(Chi Trib) Rox Notes from Sam Smith

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chi-0604240108apr24,1,756238.story?coll=chi-sportsnew-hed

Smith, the acredible scribe (scribbler) from ChiTown is at it again with made up trades -- and Rox notes. Thought the Rox notes were better than tanking, trade threads, new coach etc:

Indiana's O'Neal on block?
BY SAM SMITH
Chicago Tribune
He doesn't look or sound much like Oprah, but one of the best book clubs around is hosted by the Golden State Warriors' Adonal Foyle.

The Warriors' center has a monthly gathering with about a dozen friends, though none of his teammates. This month's book was "An Open Heart - Practicing Compassion in Everyday Life," by the Dalai Lama and Nicholas Vreeland. Foyle also founded Democracy Matters, an organization dedicated to campaign finance reform. Character matters, but so do double-doubles. That's why the busiest team in the summer trade market is likely to be Golden State because it can't get a read on Foyle as an interior fixture. And though the speculative talk is about Kevin Garnett - as it is with everyone - the move many expect the Warriors to make is for Pacers forward Jermaine O'Neal.

So what gets it done? Perhaps a major deal that sends O'Neal and Stephen Jackson to the Warriors while Jason Richardson, Troy Murphy and Derek Fisher are sent to the Pacers with secondary names uncertain.

It's only speculation for now, but the Warriors have the most pieces to make that kind of deal, are talking openly of changes after a disappointing season and are said to covet O'Neal's low-post presence. O'Neal, who played with Warriors general manager Chris Mullin, has become estranged in Indiana. A new start back in the West may be just what O'Neal needs to re-establish his MVP credentials of a few years ago. The Pacers certainly would want him out of the conference. Expect them to first make a bid for Garnett with O'Neal. Murphy, whom the Bulls have coveted at various times, and Richardson become free of their base-year trade restrictions at the end of June, making them easier to deal.

Even if the Pacers, up 1-0, get by the soft Nets, they're said to be dedicated to reshaping their roster without missing the playoffs. Getting Richardson, re-signing Peja Stojakovic and adding Murphy would give them a nice core to build around to remain competitive. They would lack a true post presence, but are said to be intent on changing their makeup with more team play. Plus, Richardson is on the verge of becoming an All-Star and they are committed to getting an All-Star talent in return for O'Neal.

HOWARD'S END

One of the best stories in the league has been the good health on the Houston Rockets. Well, at least, for one player, Juwan Howard.

Howard went out last season with a viral heart infection, but was an ironman this season amid serious injuries to Tracy McGrady, Yao Ming and Bobby Sura.

Howard, who averaged 11.8 points and 6.7 rebounds, missed just one game with the flu and one with a suspension and was one of the few non-playoff players not giving in down the stretch; he averaged 19.5 points in the last six games. Houston is said to covet a scoring small forward in the draft and would love a shot at Gonzaga's Adam Morrison. But Howard has proven his worth years after he was considered a trade throw-in.

"I have a love for the game," Howard said. "Ever since I was a little boy watching the game on TV, watching some of the great players like Magic (Johnson), Larry Bird, Dr. J. (Julius Erving), Michael Jordan, those guys inspired me. Those guys continued to play hard, aggressive, and play at the top of their games when they got to my age (33). Why should I stop now? I'm going to keep working out there, showing I have a lot of fight, and be an example for some of these young guys."

ILLINI UPDATE

The Rockets' ironman was Illinois rookie Luther Head, the only player not to miss a game with injury. But the team has identified getting a shooting guard as its off-season priority. ... Illinois' Deron Williams outscored Chris Paul 68-63, and the Jazz won three of four games with the Hornets. In the final meeting, Williams grabbed an offensive rebound with 30 seconds to play, made the game-winning free throws, then guarded Paul as he missed two would-be game-winning shots.

HAPPY TRAILS?

Late for games and shootarounds, kicked out of practice, walking out before a game was over, Randolph, with more than $70 million left on his guaranteed contract, blamed Portland management for, in effect, signing him. "It's got a lot to do with the front office," Randolph said. "A lot to do with (general manager) John Nash and (president) Steve Patterson. They put this team together." Teammate and best friend Miles, who left a game last week because he wasn't playing and with $34 million left on his deal, said he wished he were a Clipper again. Said Miles: "When I got here ... they took the fun out of it. They really made me miserable. I had fun with the Clippers."

In an interview with the Oregonian, Miles addressed rumors he came to practice hung over: "Yeah, you probably smelled liquor on me before. But it's not like I'm at practice drunk. I'm totally focused. I don't care if you come to practice and take a shower, once you go to practice and start sweating, it's going to come out. That doesn't mean you aren't focused or ready to practice."

 

Rephrase as: Darius Miles and Zach Randolph are the richest and most petulant children in any league.