Some ESPN the Magazine work took me to a commercial shoot featuring some dudes from the Cavaliers and Trail Blazers.  One of them happened to be Greg Oden, and I managed to grab a few quick minutes with him to talk about Andrew Bynum.  The Lakers open the regular season against Portland, providing the first glimpse of a big-man matchup theoretically poised to entertain fans for years.  While Oden offered praise for Drew ("He does everything a good post guy is supposed to do"), I got the vibe that an Oden-Bynum analysis was a little cart ahead of the horse in his mind.  While acknowledging Bynum as a tough assignment (in a good way), he seemed understandably more concerned with simply getting an NBA game under his belt after a year recovering from micro-fracture surgery; plus, having met Oden a few times, he has always struck me as a low-key guy not particularly comfortable hyping himself or events. 

I imagine fans from both teams will pick up the slack for him.

Greg Oden: Download greg_oden.mp3

AK

And thankfully, the Lakers avoided it.  From Henry Abbott over at ESPN's excellent True Hoop blog, the same sampling of dudes recently asked to predict 2009's NBA crown bearer (a list the Lakers not only made, but owned) also weighed in on which team they considered the most likely to implode. In a result I find not the least bit surprising, the Denver Nuggets topped the list at five votes. As someone who's witnessed their tense locker room during their 2006 first-round beatdown by the Clippers, their recent opening-round sweep defeat to the Lakers and just your garden-variety, regular-season Nuggets game, I've felt for the last few seasons that we're dealing with one collection of, to put it rather generously, "strong personalities."  At the Clippers' news conference to introduce Marcus Camby, the ex-Nugget confirmed the vibe I've gotten. Considering he was one of the dudes who often helped keep moods at a (relatively speaking) even keel, visions of Armageddon busting loose doesn't feel like a stretch to imagine.  Frankly, I consider scenarios involving a head-shaved, 400-pound Kenyon Martin talking about "the horror" more likely than these guys getting through the season without a serious dust-up.

Second place went to the Clippers (four votes), a squad that strikes me as the equivalent of a betting line Vegas takes off the board. A sensible spread is simply too hard to figure. I can picture this totally reloaded team buying into Mike Dunleavy's system in an effort to prove themselves. I can also see them turning into "Lord of the Flies." Or, I can picture them too indifferent by Game 20 to muster the energy needed for either of those outcomes. It's really just a crap shoot.  From there, you've got the Knicks and Suns with three votes, the Rockets, Nets and Mavericks with a pair apiece and the Pistons and Grizzlies each snagging a nod.

Irony alert! As Abbott noted, one year ago, the Lakers might have been this poll's leading vote-getter and are now considered among the more stable franchises. What a difference a string of W's make.

AK

Really, Mario and Darrell?  Really?

Cue the inevitable "You gotta be high to do something that dumb" joke.

AK

Last night's little incident might.  Hopefully, Howard's interest in this particular hobby wasn't combined with his other apparent hobby.  Either way, this makes for an awkward situation, especially considering Howard was only in North Carolina for a basketball camp sponsored by his charitable foundation.  I'm guessing he's no longer driving the carpool when the kids go out for post-game ice cream. 

I anxiously await everyone's trade machine proposals.

AK

If you've ever wondered whether 111 mil really does offer you the ability to have just about anything, the answer appears to be a pretty resounding "yes."  Because that's a serious swimming hole Agent Zero has got going.   Multiple fish tanks.  Grotto.  A "basement" area of sorts that somehow connects to the pool.  Probably a few of them inflatable dinosaurs.  Quite the setup, to say the least.

Unfortunately, and I hate to mention this after the fact, but when my pool was built, the large stone brought in to serve as a "mountain" cost only $200,000.  I'm not sure who Gilbert's "stone guy" is, but he could have gotten a better price than half a million. 

I'm just saying.

AK

This line from "Superman II" always pops into my head whenever someone mentions Houston (pronounced "Who-ston" by the evil General Zod, who mistakenly believes that the name for the entire planet Earth).  But now, the line may accurately describe the city, since Ron Artest will soon be counted among its citizens.  After much speculation as to where Artest would eventually land (a trade itself was a given), the Kings and Rockets agreed upon a deal, with ex-King Bobby Jackson, Rockets first round pick Donte Greene and a 2009 first rounder heading to Sacto.  The deal won't become official until August 14th, as Greene can't be moved until 30 days after signing his NBA contract.

In my mind, the deal makes sense for both sides.  From the rebuilding Kings' perspective, former fan fave Bobby Jackson equals six mil coming off next season's books and they get a couple of youngsters (now and down the road) to help prep for the future.  As for Houston, it obviously goes without saying that Ron Ron doesn't come without a risk risk.  But should he behave for Coach Rick Adelman (whom he always talks about loving when they were paired in Sacramento and everyone remain healthy (another big time "if" for this team), Artest adds some firepower to the already profilic scoring combo of Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady (still refered to by Mom as "Yao's friend") and makes an already good defensive team even better. 

The West, she is always interesting.

AK

(PROGRAMMING NOTE:  Join us at 11 a.m. for Purple, Gold and Blue. Our guest today is 710 ESPN Radio "insider" Beto Duran.  We'll discuss Ronny Turiaf's departure, Sasha Vujacic's hopeful return and anything else topical. Click the show widget on the side of the blog, or go straight to our show page by clicking here.)

Whoever may step in for Ronny Turiaf as a key big off the bench, it's not likely a player rooting for TCU.  The Spurs just re-signed veteran C/PF Kurt Thomas, their last-minute 2008 acquisition from Seattle and resident "heady role player."  Thomas is also the only Texas Christian University alum currently in the league, so Lakers fans hoping for both a new defensive minded front court guy and a new pal to watch the Horned Frogs do battle with at the local Hooters will simply have to settle for the former.  Thankfully, those wings are just so tasty, you don't really need an eating buddy to enjoy them. 

Mmmmm.  Wings.

AK

An interesting rumor going through the mill: Restricted free agent Josh Childress has apparently grown so frustrated with those running Atlanta's negotiating table that the swingman (kind of pointless to clarify, since he's a member of the Hawks' roster) is considering taking a three-year deal with Greece's Olympiakos squad. Some feel that Lon Babby putting out overseas feelers on behalf of his client is simply a hardball tactic to force a sign-and-trade deal, but there is concern his approach could be a trend preview. Those unhappy with either their situation or simply looking for more cash could take the Euro route (and I emphasize "Euro," which is currently stronger than the limp dollar and can enter your pocket tax free, as Moscow-bound Bostjan Nachbar reminds us). 

You gotta love "Pick a name" Artest. 

Also an interesting take from the Bee's Sam Amick about how Ronny Turiaf's offer sheet could be tied into whether the Lakers would make the rumored LO for Bill Bill/Kenny Thomas trade.

AK

This move may not make the Clippers instant contenders (although a core of Davis, a now presumed to be re-signed Elton Brand, Chris Kaman and Al Thornton is pretty talented), but should David Stern decide to award the Larry O'Brien to the team that produces the best film, the red, white and blue now have a serious leg up on the rest of the league. 

AK

Seeing the list of potentially available cats only confirms what's being said 24/7.  It isn't the most fruitful of free-agent crops this harvest time (unless you're a HUGE Francisco Elson fan).  Obviously, things could get more interesting if Elton Brand does indeed opt out of his current deal.  But even that shouldn't raise the pulse of Lakers fans, since the purple and gold remain unlikely suitors.  Same with Ron Artest, but even then, if he really means it about not taking less money, unless a sign and trade is in the works, no dice for the Lakers.

AK

There will also be forfeits levied toward whichever teams face Boston in the Eastern Conference semifinals and finals.

Ridiculous.

Were I a Suns die hard, I'd be especially furious right about now.

AK

Another award goes into the NBA's official books.  This time it's Defensive Player of the Year and... big shock... the trophy will reside in Kevin Garnett's living room.  Both easy to see coming and well deserved.  Aside from the individual lockdown KG has always exhibited, he proved his worth on that side of the rock by demanding his new Celtics squad ape his prioritization from minute one.  Period.  Dudes like Ray Allen and Eddie House putting a heavy emphasis on their D?  Doesn't likely happen without Garnett's presence and instant cred.

Congrats are also in order to Kobe Bryant, who placed within the top 5 vote getters, trailing just Garnett, Marcus Camby, Shane Battier and Bruce Bowen. 

AK 

Award season is now officially upon us, kicked off the announcement that the Spurs' Manu Ginobli won the Sixth Man of the Year award.  Wasn't tough to see this coming, considering el hombre averaged nearly 20 ppg off the pine (making him the team's leading scorer by percentage points), was often the team's go-to dude in final possessions and played at an All-Star level throughout 2008.  Thus, it's hard to get slack jawed over the news.

That said, the actual vote count does reveal a pair of interesting tidbits.  First, Jordan Farmar earned a second place nod, plus a pair of third placers.  Also, Ginobli received 123 out of a possible 124 first place votes... and assuming I'm doing the math right, was left off the ballot entirely by whichever writer gave the overall nod to Leandro Barbosa.  Similar to when a few writers excluded Kobe from their sheet in 2006 (I can easily accept them voting for someone else, but not putting him in the top 5?  Seriously?), it would be lying on my part to declare that anything short of a head scratcher.

AK

Isiah Thomas being removed of his coaching duties by the Knicks would likely not rank in top 100,000. 

I'm not sure whether it was the 56-108 record accumulated.  Or the bazillion dollar payroll that's produced more players bought out (see Rose, Jalen), dead weight (see James, Jerome), ill-matched (see Curry, Eddy/Randolph, Zach), or redundant (see roster, entire) than useful. Or the sexual harassment lawsuit. Or the drama with Starbury.  Or the fact that he's the only person who could make our current president look popular in New York by comparison. But whichever of the oodles of reasons new Knicks Prez (and Zeke's former Pacers boss) Donnie Walsh decided to cite, it was enough to show Thomas the door.   

Oddly enough, Thomas will remain on the Knicks payroll in a title-free role offering "input" to Walsh.  I guess every once in a while, outside advice is helpful when deciding between chicken salad or a burger for lunch.
 
By the way, for those with ESPN Insider, here's a breakdown of the Isiah era rosters.  Few things in life tend to shock me.  This is beyond shocking.

AK

Which works out well, since he just got dealt to the Spurs for Brent Barry and Francisco "Weirdo" Elson.  Thus, all of Bill Simmons' proposed "11th Hour" NBA deals could still come to fruition.  The Sports Guy doesn't throw out any swaps involving your Los Angeles Lakers (which should end up mirroring reality, since I'm pretty convinced they'll stand pat post-Pau), but his trades would shape many of the teams the Purple and Gold will face come playoff time.  At any rate, Simmons is always entertaining and this can help you kill the next 40 or so minutes before the big showdown.

Enjoy.

AK

What it doesn't have, however, is lingering bragging rights over the U.S.  Not after Team USA took it down 117-78 in a semifinals-clinching victory.  2004 saw the Red, White and Blue fall in stunning fashion to the Carlos Arroyo Gang, but a balanced American attack, topped with 21 points from Average Joe LeBron James, was enough to turn 3-year-old tables.  Next up, Uruguay, which has been no slouch at 3-1.

For Kobe Bryant, the Tourney O' the Americas has served as a platform to reassure any doubters that "leadership" can be added to his already impressive resume.  He's not a team captain (which shouldn't be taken as a diss, since nobody is), but he's showing  teammates the way via example and humility.  And he's sharing his thoughts on what this experience means to him.  Hopefully, the summer spent balling won't leave him too tuckered out to be a thrilla in Manila.

-- AK

And, finally, Lakersblog sends a message to Rafer Alston: Dude, settle down!

Or at least "BruinsBlog: Featuring Live Blogs!"

Seriously, is there anything not against NCAA rules?  If there's an organization on the planet more out of touch with the world of 1990 (much less 2007), I'd be stunned.  John Travolta circa 1976 lived in less of a bubble than these folks (although in this particular scene our hero's dwellings are "aquarium" as opposed to "bubble"). 

-AK

On the TNT broadcast, David Aldridge said that it's basically a done deal, and that C-Webb is headed to Detroit.  Who says you can't go home again?

(Note: During the Bulls-Nets halftime show, Webber said Aldridge's report was false, and actually talked up the Purple and Gold- among other teams- as a squad on his radar.  Granted, players often deny stories that end up materializing, so who knows what's gonna actually happen?  But at any rate, consider your heads "up." - AK)

In other news, the average height of the Denver Nuggets received a major boost today and their dribbles per possession figure took a hit, as Earl Boykins was sent to Milwaukee for Laker Killer Steve Blake. With A.I. in town, J.R. Smith back, and 'Melo on the way, there just wasn't enough basketball available for lil' Earl.  Should Boykins be available in your fantasy league, pick him up.  With all the injuries the Bucks have suffered, he'll get tons of shots. 

BK