Last October, (when London hosted it's third NBA preseason game), Commissioner David Stern was asked about the likelihood of a regular season game being played in England's capital in the future. Well who would of known it would only take this long? As next March London will host two regular season games for the New Jersey Nets and the Toronto Raptors. This ground breaking power move for the NBA in 2011 will come one year before Great Britain holds the 2012 Olympic Games, where Team USA will look to retain gold. March will mark the first time the Raptors visit London but it will be the second time the New Jersey Nets have played across the pond. David Stern told the press "I believe that that is a very important lead in to the 2012 Olympics, because in Beijing, basketball was the hottest ticket, We don't necessarily expect that to be the case in London, although if things break right with respect to Team Great Britain, I think that there's a good possibility that basketball will assume a role that folks in the United Kingdom might never have anticipated."
Last week it looked like Chicago was ready to agree to terms with former All-Star Tray McGrady, but then Chicago appeared to change their minds. Now the Detroit Pistons look like the team who are looking closely at the star with a view to sign but also a consideration of doubt. McGrady could join Detroit's star players like Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Charlie V and the two Ben's (Gordon and Wallace). The Pistons have been rumored to be offering T-Mac a one year deal on the veterans minimum however they are not rushing anything. For one Mac's health is an issue and also the Pistons team have a lot of 'Bad Boys' playing the small forward and shooting guard positions. So what you gonna do? Tracy's impact on team chemistry is also an important factor but his versatile talent in undeniable. Tracy is still in this free-agent 'no man's land' with Allen Iverson an plenty of other disgruntled talents that have yet to be signed. With around 70 players without a team it might be time for these guys to form their own squad. Seattle still needs a franchise, or there's always the D League guys? Yeah right, try telling that to Iverson and McGrady.
Talking about 'Super teams', President Barack Obama got any die-hard basketball fans wish as he assembled a 'Dream team' squad. This informal team was brought together to play a game for injured troops in Washington on Sunday. Miami teammates LeBron James and Dwyane Wade and Denver Nuggets Carmelo Anthony where among the NBA players that played. Legendary players such as the Lakers Magic Johnson and the Celtics Bill Russell also joined the action. This was a respectable move and a great gesture to lift the wounded troops spirits. If Obama played the Coach in this one, even a man with his diplomacy would have trouble finding all these guys shots. A gym a short walk from the White House held the game and the press who where denied access were told that Obama just wanted to play. I bet he did.
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