By Sam Amico / The Amico Report

WESTERN CONFERENCE MADNESS

If you're a fan of the San Antonio Spurs, there's only one word you can use to describe the Dallas Mavericks -- annoying.

Of course, if you're a Spurs fan, you're probably just as frustrated with the Spurs.

I'll be honest, I was planning to write a preview for the NBA Finals today. I was expecting to tell you what a great matchup the Spurs and New Jersey Nets will make.

But the Mavericks went to a zone defense in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals, and all of a sudden the Spurs couldn't seem to figure out whether the ball had been deflated or stuffed.

This isn't meant to pick on the Spurs. I still believe they'll advance to meet the Nets in the Finals. But for the Spurs, this series must feel like it's never gonna end.

Credit the Mavericks, who are proving a lot of the so-called experts wrong. They are proving that they're a very good team with a lot of heart -- and a team with a bright future.

Remember when everyone said the Mavs and their 60 wins were nothing but a fluke? And remember how analysts insisted players such as Steve Nash, Michael Finley, and Dirk Nowitzki weren't tough enough?

Well, the Mavs sure looked plenty tough to me in Game 5, overcoming a 19-point deficit with gutsy shooting and intense defending. Neither of which they were supposed to possess.

As for the Spurs, whoever thought they'd lead the series 3-2, but only have won ONE game on their own court? That's just the type of crazy year it's been in the NBA -- and if you're like me, you're loving every minute of it.

But if you're Spurs fan, it's gotta be driving you nuts.

MORE ON THE WEST

-- With the rise of the Spurs, Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves, I can't help but wonder if Midwest is becoming the league's toughest division, overtaking the Pacific in the process. I'm sure I'll get plenty of angry e-mails for even bringing it up, but you must consider that Houston and Memphis are rapidly improving, and Utah could be just as good next season if it's able to sign free-agent point guard Andre Miller, and re-sign forward Karl Malone (more on that later). And, hey, the days of poking fun at the Denver Nuggets just might be reaching an end.

-- There's a reason I write a free newsletter and don't coach in the NBA, but if I'm the Spurs' Gregg Popovich, I use backup point guard Speedy Claxton much more, especially in crucial situations. Second-year starter Tony Parker is wonderful, but he seems to go into a funk every other game. When that happens, the Spurs' offense comes to a screeching halt. Claxton isn't nearly the scoring threat Parker is, but Claxton plays with tons of energy and continuously beats his man off the dribble. He also understands that the only thing that matters in San Antonio's offense is getting the ball to Tim Duncan.

-- Is it just me, or does Spurs swingman Bruce Bowen seem to play better against the Lakers' Kobe Bryant than he does against anyone else? Granted, guarding Kobe can make a defender feel psyched, and there's a chance Bowen wore himself out in the series against L.A. Whatever the reason, he hasn't played with the same passion against Dallas. Then again, let's give the guy credit. After all, Bowen was huge against the Lakers, and the truth is, the Spurs don't need to rely on him as much against the Mavs.

PISTONS WRAPUP

A few agitated Detroit fans e-mailed to say perhaps Pistons coach Rick Carlisle isn't the right man for the job, especially after watching their team get swept by New Jersey in the Eastern Conference finals.

I say hogwash.

Carlisle is the PERFECT man to coach the Pistons, and he's still deserving of NBA coach of the year honors -- even more than last season.

The truth is, the Pistons didn't have enough talent to compile the East's best record -- yet somehow, they did. I mean, Ben Wallace is a great defender, and Richard Hamilton is a future all-star, but as Philadelphia forward Tyrone Hill said prior to the season, "On paper, there are a lot of teams in the East better than Detroit."

You also have to consider that in most eras, Pistons point guard Chauncey Billups would be coming off the bench. He's not exactly a great ballhandler, he can't really penetrate, and his mid-range game is pretty much nonexistent. But Carlisle coerced guys like Billups, forward Michael Curry, and rookie Tayshaun Prince into believing they're world-class basketball players, and for that alone, he is one of the best in the business.

More importantly, the Pistons were a team in the truest sense, moving the ball on offense and helping each other on defense. And now, they own the second pick in the draft.

The bottom line is Carlisle will be back, and Pistons fans should be grateful for it.

-- On that note, Pistons president of basketball operations Joe Dumars told Detroit reporters that, yes, he is planning on making some roster moves. "Stand pat? I don't think so," Dumars said in the Detroit News. "There's no way you can stand pat in this business and hope to be successful." Like Carlisle, Dumars is one of the sharpest basketball minds around.

-- All I have to say is 7-foot-1 draft prospect Darko Milicic must have REALLY looked good in his workout with Detroit if the Pistons are planning to pass on Syracuse forward Carmelo Anthony (which they are). This has to be great news for the Nuggets, who own the third pick in the draft. While Milicic may be the better pro in the long run, Anthony will immediately create lots of interest in Denver.

THE CAVS AND LeBRON

I didn't know what to say when the Cleveland Cavaliers won the NBA lottery and the right to draft high school phenom LeBron James.

Actually, I didn't say much, as once I discovered the Cavs had won, everything around me just seemed to stop. It's like the entire room fell completely silent for two minutes.

If you've been reading this newsletter regularly, you know I'm a native of Akron, Ohio -- the same city that gave the world LeBron. You also know that while I love every team in the NBA and no longer live in Akron, the Cavs will always hold a special place in my brown, round, and dimpled heart.

Finally, you also know that I said the Cavs would NEVER win the lottery. They just never get lucky, I said.

Well, as reader Joshua Folk e-mailed, "I just wanted to say thank you for writing that the Cavs had no chance of getting the No. 1 pick. It seems all your predictions lately turn out to be the exact opposite."

Joshua speaks the truth, which is why it might be a good idea for me to write that I'm about to gain 10 pounds.

Anyway, with one bounce of the ping-pong ball, the Cavaliers have become next season's Washington Wizards. In other words, just like Michael Jordan did in D.C., LeBron James will sell out Gund Arena, and probably every arena that the Cavs visit. The Cavs will also be a regular on national television (something that's never happened), and by golly, they just might even get top billing on SportsCenter.

Will James be as good as everyone says he is? Who knows, who cares, and who thinks it's going to make any difference? The only thing that's for sure is the Cavaliers have become the league's hottest ticket -- and I never thought I'd be writing that without the fear of being institutionalized.

RANDOM NBA THOUGHTS

-- Speaking of the Cavs, I'm happy to announce that Athlon Sports magazine has enlisted Yours Truly to write the Cavaliers season preview for their annual yearbook, due out in the fall. For more on Athlon's yearbooks, check out their Web site at www.athlonsports.com.

-- One NBA general manager told me the Cavaliers are desperately trying to trade forward Darius Miles. Boston is said to be interested, as Miles' slashing ability would be a nice complement to the long-range shooting of Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker. However, the Cavs would probably want Cleveland native and promising young point guard J.R. Bremer in return -- something the Celtics might not be willing to do. That's not to say Miles will never fit in with the Cavs. I've always loved watching Miles, simply because of his remarkable athleticism. But he still hasn't learned how to play the game.

-- Of all the available coaches out there, I like Paul Silas the best. Honest. I just think Silas' positive approach and wonderful attitude make him extremely valuable in the ego-driven world of the NBA. Silas was all class in dealing with the sometimes insane situation in Charlotte/New Orleans. He overcame a franchise move, tons of key injuries, and a contract that didn't pay him nearly what he was worth. Yet his teams always stayed focused and played hard. There were never any problems with his superstar (Larry Brown), or incidents in which he grabbed an opponent's leg during a scuffle (Jeff Van Gundy). That's not meant to trash Brown or Van Gundy, as it's true they might be better fits than Silas for some jobs. Still, whoever hires Silas is going to be very happy for a long time. I promise.

-- The St. Paul Pioneer Press is reporting that the Cavaliers and Timberwolves have discussed a trade that would send Ricky Davis to Minnesota, and Wally Szczerbiak to Cleveland. If you remember, the Wolves signed Davis to a contract before the season, but the Cavs matched the offer. Now, it appears they're quietly trying to move him.

--The Timberwolves are also reportedly interested in Chicago swingman Jalen Rose, who is available for cheap. Don't ask me why, as Rose is clearly one of the most productive and underrated men in the game.

-- Orlando is planning to use its No. 15 pick on a point guard. The Magic really like Kansas' Kirk Hinrich, although he'll probably be gone by the time they pick. They're also eyeing Oregon's Luke Ridnour and Brazil product L. Barbosa.

-- In an online poll conducted by the Washington Post, 46 percent of the voters said the Wizards will be better off without Michael Jordan. Anyone else find that number to be surprisingly high?

-- Karl Malone will reportedly stay with Utah in his quest to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and become the NBA's all-time leading scorer. The only other team Malone may have an interest in is New Orleans. Although a lot of that depends on whom the Hornets hire as coach. No matter, Malone would be wise to remain in Utah, especially if the Jazz can land free-agent Andre Miller.

-- Just a reminder to Jazz fans: the team will hold a ceremony to honor John Stockton at the Delta Center on June 7. Admission is free, and doors open at 4 p.m.

--Once again, former Celtics coach Red Auerbach took a shot at Lakers coach Phil Jackson. Speaking on ESPN radio, Auerbach said he openly rooted against the Lakers in the playoffs. When asked what he thought the Lakers' next move might be, ol' Red quipped, "Well, you can't panic, but they probably will anyway." And you thought the Lakers-Celtics rivalry was dead!

READER FEEDBACK

From Kevin Harte

Q: Last week, you reported that former Celtics GM Chris Wallace is up for the same job in Portland. Let me just say that as a Lakers fan, I would be thrilled if this were to happen. Maybe Wallace would come in and trade for Vin Baker, or try to lead the league in acquiring guys who can only shoot 3-pointers. I wouldn't ever have to worry about Portland again.

A: Dear Kevin, are you saying you have to worry about Portland NOW?

From Jermaine Robinson

Q: I have been a huge Steve Smith fan since his days with the Miami Heat, and it's been hard for me to watch him sit on the bench and get no playing time in San Antonio. I don't know what he did to Coach Popovich, but I have a hard time understanding why Smith doesn't play when Stephen Jackson or Manu Ginobili are struggling. Smith will be a free agent this summer, and I was wondering whether you think he's finished, or if he can still be productive in the right situation.

A: Dear Jermaine, he's finished. I don't think Popovich necessarily has anything against Smith -- believe me, the coach would use him if he thought Smith could produce. It's just that Smith has scrambled eggs for knees, and it's difficult for him to be on the court for an extended period without being in immense pain. But you're right -- Smith has always been a pro's pro.

From Alfred Lam

Q: All season, one of the main issues surrounding Nets point guard Jason Kidd has been his impending free agency and possible intentions to sign with the Spurs. Well, what do you think will happen if the Spurs and Nets hook up in the Finals?

A: Dear Alfred, Kidd is staying in New Jersey. He has said all along that he only wants to play for a winner -- and the Nets just happen to be the only team in the league who have appeared in back-to-back Finals. That sure sounds like a winner to me.

From Rich Polikoff

Q: All it took was 30-plus years of failure and heartbreak, but the Cavs finally have something going for them. With a single bounce of the ping-pong ball, the Cavs have rocketed ahead of Golden State as "least significant NBA team."

A: Dear Rich, I'm just waiting for someone to rocket ahead of me as "least significant NBA writer."

From Darrell Garrison

Q: Over the past number of years, I have become very disenchanted with the NBA. I have grown to hate the style of play and tired of many of the players' attitudes. But I must admit, this year's playoffs have been outstanding. I think I started to be encouraged when the zone defense was implemented, and it forced coaches to think a little. I have been enthralled by the caliber of play, and while I am still not a fan of some players, the NBA has won me back for now.

A: Dear Darrell, I have a feeling there are a lot of former fans out there who are just like you -- they are starting to appreciate the pro game again. Also, since you're from Hartville, Ohio, you probably are more passionate about the Cavs than ever.

NEWSLETTER NOTES

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