John Hollinger's chat and his backhand approval of Butler for the All Star Game

http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=14477

Ryan (D.C.): Can the Wizards get to the conference finals this year?

SportsNation John Hollinger: (2:31 PM ET ) Of course they can, just look at the conference. Key thing with Washington is the health of the Big 3 -- they have virtually no bench, and have been very fortunate that the trio hasn't missed a single game yet. If everyone stays upright then they'll be fine, but they're more vulnerable than most.

John, still down on Caron Butler as an all-star? You and Stein should do a pro/con column and debate it. 21pts, 8rebs, 4asts, 2steals. Not sure if anyone else in the league is doing that.

SportsNation John Hollinger: (2:40 PM ET ) I think Caron's stats are going to get him in the All-Star game. I don't think he belongs ahead of a few other guys, but if he makes it I'm not going to summon up mountains of outrage -- he's more like 14th or 15th guy on my list. One key here is I'm not sure if Eastern Conference coaches realize they can take Redd as a forward -- that in fact, they SHOULD take Redd as a forward since he's played there most of the year -- so that should play to Butler's advantage.

Jared (NC): Can you tell all the Wizards fans to calm down? Their team is barely on top of a terrible conference.

SportsNation John Hollinger: (2:48 PM ET ) Do you realize how long it's been since they had a team worth talking about? A quarter century by my count. Having made the long, miserable drive to Landover once or twice myself back when I lived in DC, I understand their enthusiasm.