Nighly Nugz

• As I watch Boozer completely abuse Gooden it's difficult for me not to wonder, "What if?" I have the sneaking suspicion LeBron has had that same thought.
  
• Deron Williams is a flat out beast. You can go back and fourth between Chris Paul and Williams but my money is with Williams. Their passing skills are both brilliant but Williams shoots the mid and trey better. Plus I like Williams' combination of size and quickness. You have a better chance of keeping Rosie out of the kitchen than Williams out of the lane.
  
• How has Sloan never won coach of the year?
• The Jazz are for real. If AK-47 can learn to accept his role as defensive stopper and complementary offensive player watch out. This team is hungry.
  
• How has Damon Jones gone through his career without someone bashing him in that fat mouf? It's amazing to watch how highly he regards himself. Damon, you blow...you always have.
  
• The Cuba/MJ commercials make me uncomfortable. I'm not sure why, they just do.
  
• The Cavs just don't impress me. Gibson, Hughes, James, Gooden, and Ilgauskas. You kidding me?
• I just noticed that when LeBron sits out he places his mouthpiece inside of his headband, resting against his dome. Yep you heard me. In his sweaty, nasty, headband. When he checked back into the game he just pulled it out and "POP" shoved it in his mouth. Didn't even wipe it off. Now that's gansta.
  

Fantasy Flash

There won't be any draft analysis but I have some rankings for you to chew on.

Bloods:

1) Mix-A-Lot Posse: Once Wade gets back this is a solid team. Stole AK-47 at the end of the 9th. Somebody tell Mix that Curry averages more TOs than dimes, blocks, and steals...combined.

2) Wig Splitters: Older than Stephen A. Smith's act but if healthy one of the top teams. Second center could make or break this squad.

3) Skrillas: Can Josh Smith, KG, and AI2 make up for Frye, Lee, West, and Korver? Only to a point. Skrillas is always there and will be again.

4) 40s: Great backcourt...terrible frontcourt. Gotta love Kaman and Joe Johnson this year.

5) Fancy Feast: Da Rook is ready to hand himself the title. Relax. Some solid guys but more holes than K-Mart's kneecaps.

6) WCD: Howard and Ben? Take cover when they head to the line. Nocioni, Warrick, and Miller in the starting lineup mean WCD watches the playoffs.

Crips:

1) BMF: BMF comes back into the league with a bang. A nice squad but is there enough big man stats with those forwards? TBD.

2) Death Row: A talented team once Bargnani qualifies for center and Bibby get healthy. It's been a long time since Death Row made the playoffs. Is this the year we see them again?

3) Revolution: Revolution's sub during the draft cost him. However the league's most active owner will make certain that it's working by the end of the year.

4) '64 Impalas: A solid team once the starting lineup gets sorted out. A long as the owner stays clear of ceiling fans Impalas are a lock for the playoffs.

5) Buddha Train: Tough draft for Buddha Train. LeBron may have been able to get Cleveland to the playoffs but he has no chance with this unit.

6) Balboa: #1 pick is a curse and Balboa has had it two years in a row. Drafting Shaq in the 6th didn't help either. Even with a bottle of olive oil Balboa won't slide into the playoffs.

Stay Tuned

No posts in a few days because yours truly is studying up for his fantasy draft on 10/29. I pick 6th in a twelve team league. Stay tuned for a full analysis of winners and losers.

Stuckey Update: Out 6 Weeks After Surgery

ESPN.com reports:

Detroit Pistons guard Rodney Stuckey had surgery on his broken left hand Thursday and is expected to be out for about six weeks.The rookie from Eastern Washington injured his hand in Detroit's final exhibition game Wednesday night. He averaged 12.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.3 steals in eight games.

Bummer of a start for the Pistons. They were hoping to incorporate Stuckey right out of the gate. After cries of fatigue following each of the last two seasons, Flip Saunders seems intent on getting the Pistons' youth some burn. Amir Johnson anyone?

Stuckey Breaks Hand in Final Exhibition

FSN has confirmed that Rodney Stuckey did in fact break his hand during the Pistons' final exhibition game. He is scheduled to see a hand specialist tomorrow for further evaluation. Stuckey was projected to be a critical cog in the Pistons' rotation this season, backing up both Rip and Chauncey. Hopefully the break isn't too bad and the rook can resume practice soon.

Heat/Wolves Deal Going Down?

Marc Stein from ESPN.com writes:

Sources told ESPN.com that the Heat will soon complete a trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves to acquire swingman Ricky Davis and center Mark Blount. The latest incarnation of the deal, according to one source, has Miami sending Antoine Walker, Michael Doleac, and Wayne Simien to the Wolves for Davis and Blount.

It's no secret that Pat Riley was ticked at how out of shape Walker was coming into camp. With this move Miami gets rid of some unwanted baggage and gains that 3rd scoring option they've been lacking since O'Neal came into town.

Funny thing is that Riley wasn't a big fan of Davis back when he played for the Heat in 00-01. It'll be interesting to see how this plays out as the season goes on. I anticipate some fireworks before it all gets sorted out. However, don't let Davis' checkered past cloud your mind about this trade. This is great for Miami. When he's focused (Shaq has a way of bringing out the best in guys) Davis' combination of play making and scoring can give the opposition absolute fits. Let's not forget about Blount either. I know, he grabs about as many boards as Nate Robinson, but he shoots the 15 footer as good as any 5 in the league. He'll be able to give Shaq some solid rest, especially while Zo is getting dialysis.

KoMe Bryant...The Saga Continues

Peter Vecsey of the New York Post wrote today:

As for Bryant, he isn't going anywhere unless Jackson says so. Evidently the entire Buss family - Jerry and Jim, not just Jeanie - has given Jackson personnel power. Everyone working together suddenly rubberizes Kobe's crutch that the front office is the problem. Not anymore. Meaning, the only way Bryant will be traded is he decides not to play defense and team ball.

It's nearly impossible to know what's fake, real, imagined or wishful thinking. So many people are offering so much conflicting info, and Bryant's mind has been known to swivel 180 degrees during one interview.

Bottom line, if Bryant sincerely wants out of L.A., he should stop trying to play GM and waive his no-trade clause.

As much as it pains me to say this I agree with Vecsey. It's just like KoMe to demand a trade, offer the front office zero flexibility in trade options, and then act like punk while playing the martyr. If Vescey truly believes that Bryant's only saving grace is playing defense and team ball then kiss him goodbye. He hasn't attempted to do either since Shaq left town. Is there a more selfish SOB in the NBA?