The Pacers and Nuggets are playing a couple of exhibition games in Taipei and Beijing, in a desperate attempt to sell a Yao-less NBA to the Chinese. On an off day, the Pacers traveled to the Great Wall where Danny Granger defaced one of the world's treasures. His inspiring message, sure to endure the centuries like the wall has?

"Pacers Wuz Here!!!!!"

But that's okay, it looks like he still has some female admirers. Unfortunately for him the wall has proved capable of keeping out groupies as well as Mongols.

•••••

Good Sunday morning. Today is when men, and not boys, play football.

You know who else is white? Larry Bird, the Pacers president and the whitest white boy of all time. In a league that is almost 90% non-white guys, Bird has assembled a roster that is 50% see-through and just drafted the whitest of white hopes, Tyler Hansborough. So what gives? Does Bird secretly have a thing for his pale brothers?

Red (Auerbach) never saw color. And I don't, either. I just pick them. If we hadn't taken Tyler Hansbrough, it would have been Ty Lawson. And if I could have gotten another pick (later in the first round), I would have taken Sam Young or Wayne Ellington."

So he's really just prejudiced in favor of Tar Heels? Anyway, Kravitz then points out that eight of Bird's 10 draft picks have been black and that he once famously said that he was insulted when teams tried to guard him with a white guy. So why would you even ask such a silly question?

In the end, it's not about black and white, but the bottom line is printed in black and white.

Wins and losses.

And nothing else matters.

Oh, so I guess he's not racist. He just loves to lose.

Bob Kravitz: Are Pacers too white? No, all Bird cares about are finding guys who can play [Indianapolis Star]

Here's what they said in a blurb buried in a otherwise dull NBA roundup:

According to an NBA executive, there is growing concern inside the Kings organization that if their arena issue isn't resolved, they could end up moving to Anaheim. Anaheim has been hoping to get an NBA team for years, has filled its arena for Lakers exhibition games and Clippers regular-season games, and could attract fans from as far south as San Diego. The Lakers and Clippers, however, could challenge for territorial rights fees, and it could be hard for the Kings to find a spot on television in LA, too. The financially strapped Pacers, who reportedly have lost $200 million since 1983, also could be on the move eventually. San Jose, Kansas City, Seattle, and Las Vegas are potential future NBA homes.

Yes, Sacramento wants out of their arena and there is no way the city builds a couple of casino goons a new one in this economic climate. But Anaheim will clearly never happen. The Clippers' rotting stench can reach to Orange County, thank you very much. San Jose won't work, because it's hard enough for everyone in the Bay Area to pretend that the Warriors don't exist. Seattle clearly deserves a team, but they also deserve more than a failed brokedown organization. And Las Vegas? I know everyone wants this to happen, but honestly who is going leave the roulette tables long enough to support an NBA team?

Clearly, the Kings must return to Kansas City so that the mayor can stand on the town's border with his arms crossed and say in a mocking tone, "So you finally came crawling back, huh?" Did I mention that the team must be required to walk to K.C.?

As for the Pacers, they should obviously be taken away from their inept ownership, but they aren't going anywhere. You don't lose $200 million because people in Indiana don't care about basketball. Seriously, how do you screw that one up?

Financial Troubles for the NBA: Kings and Pacers on the Move? [Fan Leader]

Actually, that's only half-right. Cleveland inexplicably found itself trailing lowly Indiana with 0.8 seconds left in their game last night, when the Cavaliers decided to try an alleyoop inbounds play to LeBron. Danny Granger had the balls to try and intercept the pass and appeared to get between James and the ball and deflect it with minimal contact, but he was called for a foul. James sank both free throws to tie the game with 0.4 on the clock.

Well, Indiana decided to call the referees' bluff. The Pacers tried the exact same thing on their inbounds play, with LeBron guarding Granger. James deflected the ball, there was minimal contact ... and amazingly they called a foul on him with 0.1 seconds to go. Granger made one of two. Pacers win.

But at least Cleveland coach Mike Brown kept things in perspective.

"That last call, on the run, is the worst call that I have ever been a part of," Brown said. "I cannot imagine another worse call than that. It was an awful call and for him to take away a basketball game from a team with .4 seconds on the clock is irresponsible...

"I don't care if I get fined. It is what it is. I saw the two plays; just a bad call determined the outcome of that game. If they want to fine me for telling the truth, fine me. This isn't me. I never do this....

"It was predetermined from the call that was made at the other end of the floor, and it is very unfortunate," Brown said. "We got the game taken away from us. Absolutely horrible."

I also saw the two plays—they were exactly the same. Yet, LeBron was equally perplexed:

"The last call against me was not questionable at all," James contended. "No contact was made. The pass was short. You couldn't go to the rim. I was able to get a hand on it."

Oh, yeah? These 23 citizen journalist YouTube videos taken from the 15th row say different.

James' late foul costs Cavs in loss to Pacers
Cavs-Pacers Finish [NBA.com]

When last we saw them: Finished 36-46, third in Central Division and ninth overall in the East. Sadly, they barely missed out on making the Eastern Conference Playoffs.

The new guys: Austin Croshere (WTF? He's back?!), Brandon Rush, Jarrett Jack, Maceo Baston, Count Chocula, Rasho Nesterovic, Roy Hibbert T.J. Ford

Good riddance to bad rubbish: Flip Murray, Ike Diogu, Kareem Rush, Jamaal Tinsley, Jermaine O'Neal

The Good: Jamaal Tinsley and Jermaine O'Neal - the final significant holdovers from an era the Pacers want and need to put behind them - are finally gone. (Well, Tinsley is technically still on the roster, but team officials have told him to "stay away.") This should improve the team even more than if they were able to somehow obtain Michael Jordan's robot clone from the year 2099. (He's busy fighting intergalactic space pirates anyway.) Jim O'Brien is kind of a Mike D'Antoni-lite, which means the Pacers will run, pop a lot of threes, and score some points: Last season, they were seventh in PPG (104.0), seventh in assists (22.7) and eighth in three-point field goal percentage (.374). Danny Granger (19.6 PPG, 6.1 RPG) is turning into everything Larry Bird hoped he'd be. Mike Dunleavey Jr. (19.1 PPG, 42 percent from downtown) has improved more than anyone thought possible. (And I do mean anyone.) T.J. Ford loves to run and jack it up, which makes him a perfect fit for O'Brien's offense. Ford also averaged 6.1 APG last season, so, you know, he sometimes looks to pass too. Jarrett Jack is a solid backup at the point. Brandon Rush and Roy Hibbert are nice rebuilding blocks (and Hibbert, at least, knows how to play D). Rasho Nesterovic can provide occasional inside scoring. Did I mention that O'Neal and Tinsley are gone? Probably can't stress that enough.

The Bad: This team cannot defense. I mean, a coma patient could probably score in double digits against them. Which is weird because last season they were fifth in opponents turnovers (15.8), ninth in opponents field goal percentage (.454), ninth in blocks (5.0) and 11th in steals (7.6). But those numbers are deceiving, since the Pacers gave up 105.4 PPG, which was "good" for 26th in the league and about a point and a half less than they were scoring themselves. See, in professional basketball, you still have to outscore your opponent to win. They also committed about 15 turnovers a game and allowed opposing teams to shoot 38.6 percent from downtown, which was next to last in the league. I know this is a stat-heavy appraisal, but these numbers are indicative of a team that plays at a breakneck pace and focuses mostly on one end of the court. They also traded one streaky, injury-prone PG for another; Ford missed the entire 2004-05 season with a neck injury and missed 31 games last season after a flagrant foul by Atlanta's Al Horford. Half the team is new, and as always it's unclear how long it'll take them to form a nice, thick gel. Oh, and they rely way too much on Mike Dunleavy Jr. for anyone to feel too comfortable about their chances to compete. Even in the East.

Fun Facts: This year's team slogan is "Team Ego." This supposedly means that no one player will be above the rest or some crap like that. Their D-League affiliate team is the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. And yup, that's where the now-famous Nightmare Ant originated. The Pacers were last in the league in home attendance last season at about 6,110 depressed fans per game (according to Basketball-reference.com). SAD FACE.

Videotastic extra: Seriously, I do NOT suggest going to the Pacers' mascot for plastic surgery.

In fact, he just keeps on goin'.

llowing rules blindly, doesn't mean you're right just by following those rules. There needs to be a just rule. I mean, a long time ago George Washington sat around, didn't want to pay taxes to the crown. There's other things going on, but the rudimentary part of our American revolution was we didn't want to pay taxes. And we broke that rule and we have America today. You know, if we would've lost that war, George Washington would be Benedict Arnold.

You know, it's whoever wins, you get the praise. Nicotine won, the tobacco industry won. That's the thing, they wouldn't want marijuana to be legal. It causes less cancer and actually, I've read studies where in cities with very bad air pollution like in Indiana, it helps protect you from lung cancer.

Right on, Dave. And Martha Washington? Total stoner, man!

David Harrison Keeps Talking [Indy Cornrows]

O'Neal's business partners said the place is not permanently closed, and is just being retooled, "redone." And rumors are circling as to how the club will be constructed.

What are they gonna turn the club into? Well ... it's Indianapolis. You can probably guess. Yep, Jermaine O'Neal's fancy, sleek, "Web site that plays the Miami Vice theme song" club is rumored to be becoming ... a country western club. Thanks for trying, Jermaine.

J.O.'s Ultra Lounge Going Country [Indy Cornrows]
Seven [Official Site]

The site they're trying to promote, WorldUnexplained.com ... is just a link to the Pacers' homepage, which seems kind of lazy, actually. Plus ... how did the Pacers get that URL?

Pacers World Unexplained [Indy Cornrows]
WorldUnexplained.com [Pacers.com]

Gonzaga's Josh Heytvelt has completed his community service — which mostly consisted of slaying dragons and realize that the people in this room are the only motherfuckers who understand what's going ON — and looks on track to return to the team this season, though his suspension has not yet officially been lifted. The news could be worse for the Pacers' Shawne Williams, who was busted Tuesday for having a huge joint burning in his car. Since when is it a crime to smoke a little weed while driving? What is ithis, China? That's a crime.

(Oh. Well. We're told it is, in fact, a crime. The more you know!)

Heytvelt Nearing Return To Zags?[Seattle Times]
No That Cigar-Size, Smoldering Joint In My Ash Try Isn't Mine. Honest [Sons Of Sam Malone]

"Thanks, Jamaal. Glad to be here. Pretty happy to be out of Oakland and in a spry metropolis like Indianapolis."

"We're glad to have you. Listen, now that you're here, you have to go through Pacer initiation."

"Pacer initiation?"

"Yeah. Everybody's gotta go through it. Fred Hoiberg started the practice, and he is The Mayor, after all."

"All right, sounds great. What's the plan?"

"Well, we're gonna head to the 8 Seconds Saloon after we lose to your old team, and we're gonna beat the shit out of the bar manager."

"Really? That's the Hoiberg initiation?"

"Yeah. Originally, Fred liked to bash beer bottles over people's head, but the Pacers have a recycling resolution, and we don't want any trouble with upper management."

"Totally understood."

"All right, you ready? Hey, bring your cousin."

"Should I bring my gun?"

"Naw, man, Stephen don't play here anymore. Your flying fists of fury should be fine."

"Sweet. I love Indiana!"

Three Pacers Deny Attacking Bar Manager [Indianapolis Star]
The Pacers Have Had A Busier Morning Than You [Deadspin]

• Shaq Is Back, But Results Are Mixed. Miami had a 20-point lead and the return of Shaquille O'Neal. What could possibly go wrong? Well, strangely, it was the Pacers' Danny Granger, 0-for-5 from the field going into the fourth quarter, who would be the man of the hour in this one. Granger scored 14 points in the fourth quarter and overtime, finishing with 16, as Indiana won 96-94 on Wednesday. Shaq was back after a 35-game vacation due to knee surgery and had five points and five rebounds over 14 minutes. "It's good to be out there with the guys, but obviously there's a lot of rust," O'Neal told AP. "The rust will wear off and I'll get my rhythm back." Dwyane Wade had 32 points and eight assists. Is it us, or does Shaq look like he's aged 10 years in the past two months?

• Singing The Praises Of The Suns. This new phenomenon of the Suns being good; is Arizona ready? Will they turn their attention from the Wildcats and Lute Olson to now embrace their NBA team? After two 15-game win streaks in the same season, they're kind of obligated now, right? Amare Stoudemire scored 30 points as Phoenix beat the Knicks 112-107, the Suns' 15th straight win. Another win (Friday at Milwaukee) would set a record for longest win streak in franchise history. With the win, Phoenix coach Mike D'Antoni will now coach the Western Conference in the All-Star game, because he clinched the highest winning percentage among eligible coaches through Feb. 4 (Dallas' Avery Johnson coached the team last year and is ineligible). Of course our proposal on how to pick the All-Star coaches — a National Anthem sing-off — was ignored by the league, and we're still a little bitter about that.

• The Missing L Has Been Sent To A School In Cambodia Which Is In Need Of Consonants. Whoa, Grizzlies score 132 and win. What? Pau Gasol's triple-double led Memphis over Utah in OT, 132-130, proving that the NBA is not anything that can be explained by conventional science. Eddie Jones hit a 22-foot jumper with one second left in overtime for the win.

• In Which Andre Iguodala Rocks Quicken Loans Arena. Is it possible that the 76ers are better without Allen Iverson? Iguodala scored eight points in the second overtime and had a career-high 34 for the game, as Philadelphia beat Cleveland 118-115.

• Devin Help Us. Well, the Mavericks have won 12 straight. So why do we have the feeling that they'll bow out again after a brief playoff run? They still carry that vibe, sorry. Devin Harris scored 13 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter to help Dallas extend the league's longest winning streak this season with a 100-91 win over the Pacers. The Mavericks, who began the season 0-4, also had a 12-game streak earlier this season.

• I've Got A Smush On You, Sweetie Pie. Kobe Bryant scored 42 points, but it was his pass to Smush Parker with four seconds left in regulation that saved the Lakers. Parker tied the game with a lay-in, and LA went on to beat the Kings 132-128 in overtime. The term "game-tying layup" always baffled us ... shouldn't you foul him in that situation? Hard?

• Come On, Give Is A NOOCH. Richard Hamilton is one of the few people anywhere who can say that he was the leading scorer (27 points) for the Detroit Pistons in a win over the New Orleans Hornets in Oklahoma City.

• For Pete's Sake. TrueHoop has an interesting take on the dueling Pistol Pete Maravich books that's worth a look, if you're up for such matters.

And thankfully, I won't have to watch him feel the heat with somebody. With somebody who (somebody who) loves him. Sigh.

The retired Indiana Pacer's star and TNT NBA analyst, 41, tells Us Weekly that he was approached to be on Season 4 of Dancing With the Stars, but decided to pass. The former basketball player said that he was flattered by the offer, but declined due to scheduling conflicts.

Reggie Miller Rejects Dancing With the Stars [Us Weekly Online]

First, John Green, the fan who punched Artest and struck him with the cup, has been told that he has been forever banned from Pistons home games. Hey, it only took two years. But more on that in a minute. Now, the real news.

According to The Smoking Gun, we now know what really ignited the melee; Artest said something to Detroit's Ben Wallace, just before Green launched his beer cup. The statement is from Matt Dobek, Pistons VP of public relations, who was present at the game:

I was sitting at the corner of the court by the Pistons bench, holding coach Brown's crutches. I observed Artest laying on top of the scorer's table, and heard Artest tell Ben Wallace "You can suck my balls." ... Dobek concluded by saying "I thought someone might get killed."

Green, 41, of West Bloomfield, Mich., recently received a letter from the Pistons banishing him from The Palace, and threatening arrest if he ever does show up there. From USA Today:

Green says he'd apologize to Artest in person and buy him dinner if the Sacramento Kings star would lift a restraining order against him. As for the banishment letter, Green says he'll try to sell it on eBay.

And they all lived happily, ever after. As long as nobody told anyone to suck their balls.

Fan Who Threw Cup Is Banned For Life [IndyStar.com]
Words Sparked Malice At The Palace [The Smoking Gun]

Well, any goodwill that whole campaign might have earned evaporated around 3 a.m. this morning at a west Indianapolis strip club called Club Rio, when four Pacers were involved in an incident involving gunfire, a vehicular assault and, yes, now that you mention it, a little weed. Oh, and Stephen Jackson was involved. No, really, he was.

[A police officer] said Stephen Jackson fired five shots from a 9-mm handgun after someone hit him in the face and tried to run him over with a vehicle outside Club Rio at about 3 a.m. Video from a security camera outside the club captured part of the incident, and authorities were looking for a blue Oldsmobile.

Jackson, Jamaal Tinsley, Marquis Daniels and Jimmie Hunter had argued with another group of men at the club... one of the men punched Jackson in the mouth and then got into a vehicle and ran into him, police said. The attackers fled after Jackson fired his handgun. Police do not know if anyone was injured or if the bullets struck the man's vehicle.

When they searched the players' car, they did find marijuana, but they didn't find Eddie Griffin, which is probably best for everyone involved. No charges have been filed, and it doesn't appear the players are even being investigated for any crimes ... but it doesn't look good, and the timing, as Larry Bird could surely tell you this morning, stinks.

Police Question Four Pacers After Gunfire [Indianapolis Star]

• 1. Can You Tell Us How To Get To Tallahassee? Marquis Daniels has a tattoo of a fairly detailed map of Florida that covers his entire back. Among other tattoos on his person are a man blowing his head off with a shotgun (on his lower right arm); Chinese characters (on his left arm); and various knives and inscriptions.

• 2. Pretty In Pink.Times in Indiana are changing with the massive overhaul of the Pacers offseason roster. For the past three years, headlines about the Pacers have involved locker room discord, team-imposed suspensions and some incident in the stands of Detroit. Need proof that Indy's controversial days are behind them? Check out this recent headline. — (Thanks to Tom Costello).

• 3. Enchantment Under The Sea. Jermaine O'Neal took a girl to her high school prom in May 2004, even though he was engaged at the time. He did, however, have permission from his fiance. O'Neal has also been Punk'd four times; once when he was invited to a party, and was not admitted because he didn't bring any girls.

• 4. He's Got Next Game. Jamaal Tinsley developed his game playing at New York City's legendary Rucker Park as a teenager, as did such basketball greats as Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving, Nate Archibald, Earl Monroe and Allen Iverson.

• 5. Whistle Stop. Haywoode Workman, who played for the Pacers from 1993-1997, also spent half a season playing for the Topeka Sizzlers. And here's something you don't see every day; Workman is currently working towards becoming an NBA official.