NBA Notes.

I'm extremely happy that Mike James has officially left the Raptors. I always thought he was overrated and shot too much for a point guard. He has had one good year, and that was when he was playing for a contract. I'm not surprised he didn't land in Dallas because he isn't better than either Jason Terry or Devon Harris. I think he is going to drive Kevin Garnett crazy in Minnesota. All Garnet wants to do is win and James is a losing point guard. The T'Wolves also have a stud in Randy Foye who they got at the draft this year. Foye will be starting by mid-season. Another reason to think James isn't that good is that GM Kevin McHale actually wanted him. McHale should thank God every day that Isiah Thomas is around so he isn't the laughingstock of the league.

I initally liked the Charlie Villaneuva-T.J. Ford deal but I am having second thoughts. Ford had had spinal problems in the past and isn't that strong a defender. And young point guards are a dime a dozen in the league. Good young forwards who can shoot threes and rebound though are not. I'll give Colangelo the benefit of the doubt but I reserve the right to change my mind.

It's going to be interesting to see how the new deal signed by LeBron James will impact the new CBA in a few years. It appears Dwayne Wade and Carmelo Anthony are going to follow his lead and sign similar three year plus one year player option deals. These guys are driving renewed interest in the league right now and the cap should increase significantly under a new CBA. That is if the players association doesn't get crushed at the negotiating table the way they usually do. David Stern has got to want to keep these guys on their original teams though so it will be very interesting.

I don't buy that guys like LeBron and DWade have to play in NY or LA to improve their endorsement deals. With the internet, every game being available on TV somewhere, and 24/7 sports reels you can be a hero even in Boise, Idaho. These guys jerseys and shoes are going to sell no matter where they play. Besides, Lamar Odom and Smush Parker play in LA and I don't see their faces on billboards.