Michael Wilbon, ESPN

Welcome back fourth and final -- talent manager up at my house that you were you were -- that TV show my schedule recordings of my DBR I have three schedule recordings that record every time but the bigger programs in -- three -- dollar -- when you can -- it Goldman. Not bad temperament. He's desperate house -- don't know and PTI PTI sports editor and -- war. Oh what were -- for the four before yeah. I know for a fact that our next guest Michael will -- on the eighteenth the outline stayed up late to watch the guns that a basketball game. -- and actually do it says he's done and he'd he'd.

Michael 1 morning I stayed up to -- to two hour episode of 24 from two weeks ago adamant he. Oh RBI totals up until 3:3 o'clock this morning I also -- with Dwyane Wade shot couples.

That was pretty disheartening which which takes me to my first question up until -- I don't know I guess last night. The MVP conversation included Kobe LeBron LeBron and Colby has as the -- inserted himself and that conversation with gusto Michael.

Yes I I think he's compensation. For third. And yet he is not going to happen when -- five -- over 500 into the two guys out there. Most teams are far and away to invest in the conference is that -- ball reacted you know his team -- not -- yet -- ready. They've gotta -- gotta have a couple more pieces they can do. But I I think was more important to wait wait you know NDP to wait wait -- bring. And you know did the other guys local -- now hoping to. -- being the number one guy desperately want one of those -- think -- as LeBron -- that -- part of two years ago. Previous when Miami won but lately it was desperately. No one would say that. But I thought he wasn't he was playing Shaquille O'Neal which obviously as advantages. But to wait -- it was a just a dominant player when they want when they won the championship. And is completely himself nationalistic accurate and told the post attack. And let you know -- filling -- upon those stats. And it is easy ray player and he is I think more importantly they have. Back in a position he can remain healthy we can put -- back playing late in May. In May -- in -- that I I know that's more importantly that I've got -- South -- Chicago like I am. And down I let him help the in the league to be needs them and if my name is going to have any kind of team and I have to into. That place he's got to leave that --

The Michael my radio partner Callahan -- call in the Boston Herald this morning talking about how absolutely imperative it is. For the Celtics to have home court advantage if and when they get the Cleveland because of Cleveland awesome. Our whole record a we've got to this debate discussion all morning today and -- but not at the expense of whipping your veterans like Ray Allen and and Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. The finish line to accomplish that where do you fall on the debate.

Well at most Jerry I I think he looked at the dilemma. -- they'd -- the Celtics in my opinion also need home court advantage. I don't I don't know which it would veterans in terms resting Gregg Popovich -- what is now. You look at some of the games that the Spurs play in the -- and the play that when they couldn't beat Lee. Couple nights ago I think Tony -- to 24 minutes. As backup he's been happy with what we know that. And the -- is confined themselves doc could find himself -- supposed to -- You'd need to have those guys rested one in the playoffs because of this. Everybody can have a tough match up early. Even the Celtics I don't I don't know so well played Atlanta -- It is not -- in the same in the hospital wink don't believe that. But they can -- in the can make the mixed in with energy that they are in trouble in the next theory. I think that you with the Lakers I think the Lakers don't want to -- Houston in are really in a second round series because it's going to take. That much out of -- shame that he -- sitting games I think insult is to be in a similar situation but I. They need -- against -- Now it was riveting is it because they -- I think. I think we were vulnerable to Orlando in the same way that. On the Celtics might be you know vulnerable as sitting injuries. On the.

Which is another reason you want to stay out front in this in this race I mean the evidence -- it's all well and good to say. In you don't want to push too hard you want to get veterans some rest. But the evidence is overwhelming Michael I mean Cleveland -- ignored the when he won at home. And in the last fifteen times these two teams have played Cleveland Boston all the home team as one. It's it's unlikely that either team's going to go in the other arena and win. I think this debate this conference could be one in the next six weeks in in the regular season.

because one of those lucky you know what and Jerry were at last year and we -- about it and good luck when they got home court advantage in the last year we --

the Celtics was Celtics were the best team in the NBA last year. Regular season post season they played seventeen post season games before they want to.

Can't get what they want wondering the world won a road game.

Because -- a road game and we kept wondering you know what are they going to it would do as well it sometimes it matters of it would. Look scary years with the dominant team it doesn't match their years where the people of the Spurs know they can win on the road in and pop. You know decision we are worried about that we we can win from whatever position and they've done that. I'd agree with future I think this year. You look at that the Lakers Cleveland and Boston particularly is just it's incredibly tough perhaps impossible to separate that would -- separate that was people.

You -- get a sense the team is ready to go to the next level he is just kind of feel it do you think with Mo Williams with Joe Smith now that LeBron is ready to go to them next level we used to be surprised if he's not in the finals again and and -- or doesn't win at all.

Well don't be surprised that I I. But those two people well really Mo Williams believes mixes so that they -- go the middleweight -- to step better steal. I mean every those other guys may be incrementally better or they they at a plateau the product better from last year to use -- But I think people in Israel though if you question that I think it was great that it but it doesn't mean they can beat Boston. In seven games series yet. It doesn't make you beat the Lakers is that means is that he's -- that I think that they -- sort of routine. I think you've -- This year. Right I think I think that the Lakers. You know people will presumably. The presumptive champs in the west I'm not ready to take back all you guys think that if -- doubt you'd talk healthy. -- careful for anybody I'd really I think -- the second best in the west.

Michael we were discussing this morning deals that didn't get done that really helped sports fans in Boston. First and foremost -- not ending up in Boston but in New York a lesser light would be the Patriots not going after Simms and Rattay and giving Matt Cassel -- opportunity. That of course the the one really stands out that the the Celtics not getting Greg Oden and I'm wondering. Is Greg Oden approaching lost cause status at this point.

Well that's perhaps the greatest fear question I. It takes so long for big -- anyway. Most of them. I mean it takes -- five years from big in any way that -- got some time but while I mean you have to sit there wonder. And as. But to be happening in Portland by the way too. Just simply kept the place where he had only a couple of relief. Impact for years and an -- in the team like you know. Seven -- eight years in his rear with his injuries are these people Walton. You know have like a great -- import. In the ever want in a support role in Boston. But unique look at big guys in -- have to wonder is oh ever going to be on the court for it immediately improve enough. Practiced that play enough being a meaningful games. If -- just said. Yeah -- thing about -- players that beat people that march. You know their bodies perhaps and -- admit to take the kind of pound the Indy mayor. And I hope I'm wrong but it -- you have to be skeptical. About it this way and really get the Celtics while. I mean we set around so much talked about what needs to be is going to be that the totality this sort of they elect conduct in and so far have turned out to be that.

It's like when -- used to look at the Guinness book of world records you kid and they said that eight -- yeah and he lived to be 23 right -- is not natural. In them. Sorry go out something goes wrong but you know what is Michael the question is. Is -- injury prone or has -- soft and there is a fine line there and I don't know I think he's teetering right now and I think there are whispers that he may be more soft and just injury prone.

They are Devils this facility -- some frustration that -- and the you're right -- out -- you know I mean I I you know I -- you know as -- our pregame shows as a as a partner on the -- speak for years now and it I have confidence no I didn't notice -- kid watching law like. A couple of no one has ever won the plate -- in the wall. It didn't seem that he could play because he was -- so much but no one want to play it would desperately in the in. A huge you know I'd I'd learned a wild -- that -- out -- that is what slot not possible. It is one of those things I want question is being you get to know guys personally if you do look forces lefties that well. Is -- everything in his power it's definitely possible. Deploy to to recuperate and build muscle or whatever it is. Exceed his body's not that would play and I don't know with Carolina's group.

speaking of learning lessons as your good friend Charles Barkley learned his lesson and improve his lot in life Michael.

I felt he's my difference. Our -- so. Saying the right things -- it was he was. This silly rabbit Estes and taught them in Arizona wreck to happen out there was -- and happened within within the stated. Talk about the drinking and driving. Episode of course and calm our agency of the hopes I I really do. You know I'm not objective about Charlton. Of pretend to be. Distant about the staying. It hurt them and I hope. It is her to the point where it -- not happening -- and his -- that. He's got a lot of support she acknowledges some people like me. Call and check article is okay it will just won't -- that gave the only guy out if he's the most is one of the most visible. But this happens so much so frequently and -- these little tolerance for captain Charles can take this as he takes a lot of things and -- to -- perhaps publicly you know Charles Charlton and appreciate any evolved itself because mine. Polling yourself but decision is made the way to do it. -- started that I hope he stays on the.

It was picture of him in in prison and it was read the book and has taken my. Maybe that was his autobiography. On the attitude is to read it.

Let let. -- guy you don't have been very good read a lot earlier considering beat you promoted and talked about it and did it throughout the years ago.

But I think it was misquoted in the scenario.

Misquoted and apples. Talked about a book along terribly wrong with another with probably -- that was during his playing.

Hey how surprised were you it. Two things I'm surprised me when the Cowboys cut TO and win the Buffalo Bills signed TO.

Not to pry quality cut. All the president about the stupid Jerry Jones Jerry Jones is you guys know is not curable when he opens the -- activity. But over the last report compensation that would have about two you'll Jerricho was test is that that you left that your child didn't. -- first -- questions. Very patiently all the time for twenty years knows how was sort of need doubt sign I'd I'd sit back on PTI on. He's going to -- goal. And now bill I'm actually surprised but then again I think. This is sort of no lose situation what what they'll -- in the 1990. It would feel a decent place to do it. And if you've got to be a lot somewhere. -- right up there with with the -- they have to -- professionals. But how how you get bigger replaced then. Playing for the bills and being stopped the -- ball okay if the Packers as is -- But that's the show that the show in town and so I -- is the bad I think is a good move by. But bills to the extent that young trade it would is that related by this school. I would add to your topic in the the bills are at that point we have talked about team. The you know had Super Bowl expectations had been trying to get the playoffs. And so I'm surprised with the bills but I'm not aware wallet -- the cup has -- back and maybe you guys -- you.

The the the attention that the bills would get in Buffalo for the reasons you just talked about -- here clear back also -- had a double edged sword here I just CTO and the city of Buffalo as really strange -- fault fellows they they they don't seem to be each other -- you know what I mean.

Well which would put the thing about TL I don't know anybody oval we critical fueled. But I don't that the got cancer. Ultimately is as much tribe as productive is. Q does that get involved -- off field stuff you know not. You know you'll let Adam Pacman Jones cited the -- that fuel problems and his teammates blocked well. But. You know Buffalo is so lost on the pro football map a player and games of art tellem in the face of Buffalo. But we'll need some attention in Buffalo. Many people come out a defeat that team will also pick of that is silly that -- work that we in the NFL I know but I I don't. I don't see it that -- I think -- ill effort will be it will drive quarterback crazies Quebec. I think there'll always pleased to Dallas he has it would still work as they've got established teams in trying to acquire got to make over the top of the book will play.

Plus I don't think as a corner in the division government we have New England wings got problems back there and and like a lot of teams to -- again. Stats he'll get his catches -- and a.

It -- be it -- at least you know I would you associate route early no part of November. In the UC where he is -- you know entry there was is that I'd. Who was now an aunt and in big -- for the non confrontational guy how -- he -- in -- situation in Chicago or.

I'm nervous would you be if you were Tim finchem and the PGA tour and tiger plays this week in and doesn't play well and misses the cut. Would you stop worrying that maybe he's going it's going to be awhile before he gets his game back.

Yeah yeah I would but you know I yes I would I would think that that you would have that worry. But you know our average is the outside -- played a stroke we have evidence of match play if that would be the smartest bet. Come back in because you have some errant shots -- not cost to stay in the 11 match it was in the second. But -- there's a lot of reasons -- dealt for chipped it into nervously on the economy. You know seems often ask our sport.

the leaderboard at them on the the other day and.

I'd I didn't get -- on it album called the.

I know I wanted to watch -- I just can't have felt like I was watching -- nationwide tour event.

Yet John -- and I we're we're sitting at Bristol and ESPN's studios and we we always watched you know we have a couple of he's -- every Sunday we watched golfers watching our our own gain. And we sit. -- the sport this is insane. And and so yes the tour needs tiger. It's in the twenty bill and a twenty. The other guy to make a whole lot of money to to be accounted for and so far this year they have.

He's more worried about tiger and Hank Steinbrenner about -- 32 million a year.

I'm hoping I don't I don't think. I mean I'm sorry I mean championship rings they -- wearing in mind that the that the that -- I am not A-Rod hater -- sort of quite the opposite but. That it is a team -- baseball teams don't functions -- way they're not all dependent on Iraq. Golf is on Tiger Woods and I think. For all we Iraq I don't expect Iraq now a comeback in -- Four and two RBIs at 330 but. But he could still do some damage there and that team parties to all that money if you -- be still hold dependent on player. So I mean the Yankees had the usual -- But the shouldn't be in that kept me.

think there's a chance that that this is final the year -- and we've been saying it for several springs leading into the baseball season that we finally watch the Yankees grow old before our eyes will be Rivera Jeter. The slot Johnny Damon. Matsui. They could get old on --

Could it could happen it'll be a companion to your thirty years but old guys. Still wins stuff. With the Celtics. Yet there's nothing good about being you know except you've got the talent in the try to put enough pieces out it was you to -- young guys don't win these things whether they win it. When their pick that the other guy's gonna win the politico places you can put him in the in the finals and not going to be it is going to be. All people you know on the Lakers a little bit younger but the primary people old. And now as for the Celtics but what the the Spurs in Orlando's young and active for the final. And it would help LeBron is he's got older guys around -- and get old so. I don't know I think baseball operative morsel that way Abbott got rather have all that you right. In at 88 itself point they've got a goal of the -- the question is is that these artists. I -- A-Rod discussion is or at least it relative to. -- not -- individual bout as a player I think it is values there. They can still be the question is to do they have the pitching no question last year the question in early.

His -- Michael will on the Washington Post and ESPN's pardon the interruption I know you won't tell Tony it is. By holy indoors -- at some planetary. You'll Taliban because you're trying to watch him but I up a lot every -- somehow works won it. You don't have a -- to Michael.

it out you know I don't know what somebody to soccer practice it could act in the did this city degrees up but I also work on chipping and putting that is not -- case -- now with 75 to about forty. We don't have a social and soccer so -- pat the I don't.

I don't now it's sick tomorrow do you have any idea whether or not Tony will be wearing a funny hat. You know that yet.

Dolphin -- the fortune teller. -- on the third that we don't know with a cup backup it was used to do it probably over my object of my objections.

The Mardi Gras mask the funniest thing he's ever done and the funny part was he wouldn't take enough and you you're trying to talks here and you look at that -- Can't look at you any more ticked off.

You know if that's the funny per -- that part but but it could you know I'd never know when there's going to be the date -- is that I guess. Accurate answer that it could be some strange holiday will will will where are we in the calendar where.

Think that it Marcum -- saint Patrick's.

He'll pay himself -- you know we got another week that. But I had the best chance to -- odd to even have lots of them are.

When he of the -- on this.

I was I was on the road for that and I I. But luckily I I was sitting next to at least be improved yet that the television.

Michael bumpers at the time appreciate you getting upper upper.

they got to have appreciated in fact I suspect it would be spending a lot of time in Boston. This spring I you know I think so to I think it will -- a winner -- for giving credit as good yeah. Eight I think it would be. Well it's fun to see a completely somebody look in Chicago would think that Doc Rivers it's fun for me if the Celtics are back in action.

Well look forward Abby in Boston though when games really start to matter news in a couple weeks thanks. AT&T hotline eight TNT.