HANG TIME HEADQUARTERS – If you’re talking about active players that have been in the NBA the longest without so much as sniffing the playoffs, leave Mike Dunleavy out of it.
He’s free now.
The Pacers forward will make his playoff debut Saturday when he and his teammates travel to Chicago for Game 1 of their first round series against the Bulls. It’s going to be a glorious day for Dunleavy, whose playoff drought lasted a staggering nine years. More from my main man Mike Wells of the Indianapolis Star:
After nine years, 627 regular-season games and a major knee operation, Dunleavy will make his playoff debut when he comes off the bench in Game 1 against the Chicago Bulls on Saturday at United Center.
“It felt like a long time in some regards, but in some ways it’s gone fast,” said Dunleavy, who trailed only former Pacer Troy Murphy for most games without reaching the postseason. “Realistically, looking back, I don’t feel like I’ve been on a playoff team.”
Dunleavy came to a playoff-rich franchise when he arrived in Indiana in January 2007. The Pacers had been to the playoffs in 16 of the previous 17 seasons before Dunleavy joined them.
But Dunleavy has been part of a rebuilding project that is on its third coach. Dunleavy said the Pacers would have made the playoffs in the 2007-08 season if he had not been limited to 18 games by a major knee problem.
“They changed course, putting more of an emphasis on character above talent,” Dunleavy said about going through the rebuilding phase. “I was ready for what would happen. How I look at it is, I still made it as a Pacer and I’m not sure what will happen next year or where I’ll be, but this is a big accomplishment.”
Welcome to the playoff sir. You are free now!
Pacers really needed Mike if they want a good match-up for the Bulls, I see the Pacers short of talent even I sense there heart to win…I dont expect them to win but I’m sure they will give the Bulls something to remember.. and that’s playing as it would be your last game…
It’s nice that Mike finally made it, but it is going to be over before he knows it. Bulls in 4
i don`t think it`s gonna be 4
. They can take 1 or even 2 at home
My prediction – (depending on of course injuries to any team in the playoffs) It will be the Cs and Bulls in the final eastern conference game and Cs will come out on top.
West OKC vs Laker in the finals but Lakers again come out on top
Cs vs Lakers (Hate to say it but the Lakers may win again if Bynum is healthy)
The only thing its hard to tell but what it looks like is that both teams at the end of the regular season are just trying to get through games to the playoffs – could care less about final record because that doesn’t win the championship.
I have been a fan of mike ever since his golden state days.I have been fortunate to watch him play in that uniform, but now that he has been on the pacers i have still been pulling for him.I cant wait to watch him in the playoffs for the first time. Give it all you can mike!! And grow back the stach! I love you mike
East Final – Bulls Vs Heat
WestFinal – Spurs Vs Lakers
Final – Heat Vs Lakers
and Lakers win in 7
Bulls vs pacers 4-0!
Bulls vs magic 4-0!
Bulls vs heat 4-0!
Bulls vs Lakers 4-0!