On "Inside The NBA" on TNT last night, Charles Barkley showed up with a bandage around his head. Why? Ernie Johnson asked him and here's what Sir Charles had to say...

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Barkley: “Ernie, you’re not gonna believe this. Being the Auburn guy that I am, I wanted to be first class. I went down to the University of Alabama to congratulate the Crimson Tide on winning the BCS Championship - and I got mugged. I got mugged in Tuscaloosa, Ernie, and my credit cards are missing.”

Kenny Smith: “You’re just an Alabama hater, man. Why don’t you leave those kids alone?”

Barkley: “Oh, it’s my fault they’re mugging people.”

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According to lostlettermen.com, an anonymous NBA scout ripped Kentucky’s basketball system saying that it has flaws and makes players look better than they actually are...

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The scout told VaughtsViews.com for example, that Michael Kidd-Gilchrist – a candidate for the No. 2 overall selection in this month’s draft – isn’t as good a defensive player as many believe because he had Anthony Davis as a security blanket behind him. He also said the Marquis Teague benefited from the “threat of the lob,” which made him out to look like a more talented floor general.

This one scout believes...“In reality, the Kentucky system is smoke and mirrors. I remember being out in Vegas for a Summer League and I was sitting and watching games with a long-time director of scouting in the league. He said he was stunned at how unprepared Kentucky players were for the NBA, and he had drafted one of them.”

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I see what this guy is saying, but how can any of these one and done UK players develop after only one year of college ball?

The Miami Heat defeated the Dallas Mavericks 92-84 in Game 1 of the NBA Finals tonight. Miami takes the series lead 1-0. Game 2 is Thursday night in Miami.

The Houston Rockets have reached a deal with Kevin McHale to become their head coach.

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"The Rockets became sold on McHale because they believe he will be a good communicator with their young players. Front office officials also believe McHale has a hunger to succeed as a coach in his post-Hall of Fame playing career."

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You Rocket fans like this hire? Discuss it here.

If the Heat beating the Bulls last night to move on to the NBA Finals wasn't enough for Chicago fans, Scottie Pippen had this to say this morning on ESPN Radio's Mike and Mike In the Morning...

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“Michael Jordan is probably the greatest scorer to play the game,” Pippen said. “But I may go as far as to say LeBron James may be the greatest player to ever play the game because he is so potent offensively that not only can he score at will but he keeps everybody involved. You have to be on your Ps and Qs on defense. No guy on the basketball court is not a threat to score with LeBron James out there. Not only will LeBron dominate from the offensive end as well, but he’s also doing it on the defensive end which really makes him the complete package. He’s able to get in those passing lanes, shoot those gaps and create transition opportunities where he is pretty much unstoppable.”

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Wow, Scottie...wow. Please discuss this more here.