Real Deal

TIME: 8:30 PM ET TV: ESPN

TIME: 8:20 PM ET TV: NBC

TIME: 4:15 PM ET TV: CBS

TIME: 4:15 PM ET TV: CBS

TIME: 4:15 PM ET TV: CBS

TIME: 4:05 PM ET TV: FOX

TIME: 1:00 PM ET TV: CBS

TIME: 1:00 PM ET TV: CBS

TIME: 1:00 PM ET TV: FOX

TIME: 1:00 PM ET TV: FOX

TIME: 1:00 PM ET TV: FOX

TIME: 1:00 PM ET TV: FOX

TIME: 1:00 PM ET TV: FOX

TIME: 1:00 PM ET TV: CBS

TIME: 8:20 PM ET TV: NFL Network

TIME: 8:20 PM ET TV: NFL Network

:wallbash3: At one point, Manu Ginobili has been a top three two-guard in the league, but there was never any indication a team could be built around him. Kobe, Wade, Durant, LeBron, CP3, D-Will, Dirk, Howard...these are guys you can build a team around. If you think Gordon will be that guy...well, not sure what to say here. Okay.

Wait...build around who? Eric Gordon? Warriors build around Monta Ellis. Pacers build around Danny Granger. Sixers build around Andre Iguodala. Hawks build around Joe Johnson. Rockets build around Kevin Martin. I don't need to explain. If the Hornets are going to build around anyone from this trade, it will be the Minnesota pick. Gordon is a good player, but he's not a superstar, and he'll never be one.

Spelled "tank" instead of "thank" in the topic...and, ironically, that makes sense if you're talking Hornets basketball this season.

I wasn't arguing that. It wasn't about what they were getting in the deal, and everyone knows that. Nobody ever gave that excuse...everyone knows that the Lakers were saving too much money, and not giving enough picks and young talent, and it's that simple. Everyone from Sheridan, Ford and Stein...to Adande, Rome, Steven A and Bayless knew what happened. It's hard to say I want the Hornets to fail, but that's Stern's fault. In a way, I hope they win 40 games, to ruin their draft pick...same with Minny. That's not necessarily hoping they will fail today, just that Stern's plan fails, and he eventually steps down, retires, and is never associated with the NBA again.

The Clippers ARE a big market team, just as New York has been. It doesn't matter how bad the roster has been...Los Angeles is a big market. Would Stern veto this? Hell no, because he wants more than 2-3 teams dominating the NBA, simple as that...and, again, the entire situation was collusion, but nobody would ever be able to prove this. I honestly hope Ricky Rubio plays like a bad ass, and Derrick Williams puts up LeBron-type numbers in his rookie season. I want to see the Wolves contend for the 8th spot in the West. Additionally, I hope Eric Gordon goes OFF this season, somehow makes the All-Star Game, then declines the Qualifying Offer and becomes a free agent. Kaman Okafor Ariza Gordon Jack Would be nice if they played as good as the Denver Nuggets did, once they dealt Melo, and had a late lottery pick. I'm over not getting CP3...kind of glad the Lakers didn't trade Gasol or Drew for him, especially after losing Lamar. However, seeing him go to a big market team really ticks me off. I'm glad Blake Griffin has a teammate that can feed him the ball in the pick and roll, and it will be FUN to watch...but as far as Stern goes, I hope it all backfires in his face.

With talk that Otis Smith has ignored much of what Howard has wanted, and now this...you start to wonder what owners are thinking when they have these superstar players. Wouldn't you at least give them the heads up on any ideas? Remember the Deron Williams incident? He had no idea they were going to trade Ronnie Brewer, his best friend. While it seems a bit ridiculous to be upset over petty things like that in a basketball league, I kind of see why they would be...but most importantly, I don't see why owners refuse to keep that in mind, regardless. Everyone keeps talking about these guys moving to big markets, and how these small-market teams should be able to keep their superstars. How about the owners needing to build around them properly? How about the owners spending their money wisely, and at least consulting the stars that, basically, put asses in seats?

I'm just getting sick of waiting, doesn't matter where he's going. I hope there's a 20-team trade.

Haha, I doubt that's for real.

Ugh. If it helps us land Howard, great. If not, I don't want CP3 anymore. That simple.