H2O!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
H2O!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
H2O!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The NBA needs you....the Knicks need you...Welcome home, Allan. Now I have a reason to watch the Knicks again. haven't done so since the glory days of Patrick Ewing, John Starks, Allan Houston, Larry Johnson, and Derek Harper.

I'm not an Zeke fan either, but I don't believe he sexually harrassed anyone; and certainly not to the tune of $11M. Crude? Yes. Insensitive? Yes. Ficscal idiot? Yes. Sexual harasser? No way.

Sorry about the trama to your labrum. But this is a sports forum, so you're suppsoed to spice it up; e.g.,, say your injured it serving up facials to the young guns in Lalaland. That would be cool. Anyway, good luck with your surgery. Maybe you'll get a bionic arm?

I like Odom too, Larry, but his game is soft at times; for me anyway. I'd like him to be more physical. I think he could do more on the boards too. You right, I'm sure, about Odom's heart, courage, and hard work, but that only takes you so far in the NBA.

USC will be fine.................Pete Carroll is a wonderful coach.....

You know, I'd love to see that silky jump shot again also, but I wouldn't get too excited about Houston just yet. I find it telling that the Nets (who he worked out for) didn't pursue him, and signed the 400 year old Darrell Armstrong instead. So we may never see the Alan Houston of old. Still, at least he's younger than Penny, so his comeback doesn't seem as absurd to me.

I could say I tore my shoulder fighting off a bear? Anyway, I hope I have better luck than Odom -- he's had a torn labrum twice now (not sure if it's the same shoulder or not). I think Odom's problem is one of focus and confidence more than being "soft." A lot of times he seems to disappear, joining the crowd of other players who are standing around watching Kobe play. He should be more assertive, but I don't think it's physicality that's the problem. He's obviously not a Carlos Boozer-bruiser type. In fact, on a team with a better front line, he might be best situated at small forward.

Pete Carroll is great, but you can only do so much with a bunch of young boneheads.

Thomas, everything I read suggests that Houston isn't even going to make the Knicks roster, let alone be out there firing up jump shots on a nightly basis. He should have tried to latch on with the Cavs instead (who might have some unexpected openings if they can't sign Varejao and Pavlovich).

Now I'm seeing that it was the Jazz who killed the Kirilenko for Marion swap. Kind of suprising, but I guess Utah figures it would be trading one malcontent for another. Marion would be just as whiny and miserable with the Jazz, being behind Williams and Boozer in the pecking order.

Haven't had a lot of time lately to keep up with NBA news. I've been busy working and watching college football, NFL, and MLB. But the only game I watched was the Raptors verses a Spanish team (can't remember the name) on ESPN. I wanted to see if Kapono fit in. He didn't look too good but maybe he just needs more time, but at least his shot is still there. Everything I read suggests that Chicago and Varejao are at a standstill. They are not even close to a deal; Varejao is being greedy; he's paid about right for what he brings to he court. He's a poor man's Dennis Rodman. Varejao has no other suitors so has no leverage in this.

Reports from realgm.com say that Ricky Davis is on the trading block. not exactly news I know. Ricky is volatile but he can definitely shoot; so he could fit in with the Knicks or the Heat. Isiah and Pat don't seem too concerned about ungentlemanly behavior off the court; they seem to be able to deal with it pretty well; they seem to like tortured souls and pop psychology.

I have been reading espn reports claiming that Buss is upset Kobe; thinks he's an ingrate, disloyal. and had the audacity to call BUss an idiot. Reports claim that Buss is now willing to listen to offers for his superstar. The ESPN guys seem to think that Kobe won't be traded until next off-season, right before the draft, when teams know the draft order and can put together their best packages for Kobe. All of them seem to think that Kobe will end up in Chicago for the 2007-2008 season. I'll believe it when I see it. Its hard to deal a player of Kobe's stature and salary; not to mention his full no-trade clause and cap liability. Sorry about Odom's heath and injuries, but I think you appreciate that guy way more than I do. He works hard but IMO is not an impact player.

Hey Larry, did you watch the LSU/Kentucky game. Good game, even though we lost. I told you LSU would be lucky to make it through the SEC without a loss ( I never expected that to happen). The SEC has the highest home winning percentage in the NCAA (about 70%) so its hard to win road games in this league, no matter the W/L record; that's how its always been and how it will likely remain. Plus for whatever reason, SEC teams seem to enjoy killing each other; they play harder against each other than out of conference teams. The rivalries are intense. But I don't think LSU will lose again though; they've already faced their two toughest tests in the SEC; Florida and Kentucky (the best two offenses, and, the two best QBs, in the SEC), and they won one (Florida) and lost one (Kentucky); about what I expected. There was no way LSU was gonna go undefeated, despite all the hoopla and national acclaim accorded them. It just doesn't work that way in the SEC.

Too bad about Cal, but Oregon is a good team too. Bet Cal ends up in the Rose Bowl. That's always a good thing. The BCS title game is gonna look real weird with no USC, no Cal, no Florida, no LSU, and no Oklahoma in it, huh? Looks like tOSU could make a return trip though. They're probably chopping at the bit to make up for last year's fiasco.

Larry, only a few more weeks before the NBA kicks off for real. I can't wait. And thanks again for sending us Drew Brees and Reggie Bush. I love those guys; I don't care how many games we lose, but I reckon you have to be a Saints fan to know the reason.

First off, congratulations on the Saints first win! No joke -- you could be stuck with the Rams or the Fins. As for college, I wouldn't write off LSU's chances for the championship game. Clearly, this is the year of the snake-bitten top 25. I'm sure OSU and Southern Florida will take their turns losing to some cream puff opponent. I would write off USC's chances though. With yet another unimpressive win over a weak Pac 10 opponent, they're sure to lose more games this season. By the way, if the SEC teams cannibalize each other, so does the Pac 10.

As for Kobe, Chicago makes sense as a destination, although as some of the more alert ESPN writers mention, if Chicago goes far this season with its current roster, they might not be so eager to break things up. But Kobe wants to play there, so the no trade clause doesn't matter, and Reinsdorf has got to know that Kobe will fill seats and bring sponsors galore, so it would be worth the cash outlay. The question would be who and how many of their talented young players the Bulls would be willing to sacrifice for the privilege.

Not that Isiah has any sense when it comes to trades, but why would the Knicks want yet another ball hog in Ricky Davis when they already are trying to wrest the ball out of Marbury's hands? Davis is an OK shooter, but he's more of a ball handling slasher than someone who camps out on the 3 point line and can score when needed. I don't think Davis fits well with the Heat either (except when Wade is off the floor), but Miami is understandably desperate at this point. But who are they going to give back to the Wolves? Haslem is the only player I would take if I were Minny, and I can't believe Riley would do that deal.

We know DWade can't play every single minute, even if he needs to, and the Heat haven't really found a reliable backup for DWade, so they could use someone like Ricky Davis.....only NOT Ricky Davis. The Heat can't afford Ricky Davis, not outright, and a straight up trade would be difficult for them too. Maybe White Cocolate for Davis? They make about the same, IIRC.....(Can the Heat/TWolves do a S&T?). But the Knicks can afford Davis, they don't mind spending, and, they also have enough pieces to work a trade. Ricky is a handful; crazy, selfish, and an bona fide egomaniac; just the kind of player Isiah likes.

I checked out the H2O situation in New York papers. You're right. Looks like Fred Jones will beat out H2O. Damn. I was looking forward to Allan Houston again. Knicks would have three truly good guys on that teams with H2O aboard (Lee, Malik, and H2O).

Didn't mean to disparage the Pac10 Larry. I have a lot of respect for USC, Cal, and Oregon. But if you think USC had trouble with Arizona, wait til LSU/AUburn clash this weekend; LSU wll have their hands full with Auburn this weekend (Auburn has a terrific defense), especially if Miles neuters the defense again with the same soft zone he employed against Florida and Kentucky, so the score in the LSU/Auburn game could look very similar to the score in the USC/Arizona game. Lot of people don't know this, but trust me, LSU fans know: that LSU offense goes as Early Doucette goes (Early is their best receiver; he's been out with injury the last month, but is scheduled to return this weekend), especially in an offensive shoot-out.

Thanks for the kind words about the Saints. Brees looked good, huh? Reggie too. I can't believe the bad luck the Rams are having. Their fans must be be on a collective suicide watch. Man, either Gus Ferrotte sucks, or, his OL and receiver core must hate his guts.

Memphis' Latest Rock Star

I tried to make a Grizzlies pre-season roster for you guys with photos I've taken during scrimmage and open practice. It didn't turn out like I wanted (1. because I suck at taking pictures!! and 2. I lack the skills it takes to make a professional looking document!!!!) But here it is anyway:

Chicago would have to give up too much of it's core of young studs to get Kobe. they've got a better shot with what they have now. No denying Kobe's a great player but it'll cost any contender or close-to-contender way too mcuh to get him, unless the Lakers are so desperate to ship him out. I can't imagine that though. If nothing else he is at least a ticket seller.

Smokey, I'm impressed by your effort and devotion whatever the results. Not impressed by Elvis Gasol though. No offense, but that guy should stick to the courts.

As for the Lakers, I'm afraid that the comings and/or going of Kobe is going to be more exciting than anything they actually do on the court this season.

I know its only a preseason game and a lot of starters did not get all that much playing time - Bosh nursing a sore knee didn't even dress - but nonetheless the Raps looked alright against the Bulls tonight in the game I went to at the ACC. The Bulls likewise rested starters Ben Gordon and Ben Wallace so I don't put too much weight in the result - but the Raps looked good - leading by 20 at one point and coasting to a 92-82 win. Andrea Bargnani was most impressive scoring 19 points with limited playing time. Soon the real games begin.

That's what really torques me off about pre-season games: I pay regular season prices, but the stars don't show up. We play Miami tonight and there will be no Shaq, no Wade (of course he is hurt),and no Pau (sprained ankle), all I'll see is mainly 2nd and 3rd strings players along with some soon to be cut. I understand not wanting to get your stars hurt and I do like viewing some of the up and coming players, but a little more bang for my buck wouldn't hurt my feelings either.

I've never been to a pre-season game nor have I ever paid any attention to pre-season results, just for the reasons you two mention. Even back in the Lakers' championship years, they always had lousy pre-season records, because Phil Jackson couldn't care less about the pre-season either.

I can't believe they charge regular prices! That's criminal.

Smokey, are you sure Pau didn't sprain his ankle doing those Elvis impressions?

The pre-season games are a part of the price I pay for season tickets, but it also assures me I'll be first in line to purchase all those Memphis Grizzlies playoff tickets (LOL).

As for Pau, that magazine article was in the Spanish Rolling Stone. He was just doing what he was told for publicity for Memphis. The only thing most people know how Memphis is Elvis Presley. The marketing strategy is to get more europeans to visit Memphis, by not so subtly linking the two things they know best about Memphis together. It was not his idea. He was just following directions.

The part of the marketing strategy from the grizzlies I don't get is the game they chose for Spain Night. Last time it was when we played Toronto, made sense both teams have players from Spain. This year who do you think we play? Toronto? NO! Portland, perhaps? NO. We play Sacramento. Pau playing Elvis, I get. The Kings being our opponent for Spain Night, I don't!

Actually with the Raptors - they included tickets for free to their home pre-season games to full season ticket subscribers. At least they did for new season ticket buyers. The seats I had for last Friday's games are new season tickets that a good friend bought this season. Not only did the pre-season tickets come for free but there was a pretty good discount for the seats compared to the price people pay for single game tickets in the same section for regular season games. They are 4th row in the upper bowl at the ACC towards one corner - but not a bad view. Single game tickets in that section go for $40.00 but for season ticket holders the cost worked out to about $26.00 per ticket. So I'm going to at least 6 of the regular season games fairly cheaply. (Until you add the $9.50 beers etc.)

Someone probably thought Francisco Garcia was from Spain.

AP just reported a big trade between the TWolves and Heat. Heat is sending Antoine Walker ($8.5M/yr), Michael Doleac ($3.1M/yr), Wayne Simien ($1M/yr), and a conditional 1st rd draft pick (lottery-protected in 2008; protected through #10 in 2009, through #6 in 2010, and unprotected in 2011) to the TWolves in exchange for the trigger-fingered, me-first Ricky Davis ($6.8M/yr), and Marl Blount ($6.7M/yr). Heat send TWolves $$12.6M; TWolves send Heat $13.5M, which satisfies the CBA trade guidelines.

Don't know what to make of this deal, but I think it benefits the Heat more than the TWolves. Both Ricky Davis and Antoine Walker will fire long range bullets if given the tiniest opening, but Ricky has a higher 3-pt shooting percentage and points made than Antoine. So, if Pat can tame Ricky, the trade advantage goes to the Heat. I can't see Ricky Baby deferring to Shaq and Dwade; he might not like his new role as the third or fourth option on offense. Mark Blount is a decent player and should be a serviceable backup for Shaq, but a $6.7M/yr back-up center? Pricey. What will the addition of Antoine Walker mean to the TWolves? Besides an increase in the TWolves food budget, not much. Antoine is an inconsistent player, especially from long range. Plus, neither Ricky nor Antoine works very hard on defense, but at least Antoine should be able to help with rebounding. TWolves are deliberately and consciously self-destructing. What the hell is Kevin McHale up to this off-season? Why the all out fire sale in Minny?

Every time I think that Kevin McHale is a mere idiot, he does something to prove me wrong: he's a monumental idiot!

WTF is he doing indeed? Ricky Davis is a handful, and potentially a bad influence, but he's got a lot of talent and offense. Antoine Walker is a lazy, fat, out of shape, good for nothing, 40% free throw shooting, 27% 3 point chucking waste. And he will be just as bad an influence on the young Wolves as Ricky.

Some have speculated that Minny is going to buy out Walker's contract, meaning all they get out of this is a lottery-protected first round pick. Hell, they could have let the team janitor trade Ricky -- he could have gotten more for him than McHale did.

FOX is debating whether to change the title of it's hit show from "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader" to "Are You Smarter Than Kevin McHale" or "Are You Smarter Than Isiah Thomas". The Network expects to give away billions of dolars more in prize money.

Miami definitely got the best of that deal. (Even though Ricky Davis is about my least favorite player in the league, he has skills and can shoot the ball.) Luckily for other GMs' out there, McHale says he not done dealing yet (LOL).

Memphis picked up the options on Rudy Gay, Kyle Lowry, and Hakim Warrick, today. They also cut former Razorback, Dontell Jefferson. I think our opening day roster is now set.

Well - the battle for the small forward spot continued for the Raptors tonight with Carlos Delfino playing his best game of the pre-season with 18 points and 9 rebounds as the Raps rolled over the Cavs 111 - 78. He is in a battle with Joey Graham and Jason Kapono for that spot.

Bosh returned for the first time in 3 weeks and scored 12 wearing a brace on his knee. Raptors still have 16 men in camp and odds are it will either be Juan Dixon or Luke Jackson the odd man out when the Raps name their 15 man roster next week.

At one point in tonight's game the Raptors led 105-74 even though Mitchell was substituting freely and the Cavs were largely sticking with their starters. I know it is only pre-season - but the Raps are looking pretty good and I really do have to wonder if some of those predictions of the ESPN experts may be shortchanging the Raps a bit. Hollinger has them pegged for 8th in the conference and 16th in his overall league rankings. Stein has the Raps missing the playoffs finishing 9th in the conference. The Canadian media 'experts' expect more of the Raps with the TSN rankings having them ranked 10th overall in the league - 4th in the conference.

Although who really cares what pre-season ranking media give the Raps - since last year they had us down around 28th - and at one point had risen has high as #5 or 6 by late in the regular season. One week to go and then the real games begin.

When they hear the words "Kevin McHale is on the phone," I bet the other GMs start to salivate instantly.

Why is this board so slow tonight? Took five minutes for this window to pop up. I'm not getting any younger.

Pat (Juan is out I'll bet), are the Raptors that good? Hard to say at this point. The Celtics whupped up on the Cavs pretty good tonight too. Maybe the Cavs need/miss Varajao?

Larry and Smokey (good for Rudy....love that guy), nice to know you guys hold Mc Hale in such high regard. It looks like Kevin has decided to maximize his return and trim the team payroll to the bare bone. If not that, then I don't know what he's up to. His actions make no sense.

Realgm.com is reporting that Luol Deng has been offfered a 5 yr/$50M extension. That's more than the $48M Kirk Henrich earns. Is Luol worth more than Kirk? Oh yes. Is Ben Gordon worth more than Kirk Heinrich? I don't think so. But the Bulls have been trying to trade Ben, so obviosuly they don't value his services as much as Deng's.

Larry, that biting wit of yours is in fine form these days.

Well, we will have to see whether Deng and/or Gordon end up with the Lakers first -- I'm sure that's what Scott Skiles is thinking. Reportedly, the trade talks have been fast and furious. BUt Kobe will probably veto anything that makes sense for the Lakers.

The Cavs could be in a real disappointment this year if they can sign neither Varejao or Pavlovic. They were a fugazi finals teams last year (to paraphrase Tim Taylor); without those guys they will really be in for a fall this season.

A friend of mine told me, the Lakers were in serious talks with both the Bulls and Knicks. He said he believes Kobe will end up being traded to New York on Tuesday, since their offer is currently better than the Bulls + Paxson wants to see how good his team is, before gutting it for Kobe. Pax would prefer to wait until December to trade. Buss wants Kobe gone, so if Pax doesn't up his offer Kobe will be a Knick (but of course Kobe can veto the trade). This story has more twists than a soap opera.

Indeed. But don't blame Kobe. He's just doing his part to keep attention on the NBA -- heck, who cares about the Red Sox at a time like this?

Seriously, I can't see how the Knicks could possibly be a viable trading partner. Unlike Chicago, they don't have the pieces the Lakers (or anyone else) would want. They'd have to give up almost every good player they have, at which point there is no way Kobe would want to play there (and he's got that almighty veto). There's no way the Lakers would take Randolph or Marbury, so that means the Knicks would have to give up something like Curry, Lee, Balkman and Nate Robinson (with whatever throw-ins by both teams to make salaries match within 25%). Can you imagine Kobe on a team with Zach Randolph and Starbury? Actually, that would be pretty funny. Kobe would be demanding another trade by November 1.

Moved post to new thread for the regular season