One can say, can’t one, that Michael Jordan has “paid the price of sacrifice” with his very reputation, attaching his name to the once-woeful Charlotte Bobcats? Not long ago, some wiseacres joked that MJ must’ve made franchise decisions from the comfort of a golf course or at the poker table. Now? These Bobs have risen from laughingstock to middle of the pack. Heady territory, I know. From the Cape Fear Sports Report:

Amazingly, the Bobcats moved up to #15 in one of the ESPN NBA power rankings. With a couple of roster moves and a change of attitude, Larry Brown has been able to take Charlotte from being amongst the NBA dregs, to a team that can beat any one on a given night.

And,

Any coincidence also that the Bobcats have looked hungrier since MJ started showing up for a few games? How can you not play harder with the greatest-of-all-time looking on? I guess most guys in the NBA need a little motivation to get up for all 82 games, but with Michael Jordan just showing some interest in the team’s success and sitting courtside, you can forget about needing motivation.

Things that don’t directly affect the game seep into the subconscious; having Michael cheer you on has to good for the mind. We’ve also seen Michael get on people… it ain’t where you want to be, ask Bill Cartwright.

How hot does your seat feel, Sean May?

(By the by: The Raptors next play the Bobcats March 16 in Charlotte, then March 20 in Toronto.)

Jay Triano tells us the problem with Roko’s shooting stroke: his off-hand.

The answer? Watch Larry Bird, says Adam Reed. Specifically,

The non-shooting hand, or the “off-hand”, is there merely to balance the ball so that it doesn’t slip off your hand. You should never push the ball with your off hand.

So, Roko, stick this pic on your locker.

“That’s why I block a lot of shots.” (Getty)

You think it’s so easy for Jamario to stay down on pump fakes? Try it yourself in the King of the Block Tournament.

And here’s a shot for you to master: bank it off the opponent’s head, nothin’ but net. My six-year-old son did it twice.

10. Update his Facebook page

9 . Download iTunes of Dad’s band

8. Keep up his gypsy drum skills

7. Prank-call a certain teammate (let’s call him “Will S”)

6. Rate the funky-ness of his road trip

5. Track down local Croatian restaurants

Roko: so when r u dropping will?
Bryan: i know. he is such a n00b.
Roko: btw dont get marcus banks.

…

Roko: r u still there?

3. Distribute photos of Will S’s ineptitude

Reasons for poor A/T ratio, Exhibit A. (Francis Specker/AP)

Exhibit B. (Reuters)

2. Fake calls to avoid Will S

1. Read Pete Marasmitch

Paul Jones relates the following interchange with Our Roko:

Ukic, who was all of about four years old when the Pistons were in the midst of their glory years in late 80’s says while looking up at the banners “Detroit had the Microwave, Vinnie Johnson, right? Do you think he was as good as the other guy in Boston, Dennis Johnson?”

Jones didn’t give an answer. Well, Roko, Pete Marasmitch is up to the challenge. Here is your best-of-seven matchup,

Vinnie Johnson vs. Dennis Johnson

1. Best picture

(from The Legend of Cecilio Guante)

vs.

Verdict: I like the creativity of LCG’s poster, but it’s hard to beat Larry Bird’s short shorts and li’l can of celebratory beer. Dennis

2. Nicknames
“Microwave” vs. “D.J.”
Verdict: Vinnie

3. Most viewed video

Vinnie’s:

vs.

Dennis’:

Verdict: Vinnie

4. Rings
Vinnie’s: Detroit Pistons in 1988-89 and 1989-90 (2)
vs.
Dennis’: Seattle Supersonics in 1978-79; Boston Celtics in 1983-84 and 1985-86 (3)
Verdict: Dennis

5. Last championship teammates

Vinnie’s:
Joe Dumars
Bill Laimbeer
Dennis Rodman
Isiah Thomas

vs.

Dennis’:
Danny Ainge
Larry Bird
Rick Carlisle
Kevin McHale
Robert Parish
Bill Walton

Verdict: Tough one. Vinnie’s mates have more star power; Dennis had more stars. Tie

6. Peak PERs
Vinnie’s (17.6 in 1982-83, Detroit Pistons)
vs.
Dennis’ (17.0 in 1980-81, Phoenix Suns)
Verdict: Vinnie

7. Career PERs
Vinnie’s (15.2 over 13 years)
vs.
Dennis’ (14.6 over 14 years)
Verdict: Vinnie

And the win goes to: Vinnie Johnson!

You’re welcome, Roko.

(Interesting note: The Johnsons were teammates in Seattle in Vinnie’s rookie year.)

Mari vs. Turky. (Paul Connors/AP)

B. Arthur in today’s National Post suggests that, given the choices this summer at the small-forward slot, Hedo Turkoglu will be a free-agent target for your Toronto Raptors. That makes sense considering Shawn Marion would want a raise from his current $17 million, but might Matrix accept a smaller deal with the Raptors? After all, his production has declined, and there’s that little thing called The Economic Meltdown.

What other small forwards are free this summer? As mentioned by B. Arthur, there’s Ron Artest, but they call him “Crazy Pills” for a reason.

Et cetera:

• Marvin Williams (ATL-RFA) — Williams can hit a game-winning three, *cough* Jamario *cough*.
• Walter Herrmann (DET-RFA) — Herrmann can be a dramatic upgrade. Well, I’m half right.
• Ricky Davis (LAC-PO) — Said Davis: “I thought LeBron James was just going to be another addition to help me score.” Hey, he’s not paid to scout.
• Lamar Odom (LAL-UFA) — This is a distinct possibility … for his expiring contract.
• Al Harrington (NYK-PO) — It would be good for team morale.
• Matt Barnes (PHO-UFA) — Ben would be heartbroken.
• Kyle Korver (UTA-ETO) — Good at D!

Who would you like to play SF in TO? Go to the poll (on the sidebar, top right).

Check out Prehistoric Hoops for a statistical comparison between Our Roko and the Other Manuel.

And courtesy of PH, another nickname for Roko:

“Hot Cocoa.”

I sure hope this deal gets done. As sources say, it hinges upon Jermaine O’Neal proving himself healthy enough, which is significant considering how the Raptors have gone lately; I wouldn’t be surprised if JO hurts himself against the Hawks today going up against Zaza Pachulia’s big noggin.

“Head, move!!!”

So, if we can get over this Sputnik-like hurdle, maybe Pat Riley would deign to give us Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks, resulting in:

C: Bargnani, Voskuhl, Jawai (IL)
PF: Bosh, Humphries, J. Graham
SF: Marion, Moon, Kapono
SG: A. Parker, Solomon
PG: Calderon (IL), Banks, Ukic

With the addition of the Matrix, our mediocre perimeter D would improve for the balance of the season. On the other hand, Jamario Moon would lose a few minutes, I dare say; he’s practically a Marion Lite, isn’t he? What do you say, 2RR and GMTR: Time for fantasy GMs to trade Moon?

And with the addition of Banks, our point guard slot gets pretty crowded. Don’t know what he’s capable of, but I’m guessing the answer is “not much” judging by his lack of minutes for the Miami Heat. On the other hand, Banks got $9 million remaining over the next two years, which kinda demands that you find some use for him — maybe he can rediscover that 12-points-a-game form that got him that big contract in the first place. So it could mean fewer minutes for Roko.

Anyway, this move would be great for the team overall. Even if Marion pulls a Mourning, we still have his expiring contract. Hurray for cap flexibility.

Roko’s Facebook page. Maybe the much-sought-after video of Jason Kapono interviewing him will be posted there.

And hey, maybe I’ll find a new header for the blog there, too!

UPDATE: This used to be his Facebook page (maybe). And, before it gets dumped from Google’s cache, this was the picture: