[46-36]History in the Making ※ Playoffs Preview!

[Cruzerr]

YOU MORONS. SHAME ON YOU.

B-SCAL FTW.

Lol, good post was it not?

[Lamrock]

Congrats on winning the season opener. AI-Yi would be a great, unlikely star duo.

[Valor]

YOU MORONS. SHAME ON YOU.

B-SCAL FTW.

Lol, good post was it not?

Sure was

Congrats on winning the season opener. AI-Yi would be a great, unlikely star duo.

Thanks Lamrock!
Haha yeah, be interesting to see how far this duo leads me

[Valor]

Kobe too much in the Clutch as Lakers top Panthers
Game Story | Box Score | Team Stats | Player of the Game


Nobody's stopping the Black Mamba when it's crunch time

Los Angeles, CA - Kobe Bryant is simply unstoppable.

Despite a valiant effort by the New Zealand Panthers, Kobe Bryant proved to be too much down the stretch, as the Lakers, led by Bryant, hit the sweetspot and pulled away late in the fourth quarter for a 91-83 victory against the Panthers.

Bryant scored 7 of the Lakers' final 12 points, and assisted on one of the two other baskets, as the Lakers took the lead with just over two minutes to play in the fourth and never looked back.

"They played great, but we executed down the stretch and got the W" said Bryant, who led the Lakers with 26 points "Give them credit, they are a different team this season"

The Panthers' play certainly earned that praise from the league's three time reigning Finals MVP. They dominated the backboard despite the length of the Lakers, holding a 56 to 45 advantage on the glass.

Allen Iverson led the way for the Panthers, scoring a game high 28 points on 12 for 19 shooting in 37 minutes played coming off the bench. Yi Jianlian finished with 21 points and 15 rebounds, while Omer Asik had career highs in both rebounding (13 reb) and blocked shots (6 blks).

"The guys played hard, but we just couldn't hold on in the end" said Larry Brown, "We are still a young team growing up, sooner or later we'll learn these things like they do"

However, they did for the most part limit the production of every Laker not named Kobe Bryant.

The Laker frontline of Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol were limited to just 8 and 6 points respectively, even though they did grab a combined total of 26 rebounds. Lakers sixth man Lamar Odom was just 1-6 from the field for 5 points and 7 boards in 29 minutes, while starting point guard JJ Barea went 3 for 18 from the field to get his 18 points and 7 assists.

Even when it came to Kobe Bryant, the length and athletic ability of Thabo Sefolosha combined with the defensive genius in Shane Battier made the Black Mamba's job incredibly difficult. Bryant, like Barea, had to settle with getting one point per shot, as he went 11 for 26 from the field for his 26 points.

"Just tried our best to contain him, because no one can stop him" said Battier, "Unfortunately it still wasn't enough. The guy is just too good"

The Lakers now jump ahead to a record of 3-1 while the Panthers slide back to .500 at 2-2.

Game Highlights






Player of the Game Highlights

[Martti.]

Asik's a defensive beast. I reckon he could put up impressive numbers on my Heat too, only I have Gasol and Joel in front of him in the rotation.

Iverson's a lock for 6th man if this goes on like this.

[Valor]

Asik's a defensive beast. I reckon he could put up impressive numbers on my Heat too, only I have Gasol and Joel in front of him in the rotation.

Iverson's a lock for 6th man if this goes on like this.

He's actually leading the league in blocks and fifth (i think) in rebounding as of now for me Pure awesome defender

I might put AI in the starting lineup soon though, team's offense at start of games is almost non-existent with the lone capable scorer being Yi

[Valor]

Larry Brown: Iverson will start against Miami
Nov 20, 2011



After dropping two straight for the first time this season, Panthers Head Coach Larry Brown has decided to shake
things up with his lineup.

Allen Iverson, therefore, will be making his first start as a New Zealand Panther tonight at home against the visiting
Miami Heat and their big three of Dwyane Wade, Lebron James, and Chris Bosh.

The Panthers held a 7-4 record before dropping the previous two matches to the Utah Jazz and Orlando Magic, respectively. Both
games were blowouts, with the Jazz winning 110-95 and the Magic 107-77. Iverson was the leading scorer for New Zealand in both
as all the other players struggled to contribute.

"The way I see it, he's earned his way back in this league" Brown said, "and this time, he did it the right way"

Back in the NBA after a stint in Turkey, the former MVP has been averaging 21.6 points and 4.7 assists coming off the bench for
the second year franchise in 13 games thus far. He scored 29 points to lead the Panthers to a season opening victory against the
Atlanta Hawks, and to date has not had a game where he scored less than 15 points.

"He's still one of the best players in the league, without question" team captain Shane Battier said, "The amount of talent that
this guy has is amazing, and he gives everything he's got"

New Zealand will certainly hope that'll be enough, as the visitors are a tough bunch to handle. With 69 games left in the season,
they are going to need The Answer to step up and take them to the unknown territory - The Playoffs.

[Valor]

New Zealand halts Miami's surge as Panthers top Heat
Game Story | Box Score | Team Stats | Player of the Game


AI struggled from the field in his first start for NZL, but still had 28 in the win

Auckland, NZ - Following a 1-4 start to the season, the defending Eastern Conference Champions refocused and made way in climbing back up the standings.

Alas, their progress was hindered yet again. This time, by the young Panthers of New Zealand.

Behind Yi Jianlian's 26 point, 9 rebound performance, the New Zealand Panthers snap the Miami Heat's 3 game winning streak with a 102-97 victory and stay above .500 with a record of 8-6.

It was a complete team effort for the Panthers, as center Omer Asik had a career high 15 rebounds in the win, alongside 8 points and 4 blocks; veteran guard Allen Iverson, on the otherhand, contributed a game high 28 points and 6 assists in his first start as a Panther despite having a rough night from the field, in which he finished 8-26, but he went 12-13 from the free throw line and had some huge baskets in the fourth quarter.

Point Guard Eric Maynor had his best game of the season, as he chipped in with 11 points and 10 assists. Rookie Harrison Barnes gave a career high 12 points off the bench, while Thabo Sefolosha went a perfect 5-5 from the field in his first game following the switch to the bench role and finished with 11 points.

"I don't think it matters for me, starting or not" said Sefolosha, "I'm still getting the same minutes, I still have the same role. It's (winning) all I care about"

For the Heat, it is another setback to what has been a disappointing start to the season, to say the least. They had finally managed to climb out of the 1-4 hole at the start of the season and was heading on a roll, winning 6 of their last 7 games, with the lone loss being a 101-102 defeat at the hands of the Boston Celtics.

With their 3 game winning streak once again snapped, this time by the second year franchise, the Heat must again refocus if they want to return to the finals this season.

"Just the little things," said Dwyane Wade, who led the Heat with 28 points and 6 assists, "If we had grabbed an extra rebound, or made the extra passes, we could've won this"

Meanwhile, star forward LeBron James, who finished the game with 25 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists, called out some of his teammates

"Guys just gotta make some shots," said James, "I mean, King James and D-Wade were making the plays, y'all better knock those shots down."

From the looks of it, James was making references to guards Mario Chalmers (2-9, 5 points), Mike Bibby (3-10, 10 points), and possibly forward Chris Bosh (5-13, 11 points).

James also seemed to be making complaints towards coach Erik Spoelstra with regards to playing time

"Look, man, I played 41 (minutes) and Dwyane had 39 (minutes)" said James "We might need some rest. I mean, we are not superman, no matter what we seem like."

Spoelstra, on the other hand, did not comment much when asked upon.

"If he's tired, he'll let me know and I'll take him off" said Spoelstra, "I don't think there's a problem at all."

With the loss, the Heat now fall back down to a record of 7-6 with the end of November approaching. It's still early in the season but if they are not careful, they could be swept under the carpet in the Eastern Conference.

Game Highlights





Player of the Game Highlights

[Justine.]

LeBron whining Great win! Asik is a beast in the making

[Martti.]

Didn't even notice before that you have Faried! Screw Yi and start him.

[Valor]

LeBron whining Great win! Asik is a beast in the making

Doesn't he always?
Yep, Asik is a beast, both IRL and here!

Didn't even notice before that you have Faried! Screw Yi and start him.

Faried maybe my little Dennis Rodman, but he ain't ready yet Neither is Kanter...might send one of them to the D-League for a bit

[Valor]

Monthly Recap: November 2011
Part One: New Zealand Panthers Monthly Recap

November Results - 11W 7L



October 27th vs Atlanta Hawks
Win 100-93 Game Recap

October 29th @ New Orleans Hornets
Loss 99-107
Outstanding Players:
New Orleans: Chris Paul - 20 points, 11 assists; David West – 23 points, 6 rebounds
New Zealand: Yi Jianlian – 32 points, 11 rebounds; Allen Iverson – 22 points, 7 assists

October 30th vs Denver Nuggets
Win 104-100
Outstanding Players:
Denver: Danilo Gallinari – 33 points, 6 rebounds; Nene – 9 points, 11 rebounds; JR Smith – 14 points, 5 steals
New Zealand: Yi Jianlian – 20 points, 13 rebounds; Allen Iverson - 23 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists; Omer Asik – 12 points, 11 rebounds, 3 blocks

November 2nd @ Los Angeles Lakers
Loss 83-91 Game Recap

November 3rd @ Golden State Warriors
Win 107-94
Outstanding Players:
Golden State: Monta Ellis – 27 points; David Lee – 12 points, 12 rebounds; Steph Curry – 14 points, 8 assists
New Zealand: Yi Jianlian – 29 points, 11 rebounds; Allen Iverson – 24 points, 8 assists; Omer Asik – 10 points, 14 rebounds, 7 blocks (career high blk, reb)

November 5th @ Phoenix Suns
Win 111-76
Outstanding Players:
Phoenix: Marcin Gortat – 14 points, 16 rebounds; Steve Nash – 15 points, 7 assists
New Zealand: Yi Jianlian – 21 points, 10 rebounds; Allen Iverson – 20 points (18 min); Thabo Sefolosha – 16 points, 8 rebounds

November 6th @ Los Angeles Clippers
Loss 98-106
Outstanding Players:
LA Clippers: Blake Griffin – 14 points, 17 rebounds (career high), Mo Williams – 23 points, 12 assists; Eric Gordon – 21 points, 5 steals; Chris Kaman – 20 points, 8 rebounds
New Zealand: Yi Jianlian – 30 points, 7 rebounds; Eric Maynor – 16 points, 4 assists

November 8th vs Phoenix Suns
Win 112-108
Outstanding Players:
Phoenix: Steve Nash – 27 points, 10 assists; Aaron Brooks – 24 points; Jared Dudley – 16 points
New Zealand: Yi Jianlian – 34 points, 11 rebounds, 4 blocks; Allen Iverson – 18 points, 10 assists, 4 steals; Omer Asik – 6 points, 14 rebounds, 2 blocks

November 10th vs New Orleans Hornets
Win 90-85
Outstanding Players:
New Orleans: Trevor Ariza – 22 points, 9 rebounds; Chris Paul – 16 points, 7 assists
New Zealand: Allen Iverson - 22 points; Yi Jianlian - 18 points, 9 rebounds

November 13th vs Boston Celtics
Loss 89-108
Outstanding Players:
Boston: Ray Allen – 28 points, 5 assists; Rajon Rondo – 18 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 steals
New Zealand: Yi Jianlian – 21 points, 8 rebounds; Allen Iverson – 17 points

November 15th @ Washington Wizards
Win 104-103
Outstanding Players:
Washington: John Wall – 21 points, 6 rebounds, 12 assists; Nick Young – 27 points; Andray Blatche – 12 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 blocks
New Zealand: Yi Jianlian – 25 points, 9 rebounds; Allen Iverson – 24 points; Omer Asik – 6 points, 13 rebounds, 3 blocks

November 16th vs Utah Jazz
Loss 95-110
Outstanding Players:
Utah: Al Jefferson – 28 points, 11 rebounds, 3 blocks; Paul Millsap – 27 points, 11 rebounds
New Zealand: Allen Iverson – 16 points; Omer Asik – 5 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks

November 19th @ Orlando Magic
Loss 77-107
Outstanding Players:
Orlando: Dwight Howard – 36 points, 17 rebounds; Jason Richardson – 17 points, 6 rebounds
New Zealand: Allen Iverson – 23 points, 3 steals; Harrison Barnes – 18 points (career high)

November 20th vs Miami Heat
Win 102-97 Game Recap

November 24th vs Detroit Pistons
Win 109-92
Outstanding Players:
Detroit: Charlie Villanueva – 22 points, 8 rebounds; Vince Carter – 12 points, 5 assists
New Zealand: Allen Iverson – 34 points, 3 steals; Yi Jianlian – 23 points, 9 rebounds

November 26th vs Golden State Warriors
Win 95-93
Outstanding Players:
Golden State: Jeff Green – 18 points, 11 rebounds; Steph Curry – 18 points, 5 assists; David Lee - 14 points, 12 rebounds
New Zealand: Yi Jianlian – 32 points, 10 rebounds; Allen Iverson – 20 points, 5 assists, 4 steals

November 27th @ Milwaukee Bucks
Win 94-90
Outstanding Players:
Milwaukee: Stephen Jackson – 20 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, 3 blocks
New Zealand: Yi Jianlian – 26 points, 14 rebounds, 4 blocks; Allen Iverson – 26 points, 5 assists; Omer Asik – 7 points, 16 rebounds (career high)

November 30th vs Los Angeles Lakers
Loss 81-93
Outstanding Players:
LA Lakers: Kobe Bryant – 26 points, 6 rebounds; JJ Barea – 21 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 steals
New Zealand: Yi Jianlian – 22 points, 13 rebounds; Allen Iverson – 21 points, 7 assists

[Valor]

Monthly Recap: November 2011
Part Two: Around the Association

[Valor]

Monthly Recap: November 2011
Part Three: Rookie Ladder

[Valor]

Monthly Recap: November 2011
Part Four: Race to the MVP

A good start by the Lakers has the reigning league, all-star, and finals MVP at the top spot

Race to the MVP: Kobe starts season on top ... again
By Adrian Nelson, NBA.com
Posted Dec 1 2011 12:26AM

Welcome back to the first edition of Race to the MVP of this 2011-12 season. For us here at the Race, this has always been the best time of the year as it's the beginning of another NBA season, which means, another whole new Race for the Maurice Podoloff trophy.

It's been an interesting month to start the season, to say the least. From the Miami Heat's initial struggles, to the surprisingly good play from the New Zealand Panthers, to the surge of the New Jersey Nets and Milwaukee Bucks, and the fall-off from the Atlanta Hawks, the NBA has certainly lived up to it's slogan thus far.

However, there are some things that never change, and that would be the consistently great play from the defending champion Lakers and their superstar Kobe Bryant.

Despite starting the season with Mike Brown instead of Phil Jackson and a move away from the Triangle offense, Kobe has been playing as though nothing has changed. The Lakers are 15-3 and not even Kobe haters can put-down Kobe's play, which has been both spectacular and efficient.

Of course, whether Kobe can be the 11th player in NBA history to win consecutive MVP awards will not only depend on him and the Lakers, but also a horde of rising stars in the league. Guys like Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, Deron Williams, and of course, another two-time MVP in LeBron James.

Thus far, the biggest challenges to Kobe for the top spot here at the Race has been Derrick Rose, who's Bulls are in hot pursuit of Kobe's Lakers for the best record in the league, and also LeBron James, who alongside Dwyane Wade has helped the Heat out of their early struggles and are firing on all cylinders. There's no telling what's going to happen throughout the season, but we should have no shortage of excitement in this year's race. Which, of course, is what makes the NBA so great to watch.

Couple quick things to get out of the way before I launch myself head-first into the season. I don't have an official vote for MVP, so don't bring any wack arguments about how I can directly influence the MVP voting. No vote equals no influence. Get me? Also, this column is just my opinion and I have no formula. It's a mixture of art (what I see) and science (some stats).

Finally, don't take these rankings personally. I'm commenting on the player, not your obsession with your favorite player. Then again, it is kind of funny to see how certain people get worked up over these rankings.

Still, I'll do my best to spice things up and stir the pot. But I'll always order the favorites as I think they should be ordered. You can complain, and I'll read those complaints, but I doubt if they'll sway me.

Without further ado, here's the first edition of Race to the MVP in the 2011-12 season. With a clear Top 2 and Eight Admirable Others:

[hova-]

Great Race. Yi is doing very well, but not putting up unrealistic stats at all, as he finds himself strugglin from down town. Tough to not find Dirk in there, as the Mavs are better than OKC, NZ and just as good as NOH.

[Valor]

Great Race. Yi is doing very well, but not putting up unrealistic stats at all, as he finds himself strugglin from down town. Tough to not find Dirk in there, as the Mavs are better than OKC, NZ and just as good as NOH.

Yep, he's still a developing player and needs to get a lot more consistent on his shot and a couple more moves, as well as make an improvement on defense, but he's been great for me
As for Dirk, he's been playing less-than-stellar as he has been hampered by an injury for the entire month. Caron Butler and Rudy Fernandez are the biggest reason behind the Mavs' wins for now, but I expect Dirk to be climbing back into the Race as soon as he's healthy

[Valor]

Panthers Assign Enes Kanter to Dakota Wizards
Dec 01, 2011 11:53 AM EST



The New Zealand Panthers have assigned center Enes Kanter to the Dakota
Wizards, the Panthers' NBA D-League affiliate, it was announced.

It marks the first assignment for Kanter, as well as the first assignment for the
Panthers franchise.

Kanter (6-11, 262) is a rookie this season after being selected out of Kentucky
by the Panthers with the 20th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. Hailing from
Turkey, the 20 year old center has appeared in all of the Panthers' 18 games
thus far, averaging 4.7 points and 4.4 rebounds in just under 13
minutes played.

"This is just an opportunity for him to get more minutes on the court" Larry
Brown stated, "He'll be in a great situation that'll hopefully help develop his
game further"

Kanter was ruled permanently ineligible by the NCAA and did not play a single
game during his one year stint with the Kentucky Wildcats.

[Valor]

Chapter 7

Leo stepped out of the elevator and walked into the comforts of his office building, coffee in one hand and iPhone on the other. It was a typical beautiful sunny morning in downtown Auckland and the boss of the Panthers was about to get to work.
"Morning fellas" he nodded to his front office staff as he walked past their desks, he ventured into his office. His secretary, Michelle, followed suit and handed him a stack of documents.
"What are these" Lai asked
"Offers from other teams sir, faxed in overnight"
"All of them? Jesus...someone wants our players" Lai muttered as he flipped through the pages
"Alright then, I'll call you if I need anything" Lai continued as he waved off Michelle

It was a tedious effort as Lai read through the papers, most were stupid deals proposed by other GMs for a laugh
"Bloody waste of my time" Lai thought as he chucked an offer from Danny Ainge asking to swap Kevin Garnett for Yi Jianlian, Enes Kanter, and a future first into the bin, "He must be either drunk or lost his damn mind"
As Lai continued through the pile, a knock rang on the door and someone came in, without looking up Lai motioned for the person to speak
"We need to talk" the person said
Lai did not answer, but simply waved him on as he chucked another rubbish offer into the trash can.
"Why did you send me to the D-League?" it was rookie Enes Kanter
Still not looking up from his pile of documents, Lai let out a deep sigh, "Why are you asking me about it? Coach Brown was the one who made that decision"
Kanter slammed on the table, "I came into this organization expecting to be treated well, and now you are insulting me by sending me to the D-League?"
Lai finally looked up at his rookie, not only that, he stood up. Despite being a good 10, 11 inches shorter, the young owner's actions caused Kanter to take a step backwards.
"Look Enes, we are about the same age so I know how you feel" Lai said slowly, "I'd be pissed too if it was me, but we are investing in your development, and the best way for that is for you to play."
"With the group of guys we have right now it ain't possible for you to get that many minutes, so the D-League is the best spot for you to go. Just a little bit, ok?" Lai concluded, and raised his hand out to the rookie. Kanter reluctantly took the handshake and exited the room.
"Well, that's that done" Lai rolled his eyes and sat back down, and groaned at the phone ringing
"Hello? Leo Lai of the New Zealand Panthers here, who's this and what is it?"
The caller on the other end replied, "I've got an offer for you"
Lai laughed, "Not another joke offer right?"
The caller chuckled, "No, not any of that. Trust me, you're going to like this one"
"Alright, lets hear it then"

✧✧✧✧✧

A lot of people don't know this, but making a deal in the NBA is complicated, very complicated. It had been more than two weeks since the initial discussion has been held, the Panthers have played another 8 games, in which they won five of them, and Enes Kanter had been to the D-League and back. Alas, the trade was still far from finished.

"Well, tell him to properly consider that offer before sending it off to me then" Lai said, extremely annoyed as the other team withdrew the offer yet once again
"Just be patient young man, it's like that" the guy on the other end said
"Patient? We've been at it for almost three frigging weeks!" Lai slammed the phone down and demanded for a coffee from his secretary, who returned not only with coffee, but also a stack of documents for him to go through.
Lai groaned as he received the files, it was going to be a long day

"Enes, how does it feel to hear your name being involved with rumors of trade talks?"
"Do you know anything about being shopped around the league?"
"Is it true that you and your agent had a meeting with the team owner yesterday?"
It was just after the morning shoot around before the game against the Bobcats at the Panthers Arena in Auckland, and rookie center Enes Kanter found himself in unfamiliar territory, being surrounded by the media and bombarded with questions, a role that is usually taken by Allen Iverson and Yi Jianlian.
Team captain Shane Battier saw what was happening and came over to Kanter's rescue, "Sorry guys, we got a game tonight and the kid needs to rest" Battier said as he pulled the rookie out of the crowd and into the dressing room.

✧✧✧✧✧

"So, it's final this time, right?" Lai asked yet again
"Yes yes, it's confirmed " the guy on the phone chuckled "rest assured, there will be no setbacks this time round"
"Well, remember what happened the last time you said those words?" Lai remarked
"That's another story" the guy replied "Do you agree to the terms of the deal?"
Lai took a deep breath, this could be either a change for the good or the bad, he thought to himself as he made the reply

"You got a deal"

[Valor]

Wolves' Randolph out for season with Torn MCL
Dec 6th, 2011 10:32 PM EST



The Minnesota Timberwolves announced that forward Anthony Randolph will
be out for the remainder of the 2011-12 NBA Season after a magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) revealed a torn right medial collateral ligament (MCL).

Randolph (6-11, 225), suffered the injury in the third quarter of the Timberwolves-Warriors
game on December 5th in Minnesota. He was seen and evaluated by team doctors following
the game.

In the 21 games played this season, Randolph has been averaging 9.1 points, 4.4 rebounds,
and 1.1 blocks in 24 minutes per contest. His .364 field goal percentage is the lowest out
of the four seasons of his NBA career thus far.

Panthers Recall Kanter From Dakota
Dec 11, 2011 05:52 PM EST



The New Zealand Panthers have recalled rookie center Enes Kanter from the
Dakota Wizards of the NBA Development League, Owner and General Manager Leo Lai
announced.

In four games for the Wizards, Kanter averaged 17.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assists
per contest. Kanter tallied 27 points and 14 rebounds in the Wizards' 111-98 victory over
the Idaho Stampede on December 8th. Kanter was assigned to Dakota on December 1st.

Wizards acquire Duhon, Richardson from Magic
Dec 15th, 2011 8:15 PM EST



The Washington Wizards have acquired Chris Duhon and Quentin Richardson
from the Orlando Magic in exchange for Anthony Tolliver, Kevin Seraphin, and Trevor
Booker, Wizards president and general manager Ernie Grunfield announced today.

The Wizards (10-16) have been struck by a woe of injuries as of late, first losing starting
guard Nick Young to a Seperated Shoulder on December 1st, then losing backup forward
Al Thornton to a Severe Ankle Sprain yesterday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

They will look to offload their crowded frontcourt bigs to fill the holes left behind by
Young and Thornton.

Duhon (6-1, 185), will serve as a solid backup guard behind John Wall, and immediately
is a big upgrade from undrafted sophomore Mustafa Shakur. In his 8 NBA seasons,
Duhon has career averages of 6.8 points and 4.7 assists per game.

Richardson (6-6, 235), on the otherhand, will immediately fill in the void left by Al
Thornton as the backup small forward. A career .357 three point shooter, Richardson
will be counted on for the Wizards to continue spreading the floor when Rashard Lewis
takes a rest on the sidelines and open the lane up for Wall and McGee.

The 12 year veteran will also be counted on to mentor the young talents of the
Washington Wizards as they hope to turn their season around.

For the Magic, despite their decent start (15-9) to the season, they are still not
amongst the top contenders in the Eastern Conference. With the possible departure
of superstar Dwight Howard looming upon them, general manager Otis Smith is doing
all he can to convince the three time Defensive Player of the Year to stay. Booker,
Tolliver, and Seraphin are all expiring contracts that will shed a combined total of 5.02
million dollars for Orlando. It is but a small step, but at the least it is a step for Smith
and the Magic in their attempt to reshape the roster.

[Martti.]

I bet it's some center, a decent one. Jordan, Bogut or Bynum.

[Valor]

I bet it's some center, a decent one. Jordan, Bogut or Bynum.

Not a fan of Asik manning the middle huh? We'll see who it is soon!

[Martti.]

He's alright, does his rebounding as I see, but an upgrade is never bad.

[Valor]

He's alright, does his rebounding as I see, but an upgrade is never bad.

True that, especially at the center position, which is in danger of extinction in the NBA

[Lamrock]

Loving r2mvp and all of that. Hopefully yi can maintain his all star caliber play.