May 2, 2006
David Stern has to be smiling because the NBA playoffs have had a number of exciting moments in the first round. There are several potential surprises and we may see the Clippers and Lakers battle for bragging rights in LA in the next round.
LeBron James and Kobe Bryant have made an impact already as the stars are shining in the postseason. I think both guys, by the end of their careers, will be part of the debate over the greatest players in the game, thrown in with a guy named Mr. Jordan. I remember growing up there were always discussions over who was better in baseball, Willie Mays or the Mick, Mr. Mantle. Some even threw in Duke Snider in the conversation! In about a dozen years, you can have a pretty good argument; that's how good these young guys, LeBron and Kobe, really are as players.
Who would have thought the Lakers would be up 3-1 against a talented Suns team led by likely MVP Steve Nash? You have to give some credit to Phil Jackson and his magic, getting this team to play together. Jackson has that winner's mentality and he has created something pretty special through four games.
Kobe has done whatever needed to succeed. Opposing defenses are being very aggressive against him and other Lakers are getting good looks at the basket. Lamar Odom has really stepped up and been like Scottie Pippen was opposite Michael Jordan. The system has been a big plus.
I have always felt Kobe has been an absolute superstar since day one. I don't think anyone can take that away from him. He has had some problems off the court and with his teammates, but he has always performed. He is performing at such a high level right now, and that's what great players do, making people around him better.
Also surprising is the Bulls-Heat series, where the teams split the first four games. I think some people didn't realize how good Kirk Hinrich and Ben Gordon were coming out of college. I wish someone would go back to the draft tapes when I said those guys could make shots.
When you can make shots, you get an opportunity at the NBA level. The bottom line is there are plenty of pros who cannot make shots and they are liabilities. That is why J.J. Redick will be valuable at the next level.
Hinrich could always make shots when he was at Kansas, and the same could be said for Gordon at Connecticut.
Give the Bulls credit for going after guys from winning programs. Add Luol Deng from Duke to Hinrich and Gordon and they bring that special winner's mentality. Shaquille O'Neal is not as dominant in the three-second area as he has been in the past.
Chicago could have won Game 1 and taken charge. This series could go to the wire as the Bulls play with such a passion and emotion, emulating the way their coach, Scott Skiles performed when he was on the court.
The NBA playoffs are exciting already. It should be a great run to the Finals, baby!
Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979. Send a question for Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.
