Nov 8, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; NBA commissioner David Stern speaks to the media prior to a game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Los Angeles Lakers at New Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Man, January is over. The All-Star weekend participants are almost set and David Stern’s era draws to a close. Of course, there was other things going on as well. Let’s take a look.
Off the court:
Carmelo Anthony’s wife, La La thinks Carmelo will stay in New York at season’s end.
The NBA is going through transition. With Adam Silver the new guy, he’s already made a few changes in leadership.
The Atlanta Hawks and Detroit Pistons were supposed to battle on Wednesday, January 29. But, the game was canceled as Atlanta has been practically shut down by a south snow storm. My Red, White, and Blue power rankings take a hit. Boo.
Rumors:
While La La thinks Anthony will stay, there are rumors that the Bulls are a likely destination and that Anthony would prefer going there over anywhere else.
The Raptors are playing well, but, apparently, the Raptors want to tank and are shopping their best player, Kyle Lowry. Uh-huh. Here’s something I’m not believing just yet.
The Bucks could trade off Ersan Ilyasova as they further embrace the tank.
It’s said Kyrie Irving wants out of Cleveland. There’s more. It seems the Cavs are not sold on maxing Irving. Meanwhile, Irving is not confident in the front office based on at least a couple of moves the Cavs made.
The Pistons’ Greg Monroe has been in trade rumors. But, the Pistons say they are not looking to trade him.
I shouldn’t be surprised by how many trade rumors I keep running into. With less than a month before the deadline, things are going to heat up. Taj Gibson of the Bulls has drawn interest from the Lakers, Wizards, and Bobcats.
It would seem the Pacers and Andrew Bynum are close to a deal. The deal may be done by the time this post is up, but, as I write late Friday night, this thing is just talk.
We talk about LeBron James and what his next decision will be. But, most NBA heads think that it’s Chris Bosh most likely ending the big three era in Miami.
Again, here come the rumors. Looks like teams might be stepping up their game to get Pau Gasol from the Lakers.
It would seem that Andre Miller’s destiny is made. He’ll be a King or a Timberwolf by all star weekend. If I’m Miller, I think I’m hoping for a trade to the T-Wolves.
Oh, this one is adorable. The Suns could trade Emeka Okafor. One destination is Philly for Evan Turner. But, the Celtics are in talks too. Okafor’s contract is horrible but it expires at the end of the season so it’s a great way to clear up space for the off-season. Normally, bad teams take on those contracts.
The Rockets are involved in trade rumors. No, not Asik. It’s Francisco Garcia.
All Star Weekend:
The Rising Stars Challenge roster pool is set. Some big names are Michael Carter-Williams, Anthony Davis, and Victor Oladipo.
The All-Star game reserves are set.
Injury Report:
Nate Robinson goes down with the torn ACL. He’s done for the season.
Manu Ginobili is out 3-4 weeks with a strained hamstring.