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Continuing our weeklong celebration of NBA training camps opening this week, we give the people what they want and turn our eyes to teams in Sportaphile’s own backyard, breaking down the grind that is the Western Conference’s Pacific Division:

(Last year’s record)

(48-34) When things go bad, they sure do fall apart quickly. First, the Warriors win 48 games but still miss the playoffs. Then the front office fronted on its offer to Baron Davis, resulting in Boom Dizzle going Hollywood, albeit to the Clippers. Then there’s Monta. So truthfully, I don’t know what to make of the messy Golden State affairs. I don’t even think newcomer Coery Maggette and Captain Jack will be able to S.O.S. this thing before it capsizes. I hate to say it but I think the Warriors can RSVP right now for the 2009 Draft Lottery.

(23-59) It sure must feel good to be back at home for Baron Davis. He has gotten on the Boom Dizzle diet plan courtesy of Jenny Craig and is having a grand ol’ time chilling with Cash W. and Jessica Alba and all his other celebrity cronies. Even without Elton Brand, who surprisingly dipped to Philly, things still look promising for LA’s stepchild team. With the addition of Marcus Camby, I really think the Clips can have about 40-44 wins, which might even leave enough in the tank to trump whoever is hanging on for that final playoff spot. Read the rest of this entry »

We need more athletes like Ron Artest.

And when I say that, I don’t mean mentally unstable with a molester mustache and a failing record label. I mean “honest”.

Recently during a radio interview, Ron Artest was asked if he’d be willing to take a pay cut, and receive less money in exchange for being on a great team who can win a title. The normal athlete would say “absolutely”…. but Ron Artest isn’t the typical athlete:

Ireland: “Would you be willing to take less money to go to a contender?”

Artest: “Oh, never. Not in a million years. Actually, not in 10 million years.”

Ireland: “Really?”

Artest: “Make that more like 3 million years.”

I love how he suddenly decides he stepped over the line by saying 10 million years, and reduces it to 3 million. Ya know… because that would be too much…