Can I Get A Rewind...

There are barricades outside surrounded by cops and even more fans hoping to catch a glance of their favorite player. If I push aside my curtains, I'm greeted by the giant faces of Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan and Dwight Howard as well as a pair of kicks. NBA stamped NOLA every way they could.

Speaking of Dwight Howard, he's the man. He's also the only person who can get away with making the name "Dwight" sound cool.

Now that we're on the topic of the Dunk Contest. My question is: does the trench coat Lebron James was wearing last night come in a women's small?

The amount of international media covering this is amazing. We waited a good 15 minutes to get to Peja Stojakovic. Why? He was busy dishing it in his native tongue to a reporter. How do you say: "Excuse me sir, but do you mind if we ask a question?" Attention Yugoslavia, look out for an in depth perhaps autobiography on Peja to come out soon.

NBA Party Planners thoughts on red carpet: "We're not doing traditional red. Nah, we want a different carpet. Let's make it blue." And so they did.

Told to me:

There is no shortage of jewelry down here. As Chopper said last night, "I got it everywhere! Look at my teeth!" And he flashed that sparkly gold and silver grin. Amare Stoudemire sported a fat gold chain. It basically looked like a bike chain around his neck. Said to the camera: "I got it specially made. If you like it, you let me know, I'll let him (designer) know and you'll get hooked up."

Magic Johnson said the league is in good hands. He's impressed with the young guys who are leading the way and the direction it is taking.

Derrick Fisher wants the Lakers just to focus on getting healthy and make that push in the second half to go all the way.

Most of these players think of Magic Johnson and/or Michael Jordan when picking out their favorite All-Star memory as a kid.

A New Orleans cop: "If only the media told the real story of things that happened, then this city would be fine. Yeah a cop was shot during Katrina. That is true. But what they didn't tell you was that he shot himself!"

In passing:

Scene: Elevator after long day. It's me plus three guys. They've been out, are making a quick stop in their room and then are going back out. We're laughing. Romeo has asked for my number for the last 9 floors. I've politely dodged all advances. Door opens, my floor. 

Heard: "What was your name again?"
Tiff: "It's Tiffany."
Romeo: "Well, it was lovely to meet you (leans across the door to shake my hand) And if you change your mind... (leans closer) my room is 1656." His friends bust out laughing. I start laughing and walk away. Guess that's how you do it down in N'awlins.