This article takes the reader through newsworthy NBA stories and analyzes each.  

The first is Bruce Ratner's decision to let Kenyon Martin go to Denver for Draft picks.  Ratner's rise to power is not so wonderful after all.  Now Kidd may want to abandon ship.  

The Phoenix Suns signed a new backcourt, inking Quentin Richardson and Steve Nash to big deals.  Contrary to the Nets' situation, the new ownership group in Phoenix wants to start out fast.  

Next is the Clippers' acquisition of Kittles after failing on Kobe Bryant and letting Richardson go.  

The Utah Jazz signed Mehmet Okur to a six-year, $50 million deal, then went out and got Carlos Boozer to a six-year $68 million contract.  It seems only big money gets guys to Utah.  

The rest:  Suspensions in Athens, the Erick Dampier chase, all's quiet in New York, Trenton Hassell to Portland, the Kings' roster (and possibly the team's location) in flux, and the Kobe Bryant criminal plot thickens.