And All Is Right With The Universe...

The Fig Cap: I'm baaaaack!

One was out all season... another was out almost all season... one was out a few weeks... another about a week. And on April 2nd in the year 2008, the stars aligned and four, well, "star" players returned to the universe of the NBA. Welcome back, Elton Brand, Gilbert Arenas, Pau Gasol, and Dirk Nowitzki... there would be more harmony if Yao Ming somehow came back, wouldn't there?

Sorry, Houston Rockets fans, it ain't happening anytime soon.

In any case, the Los Angeles Clippers aren't really going anywhere... duh, I know. So, why risk coming back and getting injured again, Mr. Brand? I can understand that you are auditioning for other teams and showing that your Achilles has healed nicely, but I just can't help but feel that it's all for naught. Brand's perceived value is too high for a team to pass up this summer when Brand can sign with another team and finally leave the Clip Joint. But, maybe it's just me. In any case, Brand's debut worked out just fine as he helped the Clippers beat the Seattle SuperSonics, playing about 26 minutes, scoring 19 points and pulling down five boards. Not bad at all.

Arenas, another potential free agent this summer came back and he came back strong, scoring 17 points in about 19 minutes of minutes of play off the pine in a Washington Wizards loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. Agent Zero shot 5-for-9 from the field including 2-for-3 from beyond the arch. HIBACHI!

Gasol came back and started for the Los Angeles Lakers as they beat up on the Portland Trail Blazers. Manning the pivot, Gasol scored ten points, grabbed six boards and dropped seven dimes. Nowitzki also started for his team, the Dallas Mavericks, but only played about 27 minutes. He didn't fare too well from the field, shooting 6-for-15 from the field. However, luckily, the Mavs were firmly handling the Golden State Warriors.

Welcome back all. NOW, hopefully, with this change of regime, my New York Knicks can also return to prominence. I'll believe it when I see it. Help us out, Donnie!