Frank Franklin Ii / AP

When you look at it objectively, Isiah Thomas really hasn't done a bad job, writes columnist Sam Smith.

Q: I am a Suns fan, but I wonder if you think Suns can compete against the interior size of Dallas and San Antonio in a seven-game series?
— Mike Pershinsky, Scottsdale, Ariz.

A: I believe they can. Though as everyone in the NBA says, "OK, show us." There are a lot more people than Suns fans rooting for the Suns this season, and not just commissioner David Stern. Just kidding, though you can just imagine what Mark Cuban would say as the commissioner hands him the trophy if the Mavs win. I hear often many around the NBA — not coaches — saying if the Suns win it will have to change the thinking of so many of the slow down coaches. They can as long as Stoudemire is also a rebounding and defensive factor as both teams went small in their playoff series last season.

Q: Are the Cavs ever going to acquire a stud like Kevin Garnett to help LeBron James win a championship?
— John Iverson, Sioux Falls, S.D.

A: No. The Cavs have a brutal salary cap situation for at least the next two years, which raises questions about how they can even re-sign Anderson Varejao, who is a regular for them down the stretch in games. They'll try to dump Larry Hughes, Donyell Marshall, Eric Snow and Damon Jones, but I find it hard seeing how. They are pretty much stuck with what they have, which isn't bad considering James. So they'll eventually replace the coach and change the style of play as their option.

Q: Will the Rockets make it out of the first round of the playoffs?
— Telly Curtis, Chattanooga, Tenn.

A: Tough one as that should be a great series. It seems almost certain they'll play the Jazz in a great 4-5 matchup, though home court is yet to be determined. The teams meet twice more and play the last game of the season. Health remains the biggest issue for Houston as you never know when McGrady will go out with back problems. If he does again, they have no chance. As it is, it will be a major battle of wills with two defensive coaches and the Jazz big men going outside and Yao pounding it inside. I say slight edge to the Rockets now with the way they've played even without Yao and really no one to defend McGrady.

Q: The Toronto Raptors are playing some great basketball. They seem to be on their way to the playoffs after a four-year drought. What do you think of this team as they head into the playoffs, and also do think Chris Bosh will be a dominant force in the NBA?
— Aran, Dallas

A: The 2003 draft is being looked upon as the best of this decade and if I had to do it again, I'd select Bosh after James and Wade. He's terrific and growing into a go-to player with a good mid-range jump shot and will improve on defense. It looks like they'll most likely get the Bulls or Cavs in another good 4-5 and maybe without home court advantage. And now the status of Bargnani is in question after his appendix operation. I think they're coming, but a year or two away and probably a first round playoff victim.

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Nathan Denette / AP

Kobe's shot lifts Lakers

Kobe Bryant hit a baseline jump shot with 4.2 seconds left and the Los Angeles Lakers wrapped up a six-game road trip by holding on to beat the Raptors 94-92 on Sunday, their eighth victory in nine meetings with Toronto

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