He never fails to entertain, whether its thanking his psychiatrist or riding a race car down the streets of LA. He is a less charismatic, just as quotable version of Shaq.

Thanks for the entertainment, Artest.

[Photo Credit: shavarross.com]

The stories are numbered according to the date that they occurred.

1. Rubio returns to Spain – 07/2009

The Timberwolves traded to get the 5th pick the NBA Draft and they used that pick to select Ricky Rubio from Spain. They also had a the 6th pick in the draft and they chose another PG, Jonny Flynn. Out of the 4 first round picks that the Timberwolves had they chose 3 PGs and 1 SG. The third PG that they selected was Ty Lawson, who they ended up trading to the Nuggets. There was much controversy as to why the Timberwolves picked two point guards back to back, but that gamble ended up working out for the T-wolves. Soon after the draft, it was rumored that Rubio might be staying in Spain for another season. Shortly after the rumors began to spread, it was confirmed that Rubio had signed a 6-year contract in Spain. The T-wolves retain his rights for 1 year after the Spanish contract expires.

2. Artest to the Lakers, Ariza to the Rockets – 7/8/09

Trevor Ariza, who meant so much to the Lakers during their championship run last season, was a free-agent after the season. Ron Artest, who was crucial to Rockets late season success last season, was also a free agent after the season. Both free-agents were highly coveted by NBA teams, and in an ironic turn of events, Artest ended up signing with the Lakers and Ariza ended up signing with the Rockets.

3. Blake Griffin down with injury – 10/27

The number 1 draft pick in the most recent NBA draft was supposed to be the savior for the Clippers. He had a great preseason, but during the last preseason game he suffered a stress fracture on his knee. This injury has kept him out of every single game so far this season. Although, there is promise that he will play before the season ends. Hopefully, he doesn’t turn into another Greg Oden (who has not been spectacular after he missed his draft season- although he has improved this season).

4. Cavs start 0-2 – 10/2009

The Cavs did not start their era with Shaq the way most people were expecting. The Cavs started the season 0-2 and were 3-3 in their first 6 games. Many sports people and bloggers severely over-hyped the poor start by the Cavs. Many doubting immediately if the Cavs would have what it takes to win the Finals this season. I was not one of those people, 3-3 in the first 6 games means nothing in the long 82 game NBA season. Now the Cavs are 26-8 (23-5 since their “poor start”), and sitting at the number one seed in the Eastern Conference.

5. Hawks amazing start – 10/2009 – 11/2009

The Atlanta Hawks started this season on fire winning 11 of their first 13 games. Fueled by Joe Johnson and Josh Smith, the Hawks were surprising many in the NBA. Since their amazing start they are only 10-8, but currently they are fourth in the Eastern Conference with a record of 21-10.

6. Jennings Scores 55 – 11/14/09

As you can see, Jennings performance was amazing, but the story behind Jennings is even more unique. Brandon Jennings was the 10th overall pick in the NBA draft. Due to a change in the NBA eligibility requirements, Jennings could not declare for the NBA after high-school. Instead of going to college for a year, as many other notable players did (ie: O.J. Mayo), he decided to play in professional basketball in Europe for a year. Many people were saying that it was a mistake, as he was not overly impressive and he received limited minutes in Europe. But, it is looking like he made the right decision. He is one of the top contenders for Rookie of the Year, and he set the Bucks Rookie Single Game Scoring Record (previously held by Kareem Abul-Jabbar) with that performance.

7. Nets set the record, start season 0-18 – 12/4/09

The New Jersey Nets set the record that no team wants to have- they lost a record 18 straight games to start the season. The Nets finally won a game against the Bobcats, by a score of 97-91. Would the feeling last long? Can the Nets start to string some wins together, after-all many of their starters had been injured? The answer to those questions would be no. They have played better, if you want to call it that. They are 2-11 since their first win. Let’s see what 2010 brings.

8. Iverson not happy, retires, returns to Philly  – 11/2009- 12/2009

Allen Iverson signed a one year contract in with the Memphis Grizzlies during the off-season. Apparently his role with the team was not properly understood. Iverson was not happy at coming off the bench, and he made sure everyone knew it. He took an indefinite leave of absence before the team eventually released him. He cleared waivers and then there were serious talks that the Knicks were going to sign him. When the Knicks gave word that they were not going to pursue Iverson anymore, Iverson decided to announce his retirement. Well that retirement didn’t last long. Soon he was in touch with the 76ers about a possible return. On December 7th, the 76ers started Iverson in Philadelphia for the first time since he left for Denver in the 06-07 season. He was greeted with an enormous ovation, as seen below:

9. Cavs clobber Lakers on Christmas – 12/25/09

The Cleveland Cavaliers went against the Los Angeles Lakers on Christmas in what was the most anticipated match-up of the season, not only was it LeBron vs Kobe, it was Shaq returning to L.A.

The game was not the hard fought and close game that everyone anticipated. The game definitely was filled with emotion, the Lakers were given 4 technical fouls (2 to Odom) and the Cavs received 1, but the end result was not what the majority of people were expecting. In the game, the Cavs sent a message to the NBA that they can compete at the highest

level. The Lakers had the best record in the NBA at the time of the game and the Cavs simply dominated them throughout the game, winning 102 -87. It was so bad that the Lakers’ fans were booing and throwing foam fingers and water bottles on the court towards the end of the 4th quarter.

10. McGrady wants back; demands a trade – 12/2009

McGrady had micro-fracture knee surgery last season and was still recovering to start this season. He insisted that he was ready to play again in the middle of November, but coach Adelman disagreed. After a few weeks, McGrady finally got back into the line-up. He played 7-8 minutes in the first half for 6 consecutive games before McGrady asked for an increased role with the team. Adelman said no and McGrady took a team approved leave of absence. The next step, obviously, was McGrady demanding a trade and the Rockets have agreed to look for one. So far, the Knicks seem to have the most interest in a acquiring McGrady. It will be interesting to see what will happen with this situation in 2010.

Wow, is all I can say after hearing this headline. Now, I am not surprised that he is leaving the Rockets… actually not surprised at all. With Yao out for the entire year next year, and possibly his career, and McGrady always injured, the Rockets are in re-build form. I know that, the Rockets know that, and Artest knows that… and that is not what he wants. He wants what everyone wants… a ring.

There were a lot of rumors that the Cavs wanted him, and I honestly thought that may be the place where he goes, and if he did, I must say I think the Cavs would have been the team to beat in the entire NBA. But no, he is going to go to the Lakers, which makes them even better… and ensures that they will not re-sign Ariza.

Ariza is reportedly talking with the Rockets, and the Cavs. If Artest is really going to go the Lakers, I expect the Cavs to go after Ariza hard, because they know that the Lakers don’t win the NBA Championship last season without Ariza. He meant that much to the Lakers and they still were refusing to give him more than $5.6 million (the mid level exception). What better revenge than to play for the team everybody wanted to play the Lakers in the Finals. *Update* Ariza verbally agreed to sign with the Rockets, even better for revenge– he will get to play against the Lakers in the Western Conference, too bad the Rockets might not even make the playoffs next season.

This means that the Cavs will still be looking for that wingman, defender to add as the final piece to the puzzle. It will be interesting to what their next move will be, now that their two main options are gone.