As this years FIBA World Championships goes from the groups to the brackets changes will be made. People will stay and people will go home. As for Team USA it seems that it's Billups out and Gordon in, for the starting position that is. Eric Gordon who has come on leaps and bounds (literally) since his rookie campaign and first taste of international Basketball is impressing everybody. Gordon's play against Tunisia really led the way for the US and even though Gordon isn't concerned with how he plays, (so long as he does) it looks like this young fella is becoming the perfect team player. It's a good job that Billups is also the perfect team player. Chauncey will not be offended by this switch, he's playing out of position at the shooting guard spot anyway so he gets the point. A starting position for Gordon could be really useful for his development (especially since he'll have to get ready to lead the Clippers this season) and if Billups comes off the bench able to spell both the big guard and the point position the USA's rotation will look as good as fresh meat in a butchers.
In other International news it's evident that Rudy Fernandez still wants out of Portland but those ideas about playing in Europe might have been bumped out of First Class as Rudy's been entertaining offers a little nearer East. The Boston Celtics looked to bolster their stocked roster even more with a bid Rudy's way but that wouldn't offer Fernandez much more playing time which was his Blazer beef in the first place. Now it looks like Rudy Fernandez wants to pull a reverse Kurt Russell and escape to New York. Rudy would be a nice fit in Madison Square Garden who's fans have a new found love for European ballers with a sweet 3 point stroke (See, Gallinari and Danilo) and he would probably have a prominent role. The problem is however making a deal happen between the Blazers and Knicks. Maybe a three team trade could be in the works but Portland aint blazing a trail for talented Knicks swingman Wilson Chandler and New York wont likely want to give up one of the biggest developing stars in the NBA in Anthony Randolph. With that being said though Chandler is also in that category of 'developing stars' and surely he'd be a better fit for Portland than a disgruntled Fernandez?
Character and champion Ron Artest, who openly talked about seeking psychiatric advice last season is looking to help people with mental health problems. The often misunderstood star is making a grand gesture reaching out to people. With Congresswoman Grace F. Napolitano Artest will promote the Mental Health in Schools Act and help kids deal with their problems. This will begin with a visit to the Eastmont Intermediate School in Montebello. Here a talk will take place involving issues such as dealing with the stigma of mental illness and the encouragement in children seeking help with it. This is another great example of a player using his celebrity for good. Ron is really moulding himself into a great role model and anyone with mental health problems who look up to a Basketball player, Laker, NBA Champion and entertainer like him will be inspired by his help. Good on you Ron, Ron.
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