IC Cold Links: Longer Finals Means Less Downtime Before Draft At Least

While the NBA fan in us can rejoice in watching one of the most entertaining NBA Finals in recent memory, the Pacers fan in us can thank a lengthy series for less downtime before the NBA Draft. Hey, it’s less than two weeks away! And should the series go the distance, we have only a week to entertain ourselves.

It shouldn’t be difficult to stay busy, however, with the number of options growing for the Pacers at the ten spot to continue the analyzing and breaking down of key talent in hopes of giving the franchise a boost next season.

As for the Finals? That little series resumes tomorrow night, and it’s extremely difficult to pin down. It seems impossible at times to truly know who’s going to show up, and who’s not. It’s hard to know how old or spry the Celtics will look on any given night and it’s hard to know how potent the Lakers will be down the stretch. How will the benches perform? Who steps up tonight?

We’re four games in, and is there anything resembling a worthy recipient of the award that now bears the great Bill Russell’s name? The nice thing about this Finals is the unpredictability in who’s going to play the X Factor to get their team the win. It makes for great drama, which is the very thing this entire postseason had lacked.

After the jump, some news and notes involving coaches, knees, and fevers:

• Recapping Conner’s win over Toronto
  Indy Star dives a little deeper into the Lester Conner led Pacers victory over the Raptors.
• Sun 86, Fever 77
  The Fever have been heating up, but could not slow down the Connecticut Sun in the fourth quarter. Fever host the Sun on Sunday.
• Bynum’s knee a growing concern
  After limited action in Game 4, Bynum’s knee is suddenly becoming the talk of the Finals. Bynum had his knee drained yet again and is questionable for Game 5.
• Report: LeBron James wants a coach who has played in NBA
  As Byron Scott emerges as a potential candidate for the Cavaliers coaching job, LeBron once again appears eager to let his feelings be known on the subject.
• Atlanta Hawks: Larry Drew is the choice for coach
  Just days after the Pacers let Lester Conner go, the Hawks go in an opposite direction, promoting their assistant Larry Drew to the head coaching position.
• 2010 Draft Prospects
  And with the draft creeping closer, it’s time to really inform yourself on who the Pacers should take if you haven’t already. Levy continues to provide exceptional prospect coverage right here at Indy Cornrows.