Hickory , Dickory, Dock , The Mouse Ran Up The Clock , Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock ……….Time Is Now Ticking In The NBA ….

The NBA season has started off at its usual pace and a number of the teams are either beginning to separate themselves from amongst the pack or those with aspirations of making a name for themselves are surprising their fans , plaudits and pundits alike. That being said ‘controversy’ rears it ugly head with the actions of Washington Wizards’ players Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton . All that you need to know is that the Wizards’ front office as well as that of commissioner’s office have failed to act appropriately with regard to the actions of both players. Little needs to be said other than the fact that David Stern ‘no longer’ has any credibility whatsoever as the commissioner of the NBA. The same can be said of his ‘main enforcer’, Stu Jackson. As to the Wizards’ front office, their inaction only speaks to the ineptitude shown by the organization over the years.

Early season MVP candidates ? The Cavaliers' LeBron James, the Grizzlies' Zach Randolph and the perennial fan favorite , Kobe Bryant of the Lakers . picture appears courtesy of NBAE/ Getty Images ................

Courtesy of NBA.com

Reeling Wizards brace for fallout from Arenas incident

By David Aldridge

So, you want to hear about how Tim Duncan’s back on track this season?

Didn’t think so.
The Big Fundamental’s renaissance, like a lot of other interesting developments in the league this week (from the latest on Tracy McGrady, to Kobe’s latest incredible game-winner, to KG’s knee) has taken a back seat to a ridiculous problem for the Wizards, all Gilbert Arenas’ doing — and one that will surely cost him money and games when either the Washington, D.C. and/or federal authorities, and/or David J. Stern are done with him.

On Saturday, in front of assembled reporters following the Wizards’ loss to San Antonio, Arenas said he used “bad judgment” in the Dec. 21 incident with Javaris Crittenton in which, according to sources, both players had their hands on guns in Washington’s locker room — though it is not clear that they pointed them at one another, as the New York Post has reported.
Former Wizards beat writer Mike Jones, on his blog, and the Washington Post’s Michael Lee both reported that a frustrated Crittenton threw one of Arenas’ guns across the locker room after Arenas had laid out three guns near Crittenton’s locker and taunted him to pick one up. It was an extension of an argument that began between the two on the team’s plane from Phoenix Dec. 19, when a source told me that Arenas failed to pay a $25,000 debt to Crittenton. (Jones says the amount wasn’t $25,000, and was owed not to Crittenton, but to another teammate: Javale McGee.)
No one disputes that Arenas brought three guns, which were unloaded, to the locker room from his Virginia home. He said he brought them to work because he no longer wanted them in his home with three children around. But it nonetheless was a violation of the NBA’s constitution, which specifically prohibits bringing weapons to team facilities. In addition, Arenas had not registered the guns in the District of Columbia, where Verizon Center is located.
“I take responsibility,” Arenas said. “If I have to deal with the police, the investigation, the DAs, that’s what I have to deal with. I have to deal with that on Monday. I’ve got to put it in their hands, tell the story, and then see what they say.”

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Boston Celtics' Rasheed Wallace (30) yells as he celebrates with teammates Kendrick Perkins (43) and Ray Allen after dunking the ball as Toronto Raptors' Jarrett Jack (1) looks on during the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010, in Boston. The Celtics beat the Raptors, 103-96. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Mary Schwalm ......

While no real light needs to be shed on the action of both players, other than to suggest that the image that the game strives to exude isn’t helped by the stupidity shown by Arenas and Crittenton by this incident. The ramifications of which could’ve been far more serious had either of them discharged their weapons. But then again we should be thankful that they didn’t self a wound upon their person, or should we ? Think Plaxico Burress and his ‘idiotic antics’. A lesson well served as to the reason why guns shouldn’t be placed in the hands of individuals who have no use for them , other than in the case of Arenas, Burress and Crittenton to make themselves look like complete morons.

Cleveland January 3rd , J.J. Hickson (#21) of the Cleveland Cavaliers dunks the ball as teammate Shaquille O'Neal (#33) and Nazr Mohammed (#13) of the Charlotte Bobcats look on on January 3, 2010 at The Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. picture appears courtesy of NBAE/ Getty Images/ David Liam Kayle .....

In the Eastern Conference the usual suspects are striving for supremacy. And there isn’t a great deal to choose from the triumvirate of the Boston Celtics (24-8), Cleveland Cavaliers (27-9) , Orlando Magic (24-9) and certainly new to the bunch, the rather surprising Atlanta Hawks (21-12). And if you think that the Hawks’ fans aren’t surprised just think as to what this must be doing to the mindset of TNT tv on air analyst, Charles Barkley ? What sound bytes will he be looking to use, to describe the play of the Atlanta Hawks ? Cause as we know ‘Sir Charles’ has never been one to hold things back.

Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls and the Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard look to contest a loose ball during the game played at the United Center , Chicago, Illinois. picture appears courtesy of NBAE/ Getty Images/ Randy Belice ….

The triumvirate mentioned all lead their divisions with some room to spare. But once again it looks like the Celtics may well be without their most pivotal player in, Kevin Garnett. Age and recurring injuries seem to be catching up fast, with the seasoned veteran. And without him at the helm it appears that they’re not the threat many would believe them to be. Albeit that point guard, Rajon Rondo seems to have raised the level of his play and all-round game. So much so , that this is no longer about the ‘Big Three’ of Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. But you could perhaps now add Rondo into the mix. Never mind the fact that Rasheed Wallace has now been added to this deeply talented Celtics’ roster. And for Celtics’ coach Doc River he must feel like he’s been blessed with an abundance of talent. But I guess it can’t be done without their veteran leader to guide them and guide as they embark on returning to the NBA Finals. But that’d be predicated upon them overcoming the likes of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic.

The Cleveland Cavaliers for their part, in addition to LeBron James have added 15 time NBA All Star center, Shaquille O’Neal to their roster. And this is being done in the hopes that the combination of James and O’Neil can clear the obstacle of making to another NBA Finals and raising the Larry O’Brien trophy to signify them as world champions. Last season’s bittersweet loss to the Magic in the Eastern Conference semi finals was a sour note for the franchise. And for their coach Mike Brown it was a tremendous disappointment. Nevertheless , the team is expected to contend for postseason honors come what may. And if anything O’Neal has something to prove , while LeBron finally wants to show NBA world that he can land the ‘Big One’.

Kryptonite they say is the only thing that makes Superman susceptible and not impervious to defeat. In the case of the Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard, it is his arrogance and lack of maturity, despite his years in the league. This time around there’s nowhere for Howard to hide should the Magic fail in their quest to return to the Finals and redeem themselves from their lopsided series’ loss to the Los Angeles Lakers (4-1). The team performed nowhere near as expected and that was despite their thrilling series’ wins against the Cavaliers and Celtics on their way to last season’s NBA Finals. Stan Van Gundy as their coach , squealed ,squawked , cajoled and with the all of the usual animation you’d come to expect of a cartoon character could not get this Magic team to raise the level of their play as and when needed to stem the tide or play of the Lakers, or for that matter, Kobe Bryant, the Finals’ MVP.

The Western Conference it seems is replete with talent as well teams on a mission. The defending champions , the Los Angeles Lakers are off to a fast start and they possess the best record in the NBA ,with a 27-6 mark. And it’s safe to say that Kobe Bryant alongside his teammates are eager to successfully defend their NBA title. At the same time it gives Lakers’ coach, Phil Jackson a further chance to distance himself record’s wise, from the achievements of Red Auerbach. And one seriously doubts that we’ll ever see another coach replicate Jackson’s feats as an NBA coach.

Los Angeles 3rd 2010. Kobe Bryant (#24) of the Los Angeles Lakers makes a pass around Dirk Nowitzki (#41) of the Dallas Mavericks at Staples Center on January 3, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers would go on to defeat the Mavericks 131-96. picture appears courtesy of NBAE/ Getty Images / Andrew D Bernstein ............

With the loss of Trevor Ariza to free agency, the Lakers would acquire Ron Artest. Curiously enough, as Artest would join the Lakers , Ariza did likewise by joining the Houston Rockets</a, Artest's former team. And it’d appear that the Lakers have yet to miss a beat. With Artest in tow to provided some stout defense as well as being the third or fourth scoring option for the team. One would find it hard not to resist placing a wager on the Los Angeles Lakers. With Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum all having that confidence about them. The Lakers are deemed the team to beat in the Western Conference. That’s not to say this is a one man show within the conference. The Denver Nuggets (21-13), Portland Trailblazers (22-14), Oklahoma City Thunder (19-15), aPhoenix Suns (21-13), Dallas Mavericks (23-11) and the San Antonio Spurs (20-12). Each of these teams are looking to take down the Lakers a notch or two. As to whether or not they are capable of it remains to be seen. But so contentious is the Western Conference that it has become a conference wherein the bloodletting once it starts just doesn’t seem to stop. Russell Crowe’s character, Maximus from the movie ‘Gladiator’ would feel at home with the barbarity that ensues within the conference. The bloodletting itself seems to have the fans of the teams in awe. As to the bragging rights. Well, let’s just say ’til you knock the champion of his pedestal, the bragging rights still belong to him.

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant, right, drives on Chicago Bulls guard James Johnson during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Jan. 4, 2010, in Chicago. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Charles Rex Arbogast .......

To my mind the most surprising team in the Western Conference at present may well be the Oklahoma City Thunder. And night in, night out , Kevin Durant never ceases to amaze us all with his play , nor his phenomenal offensive prowess. Here’s a guy who looks less than 120 lbs ringing wet but plays with the heart of a lion and has the ‘killer instinct’ of a cold hearted assassin. Need one say, that he’s now beginning to make people think less and less about how god-damn awful the Seattle Supersonics use to be- the Thunder’s previous guise as an NBA franchise. Needless to say that when you’ve a team of complementary parts then things that come to fruition tend to be really good. And in Scott Brooks, the Thunder may well have one of the most unassuming coaches in the entire NBA. If there’s a more unassuming coach in the NBA that you know then let me know about him.

The usual cacophony of teams who all want to be a part of the postseason drama within the conference are as always many of the better managed teams. And with ‘Mr Fundamental’ back to his usual best , the thought is that Tim Duncan and his Spurs’ teammates are ready to assume the mantel as the Lakers most dangerous opponents. Now that’s not to say that the likes of the Nuggets, Suns , Mavericks, Thunder and Trailblazers won’t be a reliable source of drama throughout the regular and postseason. Suffice to say that with all of the bloods and guts that’ll be spilled. Whatever’s left from the carnage more likely than not will have to be viewed as the prohibitive favorites to win the NBA title. I know that there’ll be some derision those who are fans of the Eastern Conference of the NBA. But if the lack of real effort shown by last season’s conference representative is anything to go by. Then whomever comes out of the conference to face the Western representative is liable to get more of the same. How much more is dependent upon the resistance that team is able to put up.

So as of now, the clock is ticking on the NBA season and how things will pan out as the season unfolds. We all know smart a mouse can be as he’s being chased by the cat. But we also know how the guile of a cat can be and the dangers that lie within when the cat has his prey trapped. So which is it to be for the Los Angeles Lakers this season ? Are they going to be the mouse who evades capture from the chasing cat , as in the rest of the NBA ? Or will they be the mouse who gets caught by its erstwhile predator the cat, who’ll no doubt devour its prey ? What are your thoughts on it all ?

A classic ‘Tom & Jerry’ cartoon and the usual staple of classic mayhem ensues that the characters were always known for. Much like what we’ll no doubt see throughout much of the NBA regular season and also in the playoffs.

NB This original piece was posted within tophatal1′s blog. To read more of work within that site just click here to view and peruse the site in question.

Alan Parkins aka tophatal

The Basketball Oracle Top 10: Centers

The Center position in basketball is the arguably the most important and dominant, but it is also the weakest in the current NBA.  In the NBA today, there are very few dominant low-post scorers at the center position.  In fact, the majority of the star low post players like Zach Randolph, Pau Gasol, Tim Duncan, and Al Jefferson are Power Forwards.  It can be argued that the only pure dominant low-post center in the NBA right now is the 22-year old Andrew Bynum of the Los Angeles Lakers.  Now, time for the actual rankings.  Yao Ming has been excluded due to his injury.

Just Missed Out: Andris Biedrins, Golden State Warriors; Kenrick Perkins, Boston Celtics

10. Greg Oden, Portland Trailblazers

Oden gets the nod of Kendrick Perkins and Andris Biedrins because he is a better scorer than both, and a better rebounder than Perkins.  Biedrins may have the advantage in rebounds, but that is because he plays on a team that shoots a lot and causes a lot of possessions.  Oden will probably never be an all-star, but he will most likely develop into a 14 ppg, 12 rpg, and 2 bpg guy.

9. Andrew Bogut, Milwaukee Bucks

Bogut is a solid NBA center, not a franchise player, and not a scrub.  He can rebound in double-digits every game, as well as scoring in double-digits every game.  He is like a slightly better Greg Oden because he is a superior rebounder and has a more polished offensive game.

8. Tyson Chandler, Charlotte Bobcats

Chandler isn’t as good without Chris Paul setting him up for alley-oops, but what puts him above the other centers is the fact that he is a solid rebounder, and is really athletic which gives him opportunities the other centers don’t have.  He still has not post-game, but he can still get offensive opportunities with alley-oops, the pick and roll, and putbacks.

7. Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies

This may come as a surprise to most, but Gasol has proved that he can be a strong rebounder and scorer at the center position.  His offensive game is near the top in the league for centers, and he is also a great rebounder.  He isn’t as good as his brother, Pau, but he is creating his own name in the NBA as one of the top centers.

6. Emeka Okafor, New Orleans Hornets

Okafor was drafted 2nd overall behind Dwight Howard, but so far in the NBA he has not even come close to being as good as Dwight Howard.  But he has established himself has a guaranteed double-double every night.  He doesn’t have a lot of offensive moves, but he has a decent mid-range jumper and can score in the post better than most centers.

5. Shaquille O’Neal, Cleveland Cavaliers

Shaquille O’Neal may be old and slow, but he still has the ability to be a good low-post scorer and rebounder, as evidenced by his 08-09 season with the Phoenix Suns.  This season he is struggling with a new team and injuries, but if he can get in rythme and healthy he will be a good pickup for the Cavs, as long as he stays out of LeBron’s way.

4.  Brook Lopez, New Jersey Nets

Brook Lopez is only in his 2nd season in the NBA, and he hasn’t done anything special.  But, he has proved that he can be a consistent 14 ppg and 9 rpg guy in the NBA.  He also has a nice shooting touch and decent post-up game.  Lopez plays for the worst team in the league, which is part of the reason he doesn’t get any recognition, but he is the only big man they have that can produce on a consistent basis.  He will only continue to improve and should be a Top 3 center next season.

 3. Chris Kaman, Los Angeles Clippers

When healthy, Chris Kaman is one of the best offensive centers and rebounders in the league.  He has a solid mid-range jumper, and is a good low-post and high-post scorer.  Injuries have hindered him the last couple of seasons, but in the 07-08 season he averaged a very impressive 15.7 ppg and 12.7 rpg.

Offseason Report: The Remaining Free Agents

The 2009 Offseason has started to heat up with the contract agreements of Ron Artest with the Lakers, Hedo Turkoglu with the Raptors, and Trevor Ariza with the Rockets, and Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva with the Pistons, but there are still many top-level free agents available that could mean the difference between a championship and disappointing June for many teams.  For example, the Lakers are no guarantee to repeat if they aren’t able to re-sign Lamar Odom, and the Celtics will be low on big men and wins if they can’t sign Glen Davis or Rasheed Wallace.

Among the biggest names still available are Lamar Odom, Shawn Marion, Paul Millsap, Jason Kidd, and Mike Bibby, though it is reported that Bibby with reach an agreement to return to the Hawks soon.  Jason Kidd has recieved interest from the New York Knicks and his team last season, the Dallas Mavericks.  Most likely he will reach a deal soon, or go to the Lakers or Cavaliers for the veteran minimum for a chance to win a ring.  After a disastrous 08-09 season, Allen Iverson is looking for a team that will take him.  Last season, he was traded to the Detroit Pistons for Chauncey Billups, the team instantly got worse and barely made the playoffs while the Nuggets instantly got better and become championship contenders.  Iverson has been reported to be interested in the Memphis Grizzlies and Charlotte Bobcats, two lottery teams that aren’t anywhere close to championship contention.

Most likely, Lamar Odom, Mike Bibby, Jason Kidd, Ramon Sessions, Andre Miller, and Glen Davis will re-sign with their teams, but free agents such as Shawn Marion, Anderson Varejao, Leon Powe, Nate Robinson, David Lee, and Rasheed Wallace are looking for a new home.  Wallace has received a ton of interest from the Boston Celtics and their Big 3 of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce, while also getting calls from the Orlando Magic.  The Celtics have already said that they will not be re-signing Leon Powe because he is injured, so expect him to sign with a team part-way through the season once he is healthy.  Glen Davis on the other hand, did excellent for the Celtics in the postseason in place of the injured Garnett and will be demanding the mid-level exception from teams.

Free Agency News Round-Up

Allen Iverson interested in joining the Memphis Grizzlies

The Oracle’s Take: Allen Iverson isn’t wanted by any of the contending teams, so going to the Grizzlies would be the best move for him and, surprisingly, the Grizzlies.  Allen Iverson wants to get paid more than the minimum, and the Grizzlies would likely give in the mid-level exception and the Memphis Grizzlies desperately need to sell more tickets, and Iverson is one of the most exciting players in the league.

 Allen Iverson is interested in playing for the Grizzlies, according to a league source.

Iverson, a free agent for the first time in his career, had minor discussions with the Heat after free agency opened on Wednesday.

Memphis had no comment on Iverson’s interest in playing for the team.

The Grizzlies are believed to be weighing the pros and cons of signing Iverson, who would likely be asked to come off the bench.

Iverson wrote about his free-agent status on his Twitter page Thursday.

“I’m a Free Agent, healthy again, and capable of signing with any team,” he wrote. “My only preference will be to play for a coach that knows what I bring to the table and that I am going to bring it every night! Someone that knows how to best utilize my skills to make our team the very best that we can be.”

Toronto Raptors offer Shawn Marion 4-year deal

The Oracle’s Take: The Raptors aren’t anywhere near contending for a championship, in fact, it would be a surprise if they were able to make the playoffs.  The shouldn’t be spending their money on 31 year-old players who’s games are based solely on athleticism.  They should save the money and start rebuilding, starting with the trade of Chris Bosh before he leaves as a free agent next season anyway.

The Raptors have offered free-agent forward Shawn Marion a four-year deal worth more than $32 million, according to the Globe and Mail.

The deal could be worth as much as $34 million, according to the report, and is longer and more lucrative than the three-year, $21 million offer Toronto was reported to have made to Marion.

Jason Kidd intends to stay in Dallas

The Oracle’s Take: I believe that the Mavericks are overpaying for Jason Kidd.  If he was younger he would be worth that money for the stats and impact that he has, but he is getting older and won’t be an elite point guard for much longer.

Jason Kidd intends to return to the Mavericks for a three-year, $24 million deal, according to HoopsWorld.

HoopsWorld cited an “informed source.”

Kidd said that he would take the holiday weekend to mull over offers from both New York and Dallas.

Barring an unforeseen development, Kidd is expected to tell the Mavericks on Monday that he will accept the offer.

New Orleans Hornets are shopping Tyson Chandler Again

The Oracle’s Take: Even with the talented nucleus of Chris Paul, Tyson Chandler, David West, and James Posey, the Hornets aren’t anywhere near competing for the championship.  The Hornets should start rebuilding around Chris Paul with better players before it is too late.  If they can get Phoenix to take Chandler for Ben Wallace like it has been rumored, or trade Chandler for an expiring contract, then they should do it.

A number of sources said last week that the Hornets are again shopping center Tyson Chandler.

New Orleans general manager Jeff Bower could work on making a trade before he offers a contract to any free agent.

In addition, the Hornets could look to move one of their veteran guards, such as Morris Peterson, Antonio Daniels or Devin Brown.

The Hornets are also interested in bringing guard Jannero Pargo, who played overseas this past season, back.

Stephon Marbury doesn’t think he will be coming back to the Celtics

The Oracle’s Take: Stephon Marbury doesn’t deserve more than the Celtics offered him, especially considering his attitude problems and lack of productivity last season.  No team with offer him more than the Celtics did.

Free agent Stephon Marbury, the former New York Knicks guard who joined the Celtics midseason, says he doesn’t foresee a return to Boston after the team offered a veteran’s-minimum deal that would’ve paid $1.3 million, according to The Boston Globe.

“Thank you Boston for allowing the world to see me play again after all that went on in N.Y.,” Marbury said in an e-mail to The Globe. “The fans treated me with open arms and that’s all anyone can ask for.”

Marbury, 32, joined the Celtics on Feb. 27 after a buyout of his $22 million Knicks contract. Marbury told the Boston newspaper that three other teams, which he wouldn’t name, were interested in signing him for next season.

Marbury averaged 3.8 points, 3.3 assists and 18 minutes in 23 games last season with the Celtics.

Report: Celtics Offer Rasheed Wallace 2-Year Deal

This would really help the Celtics, though there will be problems if they re-sign Glen Davis.  Rasheed Wallace is just what the Celtics need.

ESPN: Rasheed Wallace, the free-agent forward who spent the last five-plus seasons in Detroit, got the full-court press from the Boston Celtics on Thursday, according to a report in The Boston Globe.

The Globe, citing a single NBA source, said that Celtics managing partner Wyc Grousbeck, team president Danny Ainge, coach Doc Rivers and All-Stars Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, all met with Wallace for three hours in Detroit.

The Celtics are reportedly offering a contract using the mid-level exception, the Globe reported. The newspaper said that Wallace didn’t make a decision during the meeting. The Boston Herald reported that Wallace has informed teams courting him that he won’t make a decision quickly.

Wallace averaged 12 points and 7.4 rebounds last season for the Pistons. For his 14-year career, he’s averaged 15 points and 6.9 rebounds per game.

Rumor: Pistons Reject Celtics’ Blockbuster Offer

The Boston Celtics offered the Detroit Pistons Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo for Rip Hamilton, Rodney Stuckey, and Tayshaun Prince, but it was immediately rejected.  It would have been a huge steal for the Celtics if it would have gone through.

RealGM: The Celtics reportedly offered Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen to the Pistons for Rodney Stuckey, Richard Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince.

League sources told Yahoo! Sports of the deal, which reportedly never made it past lower level executives as Detroit rejected the offer immediately.

The offer was made this past weekend.

Offseason Report: Boston Celtics

OFFSEASON REPORT

After a memorable 2007-2008 season, the Boston Celtics had a record-setting, yet disappointing 2008-2009 season.  After the now season-ending injury of Kevin Garnett, the Celtics lost their defensive edge and only true post presence.  With Glen “Big Baby” Davis now starting, the Celtics lost a defensive and emotional leader, as well as one of the best post players in the NBA.  Also, with Leon Powe’s injury, the Celtics were without a solid backup power forward.  All they had in their frontcourt, other than the starters, were Mikki Moore, Brian Scalabrine, and Bill Walker.  That’s not a good rotation.

Now to the offseason report.  There have been many reports of a Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo to Phoenix deal, but there is really no chance of that happening since Phoenix has no young players that could interest the championship-contending Boston Celtics.  With Ray Allen’s large expiring contract, the Celtics have many trade options, if they wanted to pursue that option and possibly start rebuilding.  Since most believe that the Celtics could win the championship next year if they were healthy and if they didn’t have to play both the Orlando Magic and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs.  With Kevin Garnett, the Celtics have a chance of beating the Orlando Magic, but the Cavaliers were constructed to matchup with the Garnett-led Celtics.

Let’s say that the Celtics decide to trade some key players for other stars in hopes that they can still contend.  Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett will not be traded under any circumstances unless the Lakers’ Kobe Bryant, the Cavaliers’ LeBron James, or the Magics’ Dwight Howard are offered.  Since those players as well as Dwyane Wade and Chris Paul will never be traded, they will have too look to acquire someone less than a superstar.  Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo are the most tradeable commodities that the Boston Celtics have on their roster.  There are many teams that would be willing to trade star players with long contracts for lesser stars with expiring contracts.  The best option for the Celtics though, is the Detroit Pistons.  A Ray Allen for Rip Hamilton would be a very helpful trade for both teams.  Although Ray Allen has the advantage in shooting, Rip Hamilton is a far superior defender, and as everyone knows defense is the Celtics’ speciality.

The Dye Has Been Cast

Well the Orlando Magic have made it the NBA’s showcase event,the NBA Finals. And based upon what we’ve all witnessed thus far. It’s hard to say how this team’ll really fare if it doesn’t regroup, play like a team that many believe that they’re capable of being.

Stan Van Gundy coach of the Orlando Magic addresses members of the convened press at the team’s training facilities in El Segundo , California. His team plays the Los Angeles Lakers in game two of the NBA Finals on Sunday . picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Stephen Dunn ……….

It was there for all to see in their magnificent efforts against both the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers in the previous rounds of the playoffs. Albeit that they’ve now ran into the a team , who in the Los Angeles Lakers ,looks as if they’ve got a predisposition with regards to a meeting with destiny.

Pau Gasol of the Lakers puts a shot up over the outstretched arm of the Magic’s Marcin Gortat. The Lakers would go on to defeat the Magic 100-75 in game one of the NBA Finals played at the Staples Center in Los Angeles , California. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Noah D Bernstein ……

And though game one now but a distant memory for the Magic after their 100-75 demolition at the hands of their Western opponents. The fact of the matter is we don’t really know who this team really is after Friday night’s seemingly lackluster effort on the part of the Magic. Granted they were outplayed by the Lakers through much of the game. But one would’ve expected more from this team altogether. Albeit that there’s not a member on the team’s roster that has any Finals’ experience. Which may well have in large part played a great deal in what we’d witnessed.