Dalembert finished with 14 points and 22 boards although Phili were spanked by the Suns 105 - 85.

The Raps are on a 3 game winning streak and have won 5 out of the last 7. They have overtaken Atlanta well and truly and are now 3 games clear of the lowly Hawks, who have won only 7 games.

Who do people think will finish on the bottom of each conference? I'm think Atlanta in the East and Portland in the West.

Indiana have also lost by 20 today to the Nugs 106 - 86. Melo has been playing some good ball lately to help lift the Nuggets, he dropped 23 today as did lil' Boykins.

The Pacers seem to be struggling without JO and the distractions Artest is causing. Should they trade him now to cease the distraction or wait? I'm more inclined to take the best possible deal available and move him on. Even do a trade that will leave some cap room for a good FA pickup over the summer.

Read some paper this morning out of San Francisco and it said that the Warriors were firming as favourite for Artest. A deal involving Troy Murphy which would be good for the Pacers.

Flash also got a triple-double against the Hornets

TR - Where does Murphy fit in with the Pacers? He's a jump shooting 4 man (or undersized 5 man). Besides, $51 million for 5 years? I don't think he's worth those dollars.

Baron Davis, J-Rich & Artest would form a nice core for the Warriors, thouggh. Especially with how Diogu has been playing.

This was on the ESPN Daily Dime today:

If the Golden State Warriors now lead the Ron Artest Sweepstakes, as some of the other Artest suitors believe, don't expect a trade before Friday at the earliest.

Reason being: Indy visits Golden State in a nationally televised game Thursday.

Just a hunch but I'm guessing the Pacers would rather see Artest debut for his new team against someone else.

The name of Warriors power forward Troy Murphy has been increasingly mentioned as a key component of any Warriors-Pacers swap, but it remains to be seen A) if Golden State would be willing to part with Murphy and B) if Indiana is truly prepared to absorb Murphy's contract (which runs for five more seasons beyond this one at $51 million).

The Salary's for Artest & Murphy don't match up(well not according to realgm's Trade Checker anyway). It might well be say Artest & Samaki Walker for Murphy & Pietrus (which does work on Trade Checker - No. 2791989 if anyone's interested)

Real GM trade checker #2791986.

Wouldn't work 1 for 1. Murphys salary is more than Artests (which is $6.5 mil, as far as I know). Would need the Pacers to add a throw-in or two.

If this trade were to go through the Pacers would (presumably) start :

Tinsley
Jackson
Croshere
O'Neal
Murphy

Decent, but I don't think it'd have Detriot or Miami trembling.

The Salary's for Artest & Murphy don't match up(well not according to realgm's Trade Checker anyway). It might well be say Artest & Samaki Walker for Murphy & Pietrus (which does work on Trade Checker - No. 2791989 if anyone's interested)

Beat me to it ShutUp!

If the Pacers can get Pietrus as well, then it's probably worth it, IMO. Getting Pirtrus would be in line with their statement suggesting they're looking to the future with the Artest trade. Pietrus is 23 & Murphy 25, so I guess it's fair to assume both have yet to hit their peak, though I'm not sure how much more productive Murphy will get.

I think Murphy has a game that could compliment JO. Murphy helps on the offence with his shooting by opening up the floor and low post for JO. Murphy ain't scared to hit the boards either.

Stats wise they are a good trade.

Artest: 19.4 ppg, 4.9 rpb, 2.2 apg
Murphy: 16.6 ppg, 8.6 rpb, .9 apg

What you lose in ppg and agp in Murphy you gain in the rpb.

It's a trade I'd be willing to pull the trigger on. Murphy is the best name that has seriously been chucked around, but that contract is scary.

Is there a place you can find out the players salary?

Hold up, I didn't realise that Murphy was a BYC. That changes everything. Next to near impossible to trade a BYC player.

Bizzy,

www.insidehoops.com

on the left under NBA features.

All NBA player salaries and contract conditions for the 2005/06 season and beyond:

http://home.earthlink.net/~jtkramer65/05-06salaries.htm

When they talk about all the New York City ball players, how come they never talk about Ben Gordon? I've been following him since he played at UConn and he has a nice game. You guys should check out his website: www.bengordon.com

Looks like Samaki Walker won't be involved in any trades, he was waived by the Pacers last night. Does this free up more cap room for Murphy?