December 20th
The date is not the end of the world predicted by the Mayan calendar, that date is December 21st.  December 20th could be cataclysmic too; four schools in the running for Jabari Parker will be eliminated.  Parker the number two prospect on the 2013 ESPN Top 100 list will announce his college choice.  He could choose among the following, Brigham Young, Duke, Florida, Michigan State or Stanford.  I will probably be incorrect but my best guess is Duke or Stanford.  No science here just pure speculation, check back and see if I'm correct.

Can he be better?
The Nets Brook Lopez says "he intends to rebound the ball better."  Lopez 7-0 and 265 pounds has the height and weight that says he should be able to rebound the ball.  His offensive numbers have increased each of his first four years in the NBA, as for the rebound story that's a different matter.  Lopez has averaged 7.5 rebounds over his brief career.

Can a player enhance his game at this point in his career?  It's my belief (right or wrong) you either have a nose for the ball or you don't.  Dennis Rodman is another example, as flamboyant as he was off the court on it he understoon rebounding position and angles.  Can Lopez raise his number of course if he works at it.  Will Lopez become a 14 or 15 rebound a game player, I doubt it.  

Who’s the man?
A view prevailed after the draft; it lasted through the NBA Summer League schedule and into training camp. Everyone and their brother believed (and said as much), “you might as well inscribe Anthony Davis’s name on the Rookie of the Year trophy.” Davis arrived in the NBA after winning an NCAA Championship, in addition it was noted he would be a defensive presence. No disrespect intended toward Davis he’s been good, Lillard’s been better. Most of us were probably unfamiliar with Damian Lillard or his school Weber State. Weber State is located 30+ miles north of Salt Lake City in the City of Ogden.   

The Blazers made Lillard a 6-3 195 pound point guard the 6th pick in the 1st round of the 2012 Draft.  I'm not sure if this is original or not but he said it; "if you don't prepare, you prepare to fail."  The youngster sounds confident without being arrogant, he appears to be a very stable young man. Lillard stated; “I wear 0, I’m from Oakland, Weber State is in Ogden.” His numbers through mid-December, 18.4 ppg while dishing out 6.4 assists. Recently he light up Tony Parker and the Spurs with 29 points, 6 assists and 7 rebounds as he aided his team to a 98-90 victory. Did you see the 3-pointer Blazer rookie Damian Lillard score as the clock expired? The shot was the winning basket over the Hornets 95-92, can you say “ice-water in his veins.” Google it or check it out on NBA.com.

Bits n Pieces
Did you notice Ricky Rubio is back? He returned over the weekend. Came off the Wolves bench with 8 points, 9 assists and 3 steals in 18 minutes. The Wolves managed to beat the Mavs 114-106.

“We don’t love you anymore” might be the indication. A smattering of boos was heard periodically for Jeremy Lin in his MSG return. Unfortunately couldn’t stay with the game, the Mizzou Tigers were on another channel.

As for Mizzou a fan borrowed from the UPS slogan. The sign she held said “what can Brown do you.” A reference to transfer Jabari Brown’s first game in a Mizzou jersey.

I read emails too; a number in the NBA populace love NBA analyst Jeff Van Gundy. I just happen to not be in that number.

“Whitlock in Wonderland” is the title I've given to the latest Kobe fable spun by Fox Sports writer Jason Whitlock.  I've lost count, this is either the 3rd or 4th fantasy regarding Kobe he's written this year.