Random Thoughts...

Well, the Steve Gwilliam era is finally over in the JBL. He has officially retired. I have to say that last season was his lowest point. He only made one trade (Luke Ridnour for Rafer Alston) and really didn't make many moves at all. I don't think Steve's a bad guy or anything, I just think he lost interest. Hey, I get it, I'm in numerous Fantasy pools and it's hard to keep track of them all at times...but this is the JBL we're talking about. It's like a religion. You check in on your team daily. It's just what you do. For Steve-O, I think the most frustrating part of him as an owner was his lack of passion for the JBL. And again, not everyone is going to be as passionate about the league as Phil, or Tim, or Rick, or Ron, or Tuna, or Me...but at least care a bit.

If a player was drafted by SteveO on draft night...he was there all year. Steve wouldn't respond to your trade offer....ever. OK, maybe it took him a few days, while others say they never got a response, ever.

So, we're moving on without him. As we stand today, we have 11 teams. However, I am in discussions with Juan de Fuca to split them into 2 teams. The stumbling block at this point is the fact that Malki/Mac want to bring 2 keepers with them from the old Juan de Fuca roster. I have posted a poll on the JBL website to see how others feel about this. By rule, Juan can keep 2 players...which he will. So, should a 'new' team get an additional 2 keepers? My opinion is no, they should not. However, I would be open to having Mac/Malki taking over Pearl's now defunct roster (like a change of ownership essentially) and being entitled to 2 keepers from that roster. The only 2 I can see on the Pearl roster worth keeping might be Manu and Shaq...but at least that's better than the zero I think the league will vote on. Besides, if they took over Pearl, they could always make trades for other teams keepers. I really hope the Juan ownership group splits into 2 teams as all 3 guys are quite knowledgeable and have been in the JBL for some time now.

Who else could we bring in? How about Jumbo? Pat Elliott is rumored to be interested. His once proud Yuma Thurmans squad graced the JBL standings many years ago.

How about the Renton Hookers? Chris Jarman is a 3-time champion and left the JBL for unknown reasons years ago. I think he left after he was out of good cheap keepers one year. I remember he had McDyess in his prime for like 8 bucks and then had Shareef for like 10 bucks. It was crazy. Then, when those guys went back into the pool and other teams were stocked up with cheap talent...he retired from the league. Well, maybe he would like back in? He was always a big basketball fan and is now working with Cordo and Timbo.

Speaking of Cord, what about the Dayton Yer Sista squad? Does he have the time? Does he have the knowledge to compete? Does he know John Starks is retired? Always a possibility though.

For some reason, I just have this weird feeling we're gonna end up with 12 teams again - just like last season.

Moving on, Q-Rich was traded for a 4th time this summer! He is now a member of the Miami Heat - and that's all I have to say about that.

Brussels has a boner for Brandon Roy right now. He's taunting me with threats that he will land BRoy on JBL draft night. It's possible. I love Brandon Roy and his old school mentality in the new NBA - but there is one thing Johnny doesn't do - he doesn't overpay for favorite players. As the draft gets closer, I will figure out what BRoy is worth...then as the JBL draft unfolds I will adjust the budget accordingly. My hope is that Roy is back in Golden this season.

I had a quick chat with Boston owner Trev Arksey this morning. We discussed a D-Wade trade. He is interested in the Flash. He is also interested in changing cities. He's not feeling the Boston Pancake vibe anymore. And really, can you blame him. I sent him over some 'fresh' ideas today.

Alaska Firedragons
Massachusetts Fudgsicles
North Carolina Headbutts
Pittsburgh Creamers
Mississippi Meathooks
Mississippi Jackhammers

for more information on these team names - check out www.urbandictionary.com

The biggest and bestest JBL roadtrip is officially booked. Dec 10th to 14th. Trev and I fly out of Seattle to Chicago (Benny is meeting us there). We are seeing the Warriors and Bulls on Friday night and the Celtics and Bulls play the Saturday night. That Celtics/Bulls rivalry right now is massive after there 1st round meeting in the playoffs last year. This was an amazing 7 game series that the Celtics won. Some are calling it the greatest 7 game series of all time. Check out the scores...

Game 1: Bulls win 105-103 in OT
Game 2: Celtics win 118-115
Game 3: Celtics win 107-86
Game 4: Bulls win 121-118 in OT
Game 5: Celtics win 106-104 in OT
Game 6: Bulls win 128-127 in Triple OT
Game 7: Celtics win 109-99

4 overtime games!!!! Are your kidding me? What a series. Just looking at those box scores again gives me shivers. And we are going to see a rematch of that series!! Come on, how cool is that?

Now, we need a 4th. It will be Woo. Mark it down, it will be Woo.

Well, that's all for today....