NBA 2009-10 Season Schedules

The 2009-10 NBA Season will kick off in style on TNT Tuesday Ocotober 27th with an NBA doubleheader. In game 1, last year's Eastern Conference Finals Runner-ups, the Cleveland Cavaliers will go up against the NBA Champs from 2 seasons ago, the Boston Celtics. Lebron James and Shaquille O'Neal will have their first regular season contest together while the Celtics look to welcome Kevin Garnett, and recent pickups, Rasheed Wallace & Shelden Williams. In the second game of the night, it will be a battle of the two LA's. Kobe Bryant's NBA Champion Lakers will be taking on the in-town rival Los Angeles Clippers with their #1 draft pick, Blake Griffin. Two other games will go down on opening night; Washington takes on Dallas, while Portland hosts Houston.

The next night will be yet another doubleheader, this time airing on ESPN. Game 1 will feature Tim Duncan, Richard Jefferson and the San Antonio Spurs battling Chris Paul, Emeka Okafor and the New Orleans Hornets. In the second game of the night, Carmelo Anthony and the Denver Nuggets will go into Utah to go against Deron Williams and the Jazz. October 28th features a total of 12 NBA games on the slate.

The NBA Champion Lakers won't see their NBA Finals opponent from 2009, the Orlando Magic until Monday, January 18th, 2010. The Magic will have to wait until March 7th to host the champs at home. There will be a Christmas day treat for NBA fans as Kobe's Lakers visit Shaq, Lebron and the cavs in Cleveland for an afternoon contest.

In addition to various local sports coverage of games around the country, the usual networks will air plenty of games this season, with ESPN, ABC and TNT all showcasing some of the top matchups.

The NBA season will wrap up on Wednesday, April 14th 2010 as the Playoffs will kick into high gear soon thereafter.

NBA Preseason schedules will also be announced withing the coming weeks.

View Team by Team schedules here for the NBA 2009-10 season

NBA Defenders, Contenders & Pretenders

According to a recent Page 2 article by ESPN's Bill Simmons, there's a clear six-team list for this season's NBA title contenders: Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavs, LA Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, Utah Jazz & New Orleans Hornets. Simmons contends that the Celts, Cavs & Lakers are high probability with the other 3 less likely to win it all.

Defenders: Moreso than last season, Boston is playing with targets on the players' backs as reigning NBA champions. The Celtics have just 2 losses this season and seem to be on pace for a possible return, once again plowing through competition. Many analysts questioned whether not holding on to James Posey would hurt the team. They still have the big 3, an emerging Rajon Rondo, and last year's success to build upon.

Contenders: If you peruse through the latest NBA standings, the Lakers are ahead of the pack with a 12-1 record, and are on fire this season. Most likely they are still hungry after losing to Boston in the Finals, and with Andrew Bynum's return they are definitely improved in the paint. The also have that pesky #24, the reigning MVP, Mr. Kobe "Killer Instinct" Bryant..

Then comes the Cavs, and we all know that Lebron continues to lead the way in Cleveland along with his supporting cast. Not only that, but he is going to be the most sought-after free agent in some time and is under constant scrutiny to perform. Most free agents up the level of their game, and Lebron is constantly on the rise. The Knicks recently cleaned up their pricey roster for a chance at acquiring the young phenom. Expect Lebron's Cavs to give the Celtics serious challenges come playoff time as Lebron continues improving, which is scary at his age and level of talent.

Simmons mentions that the Hornets seem to be faltering, making them the possible Western Conference pretenders. He argues that perhaps the team isn't in love with coach Byron Scott anymore. ">Read the full article here

In addition to Simmons' 6 contenders mentioned, you could argue that there's several teams in the league capable of getting hot near playoff time. The Lakers 1 loss came at the hands of the Pistons who now enjoy the services of one Allen Iverson. The Mavs are on a 6 game win streak right now, and they were in the Finals several years ago. Dirk is a former MVP while Kidd was nearly a former MVP. There's also the new-look Nuggets with Billups at point guard, the new look Rockets with Artest helping on D, and those Phoenix Suns with good ol' Shaq & Nash.

If the NBA playoffs started today, here's the teams competing:

Eastern Conference:

1) Boston 13-2
2) Cleveland 11-3
3) Orlando 10-4
4) Detroit 8-5
5) Atlanta 8-5
6) Miami 7-7
7) Philadelphia 7-7
8) New York 7-7

Western Conference:

1) L.A. Lakers 12-1
2) Houston 10-5
3) Denver 9-5
4) Phoenix 10-5
5) New Orleans 8-5
6) Utah 9-6
7) Portland 9-6
8) San Antonio 7-6

Perhaps the Knicks have the most to be thankful come Thanksgiving 2008; a .500 record, a chance at the playoffs, and a major chance at landing King James in a season or so.

The NBA's Early Unbeatens

The Western Conference has 4 undefeated teams while the East has 3. No surprises out West as both Houston and New Orleans are 3-0, and the Lakers and Jazz sit at 2-0. In the East, there may be a surprise or 2. One undefeated is Detroit, while the other two are Toronto and Atlanta. All three were playoff teams last year, with Atlanta surprising Boston by taking them a full 7 game series. The Raptors are on the rise this season, as they added forward Jermaine O'Neal to battle down low alongside Chris Bosh. These two provide quite an intimidating defense as well. As for Atlanta, the loss of Josh Childress to Europe hasn't hurt them so far, but again the season's early. Josh Smith has emerged into another Shawn Marion type player who definitely earns his salary. His stat lines are full night in and night out, and full stat lines help teams win games. Just ask guys like Marion, AK-47 and Kidd, who all have been known to "do a little of everything needed".

The West isn't so surprising, mainly because it's the West. Last season, even though they didn't come away with the NBA title, they still showed themselves to be the superior conference. There were teams with almost .500 records or better unable to make the playoffs. The Lakers and Hornets were amongst the final contenders, with the Lakers heading to the Finals. New Orleans at 3-0 this season shows how valuable guard Chris Paul is. The Jazz are yet another solid unit with a great point guard, defenders and shooters. The Rockets at 3-0, show that the addition of Ron Artest has been a big plus. It's one thing when you have a guy who's known as the Great Wall down low in Yao Ming, but even better when you've got Artest. And don't leave out Shane Battier, making for one solid defensive squad. Remember last season the Rockets were the hottest team in pro sports, winning over 20 straight games, and many without the services of Yao Ming.

How many of the above teams will continue their winning ways and who will be the first to falter? Will the West continue to be best, or will the East surge?

Spurs Advance Past Hornets 91-82

In the words of former Houston Rockets coach Rudy Tomjanovich, you can never "underestimate the heart of a champion". Perhaps many people did just that, self included, as the Hornets were blowing San Antonio away in New Orleans. Many people expected the champion Spurs to be done as of Monday night.

Monday night marked the final Game of the series, with a trip to the Conference finals on the line. Each team had been really dominating the other on the homecourt, but that wasn't the case here. Experienced champions were consistent here and the younger Hornets couldn't overcome their spirit. San Antonio was up by 9 as the teams headed into halftime. They had a hot 3rd quarter, going up by as much as 12. In the 4th, Janero Pargo narrowed the gap to just 3 points after New Orleans played volleyball with about 4 different offensive rebounds. Tony Parker hit a nail in the coffin type shot and the Spurs ended up winning it 91-82. Despite the loss, Chris Paul definitely had the breakout season of 2007-08 and should continue this heading into next season. Watch out for the Hornets!

We now get a great Western Conference finals matchup pitting Kobe's top LA Lakers against the World champion Spurs. I actually give San Antonio the edge here believe it or not, because I think they do hold the experience factor. While LA still has Derek Fisher and Kobe from the championship Lakers teams of past, I'm not sure they can solve Tim Duncan effectively. The combo of Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom inside could work well to stop the Spurs' guards as they guys on TNT's postgame show mentioned. Will Kobe have it in him to bring this Lakers team back to the Finals? Will Duncan and his crew earn a return trip to defend their title? Either way it should be a great series in the Wild Wild West!

Tuesday night will see the start of the Boston Celtics vs. Detroit Pistons series which also will make for some must see NBA TV!

Read more about the Spurs victory over the Hornets at AP.

Spurs Hurt the Hornets

The Spurs not only hurt New Orleans with a 19 point win Thursday night, but also hurt their All-star forward, David West. West left the game after taking a hit in the back by Robert Horry. Apparently back spasms forced West to the back locker room with the help of his teammate and staff. Hopefully for the sake of New Orleans he's able to play again on Monday in a do-or-die Game 7.

The Spurs looked very good in the second half, and due to Chris Paul's foul trouble, they were able to build an impressive lead. Despite Paul's 21 points and 8 assists, San Antonio outscored the Hornets 20-12 in the 3rd quarter. For San Antonio, Duncan notched 20 points, 15 boards and 6 assists, with Ginobli scoring 25 to lead the team. The Hornets didn't really have any other impressive performances, as Peja had just 13, West chipped in 10 and Chandler had 14.

The World champs who were once down 2-0 and seemed "out of it", are now easily in position to return to the promised land. So now we get to see what could be a classic Game 7 on Monday night in New Orleans. At stake is a spot in the Western Conference Finals. According to ESPN Sportscenter,the Spurs have Lost in Game 7 every time they've forced one in the Conference Semis.

As a friend remarked to me earlier in the night, we could see three Game 7's depending on how Cleveland and Utah fare on Friday night. If any team needs to prove itself with a road win right about now, it's the Boston Celtics.

Hornets Buzzing & Pistons Move Forward!

On Tuesday night the New Orleans Hornets gained payback as they beat the Spurs soundly, 101-79. New Orleans buzzed out after halftime with the Spurs leading, and Chris Paul took over the game. Paul finished with 22 points and 14 assists to lead his team to victory. Forward David West had an impressive 38 points and 14 rebounds in the win, as well as 5 blocks. Perhaps the most impressive of his 2 points came on a layup where he drove by Duncan under the basket and then hit the layup. The Hornets have now outscored San Antonio by a total of 93 points in their 3 wins, while San Antonio has outscored New Orleans by a combined 41 in their two wins.

Despite the victory, the Hornets saw their defensive-minded Center Tyson Chandler leave the game in the 4th with an apparent ankle injury. Chandler was in obvious pain and was helped the bench by his teammates. There was also a brief verbal altercation between referee Joey Crawford and Spurs coach Greg Popovich.

During Popovich's post game press conference one reporter asked why all the contests have been blowouts and Pop replied he had no idea, but if he did he'd prevent them. Popovich also gave credit to great defense from New Orleans during the game. Game 6 on Thursday could see the Hornets move on to the Western Conference Finals to await Utah or Los Angeles.

Also on Tuesday night, the Detroit Pistons, minus their star point guard Chauncey Billups, managed to beat the Magic and move on to the next round. In Game 5 it was Detroit's masked man, Rip Hamilton who scored 31 points in all to lead the way. Tayshaun Prince added a key block on Turkoglu down the stretch while poor FT shooting hampered Orlando who still played Detroit tough this series. When all was said and done Tuesday night, it was an 81-86 Pistons win. Hamilton not only helped his team to the Eastern Conference Finals, but he also broke Isiah Thomas' career playoff scoring record. Isiah's record of 2,261 points was set in 111 games, while Rip broke the record in 110 games. Congrats to Rip and the Pistons who have now reached six straight Eastern Finals!

Wednesday night sees the Cavs and Celtics resume at 8PM wit the Jazz and Lakers also resuming Game 5 at 10:30 PM. Both games will be shown on TNT.

What's Up with King James?

Lebron has started off in a serious slump during the Celtics-Cavs series. While he continues to do more than just score for his team, his heroic scoring performances have been sorely missed. You'd have to believe when things get back to Cleveland, Lebron will be in full gear and ready to go. The Celts are now up 2-0 on the team that was last year's East rep for the Finals.

About the Cavs, they are definitely a talented and deep team. However, people overlook the fact that they really changed up their team midseason, with the acquisition of guys like Sczerbiak, Delonte West and Ben Wallace. I'm a strong proponent of the concept that mixing up a team can hurt its chemistry. The Cavs still compete and are hanging around with the Celtics, but some fans are already calling for the dismal of head coach Mike Brown.

In the other game from Thursday night, the Spurs got themselves back into their series with New Orleans. It's 2-1 Hornets. Ginobli and Parker each had 31 for San Antonio. If the Spurs tie this up I can easily see it going the full 7 games, making for a potentially classic series in the West. I anticipate another classic like that should Billups be healthy and the Pistons meet the Celtics in the Eastern finals. For some reason I think if the Spurs make the next round against the Lakers, I'd give San Antonio the edge. If its Lakers-Hornets it could really go either way.

Friday night the Jazz will look to get back into their series with LA, and should. The Jazz had the best homecourt record of the past season, so many are guaranteeing a W for the Lakers' first playoff loss.

Pistons & Hornets Up 2-0

Deja vu yet again on Monday night as the Pistons defeated the Magic to take a 2-0 lead, and the Hornets are now up with an impressive 2-0 lead on the defending champion San Antonio Spurs.

The Pistons-Magic game was not without controversy. Chauncey Billups hit a 3 point shot with 5.8 on the clock near the end of a quarter. The shot gave Detroit a 2 point lead. The problem was the clock never started when the ball was thrown inbounds. Magic coach Stan Van Gundy protested that the shot shouldn't have counted. For some reason the refs decided it was legit. Pistons end up winning in a game that definitely may have deflated Orlando. That's not to say the Magic won't even the series in Orlando, but the Pistons are definitely playing in cruise control right now, with impressive wins.

The Hornets have impressed me most in the playoffs so far. I hadn't seen them play much during the regular season, and couldn't believe they were on top of the West. They now can say they have the champs down 2-0, with a 104-92 win over San Antonio Monday. Chris Paul churned out yet another great stat line of 30 points along with 12 assists to lead his troops. Hugo the Hornet and the Ring of Fire didn't factor into this game, but TNT still used it for jokes. After the game Tony Parker remarked that the Spurs don't feel their backs are against the walls. This is true, they are the world champs and are capable of overcoming a 2-0 deficit.

Tuesday night offers just one game and it should be a good one. The Cleveland Cavaliers travel into Boston to face what could be a worn down Celtics team for Game 1 of their series.

Don't forget there will be 23 cent large pizzas in Cleveland Thursday, regardless of a Cavs win or loss!

NBA Playoffs Ring of Fire

The Hornets with a hot Round 2 performance

Two of the Round 2 series got started with the Orlando Magic traveling to Detroit to take on the Pistons, and the Hornets and Spurs facing off. These games featured two dominant NBA big men, in Tim Duncan and new kid on the block Dwight Howard. Also featured were two of the best backcourts in the NBA: The Pistons' Billups/Hamilton and the Spurs' Ginobli/Parker. And let's not forget one of the top MVP candidates, the New Orleans Hornets impressive guard, Chris Paul.

It's very obvious the Pistons and Spurs are two of the more balanced and fundamental teams in the playoffs, which is also why they are among the most recent champions competing. For the Detroit - Orlando series, "Hack-a-Howard" or "Injure Howard" seems to be an effective strategy. The big man is a powerful force down low, but if the Pistons have him shooting free throws rather than dunking, Orlando tends to be in trouble. Howard was dismal at the free throw line, and his teammates made costly turnovers in the second half of the game. It had been just a 1 point game at halftime, but Detroit exposed Orlando's mistakes in the 2nd half to jump out to a large double digit lead. Detroit just has that killer instinct along with sharphooters and great D. Dwight Howard might not be enough to overcome the Pistons in the series as he was icing his hurt hand down in the 4th, while Detroit ran away with the game 91-72. Rip had 17 and Chauncey had 19 to lead the way.

Earlier in the night, TNT analyst Kenny Smith agreed with Charles Barkley that San Antonio has the best backcourt in the NBA with Parker & Ginobli. The Spurs, like the Pistons, play some of the best fundamental basketball around. They knock down shots, defend, rebound and do what it takes to get wins. However, the Hornets' young star guard got the best of them. In their opening game against the Hornets, the "Ring of Fire" caused a delay of the 2nd quarter. The Ring is used for the Hornet mascot Hugo to jump through and dunk, however the fire on it wouldn't go out as normal, so it had to be extinguished. The floor had to be attended to in order to clean up the slippery hardwood, which may have cooled the hot Spurs down as both teams waited. When it was over, New Orleans took a sweet 1-0 lead over the world champs with a 101-82 victory. The Hornets were lead by Chris Paul with 17 points and 13 assists. There were a few scuffles and skirmishes indicating that this series might become heated as it goes on, even if the "Ring of Fire" won't be used by Hugo the Hornet anytime soon..

The Sonics' New Home: OKC

Soon it will be the Oklahoma City Sonics, or whichever new nickname is given to the Seattle franchise. The Oklahoma House has already approved a tax incentive package and Governor Brad Henry has signed it to law. The next step will be NBA Team owners voting on the relocation request, and it's hard to see why they wouldn't.

According to Seattle PI:

If the team relocates, it will bring 170 jobs with a $74 million payroll to the state, according to House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa. The rebate will be about $4 million a year and $60 million over its 15-year life.

Six weeks ago, Oklahoma City voters approved a sales tax extension to fund $121.6 million in improvements to a downtown arena and build a practice facility, also to lure the team.

Supporters of the rebate plan said the team's relocation would have a $180 million economic impact on the state over 15 years and bring other intangible benefits to the city, which hosted the New Orleans Hornets for two seasons after the team was uprooted from its home arena following Hurricane Katrina in August 2005.

"This is the perfect example of demand driving supply," said Rep. Tad Jones, R-Claremore. The Hornets regularly drew capacity crowds during the two years they were based in Oklahoma City, encouraging Bennett and his local ownership group to file the relocation request, Jones said.

Now Kevin Durant will become the face of the Oklahoma City franchise. Previously the New Orleans Hornets split their games between OKC and New Orleans due to Hurricane Katrina's wrath. Now that the Hornets are back in their rightful home area, giving way for OKC to adopt its own team.

Are the Celtics Best out West?

Wednesday night saw the Boston Celtics continue their dominance over the Western Conference with a 117-97 win over the Phoenix Suns. Despite an enraged Shaquille O'Neal and the usual great guard play from Steve Nash, the Celtics were just too powerful. Rajon Rondo even put quite the stutter step type move on Nash, crossing him over then driving by for a layup.

If the Celtics can get past Cleveland, Orlando and Detroit, they could be your next NBA champions. The Spurs aren't the type of team that would just roll over in the finals though, so that could be one West team capable of beating them. As we've seen, the Western playoff teams keep shifting positions, so the remaining games of the season will be critical in terms of homecourt advantange and momentum, or which teams match up. Right now New Orleans sits up top, and it's questionable if they would have enough to make the NBA Finals. Chris Paul is having an outstanding season, but I wouldn't put money on them to beat a team like San Antonio or Phoenix in an extended series. At the same time, when the Celtics drop a game to the Sixers in Boston, that is cause for concern as Philly could be Boston's 1st round playoff opponent.

The West's best New Orleans Hornets defeated the Cleveland Cavs with about a second remaining Wednesday night, thanks to David West's jumper. The Hornets are also the only Western team the Celtics have yet to defeat, and they make a trip to Boston Friday night. A Celtics' win could make up many people's minds about who the top team is in the NBA, or it could show that the West is still the best.

See the Celtics scores and recaps from 2007-08 here

NBA Player Wives: Aléka Kamilá

image courtesy of: CoedMagazine.

Name: Aléka Kamilá

Hair/Eyes: Brown/Brown
Height: 5'10"
Measurements: 34-23-35

Pictured above is Aléka Kamilá, the wife of NBA Star Peja Stoyakovic of the New Orleans Hornets. Aléka is a Greek model who's done Makis Tselios and underwear advertisements, and has been featured on the cover of Maxim as well as Greece's magazine "Votre Beaute". More of Aleka can be seen at Coed Magazine and Sports Wiki Database.

Four Breakout NBA Stars

NBA Inside Access with Ahmad Rashad took a look at 4 NBA players who've been having breakout seasons this year. David West, Louis Williams, Al Jefferson and Hedo Turkoglu.

David West of the New Orleans Hornets has had one of the best breakout seasons in the NBA, as he achieved All-Star status this season. It's his first selection and probably not his last. The forward was described by his coach Byron Scott as shy and quiet, but forceful when it comes to his play on the court. His teammate Chris Paul, fellow All-star, says West isn't concerned with being an All-star as much as just playing the game. West himself said he doesn't mind if people don't know who he is when he's out and about, because basketball is a game and entertainment. David West continues to play great the forward spot for New Orleans as they are one of the top teams in the NBA's West.

Hedo Turkoglu isn't really an unknown star, as he's shown his brilliance previously for the Sacramento Kings. This season he's been making Magic in Orlando, as they are one of the Top 4 teams of the Eastern Conference. Hedo was groomed early in his career by teammates in Sacramento, Peja Stoyakovic and Vlade Divac. Hedo's currently enjoying the coaching style and system of Stan Van Gundy, which gives him more opportunities to excel. Now a confident Turkoglu is scoring 20 ppg, and hitting game winners and helping the Magic to be one of the top teams in the East. Although Hedo didn't make the All-star team this season, he may be a lead candidate for the Most Improved Player award.

Al Jefferson is considered the man filling the shoes of KG in Minnesota, the new face of the TWolves. Jefferson was taken by the Celtics in the 2004 draft, after he played basketball growing up since age 5. Jefferson admitted in his second season he just didn't prepare like he should have, then he injured his leg and ankle twice. After a serious commitment to rehab, Jefferson was back to take over for the Celtics, emerging as a top star. Big Al said the trade from Boston to Minnesota for KG was more of a sign of respect to him. Now Al learns from an all-time great forward in Kevin McHale of Minnesota. Al says if he takes care of his game, "his game will take care of him" and his goal is to be remembered in this league. Al Jefferson is currently a 20/10 man with points and rebounds.

Louis Williams of the Philadelphia Sixers is not only a baller, but a radio DJ. The guard has been a part of this season's resurgence in Philly, as the Sixers are part of the playoff chase again. His weekly radio show for 100.3 the Beat features R&B and Hip Hop. Williams wants to broaden his horizons, and is definitely giving basketball and music his all. He's averaging a career high 11 points as a reserve to help spark the Sixers. Teammate Andre Iguodola says Louis has a "street mentality" from music to the hardwood courts. Early in his career he received rookie lessons and pranks courtesy of Allen Iverson. Louis may be a bench player for the Sixers but he gets plenty of play time when it comes to DJing. One guests he'd like to have on his show is rapper Lil' Wayne.

Note: ABC will be featuring a doubleheader starting at 12:30 PM on Sunday. New Orleans heads to Detroit, with the second game featuring the 20 game win-streak Rockets against the Lakers.

2 Big NBA Debuts Spoiled

The two big names in the recent NBA trades made their debuts Wednesday night. Shaq suited up for the Suns as they faced Kobe's Lakers. Jason Kidd also debuted in a Mavs' uniform as his new team took on the New Orleans Hornets. Unfortunately the debuts were spoiled as they were facing the top two teams in the West.

Chris Paul and the Hornets made sure that Jason Kidd saw a glimpse of how tough the West competition is. The Hornets are the surprise leader in the Western Conference right now, thanks to the play of their excellent floor general. Chris Paul is showing why he is the next ambassador for the role of top point guard in the NBA. He does it all; scores in bunches, dishes the ball very well, gets steals and plays smart basketball. And the Hornets sit on top of the Conference thanks to that.

On the other side, Kobe and his Lakers held off Shaq's new team, the Phoenix Suns by just 5 points. The game was a seesaw affair into the 4th where the Lakers managed to keep ahead and win it. Kobe had his 5th 40 point game against the Suns, but he combined with Gasol and Odom for about 80 or 90 of the team's points. Not bad for an NBA trio and this may be a glimpse of the conference finals in the playoffs. The Lakers appear to be back to life.

So last night gave a clear view of why New Orleans and the Lakers are at the top of the West. Basically the two top players out West might be Kobe and Chris Paul right now who both could be considered in the MVP vote. Kobe's Lakers are once again playing well and Andrew Bynum isn't even back yet to man the middle. Paul is going to be a huge star in the league as Stephen A. Smith of ESPN made sure to exclaim. Don't count these four teams out of the NBA finals spot, but then again the Spurs are being overlooked, and that's when they are most dangerous.

Your 2008 All-Star Reservers

The 2008 All-Star reserves have been announced. Here's who made the teams in each conference.

East Reserves
Chauncey Billips (Detroit)
Chris Bosh (Toronto)
Caron Butler (Washington)
Richard Hamilton (Detroit)
Antawn Jamison (Washington)
Joe Johnson (Atlanta)
Paul Pierce (Boston)

West Reserves
Carlos Boozer (Utah)
Steve Nash (Phoenix)
Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas)
Chris Paul (New Orleans)
Brandon Roy (Portland)
Amare Stoudemire (Phoenix)
David West (New Orleans)

The only noticeable or glaring snub in the East is Ray Allen, since the Celtics have been having a great season thanks to him, but KG and Pierce make sense too. New Orleans will have two hometown heros playing with David West and Chris Paul. Congratulations to all of the all-stars who will play in the 2008 game in Louisiana. All Star Weekend kicks off February 15, 2008.

View the NBA.com All Star section for more info.

Chris Paul Stands Tall

There's been recent debate in the NBA as to who is the best point guard. Analysts will place the names Chauncey Billups, Tony Parker, Derron Williams, Jason Kidd and Chris Paul onto their lists. Usually it's a contention as to who is the #1 choice between Billups and Parker, but some argue that Chris Paul is playing some of the best "small ball" of any point guard in the league. He's been quietly leading an exciting Hornets' team towards a playoff berth and an impressive Western Conference record.

CP3 was taken fourth in the 2005 draft by the Hornets out of Wake Forest, then went on to easily capture the Rookie of the Year award. He now ranks third among league leaders in assists with 10.4 a game. He averages 21.6 points a game and almost 3 steals a contest, which he leads the NBA in. At 6 feet tall he not only runs the show but is also able to dunk, a feat most mortal men of that size only dream of. Paul scored a career high 43 points earlier in the season on December 7th against Memphis. The baller is also an avid bowler, and was contacted in 2007 by the USBC (United States Bowling Congress) to be an official youth bowling spokesperson.

The most touching story in the history of Chris Paul so far was back in West Forsyth High School. In his senior year Chris' grandfather Nathaniel Jones was tragically murdered. Chris scored 61 points in a game just days later in honor of his 61 year old late grandfather. Chris then missed a free throw and removed himself from the game as tribute to his granddad. Chris continues to pay tribute to this day as he excels in the NBA.

Chris appears on the cover of the hit video game, NBA 2K8. You should expect to see him in the all-star lineup, and if not it will be a clear snub. Also, should Paul's team fail to make the playoffs it will most likely be due to injury problems but not Chris Paul's abilities.

Check out Chris Paul's official website.

Chris Paul's Myspace page.

Is the Wild Wild West on Repeat?

Phoenix was off to a hot start with its run and gun up-tempo offensive powers. But is this anything new? The Spurs are a top team out West. So are the Mavs. History seems to be repeating itself over the past few seasons.

If you look at the West realistically for the Finals and top contenders, it's really no surprise at all, those are your 3 teams. Everyone says "the West is tough", "the West is better", but in all reality it may be peaking. Teams such as New Orleans, Memphis, and then Denver and Houston offer promise but no title hopes, yet.

Teams such as the Nuggets and Rockets look like contenders for a bit, then falter. New Orleans has talent as does Memphis but neither is capable of taking out the top teams. You might even throw the Lakers into the equation, thanks to Kobe, but due to his off and on team spirit you have to question them too. It's nothing new for the West. We just may be seeing a re-run of last season with the Suns, Mavs and Spurs being called favorites, and the veteran battle tested Spurs taking it again.

However, there's often surprises as we saw from last year's Warriors defeat of the Mavs, so stay tuned...

NBA All-Star Voting Begins!

On Wednesday the official 2008 NBA All-Star ballot was unveiled. The game will be held in New Orleans on February 17, 2008. Voting will take place through January 13 of 08 to select the starting 5 for each side of the game. There's 60 players to choose from in both the East and West. With the shift of players to the East it will be very interesting to see which players are voted in. Kevin Garnett has been a mainstay on the West side for years now, which means he will probably be getting the starting vote now in the East.

There's 24 guards, 24 forwards and 12 centers to choose your 5 starting players from in both the East and West. You can begin voting Thursday, October 15th at NBA.com There will also be ballots and ballot boxes at NBA arenas, T-Mobile retail locations, and through wireless phone. This year will also feature the debut of a special voting widget that bloggers, website owners and others can place on their sites, blogs or profiles. The widget will allow site viewers to click and go vote.

Check out more about who's on the ballot at NBA.com.