NOH

Sorry, I know it's been a while, but its been one crazy summer! Unfortanetly, the same goes for the basketball scene.

I'll seen be coming out with a big post, but really quick, what is up with New Orleans? They are making zero moves and going after no one. C'mon now Hornets, you're in the West, please as a fan, step up your game!!!

USA's Down With Durant

Yes, that's right count Kevin Durant as a USA Team Member in 201o. Hmmmm? You said Kevin Durant? As in the Kevin Durant that was drafted behind Greg Oden? The Kevin Durant who is stuck in a terrible market of Oklahoma City, and missed out on an All Star selection? Yup, that Kevin Durant. Pencil him in, here's what Coach K said after their first day of a three day training camp for players attempting to make the senior national team.

"Everyone who was watching from our group said you could tell that Durant was a little bit on a mission -- and that's good for them to see that; it picks everybody up," Krzyzewski said. "He's that versatility guy, and the other thing is he's a shooter, and with the way we were playing defense for most of the Olympics, with his length, he could be a heck of a defender. So he's really at the head of the list for me."

Wow, high praise right? Apparently Durant's had this ability the whole time, I mean, I did say he's in a crappy market right? Well, let's hope Coach K and the other assistants are right because we could use as much help as possible in retaining our crown as Hoops Nation.

Mr. Eccentric

Now, you've all probably heard that Ron Artest has been traded to the Lakers via Houston, for Trevor Ariza, and you're all probably puzzled as to why. I mean, did the Lakers not just handle the Orlando Magic in the Finals? Answer- The Magic got better with acquisition of Vince Carter. The Cavaliers got better with the acquisition of Big Diesel. The Spurs got better with the acquisition of Richard Jefferson, and the Celtics got better with the acquisition of Sheed. The Lakers had to improve, and they did well of it. Here's why....

First off, Ron Artest is a slightly better player, than Trevor Ariza. Secondly, they acquired him cheaper. Last, after any type of Championship, when the fame comes about, it's hard to pick yourself up, and re-bring that energy you had last year, for another go. Ron Artest brings that energy. A one time eccentric crazy guy (remember him on the Pacers?), Ron Artest has become not only a more mellow person, but a better player, who brings energy like Ronny Turiaf. He didn't sign with the Lakers for money, no, he signed with the Lakers for a championship, and he's determined to get it. You know Kobe will be to, so the others, they'll just fall in suit.

New Home? (Top Free Agents This Year)

Test the Waters. That's what Free Agents do. Let's see the top five testers this year. Will they resign, or find a new home with a struggling franchise?

1. Ron Artest- Age:29 Stats: 17.1 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 3.3 APG

Ron Artest brings a added toughness and ability, that all teams need. The questions with his attitude still linger, although he has clearly taken steps to improve it.

2. Carlos Boozer- Age: 27 Stats: 16.2 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 2.1 APG

Anytime you can pick up Olympian, teams will jump at the opportunity. Boozer will definitely have offers, they might lower than expected though, due to his injury ordeals. In truth, since signing with the Jazz in 04', he has only played in 276 of 410 regular season games.

3. Hedo Turkoglu- Age: 30 Stats: 16.8 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.9 APG

After the Magic acquired Vince Carter, Turkoglu immediately made it clear he won't consider being a 3rd or 4th option. He's going to take advantage of his great postseason and get a big time contract.

4. Lamar Odom- Age: 29 Stats: 11.3 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 2.6 APG

Lamar Odom is a slightly worse Hedo Turkoglu, ha, a very good player! Any time would die to have one of these two, 6' 10'' guys that can handle and stretch the defense. Odom sacrificed his stats for a world championship, teams like that unselfish play.

5. Ben Gordon- Age: 26 Stats: 20.7 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 3.4 APG

Ben Gordon, the youngest and best scorer of these five, would be a great pickup for any team. There's just the question of his size and shot selection.

The Next Five-

6. Trevor

Ariza

7. Shawn

Marion

8. Rasheed

Wallace

9. Allen

Iverson

10. Jason

Kidd

Tha Carter III

No, I'm not talking about Lil Wayne's multi-platinum album, I'm talking about Vince Carter, now on his third team in his NBA career, the Orlando Magic.

When Vince first entered the NBA, he was at times compared to MJ. The freakish athleticism was different, one hang time, one up, up, and away, but the ability was visible. Now, those comparisons have definitely faltered, but the 8 time NBA all star is still one of the most visibly iconic players around.

Thoughts of championships were definitely coursing thorough the heads of Orlando Magic fans against Los Angeles, but now with the acquisition of Carter, these thoughts, may just turn into reality. With another very strong 3 or 4 player, the Magic have established themselves as one of the top two teams in the East, for sure. There is no doubt, Boston will have no chance, and Cleveland may not either, except for the fact they got that new guy, um... i think.... I'm pretty sure his name is Shaquille.

Well, whether Carter brings Orlando a world championship, a dunk contest trophy, or a just an all star invitation, Vince Carter will for sure bring excitement, and success to the Magic.

The Big Slip

Dejuan Blair is the biggest steal of this year's NBA Draft, Donald Brown is the 2nd biggest, and Patrick Mills is the 3rd. But Dejuan, probably an end lottery caliber player, fell all the way to the mid 2nd round! Rebounds are so high valued in the NBA, I would've thought the whole ACL deal from high school, wouldn't have scared teams from picking him... Jamie Dixon, the University of Pittsburgh coach even went as far to call every team in the league, and explain to them that yes, although Dejuan has had two ACL surgeries, he didn't miss one, not a single practice, or game in his tenure at Pittsburgh. So what scared them? We may never know, but what I do know is that the San Antonio Spurs are shocked he fell so far to them, and will definitely be happy with someone who is a specialist, someone who will go get them the ball! Dejuan Blair is going to go get a paycheck, and he's going to go get the ball for the once again championship contending San Antonio Spurs.

Dirty Gael

Diamon Simpson. Have you heard of him? I thought not, well he, on is #1 on a certain ESPN analysts most underrated players in the country list, is ranked as the 50th best senior in the country by Draft Express, is 2-time defending WCC Defensive Player of the Year, averaged a double double this year with 14 PPG and 11 RPG, including 2 BPG. He was in one of only two double double tandems in the country, and is a three-time all WCC player, not to mention, he is a beast, and a dark horse to enter the NBA.As his career pushed on, so did Diamon Simpson. His work ethic pushed him to become a nightmare on the boards, and a decent scoring threat. His constant i've got to be perfect 100% of the time attitude, got him to the point of being looked at by NBA scouts, and now he may be drafted very late, or signed on over the summer. Simpson, is someone you could truly call a workhorse. His questions heading toward the pro's were could he shoot well enough as a 3, and could he ball handle well enough? Heading into the summer, no, he wasn't even close, maybe not even at a college level, but I just recently saw him at an open gym, and he's got some handles, and has DEFINETELY fixed that shot! Now he's trying out for the big leagues. It may not just be a single Gael in the Pro's next season. Not if this dirty Gael keeps on working.