The Celtics Blog takes a smart look at defense, pointing out that if you want this to be like Red Auerbach's team, you have to have a lot of D and some running ability. Some of the Celtics make the grade on defense. Ricky Davis is among those who don't. While you're there, don't miss this primer on how to have faith in a young Celtics team. Plenty of reasons for optimism. SportsBiz looks under the hood of the Adidas-Reebok deal, and the Steve Belkin affair in Atlanta. (And here.) Cavalier Attitude slams SLAM for suggesting Larry Hughes would have been better off in Washington. What's Really Good gets into Joe Johnson, Sin City, and that "fat tub of lard" Antoine Walker. Spur of the Moment is upset about the name of Austin's new D-league team, which could become the Spurs' minor league affiliate, and he has some suggestions. He also takes a thorough look at what San Antonio should do to fill out the roster. Tongue planted in cheek, Believing in Magic assesses the departure of Doug Christie. Then there is FOXSports.com's Charley Rosen. He has been featured on TrueHoop a lot lately, with his lists of who's overrated, which free agents were good acquisitions, the biggest trade in NBA history, and more. Only about 10% of what this man has to say is positive. Essentially, he rips everybody to shreds, and gets a good rise out of the blogosphere in the process. The SacKingsBlog gives it right back to Rosen, calling him the Joe Morgan of basketball. Rosen got under Knickerblogger's skin something serious with his dressing down of Patrick Ewing. Knickerblogger is having none of it, and unlike Rosen, backs it up with stats. It's a great example of heart and mind coming together. NBA's Finest has some thoughtful words about where to bet on the NBA in Las Vegas. She also offers some compelling reasons to kidnap a Maloof. While we're in Vegas: GH and Petey's Timberwolves Blog is getting very serious about gambling. Dan Rosenbaum's great NBA blog keeps spreading the wisdom, and his new defensive rankings have already made a lot of waves in the blogosphere. It has also led to an article at 82games.com. Thank God it's still as smarmy as ever in the big picture (the mock joy at the Rick Brunson news proves it) but for a second the SuperSonicSoul gets serious with an intelligent look at the Sonics roster and salaries. The Golden State Warriors Blog is right on top of every little Warrior detail, including the minutia of Baron Davis's training regimen. You know the thing about people with two first names? ActionBerg is worried about a kid with four last names. SLAM editor Russ Bengston muses about Allan Houston: "There's only one team that would be dumb enough to trade for him, and unfortunately for him, he's already on it." B12 Partners tells it for the first time: this is why Michael Jordan shaved his head. Eli Savoie covers the big trade from a Memphis angle. Now that Dan Rosenbaum has told us that Chris Duhon is a vaulable defender, BullsBlogger (and Carnival founder) keeps us on top of tug-of-war for Duhon's services between Chicago and Toronto. Forum Blue and Gold takes a minute out to talk Clippers, and says he likes the Sam Cassell trade. Crazy From the Heat is doing the math and wondering if there will be enough shots to go around on this revamped, gun-slinging roster which may still add another shooter in Michael Finley. The Links likes Geoff Petrie's additions to the Kings: "Sacramento has traded away two guys that were ALWAYS hurt, and got back Shareef and Bonzi. Not bad." Les Bullez wonders if his team is headed in the right direction. And finally, Motoring Pistons thinks Michael Finley would be a better fit than "locker room cancer" Latrell Sprewell.