Tuesday, 21 December 2010

THROUGH THE WIRE: MONDAY (12/20/10)

Washington Wizards' Gilbert Arenas warms up prior to playing the Los Angeles Lakers at the Verizon Center in Washington on December 14, 2010. UPI/Kevin Dietsch Photo via Newscom

24. This weekend a big deal went down with the Phoenix Suns and the Orlando Magic as the centrepiece. Breaking it down, the Suns got Vince Carter, Marcin Gortat, Mickael Pietrus, a 2011 first-round draft pick and cash considerations as Hedo Turkoglu, Jason Richardson and Earl Clark headed to the Orlando Magic. Rashard Lewis was also jettisoned from Orlando in exchange for Washington Wizard Gilbert Arenas. Now does this huge deal make big plans? Or is it just one big mess? Now the Suns get Carter they have their second former superstar-turned reliable swingman to go alongside Grant Hill, while Pietrus brings Phoenix a presence they've missed since Boris Diaw. Gortat is also a reliable centre who with more playing time could be one of the better ones in the L. The Magic will be glad to welcome Turkoglu back who along with Dwight Howard helped the Magic get to the finals two years back. Plus their star power and backcourt is bolstered with Arenas and Richardson. Who knows what this talented mix could offer the contender? This frees the Wizards Point Guard position to be led by top pick John Wall and backed up by youth sensation, Nick Young (Arenas appears to be giving Young more playing time again). Also with Lewis, D.C. get the forward they missed in Antwan Jamison and a more balanced offence. This blockbuster is no bust.

Apr. 07, 2010: Memphis Grizzlies forward Rudy Gay scored 23 points during an NBA game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX Dallas defeated Memphis 110-84.

48. Memphis Grizzlies All-Star Rudy Gay got the wrong vote yesterday after being punched with a suspension. Gay will miss one game and one pay day following a Friday night, fourth quarter, flagrant foul during a game against the Houston Rockets. Rudy inpolitely knocked Rocket Luis Scola to the floor and was promptly bounced from the game. Gay's 19 points where of little consequence once he was ejected and now the talented swingman will sit out of Memphis' game against the San Antonio Spurs. As the Grizzilies face are in the midst of a tough Texan road trip they will be without their top gunslinger.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant talks to his teammates during a timeout in the third quarter against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center in Chicago on December 10, 2010. The Bulls won 88-84.  UPI/Brian Kersey Photo via Newscom

82. The Lake Show flew to the Air Canada Centre on Sunday as the Toronto Raptors hosted the Americans. Los Angeles beat the Canadians 120-110. Showing no signs of pinkie trouble Kobe took it easy, chilling out the Raptors with 20 points. The Mamba did snake in the Torontonians however as this was the Bosh-less Raptors first sellout of the year. From crossovers, to spin moves, to reverse layups, to dunks Kobe gave the crow exactly what they wanted...well sort of, more likely exactly what they came to see. The Raps where missing their star player Andrea Bargnani, who was out with a sore right ankle. Demar DeRozan had 23 points however, impressive as he also had to guard Kobe, a guy who's basketball camps DeRozan used to attend as a kid. Kobe remembers this and wouldn't let the young talent forget his teaching, punishing him on offence. “I’ve known him for a long time, since he’s been coming to my camps, things like that. It was nothing personal,” Kobe said of D. D. adding, “We were just playing. I love DeMar.” Kobe was feeling the love in Toronto two, it was Raptors however that got the cold reception off the hot Los Angeles team.

NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 27:  NBA player, Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder watches a game between the TCU Horned Frogs and the Oklahoma Sooners at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 27, 2008 in Norman, Oklahoma.  The Sooners defeated the Horned Frogs 35-10.  (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)


O.T. Following the big trade the Magic, the Wizards and Suns were shorthanded in losses to Philadelphia, Miami and Oklahoma respectively...at least the Suns got Steve Nash back, but the managers may not want him as he may be on the trading block two. Is that how you treat a legend who keeps this franchise going?...the Cavaliers have stopped their 10 game losing streak by beating the Knicks in overtime but as a trade off the unlucky team lost Leon Powe and Joey Graham to injury. Ouch!...the Hornets are still confident they can stay in New Orleans....the Sactamento King's Jason Thompson will miss the next three games after the forward needed stitches put into his injured right ring finger...it's Merry Christmas from KD! Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant gave foster kids plenty of festive cheer. Surprising them with Christmas gifts for the holidays. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

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