Wow -- I guess we know what Flip Saunders thought of the Pacers/Warriors trade.  Chauncey's comments didn't surprise me; Flip's did.  Seems to me he's more than happy to face the reconstituted Pacers.  Was he just being honest, or did he throw Larry under the bus?

On another topic, who can blame a guy for not wanting to work during vacation?  Especially when he doesn't even have to leave the house to go on vacation!  

Seriously, is anyone surprised that, one year into the whole "we're committed to 2008!!!", that someone wants some time off?  If LBJ doesn't play this summer, what will Colangelo and cohorts do? Boot LeBron from the 2008 roster for failing to honor his commitment? That'd be funny. "I'm sorry Mr. James, you can't come. You weren't at practice last summer." Maybe we'll find out who runs USA Basketball -- USA Basketball or shoe companies/TV execs.

Personally, I hope it turns into such a fiasco that we end up having qualifying tournaments to see who will represent the USA in the Olympic qualifying tournaments. Like a civil war in which in USA Basketball's authority is challenged. The Nike guys could quit and form their own team. Same for anyone else. We'll allow 28 teams, with automatic top seeds, and first-round byes, to Team Nike, the Knicks, (so Zeke can botch that too), Team USA (non-Nike edition), and the original Dream Team. Winner gets to wear the Red, White and Blue in Bejiing.

Ok..I'll stop now......