FanHouse MarcusBanks

I can't really explain why, but I'm completely obsessed with this Heat-Hawks replay thing. There's just something about having a team protest a game, having the league grant the protest, having the reason for the protest get traded, and then the league really having no idea what to do next that I find mesmerizing.

Well, the league seems to have finally figured things out, and here's how it's going to go down. Basically, everyone acquired by both teams since the disputed game took place is eligible to play. That means Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks for the Heat, and Mike Bibby for the Hawks can all get their 51.9 seconds of groove on with the Hawks holding a 114-111 lead and the Heat having possession of the ball. Once the replay is completed, the teams will get a 15-minute break before tipping off a full game the same evening.

A confusing conclusion to a convoluted situation to be sure. The game actually means something to the Hawks, who, even with a record of 24-33, are just a game out of the playoffs in the woeful Eastern Conference. The Heat have long had nothing to play for, and the chances of them beating anyone in a 48-minute contest are pretty slim these days. So if I'm Pat Riley, I motivate the crap out of my team to do whatever is necessary to win this replay! Let's hope for 51.9 seconds of the Heat playing like there's no tomorrow, because after all, they're the ones who started this mess in the first place.

"It hit me out of the blue," Marion said of the trade. "Honestly, it's done. I'm starting new. I have no bad blood. I'm not even really thinking about it. I'm looking forward to it. I'm a Miami Heat player."

O'Neal will travel to Phoenix aboard a private plane, the source said, to undergo an MRI on his ailing left hip Wednesday. If he passes the physical, the Suns will complete the trade by sending Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks to the Miami Heat.

The Heat has told center Shaquille O'Neal's representation that it is talking about trading him and he should be prepared for the possibility of a deal, according to two officials close to the situation. Phoenix has discussed sending forward Shawn Marion and point guard Marcus Banks to the Heat in return for O'Neal.

Asked for confirmation, one of O'Neal's representatives said O'Neal has been made aware that discussions with Phoenix are serious and ongoing, but that a deal was not definite.

A source within the brain trust said the decision has been made: With 23 wins in the first 32 games, the Suns will stand pat and play the hand they've been dealt. ... Would the Suns like to tweak things a bit? Sure. But they don't have an expiring contract on the bench or an intriguing, reasonably priced player to dangle in a deal. The roster is made up of untouchable core players, untradeable contracts and players at or near minimum salary that don't help get trades done.

Recently I had the opportunity to attend an NBA pre-draft workout and watch a few top prospects prepare for their upcoming team workouts. Following the workout I conducted interviews with a couple of the prospects. The first interview I conducted was with former Cal-State Fullerton guard Bobby Brown (no not that Bobby Brown).

Although relatively unknown, Bobby is a spectacular basketball player. He's a quick, explosive 6'1" guard with the ability to shoot from long range as well as slam it home with power. During the workout I attended he routinely nailed shots from behind the three-point arc and easily slammed home highlight reel dunks in the drills. Fans of Monta Ellis will love watching this guy play (see: Bobby's 47-point outburst from this past season).

I've seen tons of pro prospects work out before, and after seeing Bobby work out it's obvious that he should be able to find a place in the league. Last year he tested the waters and attended the Orlando pre-draft camp. After failing to have a good showing at the draft camp last year, Bobby went into the camp this year hoping to make a splash. Initial reviews of Bobby's performance have been mixed. But as others have mentioned recently, it's obvious that the draft camp isn't really the best tool for evaluating talent (I mean, some are trying to knock Kevin Durant for not testing well in some silly drills there).

Bobby's main issue with scouts right now is his lack of size and his perceived lack of playmaking ability. Although he is more than capable of scoring, scouts doubt that he has the ability to set up others. But with the guys like Monta Ellis and Leandro Barbosa (shooting guards in point guard bodies) flourishing in up-tempo styles of play, it shouldn't be that difficult for Bobby to find a home in the league.