Summary of the Day: July 5, 2006

O.J. Mayo, considered the top high school basketball player in the class of 2007, apparently will verbally commit to the University of Southern California. Due to the NBA's age restriction, Mayo and other high school hoopsters must wait a year after they graduate from high school before they can declare for the draft. Despite the news of his intentions, there is guaranteed to be rumors of other post-graduation playing options (Europe, other U.S. professional leagues). As it is, it appears USC is his choice because of its location (Los Angeles, one of the largest media markets) and the exposure that comes with it (the same engine which trumpeted the USC football team over the last two seasons). These are not your father's, or even your older brother's, college basketball recruits. They are superstars before they hit puberty. Read here for another extreme example.

The Chicago Bulls continued their attempt to move into the upper echelon of Eastern Conference teams by trading Tyson Chandler for P.J. Brown and J.R. Smith. Chandler is a much more athletic post player, but Brown is more polished on offense and brings needed veteran leadership. Brown is also a free agent after this next season, while Chandler still has five years left. In Smith, Chicago gets some bench scoring from a player I think has the potential to be one of the better scorers in the league. However, it is hard to see Smith receiving much playing time on that team. Despite his problems at the end of last season, he is still a tremendous talent. The Bulls should find a way to utilize him.

The Indiana Pacers traded Austin Croshere to the Dallas Mavericks for Marquis Daniels. This is a great trade for Indiana. Daniels could really break out given starters minutes. It is time to start the "When will Jamaal Tinsley be traded?" office pool.

Renaldo Balkman signed his rookie contract with the New York Knicks. I am surprised it took this long. You mean he did not bring a pen with him to the draft, hoping to sign the contract before Isiah changed his mind?