Thanks for the notes on the NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE PREVIEW…can’t wait for Part IV to come around sometime next month; hopefully, you can get the West previewed before the All-Star Break.

By the way I like that you put Philly in the top four. Don’t know if I agree but I like that you are “shaking things up.” The most interesting part for me is where will you put the CAVS? Will you be writing your thoughts as they were before you “viewed” the season or after? (Are we still allowed to call this a preview when it is three days into the season already?) Or are you going to be writing your thoughts as they are about Thursday afternoon; in your PJs after you have had your breakfast croissanwhich, tater tots, donuts, and coffee? (Does it make me less of a man to use the term PJs to refer to the garments another man has slept in?)

I am hoping for the latter…

I want to hear your thoughts on:

1) How svelte Shaq looks at 450 pounds and counting.
2) How it looks like he is going to tear both ACLs when he attempts to do anything remotely “quick” on the block. (“It’s funny because he is fat.”)
3) How he simply refuses to defend high screen and rolls.
4) How he simply refuses…anything…but food. (“It’s funny because he is fat.”)
5) How his game/value/legacy has gone south faster than his self-given nicknames. (The one he uses now “The Big Witness Protection” is not only horrible, but also a HUGE stretch and delusion…the only thing he is protecting Lebron from is the first place prize at a fattest-boy-in-camp competition.)
6) How the Cavs still have no offensive game plan.
7) How Mike Brown’s house will be on sale in a few months.
How an aging Ilgauskas is still a better option than an aging Shaq.
9) How Lebron is counting down the days till he can sign with a new team in a new city because him winning a Chip this year is about as realistic as Shaq being able to run 3 miles without a break for food and condiments. (By the way, why isn’t every fast food, pizza, and candy bar company in the country not going after him for endorsements? Him in a commercial devouring two #6 combos from Wendy’s while break dancing with the Jabbawockees isn’t going to work? Yeah Right!)

Anyway, hope to hear from you soon.

-JS Lincoln High ’98

ps-the Philly in the top four write up is going to be interesting too.