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TSN Basketball Analyst

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FIVE QUICK NBA THOUGHTS:

1. LARRY BIRD (Pacers): The Hall of Famer has stepped down as the president of the Pacers. When you look at the stability and consistency of their franchise, you think of guys like him and Donnie Walsh. It's a well-run operation, but there's a big decision coming on what to do with Paul George. In my opinion, they can't allow his status to hijack their direction. General manager Kevin Pritchard will have to be firm and decisive. Do what's right for the Pacers in the long term.

2. TONY SNELL (Bucks): He really impressed me in the Raptors series as a sound two-way player. Snell really gets after it and moves his feet defensively and has improved his perimeter shooting. Considering he was picked up from the Bulls for injury insurance with the loss of Khris Middleton to start the season, he was an excellent find - a good rotational piece.

3. CAVS' PERIMETER SHOOTING: Needless to say, the challenge of dealing with the load of outstanding distance shooters who all move the ball so well and quickly will be a major issue for the Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Conference semis. You're going from a Bucks series where you were super conscious about protecting the paint and living with their three-point inconsistencies to still protecting the paint and also being super-alert and detail-oriented to guard the home-run ball from the Cavs. The Raptors must be super-efficient offensively and have a terrific series with shot selection and ball protection. They can't allow the Cavs a ton of runouts in transition. That's where they kill you when you're scrambling and chasing. It's a tough task.

4. SPURS/ROCKETS: Interesting styles at play in this Western Conference semi-final matchup. I love how confident Houston is playing and they're a load to deal with in their pace of play, distance shooting and overall style that gets you in a loose mode of play. The Spurs must get great play out of their bench and play a disciplined game and dictate terms. Don't take the bait. Stay in the mode of playing your own game and style.

5. FRED HOIBERG (Bulls): I feel for him. Fans were booing him in their deciding Game 6 loss to the Celtics and calling for him to lose his job. He might not be Tom Thibodeau, but he's a sound basketball man who has had to coach a poorly constructed roster. If he deserves to go, then so does president John Paxson and GM Gar Forman. They were the ones that gave him this disjointed team. There's a fascinating off season ahead there. Do they trade Jimmy Butler and does Dwyane Wade opt in on his contract or opt out?  I'd say those are critical decisions.