Players Getting Paid More

It's players like LeBron James, Allen Iverson, Kevin Garnett and, of course, Los Angeles Lakers teammate Kobe Bryant that has Luke Walton and every player in the NBA thanking them for getting an extra $25K from their licensing check in the mail. James, Iverson, Garnett and Bryant were the top four in jersey sales worldwide.

"Thanks, Kobe Bryant. Thanks, LeBron James," Luke Walton said, laughing. "You open the mail and have a check you don't even count on, that's beautiful."

President of the NBA Player's Association, and also Lakers teammate, Derek Fisher is thankful to those guys and is also to thank for getting this done, reported by the L.A. Times. Fisher helped

"The good part about it I think -- at least for most guys -- is that it's evenly distributed," Fisher said. "We recognize that our star players, they carry the load, in terms of the face of our game and the jersey sales that go on. So we're appreciative of the fact that they're in it too."

Thanks to Fisher and the top four jersey sellers in the world, everyone playing in the league will get the same amount, whether it'd be a superstar in Dwyane Wade, a bench player in Kyle Korver, a rookie in Anthony Morrow or Antoine Walker, who hasn't even played a minute. Way to spread the wealth.

Stackhouse Wants Out of Dallas

Less than a year ago, Jerry Stackhouse tried to find a way to come back to the Dallas Mavericks after almost being traded to the New Jersey Nets for Jason Kidd. Now he's trying to get out and he's unhappy with new coach Rick Carlisle. Out of the Star-Telegram, Carlisle's offense doesn't mesh well with Stackhouse's style. His agent, Jeff Schwartz, is seeking a buyout or trade. Schwartz is also the agent of teammates Josh Howard and Jason Kidd.

Stackhouse, 34, is averaging career lows of 5.3 PPG, 1.1 RPG 1.3 APG in 17.6 MPG through eight games with the 3-7 Mavs and didn't play in the OT win against the New York Knicks. He was disappointed that he didn't play in the game because he played Wilson Chandler, Quentin Richardson and Jamal Crawford over the summer and that they were "scared" to guard him.

Stackhouse on his options of leaving the team:

"I’m exploring options. The team is always going to protect itself. I can’t force their hand to do anything. I don’t really know all the options right now. I think it’s to the point now where it’s time to start researching some things and seeing if there’s other possibilities that make more sense for me right now."

President Donnie Nelson explains the problem and what he plans to do:

"Our first choice would be for what Jerry brings to the team, with his experience and playoff skins, toughness and intensity. Those things are valuable. It’s just that during this period of time, we’ve got to be able to bring some of our younger players along as well. Therein lies the conflict. With our relationship and openly and honestly communicating, we’ll be able to come up with a game plan and hopefully that game plan will be one that includes Jerry in a Maverick uniform. If it’s just not a comfortable situation, if it’s a situation where the minutes are just not there, then we’ll work together with his agent and see if there’s some win-win together for both of us."

There's no bad blood between him and Carlisle, but Stackhouse has made it clear that he's ready to move on:

"The key part is there’s really no conflict with us. It’s understood that it’s his job to coach the team, but it’s my job to protect my future. I’ve got to have some say-so and dictate with the role that I’m kind of in now, that I’m ready to accept that. I don’t think I’m ready to fully accept that at this point."

It's not like he knew that he wanted to get out when Carlisle came, but Stackhouse had at least a couple of opportunities to get out of Dallas before. The first being the Jason Kidd trade, where he said he would come back after getting traded. The NBA then stepped in and said that any trade the Mavs make for Jason Kidd must not include Stackhouse. If he was, he couldn't go back. The second was over the summer where the Sacramento Kings were shopping Ron Artest and the Mavs offered Stackhouse and Brandon Bass. The Kings wanted Josh Howard and the talks fell through.

He isn't demanding a trade, but he hopes to return to the franchise with a coaching or front office position. In an e-mail to the Star-Telegram, owner Mark Cuban, who's going through legal troubles unrelated to the team, said that Stackhouse could be valuable to the team "on and off the court." The article also says that the Mavs hope for Stackhouse to mentor Antoine Wright and Gerald Green.

Stackhouse, a 14-year veteran, is no stranger to new teams. In his career he's played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons and the Washington Wizards. If he does move, he'll try to go to a contender, such as the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers or maybe his old team the Pistons, with recently acquired Allen Iverson.

The Celtics lost James Posey, but Tony Allen has stepped up. What if Stackhouse went there? What if the Lakers got another good player in addition to Kobe and Co.? What if the Cavs fit him into their second unit with Wally Szczerbiak, Anderson Varejao and Daniel Gibson? What if Stackhouse went back to the city that embraced him the most and teamed up with Rasheed Wallace, Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince and A.I.?

All four of those teams could go after Stackhouse. The Cavs made a move for Mo Williams over the summer and are rumored to go after Vince Carter again. The Pistons traded Chauncey Billups for A.I. this year. Every team except the Pistons made moves before the trade deadline last year. Stackhouse could be the difference maker on any of those teams if he's done in Dallas. If he is done, expect him to look for a ring.

Nuggets Looking at Randolph

So far, Zach Randolph hasn't caused any problems for the New York Knicks. That could be one of the reasons they're 5-3 under Mike D'Antoni. He's drawn attention from the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers and now the Denver Nuggets, according to The Knicks Fix on New York Newsday. Every one of those teams are looking for a power forward. Chicago has Tyrus Thomas and Drew Gooden, the Cavs have Ben Wallace and Anderson Varejao and the Nuggets have Kenyon Martin.

After landing Chauncey Billups and Cheikh Samb from the Pistons for Allen Iverson, the Nuggets could make another move by moving Martin to the Knicks. They're still trying to move Randolph for cap space in 2010 and the Nuggets' Carmelo Anthony, Nené and head coach George Karl all agree that they need another big man, according to the Rocky Mountain News. Nuggets' Owner Stan Kroenke rejcted Karl's plea to re-sign Juwawn Howard because of salary cap issues. Another note, the Knicks traded Renaldo Balkman to Denver over the summer for Taurean Green and Bobby Jones, both waived after the trade.

Randolph has three years left with $48 million on his contract. He's been an effective center for the Knicks thus far. Martin also has three years left on his contract with a player option for 2010, so both can be traded for straight-up. The Knicks would have to trade him again before 2010 or involve a third party like the Charlotte Bobcats because Martin most likely won't want to give up over $16.5 million in 2010. The Bobcats have been shopping Gerald Wallace, but his contract has four years left, so the Knicks might not want him unless they see him as a good trade piece.

If you package Wallace with Sean May (one year left on contract) to the Knicks, Martin could go to Charlotte and Randolph to Denver. It could work. Randolph could make an instant impact for Denver with Anthony, Billups, Nené and Dhantay Jones. Another big man, capable of going 20-10 any night could help the Nuggets into the playoffs. Out of the first round, maybe not. He could also break this team if he goes back to his old attitude instead of his new one. It's all up to him.

David Lee would have to step up for the Knicks in place of Randolph. After starting for the first few games, he was benched when Wilson Chandler played very well off the bench. Eddy Curry hasn't hasn't seen any time this season, getting benched and out with and injury. It'd be fun to see the super-athletic Wallace in the mix with Lee, Chandler, Chris Duhon and Jamal Crawford.

Martin getting in with the Bobcats with Emeka Okafor, Jason Richardson, Raymond Felton should be interesting. They might have to move Okafor to center and put Adam Morrison in the starting line-up at small forward. It should be interesting how Larry Brown would incorperate him into their game.

Randolph is gathering some attention from at least three teams with his play and the Knicks early success. Eventually, he'll be traded, but for now, it looks like he's turned over a new leaf. When asked if he'd have any hard feelings towards the Knicks if he was traded, it sounded like a more mature person.

“Nah, it’s a business, it’s not personal. I learned that from a lot of older guys...Whatever do happen, I’m going to be ready.”

So as he wonders which team will land him as his agent keeps him updated on who wants him, Randolph will have to keep his new attitude, play hard, and reap the benefits he's been missing out on for a long time.

Kevin Johnson, Sacramento's New Mayor

Congratulations to Sacramento's Mayor-Elect Kevin Johnson, beating out imcumbent Heather Fargo. He became the city's first African-American Mayor. I couldn't vote for him because I live outside the city limits, but he'll definitely improve the city.

The Sacramento native grew up in Oak Park, right down the street from where I go to school at. KJ was drafted by the Cleveland Cavliers and traded his rookie year to the Phoenix Suns, where he enjoyed becoming an NBA All-Star and a great career. He reached the Finals in 1993. After retiring in 1998, he came back in 2000 to replace the injured Jason Kidd for the Suns in the playoffs. He helped the team into the second round, losing to the Los Angeles Lakers.

He finished with career stats of 17.9 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 9.1 APG and 1.5 SPG. One of his many career highlights was his dunk on Hakeem Olajuwon.

After he retired again, KJ helped revitalized the neighborhood he grew up in through St. HOPE, the organization he founded. It created 14 businesses, 282 jobs, and $11 million in development, not to mention involvement with the youth of the community.

In his first interview since being elected mayor with KCRA 3 television station this morning, KJ intends to meet with the city manager, treasurer and each member of the city council. With him in office, he could work on getting the Kings a new arena at Cal Expo, which means a major revitalization of the home of the California State Fair.

KJ has a plan for his and my hometown. He wants it to become a city like Los Angeles or San Francisco. I don't know how it's going to turn out, but with what he's done with Oak Park, I'd like to see with Sacramento. I believe it's a step in the right direction.

Eric Snow to Retire, Made 3 Finals Appearances

Eric Snow enjoyed his career, playing with

Gary Payton, Allen Iverson, and LeBron James.

After 13 seasons in the NBA with the Seattle SuperSonics, Philadelphia 76ers, and Cleveland Cavaliers, the 35 year old Eric Snow is calling it quits because of "chronic problems with his left knee," according to the Akron Beacon Journal's Brian Windhorst. Snow had arthritis-related symptoms in his knee early March and the last game he played was February 22nd in a 90-89 win against the Washington Wizards, the game before Ben Wallace and others joined the Cavs.

Snow got his reputation for being a solid defender with the Sixers, averaging over 1.2 SPG from when he joined the team from 1998-2004. In the 98-99 season, Snow averaged 2.1 SPG. He started every regular season game with the team since then.

Drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks with the #43 pick out of Michighan State, but got picked up by the Sonics, Snow reached the NBA Finals with each team he played for. His rookie year in Seattle, Snow reached the Finals alongside Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp, losing to Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in 1996.

In 2001 he played alongside Allen Iverson in NBA Finals, only to lose to Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers. He went on to play the best basketball of his career with the team, averaging 12.9 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 6.6 APG and 1.6 SPG in the 02-03 season. He also had 2 consecutive 82 games seasons starting in every game.

Snow made his last stop in Cleveland, playing alongside LeBron James in 2004. In 2007 he went on to make his 3rd and last Finals appearance getting swept by the San Antonio Spurs.

He won the 2000 NBA Sportsmanship Award, an award won by David Robinson, Ray Allen and most recently Grant Hill for a second time. The Canton, Ohio native was also active in the community and won the National Basketball Players Association Community Contribution Award along with Kevin Garnett and Marcus Camby and the J. Walker Kennedy Citizenship Award in 2005. He was also selected as one of the Sporting News "Good Guys from 2002-04.

Snow had a solid NBA career for a player who never made an All-Star team. Even so, he was a great role-player, especially in Philadelphia. In 846 games played, he started in 551, over 65% of the games he played in. For his career, he averaged 6.5 PPG, 2.5 RPG 5 APG and 1.1 SPG.

Snow learned from and played with some of the best players in NBA history, and he was right by their side playing with them.

Mo Williams Trade Works For Every Team

With the Cavs getting Mo Williams, the Bucks getting Luke Ridnour and the Thunder getting Desmond Mason, every team will be better next season.

Cleveland Caviliers get Mo Williams

Line-Up: PG- Mo Williams, SG- Delonte West (if re-signed), SF- LeBron James, PF- Ben Wallace, C- Zydrunas Ilgauskas

Finally someone to take some of the scoring load off LeBron. He's been telling the front office to get him a point guard who can score. Who'd they get? 17.4 PPG 6 APG Mo Williams. They lose Joe Smith and Damon Jones in the deal, and possibly Delonte West, but both can be easily replaced and Anderson Varejao can see more playing time. I think they'll miss Smith's 51.2% FG though.

Milwaukee Bucks get Luke Ridnour, Damon Jones, Adrian Griffin

Line-Up: PG- Ramon Sessions, SG- Michael Redd, SF- Richard Jefferson, PF- Charlie Villanueva, C- Andrew Bogut

Getting Luke Ridnour will help boost their bench. Ridnour had a tough season as a back-up after breaking his nose in the pre-season. But anyone's numbers will drop if they were reduced to a back-up role. He is a better player than last year and can bounce back. Ridnour could create some competition with 2nd year point Sessions in training camp, and if Sessions doesn't deliver what he did the last part of the season, Ridnour could start. Sessions averaged 10 PPG and 10 APG at the end of the season, including a 20 point 24 assist performance, which set a franchise record.

Damon Jones will help Redd with much needed 3-point shooting off the bench. That is, if he gets off the bench with Charlie Bell and Tyronn Lue in his way.

Oklahoma City Thunder get Desmond Mason, Joe Smith

Line-Up: PG- Earl Watson, SG- Kevin Durant, SF- Desmond Mason, PF- Jeff Green, C- Robert Swift

Desmond Mason isn't just good for the franchise, but the city as well. Mason was on the Hornets team in 2006 that played it's home games in Oklahoma City. He also played his college ball at Oklahoma State. The Seattle Supersonics drafted Mason and won the 2001 Slam Dunk Contest playing for the Sonics. He gives the team a small forward they can rely on to take the scoring load off ROY Durant. Smith will be a great back-up veteran big man to mentor a young team like the Thunder, much like Kurt Thomas did before he was traded to the Spurs.

In one way or another, the trade works out for every team.

At least I was right about Williams and Ridnour about where they were moving when I first heard the rumor. (see link below).

http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/Mo_Williams_to_Cavs_in_3_Way_Trade_Delonte_West_Out/303943

Donte Greene Goes off for 40 on Day 4

Rockets (1-0) v. Suns (0-1)

We got our first 40 point performance, thanks to Donte Greene leading the Rockets past the Suns 100-97, the highest scoring game yet. Greene, who also had 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals, shot 12-20 from the field, 5-10 beyond the arc, 11-12 free throws and 36 of his points came from the first 3 quarters. Mike Harris also played big with 21 points on 9-14 shooting and 13 rebounds while Maarty (with 2 A's) Leunen had 16 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists off the bench. Aaron Brooks had 13 points and 4 rebounds.

D.J. Strawberry, son of former baseball player Darryl Strawberry, put up 22 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, a block and a steal. Alando Tucker also posted 22 points and 6 rebounds, along with 2 assists. In his debut, Robin Lopez, twin brother of Brook had 19 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks while Iowa State's Jiri Hubalek had 10 points and 3 rebounds off the bench.

Knicks (1-0) v. Cavaliers (0-1)

In another thriller, Wilson Chandler led the Knicks to a 97-94 win, putting up 26 points, 8 boards, 3 assists, 2 blocks and 2 steals. Alan Roberson had a great night with 22 points, 2 assists and a block while Mardy Collins had 17 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Danillo Gallinari made his debut with 14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and a block.

Rookie J.J. Hickson also had a solid debut with 26 points and 9 rebounds for the Cavs, and Clay Tucker had 17 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks off the bench. Darnell Jackson 10 points and 8 rebounds, Mike Green had 4 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, a block and a steal, and Robert "Tractor" Traylor had 8 points 3 rebounds and a block after spending some time out of the NBA recovering from heart surgery.

Blazers (1-0) v. Wizards (0-1)

Jerryd Bayless scored 28 points (with the help of 18 free throws made) and 4 rebounds in his debut to help the Blazers edge the Wizards 78-73. Finland's Petteri Koponen pitched in 19 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal, while Josh Davis added 10 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks and Bernard Robinson had 7 points, 7 rebounds and a block.

Andray Blatche came in and dropped 17 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals and a block for the Wizards and Nick Young chipped in 17 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists. Wake Forest's Frank Elegar had 10 points and 4 rebounds while both Dominique McGuire and Vladimir Veremeenko each had 6 points 5 boards and a block. JaVale McGee had 11 points and 3 blocks.

Nuggets (2-0) v. Raptors (0-2)

Taurean Green led his team with 17 points on 3-3 shooting and hitting 9 free throws, along with 3 rebounds and 4 assists, leading his team to a 90-79 win over the Raps. Elton Brown had a double double with 11 points and 10 rebounds while Dhantay Jones posted 16 points and 3 rebounds. Bobby Jones, Mike Hall and Curtis Sumpter, all had 10 points and 4 rebounds.

Joey Graham had 16 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists for the Raptors and John Lucas had 11 points 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Coleman Collins 11 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal. C.J. Giles put up 8 points, 4 rebounds, 4 blocks and a steal.

Mavericks (1-2) v. (0-1) Timberwolves

Reyshawn Terry starred off the bench with 15 points, 4 rebounds and a block in the Mavs first summer league win 88-74. Jajuan Smith had 19 points and a steal while Shan Foster had 17 points and 3 rebounds. Pape Sow had 6 points, 6 rebounds and a block and James Singleton had 6 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal. Gerald Green did not play.

Kevin Love debuted in the T'Wolves first games, with 18 points, 13 rebounds and a steal. Sophomore Corey Brewer had 11 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal while Blake Ahearn had 17 points off the bench. Chris Richard had 4 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal and Pooh Jeter had 9 points and 5 assists.

Spurs (1-0) v. Grizzlies (2-1)

Ian Mahinmi helped the Spurs fend off a late Grizzlies rally to win 78-76 in their summer league debut. Mahinmi led the team with 18 points and 8 rebounds and George Hill put in 17 points and 8 rebounds. Anthony Tolliver had 13 points and 4 rebounds and Devin Green had 12 points, 4 rebounds and a steal.

Darrell Arthur had a bounce back game and led the Grizzlies with 23 points, 6 rebounds and a block while O.J. Mayo had 18 points on 5-17 shooting, 6 rebounds and 2 assists. He also hit a 67 foot shot. P.J. Tucker 12 points, 9 rebounds off the bench, 2 steals and a block while Ebi Ere had 11 points and a block off the bench. Javaris Crittenton had 6 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists.

Day 4 had the best performance yet from Donte Greene. Hopefully, the best is yet to come.

Best of the East

Boston, Detroit, Orlando and Cleavland. All of them dominated the Eastern Conference, but their were a lot of great individual performances too. Atlanta clinched their first playoff spot since 1999, Philadelphia surged late in the season for their first playoff spot since Allen Iverson left and Washington relied on their other All-Stars Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison despite Gilbert Arenas missing most of the season. Even though the West had dominance, there were stories in the East too.

All Atlantic Division Team

Kevin Garnett

C- Samuel Dalembert PHI 10.7-10.4-.5-2.4
PF- Kevin Garnett BOS 18.9-9.3-3.5
SF- Andre Iguodala PHI 19.9-5.4-4.8-2.1 SPG
SG- Vince Carter NJN 21.6-6.1-5

PG- Jose Claderon TOR 11.5-2.9-8.3

Paul Pierce BOS 19.9-5.2-4.6
Chris Bosh TOR 22.5-8.8-2.5
Richard Jefferson NJN 22.5-4.2-3
Zach Randolph NYK 17.6-10.3-2

Andre Miller PHI 17.1-4-6.8
Ray Allen BOS 17.7-3.7-3.1
Jamal Crawford NYK 20.7-2.6-5

All Central Division Team

LeBron James

C- Andew Bogut MIL 14.2-9.8-2.6-1.8 BPG
PF- Danny Granger IND 19.1-6.1-2.1
SF- LeBron James CLE 30.3-7.9-7.2-1.9 SPG
SG- Michael Redd MIL 23.5-4.4-3.5
PG- Chauncey Billups DET 17.2-2.8-6.9
Drew Gooden CHI-CLE14.3-9.3-1.7
Zydrunas Ilgauskas CLE 14-9.3-1.4
Danny Granger IND 19.1-6.1-2.1
Mike Dunleavy IND 18.7-5.2-3.4
Mo Williams MIL 17.2-3.5-6.3
Richard Hamilton DET 17.6-3.3-4.2
Ben Gordon CHI 18.9-3.1-3

All Southeast Division Team

Dwight Howard

C- Dwight Howard ORL 20.9-14.4-1.4-2.2
PF- Antawn Jamison WAS 21.5-10.2-1.5
SF- Josh Smith ATL 17.3-8.4-3.4-1.5-2.8
SG- Dwyane Wade MIA 24.6-4.2-6.9-1.7 SPG
PG- Raymond Felton CHA 14.3-2.9-7.3
Caron Butler WAS 20.3-6.7-4.9-2.21 SPG
Joe Johnson ATL 22.1-4.6-5.8
Jason Richardson CHA 21.5-5.3-3.2
Shawn Marion MIA-PHX 14.3-11.2-2.5
Hedo Turkoglu ORL 19.6-5.8-4.9
Gerald Wallace CHA 19.4-6-3.5
Rashard Lewis ORL 18.3-5.4-2.4

Rookie of the Eastern Conference

Al Horford, Atlanta Hawks
10.2 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.9 BPG

Best Defensive Player

Josh Smith
8.3 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 2.3 BPG

Most Improved

Hedo Turkoglu

Last Season: 13.3 PPG, 4 RPG, 3.2 APG
This Season: 19.9 PPG, 5.8 RPG 5 APG

Look Ahead for the Eastern Conference

When the Celtics acquired Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen the East was considered to be a powerhouse once again. Then the only teams that really separated themselves from the pack were the Celtics, Pistons and Magic. Now a team doesn't have a .500 record to be in the playoffs, but like the West, many teams are still in the playoff hunt. Other than the Celtics, there might be a new playoff team.

1. Boston Celtics (41-9) Getting Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen made Paul Pierce very happy. The one weak spot that they were thought to have was a good point guard. Look at Rajon Rondo now. Center Kendrick Perkins has been a great starter too. That 72-10 record is out of reach now, but they're a top 2 playoff team at the least. They've lost KG for 9 games and played well for the most part. It could be tough for them later on because the Pistons are trailing them.


2. Detroit Pistons (39-13) The Pistons are still one of the elite teams of the East. They haven't done anything different than last year except move Rasheed Wallace to center. A big part of their success is the rise of Jason Maxiell in the starting line-up. They didn't re-sign Chris Webber and traded Nazr Mohammed, but things have worked out for the better. Unless the Magic or Cavs have something to say, the East is gearing up for the Celtics-Pistons Eastern Conference Finals match-up. It's been a while since that happened.


3. Orlando Magic (33-21) The Magic have had a great season this far. After a red hot 16-4 start under Dwight Howard's MVP play, the Magic have slowed down, but no question they're playoff bound. What was even more surprising is that after acquiring Rashard Lewis, Hedo Turkoglu outperformed him throughout the season. They have a powerful All-Star caliber frontcourt. They've struggled against elite teams like Detroit, Phoenix, and San Antonio, but they're also one of the few teams to beat the Celtics. They're set to go as far as the 2nd round of the playoffs at least, but the conference finals doesn't seem that distant for them.
   
4. Cleveland Cavaliers (29-23) The Cavs are back where they're supposed to be, with the East's elite. The East seemed to be off to such great start that the Cavs seemed to get left in the dust and out of the playoff picture. The reigning conference champions passed those teams and reminded everyone who they are. Even though they're in the picture, the organization failed to get a point guard that LeBron James really wanted, since Jason Kidd is heading to Dallas and Mike Bibby is now a Hawk. Bibby was the ideal player for him to take off the scoring load for him, but James wanted Kidd. Either way he's not getting either of them, but Larry Hughes might be making a comeback after dropping a few high scoring games this year. Paired with sharpshooter Daniel Gibson, the Cavs might not have to look far to take the load off of James.


5. Toronto Raptors (28-23) The Raps are right back where they were last year, only they haven't played with T.J. Ford most of the year. Enter breakout point guard Jose Calderon and they're still on track for last year. He's been phenomenal in terms of playmaking, and has even been compared to John Stockton. Along with Chris Bosh and highflying rookie Jamario Moon, Toronto still plays well and show no signs of stopping. They're one of 5 teams that are over .500 in the East so if they stay over, it's automaticd that they'rein the playoffs.


6. Washington Wizards (25-27) No Gilbert Areans, no problem. They were supposed to be one of the worst teams in the league with their superstar done for the at least most of the season, but All-Stars Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison were still on the team. Add the solid play of rookie Nick Young, DeShawn Stevenson and Brendan Haywood, and this is a team determined to make the playoffs. No need to find out if Young will lose his starting job because Arenas said that he would come off of the bench, maybe not to disrupt the team's chemistry. Arenas is still planning to opt out, but it's a toss up wheather he'll stay or go.


7. New Jersey Nets (23-30) The Nets are in danger of not making the playoffs this year. Despite Richard Jefferson's great year, Vince Carter averaging 20 PPG and having Jason Kidd, one of the best point guards in the NBA, for some reason they couldn't get it done. They're on of the many teams that have talented players but can't seem to get the job done. Now they're losing Kidd and there are 6 other teams behind them that can make the playoffs as well. By getting rid of Kidd and getting Devin Harris, they're starting the rebuilding process right now, but they have to trade Carter, someone who wants out too, as well to free up some more cap space and truly start rebuilding. Sean Williams has been one of the best defensive rookies of the year, and Josh Boone is starting to show his potential. If they play their cards right, the process might not take as long.


8. Philadelphia 76ers (23-30) The Sixers have been in the playoff hunt all year long. Andre Iguodala has been the best performer on the team so far. Samuel Dalembert has been an athletic center for the team too catching alley-oops from Andre Miller. It seems now that he's staying in Philly instead of being traded. If the team keeps up their chemistry, they can make a playoff push for the first time since Allen Iverson and Chris Webber were on the team.


9. Atlanta Hawks (21-28) Now that the Hawks recieved point guard Mike Bibby from the Kings, the Hawks now seem playoff bound for the first time since 1999. They were considered a darkhorse this year after a good start and are in a virtual tie for 7th place. Bibby has been seen as the answer to take the scoring load off of Joe Johnson and could be the point guard Atlanta has needed for a long time. Bibby can also throw good lob passes to Josh Smith. With a impressive young froncourt in Smith, Marvin Williams and rookie of the year canidate Al Horford, the Hawks could bring the playoffs back to Atlanta, maybe at a 6 seed.


10. Chicago Bulls (21-31) After counting the Bulls out of the playoff race. Coach Scott Skiles was doing a horrible job and was fired. After going 9-16 with Skiles, they're 12-15 with Jim Boylan. It's no surpise that Ben Gordon would continue his scoring ways, but it was a surprise that they asked him to go back to the bench for the 6th man role, an idea that some teams are benefiting from. Andres Nocioni has become a better 3 point shooter ever since the coaching change. New addition Joe Smith has been gettting better as time goes on. If Ben Wallace can improve this team might be back in the playoffs.
    
11. Indiana Pacers (21-32) The Pacers seem to have lost their playoff hopes. Once a 19-22 team, they lost 7 straight games resulting in a 2-9 record since then. Jermaine O'Neal is likely out for the season and the Pacers don't look like they're trying to do what the Wizards are doing without Gilbert Arenas. Jamaal Tinsley has been performing well at the point with back-up Travis Diener developing himself. Mike Dunleavy has come out this year as a good scorer for the team, and Kareem Rush may be another player the Pacers want to keep. With the way they're playing, they might not make the playoffs and O'Neal might not be around next year. It might be a rebuilding year for the rest of the team, but if he does come back, this team will look to the playoffs next year.


12. Milwaukee Bucks (19-34) The Bucks have a talented team in Andrew Bogut, Michael Redd, Mo Williams Charlie Villanueva and Yi Jianlian, but they can't seem to take off. Redd has been scoring 20+ PPG, Yi has been one of the great rookies of the year and Bogut has stepped up his game, but they just can't seem to take off. Hopefully, if they can't make it to the playoffs this season, they might be able to get another high draft pick, maybe the one to help this team get more competitive.


13. Charlotte Bobcats (19-34) Jordan's team hasn't been doing good as of late. The combo of Json Richardson and Gerald Wallace hasn't paid off as much as they hoped. Before going on a 7 game losing streak, they were seen as playoff bound. Now they have to make a big run in order to keep thier hopes alive. For next season, they might not have Emeka Okafor next season after not being able to reach an agreement on an extension.


14. New York Knicks (15-37) Getting Zach Randolph was supposed to be the last piece needed to help the Knicks make the playoffs in the East. It was supposed to be Eddy Curry, Randolph, Quentin Richardson, Jamal Crawford and Stephon Marbury reviving the team. No, what they got was a soap opera with fans chanting "Fire Isiah!" Randolph, Curry and Marbury were on the trading block, and Marbury ended his season with ankle surgery. The Knicks are lottery bound again and might break up their team again.


15. Miami Heat (9-42) From NBA Champions in 2006 to the NBA's worst. Why? Key players from the championship team were lost. Dwyane Wade came in the season coming off of 2 surgeries and he couldn't carry his team. They just lost Shaq and Shawn Marion couldn't replace him. They're in danger of getting the top lottery pick and Wade might not be there if he feels like it, and Marion could be out as early as after this season. Now the Heat find themselves rebuilding again. It will be another few years until they can be in the playoffs again, but with Marion, they might not finish as the worst team in the NBA this year.

The East might have a wild finish for the 7 and 8 seed, but it should be interesting to see who comes out.