The streaking Bucks defeated the Boston Celtics on Tuesday behind a huge game from Andrew Bogut, who posted 25 points on 10-of-18 shooting, with 17 rebounds, two assists, one steal and four blocks. Bogut has finally figured out how to play well consistently, and the Bucks are reaping the rewards. They are 9-1 in the past 10 games, fueled by Bogut’s surge and the seamless addition of John Salmons

Elsewhere around the NBA:

Cleveland: LeBron James (rest) is expected to play against the Sixers on Friday. The Cleveland Cavaliers decided to give The King two games off as he’s dealing with a left quad bruise, a right ankle tweak and a sore back. He won’t practice on Tuesday or Wednesday before getting back on the court Thursday. With a full seven days off between games, look for James to be especially fresh and focused on Friday night.

Cleveland: An MRI on Antawn Jamison’s left knee showed no serious problems and he plans on playing against the Sixers on Friday. Sore knees are nothing new for Jamison, who left Monday’s win in the third quarter after the back of his knee got tight. We’d expect him to sit out practice on Tuesday and Wednesday but be fine for his full complement of minutes on Friday.

Utah: C.J. Miles exploded for 26 points in a mere 18 minutes off Utah Jazz bench on Tuesday, draining 9-of-12 field goals, including six 3-pointers.

Chicago: Luol Deng strained his calf during Tuesday’s game and will not return. Deng was already battling the flu, and he’s recently dealt with a sore and swollen knee. The severity of the strain will likely determine his status for Thursday’s game at Orlando, so check back soon for more information.

Houston: Trevor Ariza (hip) came off the bench on Monday for 13 points (4-of-13 shooting), three 3-pointers, three rebounds, two assists and two steals in 28 minutes. This was his first game since Feb. 21 and clearly conditioning was an issue. Presumably he will overtake Shane Battier (zero points, seven rebounds, two blocks) for the starting SF job before long, but we’ll keep a close eye on this situation.

After a solid showing in Sunday’s game, coach Mike Brown told reporters after the game that Antawn Jamison will probably be a starter for the Cleveland Cavaliers at some point. “At the end of the day, he’s probably going to be a starter for us, he’s a starter in this league,” Brown said. “I’ve just got to figure things out and we’re in the process of doing that right now.” It sounds like he’ll be a starter very soon, and the doomsday scenario for him appears to be averted.

Elsewhere around the NBA:

Sacramento: Carl Landry had the best game of his short Sacramento Kings career on Sunday, scoring 18 points on 6-of-15 shooting with seven rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block in 37 minutes.

Oklahoma City: Russell Westbrook triple-doubled in Sunday’s 109-107 win over the Wolves, scoring 22 points on 9-of-19 shooting with 10 rebounds, 14 assists, and two steals. Wow. The Russell Westbrook Experience continues to reach new heights, Jeff Green had a meaty 17-point, 14-rebound double-double, and Kevin Durant had his 28th straight game scoring more than 25 points.

Detroit: Richard Hamilton continued his tear against the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, scoring 27 points on 9-of-19 shooting (9-of-9 from the foul line) with five rebounds and three assists. He has now hit 46 straight free throws, but even more impressive are the scoring totals of 36 and 29 points in the two games entering tonight.

Boston: Reporter A. Sherrod Blakely who covers the Boston Celtics for Comcast, calls the thumb injury Paul Pierce suffered Thursday against the Lakers “a problem,” and adds that he’s “definitely questionable” for Tuesday’s game against the Knicks. This injury has flown under the radar, but judging by his recent play it makes sense.

Minnesota: Darko Milicic debuted as a member of the Wolves on Sunday, and surprised everyone with eight points on 4-of-7 shooting with eight rebounds, two assists, and a block in 19 minutes off the bench.

Minnesota: Kevin Love posted a solid double-double against the Thunder on Sunday, scoring 19 points on 7-of-13 shooting (including a three) with 14 rebounds, three assists, a steal, and a block in 31 minutes off the bench. Love, to some degree, has been in coach Kurt Rambis’ doghouse, and has come off the bench and gotten less than starter’s minutes.

The Antawn Jamison trade, which is essentially a done deal, the Clippers are also involved. The Cavs get Jamison and guard Sebastian Telfair, the Los Angeles Clippers get Drew Gooden and the Wizards get Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Al Thornton, Brian Skinner and a Cavs first-round pick. Jamison’s value takes a hit in Cleveland, Gooden is still useless for the Clips, Ilgauskas is a buy-out candidate in Washington (meaning Andray Blatche and JaVale McGee could both start), while Thornton becomes an interesting piece in Washington. He will battle with Josh Howard and Mike Miller for minutes.

Elsewhere around the NBA:

Boston: Nate Robinson did not play Wednesday against the Bulls due to flu-like symptoms, and if the reported trade sending him to the Celtics happens as expected, he could be in uniform for Thursday’s game against the Lakers. He flew to L.A., and barring a huge surprise he’ll be a Celtic come Thursday. Anything can happen between now and the trade deadline, but as the C’s are constituted now, Nate-Rob projects to be a gunner off the bench — and a poor man’s Jamal Crawford sounds like a reasonable outlook.

Phoenix: With Antawn Jamison landing in Cleveland, it’s now quite possible that Amare Stoudemire will not be traded by the Phoenix Suns. His agent says he’s still likely to be moved, but Paul Coro, beat writer for the Arizona Republic, says Amare may not have any deals in place. We’ll know for sure by 3 p.m. on Thursday.

Chicago: John Salmons has been instructed by the Bulls to say at the hotel Wednesday night, suggesting that he is a likely piece in a trade. No word from the NBA yet, but this is normally a good sign that something is going down.

Los Angelas: Kobe Bryant will likely sit out Thursday night to rest the ailing tendon in his lower leg. We were hoping he would be up for the big matchup against the Boston Celtics but by his own admission he’s not playing unless he sees a turnaround in the next twenty-four hours. Were this a playoff game or were the Lakers struggling for a playoff spot, we would probably see Bryant in the lineup.

Oakland: Monta Ellis will sit out both Wednesday and Friday night’s game as he continues to recover from a knee sprain. The good news is that his meeting with his doctor confirmed original reports of a sprain rather than more serious internal damage. “Knee sprain” certainly is better news than “ACL tear”.

The Cavaliers have reportedly made “significant progress” in their pursuit of Antawn Jamison, offering Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Jamario Moon and a No. 1 draft pick in exchange for Jamison and Mike James. It sounds like the Cavs are deciding between this proposal and a deal for Amare Stoudemire, but either way they seem set on acquiring a complementary PF. The activity by the Cleveland Cavaliers at this seasons trade deadline is a last ditched effort to sign James to a long term deal.

Elsewhere around the NBA:

Houston: The Houston Knicks are reportedly close to a trade for Tracy McGrady, which would include Jared Jeffries, Larry Hughes and rookie Jordan Hill to the Rockets, along with a swap of 2011 first-round picks and New York’s 2012 first-round pick. The only outstanding issue appears to be the proper protection for the picks. If the Knicks’ want stringent protection the Rockets apparently also have a standing offer from the Bulls, though that sounds more like leverage than anything else.

Chicago: Derrick Rose went off for 29 points on 14-for-18 shooting in Tuesday’s win over the Knicks. Clearly, Rose’s hip/back issue did not bother him. He added six assists, three rebounds and a steal.

Phoenix: Jason Richardson exploded for 27 points on Tuesday, making 12-of-17 FGs (including 2-of-5 from downtown) in his highest-scoring game since early November. He also had six rebounds, two steals, two blocks and just one turnover.

Dallas: Butler started at SG in his Mavericks debut, posting 13 points on 4-of-16 shooting, with six rebounds, one steal, one block and four turnovers. He played 31 minutes.

Detroit: Pistons forward Jonas Jerebko scored 21 points vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves, one point shy of his season-high, making 9-of-13 FGs with one 3-pointer, three rebounds, two steals and zero turnovers. And he played just 21 minutes. Jerebko seems capable of averaging a double-double if he played enough, but he hasn’t cracked the 30-minute barrier in February.

New Jersey: Courtney Lee scored 21 points on Tuesday, leading the New Jersey Nets to a surprise road victory against the Bobcats. Lee was awful through most of January, but has quietly settled down in February. He made 7-of-11 FGs and 6-of-8 FTs in this game, adding one 3-pointer, five rebounds, three assists, one steal and just one turnover.

During the 76ers coaching search they did the usual rounds.  They interviewed unemployed former head coaches, up and coming assistants and a few wild cards along the way. However, it was clear from the get-go that former head man in Washington, Eddie Jordan was their man

Sixers current GM Ed Stefanski had worked along side Jordan while both were employed by the New Jersey Nets. There was a familiarity there so no surprise by the move.

Now what kind of an effect can Eddie Jordan have on the Sixers?

Can his magic carry over from his Washington days?

While in Washington Jordan’s version of the “Princeton Offense” turned what were thought to be average players at best (Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison) into All-Stars. In some circles it’s believed that Andre Iguodala is on the cusp of becoming an All-Star and that Jordan’s system could help push him over the hump. Also Jordan’s system is thought to help the progress of Jason Smith, Thaddeus Young and Mareesse Speights outside games.

The Eddie Jordan “Princeton Offense” will make this current installment of the Sixers play a type of game they haven’t played before, half-court Basketball. They are primarily a running team whose dangerous if they aren’t slowed down early. However, when stacked up against the best in the league they are bogged down to a half-court style, one they simply could not play the last few seasons under Maurice Cheeks and Tony DiLeo.

In Jordan’s system everyone touches the ball, and the way it’s moved helps get open looks for nearly everyone on the floor possession by possession. So you will not see one player dominate the scoring if the Sixers are to be successful. Which in-turn helps out last years big free agent pick up Elton Brand. Many were calling the Brand signing a bust after he played only a handful of games before dislocating his shoulder early in the season.

The problem wasn’t Brand it was the lack of a scoring threat from the other Sixers on the floor. When that happens a defense is going to double up on the only threat. Something that happened to Brand routinely in Los Angeles and Chicago. The difference was Brand had players he could pitch the ball out too when doubled, guys who could hit open shots. There was no one on the Sixers that struck fear in the hearts of defenders if left open. Andre Iguodala could only do so much, and as good as he is he’s not going to beat you all night from outside.

The Sixers best chance to be successful is if they buy into Jordan’s system. Their running ways shouldn’t go away, but the ability to play half-court Basketball is important if they are to be taken seriously in the East. Something Jordan hopes to prove to the pundits in Philadelphia.

2008-09 NBA Team Preview – Washington Wizards

2008 Record: 43-39
Division Finish: 2nd – Southeast
2008 Playoffs: Lost, 4-2, to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference First Round

Head Coach: Eddie Jordan
Season: Going into sixth season
Record At Washington: 194-214
Career Record: 229-278

Offseason Acquisitions:
Signed Dee Brown, G, 14.7 ppg., 3.8 apg – Signed from Turkey
Signed Juan Dixon, G, 5.0 gpp, 1.4 rpg. – Signed from Detroit
Signed DerMarr Johnson, G-F, 3.4 ppg, 0.2, rpg – Signed from San Antonio
Signed Linton Johnson, F, 2.6 ppg, 1.6 rpg – Signed from Phoenix

Offseason Transactions:
Re-signed guard Gilbert Arenas.
Re-signed forward Antawn Jamison.
Traded the draft rights to forward Bill Walker to the Boston Celtics for cash.

Offseason Losses:
Roger Mason, G, 9.1 ppg., 1.7, apg, Signed with San Antonio

Rookies:
JaVale McGee, C, 7-0, 14.1 ppg, 7.3 rpg, Nevada

The Skinny:
With the two main pieces of their puzzle in place for what looks like the next four years, the Washington Wizards have the potential to make a serrious run in the Eastern Conference. If the Wizards can get some solid play from their front court, particularly the center position, they could find themselves in the NBA Finals.

Next year.

On a list of the top shooting guards in the Association, Gilbert Arenas’ name has to be in the top five, probably top three. Prior to the 2007-08 season, he averaged at 25 points per game and has a career average of over 22 ppg.

Last year was virtually a wash for Arenas as he only played in 13 regular season game because of a knee injury. Even when he tried to come back he was not 100 percent and he pulled himself off the court right before game four of the opening round of the playoffs.

I am impressed with him in that he didn’t demand to be put back into the starting line-up as soon as he was cleared to play. Contrary to what some stars might do, Arenas did not want to disrupt the chemistry of the starting five. A lot of other guys would have demanded to be put in the line-up.

Arenas was almost not back in a Wizards’ uniform this season. He had a five-year offer from the Golden State Warriors that was valued at over $100 million dollars. He ended up signing with the Wizards for $111 million over six years. I’m glad to see Washington ponyed up the extra two mill a year to keep their favorite player on board.

However, it’s not all wine and roses for the Wizards and Arenas. He underwent a third surgery on his knee last month and is expected to be out for at least the first month of the season. It’s hard to say if he reaches 100 percent this season. It may be another year before Arenas is at the level he was in 2006-07.

One of the conditions of Arenas re-signing with the Wizards was that they had to sign forward Antawn Jamison as well. Wanting to keep Arenas, as well as their top scorer from last season, the Wizards did bring Jamison back for his 10th NBA season. He signed a four-year, $50 million dollar deal.

But just like Arenas, Jamison is injured during the preseason. He suffered a right knee contusion during the team’s first preseason game and is expected to miss all of the preseason. Likely this is more of a precautionary move by the team to have Jamison healthy for the start of the regular season since they know they are going to be without Arenas. Jamison’s timing and game conditioning may suffer a little, bit but he should be at 100 percent – barring any other set backs – when Arenas returns.

The center position has been one of the top positions that have been a problem for the Wizards. Things didn’t get any better for the team when center Brendan Haywood announced he would go under the knife to repair his right wrist and that will keep him out from four to six months. This is a big blow to the Wizards as Haywood averaged 10.6 ppg and 7.2 rebounds per game last season.

Some good news did come Washington’s way as center Etan Thomas made his return to the team. Thomas missed all of last season after undergoing open heart surgery. During the 2006-07 campaign he averaged 6.1 ppg. and 5.8 rpg. in 19.2 minutes a night. Also trying to fill the void left by Haywood is rookie JaVale McGee. The 7-foot center from Nevada averaged 14.1 ppg. and 7.3 rpg. his sophomore year with the Wolfpack. He’s the son of former NBA player George Montgomery and WNBA player Pamela McGee. He is the first son of a WNBA player to every play in the NBA.

The other hole in the Wizards’ roster is at the point guard position. Now in his 11th season, Antonio Daniels isn’t a true point guard and isn’t getting any younger. The team did pick up Dee Brown during the offseason. Instead of trying to make the Utah Jazz roster last year – where he would have been the understudy to Darren Williams – Brown opted to play in Turkey last year. Brown as the athleticism to be a point guard, but I’m not sure he’s got the head for it in the NBA. It’s one thing to get it done in college 35 some times a year, but 90 percent of the time his athletic ability was able to make up for any knowledge shortcomings.

Prediction:
Similar to the Orlando Magic, the Washington Wizards are a year or two away from making a serious run in the playoffs. I can see them having a similar record and finishing second to the Magic in the pitiful Southeast Conference. After Orlando and Washington the division is pretty bad.

One player not mentioned above was DeShawn Stevenson. He did a pretty good job filling in for Arenas last year, scoring 11.2 ppg. and handing out 3.1 apg. They’re going to need to him to step that up a bit during the first part of the season when Arenas is out and he’ll get considerable playing time throughout the season until Arenas gets back to 100 percent.

Another guy that wasn’t mentioned and gets overlooked a lot with Arenas and Jamison on the roster is Caron Butler. I always thought Miami got a steal on Butler when he slid to them at No. 10 in the 2002 NBA draft. Last year he averaged a career-best 20.3 ppg. – mostly notably because of the absence of Arenas – to go along with 6.7 rpg and 4.9 apg.

Between a healthy Arenas, Jamison and Butler you’ve got a great nucleus to work with. Two years ago the trio was the highest scoring three in the NBA. As good as those three players are you can almost get away with not having a great point guard, just someone who can get the ball down the floor and not make mistakes, which is what you’re going to get in Daniels.

However, with a number of good big men in the league, Washington will only go as far as its center plays. With Haywood out for four-to-six months, and not being beyond average to start with, the Wizards are going to struggle. Thomas was a back up before his heart surgery and who knows how much better he’ll get and I’m not really sold on McGee.

I think Washington will make the playoffs without much problem since most the East is weak, but they’ll get bounced in the first round again. Their downside is they’ve got just too many people missing significant time to build into a real threat. If Arenas and Haywood come back 100 percent by the end of the year they have a shot, but I think there are at least four teams better than them. Maybe next year.