By Sam Amico

PLAYOFF RAMBLINGS

Thoughts I've jotted down during the heat of the NBA conference finals:

-- As I sit down to write this, the Sacramento Kings hold a 3-2 series lead over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Yes, I picked the Lakers to win their third straight title about a week after last season ended (and who didn't?). But there was something about the Kings that I knew had to make L.A. fans nervous. That would be the fact that each of the Kings' top two players have championship experience.

I'm talking about forward Chris Webber and point guard Mike Bibby. In case you don't remember, Webber was the leader of those Fab Five Michigan teams that reached two consecutive NCAA championship games in the early 1990s. And Bibby won an NCAA title a few years later at Arizona.

Maybe -- hopefully -- this will force NBA front office-types to reconsider when the idea is drafting a high school player who's never played for a major championship. Basically, no high schooler has ever won anything on a stage as grand as the NCAA tournament.

As NBC analyst Bill Walton pointed out, "Bibby and Webber have already been in big games at a very high level." So why is everyone so surprised that the Kings have a legitimate shot at winning an NBA title?

-- Besides Bibby and Webber, let's not forget that Kings center Vlade Divac was once Magic Johnson's teammate. Obviously, Vlade knows a little something about winning big games, too.

-- If the Kings and New Jersey Nets meet in the Finals, will anyone east of Sacramento notice?

-- My answer to the previous question: Fans should notice, because it would be a wonderful series to watch. And I honestly believe that the Nets would have a good chance to win it.

Also, both the Nets and Kings are teams in the truest sense of the word, as each moves the ball to find the open man -- and moves their bodies quickly up and down the court. If I had to choose a Finals, I think Nets-Kings would be it, simply because the matchups are so intriguing.

And whoever thought the NBA Finals could consist of one team that runs the Princeton offense (New Jersey) playing against the coach who originated that offense (former Tigers coach and current Sacramento assistant Pete Carril)?

-- You really have to admire the job done by Boston coach Jim O'Brien. I mean, the Celtics have two superstars in Antoine Walker and Paul Pierce and ... well, and not much else. Yet they continuously play with passion and pride, bringing back memories of how the Celtics played in the good ol' NBA days.

Actually, O'Brien has the team playing exactly the way former coach Rick Pitino hoped it would when he was in Boston and telling everyone what a genius he is.

Isn't it nice to see a quiet man and good person like O'Brien have success every once in a while?

-- Wonder if NBC is still praying for a Lakers-Celtics Finals? After all, it would be a great series for the network, which is in its final year of carrying NBA games.

More accurately, it would be a great series for anyone who loves the NBA. But it sure doesn't look like it's gonna happen.

OMAR COOKING IT UP

Former St. John's point guard Omar Cook signed with the Celtics on April 17. That's good, because I think Cook has a real future in the league (which is pretty much the kiss of death).

Anyway, before Cook signed with the Celtics, he spent an entire season in pro basketball purgatory -- also known as the NBDL.

Cook made this comment about the NBDL to Boston Globe reporter Peter May: "I saw more fans at pickup games in the park."

I never did understand why the NBA decided to place the first eight NBDL teams in the southwest. I mean, why not put the teams in cities where the temperature is freezing in the winter -- as opposed to 70 degrees and sunny, which is the way the NBDL is set up now?

No matter, I enjoyed watching the NBDL games on television, and think the NBA has the right idea.

TRASHING THE CAVS

Did anyone else hear Tom Tolbert call the Cleveland Cavaliers "a crummy franchise" on national television?

Tolbert is the studio analyst on NBC, and he was responding to trade-rumormonger Peter Vecsey's comment that the Cavs would rather trade Andre Miller than give him the maximum contract.

Well, that may be true (and it may not). But no matter what the Cavs decide regarding Miller, they sure don't deserve to be labeled "crummy."

After all, how can you justify giving a guy the maximum contract when he hasn't even led his team to the playoffs?

Don't misunderstand. Miller is a very, very good point guard. But great players get their team to the postseason -- regardless of supporting cast.

Granted, the Cavs have been cursed by bad moves and bad luck ever since they moved into Gund Arena in the early 1990s (some of you have e-mailed and referred to the Cavs' troubles as "The Curse of the Coliseum"). But the Cavs aren't entirely to blame. Just look at the deal that brought Shawn Kemp to Cleveland, which seemed like a good idea at the time. Whoever would have guessed that Kemp would become such a disappointment?

The bottom line is the Cavs have a lot of work in front of them, but they are far from crummy. Struggling would be a better word.

NEW ORLEANS NICKNAMES

Last week I wrote, "Let's make a push for the Hornets to change their name before they settle in New Orleans (please e-mail me suggestions for print)."

Here are some of the more creative responses:

FROM KELLY CLARK:

-- The New Orleans Beads (when the Beads throw a game, guess what happens?).
-- The New Orleans Travelas (the cup that the bartender gives you on your way from one bar to the other).
-- The New Orleans Hurricanes (for the magnificent drink at Patty O'Briens).
-- The New Orleans Boudreaux, or the New Orleans Guidrys because the team will be a joke in a few more years.
-- The Louisiana Lightning for either Ron Guidry, the state's favorite son
-- or for the drink that they brew out there in the Bayou.
-- The Louisiana Mud Bugs (just pinch their head).
-- The Louisiana Delta, which is my personal favorite.

Dear Kelly:

After reading your suggestions, I have only one thing to say ... please only send e-mails when sober. Just kidding. As usual, thanks for the comments.

FROM DAVE THOENY:

As an intrepid 16-year Warriors season-ticket holder, I've long been dismayed that we got stuck with such a wimpy team name as "Golden State". I've heard the rumor that the team's marketing geniuses once decided that the Lakers could have the L.A. fan base, and we would lay claim to the rest of the state. Now with four NBA teams in the Golden State, it's time we rightfully became the Oakland Warriors and shore up whatever Bay Area fan support there is left! I wonder if the NFL's Raiders' legacy of fear and intimidation would have been as potent if they were known as the Golden State Raiders! Anyway, I guess I never answered your question.

Dear Dave:

First of all, you're right -- you never answered my question. Secondly, you're a 16-year season-ticket holder?! I'm jealous. Thirdly, I think "Golden State" is the greatest name in the history of sports. Of course, that may be because I am a wimp. Finally, when it comes to the Hornets and New Orleans, I take it you would not be big on a nickname of "The Pelican State Armstrongs?" (Louisiana's nickname is the Pelican State, and Louie Armstrong is a native).

FROM JON PALMER:

I suggest the New Orleans Gators, the New Orleans Gamblers, or the New Orleans Ragin' Cajuns. You could probably use Louisiana instead of New Orleans, I guess.

Dear Jon:

Like the Gamblers. Like it a lot.

FROM JAY SORGI:

Actually, I don't think a Hornets name change is necessary. What do you think of when you think of New Orleans? Jazz is definitely among those things, as the city has a rich jazz history. It's why their former NBA team was called the Jazz in the first place (before moving to Utah). So, with that in mind ... they don't need to change the name "HORN-ets," but they could have a Hornet playing a trumpet for a new logo to reflect New Orleans history. I know it's a bad pun, but it might work as an effective marketing tool.

Dear Jay: You, my friend, are a deep thinker. Seriously, you're suggestion is awesome. Don't let the good folks of New Orleans use it without consulting you first. Come on, everyone. Say it together. The New Orleans "HORN-ets." Ain't it great?

Finally, John Gary suggested naming the team the New Orleans Tune, and Dale Lolley suggested the New Orleans Flash, or New Orleans Flashers.

I like the Flashers, Dale. Just as long as the mascot isn't some guy in a trench coat.

YOUR E-MAILS

FROM WAYNE CHEN:

I am a basketball fan from Taiwan and I love reading about the NBA draft. Are there any hot rumors?

Dear Wayne:

There are plenty (as is always the case this time of year). One rumor out of Miami has the Heat sending the 10th overall pick to the Los Angeles Clippers for forward Lamar Odom. The Clippers would then own the 8th, 10th and 12th picks. And since they don't need three more young players, the Clippers might just package those picks for a good veteran.

FROM MARK KURTER:

I heard that Cleveland point guard Andre Miller or Golden State swing guard Larry Hughes may get traded to the Detroit Pistons. Is this true?

Dear Mark:

It's doubtful -- at least, the part about Miller is. If I'm the Cavs, I don't trade Miller to Detroit unless I get Jerry Stackhouse in return. And I don't think the Pistons are ready to give away a superstar so soon after their wonderful season. As for Hughes, well, that scenario is much more likely. Although, again, I find it hard to believe that the Pistons are looking to make any serious moves.

FROM JOHN KENT:

I just wanted to say that I totally agreed with you when you wrote that Houston should not use its No. 1 overall pick to draft Yao Ming. He'll create a major media frenzy and he just comes with too much baggage. To me, it's not worth the hassle.

Dear John:

Thanks for agreeing with me. I don't get that often.

FROM CRAIG RUDNICK

Why do you like Miami Heat point guard Rod Strickland so much? Talent? Sure. NYC playground standout? Sure. Some good statistical seasons? Sure. But if the guy had a better attitude, took care of himself better (especially in the offseason) and wasn't such a prima donna, he'd have been on championship-contending teams.

DEAR CRAIG:

While Strickland will never be accused of being a champion, I've always enjoyed watching him play, simply because he has been a good player for a long time -- and he never overdoes it when the idea is hot-dogging. Granted, Strickland has had his problems, but I like his style on the court. Guess I can't really explain why (obviously, huh?).

SAM'S SLAMS

Remember little University of Florida guard Teddy Dupay? Well, he recently worked out for the New York Knicks and he may work out for the Heat. If the 5-foot-5 Dupay makes it, he'll be the shortest NBA player since Muggsy Bogues (5-3). ... Pete Mickeal, a small forward from the University of Cincinnati, was the final pick of the 2000 NBA draft. He has since won the new ABA's MVP award, and will be trying out in numerous mini-camps this summer. ... The Oklahoma Storm's Sterling Davis was named USBL player of the week. Others considered: Cory Hightower (Pennsylvania), Gary Williams (Kansas) and Kenny Gregory (Dodge City). ... Sedric Webber and Nate Green of "Life in the Down Low" fame are participating in Philadelphia's mini-camp. "Life in the Dow Low" is ESPN's documentary on the NBDL's North Charleston Lowgators.

CONTACT ME

E-mail questions and comments to me at amicoreport@hotmail.com. I will try to answer questions in the newsletter, but you must include your full name.

HAVE A GREAT DAY!