For casual NBA fans, this is the most important day of the year, when all the famous and controversial players play each other on network TV. You can guess how I feel about that...
------------
When the Heat take on the Lakers, Kobe will be the fourth best player on the floor. There, I said it.
------------
Rip Hamilton told the Free Press that his 35 point outburst against the Raptors was his attempt to make a statement. That statement: "I have been phoning it in all this time."
As much as I bristle at the idea of a team's highest paid player having "statement" games, it is a relief to know that Hamilton is not yet washed up. Moreso, it should assuage the worries of teams that might be inclined to add him for a playoff run.
------------
Meanwhile, Tayshaun Prince is enjoying his Christmas off. Sigh, not the attitude we are looking for.
------------
No serious person thinks the Lakers are playing at full speed right now, but now might be a good time to push on the throttle. They are already three games behind Dallas, San Antonio and Boston, and will have a tough time outpacing Miami in the long run. With the exception of Dallas, I wouldn't favor them on the road against any of those teams.
------------
So, Orlando shuffles around some expensive, but lackluster players, and suddenly their blowing out the Spurs? That seems like a fluke.
------------
I'll be honest. I had completely forgotten that the Bulls had Carlos Boozer. I looked up at the standings, and suddenly the Bulls are dominating. Has any one player had a bigger impact on their team this year? Today's Bulls-Knicks matchup is the battle of the needlessly maligned big men.
Naturally, Derrick Rose is getting all the credit. At least he actually deserves some this season.
------------
Think we'll be reminded today that the NBA Cares? Did you know the NBA Cares? Well it does, it cares so hard it will blow your brains out with a shotgun blast of caring.
------------
Brandon Roy is complaining that Andre Miller is hurting his numbers. I have an alternate theory. Shooting south of 40% is hurting his numbers.
Here's another theory: One-dimensional shooters are not not worth max contracts. Spend draft picks on shooters, spend cash on bigs.
------------
Alright, basketball's on, Lassie was acquitted, presents need unwrapping, and cold beer's in the fridge. Let's get drunk and surly with the family!