It wasn't a blockbuster, but it was more than a mid-Wednesday matinee, as four teams traded five players today. The Houston Rockets, the New Orleans Hornets, the Indiana Pacers and the New Jersey Nets were all involved in the deal. Darren Collison and James Posey from New Orleans made their way to Indiana. While Troy Murphy made locker space for these guys heading out to Jersey, who in turn lost Courtney Lee to Houston where Trevor Ariza called it a 'trade' and headed to New Orleans. Phew, and so the circle is complete.
Collinson had an impressive Rookie campaign as he filled in for the injured Chris Paul when he wasn't carrying his teammates bags. Collison's averages of 12.4 Points and 5.7 Assists show that he will be a capable Point for Indiana while Posey will bring his heralded defence and versatility to the club. That extra substance will be needed as they lose some strength with the departure of Troy Murphy. The Pacers loss is the Nets gain however and Troy will seriously help Jersey become bigger and stronger down low, and let's face it after this Summer free agency period didn't go exactly according to New Jersey's plan, they need all the help they can get.
Lee will be a great pickup off the bench for the Rockets as he can shoot and score aplenty. Trevor Ariza however is one of the best finds in this trade. He replaces Posey nicely as his defence is incredible, he can score and he can lead and finish a fastbreak. Look for him to play well with Chris Paul (hopefully eh New Orleans?) Ariza also brings Championship experience.
The New York Knicks are also getting stronger with the signing of free-agent Roger Mason Jnr. The guard will join Raymond Felton in an impressive backcourt in the Big Apple. With Stoudemire leading the charge and Anthony Randolph becoming a star this Madison Square Garden team will no longer be the New York Stinks. Mason only played 19 games last campaign but did average 6.3 points and 2.1 rebounds. Over his career he's played well off the bench for many teams and he's 'clutch' to. Something that could help this team make the postseason that has eluded them since Patrick Ewing's sweat was moped off the Garden floor.
In the WNBA the Los Angeles Sparks retired Lisa Leslie's number 9 jersey. The Sparks showed this woman's worth by giving her the much deserved honor. Lisa was there with the WNBA from it's conception and retired last season. She won many honors, helped the Sparks to Championships in 2001 and 2002, dunked the first dunk and paved the way for many young women in Basketball. She with other talents players like Holdsclaw and Taurasi helped show that the WNBA was the real deal and people should always 'Expect Great'. The Sparks even dedicated part of the floor to Lisa, with her signature in between the slogan 'Lisa Leslie Court'. She sure did own the floor as a Spark. One word that best describes her is, 'Legend'. She's already missed as a player but will always be honored and remembered. All you have to do is look up in The Staples Centre and see her name next to Magic's and Wilt's.
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