10 Feet High

Reports are that Shaquille O’Neal may miss the rest of the regular season with a sprained thumb, which he sustained on a hard foul from Boston’s Glen Davis in a recent game. Shaq has been a valued addition to the Cavs this year, helping them dominate the Eastern Conference and pummeling the Lakers, particularly big men Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum. His interior presence has aided a Cleveland team that struggled against physical big men, such as Dwight Howard in last season’s playoffs. So why is this injury going to help the Cavs?

Shaq is 38 years old, which for his body and legs may as well be damn near 50. The beating he has taken over his career, especially as he’s slowed down and put on weight, is one that cannot be overstated.

In all honesty, what would having him in the line-up for the rest of the regular season accomplish? The Cavs are 8-1 without him and already have a stranglehold on home-court advantage throughout the Eastern Conference Finals, holding a six-game lead over Orlando with just 20 games to play. The biggest issue may be home-court through the Finals, as LA is just two games back (including the tie-breaker).

But by allowing his body to recuperate and his legs to refresh, Shaq will give Cleveland a healthy and legitimate center come crunch time. When the Finals come, Shaq will be fresh and strong enough to play the minutes necessary to abuse the Laker posts just as he’s done this season.

Since becoming a Cavalier last summer, the big fella has seen a resurgence in his play, anchoring the middle while averaging 12 points, 7 rebounds, and more than a block per game. He has been a dramatic upgrade from year’s past when Cleveland’s best interior options were an inexperienced Anderson Varejao, an aging Zydrunas Ilgauskas or Joe Smith.

It may seem a blow to Cleveland now, but Shaq’s sprained thumb was the ultimate blessing in disguise. At some point, they will have to rely on guys like J.J. Hickson and Varejao, who is one of the crucial elements to this team with his relentless energy and hustle. With Shaq out now, it gives them an opportunity to get significant minutes, so that when they are called upon they will deliver. In an easy win over the Knicks Monday night, this young and impressive duo showed how valuable they can be, combining for a staggering 31 points and 19 rebounds.

(Hickson is showing Cavs fans why Danny Ferry took him in the first round back in the 2008 NBA Draft, and why I thought of him so highly coming out of NC State)


In last night's win over the Nets, Hickson flourished, going for 20 points and 13 rebounds in the start.

Assuming he keeps in shape – this is a rather big assumption but one we can make considering how much we know Shaq wants another ring – the rest he will accumulate over the next two months will ultimately provide Cleveland with its best opportunity to capture Mr. Larry O’Brien himself. The Cavs really only need him for the Eastern Conference semis and on, so he has plenty of time to heal the ailing thumb.

The trade deadline has come and passed, but come playoff time the acquisition of a healthy O’Neal may be just enough for LeBron James to get ring No. 1 in his seventh season, which would be three years sooner than it took Michael Jordan to earn his first championship in Chicago.

I’m just saying.

Detroit GM Joe Dumars has officially, officially been to the mountaintop and now fallen all the way back down. I said before the season that giving Ben Gordon (five years, $55 million) and Charlie Villanueva (five years, $35 million) – two guys who’ve never been All-Stars - was not the answer the Pistons needed to stage their resurgence in the east.

In a matter of three seasons, Detroit has gone from a contending team with an identity of toughness and grit, to a cellar-dweller without a heartbeat, and just as importantly, no cap space for this summer.

Don’t get me wrong. Gordon is a very good NBA player. Consistently one of the game’s premier shooters, he also loves to drive and score in the lane. He showed his will to win for Chicago in the playoffs last year, hitting several clutch shots down the stretch of games. The problem with his role in Detroit is that Dumars brought him in to be its franchise guy, when it already has a scoring point guard and similar type of player in Rodney Stuckey. Unfortunately for Gordon, he plays the role of Robin far better than Batman. Instead, the Pistons are now stuck with two score-first guards. This is where the catastrophe of signing Villanueva lies.

If Gordon can play off a good big man who scores in the post, he’s an All-Star on a quality team. But in Villanueva, you essentially have a 6-10 four man who’d rather face up from 16 feet out to the three than pound and grind in the paint. The combination of these two couldn’t be worse.

(BG can certainly fill it up, but without a respected big man on the block, he finds himself in no man's land far too often to quantify $55 million)

As a result, Gordon is scoring at his lowest clip in four years. He is shooting by far his worst percentage from three at an abysmal 32 percent (his career is 41 percent). To put it simply, he’s working too hard for his points.

Villanueva finds himself near his career average, but the former UConn star continues to struggle on defensive rotations and relies far too heavily on the three, shooting nearly four per game.

The Pistons find themselves with a 15-28 record, 18 games out of first in the Central, and light-years away from their string of Eastern Conference championship-round appearances. If they wanted to sign Gordon so be it, but to fully maximize his capabilities, you need to give him some kind of a scoring force down low, which may have meant holding off on Villanueva and waiting until this summer. The overzealousness of Joe Dumars prevails once again.

Staying in the Central Division, let’s move up the ladder to the Cleveland Cavaliers, who were also quite busy last summer.

Before we get to the “Diesel,” I should touch on the acquisition of Anthony Parker, which didn’t receive the same fanfare but needs to be noted. In replacing Wally Szczerbiak (at least in terms of minutes played), Parker has brought significant improvement to one of the weakest positions on an otherwise strong Cleveland squad. While averaging only 7 points, he has shot an excellent 46 percent from three, and consistently taken pressure off LeBron by guarding either of the opposition’s top two scorers, something Szczerbiak couldn’t do. This means a lot for Bron as we enter the dog days of February and March. On to the big fella …

When Danny Ferry brought in Shaq, I found myself overly skeptical. The “Shaqtus” experiment in Phoenix didn’t work, so why would it work in Cleveland? Better yet, would O’Neal accept a lesser role and allow LeBron to run the team as he has so successfully since entering the league?

Now, almost halfway through the season, I remain undecided. On one hand, O’Neal clogs the paint and disrupts James’ driving lanes. This isn’t such the case with fellow 7-footer Zydrunas Ilgauskas because he tends to drift away from the paint. Also, when Cleveland does decide to push tempo, it's greatly hampered by O’Neal’s inability to run the floor.

But O’Neal – even at this stage – is the best low post scorer the Cavs have had since James entered the NBA, and his presence, although not the same it once was, cannot help but command attention.

Teams are obviously primarily focused on James, but in watching Cleveland this season, it seems that O’Neal just being on the floor tends to open things up for Mo Williams at times, which is something that should not be overlooked, especially after Williams struggled in the playoffs as badly as he did. (We’ll have to pay close attention now that Williams is out for the next 4-6 weeks. Daniel Gibson will see many of those minutes, and although a superb long-range shooter, he doesn’t have the same play-making skills).

Time will tell with the O’Neal move. Shaq did help Dwayne Wade win one in Miami, and he might just do the same with LeBron, who only needs a little out of the big fella to take the Cavs all the way. O'Neal will have to play second or even third fiddle at times though, something he may or may not accept.

A move we do have the verdict on occurred out west last summer.

San Antonio seemed to be the perfect fit for Richard Jefferson, a talented slasher who excels in the open floor, and a guy who can really lock up. Needless to say, this pick-up hasn’t worked out.

The Spurs have uncharacteristically not gotten it together by the break, due in large part to Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili’s health issues and the age of Tim Duncan. Jefferson was supposed to supplant this old age while providing scoring and a defensive presence. But he hasn’t adjusted to his diminished role, averaging under 13 points and less than 4 rebounds, while having his worst performance at the free throw line since his rookie year.

In the past, Jefferson was a No. 2 option behind a younger Vince Carter, but now at best, he’s a No. 3. Even in Milwaukee last season, he proved that he couldn’t shoulder the load of an elite scorer. When Michael Redd went down, so too did RJ’s overall play. In 82 games with the Bucks, he shot under 44 percent from the floor, his lowest total since 2004-05.

With the emerging play of George Hill as well, Jefferson is seeing less playing time. Never a consistent long-range shooter, his scoring has typically come from driving the lane or earning trips to the free throw line. But that role is already hand-picked for both Ginobili and Parker. Not to say that they all cannot do this, but it’s difficult for them to play together at once. Hill, on the other hand, is an improved three-point threat, can play the point, and also locks up. Jefferson just seems to be the odd man out, and the Spurs seem to have passed the torch on for good.

Other Notable Off-Season Moves:

Boston – Rasheed Wallace and Marquis Daniels – Daniels hasn’t played in weeks since breaking his thumb, but even when he was healthy, he didn’t receive many minutes.

While Daniels was supposed to add defensive help and spell some of Ray Allen’s and Paul Pierce’s minutes, Wallace was brought in to add length on defense but also spread the floor on offense with his propensity to shoot the three. Doing so would in turn help KG down low and open up driving lanes for Rajon Rondo, making the Celtics that much more dangerous. Unfortunately for the C’s, this hasn’t happened.

Wallace is having by far the worst season of his career, shooting a career-low 41 percent from the floor and under 30 percent from three, also the worst number during his illustrious 15 years in the league.

Garnett is back from injury, but based on his recent track record it’s not safe to rely upon him come playoff time. Unless Sheed figures out a way to start making jumpers again, Boston is in trouble. Forget LA in the west. Cleveland is playing brilliantly, as are the young-legged Hawks.

This Celtics team is seemingly older and slower than ever.

Portland – Andre Miller – I’m really surprised of the burden Miller has been on Portland, at least for the first two months of the season. Miller has long been known as a pure point guard – a guy who loves to facilitate but can also score when called upon. Up until January, he hadn’t done either. Miller was colliding with Blazers All-Star Brandon Roy, who even fumed publicly that he needed the ball more so he could create. Along with the season-ending injury to the much-improved Greg Oden, the Blazers, once a team thought by many – including myself – to be a sleeper in the west, looked on the brink of a collapse.

But led by the resurgent play of Miller and a ceasefire in-house, Portland has bounced back some, winning three of four, and beginning to resemble the team I thought it was. In January, Miller has averaged 19.5 points and almost 8 assists, causing Blazer fans to maintain hope that this is a team indeed capable of making a run.

Utah - I really like what Utah did in matching Portland's four-year, $32 million offer sheet for power forward Paul Millsap.

A 2006 second-round pick who became the first collegian ever to lead the nation in rebounding three years in a row - which further validates my theory that most NBA GMs and scouts literally have no understanding of basketball, like at all, and consistently draft on potential over production... and are thus morons - Millsap burst on to the NBA map last season when he admirably filled in for the injured Carlos Boozer, averaging close to 16 points and 10 rebounds while shooting 56 percent (a stretch that included an insane 19 consecutive double-doubles), while almost becoming an All-Star. With the oft-injured Boozer rumored to be dealt by the February 18 trading deadline, the 24-year-old Millsap is the immediate fill-in who proved last season to be a quality starter on a playoff team.

The one downside (if we're nitpicking), is that Boozer - a two-time All-Star - is the better player, and an excellent pick-and-roll option for Deron Williams. If Utah doesn't deal Boozer by the deadline, it has essentially wasted a year of Millsap's deal because his minutes remain limited so long as Boozer is in Salt Lake. But even still, I think keeping Millsap was the correct move.

Suppose Boozer isn't dealt - he is sure to ink a bigger deal with a high paying suitor who needs a player of his caliber to elevate itself into contender status, thus leaving Millsap with three years as the assumed starter.

Ironically enough, the best stretch of play the Jazz had last season was without Boozer in the line-up. Some say he's rather selfish and more concerned about his ensuing payday than NBA hardware. Even with a healthy Boozer in the playoffs, Utah was still easily ousted by LA in the first round.

What we've learned is that the drop-off to Millsap is far less than anybody thought, and with pieces already in place like Williams, Ronnie Brewer and Mehmet Okur, the Jazz can continue to build for the future and win now, without necessarily rebuilding.

If you're GM Kevin O'Connor, don't wait and edge closer toward the daunted luxury tax. Since there's no shot (okay maybe .081 percent) at Boozer re-signing, maximize his value now by trading him and adding one or two good players to the mix. Clearly, Boozer's presence is not enough to help Utah contend. The Jazz are barely making the playoffs as is.

Millsap is a great part of the future, so bringing him back for less than most mid-level deals was absolutely the right move.

Memphis – Hmm, let's see. What Iverson failed to notice was that sitting back and letting younger, not to mention better players (e.g. Rudy Gay, O.J. Mayo, Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph, maybe even Mike Conley - that's not a joke) may actually be a good thing, and may even lead to wins. Ironically without this "superstar," all five of these guys are having career years and Memphis, yes Memphis, is going to make the playoffs!

Good for Allen though, in that his "un-retirement" with Philly propelled him to his 11th All-Star appearance. To no surprise, he has not given any indication that he won't accept the bid to let deserving guards (how about Joe Johnson or Rajon Rondo) fill in for him. Mark it down ladies and gentlemen: another "successful" season in the tainted eyes of the practice legend.

Dallas – Shawn Marion – He’s not the fantasy stat-stuffing “Matrix” (I always loved this nickname) he used to be, but Marion is still a big piece of the puzzle for a championship contender, and his addition has been valuable to Dallas.

His athleticism and ability to run the floor mesh perfectly with Jason Kidd (who by the way is having another brilliant season – the guy is timeless), and his cat-like quickness have been a much needed addition to the Mavs normally sterile defensive unit. Getting Marion on the relatively cheap (5 years, $39 million) doesn’t hurt either, and his versatility takes pressure off of Dirk at both ends of the floor, as well as Josh Howard, who normally would always guard number one scorers. Plus, Dallas can go small and create mis-matches with Marion at the four and Dirk at the five, giving them unparalleled team speed and a hybrid offensive attack, which will come in extremely handy in the playoffs. All in all, a good move.

Los Angeles Lakers - Just wanted to touch briefly on the re-signing of Lamar Odom for four years (team option on fourth) at $33 million, a deal that cannot be overstated. Odom is the ultimate "super glue" component of this team. His ability to come of the bench and lead the second unit - either by playing the point, posting up, leading fast breaks, or guarding centers - is one of the driving forces to the success of the Lakers, especially in the playoffs when rosters often tighten up. Without a doubt, keeping "Khlmar" (sorry, but I just had to) will be one of the determining factors should Kobe's crew win another title.

(They are kind of a cute couple, you have to give them that)

Toronto – Hedo Turkoglu – There is a thing in life called value, and Hedo Turkoglu’s $53 million deal over five years doesn’t translate. Sure, Turk is a versatile player with many skills in that he can handle the ball, pass, and uses his 6-10 frame to shoot over smaller defenders. But $53 million? That's not superstar money, but it's certainly not Hedo Turkoglu money either.

First of all, Toronto is a team that already has former No. 1 pick Andrea Bargnani, who at 7-feet, possesses a similar skill set as Turkoglu. He may not have as developed a handle or the quickness but loves to shoot the three and score with his face to the basket. Secondly, Chris Bosh (who’s probably gone after this season, perhaps in part to the Turk signing) is a bona fide superstar, and the two-headed attack of Jose Calderon and Jarrett Jack at point guard is good enough to not lose you games.

What the Raptors needed was a traditional scorer who can drive and make plays. Bosh is an unselfish big man, who unlike a Dwight Howard for instance, can score away from the basket as well. Watch a Raptors game, and one thing quickly becomes evident. Because Bargnani isn't a low post presence and because of Bosh's multi-dimensional game away from the basket, driving lanes to slash are wide open in their offensive sets.

A guy like Jefferson probably would have made more sense, but what would have made the most sense for a team that knew it wasn’t contending for a title was to save that money for this summer to attempt to re-sign the effervescent Bosh, or lure another one of the prized free-agents of this summer’s abundant talent.

Much of Toronto’s struggles can be attributed to the struggles of its $53-million man. Shooting just 40 percent from the field, Turkoglu is averaging under 13 points and less than 5 rebounds, his worst season since he was a Sacramento King in 2003-04. Bad move, Jr. Colangelo.

Now we have to wait and see what happens during the next month? Will GMs (Joe Dumars, Otis Smith, Danny Ferry?) get antsy and make a trade just for the sole purpose of making one? Will Amare really get dealt to Cleveland? (Scary thought). Will Chris Bosh play his last game in a Raptors uniform? Who will make that quiet deal for a defender (Ronnie Brewer?), or back-up point guard (Jordan Farmar, T.J. Ford?) that proves to be the missing ingredient? What will happen with Rudy Gay and Tracy McGrady, not to mention the entire Wizards roster (okay, well at least Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison?)

Pay close attention, because often it's these mid-SEASON deals that become the key to an NBA Championship.

The NBA All-Star voting has had it share of injustices for a while, and the recent influx of gifted international players has contributed even further. As long as the fans have the majority of power, injustices will continue.

Which leads me to my point. There is a fracture in the system that must be dealt with to insure the integrity of the game.

Due to a broken foot suffered in the 2009 Playoffs, Yao Ming has not appeared in one game this season. When healthy, he is unquestionably one of the game’s greatest big men. His versatility and size make him almost unguardable and often unstoppable, both in and out of the paint. But ... this is when he’s actually playing.

Yao's injury though, hasn't stopped Chinese fans from voting for him. Hardly the case really. Amidst reports showing that Chinese fans cast ballots at a far higher rate than American fans - passion, desire, national pride as reasons maybe? - Yao will be voted in as an All-Star, and perhaps the leading vote-getter at that. What a mess.

Even worse is the “same-team” treatment many Chinese voters have given fellow Rocket, Tracy McGrady. Despite appearing in just six games this year and leaving the team, McGrady is also near the top of votes, and oddly enough, he too is on pace to start in the All-Star Game. One of the least productive and by far most overpaid players in the NBA, he is unfortunately ahead real All-Stars, such as Blazers guard Brandon Roy. Yeah, that makes sense.

McGrady and Kevin Durant aren’t listed at the same position, but it should be noted that Durant has less votes. KD is turning into a bonafide superstar, while McGrady is a bonafide gimp, who walks out on his teammates when he's not happy.

Mind-bottling isn’t it? (Thanks, Will Ferrell).

True, T-Mac is a marquee name, but followers of the game know he hasn’t been an All-Star caliber player since 2007-08, when he put up nearly 22 points and five rebounds.

Pretty soon, Brazilians will vote in Anderson Varejao as an All-Star, because he is a decent enough player who happens to play with LeBron James. Okay, that may be a stretch, but you get the point.

In the first ballot released, 206 product and Rockets point guard Aaron Brooks (a fine player in his own right), had more votes than Deron Williams, who may very well be the best point in the league.

Enough is enough!



(Something is fundamentally wrong if this is a picture we see in Jerry Jones' masterpiece come February)


Allen Iverson, the enigmatic and troubled guard who quit on Memphis after just three games of little playing time, is second in voting among Eastern Conference guards. No, you did not read that incorrectly.

Not only has Iverson played in just 15 games this season, he hasn’t even played well. As a 76er, he’s averaging a career low 14.7 points on just 45 percent shooting. All of this comes on an incompetent, cellar-dwelling team.

I usually don’t agree with the outspoken Charles Barkley, but Chuck made a great point recently on TNT when he said that fans shouldn’t be allowed to vote. He may have taken his statements a little too far, but the message is loud and clear.

Critics will say the All-Star game is merely for the fans. It’s just an exhibition after all, with high-flying dunks, ohhs and ahhs, and mostly, a giant popularity contest. To an extent this is true, but what we have to understand is the significance of making the All-Star team.

For the players not voted in, especially the borderline guys that the McGrady and Iverson selections are taking (assuming they accept their bids), it becomes a matter of contracts and the validation of careers.

I just hope these "hoops aficionados" can come to realize this before voting in former greats or injured stars based on name merit irrational love. Think about the 29-year-old forward having a career year, playing for his last big contract. An All-Star selection means a great deal more to him than it does to Tracy McGrady, who hasn’t earned such an honor even though his salary demands otherwise.

When it comes to All-Star voting, there is a way both the league and the fan can win.

The current system allows fans to pick the starting line-up, and the coaches pick their seven reserves. (In the case of injury, the league then chooses a substitute). The NFL – as it often does – has gotten it right. Its “one-third” formula divides the vote equally and fairly amongst fans, players and coaches, and has worked very well since its inception in 1996.

Everybody agrees that an All-Star game is about the best players on the brightest stage. Unless we alter the currently flawed format in the NBA, this will never be the case.

I suppose Shaq, who is second on the East among centers, has a lifetime achievement award. He hasn’t averaged a double-double since 2004-05 but automatically gets the All-Star nod. (He'd better lead the opening dance sequence again, or else.) Look, I love him, but the guy’s game has fallen faster than Clinton’s Q rating after the Monica Lewinsky saga.

How can we have an All-Star game that doesn’t feature the likes of Chris Bosh or Steve Nash - two legitimate MVP candidates? That may happen this season. Either way, it shouldn’t even be a question whether or not they are selected, which speaks to the immensely defective system currently in place.

The bottom line is that the voting criteria desperately needs to be fixed.

The coaches and players are the biggest barometer of talent and success, not the fans. They see intricacies nobody else does. They know who the real All-Stars are, the guys who come to play every night.

By implementing the “one-third” format to supplant the currently flawed system, the integrity of this cherished event will be restored. We’re not trying to solve world hunger here. This is something that we can easily repair, with a slight rule change.

If the ultimate reward is to bring us the best players in one game, then this is the solution we need.

Real fans know this much.

The hottest clubs, adoring fans, insurmountable sums of cash – these are perks of being in the NBA. On the road or at home, during the season and in the off-season, the league’s top ballers take full advantage of their stardom. It got me thinking: Of the best players in the league, who would be the most fun to party with, and better yet, who would be the worst? If you could go clubbing for one night with one NBA star …

BEST:

Shaq – “The Diesel” is known for his hilarious pranks (think Kobe Bryant rap) and ridiculous sense of humor (challenging David Beckham to try and score a goal on him). The former star of Blue Chips, which features the charismatic Nick Nolte, is one of the most entertaining athletes of all time. Seriously, if you haven’t seen this film, Shaq got robbed of an Academy Award. “Hey coach, look what I can do.”

He does not have the bounce he used to, but “The Big Aristotle” still has the fame. In fact, I think his fame has actually grown as his game has deteriorated. For one, his size alone makes him a can’t-miss, and you know you’ll be getting unlimited Goose all night. But as is always the case with the “Diesel,” his personality is what makes him so special. He loves the spotlight – check YouTube for his All-Star dance sessions as evidence - and is known for his out of the box creativity.

I could just imagine O’Neal wearing one of his custom made “Shaq shoes,” screening “Kazaam” on the club’s baby plasma televisions and displaying his very own law enforcement police badge. Who knows what oddly colored suit he’d wear and what type of crowd he associates with. Simply put, “Shaq-Fu” demands attention wherever he goes. A night out with him would be unforgettable.

Gilbert Arenas – Gilbert has grown from second-round pick to bonafide NBA superstar, but his game extends far beyond the hardwood. Gilbert is an avid bowler and gamer – known as Agent Arenas online - which worries me a bit, but his gregarious personality makes him a can’t-miss clubbing prospect. Now when I say "gamer," I mean he loves video games, which is fun if you want to be 12 years old again, but not if you’re looking for a dream night with an NBA superstar.

He is a bit odd certainly. He once infamously took a shower in full uniform during halftime of a game while he was with Warriors and has been known to play online poker during intermission as well but a night with “Hibachi” would be absolutely absurd.

I can see it now: following the game, Arenas takes you out to the local bowling alley for a warm-up. He buys a few drinks, and then heads to the White House to play Halo with President Obama. But seriously, Gilbert’s driver takes us on a nightly stroll in the Lambo to D.C.’s best club. We get the most expensive alcohol at the most expensive table. Money is simply not an issue with Gilbert. Not convinced yet? For his 25th birthday, he threw a million dollar party and called it “Arenas Express.”

Back to your hypothetical night: When the waitress brings the food, Gilbert yells, “Hibacccchhhiii.” Gilbert, wearing a jersey of himself, which is autographed by himself, proceeds to get up on top of the table and starts to sing the Village People’s, “YMCA.” Then he stops, takes off his shoes and emulates his shooting stroke.

I don’t know if he’d help you get girls, but I promise you going out with Gilbert would be an unforgettable evening.

WORST:

Kobe – Since Kobe is one of the most popular guys in the league, I imagine he’d be on the top of many lists. But in reality, a night out with the “Black Mamba” would probably be painfully slow. Ever since the infamous Colorado case, Bryant has been very reserved and is seldom seen going out to parties. Plus, arguably the hardest working player in the association (he even lifts on game day), he doesn’t even drink, I suspect.

Even so, Bryant doesn’t strike me as the type of guy that would make an effort to incorporate you into his world. He may have you rebounding all night while he shoots threes and free throws. That may be your thing, but I advise you to be careful with what you wish for with in this case.

Dwight Howard - Known for his vivacious laughs and creative sense of humor, Howard would have you laughing hysterically all night. Nearly 7-feet tall and one of the game’s bright young stars, “Superman” naturally attracts insane amounts of attention. Okay, so that’s the good part, but here’s the bad. Howard – like Arenas - is a “gamer.” Secondly, I’ve read that his dad is an active Georgia State Patrol Officer. This kid grew up in solid Christian, southern roots. He doesn’t seem to be a high volume consumer of alcohol – good for the Magic, but not for you. All in all, Howard seems like a better candidate to hang out with your 14-year-old son than make your ultimate night a reality.

Anybody from Duke: Honestly every Duke guy is a top contender to be the league’s most boring player. You think it’d be cool to hang out with an NBA player? I actually think the opposite would be the case here. The Duke players would be so juiced that anybody would publicly associate with them that they you would feel like the NBA player, not them. Let me break it down for you.

A night out with Shane Battier means going to museums, talking about Slaughterhouse-Five and researching the Ming Dynasty – and we’re not talking about Yao.

Mike Dunleavy? The guy is always hurt: Mono, knees, fingers, everything. You’d probably spend six hours in physical therapy before watching NBA League Pass on TV.

Grant Hill wouldn’t be much better. Most likely an evening with the former rep of Fila Sportswear would be watching highlights from the Laettner game and texting with Coach K.

I love Carlos Boozer, but he may be the worst of all. You’d probably read bedtime stories to his son or watch old clips of Charles Barkley. Plus Salt Lake isn’t exactly LA.

Now that you’ve heard my spiel, what is your decision? Remember, this isn’t necessarily about your most adored player; you have to be selective with whom you feel would be the most entertaining and inclusive.

My choice? I know it’s cliché, but I have to go with my man Shaq. I just can’t imagine anything better.

Throwback jerseys have become an institution in themselves. Kids walking down the street wearing an old Magic or Jordan jersey is more than just clothing; it's a fashion statement. Whether you rep your team or favorite player it doesn't matter. But how about some of the players who never made it to the show, but who were great collegians? Or how about guys we identify only with one team, but for a brief moment in their careers, they actually were on another? Everyone thinks Kobe has been a Laker his whole career. Not true. Interested? Keep reading and find out why. This is part one (of three) of the best basketball jerseys never commercially made. Enjoy...

Dajuan Wagner jersey – His NBA career was a bust, but the kid scored 100 points in one high school game.

Acie Law IV (Texas A&M) – I loved Law at A&M. So smooth with the ball, and how cool does Law IV sound?

Stephen Curry (Davidson) – Other than Ray Allen, is there a nicer shooting stroke out there? Curry has gone from virtual unknown to lottery pick - plus I here he’s a scratch golfer as well.

Seth Curry (Liberty) – This jersey could be even better than older bro Steph. After lighting up the Big South Conference, Seth then transferred to Duke. He doesn’t yet have the size or handle as Stephon, but as he develops in the ACC (he won’t be eligible to play until 2010-2011 season), the Liberty Flames jersey may be worth having.

Michael Olowokandi (Pacific) – “The Kandy Man” goes down as one of the worst #1 picks in NBA history, but his Pacific Tigers jersey would draw some serious “What the” looks.

Kenny Lofton (Arizona) – Loften was one of those rare guys on the other team who you’d actually say during a baseball game, “man I love that guy.” For those who don’t know, he was also quite a player at POINT GUARD U in Tucson.

Len Bias (Maryland) – Bias is as sad a story as you’ll ever hear, but before he passed, the #2 pick of the Celtics may have been the greatest player ever to come out of College Park.

Felipe Lopez (St. John’s) – Was a high school superstar who appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated as the top freshmen in the country, Lopez was supposed to be the original LeBron when he entered St. John’s. He never lived up to the bill – although he did have a cup of coffee in the league – but this would be a very cool jersey to have.

Jesus Shuttlesworth (Lincoln High) – Is there a better movie ever made than “He Got Game?” Okay, maybe that was taking it too far, but the Jesus Shuttelsworth mantra will forever live on. This jersey would be in my top 3. Go Rail-Splitters.

Kyle Lee Watson (Georgetown) – “Above the Rim” was another terrific basketball flick, and “Mr. What kinda country ass name is that” Kyle Lee Watson had as pure a handle as you’ll find for an actor. Side Note: Saw this dude at a wedding recently. Apparently he’s a sports agent now…

Jimmy Chitwood (Hickory High) – Run the picket fence baby! Side Note: I may be insane, but I’m convinced that if I played basketball in the 1950s, I would - at the bare minimum - make an NBA roster.

Shawn Kemp (Trinity Junior College) – Kemp was part of the hybrid in the early to mid 1990s that helped change the culture of the power forward in the NBA. Something tells me there aren’t too many Trinity JC jerseys out there.

Shawn Kemp (Kentucky) – Kemp actually signed a letter of intent to play in Lexington, but never even played a game.

Jason Williams (Florida) – “The Thrilla ‘n Vanilla” was a white point guard with the handle of a Brooklyn street legend. As a freshman at Florida, “White Chocolate” was sensational.

Rafer Alston (Fresno St.)– “Skip to my Lou” is just cool.

Ron Artest (St John's) – I’ve always appreciated the talent of Artest – lock up “D” and an underrated scorer. He's become one of the best two-way players in the league - a true street fighter. If only these talents could translate to his rap game.

Bill Bradley (Princeton) – The Rhodes Scholar led Princeton – yes Princeton – to a number three national ranking while scoring 58 points in the consolation game of the tournament.

Leandro Barbosa (Palmeiras-Brazil) – “The Brazilian Blur’s” Brazilian club team jersey is sure to get major props.

Shaq aka Neon Budeax (“Blue Chips”) – Most underrated movie of all time. “This class is culturally biased!”

Penny Hardaway aka Butch McRae (“Blue Chips”) – Do you realize how good Penny Hardaway was before he got hurt? Put it this way – the guy was a 6-7 point guard who made four All-Star games by the age of 27!

Penny Hardaway (Memphis State) – “Say hello to my man Kevin Garnett. Tell him little Penny from the science club says hello.”

Barack Obama (Punahou High) – Imagine knowing then what we know now.

Sarah Palin (Wasilla High) - Won a state championship as a guard.

Monta Ellis (Lanier High School) – Any guy that averages 45 points per game deserves to be on my back.

Kevin Durant (Texas) – Just love watching him score the basketball. Side Note: Apparently during conditioning tests before the draft, KD couldn't even lift 185 lbs. once! I feel better about myself.

Michael Beasley (K-State) – How corrupt is Bobby Huggins? To ink Beasley, “Huggy Bear” hired his AAU coach, only he got fired once Beasley declared. Nevertheless, Beasley had one of the greatest freshman campaigns of all time.

Chris Paul (West Forsyth High) – During his senior year, Paul’s grandfather passed away at the age of 63. That night, Paul had scored 61 points when he went to the free-throw line. He purposely shot an air-ball, and checked himself out of the game with tears in his eyes.

Eddie House (Arizona State) – Guess who holds the all-time Pac 10 single game scoring record? Kareem? Nope. Gary Payton? Guess again. Reggie Miller? Wrong. How about Eddie House?!!! House dropped 61 on Cal.

David Robinson (Navy) – “The Admiral” led Navy to the Elite 8. That alone is enough to purchase his Midshipmen jersey.

Bryce Drew (Valpo) – His miracle shot to lead Valpo over Ole Miss in the 1998 NCAA Tourney will never be forgotten.

Kyle Korver (Creighton) – I just love un-athletic guys who can shoot the lights out.

Kevin Martin (Coastal Carolina) – I can’t stand his game, but Martin has developed into one of the best scorers in the NBA, and nobody else in American owns a Coastal Carolina jersey.

Adam Morrison (Gonzaga) – His atrocious mustache in college is reason enough.

JJ Redick (Duke) – Just because I hate him.

Jameer Nelson (St. Joes) – I want this jersey to remind me of Phil Martelli’s bald head.

Tony Parker (Paris Basket Racing) – Parker first signed with them when he was 17, and I guarantee you no one has that jersey. Parker has said that he used to sneak into a small room at night and watch the NBA Playoffs as a kid. Now he sneaks in to the bedroom and watches Eva Longoria to make “sexy time.” “Niccceeee.”

Rodney Stuckey (Eastern Washington) – You gotta love the small school guys. Despite growing up just outside of Seattle, Stuckey wasn’t even recruited by Washington. The former Big Sky Player of the Year’s college jersey is worth owning. Extra bonus: I've been saying he'd be a good pro since high school.

Just when you thought the Boston Celtics might become old and irrelevant, the ghost of Red Auerbach strikes again. After a disappointing second-round playoff exit to Orlando in which Ray Allen looked oddly pedestrian, Paul Pierce downright exhausted and Kevin Garnett more GQ than superstar, the 2008 NBA champs are title contenders once again.

The signing of Rasheed Wallace -- and, of course, his trademark Air Force Ones -- instantly launches the Celtics back into the NBA’s elite. They had a legitimate shot to repeat last season but then Garnett's injury exposed them. Now they have an extra layer of insurance with Wallace.

At 34, Wallace has certainly seen his best days. He averaged 12 points (lowest since he was a rookie) and 7.4 rebounds last season for the Pistons. He was a vital member of their 2004 championship team that upset the Lakers in the finals, but he cannot play the type of minutes he used to.

With Boston, he doesn't necessarily have to. With the “Big Ticket” coming off a serious injury and now 33 himself, Wallace fills an immediate need at both ends of the floor. Ideally for the Celtics, Rasheed can slide right in behind Garnett and with Kendrick Perkins plus the emerging Glen Davis (assuming he re-signs), can play a pivotal role as perhaps the league’s best No. 4 scoring option.

The Celtics already have a dangerous attack. Rajon Rondo’s jet-quick drives demand help, but leaving Allen and Pierce open on the perimeter isn't a good option. KG is a force in the post. Wallace has the versatility with his three-point shooting and post-up abilities to play multiple positions, which should allow him to fit in nicely.

Wallace's length is also an important factor, given the frontlines of the other top contenders. Cleveland has added Shaq to help Zydrunas Ilgauskas. Dwight Howard is only going to get better in Orlando. The Lakers feature Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum. Wallace is a sensible solution for the Celtics.

Other free agent big men include New York’s David Lee, Utah’s Paul Millsap and San Antonio’s Drew Gooden. Lee and Millsap warrant too much cash, and Gooden doesn’t have Wallace's inside/outside versatility.

His two-year deal at the mid-level exception suggests no over-commitment from the C’s, while also maintaining a renewed level of commitment from one of the league’s most storied and celebrated organizations.