DENVER -- In this faltering economy, there are have been lots of good deals. Low-interest car loans. Double frequent-flyer miles. A cheaper menu at Quiznos.
Many good deals won't last. But some in the NBA might.
Everybody knows about NBA salaries having spiraled out of control the past few decades. Owners are determined to reel them in, which is why there's a decent chance there will be a lockout after the 2010-11 season.
In an NBC Philadelphia piece, one Timothy Parker lays out a case that the NBA stinks because guaranteed contracts and cavernous arenas have erased the presence of heart, hustle and excitement.
Instead of a point-by-point refutation of Parker's points (which would just bore everyone), I'd like to provide a counter-example to the writer's thesis. I'd like to tell you about Bobby Jackson and ask how he fits in this pessimistic view of the crushed NBA spirit.
Elie Seckbach, the Embedded Correspondent, brings his exclusive video reporting to FanHouse. Check back regularly for more videos.
Trevor Ariza is one of six NBA players who have come out of Westchester High School in Los Angeles. In this video, he talks about his days at Westchester, where he won two state titles. We also learn that teammate Kobe Bryant visited the school when Trevor was a student, and talk to longtime coach Ed Azzam.
Rookie hazing is as much a part of the NBA fabric as tattoos and the Cheesecake Factory. However, I am having trouble figuring out the rule on how long the hazing has to last.
Veteran center Brad Miller has said Hawes must continue with the many humbling rookie rituals until he's logged 82 career regular-season games, the number in one full campaign (he's at 72). But veteran guard Bobby Jackson told Hawes he's free and clear after the first official tipoff of his second season.
Considering Jackson is the elder of the two, Hawes was asked if he should tell Miller that Jackson's ruling stands.
"That's a heck of an idea," Hawes said with a smile.
Elie Seckbach, the Embedded NBA Correspondent, brings his exclusive NBA reporting to FanHouse. Check back here regularly for more videos.
In this video, Lakers star Derek Fisher shares with FanHouse something few people know about his pregame routine. Around 2:05 into the video a veteran NBA Pastor tells us how faith saved his life.
This has already been one of the most active trade deadlines in recent memory, and the Hornets, despite sitting pretty as the current No. 1 seed, didn't want to miss out on any fun. They didn't shake up their roster by adding a Jason Kidd or a Shaquille O'Neal or a Pau Gasol, but they are on the verge of making a smaller move that will nonetheless improve the team, sending Bobby Jackson to the Rockets for Bonzi Wells and Mike James.
Check out Jonathan Feigen's article in the Houston Chronicle for the fine print -- the Rockets are also getting rookie guard Adam Haluska, as well as the right to swap second-round picks -- but the real gist of it is that the Hornets will be adding some much needed depth while the Rockets are gaining a bit more salary flexibility. This deal is all but official -- it's just waiting the league office to open and grant it's stamp of approval.
This isn't just a straight salary dump for the Rockets -- Jackson does have some game left, and it helps that he's familiar with coach Rick Adelman from their time together back in Sacramento's heyday. But from where I sit, the Hornets are getting the better end of the deal. Both James and Wells are underrated reserves capable of making an instant impact on both ends of the court, especially with a needed change of scenery. Plus, they both have playoff experience, which will be important not only in the actual postseason but also in the stretch run as the Hornets try to hold off the five other teams within three games of their top seed.
DENVER -- In this faltering economy, there are have been lots of good deals. Low-interest car loans. Double frequent-flyer miles. A cheaper menu at Quiznos.
Need a veteran point guard? There's still plenty to choose from in free agency.
In an NBC Philadelphia piece, one Timothy Parker lays out a case that the NBA stinks because guaranteed contracts and cavernous arenas have erased the presence of heart, hustle and excitement.
Trevor Ariza is one of six NBA players who have come out of Westchester High School in Los Angeles. In this video, he talks about his days at Westchester, where he won two state titles. We also learn that teammate Kobe Bryant visited the school when Trevor was a student, and talk to longtime coach Ed Azzam. 
Rookie hazing is as much a part of the NBA fabric as tattoos and the Cheesecake Factory. However, I am having trouble figuring out the rule on how long the hazing has to last. 
This has already been one of the most active trade deadlines in recent memory, and the Hornets, despite sitting pretty as the current No. 1 seed, didn't want to miss out on any fun. They didn't shake up their roster by adding a Jason Kidd or a Shaquille O'Neal or a Pau Gasol, but they are on the verge of making a smaller move that will nonetheless improve the team, sending Bobby Jackson to the Rockets for Bonzi Wells and Mike James. 
