To know list: 7 things to make you an instant expert this week.(KNOW IT ALL)

[1] THE MAIN EVENT

Love Shaq--he's the man

One large reason the NBA Finals promises to be as entertaining as any since a certain underwear pitchman was running with the Bulls: Shaquille O'Neal, of course. We're not referring to the Big Fella's play on the floor, either, though Shaq has looked downright sprightly on many nights this spring.

We're talking about Shaq at the microphone. The Big Funny. Shaq will be trotted out for press conferences after every game and on every off-day, and if true to his past, he will draw attention in a way only he has since M.J. left Chicago's building. Maybe he'll throw out some new nicknames. Perhaps he'll pick up his "feud" with Mark Cuban. Almost certainly, he'll regale us with plans of someday becoming the planet's largest policeman. Catch his act just once and you'll see he's as comfortable in front of a mic as Letterman.

Perhaps that's to be expected, given his familiarity with this stage. O'Neal is making his sixth trip to The Finals in 14 seasons. More impressive, Miami is the third franchise Shaq has led to the final two, a feat that puts him in the company of one other player: Wilt Chamberlain.

Shaq does have company on his own bench in reaching The Finals with three teams. Heat coach Pat Riley won four titles with the Lakers and came close with the Knicks before moving to Miami. Backup point guard Gary Payton made it to The Finals with the Sonics and Lakers but still is looking for ring No. 1.

Robert Horry and John Salley are the only players to win titles with three teams, but neither was the main man. Wilt, however, won titles with two of the three teams he put in The Finals--the 76ers and Lakers were successful, but his San Francisco Warriors lost to the Celtics--so Shaq needs a victory over the Mavericks to keep pace.