ESPN NBA Insider - 5/19/05

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Chat with Chad Ford

Welcome to The Show! On Thursday, ESPN NBA Insider Chad Ford will drop by to take your questions.

Ford writes the daily NBA Insider column for ESPN Insider. He also in a frequent contributer to ESPN.com and ESPN the Magazine and makes weekly apperances on ESPN Radio and ESPNEWS.

Send your questions now and join Chad in The Show at 12:30 p.m. ET on Thursday!

SportsNation Chad Ford: Hey everyone thanks for coming. We're really in the thick of things now. On the verge of the conference finals, a labor war is brewing and the draft is heating up. Let's roll.

Scot (Portland): Do you think, after Nash's last two games, people will finally stop arguing that Shaq should've been MVP? Last night: 13 rebounds and essentially 58 points (34 pts. + 12 assts). And Shaq definitely isn't as cerebral as Nash.

SportsNation Chad Ford: "Cerebral?" -- I may have to give you that. The knock on Nash for MVP was that his numbers (scoring) weren't great. I think Nash is capable of scoring 25 ppg. However, he prefers to distribute. With Joe Johnson out, he's had to pick up the slack and he's done. If there were any questions about who is MVP -- I think Nash settled them last night. I wonder if Mark Cuban is still insisting that he's not kicking himself over letting Nash go this summer?

Johnny (San Antonio, Tx): Why is it that every year the Spurs seem to fly under the radar, even though they have had the best winning percentage since the Tim Duncan era begun?

SportsNation Chad Ford: Because every year they have series, like they one they've had in Seattle that raise questions. I've believed all year that the Spurs have the best shot to win the title. I still believe they have the talent (and coaching) to do it. They just have to be more consistent. Right now, the only team in the playoffs playing with great consistency is the Heat.

Rob (Miami, FL): If Shaq's injury prevents him from dominating a game, can the Heat still win the NBA title?

SportsNation Chad Ford: Great question. As good as Dwyane Wade has become, I don't think he can carry the Heat alone against teams like Detroit, San Antonio or Phoenix. But if Shaq is even 75 percent, he's still better than any big guy in the league. I'm sticking to my predicition that the Pistons make it to the Finals -- with or without a healthy Shaq in Miami.

Joe (Miami, FL): And "insider" info on just how bad Shaq's injury is? IF it's bad enough to keep "the Big Aristotle" from talking to the media, then it MUST be pretty bad.

SportsNation Chad Ford: A paper cut would keep Shaq from talking to the media. I've been told that no one in Miami is too worked up about. Shaq may just be creating so drama.

eric Santa Ana, CA: Chad. Ona recent ESPN.com poll Wade was voted the best swingman in the NBA. ahead of players such as Kobe, Tmac, and Lebron. Arent people getting a little carried away?

SportsNation Chad Ford: Hmmm... On talent, I think T-Mac is on top of the list. On potential, it's LeBron. But if I was in the playoffs right now, and could only take one of those four, I'd take Wade. He's got Kobe-esque talent and drive without the selfishness.

Aaron (NYC): Finish this sentence: The Knicks will become a winning team when ____________

SportsNation Chad Ford: You're baiting me ... aren't you Aaron? For me it would be some combination of Bono led debt forgivness, a Stephon Marbury labotomy and an Isiah Thomas press release announcing his plans to leave the Knicks in order to "turn around" Enron.

Arlington, VA: I'd like your take on the Kwame Brown situation...Do the Wiz keep him or sign-and-trade him? If the latter, what could they possibly hope to get for him?

SportsNation Chad Ford: They'll try to do a sign-and-trade, because it allows them to salavage some value for Kwame. But the chances of him returning in a Wizards uniform are slim to none. I wouldn't be surprised if Kwame ends up in either Atlanta or Cleveland next season.

Mario (Los Angeles, CA): Since you're finishing sentences, please finish this one: The Pacers will win Game 6 tonight if ___________

SportsNation Chad Ford: If Reggie goes retro tonight. When he's making shots and involved in the offense, the Pacers are still a dangerous team.

Matt (san francisco): Chad, the Blazers picked up their option on their GM Steve Nash (ha) yesterday. After horrible moves such as overpaying Randolph, Miles, and Ratliff, and failing to improve the team at the trade deadline, some of us are upset. What's your take? THANKS!

SportsNation Chad Ford: Gotta love the Blazers. Nash had a tough job to do in Portland, but the bottom line was that he actually made things worse. I wouldn't take his re-signing as a good sign either. Who is giving Paul Allen advice these days?

Bubba (Pecot, TX): Everyone's excited about the Sonics season, but what happens this summer when their entire team, coaching staff and front office hit the free agent market?

SportsNation Chad Ford: Bubba's got a point (I don't get to say that everyday). There are no easy answers in Seattle. Ray Allen, Antonio Davis, Jerome James, Vladimir Radmanovic, Reggie Evans and Ronald Murray are all key free agents. Nate McMillian's contract is up. So is GM Rick Sund's. It's awfully tough to plan for next year with all of those contingencies in place.

Allen and Daniels reportedly would like to bolt. Given that the Sonics don't want to break the bank with either guy, the chances that they leaver are pretty high.

I don't see them re-signing James. He's been impressive in the playoffs, but it's the equivalent to a death bed confession. I'm not sure how sincere it really is.

They probably keep Radmanovic because he's a restricted free agent and no one is likely to make him a huge offer. The same may hold true for Flip Murray, especially if Allen bolts.

Evans is another tough one. He gives them toughness and energy in the paint.

No wonder McMillian will look hard at other opprotunities in Orlando, Minnesota, Cleveland and New York.

We hear that Sund is trying to workout a new deal. If it doesn't happen, Cleveland is somewhat interested.

The bottom line for Sonics fans is that there should be a major overhaul on this team in the next few months.

David J. Smith, Provo, UT: Chad, What kind of moves do you see the Jazz making this off-season (trades, free agents)? Who are they liking for the draft?

SportsNation Chad Ford: They've got to find a point guard. They also need an athletic shotblocking center and some perimeter shooting. They should be able to address the point guard situation in the draft. Either Chris Paul or Deron Williams should be available when they pick. The other two will be harder to find.

Kidman (Greeley, CO): Does Kiki want to go to Cleveland? He has capped out the Nuggets roster and making any big changes there will be difficult.

SportsNation Chad Ford: I think Kiki wants a new contract. He's among the lowest paid GMs in the league and his contract expires next summer. He'd prefer LA or Portland, but the bottom line is that Nuggets ownership won't grant him permission to interview in Cleveland. Unless ownership changes their stance, he'll be stuck in Denver another year.

Mark (LA, CA): Should NBA fans be worried about a lockout after the draft, or is all of this stuff just part of negotiating?

SportsNation Chad Ford: I think there is a lot of posturing going on right now ... however, I think we're going to see a lockout on July 1st. We only have six weeks and there's a bit of a cold war going on between the two sides right now.

KD (Greenville, NC): If the owners do decide to lock the players out how long do you see it lasting? I'm expecting to miss summer leagues (which will be missed badly enough) but I seirously couldnt stand to have this eat into the season again like in 98.

SportsNation Chad Ford: I don't think a lockout will cost the league any games. They aren't that far apart and the issues their haggling about aren't important enough to risk a mass exodus of NBA fans if they start eating into the season. But ... I think all the fun we have in the summer with free agency and summer leagues is probably ruined.

Ben (Miami, FL): Chad what are your thoughts on Billy Hunter constantly pulling out the race card?

SportsNation Chad Ford: On some issues (like the age limit) I think Hunter has a legit point. Whether it's overt or latent discrimination, race still plays a part. On what went down on Wednesday with the league canceling their bargaining sessions and blaming the agents, I don't think that has anything to do with race. That's all about economics.

Chris (Detroit): Chad,What do you feel is the more important issue?Raising the age limit to 20 years old are concentrating more on the NBDL?

SportsNation Chad Ford: The NBDL all the way. I think it does away with the need for an age limit. If teams have a place to put and develop their young players, I think an age limit is unnecessary.

Seth (Seattle): Are there too many underclassmen in the draft? 85 sounds like a lot.

SportsNation Chad Ford: Try 108. The league just released the official list and there are 108 players underclassmen on it. 73 college and high school players and 35 international players. No big surprises. We've already identified all of these guys. The extras are obscure college players who have no shot at getting drafted. Check back later in the day in my blog for an analysis of the entire list.

ScurrDiesel (Watuga): Chad, could you give us the first five picks of the NBA Draft?

SportsNation Chad Ford: This is, in my mind, in order of talent, not based on team order or where they might actually get drafted.

1. Marvin Williams, UNC
2. Chris Paul, Wake Forest
3. Andrew Bogut, Washington
4. Gerald Green, HS
5. Deron Williams, Illinois

Rich(NY): What's your take on Andrew Bynum entering the nba draft? Could he be a lottery pick based on potential?

SportsNation Chad Ford: Yes, because he's a legit 7 footer, weighs 300 pounds (though he could stand to lose 15 pounds) runs the floor well and has talent. He is very raw and is a few years away from actually playing in the league, but someone will take him on potential.

ScurrDiesel (Watuga): Chad, have you seen the new Star Wars movie?

SportsNation Chad Ford: Ah ... the most important question of the day. I geeked up and saw it at 12:01 a.m. last night. Loved it. When I was seven, I was almost thrown out of the theater the first time I saw Empire Strikes Back. When Darth Vadar told Luke that he was his father, I stood up on the chair and screamed "Nooooo. He's LYING" at the top of my lungs. Ever since then I've wanted the Vadar back story. Wasn't a big fan of the first two prequels, but LOVED this one.

SportsNation Chad Ford: Sorry ... non Star Wars fans. But I couldn't help myself.

SportsNation Chad Ford: I've got to run everyone. Let's talk again next week.

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Updated: May 19, 2005, 6:03 PM ET

Is Reggie's playoff reputation overrated?
Insider
Hollinger
By John Hollinger
ESPN Insider
Archive

Reggie Miller's reputation as a playoff conqueror is suffering a bit in this year's postseason. He is shooting just 38 percent in the series against Detroit, and in the previous series against Boston he airballed a potential series-winning shot in Game 6. Overall, his 13.8 points per game and .402 shooting percentage are down from his season marks of 14.8 and .437.

But perhaps we're overreacting. Nearly everyone's numbers decline in the playoffs because of the steep upgrade in competition. Miller, for instance, has played five straight games against a dominating defense. Without any Hawks or Bobcats on the schedule to offset the rough nights against Detroit, it's no wonder his output has dropped.

We're only surprised because in past seasons Miller has managed to match the increased competition. His career playoff scoring average actually is substantially higher, jumping from 18.2 to 20.6, and of course, he authored two particularly legendary performances in Madison Square Garden.

But how does that compare with other great players of his era? Have others been able to dial up their games as much as Miller has, or is Reggie head and shoulders above the rest in his ability to increase his performance in the playoffs?

To answer that, I compared the per-minute production of several prominent players with what they had done in the regular season over the course of their careers. It's important to note the average player's stats decline significantly in the playoffs, losing about 8 percent of his regular-season productivity. For star players, increased minutes sometimes mask that effect – Miller, for instance, averages 2.6 more minutes a game in the playoffs. But on a per-minute basis, virtually everyone declines in the "big four" of points, rebounds, assists and field-goal percentage.

Overall, Miller's decline is relatively modest: Just 2.1 percent. That's actually an "improvement" if you think about it. If everyone else drops by 8 percent and he drops by 2 percent, then he's effectively 6 percent better in the playoffs. But as it turns out, while Miller has been better than the norm, his playoff accomplishments aren't quite as extraordinary as we may have been led to believe.

Playoff vs. Regular Season Performance: Best and Worst
Rank Player Playoff Min. % Change
1 Derek Fisher 3028 +6.0
2 Hakeem Olajuwon 5749 +5.8
3 Ben Wallace 2444 +5.6
4 Robert Horry 5703 +5.5
5 Chauncey Billups 1905 +3.1
11 Reggie Miller 5275 -2.6
24 Peja Stojakovic 2088 -15.5
25 Alonzo Mourning 2201 -16.1
26 Chris Webber 2496 -16.7

For instance, his current opponent has three players who have played at least 2,000 playoff minutes and dialed up their games more in the playoffs: Ben Wallace (+5.6 percent), Chauncey Billups (+3.1 percent) and Richard Hamilton (-1.6 percent). Overall, 10 of the 26 players who qualified for the study dialed it up more than Miller for the postseason.

(Billups actually has only 1,905 minutes, technically falling short of the standard, but even if he put up zeroes across the scoreboard over his next 95 minutes of playoff action, he would still rate better than Miller.)

For Miller, that's still a very flattering comparison. This was a hand-selected study – most of the players I chose had reputations for their ability to kick it up a notch come April. Just look at the list of players who didn't come anywhere close to Miller: Scottie Pippen (-5.7 percent), Jason Kidd (-5.7 percent), Shaquille O'Neal (-6.7 percent), Rasheed Wallace (-8.6 percent), Kobe Bryant (-14.8 percent), John Stockton (-12.4 percent), Karl Malone (-13.6 percent) and David Robinson (-13.9 percent).

So if the top playoff improver isn't Miller, then who is? A few other familiar names rank ahead. Let's turn through the top five, which includes two of the aforementioned Pistons: Billups (fifth) and Ben Wallace (third). Between them in fourth is a name that will shock no one: Robert Horry (+5.6 percent). Big-Shot Rob's exploits have been sufficiently documented in other places that I have little to add here.

No. 2 on the list is a dominating player from the '90s who carried his team on his back to multiple titles. But it's not Michael Jordan (who ranked seventh) – it's Hakeem Olajuwon (+5.8 percent). The Dream's insane playoff résumé includes his memorable back-to-back domination of Robinson and Shaquille O'Neal in 1995, enabling the Rockets to win an NBA title while starting Pete Chilcutt at power forward.

No. 1 is another owner of multiple rings: Derek Fisher (+6.0 percent). He just missed a shot in the 2001 title run and, of course, made the memorable "0.4" shot to beat San Antonio a year ago.

OK, that's the best, but what about the worst? Who was the biggest decliner? Well, from the "this explains everything" file, two of the bottom three were Peja Stojakovic and Chris Webber. Stojakovic's 15.5 percent decline is noteworthy, but still beat out C-Webb. His former teammate ranked dead last among the 26, with his production plummeting by 16.7 percent in the postseason.

Thus, compared with some other players who have consistently outperformed in the postseason, Miller's accomplishments don't fill us with awe. A select few from his era have managed to dial up their games for the postseason even more so than Miller, including three players that will be wearing the other uniform tonight. But compared with the masses, Miller's postseason exploits are still quite impressive.

John Hollinger, author of "Pro Basketball Forecast 2004-05," is a regular contributor to ESPN Insider. Click here to contact John.

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Chat with Greg Anthony

Welcome to The Show! On Thursday, former NBA point guard, current ESPN analyst and ESPN.com NBA Insider Greg Anthony, will stop by to take your questions.

Send your questions for Greg now and join him in The Show on Thursday at 3 p.m. ET!

Click here for Greg Anthony's ESPN Insider archive.

SportsNation Buzzmaster: Greg Anthony is up next to talk about the big games tonight in the NBA playoffs. And as a former leader of the NBAPA, he's also the man to ask about the labor problems threatening to hit the league. Send in those questions!

SportsNation Buzzmaster: Sorry for the delay, folks, we're trying to get ahold of Greg. Hang tight, I'll keep you posted.

SportsNation Greg Anthony: Hey everybody. Thanks for logging on. I hope you are enjoying the playoffs as much as I am. Things are starting to get interesting ...

larry (san jose): Greg,what are the sticking points of the current labor problems?

SportsNation Greg Anthony: The biggest things are the guaranteed contracts from the owners' perspective. Another issue is an even stiffer super-tax that the owners want to propose. The age limit is an issue. Those are probably the biggest things. The emphasis is mainly on guarenteed contracts.

Gordon Lee (Milwaukee): Greg.. Which to you is more acceptable. An individual player "holding out" for a new contract. Or an entire league locking out due to the union and owners not agreeing, in the end costing both sides millions of dollars?

SportsNation Greg Anthony: It's not really acceptable, I think this is a situation where both sides are really just digging their heels in. Posturing. There is a lot of emotion involved here. I don't see a lockout really transpiring. I think this is much to do about NOTHING. I do think that a deal will be struck, ultimately cooler heads will prevail.

Abe (Tulsa, OK): What would it take to beat San Antonio in a 7 game series?

SportsNation Greg Anthony: I think it depends on the team. FOr say, Phoenix, I think they would have to play a real up-tempo game. With say Miami or Detroit, I think they match up a little bit better. I don't think SAn Antonio is unbeatable. I think Detroit or Miami could provide a really great test and give us a really great series if that's what it comes down to.

Mike (Milwaukee): Will the Suns finish the Mavs off in game 6 or will it go 7??

SportsNation Greg Anthony: I think it will definitely go seven. Steve Nash has just been in another stratusphere, but I think that Dallas, b/c of Avery JOhnson will play really well at home in Game 6. I think it will go seven, and that's really what it's all about, Game 7s. These teams are playing great basketball. They deserve a Game 7.

Shaq (Miami): If I'm still feeling less than 100%, can Flash keep winning games without me?

SportsNation Greg Anthony: I think D.Wade could win a game or two, sure, but I don't see Miami beating Detroit without Shaq playing a significant role in the series. THey will need Shaq to be Shaq -- that is, the dominant force that we usually see in the playoffs.

Greg (Portland ME): hey Greg! What's it gonna take for Indy to force a game 7? Seems that every time we count them out they pull off a gutsy game. Thanks for answering.

SportsNation Greg Anthony: I love one thing about Carlisle and the Pacers - you can NEVER count them out. I think the key will be point guard play. What good defense does is it forces you to play well off the dribble. Tinsley is a huge key in this game. He creates for Reggie and Jermaine who need support to make something happen. Don't count 'em out.

mike(MI): Don't you think it's a hypocritical and a travesty travesty that artest isnt playing in the playoffs but Stephen Jakson and O'Neal are?

SportsNation Greg Anthony: You know, it is definitely unfortunate that because of that incident in November we are unable to see the Indiana Pacers at 100% in the playoffs. But that's the ruling. You have to live by it and I think Ron will be the first to tell you that he made a mistake and these consequences and repercussions are a result of that mistake. We can only hope that he learns from this and becomes more focussed and more disciplined because of it.

Carl (Saratoga, NY): I think the Suns are the team to beat as long as they stay healthy, and get Joe Johnson back. Agreed?

SportsNation Greg Anthony: Joe is a huge key for the Suns. If they get by Dallas, the defense that they will see will be, well, quite frankly, better. They are going to need Joe to compete with the likes of San Antonio or Miami.

X-man (SA): can Manu out-play TD for the finals MVP?

SportsNation Greg Anthony: I think he's got to out play him for the semi-finals MVP. Parker and Ginobili have to play at an extremely high level. They can't let their supporting cast carry them at this point. Manu is the key, he can create a lot of havoc and I'll tell you what, I wouldn't put it past him b/c the guy is just a phenomenal talent and he is such an offensive force.

Busayo (Chicago): is nazr Mohammed getting too much touches of the ball, and why isn't Tim duncan allowed to play freely like ginobili

SportsNation Greg Anthony: Ginobili is a perimeter player where the rules are a little bit different. In the paint, it's a physical game. You don't have as much freedom, you are going to be bodied. Tim will have to continue to be dominant in there if they are going to win the championship.

Kyle (San Ramon, CA): If you were a betting man, would you take take Seattle to win Game 6...please say yes, i've already laid down $100!!!

SportsNation Greg Anthony: Well, you'll have a very good chance to recoup that $100, Kyle. Remember, San An has yet to beat the Sonics in Seatte. If Lewis is healthy, I think this series has a great chance to go seven.

AI (New York): Hi Greg, what is your reaction to Billy Hunter's assertions of racism or racist overtones and the charge that the agents are pulling his strings on the heels of the breakdown in talks? I understand your point about posturing, but do you think Billy crossed the line in his rhetoric in this regard. Thanks.

SportsNation Greg Anthony: What you have to understand is that Billy Hunter is directing those comments at HIMSELF. He is taking them in relation to how he feels as an African-American. When we consider this and when we judge, we often do it from our own world-view and our own perspective. That's not a fault, that's a truth. So, he was looking at those comments and he took it to mean exactly how that affected HIM. I think eventually, things will resolve themselves and he'll shake hands with the commissioner and he can focus on what's going on on the court.

Xavier (Dallas): Wuz up G.A. How do you feel about Union Leader Billy Hunter's comments about race and how it has and is affecting the negotiating between the two parties ? I think it was the wrong move by him and he has now taken all of the focus off of the real issue here. Coming from a black man here in Dallas, it upsets me that he would use this excuse. I dont think it is a black/white issue and never has been. Lets stop using this as an excuse and be real.

SportsNation Greg Anthony: I don't think the comment will affect negotiations at all. It's unfortuante that this stuff has to play out in the public eye. There is a lot of time to work through all these differences. The season doesn't start 'till October, so ultimately, I think everything will be resolved and ready to go.

eric santa ana: ESPN.Com recently ran a poll on who was the NBA's best swingman. Wade won over players such as Lebron, Kobe, and Tmac. Dont you think we are getting a bit carried away?

SportsNation Greg Anthony: Well, in part, but DWade is a phenomenal talent and he is the only one of those guys who is really upped his play in the playoffs. In their own right, those other guys are all phenomenal talents, but ultimately, they will all be judged on how many championships they win.

Alberto (Miami): Greg, what's your take on the Pistons bench? Do you think Carlos Arroyo will get more PT as a change of pace?

SportsNation Greg Anthony: Well, I think Arroyo might end up being the key to whether or not the Pistons can win a championship. His play gives Chauncey a break and lets him play some 2. Remember, the Pistons don't play a lot of bench players -- that's a big difference between this year's team and last years. I think those guys are very much a key to whether or not they repeat.

SportsNation Greg Anthony: Hey everybody, I've go to go. Thanks for chatting. Hey, hopefully next time we can really focus on the playoffs which have just been stellar so far. San Antonio and Seattle have been so exciting. Phoenix is about as good as it gets. I just wait for the day we can worry about the games on the court and not the ones going on behind the scenes with management and agents and what not. It's a shame that the timing of all this takes anything away from a really great playoff. Thanks for joining me. We'll do this again soon.

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Chat with Udonis Haslem

Welcome to The Show! On Thursday, Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem will stop by to take your questions!

Haslem has helped lead the Heat to the Eastern Conference finals, averaging 8.8 points in a four-game sweep of New Jersey in the first round and 10.5 points in a another four-game sweep of Washington in the second round.

The Heat will face the winner of the Indianapolis Pacers-Detroit Pistons Eastern Conference semifinal. The Pistons currently hold a 3-2 advantage in the best-of-seven series.

Send your questions now and join Udonis in The Show on Thursday at 1:30 p.m. ET!

SportsNation The ShowGirl: Welcome to The Show! Udonis will be here shortly. Send in your questions now!

SportsNation Udonis Haslem : Hey what's up. We just got out of practice and I'm ready to answer any questions you have for me!

Michael (Atlanta, GA): This is very hard for me, since I went to UGA, but congratulations on your success this year! Now for my question, who uses more hair gel, Billy Donovan or Pat Riley?

SportsNation Udonis Haslem : (Laughing) Oh man! I'm going to have to go with Billy b/c Pat is my current boss! Haha! That was a good one.

max groebe (III, Iraq): Who wins Detroit or Indiana?

SportsNation Udonis Haslem : I think it's a tough matchup but with Detroit up right now, I've got to give the edge to the defending champions.

Jeremy, Houma, LA: PLEASE RESIGN WITH THE HEAT!!!!! You are the hardest working PF that I've seen in the league this year. You are Horace Grant with more talent!!!! I just wanted you to realize that and to let you know that Heat fans greatly appreciate the hard work and hussle that you display. We want you back next year! Thanks.

SportsNation Udonis Haslem : Thank you for the compliments, Jeremy! I would love to resign with the Heat, they are definitely my first option. Hopefully it will work out.

Joseph (Tampa): Hey UD...whats up...wanna give toy props on your last 2 yrs.....i know your due for a big contract yr...but you gotta stay in Miami with flash...came in together leave together.....get about 6 rings!

SportsNation Udonis Haslem : Thank you for the compliements -- me and Flash (D.Wade) are best friends -- I would love to spend the rest of my career working by his side if possible.

Kevin (Atlanta): Hey, got a question for you. Other than your current teammates, who is a player in the NBA that you really wanna play with?

SportsNation Udonis Haslem : Jason Kidd.

Jason (Boston): Did Shaq give you a nickname?

SportsNation Udonis Haslem : Yeah, he's flirted with a few different ones. He's called me all kinds of stuff, I don't think he's decided to stick with any of them yet, though.

Jamil (Newport News VA): How hard is it to stay in basketball shape after having a week off in the playoffs?

SportsNation Udonis Haslem : It's not hard at all b/c our coaches do a great job of mixing easy days with tough conditioning days to keep us in shape.

Tony (PHX, AZ): What was your take on the MVP decision, do think Nash is deserving??? Especially after his post season performance???

SportsNation Udonis Haslem : Obviously, I'm a little bias b/c I'm a teammate of Shaq's, but Steve Nash definitely had a great year, and he is definitely deserving.

Pete (Sioux Falls, SD): U first off just want to say it has been great watching you play this season especially this post season. What impact has Shaq made in your game? And being from South Dakota just wondering if you got any Mike Miller stories from your time together at Florida?

SportsNation Udonis Haslem : The thing that Shaq has brought to myself and this team is really just an overall confidence level. We can go out and play every night knowing that we are one of the best teams in this league. .... As far as Mike Miller stories, I was the one that introduced him to his wife! How's that. We are still really good friends, we stay in touch and talk about every day.

Andrew(Richmond,VA): With Shaq on the bench the team needed players to step up, which you did very nicely, what kind of advice does he give the team/you before the game?

SportsNation Udonis Haslem : Thanks Andrew. The main thing that Shaq tells us when he is not in the game is that it's an opportunity for everybody to really make a name for themself and he tells us to take advantage of that.

Simone (Tampa): What type of music do you listen to?

SportsNation Udonis Haslem : I listen to mostly southern rap. Represent the south!

gallo Miami, FL: What up U! im a longtime heat fan, and my question is since you went to Miami High, and UF, and then journeyed around, are you still in a state of "man i cant believe i play for the heat"..Good luck next series

SportsNation Udonis Haslem : Yeah, sometimes it hits me that two years ago I was overseas and this has all happened so fast in Miami. I'm just happy to ride the wave.

Travis (San Diego): If you weren't playing basketball what kind of career would you have?

SportsNation Udonis Haslem : That's a very good question. If I wasn't a professional basketball player, I'd probably want to be a cook.

neil (San diego): Let me start by saying you've had a great year. Now let me ask my question? Does Shaq really make the game easier for everyone else on your team? I once thought so, but after the last couple of games you guys have played huge without him.

SportsNation Udonis Haslem : The big fella definitely makes the game easier for everybody. He gives us all more confidence, that confidence he's provided is what has enabled us to play so well without him.

New York, NY: Has, whats up man, but Heat fan here! my question is how do you feel going up against Sheed in the Eastern Conference finals and what do you think about Miami overall as now becoming a true basketball city? any perks / experiences? Thanks man, your fan, Alex Codorniu

SportsNation Udonis Haslem : THanks, Alex. It will be very intense playing against a great player like Rasheed Wallace. I look forward to that. As for Miami, it's a great city, the thing I enjoy most about it is being able to interact with all the resident celebrities.

Chris (El Paso, TX): Going undefeated throughout the playoffs thus far, Some say that first loss is going to hurt a lot. Don't you thin kwith your non-acceptable attitude and the vets you have around you....a loss will be nothing more then motivation?

SportsNation Udonis Haslem : I think you have the right idea, Chris. We have such strong veteran leadership and in a playoff series, one game is nothing to get down about. I think we'd rebound just fine.

Michael (Atlanta, GA): Is there one former SEC player that you would really like to dunk on?

SportsNation Udonis Haslem : I can't think of a former SEC player, but I'd love to have the opportunity to beat Kentucky in Rupp Arena ... which I never had the opportunity to do.

Hack (East Haven, CT): U do you guys rag on each other when your alma maters compete? And tell Rasual Butler he is doing his proud. Even Legler says so.

SportsNation Udonis Haslem : We definitely rag on each other all the time about our college teams. Usually if our college teams are facing off, we try to get together and watch it if we can.

Drew (CT): Who is stronger Okafor or Howard?

SportsNation Udonis Haslem : That's a great question. I probably have to go with Emeka because he had for years of college.

Prashant (Miami, FL): What's up U? I was sitting behind your mother for Game 1 vs. Washington last week (it was on Mother's Day) and she knows a lot about basketball. How has her knowledge of the game impacted your career?

SportsNation Udonis Haslem : I try to tell my mom to let me take care of the basketball part. She comes to every game.

Chris (San Diego): Udonis, I hate to take away from your impressive personal and team success by asking another Shaq question, but, how bad is it for the big fella? Has there been improvement with the recent days off?

SportsNation Udonis Haslem : Thanks Chris, the big fella is getting better and he'll be ready to go for the Detroit series --- or I should say the Eastern Conference Championship! We don't know yet!

Jack (Milwaukee, WI): Are you a Star Wars Fan? And if so did you go see Episode III yet?

SportsNation Udonis Haslem : Actually, that's funny b/c a lot of the guys are getting together tonight at 5:30 to go see it.

SportsNation The ShowGirl: You going?

SportsNation Udonis Haslem : Umm .... I'm thinking about it.

Ajit San Diego: Whats up man I watched you play at Florida and thought you'd be in the NBA via the draft. It didn't work out that way but it seems that you have become a better basketball player going the path you took. I'm sure there were some important character building experiences along the way. What advice would you give someone looking to make the NBA after being skipped over in the draft and what are ther hardest obstacles to overcome?

SportsNation Udonis Haslem : Being away from my family and my friends and being out of the courntry really game me time just to focus on basketball. I'd say, take the time to look at yourself if you are overlooked. Don't waste time blaming the NBA teams who didn't select you -- see how you can better yourself.

TOMMY, MIAMI: YOU ARE THE MAN. PLEASE STAY HERE IN MIAMI, YOU'RE A GREAT PLAYER AND WE NEED YOU. DID YOU THINK THAT YOU WOULD BE SUCH A FORCE IN THE NBA IN JUST TWO YEARS? AND WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE THAT TO? GOOD LUCK WITH THE REST OF THE PLAYOFFS!

SportsNation Udonis Haslem : Hey Tommy -- I would love to stay in Miami. I didn't know what my future would be in the NBA but I knew I would come in and work hard and give it everything that I could possibly give it. That's what I'm doing.

Josh (miami): Hey Udonis, I was watching that special they had on you (On sun sports) yesterday! Pretty cool. Anyway, just wanted to let you know, that without you on our team, we would be lacking something very big (Drive, Determination and rebounds!) You and the rest of the guys have made this the best season to date! Congrats!

SportsNation Udonis Haslem : Thanks so much, Josh. I really appreciate the support throughout the year, and I appreciate that you recognize what I bring to the team. I'm looking forward to a long, successful career here in Miami.

SportsNation Udonis Haslem : I've got to get going. Thanks again for logging on and for all the support.