Around the NBA

1. Jermaine O'Neal is frustrated by the current state of the Indiana Pacers. A few points:

- This is his 11th season in the NBA. And he won't be 29 until October.

- Brace yourself for a tidal wave of O'Neal rumors. It would be interesting to see what the Pacers would get for him. I'm sure they won't just give him away. Look what they have to show for the Ron Artest trade.

2. Bookies are taking bets as to when Larry Brown switches jobs within the Sixers organization. For now he's the executive VP. For now.

3. The NBA is really pushing this first ever All Star dance team. "While in Las Vegas, dancers will sport exclusive adidas gear, including specially designed Eastern and Western Conference All-Star jerseys. This will help cover up the rug burns but will do little to fend off pregnancies or STDs. The 2007 Las Vegas NBA All-Star Dance Team’s airfare will be provided by Southwest Airlines, the official airline of NBA All-Star 2007."

- This may surprise you but that quote is not entirely true. I am responsible for one of those sentences.

- Flying the girls Southwest? Nothing but the best for NBA dancers. In case you're wondering you could do Manchester, NH to Vegas for $216.80 on All Star weekend. Round trip. They don't charge extra for treating you like cattle.