WTFchris
06-04-2007, 03:21 PM
Chat with John Hollinger
http://espn.go.com/i/columnists/hollinger_john_m.jpg Welcome to The Show! On Monday, NBA columnist John Hollinger will stop by to talk about the NBA season. Send your questions now and join John in The Show Monday at 2 p.m. ET.
Hollinger archives: Columns (http://search.espn.go.com/keyword/search?searchString=john_hollinger) | Chats (http://sports.espn.go.com/chat/sportsnation/story?page=ChatArchiveHollinger)
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:05 PM ET ) Greetings all. Cavs and Spurs in the Finals, Billy Donovan, Jim O'Brien, etc., etc. ....plenty to talk about here, so let's get rolling.
Paul (Manhattan, NY): Hi John. I was wondering how you think the Cavs are going to attack Tim Duncan defensively & also how to minimize the impact of Bruce Bowen's dirty defense?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:08 PM ET ) I don't necessarily think what he does is dirty. What he has done the last two rounds, unquestioably, is get away with a lot of play with hands and arms, but if the refs are allowing it more power to him. As far as attacking Duncan, that partly depends who Duncan guards. I don't think he'll be matched up on Z much, and the Cavs don't really run plays for the other guys, so I'd say they probably won't.
Kiran: Im assuming they will run that pick and pop to death until Big Z starts missing
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:10 PM ET ) I'd expect a lot of that, yes, at least when Z is on the floor.
MK (NYC): Aren't the Magic better off w/out Billy Donovan? Look at the miserable track record of big-time college coaches in the NBA (Pitino, Calipari).
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:11 PM ET ) I actually thought Donovan would be OK in the NBA. Most of those other college coaches a) took over horrible teams, and b) had succeeded primarily as recruiters. Donovan was much less used-car-salesman and much more X-and-O than a lot of those guys, and had decent talent to work with. I thought he'd do OK.
Willie (Portland, OR): Why would a team hire a person to be their GM/President without any experience (Steve Kerr)?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:13 PM ET ) Let me start by saying that if you were going to do this with anyone, Kerr would be one of the few people you'd try it with -- he was one of the sharpest players of his generation. That said, I couldn't agree more. Owners are way too caught up in hiring famous former players to run their teams rather than guys with actual pedigrees, and in a lot of cases it's proven disastrous (see McHale, Kevin; or Thomas, Isiah).
Kyle (Cleveland, OH): What's your take on the joke that is Mr. Big Shot(most undeserving name ever) giving the Cavs zero credit for the series victory? Isn't this the same arrogance that lead to their demise? If so I am happy for the future.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:15 PM ET ) Par for the course for Detroit. We're better. Wahhhhhhh. The refs have it in for us. Wahhhhhhh. They seem to have completely forgotten about the hunger that got them to the promised land; all they remember now is how to play the "no respect" card, except now they mostly do it with palms outstretched toward a guy in a striped shirt.
Milt (Omaha): You have to say the Spurs had the easiest road to the Finals. The Denver McNuggets, they Horry-ed themselves past the Suns, and then they were lucky enough to get the Jazz since the Mavs choked. Now, they get the Cavs!!! What are your thoughts, John?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:16 PM ET ) Um, hello! The CAVS had the easiest road to the Finals. This is the fourth-best team San Antonio has faced in the postseason. Sorry.
Chris (Broadview Heights, OH): It appears you've picked the Spurs to win in 5 games. Only predicting the Cavs to win one so that's not much love there. I'm not saying you will be wrong or not but why do you believe this series will be so lopsided?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:17 PM ET ) Denver and Utah are at least as good as Cleveland, and the Spurs dismissed both in five. Not sure why the Cavs would be any different. Only potential X factor is if Boobie starts pumping in 25 every night.
Kyle W (Queens, NY): Speaking of bad yet famous GMs, which great team from the 80s/90s turned out the worst GMs: Bulls (Jordan, Paxon), Pistons (Dumars [DARKO], Isiah), or the Celts (Bird, McHale, Ainge)?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:18 PM ET ) I'd say the Celtics are winning this one hands down, since I would argue that McHale has been even more of a disaster than Isiah, and the other two Celts aren't exactly setting the world on fire either.
Paul (Cleveland, OH): It is so refreshing to read some positive analysis of my Cavaliers that I have spent the day to this point reading everything I can find, if this keeps up what are the chances that I still have a job by the end of these Finals? It's been 10 years since we've had a meaningful sports team and it's just great to be back on the map!
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:19 PM ET ) Great time to be a Cleveland sports fan. And an even better time if your name happens to be Earnest Byner.
Chad (Grand Rapids, MI): Where do the Pistons go from here? With their ensemble approach it doesnt seem they can afford to gut the team to add one or two pieces to get them over the hump. Your thoughts?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:21 PM ET ) That's Joe Dumars' summer project -- they aren't winning another title with the roster intact, that's for sure. I think some new blood would help with their almost laughable arrogance, too, and give them a new jolt of enthusiasm. They've gotta keep Billups if at all possible; but I wouldn't be surprised if Sheed or Hamilton had a new home next year..
Brian (SF, CA): John, I think you're selling the Cavs short. Do you really think Denver and Utah were/are better teams? I seem to remember hearing the same about NJ and Detroit.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:24 PM ET ) For the record, I picked the Cavs to beat New Jersey, although not Detroit. As far as Utah/Denver -- Utah won more games than Cleveland (or anyone else in the East) in a tougher conference, beat a Houston team that won more games than *anyone* in the East, then beat Golden State, who had knocked out the league's No. 1 seed. Denver was almost as hot as Golden State once they got Iverson and Melo back and despite the suspensions nearly won as many games as the Cavs, again despite playing in the tougher league. So yes, right now I'd say they're better.
Jon, Columbus, OH: With the Cavs having such success in the regular season against the Spurs, Don't you think we could have a similar outcome as we did with Golden State over Dallas with Golden State winning the regular season matchups?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:25 PM ET ) On the other hand, everyone made a big deal a year ago of Miami's horrid regular-season record against the league's elite. I can't put too much stock into it, sorry.
Q (ABQ): As a Spurs fan, should I be concerned that LBJ will get the same favorable treatment from the officials that D-Wade got in last year's Finals? I have a suspicion that he will shoot about 15-20 FTs per game.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:26 PM ET ) No, because he doesn't drive to the basket as often as Wade does, and because the Spurs defend the rim better than Dallas did. Only thing Spurs need to worry about is if the Cavs' shooters get hot -- til now, the game plan against them has been to blitz LeBron and take your chances with the other guys.
JC (Dayton, Ohio): What do you think the Cavs starting line up would be in the finals? I think that Sasha Pavlovic is too much of a defensive liability to have starting. What do you think? Our of that line up who would you have matched up on Tim Duncan and Tony Parker?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:29 PM ET ) If Pavlovic was a defensive liability he wouldn't be playing -- offensively he's just not that good. He'll be the primary defender on Ginobili. Only question is the other guard spot -- do they keep starting the hobbled Hughes or put in Boobie? I think Boobie is their best defender to put on Parker (unless they use Snow; 10 Cavs fans just had to be talked off the ledge after I wrote that) while Z and Varejao will probably get most of the action against Duncan (though we may get a Scot Pollard cameo).
john (austin): other than bowen, who will the spurs have try to lineup against lebron on defense? i'm guessing finley will get a lot of time against him too?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:31 PM ET ) I'd expect that, yes, and Ginobili will get some turns at that spot as well. Interesting subplot here is whether Cleveland posts up LeBron much. Bowen isn't nearly as good in post D and LeBron is much, much bigger, but the Cavs don't use him that way much.
Robert (Coarsegold, CA.): John, shouldn't the Magic decide to cut bait with Donovan now, based upon the fact the other guy they wanted so bad, Stan Van Gundy, is expected to get the Sacramento Kings job anyday (re: Sacramento Bee)?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:32 PM ET ) I believe that's exactly what's going to happen, especially since SVG would be nuts to take the Kings over the Magic.
Brian (SF, CA): John, you say Utah and Denver are better than the Cavs because of regular season success playing in the West, yet you don't put stock in the Cavs beating the Spurs twice in the regular season. So, does what a team did in the regular season matter or not now?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:33 PM ET ) 82 game or 2 games. Which sample are you going to trust more? I'd trust the first one about 40 times as much.
Courtney (Cleveland): Scot Pollard? Someone better tell him that as I'm fairly convinced he's assumed full on spectator status. In fact, I think I saw him order a hot dog in Game 3...
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:34 PM ET ) Actually, that was Chris Sheridan who ordered the hot dog.
Dan (Auburn, IN): If LeBron plays as well as he did against the Pistons in their wins, do you think you could possibly outdo himself in a win over ths Spurs since instead of a young, long Prince gaurding him he will have 36 yr. old Bowen on him?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:35 PM ET ) A) Bowen is a better defender than Prince, and B) It's not just about who's guarding LeBron -- remember all those open alleys to the rim LeBron had in Game 5? Imagine instead a 7-foot guy with good timing and insanely long arms standing there. Duncan will make his life much more difficult.
Courtney (Cleveland): Which city's fan base do you see having the most impact on games?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:37 PM ET ) Atlanta, because it's the only place coaches can give instructions to players in their normal speaking voice. OK, seriously, I'd go with Utah, but I'm biased since I was just there for the Warriors series.
Pac (Staples Center): Is it possible that we could see Marcus Camby in purple and gold next season?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:38 PM ET ) That one wins the worst trade rumor of the year award -- a Kwame - for - Camby deal doesn't hep Denver get under the tax one iota.
Chad (Phoenix): I think Courtney meant between Cleveland or SA
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:39 PM ET ) If that's what he meant, I'd go with Cleveland. In '05 Finals, the difference between the two crowds was pretty stunning, and I think it really helped Detroit.
Rick (NY): Your colleague Chris Sheridan thinks Kobe is for sure gone, and the Knicks have the best chance of getting him. Your thoughts?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:40 PM ET ) He's more hooked in than I am, but I'm still dubious about NY being his final stop. I mean, you can't demand to be traded and then give a 1-team list of places you'll go, can you? And if there's more than 1 team on the list, NY will be trumped, because they just don't have the goods.
Mike (Columbus, Ohio): Why do you think Donovan changed his mind?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:40 PM ET ) He didn't. Penny Hardaway orchestrated the whole thing behind the scenes.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:41 PM ET ) I think it was just cold feet -- that when he went back to Gainesville to say goodbye to everyone, that it hit him what he was doing and that he didn't want to go. Hey, he's human. It happens.
Ricky Shade / Cleveland: Duncan's long arms really helped when Bron Bron posterized him earlier this season.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:42 PM ET ) I've had about 30 comments along these lines in the chat room today. That was a sick dunk, yes ... but San Antonio's going to win.
Stu Jackson: Why are you people talking about the NBA finals? Me and David decided the NBA finals May 15. You people must be hallucinating.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:44 PM ET ) It's a darn shame we have a Finals that, I suspect, will be utterly anticlimatic. If
Phoenix and San Antonio were getting ready to meet up right now, I think there'd be enormous excitement.
Jeff: (Indianapolis, Indiana): What do you think of the hire of Jim O'Brien?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:45 PM ET ) I think he'll be fine. I thought he was one of the best free agent coaches out there. I'd like to see Bird get him a real shooting guard and another 3-point shooter, since O'Brien values the long ball -- If Jermaine goes, I think Troy Murphy might have a big year in his system.
Mike Brown (Cavaliers Head Coach): I was born into royalty in Cleveland, I really have no idea what I'm doing and Gregg Popovich is going to exploit it isn't he?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:46 PM ET ) Mike Brown knows a great deal of what he's doing at the defensive end. It's offensively, and in managing his timeouts, that he struggles. That TO in the first OT in Game 5 nearly cost them the game.
Jeff (South Texas): If it comes down to crunch time, tied or near-tied game, and SA has the ball, would you expect Cleveland to go "hack-a-Shaq" on TD, given Duncan's traditional struggles at the FT line?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:48 PM ET ) With a 60% shooter, it's not really worth it -- the expected return is 1.2 points, and remember if you foul off the ball in the final two minutes it's a freebie and you get the ball back. If anything, I'd expect Hack-a-Bowen to be more likely -- despite the 3s, he's a terrible foul shooter. Oberto is poor as well.
Juan (Madrid): No doubt Spurs are winning baring injury to at least 3 san antonio starters, BUT does Cleveland have a chance to build on this team and their new found playoff success to make it back next year and actually win it?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:50 PM ET ) I think that's a very realistic goal from Cleveland's standpoint. The Cavs will be seen as the destination of choice for all the Webbers and Roses that are cut adrift next year, so if they play their cards right they should be able to fill out the bench on the cheap. I still think Cavs are one strong personnel move away, but it's probably by trade and not free agency, given their cap situation.
Greg (Boston, MA): How do you feel Lebron's participation in the Finals this year affects the marketability of the series? Lebron has long been considered the savior of the league, but do you expect to see results when they weren't expected to make it past the Pistons?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:51 PM ET ) Let me put it this way -- if it was a Spurs-Pistons rematch, about 11 people would have watched. Now that LeBron is involved, and he's coming off that ridiculous Game 5, the viewability went through the roof. I have a feeling there were a lot of high-5s at ABC headquarters when the Cavs closed it out on Saturday.
Tony (Blacksburg, VA): Any chance the Cavs can unload Larry Hughes this summer? They don't need him, especially not as a point guard.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:53 PM ET ) His contract makes that incredibly difficult. Cavs would probably have to take back a contract that's nearly as distasteful, and it might cost them a draft pick too. They may be stuck with Hughes for a while longer. BTW, let's give the guy credit for gutting out the past three games when everyone had pretty much written him off as out for the playoffs.
David Stern (Evil Empire): High 5's at ABC? Heck, I was passing out cigars and free passes to the foul line out of excitement! My teams are in!
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:54 PM ET ) It wouldn't be the NBA playoffs without fans dredging up conspiracy theories.
David (Dallas, TX): Do you thing that the key to the Spurs/Cavs series from the Spurs perspective outside of containing LeBron will a concerted effort to crash the boards and limit the Cavs front court of getting 2nd chance points in the paint?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:55 PM ET ) You raise a great point. A lot of people don't realize this, but the Cavs are unbelievably good on the offensive boards. Ilgauskas is one of the best offensive rebounders in basketball, and Varejao and Gooden both are way above average too. So San Anto has to take away those second chances, and it won't always be easy since Duncan is their only frontcourt player who puts up big rebounding numbers.
Ben (Boston, MA): Webber and Rose? Surely you jest. Cleveland needs to add quality players but not ones that are over the hill. Don't they need a real point guard?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:56 PM ET ) i didn't mean Webber and Rose themselves. I meant players like that who are cut during the season and try to latch on to a contender. All of them will have Cleveland at or near the top of their list next year.
andy (vegas): Who will win the flopfest? Ginobili or Varrejao? I say Varrejao wins in a close contest, but doesn't get as many calls b/c he is flopping off Duncan.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:58 PM ET ) Don't count Oberto out of this. He doesn't get nearly as much attention, but watch him some time -- he has all kinds of little tricks, like he'll grab a guys arms and then snap his head backward as soon as the guy responds. He makes Manu seem like a rank amateur.
Ben (Portland, Oregon): Oden or Durant to the Blazers? I'm saying Oden, but I believe the "Kevin Pritchard system" works. What do you think?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:59 PM ET ) Oden. If Pritchard really wants Durant, he should try to swap picks with Seattle.
James (Chicago, IL): I'm curious which tack your going to take if the Cavs actually beat the Spurs. Are you going to continue to bash them as "not Finals-worthy," even after they win? Or are you going to completely flip-flop and act like you saw it coming?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (3:01 PM ET ) I would examine why it happened and what they did that was either unexpected, or that we should have expected but for whatever reason didn't see coming. The thing about making predictions is that a lot of times you're going to be wrong; when it happens I try to look back and figure out why.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (3:01 PM ET ) That said, I think the Cavs will get rolled.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (3:03 PM ET ) Folks, that's all the time I have, sorry I couldn't get to everone's questions but there's a bajllion in here. We'll do this again next week after Game 2... I gotta go pack my bags for San Anto.
http://espn.go.com/i/columnists/hollinger_john_m.jpg Welcome to The Show! On Monday, NBA columnist John Hollinger will stop by to talk about the NBA season. Send your questions now and join John in The Show Monday at 2 p.m. ET.
Hollinger archives: Columns (http://search.espn.go.com/keyword/search?searchString=john_hollinger) | Chats (http://sports.espn.go.com/chat/sportsnation/story?page=ChatArchiveHollinger)
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:05 PM ET ) Greetings all. Cavs and Spurs in the Finals, Billy Donovan, Jim O'Brien, etc., etc. ....plenty to talk about here, so let's get rolling.
Paul (Manhattan, NY): Hi John. I was wondering how you think the Cavs are going to attack Tim Duncan defensively & also how to minimize the impact of Bruce Bowen's dirty defense?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:08 PM ET ) I don't necessarily think what he does is dirty. What he has done the last two rounds, unquestioably, is get away with a lot of play with hands and arms, but if the refs are allowing it more power to him. As far as attacking Duncan, that partly depends who Duncan guards. I don't think he'll be matched up on Z much, and the Cavs don't really run plays for the other guys, so I'd say they probably won't.
Kiran: Im assuming they will run that pick and pop to death until Big Z starts missing
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:10 PM ET ) I'd expect a lot of that, yes, at least when Z is on the floor.
MK (NYC): Aren't the Magic better off w/out Billy Donovan? Look at the miserable track record of big-time college coaches in the NBA (Pitino, Calipari).
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:11 PM ET ) I actually thought Donovan would be OK in the NBA. Most of those other college coaches a) took over horrible teams, and b) had succeeded primarily as recruiters. Donovan was much less used-car-salesman and much more X-and-O than a lot of those guys, and had decent talent to work with. I thought he'd do OK.
Willie (Portland, OR): Why would a team hire a person to be their GM/President without any experience (Steve Kerr)?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:13 PM ET ) Let me start by saying that if you were going to do this with anyone, Kerr would be one of the few people you'd try it with -- he was one of the sharpest players of his generation. That said, I couldn't agree more. Owners are way too caught up in hiring famous former players to run their teams rather than guys with actual pedigrees, and in a lot of cases it's proven disastrous (see McHale, Kevin; or Thomas, Isiah).
Kyle (Cleveland, OH): What's your take on the joke that is Mr. Big Shot(most undeserving name ever) giving the Cavs zero credit for the series victory? Isn't this the same arrogance that lead to their demise? If so I am happy for the future.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:15 PM ET ) Par for the course for Detroit. We're better. Wahhhhhhh. The refs have it in for us. Wahhhhhhh. They seem to have completely forgotten about the hunger that got them to the promised land; all they remember now is how to play the "no respect" card, except now they mostly do it with palms outstretched toward a guy in a striped shirt.
Milt (Omaha): You have to say the Spurs had the easiest road to the Finals. The Denver McNuggets, they Horry-ed themselves past the Suns, and then they were lucky enough to get the Jazz since the Mavs choked. Now, they get the Cavs!!! What are your thoughts, John?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:16 PM ET ) Um, hello! The CAVS had the easiest road to the Finals. This is the fourth-best team San Antonio has faced in the postseason. Sorry.
Chris (Broadview Heights, OH): It appears you've picked the Spurs to win in 5 games. Only predicting the Cavs to win one so that's not much love there. I'm not saying you will be wrong or not but why do you believe this series will be so lopsided?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:17 PM ET ) Denver and Utah are at least as good as Cleveland, and the Spurs dismissed both in five. Not sure why the Cavs would be any different. Only potential X factor is if Boobie starts pumping in 25 every night.
Kyle W (Queens, NY): Speaking of bad yet famous GMs, which great team from the 80s/90s turned out the worst GMs: Bulls (Jordan, Paxon), Pistons (Dumars [DARKO], Isiah), or the Celts (Bird, McHale, Ainge)?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:18 PM ET ) I'd say the Celtics are winning this one hands down, since I would argue that McHale has been even more of a disaster than Isiah, and the other two Celts aren't exactly setting the world on fire either.
Paul (Cleveland, OH): It is so refreshing to read some positive analysis of my Cavaliers that I have spent the day to this point reading everything I can find, if this keeps up what are the chances that I still have a job by the end of these Finals? It's been 10 years since we've had a meaningful sports team and it's just great to be back on the map!
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:19 PM ET ) Great time to be a Cleveland sports fan. And an even better time if your name happens to be Earnest Byner.
Chad (Grand Rapids, MI): Where do the Pistons go from here? With their ensemble approach it doesnt seem they can afford to gut the team to add one or two pieces to get them over the hump. Your thoughts?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:21 PM ET ) That's Joe Dumars' summer project -- they aren't winning another title with the roster intact, that's for sure. I think some new blood would help with their almost laughable arrogance, too, and give them a new jolt of enthusiasm. They've gotta keep Billups if at all possible; but I wouldn't be surprised if Sheed or Hamilton had a new home next year..
Brian (SF, CA): John, I think you're selling the Cavs short. Do you really think Denver and Utah were/are better teams? I seem to remember hearing the same about NJ and Detroit.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:24 PM ET ) For the record, I picked the Cavs to beat New Jersey, although not Detroit. As far as Utah/Denver -- Utah won more games than Cleveland (or anyone else in the East) in a tougher conference, beat a Houston team that won more games than *anyone* in the East, then beat Golden State, who had knocked out the league's No. 1 seed. Denver was almost as hot as Golden State once they got Iverson and Melo back and despite the suspensions nearly won as many games as the Cavs, again despite playing in the tougher league. So yes, right now I'd say they're better.
Jon, Columbus, OH: With the Cavs having such success in the regular season against the Spurs, Don't you think we could have a similar outcome as we did with Golden State over Dallas with Golden State winning the regular season matchups?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:25 PM ET ) On the other hand, everyone made a big deal a year ago of Miami's horrid regular-season record against the league's elite. I can't put too much stock into it, sorry.
Q (ABQ): As a Spurs fan, should I be concerned that LBJ will get the same favorable treatment from the officials that D-Wade got in last year's Finals? I have a suspicion that he will shoot about 15-20 FTs per game.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:26 PM ET ) No, because he doesn't drive to the basket as often as Wade does, and because the Spurs defend the rim better than Dallas did. Only thing Spurs need to worry about is if the Cavs' shooters get hot -- til now, the game plan against them has been to blitz LeBron and take your chances with the other guys.
JC (Dayton, Ohio): What do you think the Cavs starting line up would be in the finals? I think that Sasha Pavlovic is too much of a defensive liability to have starting. What do you think? Our of that line up who would you have matched up on Tim Duncan and Tony Parker?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:29 PM ET ) If Pavlovic was a defensive liability he wouldn't be playing -- offensively he's just not that good. He'll be the primary defender on Ginobili. Only question is the other guard spot -- do they keep starting the hobbled Hughes or put in Boobie? I think Boobie is their best defender to put on Parker (unless they use Snow; 10 Cavs fans just had to be talked off the ledge after I wrote that) while Z and Varejao will probably get most of the action against Duncan (though we may get a Scot Pollard cameo).
john (austin): other than bowen, who will the spurs have try to lineup against lebron on defense? i'm guessing finley will get a lot of time against him too?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:31 PM ET ) I'd expect that, yes, and Ginobili will get some turns at that spot as well. Interesting subplot here is whether Cleveland posts up LeBron much. Bowen isn't nearly as good in post D and LeBron is much, much bigger, but the Cavs don't use him that way much.
Robert (Coarsegold, CA.): John, shouldn't the Magic decide to cut bait with Donovan now, based upon the fact the other guy they wanted so bad, Stan Van Gundy, is expected to get the Sacramento Kings job anyday (re: Sacramento Bee)?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:32 PM ET ) I believe that's exactly what's going to happen, especially since SVG would be nuts to take the Kings over the Magic.
Brian (SF, CA): John, you say Utah and Denver are better than the Cavs because of regular season success playing in the West, yet you don't put stock in the Cavs beating the Spurs twice in the regular season. So, does what a team did in the regular season matter or not now?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:33 PM ET ) 82 game or 2 games. Which sample are you going to trust more? I'd trust the first one about 40 times as much.
Courtney (Cleveland): Scot Pollard? Someone better tell him that as I'm fairly convinced he's assumed full on spectator status. In fact, I think I saw him order a hot dog in Game 3...
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:34 PM ET ) Actually, that was Chris Sheridan who ordered the hot dog.
Dan (Auburn, IN): If LeBron plays as well as he did against the Pistons in their wins, do you think you could possibly outdo himself in a win over ths Spurs since instead of a young, long Prince gaurding him he will have 36 yr. old Bowen on him?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:35 PM ET ) A) Bowen is a better defender than Prince, and B) It's not just about who's guarding LeBron -- remember all those open alleys to the rim LeBron had in Game 5? Imagine instead a 7-foot guy with good timing and insanely long arms standing there. Duncan will make his life much more difficult.
Courtney (Cleveland): Which city's fan base do you see having the most impact on games?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:37 PM ET ) Atlanta, because it's the only place coaches can give instructions to players in their normal speaking voice. OK, seriously, I'd go with Utah, but I'm biased since I was just there for the Warriors series.
Pac (Staples Center): Is it possible that we could see Marcus Camby in purple and gold next season?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:38 PM ET ) That one wins the worst trade rumor of the year award -- a Kwame - for - Camby deal doesn't hep Denver get under the tax one iota.
Chad (Phoenix): I think Courtney meant between Cleveland or SA
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:39 PM ET ) If that's what he meant, I'd go with Cleveland. In '05 Finals, the difference between the two crowds was pretty stunning, and I think it really helped Detroit.
Rick (NY): Your colleague Chris Sheridan thinks Kobe is for sure gone, and the Knicks have the best chance of getting him. Your thoughts?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:40 PM ET ) He's more hooked in than I am, but I'm still dubious about NY being his final stop. I mean, you can't demand to be traded and then give a 1-team list of places you'll go, can you? And if there's more than 1 team on the list, NY will be trumped, because they just don't have the goods.
Mike (Columbus, Ohio): Why do you think Donovan changed his mind?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:40 PM ET ) He didn't. Penny Hardaway orchestrated the whole thing behind the scenes.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:41 PM ET ) I think it was just cold feet -- that when he went back to Gainesville to say goodbye to everyone, that it hit him what he was doing and that he didn't want to go. Hey, he's human. It happens.
Ricky Shade / Cleveland: Duncan's long arms really helped when Bron Bron posterized him earlier this season.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:42 PM ET ) I've had about 30 comments along these lines in the chat room today. That was a sick dunk, yes ... but San Antonio's going to win.
Stu Jackson: Why are you people talking about the NBA finals? Me and David decided the NBA finals May 15. You people must be hallucinating.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:44 PM ET ) It's a darn shame we have a Finals that, I suspect, will be utterly anticlimatic. If
Phoenix and San Antonio were getting ready to meet up right now, I think there'd be enormous excitement.
Jeff: (Indianapolis, Indiana): What do you think of the hire of Jim O'Brien?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:45 PM ET ) I think he'll be fine. I thought he was one of the best free agent coaches out there. I'd like to see Bird get him a real shooting guard and another 3-point shooter, since O'Brien values the long ball -- If Jermaine goes, I think Troy Murphy might have a big year in his system.
Mike Brown (Cavaliers Head Coach): I was born into royalty in Cleveland, I really have no idea what I'm doing and Gregg Popovich is going to exploit it isn't he?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:46 PM ET ) Mike Brown knows a great deal of what he's doing at the defensive end. It's offensively, and in managing his timeouts, that he struggles. That TO in the first OT in Game 5 nearly cost them the game.
Jeff (South Texas): If it comes down to crunch time, tied or near-tied game, and SA has the ball, would you expect Cleveland to go "hack-a-Shaq" on TD, given Duncan's traditional struggles at the FT line?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:48 PM ET ) With a 60% shooter, it's not really worth it -- the expected return is 1.2 points, and remember if you foul off the ball in the final two minutes it's a freebie and you get the ball back. If anything, I'd expect Hack-a-Bowen to be more likely -- despite the 3s, he's a terrible foul shooter. Oberto is poor as well.
Juan (Madrid): No doubt Spurs are winning baring injury to at least 3 san antonio starters, BUT does Cleveland have a chance to build on this team and their new found playoff success to make it back next year and actually win it?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:50 PM ET ) I think that's a very realistic goal from Cleveland's standpoint. The Cavs will be seen as the destination of choice for all the Webbers and Roses that are cut adrift next year, so if they play their cards right they should be able to fill out the bench on the cheap. I still think Cavs are one strong personnel move away, but it's probably by trade and not free agency, given their cap situation.
Greg (Boston, MA): How do you feel Lebron's participation in the Finals this year affects the marketability of the series? Lebron has long been considered the savior of the league, but do you expect to see results when they weren't expected to make it past the Pistons?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:51 PM ET ) Let me put it this way -- if it was a Spurs-Pistons rematch, about 11 people would have watched. Now that LeBron is involved, and he's coming off that ridiculous Game 5, the viewability went through the roof. I have a feeling there were a lot of high-5s at ABC headquarters when the Cavs closed it out on Saturday.
Tony (Blacksburg, VA): Any chance the Cavs can unload Larry Hughes this summer? They don't need him, especially not as a point guard.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:53 PM ET ) His contract makes that incredibly difficult. Cavs would probably have to take back a contract that's nearly as distasteful, and it might cost them a draft pick too. They may be stuck with Hughes for a while longer. BTW, let's give the guy credit for gutting out the past three games when everyone had pretty much written him off as out for the playoffs.
David Stern (Evil Empire): High 5's at ABC? Heck, I was passing out cigars and free passes to the foul line out of excitement! My teams are in!
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:54 PM ET ) It wouldn't be the NBA playoffs without fans dredging up conspiracy theories.
David (Dallas, TX): Do you thing that the key to the Spurs/Cavs series from the Spurs perspective outside of containing LeBron will a concerted effort to crash the boards and limit the Cavs front court of getting 2nd chance points in the paint?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:55 PM ET ) You raise a great point. A lot of people don't realize this, but the Cavs are unbelievably good on the offensive boards. Ilgauskas is one of the best offensive rebounders in basketball, and Varejao and Gooden both are way above average too. So San Anto has to take away those second chances, and it won't always be easy since Duncan is their only frontcourt player who puts up big rebounding numbers.
Ben (Boston, MA): Webber and Rose? Surely you jest. Cleveland needs to add quality players but not ones that are over the hill. Don't they need a real point guard?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:56 PM ET ) i didn't mean Webber and Rose themselves. I meant players like that who are cut during the season and try to latch on to a contender. All of them will have Cleveland at or near the top of their list next year.
andy (vegas): Who will win the flopfest? Ginobili or Varrejao? I say Varrejao wins in a close contest, but doesn't get as many calls b/c he is flopping off Duncan.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:58 PM ET ) Don't count Oberto out of this. He doesn't get nearly as much attention, but watch him some time -- he has all kinds of little tricks, like he'll grab a guys arms and then snap his head backward as soon as the guy responds. He makes Manu seem like a rank amateur.
Ben (Portland, Oregon): Oden or Durant to the Blazers? I'm saying Oden, but I believe the "Kevin Pritchard system" works. What do you think?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (2:59 PM ET ) Oden. If Pritchard really wants Durant, he should try to swap picks with Seattle.
James (Chicago, IL): I'm curious which tack your going to take if the Cavs actually beat the Spurs. Are you going to continue to bash them as "not Finals-worthy," even after they win? Or are you going to completely flip-flop and act like you saw it coming?
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (3:01 PM ET ) I would examine why it happened and what they did that was either unexpected, or that we should have expected but for whatever reason didn't see coming. The thing about making predictions is that a lot of times you're going to be wrong; when it happens I try to look back and figure out why.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (3:01 PM ET ) That said, I think the Cavs will get rolled.
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/sn2.gif John Hollinger: (3:03 PM ET ) Folks, that's all the time I have, sorry I couldn't get to everone's questions but there's a bajllion in here. We'll do this again next week after Game 2... I gotta go pack my bags for San Anto.