Interesting tidbits from the NBA

1) How on earth did the Wizards allow Larry Hughes to leave for Cleveland? Everyone assumed Washington made him a priority and would pony up the dollars, making his name but an afterthought in the loaded 2 guard market featuring Ray Allen, Michael Redd, and Joe Johnson amongst others. The Wizards were coming off their first playoff appearance and series win in quite some time, but this has to kill the momentum of their franchise.

2) Milwaukee picking up Bobby Simmons, the NBA's most improved player this year for the Clippers. Considering they just drafted Andrew Bogut, reinked Michael Redd, and had TJ Ford cleared to play I'd say it's a pretty good offseason for the Bucks. With a starting lineup of TJ Ford, Michael Redd, Bobby Simmons, Joe Smith, and Andrew Bogut they might actually make a little noise in the talented Central Division next year.

Heck, look at the Central Division. They've got the Pistons who return all the key players from the Eastern Conference champ team. Then there is the up and coming Bulls who made some noise last year. Throw in the Pacers who should be improved with a hopefully full season out of Ron Artest. Then you've got LeBron and the Cavs who just signed the aforementioned Larry Hughes and a Milwaukee team that might be the most improved in the league. Milwaukee was the only team of the 5 that finished below .500 last year, so I think it is safe to say it should be the best division in basketball.