ESPN

Jemele Hill

  (1:03 PM)

OK, I'm here. Doing some serious multi-tasking -- working on a Michael Vick column, watching Young and The Restless, getting ready for a radio interview, and last but not least, chatting with you guys! Let's go.

Matt

Hi Jemele. I enjoyed the piece on Chuck Daly, but I want to talk about Dave Bing. How do you think he will fare as Mayor? Thanks

Jemele Hill

  (1:04 PM)

I had never spent a considerable amount of time around Dave Bing, but I was extremely impressed with his attitude, intellect and ability to manage. Detroit has a lot of serious problems. I don't know if he's a cure-all, but certainly things can't get any worse.

Will (WV)

Jemele...what did you think of Ryan's outfit today on 1st and 10? I loved it! I truly think he pulled it off.

Jemele Hill

  (1:05 PM)

I saw it and I agree. I even sent him a text telling him he looked good. Men look good in yellow and bright colors.

Ben (Bartow, FL)

Jemele, tell me what the media's excuse will be for the Magic this time. First it was "can they get out the first round", then "they don't have playoff experience"...blah blah blah We knocked off the defending champs IN BOSTON. Are we still not validated??

Jemele Hill

  (1:05 PM)

The Magic's formula for success. People hating on them (especially me) = victories. So if I were you, I would just let us make fools of ourselves by invalidating them.

joe phila pa

are you ever going to write something that doesn't not involve race in some way shape or form?

Jemele Hill

  (1:06 PM)

I do all the time. See: Archives.

Brandon Calforina [via mobile]

If We Get A Kobe LeBron Finals And LeBron Wins Will You Put LeBron Over Kobe As The Best Player Seeing How Much His Game Has Improved This Year On Both Sides Of The Ball

Jemele Hill

  (1:07 PM)

LeBron doesn't have to win the Finals for me to think he's the best player in the NBA right now. I'm very impressive with his defensive improvements, especially. But let's keep in mind Kobe has 3 titles and LeBron has none.

Mike (Ohio)

Any thoughts on James Harrison declining to go with the Steelers to DC?

Jemele Hill

  (1:09 PM)

Athletes say dumb things all the time, but that was the stupidest thing I've heard in a long time. Had he said he wasn't going because of political reasons, I would have respected that. But his rationale was just mindless, especially when you consider the fact that Obama not only picked the Steelers to win the Super Bowl, but described himself as a lifelong Steelers fan. Also, Dan Rooney was a big-time supporter of Obama -- so much so that Obama made him the ambassador of Ireland.

Tom (Lansing, MI)

Hey Jemele, love your writing style. Are we going to see anything soon about Tigers rising star Curtis Granderson? dude is one of the best CF in the game but he gets no love from the mass media. Also, do you use Twitter?

Jemele Hill

  (1:10 PM)

Curtis Granderson is one of my favorite athletes and a guy who couldn't get written about enough. If the Tigers contend, I could see myself writing about him. And yes, I am on Twitter...@jemelehill. Facebook, too. I accept all friend requests.

Jerrod(Columbus)

Jemele, how many titles does Kobe have as "the man"? seems to me its the same as Lebron

Jemele Hill

  (1:13 PM)

I have to say, I'm tired of people refusing to acknowledge Kobe as a winner because he won titles with Shaq. Do people invalidate Magic's titles because he won them with Kareem? Do people invalidate Michael Jordan's titles because he won them with Pippen (and he never won one without him)? If you watched the Lakers then, Kobe more than held is own and was a superstar. He was -- and remains -- one of the most dangerous perimeter players in the league. He was the Lakers' closer, and he carried them when Shaq was hurt and out of shape.Again, Kobe 3. LeBron, 0.

JD (Boston)

Jamele, Garnett's injury has the mysterious qualities of Tom Brady's from a while back- is this surgery in the waiting and they were just waiting to see if he could help termporarily if they got further in the playoffs?

Jemele Hill

  (1:14 PM)

That was the impression I had -- that they were waiting to see if he could contribute in the playoffs. I know they have a surgery schedule and I'm curious to see the extent of the damage. Could impact the C's next year.

Jeff (NY)

Jemele - It is very frustrating as a reader who enjoys your work and perspective, when I see comments like joe phila above that try to dismiss your work. Please know for every one of them there are more of us silent types who appreciate your voice.

Jemele Hill

  (1:16 PM)

Thanks.

Dale (Wilkes-Barre Pa)

Awhile back you said Kobe was more talented than MJ. Care to take another stand? Kobe has one good game and starts taunting a lesser player in Battier. And he has to let broadcast people know his stance, that Shane Battier can't guard him? MJ averaged over 35 points a game in the playoffs. I think you should apologize for such an offensive comment.

Jemele Hill

  (1:19 PM)

It's offensive because I disagree with everyone? Interesting. So much for free throught. And that MJ, he never taunted anyone in his whole life, right? Certainly not a lesser player (see: Reggie Theus). And I guess, John Salley needs to apologize too, eh? From Salley:"I played with both Kobe and Michael. I would have to say that Kobe Bryant is the better player. Kobe has a much better shot, handles the ball better, and just has more tricks to go along with his game. And just look at his career...he already has 3 rings and he's going for his fourth this year."

Keith (Boston)

Do you think race plays a factor in the Cuban/Martin issue? Why is no one calling Martin to task regarding his behavior?

Jemele Hill

  (1:22 PM)

Although there are times the word "thug" is used as a politically correct way to use the n-word, I don't think race was a factor. But Martin should definitely be called to task for what he said to Cuban and fans after Game 4. He had the chance to maintain the moral high ground, but he responded like a fool. Yes, I get that you can't disrespect a man's mother. No argument there. But I also think that it's important to maintain a sense of dignity and integrity, particularly in that situation.

Jemele Hill

  (1:22 PM)

I'll also add that Cuban's apology was just as bad or worse than his original offense.

Chris (Philly)

Did you see Kobe Doin Work? Any opinions on it?

Jemele Hill

  (1:23 PM)

Unfortunately, I didn't see it yet. I do have it TiVo-ed. Can't wait to watch it.

Will (WV)

Jemele, you are watching Young and the Restless!? You are seriously multitasking!

Jemele Hill

  (1:25 PM)

My biggest guilty pleasure is watching this soap opera. It is my dream to one day be an extra on that show, or go to the set. Somebody make it happen for me. If Matt Berry can get on One Life To Live, Stephen A on General Hospital...surely someone can get me on Y and R!

Matt (Grand Rapids)

What do you think of the Lions new and "improved" logo? It has a tooth and an eye, that has to be worth at least 4 wins right?

Jemele Hill

  (1:26 PM)

If you go 0-16, you should do everything short of burning the building down.

Will (WV)

Jemele, lets go on a limb here......when its all said and done...careers are over..in which order do you think they will rate MJ,Lebron,Kobe?

Jemele Hill

  (1:28 PM)

MJ, LeBron, Kobe. LeBron is so young and could win two or three more MVPs. Could also add several titles. But MJ had a huge global impact and did things that are tough to achieve in today's game. LeBron will have more rivals around his same age, which will prevent him from doing what Jordan did.

James (Denver)

Do the Nuggets have a chance against the Lakers?

Jemele Hill

  (1:29 PM)

They've got more than a chance. They can upset the Lakers, who still show flashes of pure softness. This series is going to go the distance and if LA loses any home games, forget it.

Jerrod(Columbus)

I often wonder how the hand checking rule from the MJ years would have affected a player like Kobe today, or perhaps how Mike would've done without it...your thoughts?

Jemele Hill

  (1:30 PM)

Kobe is a great finisher with contact, so I believe he still would have been a top scorer and player. If MJ played now, with these rules, he would be a marvel.

Tom (Lansing, MI)

Hey Jemele, just wondering what you think Joe Dumars and the Detroit Pistons will do this off season to ensure a trip back to the conference finals?

Jemele Hill

  (1:32 PM)

I see the Pistons adding piece(s), and not just spending the money on a single piece. I believe Okur and Milsap are both free agents, and I'd love to see both those guys with Detroit. Joe Dumars is a smart guy, and I know everyone is killing him about the Chauncey trade -- although I keep telling people the Pistons never would have duplicated Denver's success with Chauncey -- but he'll make a trade and wait for someone to fall into his lap...kind of how he did with Rasheed Wallace.

Jeffy D (Feeding Hills MA)

MJ is the Babe Ruth of basketball- others who may be better will never be greater- if that makes sense.

Jemele Hill

  (1:36 PM)

Makes perfect sense. Besides, I made the comparison based off ability.

Marcus (KC, MO)

What do you think's next for 'Sheed? I don't see him in the D next year...

Jemele Hill

  (1:37 PM)

He's out of Detroit. It's rumored he may retire.

Will (WV)

Jemele, espn/disney have connections with abc producers....and those people are friends with the cbs guys....give that angle a try! You never know.

Jemele Hill

  (1:38 PM)

Keep hope alive.

Josh (Knoxville, TN)

Did Cuban really disrespect Martin's mother? Seems to me he just disrespected Martin. If I told your mom that I thought you were an idiot (I don't), am I really insulting your mom? Once you're an adult any foolishness you do is on you, not your parents. This whole situation is just stupid.

Jemele Hill

  (1:39 PM)

You always respect someone's parent. For one, it's not Mark Cuban's place to tell Kenyon Martin's mother anything about her son. It was insanely disrespectful. A no-no.

Jerrod(Columbus)

Jemele, there are opinions out there that the lack of competition for Jordan caused him to retire the first time. I'm wondering if all the competition that 'Bron has will push him a higher level(if thats even possible)

Jemele Hill

  (1:42 PM)

You can see it already. LeBron came back from the Olympics more determined. I believe being around Carmelo, D Wade and Kobe, made a big impression him. He knew to beat those guys, he had to take things to another level -- and he did. If he loses to Kobe in the Finals, I can see LeBron coming back even stronger (if that's possible)

Jerrod(Columbus)

How many games do you see it taking Cleveland to advance to the finals?

Jemele Hill

  (1:50 PM)

I see Orlando really pushing Cleveland in this series. I believe they won 3 of 4 from in the regular season. Dwight Howard is so athletic freak and is going to cause their frontline a lot of problems.

Jerrod(Columbus)

is Dwight Howard the "worst" superstar in the NBA today? his game outside of 5 feet isn't nearly as pretty...

Jemele Hill

  (1:56 PM)

That's an accurate description. People were rough on Stan Van Gundy, but Dwight Howard bore some responsibility in that, too. His game needs further development.

Amy Brooklyn, NY

What do you think about this Dirk Nowitzki situation? It has been so vague that after searching all over I'm still not sure what happened. Do we know the whole story? And how is a team affected when a player's significant other is accused of stealing from other players?

Jemele Hill

  (1:59 PM)

Not much to it. She had eight aliases. And if you're Dirk, you better be glad that's all she had...if you get my drift.It's tough to get on a guy for who he chooses in his love life, but I just don't know how Dirk Nowitzki did not see this wouldn't end well.

Ryan (Akron, OH)

Jemele--just because Orlando won against Cleveland in the regular season means nothing now (See: Cleveland-San Antonio 2006-07)

Jemele Hill

  (2:00 PM)

That's true, but I think there are certain matchups there that are advantageous for Orlando. And because of how hot they can get on the three-point line, that could be troublesome for the Cavs. Again, I don't expect the Magic to win. But the Cavs will not do them like they did Detroit and Atlanta.

Mike (Ohio)

Jemele, what kind of music do you like?

Jemele Hill

  (2:01 PM)

I listen to a little bit of everything. Just yesterday I was looking for some Marcus Miller, of all things.

Jerrod(Columbus)

I assume you have the Lakers Cavs finals like mostly everyone else. Who would you take and in how many games?

Jemele Hill

  (2:01 PM)

Lakers in 7

Josh (Knoxville, TN)

Do you ever wish that White people would write about racial issues more often? Seems to me you take a lot of flack for writing about race, even though it's a relevant topic. Are White people just afraid to discuss it as openly for fear of saying something stupid and being labeled a racist? Or do you think they just don't see the racial component of things?

Jemele Hill

  (2:03 PM)

I do wish more white columnists felt comfortable enough to tackle racial issues. People always tell me I write about race too much, when the truth is, I don't at all. 1 out of every 25 columns might be about race. And usually, I tackle those issues because I know that no one else will. When you write about race, you have to prepare to be destroyed a little bit, no matter how you write about it. Some columnists can't handle that kind of scrutiny. It's not for everyone.

Jemele Hill

  (2:03 PM)

Gonna take a few more and then I'm out of here. Sorry I slowed the chat down...radio interview.

David L. (Arlington, VA)

The Lakers should be very careful that they don't need too many "wake up calls" against the Nuggets. I was sick of them using that excuse after every loss. I mean how many good teams need to say that bs?

Jemele Hill

  (2:05 PM)

I was stunned the Lakers were so passive. Considering the way they got beatdown in last year's Finals, they ought to be the hungriest team in the field. They are an arrogant team. That being said, I think they noticed how Denver was playing. Denver will have their full attention.

Omar (Brooklyn, NY)

24 finale tonight, you watchin??

Jemele Hill

  (2:05 PM)

Absolutely. I was down about 4 weeks, and caught up over the last couple days. Not shocked Tony was a traitor. Still think the president is the wackest they've ever had. Wacker than David Palmer's brother.

CAL (St. Paul, MN)

Jemele, shouldn't the Magic key on LeBron's supporting cast if they want to beat the Cavs. I mean, LeBron will get his points either way, the Magic should focus on limiting Mo Willams and Delonte West?

Jemele Hill

  (2:06 PM)

That's a sound strategy. I also think LeBron's a streaky shooter, and they can employ San Antonio's plan, which was to sucker him into fadeaway threes.

Jamal (McLean, VA)

Hey Jemele, long-time reader here. Everyone's pretty excited about a Kobe-Lebron matchup for the Finals, but how exciting would a Melo-Lebron matchup be for the finals? Imagine how ironic it would be if Melo and Wade both got rings before LBJ! Your thoughts...

Jemele Hill

  (2:07 PM)

That would be interesting. Melo has been the forgotten superstar. Always had the talent. Now, he's got the stage.

Steve (Los Angeles)

I watch 1st and 10 off and on. But every time I do watch it, I think Skip really doesn't believe what he is saying half the time. Please tell me he does this sometimes to stimulate a debate and/or is told to take a certain side by a producer. Thanks.

Jemele Hill

  (2:08 PM)

I've been asked this 1 million times and it's the same answer: Yes, Skip believes what he's saying. No one tells him what to believe. He doesn't do it for ratings. It's who he is.

Jemele Hill

  (2:08 PM)

Well guys, that's all I got. Thanks for the conversation. Hit me up on Twitter or Facebook. Peace.