Dennis: Okay, I'm here and so is Mr. Slane. So, no, we didn't get injured or anything like that, but it seems every single NBA star is being targeted by a very malicious injury bug. The latest victim? The Milwaukee Bucks' Michael Redd, who joins players such as Yao Ming, Rashard Lewis, Chris Paul, and several others. Redd will be out four to six weeks with a left knee injury. But, the question is, which players' injury affects his team the most and least?
Mike: Well, D, I'd have to say that players who are the only star on their team such as Chris Paul and Michael Redd are affecting their franchises the most. Yao Ming is obviously a huge loss to the Rockets, but Tracy McGrady is healthy, for now, and leading the team to some wins without their big man. Who on the Hornets is going to step up with Paul and Peja sidelined? Desmond Mason can only do so much on his own.
Dennis: True dat, true dat. The Hornets are going to suffer the most. Actually, they've been suffering for a while now! Paul, Peja, and don't forget about their inside presence, David West. Arguably the three best players on the team are gone and it's obviously not a good thing. In fact, rumors are that Peja could be done for the season too. Regarding the Bucks, for four to six weeks, I think they could be okay. Mo Williams, who is a bit injured, but should still play can really step up his game. I really like Charlie Bell a lot to do some more things. If Charlie Villanueva can get 100% healthy, he should shine some more with more shot opportunities. And Ruben Patterson has always been somewhat underrated, but he takes smart shots, mostly on drives and should provide some of the missing points with Redd on the mend. And, Josh Smith missing from the Atlanta Hawks lineup? Doesn't matter! And it's not speaking badly of Josh Smith, but of the team. In any case, there is no question that missing these star players is really crappy for their respective teams, but I would say mostly for the fans.
Mike: It's definitely tough for the fans in Oklahoma City. Attendance for Monday's game against the Rockets was the lowest since the team made the move to Oklahoma. Only 15, 501 in attendance, which normally wouldn't be that bad, but it's a sign that the fans are turning away.
Okay, let's move on. The trade deadline isn't that far away, so you know what that means - it's officially rumor time. I love reading some of these rumors that websites post even though 90 percent of them don't come true. So out of the rumors you've read or just using your own basketball knowledge, who do you see on the move before the deadline?
Dennis: I think the Los Angeles Clippers will need to trade Corey Maggette. That situation is just not good over there in the Clip Joint. I'm not saying that the fact that the Clips are in last place in the Pacific Division is because of Maggette... okay, I'm saying that. Sort of. The Clips are pretty much have the same personnel from last year when they put in a good run for the whole season and postseason. Granted Sam Cassell was out for about three weeks, but Shaun Livingston filled in fine. There is too much talent over there to stink this badly. Of course you put the Clips in the Atlantic Division, they're STRONG contenders there, but seriously, their talent dictates they should be better. The Maggette situation has basically been a distraction for the whole season and shipping him off should make the clubhouse a lot better environment... unless they trade for Ron Artest, which has been rumored for a while. Ron Artest is talented as heck, but he is a BIG headache. He's another who could be traded, but WHERE is hard to say because of his attitude.
Mike: I don't see too many teams taking a chance on Artest, but I do see Maggette in a new uniform by the Febuary deadline. Another player I definitely see on the move is Jamaal Magloire. He recently said that he would like to be dealt if he doesn't get more minutes, and his value is as high as ever because of his expiring contract.
Dennis: Yeah, true. I wonder if Magloire gets to go back to his hometown of Toronto. Just not sure whom Toronto would trade since it seems that Morris Peterson is their most valuable piece and the Blazers don't need him. Peterson should be another that gets traded. I'm hearing possibly San Antonio where he would be a great perimeter player for them. Tim Duncan on the inside, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker slashing to the basket with all of them able to kick it out to an open Peterson.
Mike: Since being demoted to a reserve position, Peterson has been rumored to be on the move. But unless the right deal comes along, Peterson will likely still be the Raps Sixth Man come playoff time.
Earl Boykins is another Sixth Man who is rumored to be traded. Boykins is a shoot-first point guard, which is something the Nuggets don't need since trading Andre Miller to Philly for Iverson. There just aren't enough shots to go around in Denver for Iverson, Carmelo Anthony, J.R. Smith and Boykins. So don't be surprised if Earl "the squirrel" is playing for his seventh NBA team next month.
Dennis: Man, I love Boykins! I hear that he could possibly be on the move to the Cleveland Cavaliers once Melo and J.R. are back, which would be interesting. There definitely are shots available there with LeBron obviously leading the charge and Hughes theoretically following. I think Boykins would be LOVED in Cleveland, a blue collar town that obviously loves an underdog (Browns). And as well as Boykins can shoot, he can pass pretty well too if need be, so I think he would fit right in with the Cavs. Definitely more dynamic than Eric Snow. I'd really like to see Boykins traded because I wouldn't want him wasting away on the Nuggets bench.
Mike: I don't know if you remember, but Boykins played for Cleveland in two differents stints during the 1998-99 and 1999-00 seasons.
Dennis: So, what you're telling me is that you're a basketball nerd and that Boykins will be coming back for an incredible third time? Hey, like "they" say, the third time's a charm.
