As the NBA hits the All-Star break, TNT analyst Kenny Smith discusses LeBron James’ ridiculous run and which team has the best chance of knocking the Heat off in the East with The Post’s Justin Terranova.
Q: Are you amazed at how LeBron James has stepped up his game even more recently?
A: He’s improved, and that’s hard to do. A lot of times when you are the best at something, it’s hard to think that you need improvement, especially when your responsibility isn’t at max because he’s with two other great players in [Chris] Bosh and [Dwyane] Wade.
Q: If he keeps this up, is everyone else playing for second behind the Heat?
A: They are still small. I am not sure how much Birdman [Chris Andersen] will be intricately involved, but they need someone to come in, rebound, block shots and just be big. They are a small basketball team. They needed to add someone like that to the mix.
Q: Who presents the biggest challenge to the Heat in the East then?
A: The Knicks and Chicago both have some size that could at times bother the Heat. It’s difficult to win multiple championships if you are constantly getting out-rebounded, and that’s going to be the difference. LeBron is such a great scorer, but you are also asking him to facilitate and control the tempo. That’s a lot all day, every day. Even the greatest ever, Michael Jordan, wasn’t asked to be the rebounder for the Bulls. And LeBron has to defend the best player, particularly on the perimeter.
Q: Are you discouraged by Deron Williams’ level of play for the Nets?
A: For his standard, it has not been great. His ability to dominate the game is probably one out of five when he used to be a three out of five.
Q: Has the All-Star Game lost any luster?
A: It’s one of the few events that keeps its excitement up for a few reasons: 1) The NBA does a great job of having past, present and future stars walk around and you’ll see Dr. J [Julius Erving] and LeBron and Kobe (Bryant) all walking around in one city, which makes it an incredible atmosphere.