Steve Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images

by Patrick ‘Rey’ Reynell

View Part 1 of this discussion.

If you missed the introduction, we’re attempting to expand the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players to accommodate its 65th anniversary as a league in two seasons.

After Part 1, we have several worthy players. Here are the number of votes per player so far:

Tim Duncan – 4
Bob McAdoo – 4
Kobe Bryant – 4
Allen Iverson – 2
Adrian Dantley – 2
Maurice Stokes – 2
Chet Walker – 2
LeBron James – 2
Dan Issel -1
Bernard King – 1
Dennis Rodman – 1

Those names and their respective number of votes will remain intact. However, you can only vote for a player once. The 15 additions will be revealed after voting is finished.

Just as we did in Part 1, choose your next five players to be added to the list. Remember: You can no longer vote for the five players you selected in Part 1; their fate rests in the hands of others who may not have voted for them yet.

Here are my next five additions:

Tom Heinsohn – Hall of Famer. 8X NBA champion with Bill Russell’s Celtics. All-NBA second team for four straight seasons (1960-1964). Career averages of 18.6 ppg and 8.8 rpg in nine seasons.

Maurice Stokes – Hall of Famer. Career averages: 16.4 ppg, 17.3 rpg, 5.3 apg (as a F/C, mind you). Played in only three NBA seasons (two with the Rochester Royals), yet his total rebounds would actually be better than six other players on the 50 greatest list. Scored over 1,000 points in each of his seasons (202 career games, only eclipsed 70 games in a season once when he played in all 72). Led the league in rebounds per game in 1955-1956 as a rookie and won rookie of the year. Finished fifth in MVP voting twice. Finished third in assists the following two seasons. Made all-star team and second team all-NBA each season he played. (Thanks to Crossword Pete for bringing Stokes into the discussion!)

Kevin Garnett - 2004 MVP. Finished in top 5 in MVP voting six times, finishing as the runner-up twice (to Shaquille O’Neal in 2000 and Tim Duncan in 2003). NBA champion with the Celtics in 2008. 19.8 career ppg and 10.8 rpg. Great passer for a post player at 6’11″ with 4.2 apg in career. His 4,719 career assists would make him seventeenth on the 50 greatest list. Nearly a career 50% shooter, which is remarkable when taking into account that he takes a lot of mid-range shots and likes to face up to the basket.

Dominique Wilkins - Hall of Famer. Over 26,500 career points. Put up a lot of shots but was a relentless scoring threat. Averaged over 30 ppg twice (one scoring title) and 29 ppg three times with a career average of 24.8 (could be higher if he hadn’t returned to the league at 37 and 39). Chosen for nine consecutive all-star game appearances. Played during an era of Eastern Conference dynasties (Celtics, Pistons, Bulls) on an average team. Eliminated every year by either the Bulls, Celtics or Pistons except for Bucks in 1983-1984 and 1988-1989.

Dennis Johnson – Hall of Famer. 3X NBA champion (twice with Boston and once with Seattle). Won Finals MVP in 1978-1979 season with the Sonics. All-NBA first team in 1980-1981, second team in 1979-1980. 6X first team All-Defensive, 3X second team All-Defensive. Perhaps one of the greatest perimeter defenders of all time.

So there are my next five. You can agree, refute, or (in the spirit of Mt. Otsego) just add your ’splinters.’

Part 3

AP Photo/Michael Goulding, Pool

By Paul Gotham

Brief notes on the second round of the playoffs.

Eastern Conference

Celtics vs. Cavs

Cleveland grabbed the  one-game advantage. Is it a case of too little, too late for the Cs? Doc Rivers waited until now to call out Rasheed Wallace’s defense. It’s not like we didn’t see this coming. On the offensive end Rajon Rondo is going to need some help if the Celtics stand a chance. Does Boston have a scheme for LeBron? Was the elbow injury a case of gamesmanship by the Akron Hammer?

Hawks vs. Magic

The Hawks offer plenty of foul opportunities for Dwight Howard. Rashard Lewis will need to step up his game for the Magic. Vince Coleman will have to think about putting in some effort when closing out on Atlanta’s shooters. We will find out how good Jameer Nelson actually is. The Hawks struggled to contain Brandon Jennings in round one. Can Nelson take advantage. Al Horford vs. Howard in the paint? That should be a great match-up to watch.

Western Conference

Spurs vs. Suns

A little trivia for you. Who is arguably the best power forward in the history of the league? And on which team does he play? This same team has one of the top five point guards in the league, and this guy is coming off the bench. This team also has maybe the best triple threat guy in the league. Confused?

If Tim Duncan is not the best forward to ever play in the NBA, then who trumps him? How many point guards are there currently in the league better than Tony Parker? Can anyone question Manu Ginobili’s heart? Add to the mix George Hill, and the Spurs look dangerous.

Three years ago a David Stern interpretation of players leaving the bench area slowed the Suns. Since then Steve Nash and company have lost their way.

It will be interesting to watch how both teams try to dictate tempo.

Utah vs. Los Angeles

Jerry Sloan and crew will seek to avoid a third consecutive elimination from the playoffs at the hands of Phil Jackson and his followers. Many are suggesting Kobe has lost a step. He may be playing possum. Pau Gasol looked occasionally dominant as the Lakers took game one. Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer can shoulder the bulk of the load, but Utah will need more performances like the one they got from Paul Milsap.

Got a take on the NBA playoffs? Post them here.

By Paul Gotham

Eastern Conference

Bulls vs. Cavs

Maybe the Bulls could show as much spirit on the court as their coach, Vinny Del Negro, and GM, John Paxson, show off the court. I missed the announcement of “Joakim Rules.” Maybe Vinny should consult with Joe Girardi.  It’s kind of nice how the Bulls positioned themselves to be the Cavs’ appetizer. Chicago won 10 of its last 14 to get in the playoffs. Can Derrick Rose continue getting to the basket now that it is the playoffs, and teams will actually play defense? Can Shaq get in stride after a layoff? Does Shaq still have a stride? LeBron should be plenty rested.

Heat vs. Celtics

As far as seeds and numbers go, Miami winning would fall into the category of an upset. How many would be surprised if the Heat took this series? Does it matter any more that Boston swept the season series? The Cs have dropped eight of 13. Of course, it’s not like the Heat have anyone beyond D-Wade that they can actually count on from night to night. Do you hear that Michael Beasley and Jermaine O’Neal?

Hawks vs. Bucks

Has the potential to be the best first round series. Milwaukee will go without Andrew Bogut, but do not discount Scott Skiles and his ability to motivate the Bucks. Don’t forget, the Bucks have John Salmons who has the reputation for playing big in the playoffs. Salmons will need a great performance to thwart the Hawks.

Anyone looking for Marvin Williams will find him in Atlanta’s lineup. Jamal Crawford and Joe Johnson average 33 a game. Skiles’s defense should shrink those numbers.

Magic vs. Bobcats

Maybe the Vince Carter acquisition wasn’t such a bad idea after all. “Vinsanity” is averaging 16.6. More importantly, the “Iso King” is not disrupting Orlando’s offensive flow. Jason Williams is getting a second chance and making good on it. His presence along with Jameer Nelson’s make the Magic a contender. Congratulations to the Bobcats for qualifying for the playoffs.

Western Conference

Lakers vs. Thunder

You know things are not right with Lakers when Phil Jackson has to resort to mind games in the first round of the playoffs. Just when Kevin Durant showed maturity beyond his years, he goes and reacts to Jackson’s gibes. It will be interesting to see how many shots Durant takes in the first game or two of this series. He averages 20 shots per game.  What is there to not like about the Thunder’s roster: James Harden, Jeff Green, Nick Collison, and Eric Maynor. They have a good, young lineup. They are just not ready to win this series.  How much of LA’s success in the long run depends on Andrew Bynum’s Achilles’ tendon?

Nuggets vs. Jazz

Denver has lost their way since George Karl’s bout with cancer has taken him off the sidelines.  Carlos Boozer is a game time decision. Both lineups pack plenty of talent. Which team will get the most mileage out of their gas?

Mavericks vs. Spurs

Oh, the intrigue. Dallas looked ready for a title run after acquiring Caron Butler. Dallas has lost just seven games since getting Butler on February 16th. Does anyone want to play the Spurs in the playoffs? How much playoff experience do the Spurs have? Tony Parker is back in the lineup.

Suns vs. Blazers

Probably the most entertaining series. There will be plenty of scoring. Portland without Brandon Roy does not bode for the Blazers making any noise in the playoffs.

Splinters

Remember when Rey questioned Boston’s acquisition of Rasheed Wallace? If you don’t, click here. Bill Simmons added his commentary on the Celtics picking up Wallace. Read it here. Rey saw the smoke months ago.

Cheers to Lionel Hollins for showing Kenyon Martin how it’s done.

Give us your take on the NBA playoffs.

AP Photo/Mary Schwalm

By Paul Gotham

Whew! Now that the digging out is finished from the season’s first snow storm. Some thoughts to share.

Western New York well-represented in Vancouver

The United States will take 23 hockey players to the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. Of those going, two hail from Upstate New York. Patrick Kane (Chicago Black Hawks) from Buffalo and Ryan Callahan (New York Rangers) Hilton, New York will don the Red, White, and Blue.

How did Brian Burke earn the position as the team’s general manager? Burke is Toronto’s GM. Have you seen the Maple Leafs record?

Another olympian chosen is Ryan Suter. Suter’s dad, Bob, played on the 1980 ‘Miracle On Ice’ team.

USC self imposes penalty

After investigating the O.J. Mayo case, the University of Southern California has decided to forfeit eligibility for the upcoming post-season, vacate all wins from 2007-08, and reduce scholarships.

Why is it that the USC athletic department can move so swiflty when it comes to basketball? But when it comes to football, the Trojan investigation move in reverse?

Rationalizing

I don’t know what is worse? The fact that Gilbert Arenas, when interviewed about his recent firearms infraction, smiles throughout his repsonse. Or, that he thinks “I’m a goofball” should dismiss his responsibility in the situation.

Two-fifths is better than nothing

Either the Toronto Raptors are really bad, or the Boston Celtics are really good.

With three starters out of the lineup, the Cs took care of business downing their Atlantic Division rivals, 103-96. Ray Allen led six Celtics in double figures with 23 points. Rasheed Wallace followed with 16. Glen Davis came off the bench and added 15.

Usual starters, Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, and Kevin Garnett, were sidelined with injuries. In fact, the box score did not have a point guard in the starting lineup for Boston.

Courtesy of NBA.com

By Paul Gotham

Celtics getting taller.

If  Danny Ainge and his staff took one lesson from the recent playoffs, it’s that you can’t teach height.

With Kevin Garnett dressed to the nines the reigning champs struggled to survive the first round before bowing from the post-season.

Since then, the Cavaliers signed Shaq. Boston responded by getting Rasheed Wallace. Ainge and crew haven’t rested.

Last week, Boston signed Shelden Williams to a contract. Since Atlanta took Williams with the fifth pick in the ’06 draft, ‘The Landlord’ has bounced from the Hawks to Minnesota to Sacramento. If nothing else, the signing of Williams  sent a message to Glen ‘Big Baby’ Davis.

After expressing his frustration through various tweets, Davis finally came to terms with the Cs. Perhaps, Davis realized he’s a dime a dozen and to make buzzer beaters in the playoffs, one actually has to play on a team that qualifies for the post-season.

However you cut it, Boston will have plenty of fouls to give with their revamped frontcourt.

Nash signs extension with the Suns.

He may not be a dog, but Steve Nash sure is loyal. Instead of testing the free agent waters next summer, the 35-year-old Nash opted to sign a three-year deal with the Suns.

Two years ago, the Suns lost in Conference semi-final to the Spurs. Since that fateful night when ‘Kindergarten’ Marion and Amare Stoudemire each earned a game suspension for doing their finest Lynyrd Skynrd and ‘taking’ three steps, the Suns have been in decline. The Shaq experiment reaped a first-round exit last year and a playoff miss this year.

The upcoming season doesn’t look much better. No one could blame Nash for wanting a change in scenery. Instead the the 13-year veteran is staying put.

Felton still unsigned.

We should create a new category: head scratchers.

This past season Raymond Felton averaged 14 ppg, 3.8 RPG, and 6.7 APG. All of those numbers are pretty consistent with his previous three seasons in the league. Yet, Felton is still looking for a team. There are no teams out there in need of a reliable point guard?

Got some Splinters? Share ‘em here.

>Boston signs Rasheed Wallace; Celtics showing their desperation?

The 2008 NBA Champions signed Rasheed Wallace to a two-year deal. The thirty-four year old forward leaves the Detroit Pistons behind after winning an NBA Championship and apparently cleaning up his act since his Portland “Jail” Blazer days.

Brian Babineau/NBAE/Getty Images

This signing makes sense on paper. For one, Wallace can play inside or out. He’s someone that can be a valuable substitute for both Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins or play alongside either as the four or five. He defends well with a 6’11″ lanky frame – arms that seem to stretch forever.

But isn’t he, and many other of the Celtic players, on the decline? So basically this is a signing to win another ring in the next two years, right? Certainly this group won’t win one after that.

I can’t help but think of Wallace’s lack of performance against an East contender, The Cleveland Cavaliers. With Iverson out, Wallace scored double digits once in the first round against the Cavs. In the final game, he shot 0-7 and scored a big goose egg. Not only was he outmatched athletically (the younger Anderson Varejo just simply beat him up and down the court every time), but he was outmatched in terms of determination.

I thought he “packed it in” after game one of that series. He showed little to no emotion and almost appeared to be pouting most of the series. This signing seems eerily similar to the risk the Celtics took with Marbury. The payoff can be very nice, but if things don’t work out like he wants, then the whole plan can backfire.

I expect to see the Celtics jump out of the gate early in 2009-10. The question will be can they sustain that through the playoffs. If Kevin Garnett is healthy, perhaps. If not, I don’t see an aged Rasheed Wallace making too much of a difference against the Cavs and Orlando Magic.

>Nike only has itself to blame for the LeBron James getting dunked on fiasco

I can’t believe the controversy surrounding Jordan Crawford’s now infamous dunk on LeBron James during a pickup basketball game. If you’re immune to such pointless drivel, let me catch you up to speed. I, too, wondered why this was a story at first.

At the Nike sponsored LeBron James Skills Academy held in Akron, Xavier sophomore Jordan Crawford dunked on the reigning NBA MVP in a pickup game. The game was being filmed, according to a press release from Nike, when it wasn’t supposed to be. The film was confiscated by Nike officials because the cameraman broke the video footage rules of the camp.

Ironically, Nike has created quite the hubbub by confiscating the video in what some are allegedly saying is a way to protect the “King” James image. Certainly getting dunked on by some college kid at a camp bearing your name is bad, right? But did Nike really think this would be that big of a story? Crawford has said in a few interviews that the dunk wasn’t even that big of a deal when it happened. Why? Because it happens more times than we realize. Nike created the very media blitz they THOUGHT they were avoiding by confiscating the tape.

Ryan Miller, the young videographer, wrote on what really happened in the exchange after the dunk. Seems as if Nike doesn’t tell the story behind the tape confiscation too accurately. According to him, he was being allowed to tape the whole time. Only after the game and a friendly exchange with James did Nike officials approach Miller. They asked for the tape and said they’d give it back the next day, which we now know never happened.

Thank goodness Ryan Miller shed some light on the ridiculousness of this public image obsession and the lengths companies like Nike will go for good business.

In case my paraphrasing is off, you can read Ryan Miller’s accounts here:

Witness Protection Program: Notes from My LeBron James Camp Confiscation

Ryan Miller’s Response to Nike’s LeBron James Skills Academy Video Statement

If you have an extra five minutes, here’s an interview with Jordan Crawford concerning the “incident.”

Since we’ll never see Crawford dunking on LeBron James, here’s evidence that “King James” is not immortal in the game of basketball. Courtney Lee, from little ol’ Western Kentucky, throwing a couple down on James in the playoffs.

Got some NBA news or comments? Take a seat on the bench and let your ‘pickins’ be heard.

www3.whig.com/whig/blogs/dobservations

As amazing happens, however, players need to remember that humility should follow. Amazing attracts the attention of the media, fans, and outsiders alike. So when amazing occurs, as it often has in the 2009 playoffs, players need not forget that doing something incredible does not require an idiotic reaction.

I’ve been more than disappointed in some of the NBA players and their “amazing” reactions. Rather than basking in the glory of a big shot with some form of ethical jubilation, they’ve often chosen words and actions bordering on self-righteousness and obscene.

Chicago’s Ben Gordon displayed histrionics more suited for a prison gang fight after some of his big shots in the first round. After hitting a big three while in Chicago, he turned to the crowd near midcourt and decided to display his excitement by grabbing himself below the equator. At home. To his home fans. Toward his team’s bench. The one’s cheering for him. Ben, rubbing your brilliance in someone else’s face is bad enough, but what sense does it make to rub it in the face of your supporters?

The boastful display of one’s superior performance hasn’t been limited to those playing in the game. Kevin Garnett seemed as visible on the bench in his designer suits as he would have been on the court in his Celtic green. Maybe someone in the Celtic’s organization forgot to tell him this. After many big shots and game-changing plays, the camera often panned to Garnett who most of the time was jawing with the opposing players’ bench using a choice of words not even acceptable in some bars.

I liked Denver’s Chris Anderson and his amazing defense until his moment of foul mouthed absurdity. After picking up his fourth foul against Dallas, he sat down on the bench and the camera caught him at the perfect time expressing his displeasure. He exclaimed the referee made a call equal to bull feces.

This normally doesn’t bother me because players often express their frustrations forgetting for a moment about the cameras capturing their every move.

But this particular one was beyond unnecessary considering “The Birdman” nearly severed a player’s arm at the shoulder in an attempt to block his shot from behind. I’d hate to see what Chris would say in the event a referee actually made a bad call. It might be a tirade that would make former Temple basketball coach John Chaney cringe and say, “Chris – watch the language.”

Eddie House seemed to hit an endless amount of big shots during these playoffs. It’s hard not to think they were big shots, since after every single one he either turned to the opponent’s bench to express his the magnitude of his magnificence or ran down the floor in what seemed like a schizophrenic shouting match. The Magic’s Rafer Alston probably did what most of us non-Celtic fans wanted to do: slap some humbleness back into House’s obviously swollen head.

Thanks to Eddie House, the theatrics after shots can come at any time during a game now apparently. I thought usually such celebrations and superfluous screaming came after game winning shots. Denver’s J.R. Smith proved to me otherwise.

The other night in game three of the Western Conference Finals, Smith hit a three point shot against the Lakers to beat the third quarter horn. He commenced to yelling at the Laker’s Sasha Vujacic as if Vujacic just hit on his girlfriend. Smith was promptly assessed a technical foul as he skipped away like Reggie Miller in Madison Square Garden. Trash-talking at the end of the third quarter didn’t do much good as the Lakers won game three and seized the series lead on the Nugget’s home court.

Please don’t take any of this the wrong way: players should express their exhilaration after amazing moments in the playoffs. I enjoyed watching Boston’s Glen Davis run a 4.2 forty after making the game winning shot against Orlando in the first round. I loved seeing the NBA’s MVP, LeBron James, hit a three-pointer to win it against Orlando in the Eastern Conference Finals as his Cavs teammate Sasha Pavolic hung on for the ride afterwards.

All that I ask is that players realize the influence they have and to display a celebratory decorum that all fans can appreciate and watch over and over again. I want amazing to happen in every game. That shouldn’t have to mean that the decay of anything ethical in the NBA occurs with it.

So without further ado, let’s break this series down – match up by match up. And then it will be time for Smitty’s somewhat biased opinion – Did I give it away? Well in the spirit of MC Hammer – let’s break it down:

Point Guard: Rajon Rondo vs. Derrick Fisher – Youth versus Experience at its finest. Rondo is the engine that does make the Celtics’ offense run. When he is pushing the ball and hitting his jumpers, he makes them difficult to defend. But when he shows his youth and inexperience with turnovers and bad decisions – it can make the C’s offense come to a grinding halt. Derrick Fisher – what can you say bad about Derrick Fisher, other than he is getting up there in age? Might not have the speed or defensive skills of Rondo, but he makes up for it with experience and savvy. May be the unofficial MVP of the Lakers, as he makes Kobe even more dangerous with his ability to stretch the defense with his outside shooting. Rondo likes to roam on defense, but won’t be able to with Fisher’s ability to shoot the 3.

Advantage : Lakers, but a slight edge

Shooting Guard: Ray Allen vs. Kobe Bryant – Hmmm.. best player in the game right now. Bryant is playing at his best right now in the playoffs and apparently has been able to “instill” his DNA on the rest of the Lakers. Throughout the playoffs he has been playing at the top of his game. So for the C’s it is a matter of if you can’t stop him, can you contain him? This is certainly his opportunity to put him amongst the elite in the history of the NBA. Will the real Ray Allen, please stand up, please stand up? Having struggled throughout most of the playoffs, he has seemed to find his shooting touch in Games 5 and 6 against the Pistons. If he can continue to hit from the outside, it will be the Big Three and not the Big Two featuring Ray Allen.

Advantage: Ahhhh. … Lakers? Seriously, the Lakers.

Small Forward: Paul Pierce vs. Vladimir Radmanovic – Ummm, has Radmanovic done anything in these playoffs? Is he playing? Okay seriously he has had his moments in the playoffs, but has also had a habit of disappearing in these playoffs. Pierce, aka “The Truth” aptly received his nickname from a former Laker. He has been just that throughout the playoffs, seeming to rise to the occasion in the biggest moments in the playoffs. His 4th quarter in Game 6 against the Pistons and his Game 7 performance against the Cavaliers are helping to define his legacy in Beantown. Will be guarding Kobe for much of this series. How much of his chasing Kobe around will affect his play on the offensive end remains to be seen. But then again, he guarded LeBron and Joe Johnson in previous series. So will guarding Kobe be that much different?

Advantage: Celtics

Power Forward: Kevin Garnett vs. Lamar Odom – KG has been consistent throughout the playoffs and even dominant at times. But at times, he seems to give up the shot at the biggest moments during the game. Unselfish or just afraid to take the big shot? Known for his tenacity on defense, his intensity rubs off on his teammates. Odom is dangerous in that he is a slasher and a jump shooter. Will be a handful for Garnett to defend, but which Odom will show up? The Lamar Odom of Game 5 against the Spurs or the Lamar Odom of Game 3? When Odom is playing on all cylinders, the Lakers’ offense is the best in the NBA.

Advantage: Celtics

Center: Kendrick Perkins vs. Pau Gasol – The Laker’s steal of Gasol has been well documented. Gasol is a finesse big man that can play away from the basket, but can also rebound with the best. Gasol’s talents have fit in perfectly since the injury to Andrew Bynum. Perkins has been a huge boost for the Celtics and has been unexpectedly dominant at times. His first half in the Game 5 against the Pistons was huge for the Cs. But at times, he shows he is young and inexperienced with silly fouls and unnecessary technical fouls. Perkins loves to bang underneath the basket and may be too physical for Gasol. Gasol has been key for the Lakers in rebounding, but how will he fare in his battle with Perkins? Should be a good match up.

Advantage: Lakers

Bench: I am not going to list them all for both team, but both benches have been key at times for both teams throughout the playoffs. But with so many days in between games, and long timeouts – will their playing time be cut? Will the long timeouts give players time to rest. Will Kobe even come out of Game 1 with 3 days rest between Games 1 and 2?

Advantage: Even

Coaching: Do I even want to do this? Phil Jackson, is Phil Jackson. Doc Rivers, is well Doc Rivers. In Doc Rivers’ defense, he has shown me a lot in these playoffs and seems to be growing as a coach in these playoffs. But this is Phil Jackson, man.. The key may be Boston assistant, Tom Thibodeau who has been the mastermind behind the C’s defense. Can he make the necessary adjustments.

Advantage: Lakers

Smitty’s Prediction: Celtics in seven. There is no place like home, there is no place like home. And rides in the Duck Boats are so much fun.

Don’t agree? Let’s hear what you have to say.