SHORT NOTES: ON OJ MAYO, MCDYESS, THE TRADE AND KJ

In the early run for this season's rookie of the year race, O.J. Mayo of the Memphis Grizzlies had taken an early lead. The 3rd pick over-all is currently leading all newbies in scoring, 21.0 ppg and in minutes played, 39.5 mpg, after 8 games played. The 6-4 guard out of the University of Southern California had been displaying an all-around game so far, which had left a lasting impression among basketball pundits with his veteran-like numbers. With his current pace, he may not only make it to the rookie game but also the all-star game in Phoenix this coming February.

*****

The Denver Nuggets' waiving of veteran Antonio McDyess had left everyone guessing on what team the former Piston banger will end up with this season. It seems every team (except the Nuggets of course) wants McDyess to be a part of their frontline rotation. The Cleveland Cavaliers, unhappy with Big Ben's game, is strongly bidding for the services of the grizzled veteran. The Pistons also wants him back. The Celtics had already sent feelers to his agent.

The coming days, for sure, will very busy for McDyess and his agent and the team which finally signs him up would definitely shore up its frontline brigade.

*****

Allen Iverson had finally nailed down a win for the Detroit Pistons. Even with the win (after 2 successive setbacks), the Pistons are having difficulty adjusting to AI's game. Piston coach Michael Curry should better talk immediately to Iverson and advise "The Answer" to minimize his one-manship antics and instead jive with the team ball concept of the Motor City squad. Well, that makes sense, right?

On the other hand, the Denver Nuggets had won three straight games ever since Chauncey Billups joined the team after the celebrated trade with the Pistons for AI services. Billups' game seems tailor-made for the Nuggets with his unselfish brand of court generalship. Expect the Nuggets surge deep in the play-offs with Billups leading the charge.

*****

It is not only Barack Obama who made history during the recently-concluded US National elections. In Sacramento, California, former NBA guard Kevin Johson likewise became the first ever black Mayor of the State Capitol. Johnson garnered 58% of the votes as against incumbent Heather Fargo's 42%.

Sharing KJ's triumph is the NBA, where he played many years for the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Phoenix Suns. Lets get it on KJ!