- I told you I wouldn't speak about Chris Paul again until it was done... well... it's done... the Clippers have sent Eric Gordon, Chris Kaman, Al-Farouq Aminu, and Minnesota's unprotected 2012 #1 pick to the Hornets for Paul and 2 future 2nd-rounders.... what does it all mean?... I'll touch fully on the Clippers situation in their season preview, but it obviously gives them the dynamic Paul/Griffin (and even Jordan) combo for high-flying plays, and immediately vaults them into the playoff discussion while leaving the cupboard a bit bare with frontcourt depth and a weird guard situation (3 combo or point guards and Paul)... for New Orleans? I like the haul they got back... Gordon is a top 3-4 shooting guard in the league, Kaman is a nice piece with an expiring deal that they could potentially move, Aminu is a recent lottery pick with some upside, and the big prize is the Minnesota #1 pick which could (or maybe should) be of the top-5 variety in a loaded upcoming draft... they did well... the Lakers package would've netted a better short-term result, but this is clearly the better long-term answer....
Elsewhere...
- Pitt coach Todd Graham is headed to Arizona State.... this is a weird situation simply because Pitt will now be hiring it's FOURTH coach in just over a year... that is insane... and Graham is the new Bobby Petrino as he embarks on his 4th team in 6 years as well... college athletics everybody...
- Rip Hamilton to the Bulls for 3 years, $15 million... that's a nice move for Chicago who has desperately needed a 2-guard for some time now... I thought Jason Richardson would've been a better fit for them because of the stretch possibilities of his 3-point shooting, but with him gone, they turn to Hamilton who will take some pressure off Rose in that they can run some stuff for him in the half-court....
- Baron Davis gets amnestied... the amnesty move isn't a shocking one with that bad contract and Kyrie Irving having arrived in Cleveland, but the interesting thing is that Baron is out 8-10 weeks with a back injury... what does that ultimately mean? Well, as he goes through the bidding process, will anyone claim him with that bad back? If they don't, he's free to sign anywhere... and you can cue up the Heat and/or Lakers....
- Jared Sullinger returned for Ohio State last night... he played just 25 minutes of limited ball, but notched 12 and 10, and it was nice to see him out there... I believe that's the most complete team in the country at the moment if he's right...
What to watch for...
- Jags @ Falcons - NFL Network 8:20 - I'll actually be in the building for this one... the Falcons really need this one to keep their hold on a playoff spot, and Jacksonville isn't very good... should be simple, right?... Eh, not if you've watched the Falcons this year... I still believe Atlanta holds serve here, but it may be competitive for a while...
- High School Hoops - Oak Hill vs. Miller Grove - ESPN 8:00 - Would never recommend this normally... but with the local team (Miller Grove) involved, I'll throw it up here... battle of undefeated, top-5 nationally ranked programs on a slow sports night...
Enjoy...
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