Ira Winderman

You ask, we (try to) answer:

Q: Ira, finally an intelligent look at the reality of "replacement" officials. Officiating is a craft at the level we work in the NBA, honed by many years of experience. To put the game into the hands of such neophytes is shameful.
— Bill, Oak Park, Calif.

A: Here's my biggest issue with the process: Individually, I think many of these "replacements" well may have the skill to take the next step. But to put three of them together and send them into the highest level of competition is laughable. Would a team field a starting lineup, let alone an entire roster, of rookies?

If I were any of these players suspended during the preseason, I would file a complaint through the players' association for any loss of wages. Without "real" referees, how can you take "real" money out of their pockets?

But I do feel for the replacements. At a recent game I worked, the officials kept issuing so many corrections that one member of the scoring table cracked, "These guys change more calls than Peyton Manning."

Q: If Ben Gordon and Richard Hamilton can coexist, is the Pistons' backcourt the best in the league?
— Steve, Loxley, Ala.

A: If you mean "coexist" as in start alongside each other, well, that isn't going to happen. Neither is a point guard.

If you mean "coexist" by one of them playing small forward, well, I don't see it in Detroit's best interests to move Tayshaun Prince to power forward, especially with Charlie Villanueva now in place.

If you mean "coexist" as in one playing off the bench, well, I can't fathom anyone paying either that much to primarily serve as a reserve.

As far as the best overall backcourt, right now I'm not so sold on Rodney Stuckey, who has been outplayed at point guard at this stage of the preseason by Will Bynum.

Q: What is up with Carlos Boozer? I know it's only the preseason, but Paul Millsap is really tearing it up. Will the Jazz keep Boozer as the starter, just to try and raise his stock? Or will Utah give it to the player who deserves it, Paul Millsap.
— Bryce, Utah

A: Because Millsap holds a long-term deal, I think the Jazz will practice patience with him on the bench, knowing it has him locked up and already has his loyalty.

Slideshow   Top 100 active NBA players A look at the top players around the league. NBCSports.com

I can't fathom it going anywhere but south if the Jazz attempts to move Boozer to the bench.

Something has to give. Utah can't afford the luxury-tax bill it otherwise will get socked with. It has to move Boozer and loose some salary in the process.

From the get-go, this has been brought upon himself by Boozer, who was more interested in another year of guaranteed cash rather than invoking his opt-out clause and becoming a free agent this past summer.

The sooner Boozer is dealt, the sooner Utah truly can address its future, one that includes Millsap at power forward.

Q: I wanted to know what you thought about the chances of the Cavs making it to the Finals and what you thought about LeBron leaving or staying based on what happens this season?
— Brandon, Warrensville Heights, Ohio

A: I think the Cavaliers have the best player in the NBA, but also have more holes in their rotation than the Celtics and Magic.

That doesn't mean LeBron can't single-handedly will Cleveland into the NBA Finals. And it doesn't mean that the team's active management is done constructing this roster.

As for next summer? Yes, this season will have a direct impact on LeBron's 2010 address. But as long as Cleveland at least makes the NBA Finals, I think he'll stay.

Q: Dear Ira, will this be Jerry Sloan's final season?
— Chioke, Baltimore

A: I'm not so sure that Jerry isn't coaching as long as he's breathing. After listening to his Hall of Fame speech, it is obvious that this is what he does and what he wants to do.

The Miller family long has left the call up to Sloan and I don't see that changing with the passing of Larry Miller.

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