Now that the Suns aren’t involved, I’ve really come to realize the biggest problem with the NBA playoffs.

They’re too long. Way too long.

Of course I didn’t mind the abundance of games when I was caught up watching Nash and Amare and Co., but many of these first-round matchups are predictable and basically unnecessary.

Was it exciting to watch the 76ers and Bulls shock their higher-seeded opponent and take Game 1 of their respective series? Sure.

But does anyone actually think that either Philadelphia or Chicago has a legitimate shot at winning a seven-game series? Yes, I am taking the Kevin Garnett and Leon Powe injuries into account.

And don’t even get me started about the Detroit Pistons. The fact that any team makes the playoffs with a losing record is completely ridiculous.

The NBA playoff system needs to be tweaked in some way. Either fewer teams need to make it, or the first-round series need to be reduced to best-of-three or best-of-five, because right now the playoffs simply drag on for far more than a month before getting to the really good stuff.

It’s pretty much a forgone conclusion that Kobe and LeBron will square off in the NBA Finals, and thinking about that Lakers-Cavaliers matchup does make me quite giddy inside.

I just don’t want to have to wait until June to see it.