rats off to ya...?

I was waiting for the break but a flurry of activity forced me to respond.

Rats off to ya, people. Congrats and jeers around:

ALL STAR PICKS: The Eastern Conference picked everyone I did, so I guess I can't argue with them. That's got to be a first.

Out west, I was surprised only by David West making it. I know the Hornets are doing great, better than expected, and the game is in New Orleans, where they are trying desperately to promote everything basketball.... but still, I didn't even have him on my short list. To see him and Brandon Roy make it over Baron Davis, who has reinvented himself and kept Golden State going this season, is awful. Not that those two don't deserve it; they're doing good. But BD has been great and he might not get many more chances.

That's my only real gripe this year... but if someone goes out, as likely, he should be the first one in.

GASOL TO THE LAKERS

This is causing a frenzy out here. I'm still not sure how this happened. Memphis was talking to Chicago and Boston last year about moving Gasol for some decent players... and now they get a point guard they don't need and draft picks... and nothing else???

I've had it with Memphis's ownership. They had a 50 win team and did nothing. They gave Gasol good money for what he did and then complained he was too expensive.

That team needs to go. If they don't want to compete, send everyone home and fold the franchise. Don't move them to another city; we're running out of places. Chuck them and go back to the old system of 4 divisions.

As for the Lakers, I was a little surprised that they would make a deal for a big man after Andrew Bynum came through.... but then again, how could they say no? They would have had to surrender Bynum to get Kidd, or KG, or even Jermaine O'Neal, and now they get a pretty good big man without giving him up - or Lamar Odom. Amazing. Again, was this really the best Memphis could do? Or just the cheapest?

I thought maybe this would hold Bynum back a little, but then again, he's still learning on offense. Gasol can handle that and help rebounding. Gasol is also, I hear, more comfortable not having to bang as much, and he's a good apsser, so I think he'll fit into the triangle. It will be interesting to see if he and Odom can handle not being the first or second options all the time. If they can all mesh, that might be the scariest front line in the league, and soon.

Rats off to ya, Mitch. You made me look stupid this year.

SHAQ TO THE SUNS

[ahem]

Dear Robert Sarver,

you could have just kept Kurt Thomas.

Yours,

J. "Shawn Bradley will never die" L.


Miami has to be thrilled to get someone decent for Shaq. Marion will have an easier time in the East and can wreck people. They can go small with him and Haslem down low until they find a new center.

I don't necessarily hate this move for Phoenix, because they've always wanted a real big man who can help. But is that Shaq? Now? They need defense and shot blocking.... he can knock people over..... umm......

They knew they were going to dump Marion shortly, but they've pretty much closed the window on any long term plans. Nash, Shaq, and Raja all have 3 years and then they're probably gone. Amare and Barbosa have one more after that to see if Phoenix can regroup. So, this probably did add a sense of urgency, but will it work? Can these styles mesh?

Last month, I predicted that the Mvas might have won a title if they kept Nash and traded Dirk for Shaq. That, however, was Shaq three years ago. I think he could be a nice help, especially since he's not the first option. He could also ruin their offensive chemistry. We'll see.

Rats off to you, Riles. And Steve Kerr, for having some guts (though, again, I'd rather have Marion, Banks, and Kurt Thomas, despite the extra cash). I expect Miami to see if Banks and Earl Barron can do anything. They've got time.

Now for Jason Kidd.......