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Good chat.
I like Adande.
http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=20431
Chat with J.A. Adande
Welcome to The Show! On Friday, ESPN.com NBA writer, J.A. Adande, will stop by to chat about the playoff push.
Adande comes to ESPN.com from the Los Angeles Times, where he started in 1997. He has been a frequent panelist on ESPN's "Around the Horn." He has covered every major pro championship, every major college bowl game, the Final Four, the Masters, Wimbledon and the Olympics, and his work has appeared in the "Best American Sports Writing" series.
Send in your questions now and stop by to talk with Adande at 3 p.m. ET on Friday! Adande Archive: Columns | Chats
J.A. Adande: (3:02 PM ET ) Hi folks. Back home in the LA. Let's do this....
Laron (Dallas, TX): easy solution to fix the Mavs; speed was their weakness- go get TJ FORD! the Raptors want to dump him and would probably welcome a player like Josh Howard or Jet Terry
Leonard (Dallas, TX): what about Michael Redd and Bobby Simmons for Josh Howard and Stack? Redd and Dirk would be lethal in the West, and Howard can get a fresh start and add some size to the Bucks.
J.A. Adande: (3:04 PM ET ) Lotsa talk from the folks in Dallas right now. As their should be from one of the league's big disappointments. I think the T.J. Ford idea is better/more realistic. Don't think Milwaukee would want to add someone in the late stage of his career like Stackhouse. Ford addresses one of the things the Mavs need: another point quard, one who's quick. Sad to think they made the big trade for Kidd and they need someone else at his position, but that was clearly the case vs. the Hornets
Craig (Norwich, CT): What Atlanta coach Mike Woodson correct in saying about Al Horford "He should have shared it, if not gotten it outright."?
J.A. Adande: (3:06 PM ET ) Horford was very impressive. But when I talked to people around the league they said you had to give the award to Durant, for what he did with what was around him.I liked the way Durant finally seemed to get it near the end when it came to shot selection. He shot 52% in March
Denver, Co: What are you thoughts on the suspension of Songaila? Seemed to me he got tied up with Lebron, but nothing more. Worth a foul, maybe a Tech, but certainly not a suspension...especially when Songaila was hit in the face in the 4th by Big Z. Thoughts?
J.A. Adande: (3:09 PM ET ) Can't wait any longer for this. In a word: ridiculous. A tech, sure. But if you're not going to suspend J Kidd for his head-grab takedown of Pargo, or suspend B. Haywood for knocking LeBron out of the air, how can you suspend Songaila for an elimination game for that little back-slap? I think the league was trying to let things go, didn't want to get accused of dictating the outcome of series, but then became afraid things were starting to get out of hand. So it chose Songaila to make an example out of. They don't realize that the inconsistent enforcement only makes things worse. Ask the Phoenix Suns, who are still mad about last year. And given the way things have gone this year, they have a right to be.
Chris (J-Ville, FL): Adaaaaaande! What's your thoughts on the Magic beating the Pistons? I'm thinkin O-Mag in 6. Dwight will once again be unstoppable and I'm expecting a HUGE series from Rashard.
J.A. Adande: (3:10 PM ET ) Good to see Magic fans getting excited again after winning their first series since '96. Enjoy it while it lasts, because if the Pistons are going to play as serious as they were the last 2 1/2 games vs. Philly, Detroit's moving on and Orlando will be done
Tab, Toronto: Hi J.A., Congrats to Orlando! I think Colangelo may get more in return for Calderon than Ford in a sign a trade scenario. I say Ford is still great. Memphis & Portland jump off the page for me. What do you think?
J.A. Adande: (3:12 PM ET ) Let's here it for sportsmanship. Why can't more fans just say congrats to the victorious team and move on. Thank you, Canada. But I'd rather keep Calderon and try to move Ford. T.J. seems to be too much about T.J., not always looking to get everyone else involved.
Michael(Charlotte, NC): So I am confused, Is D'antoni in or out? There are so many contradicting articles out there.
J.A. Adande: (3:15 PM ET ) I think they've come to an impasse, but it's a matter of logistics. Will he quit or be fired. It would be best for everyone if he moves on. This team needs to find an iden y, and it can't do that if they bring back a coach whose job status will be uncertain throughout next season. But clearly Mike D. does not feel that Steve Kerr has his back no matter what. It's an unhealthy working environment.
Ben (Charlotte): JA, don't you think some of the criticism about the Pistons effort is a bit unfair? I mean Boston wins a game 5 vs ATL big, but they're described as gritty or showing determination to prevail, and Detroit wins a game in equally dominating fashion and it's just "what they were supposed to do." Why the difference in standards? Because Detroit has had more playoff success recently?
J.A. Adande: (3:17 PM ET ) I agree, if the Pistons had dropped a pair of games on the road the way the Celts did the media would be all over them. But the Pistons brought that on themselves through their up-and-down play over the years. They've won a championship. They should know better than to give life to the 76ers of the world. The Celtics are still learning. this is their first playoff run together. That's why the criticism isn't as harsh.
Daniel - Dallas, TX: J.A., what kind of match up problems do you see the Hornets posing for the champs? And conversely, where can San Antonio exploit match ups vs. New Orleans?
J.A. Adande: (3:20 PM ET ) Obviously CP3 played at a much higher level than Steve Nash did in the first round. And the Hornets have more perimeter threats than Phoenix did. But NO doesn't have Shaq and Amare to go at the Spurs inside. I think San Antonio's savvy and commitment to defense will prevail. Interested to see what the Hornets will do against the champs, but the Spurs just seemed resurrected last series. I like them to move on.
Micah (Glendale, CA): JA will there be LOST talk in the chat lounge today?
J.A. Adande: (3:21 PM ET ) No, last night's ep didn't do much for me. I want the show to get back to Ben and his cold-blooded quest for revenge.
James (PA): What do you think about Malone impregnating a 12 year old girl when he was a sop re in college. Is his legacy tarnished?
J.A. Adande: (3:24 PM ET ) As creepy as that is, the act is something that occurred 20 years ago. What I'm more disappointed in is the more mature Malone refusing to take part in his son's life as he grew up. I know he did the same thing with Cheryl Ford for years, but the weird thing is that's so much at odds with the Malone I knew here in LA in 03-04. He came off as the most level-headed, responsible, family-oriented man in that locker room. And yet he didn't help his kid grow up. Just a reminder that there can be a huge discrepancy between the athletes that we see and the people they realy are.
Ray (San Antonio): Phil Jackson was on PTI saying he was disappointed and surprised that Pop used the Hack-A-Shaq against Phx. He felt it wasn't good for the game. What do you think about it? It certainly took Phx out of rhythm on offense and seems like a good coaching move.
J.A. Adande: (3:27 PM ET ) when Portland tried it in the playoffs 7 or 8 years ago I wrote the rule needs to be changed. If you're not even going to attempt to play defense, you're going out of your way to foul a man without the ball, it should be called an intentional foul and the other team should get two shots plus possession for every minute of the game. I want to watch basketball, not that. (but it worked, so Pop was smart to use it. I just want to see that option taken away)
Brandon (birmingham alabama): The Magic are the better offensive team. What makes you think the pistons can stop Lewis, Turk and Howard? Also if Lewis is going to go for 10 boards a game like he was aginst the raps, the Magic will control the paint too.
J.A. Adande: (3:30 PM ET ) It's not always about the better offensive team. Otherwise the Suns would have a banner or two hanging in Phoenix. Will the Magic make a 48-minute commitment to defense? Will Chauncey wear down the point guards? Can the 2 guards handle chasing Rip all over the place? Remember, after Game 1 the Magic didn't exactly have their way with the Raptors. And the Pistons are much better than the Raptors
Paul (Portland, OR): Uh...where did this Malone stuff come from? The only similar news I've heard is the Roger Clemens stuff...
J.A. Adande: (3:33 PM ET ) Let this Clemens stuff serve as a deterrent to anyone out there considering litigation, even if you know you're right. This is why lawyers advise against it. It's going to get ugly. You know McNamee has all kinds of dirt from his days hanging with Clemens, so now his lawyers are leaking this stuff left and right. I'm sure by next week we'll have heard from every woman Clemens ever flirted with or bought a drink for at a bar. He should have just fessed up, said he used 'roids or HGH, then asked for forgiveness. All I know is, we haven't heard any of Andy Pet te's personal business come out in the media, have we?
Lee (Houston): Adande, I am so disappointed in you about the Hack-a-Shaq. Why do the NBA have to change rule for a single guy and bring the NBA to the lowest denominator? Just MAKE YOUR FREETHROW then people will stop fouling.
J.A. Adande: (3:36 PM ET ) I have no problem with fouling him when he has the ball, forcing him to shoot a free throw instead of a layup. That's a way to punish him for his poor free-throw shooting. But to grab a man who isn't a threat to score, when he's 40 feet from the hoop without the ball? What's up with that?
J.A. Adande: (3:36 PM ET ) Shaq once shot 39 free throws in a finals game. That was bad enough. Please, let's just get back to basketball and not the grab-grab stuff
Scott (Orange, Ca): Let's hear it for the Lakers training staff ... Oh wait, they can't get any player back on the floor within 3 months. I don't understand! Bynum is probably out, but what about Ariza? It would be nice to have someone to spell Kobe on the defensive end.
J.A. Adande: (3:40 PM ET ) Actually, the Lakers have one of the best training staffs going. You don't hear about Kobe missing extended time with injuries, do you? Bynum has been working with his own people on rehab. And one of the hang-ups is there are different philosophies on how he should go about it. His side and their side. Ariza is supposed to get tested again next week to see if he can go. Bynum still isn't practicing. Talked to Lakers pr guy yesterday and he still had no estimate on a Bynum return. As I've been saying, I wouldn't hold your breath waiting for him to return this postseason.
KW (Tempe, AZ): Wrap your brain around this: Two on two game: Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant vs Chris Paul and Tracy McGrady...who wins?
J.A. Adande: (3:43 PM ET ) with that few people on the court, I'm going with Kobe. He gets in trouble when he tries to go 1-on-5, but if it's as simple as 1-on-2, he's going to win. Especially if he can kick it to as good a shooter as Nash when he's stuck
Ronnie (East Detroit,MI): J.A. Whats up man. Great job as always on Around the Horn. Anyways, if the Pistons dont win it this year and Flip is out as coach who do you think would be the best to take over (Porter, Cowens, Avery Johnson, etc.)
J.A. Adande: (3:44 PM ET ) I don't think Avery would work because he's so set on doing things his way, and the Pistons are at their best when they're flexible, going to whatever matchup is working. Why not try another guy on their bench: assistant Michael Curry? Just putting out another name. I'd like to see some fresh blood get in the mix, not just the same old horses on the carousel
Bart (Cleveland): Yo JA, for as long as I have watched basketball I have always seen last second plays, especially in the playoffs, where it appears a player was fouled and the refs swallow their whistles. Everytime this happens the common explanation is, "he can't call that" simply because its the last play- I have even said it on multiple occasions. Shouldn't refs call the game consistently and have the cahones to make the call at the end if it really is a foul? Are we going to get to the point where players are fouled intentionally because players know they can get away with it because its the deciding play?
J.A. Adande: (3:46 PM ET ) Hmmm, would this have anything to do with LeBron's last shot in Game 5? I liked that no-call. And I think the players should decide the out-come, It should be McHale-on-Rambis level contact for them to blow the whistle at the end.
rooster (oakland, ca): D'Antoni to the Bulls, right?
J.A. Adande: (3:49 PM ET ) The only thing I wouldn't like about that move is it would reward the players for bailing out on a tough coach like Skiles. But maybe they're only suited for a guy like D'Antoni, who's very player-friendly and has easy practices. I think we saw this team was mentally fragile. They might respond to the freedom under D'Antoni. But I don't think that at ude would get them far in the playoffs
Lakers Fans (everywhere): McHale-on-Rambis wasn't "contact" that was "assault with intent" and punishable by 1 year in prison in most states.
Sean (Orange County): Do you think the Nuggets should keep George Karl? or try and get someone say Avery Johnson who is a proven winner? Thanks J.A.
J.A. Adande: (3:50 PM ET ) A proven winner? Not in the last two playoffs he wasn't. But I do think this team needs more structure. Maybe a jolt in the extreme from Karl would fit. Because this way isn't working at all.
Jerry Sloan (SLC): Have you ever heard of the Utah Jazz or the Houston Rockets? They play a pretty important game tonight. Care to put in a prediction?
J.A. Adande: (3:52 PM ET ) Since everything has to be about the Lakers, the Jazz will play the Lakers on Sunday. Just kidding. I just can't see Houston winning twice in Utah during the same series.
jack (pasadena, tx): am i the only person to think that the hawks are one jeff van gundy away from being pretty good?
J.A. Adande: (3:55 PM ET ) He'd get them playing defense. I'd like that move. But talking to him before the Suns-Spurs game last Sunday I don't have the sense he wants to rush back into coaching unless it's an ideal situation (just a vibe I got). Atlanta isn't stable. You don't know how long Billy Knight will last. JVG could get stuck with a new GM, then you'd have a Nash-D'Antoni situation.
Jersey City, NJ: Glad to hear you mention the Songalia suspension. The NBA's credibility has been strained. For a league concerned about its image, it is doing nothing to dispel the notion that it exists for the benefit of its stars, primarily lebron james. This is not the first playoff series where fans thought the outcome of a cavs series has been fixed. james is undeniably a great player; he is also a baby. Can't we let him play without the benefit of all these ridiculous calls/non-calls? The Songalia suspension is ridiculous in the extreme, and the NBA must bear some of the responsibility for the acrimony and vitriol surrounding the Cavs/Wizards series. The "protection" lebron james receives from the NBA is is offensive. People want fair; unbiased, nonpartisan treatment. The want a sport and a league that is above taint. Nothing more; nothing less. At this juncture, the NBA is not providing it. Attempting to contact Stu Jackson's office re the Songalia suspension, callers get dumped into a voicemail box that "does not subscribe to the NBA system." The NBA -- Where Caring Happens" Really? I don't think so.
J.A. Adande: (3:59 PM ET ) there are valid complaints about the league and the way it's handled things. But if the NBA had a greater agenda in mind, do you really think it would have helped take out the Suns vs. the Spurs (2 years in a row)? Would it really have plotted to put the Spurs in the Finals, or have a Spurs-Jazz Western Conference finals?
I"m always su ious of a conspiracy when there's money to be made, but I don't see how it helped the league to have the spurs in the finals last year. In the last 10 years we've had Utah and Detroit in there as well. So please stop with the conspiracy theories.
Jared (Seattle): The Coach of the Year award always goes to the coach of the team nobody thought would be good but was. Does anyone that voted for Byron Scott actually think he will be able to outcoach Pop in the upcoming series?
J.A. Adande: (4:04 PM ET ) I've never thought of it in those terms. It's a bit like ranking your MVP candidates based on who you thought would win if they played a round-robin 1-on-1 tournament I think the COY is the guy that got the most out of his team, whose team bought into the system. Based on what we've seen in the past from the Spurs, and what we saw from them in the first round, do we really believe Pop got the most out of the Spurs this regular season? No. but that's not his job. this team doesn't need to prove anything in the first 82, it's trying to win championships. Scott had a culture of losing and coming up short he had to turn around, and that's what happened this year. And he did get the Nets to a game 6 vs. San Antonio in 2003...and if Kenyon, Kidd and company hadn't gone stone cold in the fourth quarter they might've had a game 7
Zac (MN): How awesome would it be to see the Hornets pull the same bs on bowen that the spurs pulled on shaq? I think that would make the SA fans feel a little differently about that "coaching tactic".
Tony (Bayonne): Question: what's next for Jason Kidd? He got his wish, went to a "contender," got another coach fired...he's been exposed. Just another player that Rod Thorn dumped who was almost washed up.
J.A. Adande: (4:07 PM ET ) I said at the time of the trade, Kidd's whole "legend" is a product of two runs through a weak Eastern conference. But he has the respect of those he plays against, and the all-stars he played with on Team USA. I still think Kidd's a Hall of Famer
Bryan (Bellingham, Wa): I've got a conspiracy theory for you; sonics move to oklahoma city. screw you, david stern and clay bennet. I can barely enjoy the playoffs this year with the sonics situation hanging over my head.
J.A. Adande: (4:08 PM ET ) Poor Seattle. The best NBA season in 20 years and you're too bitter to enjoy it. This great city deserves much, much better. This might be the only time in my life I'm rooting for the lawyers. I hope they litigate Stern, Bennett and everyone else to within one inch of their sanity.
Jim (Boise): Totally different situation Zac. Bowen isn't nearly as good of a player as Shaq is, even on the downside of his career. If another team goes to Hack-a-Bowen, then Bowen just gets taken out and the Spurs don't miss a beat.
JA (philadelphia): JA, I know this is an NBA chat, but just wondered if you had any reaction to the Marvin Harrison shooting story that just broke on WIP Radio here and on ESPN now?
J.A. Adande: (4:14 PM ET ) I was deep into chatland and wasn't aware of this until you brought it up, but I'm glad you did. And you should know anything goes in this chat. Here's how it's NBA-related: IF - IF- IF -IF Harrison is involved, that would be two Indy teams taken down by gunshots: the colts and the Pacers. I can't remember if we talked about this last week, but has any incident been as costly for TWO franchises as the Stephen Jackson strip club shooting? It caused another wound for the Pacers, who were still reeling from the Brawl and had to ship Jackson off to Golden State. Then his six-game suspension for the incident cost the Warriors L's in all six games...which was probably the difference in them missing the playoffs. One squeeze of the trigger....
niki (NY,NY): NBA may not be able or willing to prevent SA from going to the finals, but may be in conspiracy to help LeBron to get there. Do you still think that's impossible
J.A. Adande: (4:16 PM ET ) So you really think the league would want the Cavs in the Finals instead of the Celtics? Stop and think. Plus, I think it would take more than the league's assistance to get the Cavs past Boston
Kyle (Minneapolis): JA!!!! OK, who is the BEST fir for Dallas, whether it be college or pros?? Lot of people turning them down already, somebody has to land there, who do you see it being??
J.A. Adande: (4:17 PM ET ) We've heard Rick Carlisle mentioned in connection with other teams, but I think he would work better in Dallas.
G (Miami): Hey Adande, did you see D-Wade on TNT last night with Charles and Kenny. I think we will be seeing the old Wade again in the Olympics and next season. Everyone keeps counting him out, but he will gain their praise again.
J.A. Adande: (4:19 PM ET ) I don't know what about D Wade's TV appearance made you think he'll be back in top form for the Olympics. More disturbingly, he didn't do enough to make me think he isn't kicking it with Star Jones.
Jeff (NYC): Marc Stein insinuated D'Antoni would welcome a move to Chicago to get out of the impossible WEST. That can't be good for the league. Isn't it a little sad that the Suns will be remembered as first round losers, when the Cavs or Wiz will be moving on. Sad that we'll remember Atlanta as winning some playoff games when superior teams Golden State and Portland didn't make the playoffs. The difference between East and West is sick. This whole decade should have an asterix. Nets in Finals twice, Phili once, Heat, Cavs? Ridiculous.
J.A. Adande: (4:22 PM ET ) There might be more good teams in the West, but the more compe ive series have been in the East. 2 of the 3 game 6s tonight are in the East. No sweeps in the East. Wizards-Cavs has been the most dramatic series, for a variety of reasons. Suns-Spurs gave us only 2 good games, and it ended in 5. to me, the way things unfolded shows why we dont have to seed 1-16 regardless of conference. Maybe it's unfair the Suns had to go home in the first round, but if they couldn't beat San Antonio, they'd probably leave eventually anyway.
chester miami: hey adande, do you see the wizards taking the cavs to a game 7? the way caron been playing i think is possible and the cavs havent click in all cylinders as of yet with that trade they made, i think they need a bigger contribution from wally too.
J.A. Adande: (4:23 PM ET ) I think LeBron closes them out tonight. (Although it would be nice of Wally to show up tonight).
Bob Detroit: J.A., I know this is a basketball chat but that Harrison news just blew my mind. You're a behind the scenes guy. Marvin always comes off as a quiet pro. Is there more to him than the public realizes?
J.A. Adande: (4:24 PM ET ) Again, none of us knows if he committed a crime. But IF he did, it would just get back to what i said earlier with regards to K. Malone: we see these guys, but it doesn't mean we know them.
Pat, Allentown: Hey Jeff from new york. It would be ridiculous if the knicks would have made it to the finals.
J.A. Adande: (4:25 PM ET ) Now THAT would be a conspiracy
ds(Oregon): J.A. why is it such a stretch to put the cavs past boston. celtics a 1 seed lost twice so far, to a below .500 club. c'mon. Still not that impressed with the C's, way to go you won a bunch of games against a bad eastern conf.
J.A. Adande: (4:27 PM ET ) You've seen the Cavs struggle with the Wizards, with the exception of Game 2. I don't think they have enough weapons if the Celts play defense the way they're capable
Steve (San Diego): Why is Larry Brown thought of as such a great coach? His one championship in the NBA came after his team went to game 6 or 7 in multiple series' against some pathetic compe ion in the East and then drew a team that was imploding in the west. If any of the other top 4 teams in the West had made it to the finals the Pistons would have lost. He then went on to lose the Olympics because he was too stubborn to play his best players (Lebron, Melo) because he doesn't like to play rookies, then blamed the players for the loss. Then he actually coached the Knicks to a worse record than they had without him! I don't understand why he's held in such high regard.
J.A. Adande: (4:29 PM ET ) As far as I'm concerned, here's the only argument you need for Larry Brown: he had a winning record with the Clippers and got them into the playoffs. Also, name one year he had the most talented team in the NBA.
Ray (San Antonio): I know every Sports Writer wants a Celtics/Lakers Finals. But will that really register with the current younger generation of NBA fans who never saw Magic v Bird? Seems like they would rather have KG v Duncan, two players they grew up watching.
Majeed: Mike Dunleavy got the Clippers to the playoffs too. Does that make him a great coach also?
J.A. Adande: (4:33 PM ET ) that was the most talented clipper team since they got to LA
J.A. Adande: (4:35 PM ET ) larry brown's roster: d. manning, ron harper (post knee surgery), Ken norman, mark jackson, stanley roberts, John "hot plate" williams, gary grant....
Rich (Augusta, Ga.): How do you like Atlanta's chances tonight. Even though they lost by 25 the other night, I thought they played pretty good. Boston made everything they looked at and "Them Hawks" kept making runs to cut it under 10. I can't begin to tell you how exciting it is just to have people talking about them. Tonight is going to be crazy in the ATL and I can't wait to watch it.
J.A. Adande: (4:38 PM ET ) The Hawks play much better at home, we've seen. It's just a novelty to see a home-court advantage in Atlanta. Nice of the Hawks fans to finally show up. But that's good for the league. That should be a good market for the NBA, but it's been practically nonexistent. If Boston's serious about a le run, the Celts can show it with a W tonight. Remember, they were up 10 going into the 4th q. in game 3. I think we'll see more of that team tonight
Joe (phx, az): Hey JA, yeah I lived in LA for that playoff run and Larry Brown was unreal that year. He got a guy by the name of Elmore Spencer to D up on Shaq that year and the Clippers won that game via a last second jumper by manning. I was at that game and I was a believer of Larry Brown since.
cesar (tempe): you should mention that brown inherited and already good pistons team, that was already disciplined defensively thanks to rick carlisle. It was almost the "pat riley effect"
J.A. Adande: (4:40 PM ET ) Brown should get credit for getting the most out of Rasheed. That's the one coach Sheed never turned on.
John (Orlando): This might be a bit in left field, but what are your thoughts on the exodus of print journalists to TV? Do you miss writing the columns for the paper? Are newspapers as dead as the between the legs free throw? Not to dis your decision, but what about the criticism that moves like yours and Jackie's are bad for journalism AND sports?
J.A. Adande: (4:43 PM ET ) I miss being a part of the community. When you send your stories off onto a national site on cyberspace there isn't local connection anymore. But I don't see how leaving newspapers is bad for journalism. There still can be journalism online. What we do hasn't changed. Where we do has. And if anything it's allowed us to do our job better. We can break news with the speed of radio and TV. We don't have to bury our head in our laptops during the second half, then send a story with 5 minutes left in the game because we have to meet a 10:30 p.m. deadline. I think that's better for the readers
aj (park city): hey ray, i'm a kid, i could care less about magic vs. bird, and you are right, give me some KG vs. whoever. you forgot to put "anyone but" before duncan though
Peter (seattle): Simple question. Is Rasheed Wallace a hall of famer?
J.A. Adande: (4:44 PM ET ) No. when you think back on the players of this era, will he be high on your list? No. Can you say he brought it every night? No. Shouldn't he have more than one ring, for as good as he is? Yes
07628: Can we really believe the NBA doesn't play favorites. When justifying today's Songaila suspension: ". . . the league warned the Wizards that if any player made contact to James's head or face it would lead to an automatic suspension." Not any player -- just james. Can you explain this?
J.A. Adande: (4:45 PM ET ) When the Wizards had clearly made a point of going after James, and basically said as much, then it warranted paying special attention.
Jason (Detroit, MI): Hey J.A.!! Your thoughts on Detroit Sports Triple threat last night? The Pistons, Wings and let's not forget the Tigers sweeping the Yanks!! Are we a great sports town or what??
J.A. Adande: (4:46 PM ET ) Uh, did any Detroit team clinch a championship last night? I wouldn't get too excited over anything that happens on the first day of May...unless the Kentucky Derby happens to fall on that date.
Duane (Orlando): I love how you put negative spurs comments/reactions up that aren't even questions. Keep the hate coming and GO SPURS GO. Memo to the rest of the league: Keep tearing down and rebuilding your franchises. Just know that the Silver and Black do it the right way.
Rick (Houston, TX): Hi J.A. I'm curious. Whenever you and your colleagues mis-prognosticate a first round playoff series as badly as the San Antonio-Phoenix series, do you ever feel like a moron and think that you may be in the wrong business?
J.A. Adande: (4:48 PM ET ) No, we simply say we were wrong. If I could accurately predict the outcome of every game and series I wouldn't be doing this for a living, I'd be posting up in the sports book at the Bellagio, while consulting with my architect about the addition to my mansion.
Chris (Studio City, CA but born in HOUSTON!): JA 2 things: 1) People keep talking about Al Horford should've gotten Rookie of the Year. But why in the world is no one mentioning Luis Scola? The record speaks for itself when he was inserted into the starting line-up. Why doesn't he get the respect he deserves? I mean - HIS team is IN the playoffs! 2) Which Rocket player is the X factor in tonights game against Utah?
J.A. Adande: (4:52 PM ET ) He didn't do it the whole year.
check his splits first and second half
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/player...?playerId=1781
Misha (Bermuda): Wow Rick, that was cold. Do you feel like a moron you don't get it right in your line of work. If the answer is no then we can build a machine to replace you.
J.A. Adande: (4:54 PM ET ) nice to know someone in Bermuda has my back
Leo (Chicago): Rick from Houston brings up an interesting point, albeit in an unpleasant manner. I enjoy your chats, columns, and TV appearances, but I object to the use of the word "expert." What exactly makes sportswriters "experts," especially given the fact that they can't seem to predict outcomes better than the average person on the street. Certainly you are not "experts" the same way doctors or scientists are. Why use that word?
J.A. Adande: (4:56 PM ET ) I agree. I've never believed in that term. I spend my time talking to the experts -- the players, coaches, GMs, scouts. If I thought I knew it all, I'd never ask anyone a question or quote anyone else. But I guess everyone needs a le. Would you check into a chat with "some writer guy"?
Marty (Dallas, TX): Hey, JA, following your reasoning on Nowitzki the other day, if Kobe doesn't win it this year isn't it time to decide its' not going to happen with HIM, either?
J.A. Adande: (4:58 PM ET ) No, because this team will be loaded next year, with a full year of Gasol and Bynum back. Kobe's second window has really just opened. Now if it hasn't happened by 2011, maybe it just won't.
Thaddeus (Cincinatti, Ohio): I hope we get some sort of team killing shot from Robert Horry this year.
J.A. Adande: (4:58 PM ET ) For old time's sake, yeah. Plus, he's my favorite person in the league.
Danny Osharag (Border of Gldenda/Burbank, CA): is it fair to say that Rafer Alston is the MVP of the Rockets. As he goes, so does the Rockets offense. He initiates the offense, arguably best 3pt shooter on the team. Sorry to T-Bag...
J.A. Adande: (5:00 PM ET ) No, it's still T-Mac. But Rafer has been underrated for what he meant for that team this season. If they lose, they'll have to wonder what could have happened if he played in the first two games.
Steve (Ohio): Hey JA, who is chillin in the JA Adande Lounge today?
J.A. Adande: (5:00 PM ET ) Steve from Ohio
Mike (DC): God ... please no Bavetta tonight, please no Salvatore or violet palmer tonight ...
J.A. Adande: (5:01 PM ET ) Actually, since the Wizards are the home team you'd better hope there's no Steve Javie. He's more immune to the home crowd than any ref out there.
Marlon (Philly): Now that the Sixers are looking at the off-season, did Iggy make himself any more over the offer he turned down in the off-season (or did his playoff performance cost him $)?
J.A. Adande: (5:03 PM ET ) Shooting 33% in the playoffs isn't the way to get a raise. He had a chance to show he was a franchise guy and missed out. The days of teams handing out max contracts just because you happen to be the best player on the roster are over.
Rick (beverly hills): Hey J.A., how big was getting Kurt Thomas for the Spurs? He should pay big dividends for them for any future team they face beginning with the hornets. Popovich complained about the Griz giving away gasol, but I understand Seattle took less from the spurs for thomas then they could have rec'd elsewhere.
J.A. Adande: (5:04 PM ET ) The most important play of the first round was Kurt Thomas taking that charge on Amare in Game 1. Took away a hoop that would have put Suns up five, fouled Amare out for second overtime. if you call that big.
James (PA): J.A. who do you think wins the Lakers Jazz series if it happens? Thanks!
J.A. Adande: (5:04 PM ET ) Lakers
Paul (Portland, OR): A lot of people (meaning fans) don't like Horry. Can you explain why you like him? I remember reading a piece on him years ago about his daughter, who has some kind of severe medical condition. Showed a different side of him.
J.A. Adande: (5:06 PM ET ) Just a regular, down-to-earth guy. Mellow, doesn't take himself too seriously. I know he's seen as the bad guy because of what he did to Nash, but that's not really indicative of his character
Zach Rastall (Marinette, WI): JA, did the Bucks make the right head coaching move?
J.A. Adande: (5:08 PM ET ) No. Anytime a coach has had more jobs than playoff series victories (3:2) it's not a good sign.
J.A. Adande: (5:10 PM ET ) Okay folks, that's a wrap for this week. Thanks, as always, for coming through. Enjoy the three Game 6s tonight!
Good chat.
I like Adande.
I'm surprised no one brought up the league's decision to 'look the other way' as far as suspending Garnett.
This is something we do not discuss.
Please move along. Nothing to see here.
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