a 102-144 coaching record with the Celtics.  While he has been saddled with mediocre teams in both Boston and Orlando, he is still under .500 for his career.  The last 17 NBA championships have been commandeered by the coaching elite.  During this period, only five men have led their teams to titles:  Gregg Popovich, Pat Riley, Larry Brown, Phil Jackson and Rudy Tomjanovich.  Can you really see Doc Rivers' name in this category?  Ainge did the right thing by signing Rivers to a long-term extension to avoid any questions about his future with the team.  However, expectations are extremely high.  And if Doc cannot get the job done with these players, Celtic ownership can and will find someone who can.  By that time, though, will it be too late?

The Diesel:  While the center position in the league is not what it once was, the Miami Heat still boast a certain big man named Shaquille O’Neal.  While Shaq is on the waning end of his career and will most likely not play a full season, he is still an undeniable presence.  In a four-game series, who will cover an inspired Shaquille O’Neal looking for one last shot at a title?  Kendrick Perkins?  Glenn Davis?  The tallest guy on the Celtics roster is free agent Michael Olowokandi.  Need I say more?  The Celtics must add a body, like PJ Brown or Kevin Willis, someone to absorb some fouls when they have to… and they’ll have to.

Eastern Rebirth: Compared to the Western Conference, the East, commonly referred to as the ‘junior varsity,’ has been the laughing stock of the league in recent years.  That will not be the case this year.  Chicago’s roster is stout. Detroit will be looking to make another run.  Toronto will ensure they’re not a one-hit wonder.  The Nets return their big three.  Orlando has re-tooled.  The Knicks may contend.  And Cleveland still has a player named LeBron James who’s already tasted the NBA Finals and assuredly wants a return trip.  To paraphrase Dikembe Mutombo, the Celtics will not have “a walk in the cake.”

The Celtics were the second worst team in the league last year.  They have clearly made dramatic improvements and generated enough of a buzz to remove Tim Donaghy from the NBA headlines.  The acquisition of both Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen undoubtedly makes Boston instant contenders.  But those three by themselves do not a championship make.  Unless Danny Ainge and Celtics ownership face the remaining issues at hand, Boston may just fall short of its goal.

This way to SHE SAID

HE SAID: On Professional Sports

SHE SAID: On Professional Sports

HE SAID: On Pete Rose

SHE SAID: On Pete Rose

HE SAID: On The All-Star Game

SHE SAID: On The All-Star Game

HE SAID: On Grant Hill

SHE SAID: On Grant Hill

And don't forget to tune into Frank's and Foxsports.com's Sportsbloggers show tonight at 10pm!!!

I wrote last night that the hardest thing to do in professional sports is to hit a major league fastball.  I think I'm starting to change my mind.

In the last three playoff games I've watched, which coincidentally also happen to be the last three games TNT has aired, I've witnessed three separate, errant inbound passes that either cost or could have cost their team the game.

Dateline Monday night...  Spurs led the Mavericks by a point with possession of the basketball and thirty seconds remaining on the game clock.  Brent Barry was slated to safely inbound the ball to a teammate, who would most likely be fouled and sent to the free throw line to give the Spurs a three-point lead.  Instead, Barry's errant pass bounced off Michael Finley's fingers allowing the Mavericks to eventually win the game.

Once again, on Tuesday night, the New Jersey Nets placed the ball in the hands of point guard Jason Kidd, who was unable to complete the pass to Vince Carter, allowing Dwayne Wade to sneak in and knock the ball away.

In Tuesday's late game, the Clippers had an opportunity to win the game by inbounding the ball deep into Elton Brand.  Instead, the pass sailed out of bounds, ensuring that the clock did not start and allowing the Suns one last look at an open basket.

Now certainly it's not only the inbounder's responsibilty to make a good pass.  Inbounding the basketball also requires the player receiving the pass to establish position, as he would in the post, thus keeping the defender away from the ball.  Vince Carter failed to do this.  Elton Brand never had a chance.  And the only thing defending Michal Finley was the sideline, and we all know the sideline never misses a tackle.

So instead of NBA head coaches forcing their roster to shoot jumpers and free throws until nightfall, perhaps they should look at the lost art of inbounding the basketball.  It just might come in handy one day.

Do you think the New Jersey Nets will be looking for a big man in the off-season?

Shaquille O'Neal, along with his newest prom date, Dwayne Wade, advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals Tuesday night with their fourth consecutive defeat of the New Jersey Nets.  Former Gator (note shameless plug of alma mater) Udonis Haslem led the way for the Heat with ten rebounds.  Although the Nets had one last shot at a game-winner with less than two seconds left in the contest, Jason Kidd's inbound pass to Vince Carter was intercepted by Wade sealing the game... and the Nets season.

A lack of size down low and a failure to create any sort of balanced attack was the key to the series, despite the presence of three of the league's superstars in Kidd, Carter and Jefferson.  When training the Mystery Men to take on Casanova Frankenstein, the Sphinx professed "if you can balance a tack hammer on your head, you will head off your foes with a balanced attack."  Obviously, Rod Thorn has not seen "Mystery Men."

Although the discrepancy in rebounds does not show in the boxscores from the series, it was the timeliness of said rebounds, and New Jersey's inability to create any sort of efficient post presence in the series that finished the Nets.  Their starting center, Nenad Krstic, went 0-for-3 in Game 5.  New Jersey's big three took all but sixteen of their shots tonight.

I'd look for the Nets to make a move for a solid rebounding presence in the off-season, a Rodman type that doesn't need to take that many shots to be satisfied.  The Nets have given Jason Collins every opportunity over the past few years to prove his worth but four rebounds and one shot attempt in thirty-three minutes played tonight may have guaranteed himself a spot as New Jersey trade bait.