Kevin McHale
Turner analyst and former Celtics great Kevin McHale talks with The Post’s Justin Terranova about his interview with Larry Bird that will air Monday at 9 p.m. on NBA TV. The Hall of Famer also breaks down Steve Kerr’s coaching techniques and James Harden’s leadership.
Q: What was the interview with Bird like, and what made that Celtics’ run special?
A: It was just so interesting (to) see where Larry sees the game going. It was fun to see him and talking about different times. That team was full of guys that had very good basketball IQs. I thought the whole league was like that when I first got there. I didn’t realize we were a pretty unique group. We had a bunch of guys who could think the game and all fit. It was just a nice blend.
Q: Did you appreciate Steve Kerr’s strategy of letting players coach against the Suns?
A: I think it’s fantastic. I always gave players a lot of input and we had a lot of input as players. You always have players that you trust. You have a good idea as a coach who really has the pulse of the team. ... If you want to win in this league, the guys have to take ownership and care about it. It’s their team. Everybody has to buy in.
Q: Can anyone beat the Warriors?
A: I think Houston. Chris Paul gives them another playmaker. If teams are loading up on (Harden) and he’s having a tough night, Paul can create and let James get off the ball, which is huge for Houston. They are all just hitting cylinders. They added Joe Johnson, who is another shooter. And then a bunch of guys who could give them energy, like Trevor Ariza, Luc Mbah a Moute. They have a really good defensive unit, which hasn’t always been the case.
Q: Does Paul help cover up the offthe-court leadership concerns you had with Harden?
A: It wasn’t off the floor, I don’t even know what off-the-court leadership means. When you have situations on the floor when you need to get stops and have that voice that comes out, James gets more quiet. … Now he can get off the ball, make a 3 and work his way back into the game. I think (having) Paul on the floor will make a difference, yes. Q: Did their deadline trades make the Cavaliers the favorites in the East? A: I think so. I am not going to come out and say all of Cleveland’s ills are fixed, but they look renewed, they had enthusiasm. They looked disinterested all season. (Jordan) Clarkson (can) shoot the 3, George Hill can fit in and bring in good defense on the point. Larry Nance (Jr.) can run the floor, finish at the basket and give them some rim protection. ... They got longer, more athletic. There was no joy in their game. (Adding all of that) and you have LeBron James, that could be enough.