After the whirlwind of free agency has finally died down, the New Orleans Hornets All-Star point guard Chris Paul is concerned with his teams current situation. “He wants out,” a source told CBS Sports. “He wants to play with another superstar. He wants to follow LeBron’s model of teaming up with other great players.”

CBS Sports reports that the point guard would prefer getting traded to the New York Knicks, the Orlando Magic or the Los Angeles Lakers. It added that if Paul has his way, he’s played his last game in a Hornets jersey.

Paul still has two years left on his contract, but he has voiced to the Hornets that if the team can’t put a competitive team on the court, he wants out, and who can blame him. The Hornets have hired a new coach, Monty Williams, a new general manager in Dell Demps, and now huge crisis is already upon them. Hornets have started a youth movement around Marcus Thornton and Darren Collison, who flourished as rookies amidst all the injuries last season. David West and Emeka Okafor are solid big men, and James Posey, and Peja Stojakovic are still good contributors. With a healthy Chris Paul the Hornets could challenge for one of the bottom 4 playoff spots, but a championship is out of the question.

Kobe Bryant made trade demands in 07′ and he was rewarded with Pau Gasol, but of course that was the Los Angeles Lakers. New Orleans attempt at keeping Paul happy seems limited and a longshot, but I still believe he will remain with the Hornets through the 10-11′ season.

But what if they did trade him???

Paul has limited chance of joining the defending champs in Los Angeles due to the players the Hornets would get in return, so lets not ponder that nightmare.

The Magic and Knicks both have the players, but the Houston Rockets have all the Knicks picks, so the Magic seem to be in the drivers chair. Also, teams such as the Portland Trail Blazers, and the Houston Rockets have the pieces to make a deal work.

Can’t help but feel a tad sad for Paul watching all his friends sign with teams that they wanted too, while he hangs out in the French Quarter with Peja. Bummer.

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The Celtics had a commanding 3-0 series lead, the Magic fought back to take the series to Game 6. Unfortunately for Orlando their “Magic” ran out. Celtics win big 96-84, to earn their 21st Finals apperace in franchise history.

The Celtics came out early looking to crush the Magic lead by their Playoff MVP Rajon Rondo. Rondo had the first 7 points finishing with 14 points. Rondo took a hard fall in the second quarter, leading to Doc Rivers putting Nate Robinson in the game. In 9 minutes Robinson had 13 points increasing the Celtics lead in the 1st half, and through the remainder of the game.

Celtic captain Paul Pierce had a slight drop in his numbers in the last two games. He rebounded with a 31 points, 5 dimes, and 13 boards game on 60% shooting.

Orlando had caught fire from deep in the last two games, and as the saying goes “Live by the 3, die by the 3!” Magic shot 6 of 22 from beyond the arc for 27.3% shooting. Dwight Howard appeared to be the only Magic player to show up. He finished with 28 points and 12 boards, while hearing boos and jeers the entire night from the Boston crowd.

Vince Carter showed a flash of why he was brought to the Magic in the second quarter scoring 13 points cutting the Celtics lead to 13 at the half. Carter returned to Playoff form scoring only 4 more points finishing with 17. Rashard Lewis and Jameer Nelson combined for 18 points on 8 of 25 shooting. Not the numbers you want from three of your starters in an elimination game.

The Celtics now await the winner of Laker-Suns, and regardless of the winner the Celtics will be heading to their court for Game 1 on Thursday.

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Orlando hadn’t caught fire from deep against the Celtics all series. That quickly changed in Game 5 as the Magic hit 9 of 15 threes in the first half tying a Playoff record. Orlando finished with 13 of 25 from deep, helping them to end Boston’s four game road winning streak,  111-92.

When the Magic get going from deep as they did tonight they are tough to beat. They shot 52% from deep.  Jameer Nelson was big for the second game finishing with 25 points and 5 dimes. Dwight Howard was solid finishing with  21 points, 10 boards, 5 blocks, and 2 knockouts.

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Helping the Magic in the win were the double technicals called on Kendrick Perkins in the first half resulting in his ejection. If losing Perkins wasn’t bad enough, an elbow from Dwight Howard gave Glen Davis a concussion and knocked out one of his teeth. Marquis Daniels also left the game with a concussion….it was that bad for the Celtics.

Boston looked a tad lethargic early, appearing if they were conceding the win and focusing on Game 6 back in Boston. Paul Pierce remained in the game when Doc Rivers decided to empty the bench. He finished with 18 points. Rondo was unable to get the ball into the rim, shooting 7 of 15 from the field and 5 of 11 from the free throw line. He finished with 19 points, and 6 dimes.

The Celtics were out rebounded 43 to 26.

Game 6 is Friday in Boston. Celtics lead series 3-2.

(Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Orlando finally showed up to the Conference Finals. In a game where they make 10 three-pointers, and miss 13 free throws the Magic defeat the Celtics in Overtime 96-92.

The Boston Celtics, one win away from the Finals started Game 4 in cruise control. Paul Pierce was the majority of the offensive load early and the defense wasn’t at the same level of intensity. Pierce had 32 points, and 11 boards.

Ray Allen hit 5 threes, and Garnett had 14 points. Rondo left to the locker room before halftime for muscle spasms, and had to have an effect on his play. He finished with 9 points on 3 of 10 shooting, and 8 dimes.

Orlando had everything to lose, and the finger pointing had already begun after losing the first two games in Orlando.

Dwight Howard had only 7 points in Game 3 and seemed to be in another place mentally. Tonight he finished with 32 points,14 boards, and 4 blocks. He was more active and focused then he had been all series. Jameer Nelson stepped it up finishing with 23 points and 9 dimes.

Vince Carter had 3 points, and was benched late for Matt Barnes. JJ Redick’s contribution off the bench has been the only bright spot for the Magic during this series. He had 12 points, making key shots in the 3rd quarter to keep the Celtics down.

Game 5 is Wednesday in Orlando. Celtics lead series 3-1.

(Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

The TD Garden in Boston made sure that their energy would fuel the Celtics in their first home game in the Conference Finals. The Crowd, and the Celtics “D” was too much for Orlando as they get to experience what Atlanta went through last week. Boston wins in a blowout from start to finish 94-71.

There comes a time in all battles, when one knows that he is the best, and the Celtics proved it in the first quarter of Game 3. The Boston Celtics suffered no let down in the first quarter after the two wins in Orlando. Celtics come out shooting 54% in the first en route to a 27 -12 lead. They hold the Magic to 4-17 shooting and 6 turnovers. Before Jameer Nelson hit two free throws the Magic had gone 5 minutes without scoring, which gave them only 7 points.

Rondo finished with 11 points, and 11 dimes. Early in the game Rondo stole the ball from Jason Williams in a glorious display of hustle and finished with a layup that described the game and maybe the entire series, with the Celtics up 3-0.

Glen Davis lead all Celtics with 17 points.

The Celtics team stats were staggering, 23 assists comapared to 10 assists for Orlano. The Magic had 17 turnovers compared to only 7 for the Celtics.

Orlando got absolutely nothing from their best three Dwight Howard, Vince Carter, and Jameer Nelson. combining for 37 points, on 13 of 36 shooting. the team shot 37% from the field and 8-30 for three for 26.7%.

The Celtics go for the sweep Monday in Boston. Celtics lead series 3-0.

(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Paul Pierce wants back in the Finals and displayed to the Magic in Game 3 that they are merely a road bump along the way. “Our fans won’t let us relax,” Pierce said. “We’re going to try and close it out in four games.” Pierce scored 28 points(22 at the half) and the Celtics hung on against another late run from Orlando to win 95-92, taking a 2-0 lead heading back to Boston.

Pierce knocked down two clutch free throws before fouling out sending Vince Carter to the line. Haunting Vinsanity’s dreams tonight will be the image of him blowing two clutch free throws. Rajon Rondo had 25 points, and 8 dimes.

Ahead 11 points to start the fourth quarter, the Magic once again went on a last second attempt at victory. Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen didnt play as well offensively as in Game 1, but Garnetts fall away and conifent Rondo jumpers sealed the game.

Dwight Howard had 30 points, and Vince Carter and J.J. Redick scored 16 apiece.  The Magic’s were held to 39% shooting and were outrebounded. Game 3 is Saturday night in Boston. Celtics lead series 2-0.

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The Orlando Magic have yet to face any true adversity this postseason, going undefeated and making at least nine threes a game. During Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals the Boston Celtics delivered more adversity then all of Orlando’s games this Playoffs. In a messy, defensive  game the Celtics prevail 92-88 to steal home court from Orlando. Orlando finished with 10 assists and 18 turnovers.

Ray Allen scored 25 points, 7 of 7 from the free throw line and Paul Pierce finished with 22 points. In his finest Playoff performance so far, Rasheed Wallace  scored 13 points in 17 minutes while helping Kendrick Perkins and Glen Davis frustrate Dwight Howard. Howard going up against the best defensive backcout he has faced all Playoffs finished with 13 points on 3 of 10 shooting, 12 boards, and 5 blocks.

Celtics were the more focused and intense team, whereas the Magic waited till the 4th to match the Celtics effort. JJ Redick helped 10- o late run cutting the  lead to 3, but clutch free throws closed the deal. Game 2 is Tuesday at 8:30pm/ET (Draft Lottery at 8pm/ET). Celtics lead series 1-0

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The Magic defeated the Hawks by a combined 101 points en route to their second straight sweep this postseason beating the Atlanta Hawks 98-84. Vince Carter scored 22 points, Rashard Lewis scored 17 points, knocking down four 3-pointers. Mickael Pietrus scored 12 points all from deep. Orlando made 16 of 37 shots from beyond the arc.  The Magic shot 55 percent from the field and never trailed during either game in Atlanta.

Orlando became the third team in the past six years to sweep its first two best-of-seven series, joining Miami (2005) and Cleveland (2009), and the Magic have defeated the Hawks in 10 of their last 11 meetings.

Joe Johnson finished off a miserable series by scoring only 14 points on 5-of-15 shooting. He was booed by the home crowd at the start of the game and got the same treatment when he went to the bench with 3:51 to play. The fans were still miffed that he said didn’t care if they “showed up or not” after they heckled the team in a 30-point loss on Saturday. Josh Smith had 16 points, and Jamal Crawford scored 18 points.

Overall a sad, and disappointing performance for the Hawks in the 2nd Round. Joe Johnson is a free agent, head coach Mike Woodsen contract is up, and Mike Bibby had his remaining bit of skills completely sapped by Jameer Nelson.

Magic await the winner of Celtics-Cavs, which is tied 2-2. Orlando eliminated both teams in last years playoffs.

(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

LAKERS BIG ~ utah small. For the 3rd year in a row the Lakers eliminate the Jazz from the Playoffs with a 111-96 victory, in a four game sweep. The Lakers curbed the Jazz’s hopes of extending the series by pulling ahead by 22 in the second quarter. Utah got within five in the third, but couldn’t sustain the comeback. Kobe Bryant finished with 32 points, the 5th straight playoff game in which Kobe’s scored at least 30. Pau Gasol had a season-high 33 points shooting 61% from the field in the series. Utah was swept for the first time in franchise history.

Deron Williams had 21 points and 9 dimes, but was 0-7 from beyond the arc. Paul Milsap had 21 points off the bench, and Carlos Boozer finshed with 10 points, and 13 boards. Boozer is a free agent and with Milsap scoring more then him in an elimination game, off the bench probably seals his fate in Utah.

The Lakers and Suns play Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, Monday May, 17th in Los Angeles.

(AP Photo/Paul Abell)

The Orlando Magic had every reason to be concerned heading into Game 3 against the Atlanta Hawks. Atlanta had been blown out in the previous two games, it was their first home game, and Joe Johnson, and Josh Smith have yet to play at their normal level. All the concern for the Magic subsided early after being up  52-33 at the half. Rashard Lewis scored 22 points and the backups helped Orlando pull away early with Howard on the bench as the Magic romped to another playoff blowout, moving to the brink of their second straight sweep with a 105-75 win.

Howard had 21 points and 16 rebounds, on 6 of 8 shooting. He went 9-18 from the free throw line. Magic dominated the boards, finishing with a 51-34 rebounding edge. But their margin was largely piled up on all those Atlanta misses. Orlando had a 41-22 lead in defensive rebounds.and won each game by an average margin of 29 points.

Hawks shot only 35 percent (29 of 83), Joe Johnson made only 3 of 15 attempts to finish with eight points. Jamal Crawford led the Hawks with 22 points. The Hawks are now forced to play the “one game at a time” scenario, but it is painfully obvious this series is over. Magic lead series 3-0

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The Los Angeles Lakers have a multitude of weapons, one of them Ron Artest had been struggling from deep the entire playoffs. In Game 3 he demonstrated just how effective he can be scoring 20 points, making 4 of 7 threes as the Lakers won a nail-bitter 111-110, to take a 3-0 series lead over the Jazz.

Kobe Bryant had 35 points, 7 dimes, Pau Gasol had 14 points and 17 boards, and Derek Fisher scored 20 points in his best game offensively this entire postseason. Down the stretch the Lakers As expected the free throw disparity flipped in the Jazz favor 31 to 19.

The Jazz had two chances to win it in the final 4 seconds, but Deron Williams missed from the top of the key and Wesley Matthews’ tip just before the buzzer bounced off the rim. Williams scored 28 and Kyle Korver added a career playoff-high 23 points for the Jazz. “We kept fight and battling.” Coach of the Jazz Jerry Sloan said, “When your down, you just gonna quit, I hope our guys don’t, I would be disappointed with them as people if they didn’t come and play as hard as they can.” Lakers lead series 3-0.

Howard doesn't push up, he pushes the Earth down!

Atlanta had a lot of explaining to do following their 43 point beat-down in Game 1 by the Orlando Magic. Atlanta only scored 10 points in the second quarter of Game 1, they had 30 in Game 2, and the Magic had only 17. But the 4th quarter was similar to the play in Game 1 where the Hawks missed jumpers and Magic made everything leading to a  112-98 victory given the Magic a 2-0 lead. They outscored the Hawks 28-15 in the 4th.

Magic are 8-1 in the last nine games against the Hawks. Dwight Howard had a “monster” game 29 points and 17 rebounds on 7 of 8 shooting. Howard was amazingly 13 for 18 from the free throw line. Vince Carter went all 2001, finishing with 24 points, 20 of which came in the 2nd half. Four of the Magic starters had at least 20 points, shooting 60% in the second half.

Orlando has now won 6 straight in the playoffs and is the only team to still be undefeated.

Hawks head coach Mike Woodsen was confused about what was wrong with his team in Game 1.After Game 2 I’m sure he learned they appear to outmatched by the Magic. Al Horford lead all Hawks with 24 points, and Jamal Crawford finished with 23 points. Josh Smith, and Joe Johnson combined for 11-31, and were nonexistent down the stretch…paging Mike Bibby!! Game 3 is Saturday in Atlanta.

Magic lead the series 2-0