Q: Phil is on pace to surpass Red's record for a 10th ring. Granted he gets it in June, will he be the greatest coach ever to coach the game?
— Ronnie Reyes, Mandaluyong City, Philippines

A: Winningest, you can say. That's generally what Bill Russell is regarded as. So Phil could fairly be considered the biggest winner ever as a coach.

I also believe you could fairly make the case he's the best ever coach. Many, especially Red Auerbach, noted Jackson always took ready made teams and won. No one doubted it was impressive, but it seemed a flaw. Sure, the Lakers have Kobe Bryant. But this Lakers team is hardly a ready made championship team and was as close to any in the league as breaking apart. Phil kept it and them together. It's a relatively young team as well.

If they win the title — and they seem the favorite now — it's not the championship team many accused Jackson of previously taking over and just holding together.

Q: After Ed Stefanski sent Kyle Korver to the Utah Jazz, the Philadelphia 76ers not only cleared up over $10 million in cap space, but went from fourth place in the Atlantic Division to the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. My question is what should the 76ers do during the 2008 offseason, and what players could/should they attempt to acquire?
— Matt, Egg Harbor Township, N.J.

A. They've got some money to use and perhaps could take a shot at persuading Elton Brand to opt out and sign there as they could use some inside scoring. Also with Andre Miller going into his final season, they could use some insurance at point guard and might make a run at the Bulls' Kirk Hinrich, who should be available with the team likely to draft Memphis point guard Derrick Rose.

Q: Are the Nets still moving to Brooklyn or what? They where supposed to have the stadium ready by now. Does Newark, N.J. look like a better possibility?
— Erick Gill, Clifton, N.J.

A. Newark doesn't look better to me. Or anyone else, frankly.

Slide show   Week in Sports Pictures Pain on the skating rink, flying high on the hardwood, upsets on the football field, and more. more photos

The Nets owners still say they are going, but there's been protests in the Atlantic Avenue area where a major complex is planned beyond just an arena. It's been delayed and it seems unlikely to be open by 2010, as they say now. The Nets owners are right their best chance to make it is in New York City, even Brooklyn. I'm from New York and cannot imagine anyone from New York going to Newark. I believe they'll eventually get the Brooklyn project going, though it could be delayed again.

Q: What do you think is the Sacramento King's biggest need? Who do you like them picking with the 12th pick?
— Chad, Stockton, Calif.

A: They probably need a power forward who can score and a backup point. So perhaps they take D.J. Augustin, who should be picked about there. There also should be several big man projects there who could help eventually, like JaVale McGee, Joe Alexander, who's more three than four, and Rider's Jason Thompson.

Though they have guards, a good one like Russell Westbrook could fall and I'd take him. At that spot you take the best talent and figure out how to play him. It's not like the Kings are loaded with talent.

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