--G/F Desmond State was a star at Oklahoma State. Now, he's back in the state of Oklahoma.
Mason, along with 13-year vet C/F Joe Smith, was obtained in a complicated three-team trade that saw Oklahoma City send Luke Ridnour and Adrian Griffin to the Bucks. Mason played with the Bucks last season, averaging 9.7 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, while Smith ended last season with Cleveland. "We are thrilled," said GM Sam Presti after the trade was announced on Aug. 13. "We feel strongly that we got better today, not just on the floor, but off the floor. When you can do that in a deal, you have to walk away satisfied."
--The Hornets' future in New Orleans continues to get more secure. After selling out their last 13 regular-season games and all seven playoff games, they have doubled their season ticket sales to more than 10,000. Additionally, they are once again the primary tenant in their practice facility, the Alario Center.
Last year, the team didn't return full-time from Oklahoma City until mid-summer and in their absence numerous events were booked into the Alario Center, forcing the team to shift practices between the Alario Center, the New Orleans Arena, and two universities. Beginning next season, all Alario Center events will be booked around the Hornets.
--G Chris Paul was an integral part of Team USA during its five warm-up games for the Beijing Olympics. He averaged the third-most minutes on the team (21.8), 7.4 points per game, and a team-high 5.4 assists. He made 64 percent of his field goals, four of his eight three-pointers, and five of his six free throws.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "It's a select few group of guys who get this opportunity. There are so many guys in the NBA who never get this opportunity. The NBA Finals are there every year, but the Olympics come along only every four years." -- Point guard Chris Paul.
