Are We Really Still in Round One?

Lebron James -

If there was any reason anybody out there believed that Lebron James is not MVP...it's gone. He proved in this first round, that he has been the best player this year, and goodness, I'm going to use this word even though we have heard it a million times already this year, but he has that swag right now. You can see it in his eyes, his face, and just in the way he's playing, right now. He is not going to let anything stop him. His teammates buy into it, his coach buys into it, the crowd buys into it...and the other teams are just purely intimidated. He's going to get that MVP Trophy for sure. And he's already looking at two other trophies. Are they going to be his?

Stuckey -

While Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince and Rasheed Wallace had the most lackadaisical first round we have ever seen, it's clear they have all checked out of Detroit - but Rodney Stuckey and some of the younger Detroit players have shown some bright spots not giving up and playing hard even in a blowout in a sweep against Cleveland. Joe Dumars might keep Stuckey and some of the other guys around and build around them. After all, that was the reason for getting rid of Billups. Whether Stuckey blooms into a star or not, Dumars will have to stand by this decision for a while.

Boston-Chicago -

Simply amazing. The most enchanting series the NBA Playoffs has had in a long time. This was better than the Warriors killing the Mavericks a year after they were removed from the Finals.

Rondo -

Averaging a triple double? There were a lot of doubters in the L about Rondo, and he was never even looked at as a top 10 potential point guard when he came into the league. But the kid has stepped up his game multiple, multiple levels and he's having himself an unreal year. Next year, when Pierce, Allen and Garnett are one year older, Rondo will be a huge reason this team stays at the top of the league. His jumpshot is slowly coming together just fine and he has shown that he isn't afraid to throw somebody around if he has to.

D-Rose -

Proving that he is simply built for the playoffs. The most impressive rookie we have seen since Lebron, and Rose is doing it in similar fashion. He's lightning quick, and has a very intelligent basketball IQ and he too isn't afraid. He just needs to up his decision-making and Rose will be one of the best point guards in the league. Now...if only he had a head coach.

With that said, Rose and Rondo are going to be two more point guards of the future. Chris Paul and Deron Williams have better watch their backs.

Dwight -

Dude has an elbow strong enough for a suspension AND a sinus fracture to somebody else. That's great. But the absence of Howard was good for the Magic in Game 6. It gave confidence in everybody else in that team that they can compete without the new Superman. But how far can they go? If they play Boston, Dwight will have a field day. If they play Chicago, the Bulls just might run around people.

Philly -

This team needs just one more player. Hey, they needed just one more player last year. Why didn't they go get someone? Oh wait, they did. What was his name again?

Wade -

Wow. This guy will just keep going. Even if he needs help to get up from his seat on the bench. He will keep going. This Miami team has got to be the worst team in the Playoffs after Wade. His supporting cast is just too inconsistent and odd. Riley needs to get him help...fast. Actually, it doesn't matter. I think Wade is gone after next season anyway. At least he has the best "Where Amazing Happens" commercial during the first round. I can't wait to see what he does next year. Hopefully Beasley will be one year better, and Jermaine O'Neal will decide to be consistent.

Atlanta -

Is it me or were they more fun last year? I don't know what it is. They just don't have that fun fire they did last year. How many black eyes do you think Zaza Pachulia will get playing Orlando?

Western Conference:

Kobe -

He's slowly waking up for the playoffs. But he already has some fire to deal with. Ron Artest finished the first round saying that Brandon Roy is the best player he has ever guarded. Ready for this?

Utah Jazz -

Goodbye Jerry Sloan. Your tenure as a coach has been incredible, and I don't know that we will ever see anything like it.

Goodbye Carlos Boozer. Take your beasty game elsewhere because you think you are a franchise player, and we'll see how far you take that team.

Are we saying good by to Mehmet Okur too?

AK47...wonder where he'll end up.

Deron Williams is slowly becoming better and more unstoppable than Chris Paul. And I'm glad. But with that said, can a Williams led team with Paul Milsap, Kyle Korver and Ronnie Price get them to the playoffs next year?

With that said...Jerry, please stay. Deron needs you.

Big Shot -

Somewhere, the city of Detroit is cringing at how good Billups has Melo and this Nuggets team playing. He's getting the best out of Melo, J.R. Smith, and the role players. Even Kenyon Martin is playing like he was at Cincinatti. He's got this team playing at a very high level.

CP3 -

I don't care who is on your team, who your coach is...being a gold medalist point guard considered to be the best point guard in the league, you simply do NOT let your team lost by 58 points. Sure it's one game, and it's a long series. Whatever. That's simply embarrassing for the league, the playoffs, the team, the franchise, and basketball in general. It's the playoffs. How can you stand for that?

It was nice while it lasted Byron. You'll get a gig somewhere else, while the Hornets pay you a couple mil for next year.

Duncan -

He's simply not the same anymore. As much as I've never been a big fan of this franchise, it gives me a weird feeling in my stomach to think that they can no longer be a top tier team. Popovic, can you make some deals this summer? Thanks.

Dallas -

I had initially written them off, and considered them dead and gone. They proved me wrong, and have decided to finally play together and play well. But I think they are going against Denver at the wrong time. I still think it's too late for them, and Cuban needs to break them up. But they might prove me wrong again.

Shaq and Cuban anybody?

Roy -

He makes me giggle. He is that good. And he is just so damn fun to watch. His game is pretty, his jumpshot is pure, his crossover is unreal and he is just a straight up leader. He's a veteran in a young man's body. Last night's beating is going to help him get ready for next year. In one or two more seasons, he'll be talked about up there with Wade and Lebron.

But oh boy, him and Aldridge are going to be scary good together.

Tracy McGrady -

Congrats, you made it to the second round.

Wait...no you didn't.

Final thoughts -

I still kind of miss Shaq. Can we get him on a playoff contender next year? I'd prefer the East. But hey, if he wants to play at Staples Center 44 games a year, I wouldn't mind.

Oh, and best-of-five next year? Maybe?

Round 2. Let's go.