Last night, Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley chose their rosters for the Rising Stars game, which is part of NBA All-Star weekend. A week prior, I took a shot at drafting for them to see how it would compare. Was there any doubt that the Association had to add Jeremy L-in every event possible? Miami rookie point guard Norris Cole was the lucky beneficiary also added to balance the rosters at ten each. Check out our 2012 Fantasy Baseball Rankings. C -- 1B -- 2B -- SS -- 3B -- OF -- SP -- RP Shaq and I both took Blake Griffin with the first pick, a no brainer for sure. I had John Wall in the first round with Kyrie Irving in the second, Barkley took Irving in the first, with us both taking DeMarcus Cousins in the second round. I agreed with Shaq in taking Charlotte point guard Kemba Walker in the sixth round, Barkley and I both liked New York guard Landry Fields in the seventh round. Looking at the two teams, you have to love Shaq's squad. Imagine Lin and Ricky Rubio in the backcourt together out on the break with Griffin trailing.... scary. ...

A hearty Happy New Year to NBA fans around the country and the globe! As we move into week two of the Association, numbers become more meaninful and it becomes more clear who will play key roles across the league. Did you take a chance on the right guys? Is it time to pull the trigger and make changes? As we have stressed, the draft or auction, trades and early waiver wire moves, make or break a season. We have taken you through each conference, now we are making our way through potential free agents, readily available in Flea Flicker leagues, to help your team. We move to the front court, specifically small forward. Play Free Fantasy Basketball at Fleaflicker and Dominate the Competition Small Forward (available is less than 50% of Flea Flicker leagues) Chase Budinger (Houston)- Budinger is in a battle at small forward with Terrence Williams. Budinger signed to play in Russia, but had an out clause allowing him to return to Houston when labor talks were resolved. Chase has only 16 points in three games and his minutes have dwindled since opening night. Budinger has an upside, but his ongoing battle with Williams is worth watching. Budinger will score when getting minutes while Williams contributes in other categories. Wilson Chandler (Denver)- One of three Nuggets that signed in China along with Kenyon Martin and J.R.Smith. Chandler has expressed an interest in returning to the Knicks when he is clear of his contract in China. Chandler would be a nice option off the bench behind Landry Fields and Carmelo Anthony, but the Knicks only have a $2.5 million dollar exception available. Chandler will get better offers, but...

The New York Knicks made the first big splash of free agency by signing center Tyson Chandler. Chandler is the defensive presence the Knicks need to support the offensive minded front court studs Amare Stoudamire and Carmelo Anthony. Chandler wasn't cheap, so the Knicks had to release point guard Chauncey Billups, further weakening an already questionable backcourt. New York looks to have filled that void by coming to terms with free agent guard Baron Davis. While Davis may be the answer long term, he will be on the bench for eight to ten weeks due to injury. What other options does New York have in the meantime? Fellow free agent Mike Bibby can still shoot, but is a big liability defensively. Toney Douglas has similar strengths, and for now will have to fill the void along with Bibby. The Knicks may have enough to get by at shooting guard with Landry Fields and athletic rookie Iman Shumpert. The Heat and the Lakers had interest in Davis as well and now turn their focus to free agent guard Gilbert Arenas. Arenas was an amnesty casualty in Orlando and has Los Angeles and Miami atop his wish list. Nick Young hasn't received much attention if any in free agency and appears ready to sign the qualifying offer by the Washington Wizards. Charlotte has cleared a hurdle in signing first round pick Bismack Biyombo. The Bobcats have bought out the Congo native's contract from a team in Spain. Kenyon Martin is seeking release from his contract in China. The outcome may impact Wilson Chandler, J.R, Smith and Aaron Brooks who are in similar situations. Mexican big man Gustavo Ayon is drawing interest in the Association. New Orleans, Denver and Indiana are interested in the 26 year old as a backup center. The Grizzlies may be in the market for a big man as Darrell Arthur may be lost for the season with a serious achilles injury. After failing to land Pau Gasol in the ill fated Chris Paul deal, Houston...