Nba High Five

1. Big Z sets big mark

Zydrunas Ilgauskus place in folk lore was officially cemented last night as he became the all-time Games played leader of the Cavaliers. Z's Cavs game mark of 724 eclipses the mark set by former player, and now general manager, Danny Ferry. No wonder Ferry flirted with trading him.

Big Z's career has been one of perseverance - showing promise at an early age and then struggling with a series of foot injuries that saw many wonder whether he would effectively play basketball again. But the Cavs sure did, and they stuck by their big man, with Zee rewardng them with some solid years of play. He's also been a key friend of LeBron James. With both Z and James' contracts expiring could they both fly the coop?

2.  Hawks sticking with the Magic

While I under-estimated Orlando's talent pre-season (perhaps due to me praying that the Lakers don't win the title this year), they have been the premier Eastern Conference team. And they have done all this with a number of key injuires. Make no mistake about it Orlando are deep.

Equally deep and perhaps even more suprising has been the play of the Atlanta Hawks. These guys led the Eastern Conference for a while, and after dipping briefly are still soaring alongside the Big 3 in the East. Are the Hawks deserved of inclusion in the big 4? Well all-signs point to yes. They are consistently beating teams on their home floor and waltzed into the Boston's TD Garden and showed that they are a team not to be taken lightly.

This team used to only have one star. A youthful Joe Johnson, who while not technically an all-star at the time, had the talent to elevate his game to carry the offensifve load. The Hawks have continued to bring in talent eah year, smart draft choices and good development has seen the Hawks rise to new heights. Al Horford is quietly going about the best year of his young career, Josh Smith seems to have settled down hi9s game too.

The big addition for this eam is Jamal Crawford. He's had a petty negative stigma attached to him over his time with Golden State and the Knicks. Off the bench he sparks the offense, much in the same way a Jason Terry does for the Mavericks.

However, despite all these positives I'm still putting the Hawks just outside the big 3. I can see any of the other three winnning a title, but I jsut don't see the Hawks winning it all - this year at least. So in short don't expect the Hawks to win it all this year, but don't be suprised if they make the conference finals either.

3. Jerry Sloan resigns with the Jazz for season 23.

While his Hal-of-Fame status has already been granted, yu can be sure that Jerry will only feel the Hall-of-Fame admission is validated is if he wins an NBA title. For years the Jerry Sloan led Jazz have been a top-calibre team - his career mark 1137-751 (as of the end of the 2008-09 season) is a testament to his success and resiliance. He's even seen the coming and going of over 240 coaching changes throughout the league.

All tat remais for Jerry Sloan is the thing that will in his mind justify his Hall-of-Fame induction - an NBA Championhsip. he would have already had one or possibly two if it wasn't for Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. I'd love to see him win one, but unfortunately I don't want the Utah Jazz win anything. Bit of a pickle huh?

4. The 2009-10 Dunk Contest

Lebron James during the 2008-09 Dunk Contest - Yes! You will see me in Dallas next year throwing some down in the dunk contest"
Lebron James Dec 02 2009 - "Meh - I'm 50-50 on this dunk contest thing'

What the....? - Good thing he has not publicly committed to the Cleveland Cavaliers for the 10-11 season. This guy really needs to start putting up or do some serious shutting up. He's the heir apparant for the NBA and needs o produce. Much in the same way that the NBA ha become a marketing juggernaut under David Stern - all positives so has Lebron James. His brand has grown through endorsements and promises of things to come. Start fulfilling on your promise. Win something! Dunk something! Are you signed on with Nike? If so. Just DO IT.

5. Andrew Bogut's 6th man squad

Andrew Bogut is becoming qjuite the philanthrapist. Having already donated money to the Australian Basbetkall leauge to ensure the compeititn's survival, he's committed to shelling out $100,000 fo the season which equates to 100 tikets every game. Bogut donates these tickets to hardcore fans who in return for a fee basketball game must cheer the Bucks on like hell, stand, chant and wear Bucks Merchandise. Any fan not doing there job does not get to go to the next game.

Bogut was sick of seeing the Bradley Centre sound more like the State Library, and after seeing a bunch of fans singing in Huston decided to implement his '6th man idea'. hats off to Bogut for shelling out 1% of his sallary to donate something back to the fans of Milwaukee - and improve the culture of their home-floor. My only question. Why didn't the team owner do something like this?

Mr Bogut you continue to suprise me.

Top Performers

Andre Igodula - 28 pts (8-15), 3/5 3ptrs, 6 rebs, 5 asts, -9 rating
Tyreke Evans - 26 pts (7-14), 12/14 FT, 5 rebs, 6 asts, +1 rating
Dirk Nowitzki - 24 pts (9-15), 7 rebs, 8 asts, +30 rating
Jason Kidd - 16 pts (5-6), 2-2 3ptrs, 8 rebs, 10 asts, 5 stls, +24 rating

The MAYNE MAYNE is

Kevin Durant - 33 pts (10-21), 5/7 3ptrs, 5 rebs, 3 stls, +4 rating

A lock for the all-star game. Could even make the starters.