Boston vs. Golden State

Rajon Rondo had another monster game last night scoring 30 points and dishing out 15 assists but when the game was on the line he was once again outplayed by one of the better Western Conference guards. Last night Monta Ellis picked up where Baron Davis left off the night before scoring 37 points including two free throws with 2.3 seconds to clinch the 103 to 99 victory. I have been hearing some talk in the city of Boston that Rondo has become the Celtics best player. While I think Rondo is a terrific young performer, he is not the C's best player. As a matter of fact he is tied for third with Ray Allen. K.G. and the Truth are still the best two players.

Nuggets vs. Kings

The Sacramento Kings were playing without their two best players and still found a way to beat the Denver Nuggets 106 - 101, who in all fairness were also playing without their best player Mr. Big Shot Billups. The Nuggets fell to 1-4 without the former Finals MVP in the line-up. Carmelo Anthony, who many believe is an MVP candidate this season, took 35 shots for his team high 34 points but it was not enough. I have never been a huge believer of Melo as an elite player because I always thought he was just a scorer. Last year after round 1 of the playoffs he proved me wrong. He is committed to being a good defender and he is now a willing playmaker but if the Nuggets are to be a serious contender one thing is certain; they are going to need a healthy Billups.

All Decade Team (NCAA Men’s)

I was asked recently who was on my All Decade Team for NCAA Men’s College basketball. I know I left out a couple of super studs (Carmelo Anthony, Dwayne Wade & Shane Battier - just to name a few) but the 5 players that are on my list have been among the best in the history of men’s college basketball.



PG - Jason Williams, Duke (99'-02') - J. Will was one of the best college basketball performers I have ever seen. He could score 30 on anyone or control the game with his penetration by setting up his teammates for easy shots. If not for an unfortunate motorcycle accident he would have been a household name today.

SG - JJ Redick, Duke (02'-06') - The best pure shooter in the history of college basketball.

SF - Adam Morrison, Gonzaga (03'-06') - The best story of the decade. Overcoming obstacles all his life, Adam invited all his opponents to take part in his own personal game of H.O.R.S.E. which he won 9 times out of 10.

PF - Kevin Durant, Texas (06'-07') - The first Freshman in the history of the game to win National Player of the Year honors. The numbers were mind boggling and he weighed less than the air we breathe.



C - Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina (05'-09') - A four time All American, NCAA Champion, All Time leading ACC scorer and the list of accolades go on and on. He was the best player of the decade as well.

The Perfect Blunder

When Indianapolis Colts Head Coach Jim Caldwell decided to rest his best players in the 3rd quarter in the game against the J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets this past Sunday not only did he cost his team a shot at a historic season but he may have opened up some wounds of insecurity in the process. This team was clicking on every single cylinder there was no need to put the breaks on. It will be interesting to see how this team responds in its first playoff game which will be the next time they play a meaningful game... which is a little less than a month away.

Pau Extended

Last week the Los Angeles Lakers agreed to a contract extension with All-World power forward Pau Gasol. The deal is reportedly worth about $20 million dollars per year. The Lakers were a mind boggling 101 - 23 in the regular season with Pau at the time he signed his extension. He has been the difference maker in the Lakers most recent domination of the Western Conference and the team’s most consistent performer.

The Flipside

There are various levels of wealth, fame and power that comes with being a professional athlete. Those fortunate enough to get paid handsomely for something they love and have done all their life brings a certain sense of invincibility and arrogance. This year alone we have seen a tragic domestic situation with Steve McNair, an alleged one with Chris Henry as well as the financial and iconic fallout of Tiger Woods due to his "transgressions". Everyone has skeletons in their closet, the flipside to fame and success is the social and economic impact caused when the closet doors are blasted open.

NBA Headlines (the You Will Never See Edition) from the desk of Ron Campbell

"Lebron James Gracious in Victory"
"Lebron James Humble in defeat"
"Corey Maggette gets 10 assists"
"Vince Carter gives it his all"
"Rasheed Wallace admits committing foul"
"Don Nelson team clamps up on defense"
"Utah Jazz Sign Big-Name Free Agent"
"Sacramento Kings Moving to Vegas"
"Vinny Del Negro coach of the year"
"Stan Van Gundy in a good mood"
"Kevin Durant benches presses 225 pounds"
"Dwight Howard makes finesse move"
"Tyson Chandler solid pick up"
"Kendrick Perkins Smiles"

NBA Key Dates

January 5 10-day contracts can now be signed

January 10 All contracts are guaranteed for the remainder of the season

February 12-14 2010 NBA All-Star Game (Dallas, TX)

February 18 Trade deadline, 3 p.m. ET

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