Happy 4th of July

Bits n Pieces
I enjoy humor even when it pokes fun at one or more of my favorite teams. At times while researching stories I try as often as possible to read comments posted by fans. I do this because often fans have provided me invaluable information or a perspective I hadn't considered. That's the upside of this story, the downside is emails written by trolls. For those who might not be familiar with this particular definition of troll the Urban Dictionary provides us with an answer. "One who posts a deliberately provocative message to a newsgroup or message board with the intention of causing maximum disruption and argument." I share my views and opinions on selected subject matter, at the same time I would never consider my view the only view. Finally I never, ever write in an attempt to provoke or promote controversy!

I never read an explanation why the NCAA dropped it's rule limiting phone calls and texting to prospects. Might we suppose it could have something to do with the age we live in? I'm sure you are probably aware more than one prospect has tweeted his intention to enroll at ______University. It's probably old fashioned to hold a press conference to announce your school of choice.

Hornets owner Tom Benson wanted a new name for his team more closely identified with the City of New Orleans. Word is now reported the Charlotte franchise might attempt to re-acquire the Hornet name. Most are aware the Hornet expansion franchise came into existence in the City of Charlotte, when the team moved to New Orleans as often occurs they retained the original name. A franchise name change is not a simple proposition, millions and millions are involved. One might ask the question how did the present Charlotte franchise become the Bobcats? The franchise was owned by former BET chairperson Bob Johnson and Bob(cat) was chosen in his honor.

Few had heard of Kyle O'Quinn or Norfolk State before the NCAA tourney this past season. O'Quinn was key to his team eliminating my Mizzou Tigers from the field of 64. He might have been a late-bloomer, his high school team was quite good his senior year few schools were pursuing him. O'Quinn is a 6-10 241 pound power forward whose numbers across the board increased each of his four years. The Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (VA) is used as a barometer by scouts and coaches to gauge NBA talent. O'Quinn from a mid-major school outperformed many from major conference schools and was selected MVP of the tourney. O'Quinn was the 19th pick in the second round by the Orlando Magic, one more New York City player from Queens.

The "Dwight Howard Story" could certainly be turned into a made for television movie. See if you can figure this one out, news stories have circulated indicating Howard only wants to play for the Nets. Why would the Lakers, Mavs and other teams attempt to secure his service if this story is true? Another question which has come forth from the news media, we don't know if it's true or not. The story that Howard doesn't want a trade to the Lakers, he wants to be the alpha-male on a team. Howard claims no role in the Stan Van Gundy firing however all the news reports cannot be in error. Howard wouldn't be the first NBA player involved in a head coach being fired. This story will eventfully run it's course, however it's resolved I would be surprised, no shocked if Howard is in a Magic uniform November 1st. As I was completing this story news broke the Hawks traded Joe Johnson to the Nets. ESPN's Chris Broussard claims the Nets have no cap room to sign Howard now. This was Broussard's twitter report Monday evening, Tuesday morning he proposes a trade whereby the Nets could acquire Howard. I think I will wait on this story to develop before further reports.

The Brooklyn Nets are moving quickly and efficiently through the early stages of free agency. Unofficially they have re-signed small forward Gerald Wallace which cannot be finalized until July 11. In addition gm Billy King swung a trade with the Hawks for All-Star shooting guard Joe Johnson. Last night point guard Deron Williams tweeted he's going to remain with the Nets. NBA TV analyst Dennis Scott said "if the Nets are in New Jersey this deal is not done." I guess we could state re-signing Williams might be the first of several future moves for the franchise in Brooklyn. As for Dwight Howard his status is still unresolved as of July 3rd.