It was great to hear on the radio this morning that Andrea Bargnani has been working out with Jermaine O’Neal and gained 12 lbs of upper-body muscle. Now I read via AltRaps that JO has lost 12 lbs of upper-body muscle to relieve his knees. Coincidence? I think not.

Fantasy update: Give Me The Mock is now skimming the dregs of the 12th and 13th rounds. I’m hoping to come out of it with the prerequisite homer pick.

Give Me The Mock has really caught my attention. Most of my lunch hours have revolved around that Google Spreadsheet, chatting with the other fantasy GMs and waiting for someone to pick already. Pick already!! But seriously, the mock is moving smoothly, especially since we have GMs from all over: Alaska, Philippines, Texas, Chicago…

I think I’m doing quite well for my very first live draft. Since last post, I picked up:
Hedo Turkoglu
Manu Ginobili (I know he’s hurt, likely a couple months out)
Al Horford
Jason Terry

I was glad to get Horford when I did, since we have to fill a two-center lineup. I still remember what his flailing arm did to TJ Ford, but I’m sure it wasn’t intentional. It was careless, though.

Speaking of the Raptors, I’ll post more about them when the season gets closer or is underway. Thinking about doing something for the preseason game against the Cavs (let’s talk, Carolyn).

It’s extremely tempting to go back to blogging full-bore, but – sigh – first things first.

We’re through three rounds of the Give Me The Rock Readers’ Mock Draft (let’s shorten that to “Give Me The Mock”). I’m picking third in a twelve-team serpentine draft. Here’s who I got so far:
#3 – SF LeBron James
#22 – PG Steve Nash
#27 – PF/C Tim Duncan

I think it’s pretty good so far, but the real test will be fifth or sixth round onward.

Nels is running Give Me The Mock on Google Spreadsheet, which allows us to chat and smacktalk as we go. Kudos, Nels.

I think, out of some sort of favoritism, I was chosen to participate in Give Me The Rock’s Readers’ Mock Draft. How would you explain it? I’m a relative noob who considers Patrick a good blog buddy. Favoritism, I say.

What kind of lineup will Jeff’s Marasmitches end up with? I’ll post here as soon as it’s complete.

There I was, doing my commute across the 401, and it struck me: “Pete Marasmitch.” It’s a beautiful combination of my recent discovery (Pistol Pete Maravich) and my post-NHL lockout love (the Toronto Raptors).

Now, I don’t love Sam Mitchell, but I don’t hate him as some fans out there do. Nor am I going to analyze and criticize his coaching decisions and style. That’s not what I’m about. I’m a think-positive blogger who appreciates the NBA for what it is: entertainment. If the Raptors can get beyond the first round of the playoffs, great! If not — well, too bad. Life goes on, and I’ll be reading DraftExpress while we wait for summer to begin. And I’ll probably think of some off-the-wall post to amuse you.

Which leads me to my schedule: I ain’t got one! I have a busy life outside of blogging. But whenever a great idea or burning thought crosses my mind, I’ll try to come here and write it up. And more than likely I’ll have read and hyped up articles and posts in the blogosphere, which you can see on my BallHype profile.

So, welcome to Pete Marasmitch! Let’s see how long this ride will last.