- Rob Babcock was swift and bold in dealing Vince Carter to the New Jersey Nets last Friday, as he reached an agreement with Rod Thorn before letting other GM?s to boost their offers.  

It is hard to see where the Raptors are going right now, but wherever it is, it will involve Chris Bosh.  You have to admire Babcock's gallant strokes, no matter how the trade looks to most observers.  Most rookie GM's try to make a splash by winning immediately, and this Toronto team was capable of competing for a position in the playoffs, but surely had no potential of being the class of the East.  By moving Carter, he will have salary cap flexability and also his younger player will have a chance to develop.

Hopefully for the sake of Raptors fans who are in it for the long haul, they will trade Jalen Rose to the Heat before Valentine's Day.

- Jermaine O?Neal?s suspension was rightly reduced on Wednesday and will play on Christmas Day versus the Detroit Pistons, adding yet another element to the drama, and threatening to overshadow Shaquille O?Neal?s return to Los Angeles.  

It was a disappointment that Ron Artest?s suspension wasn?t reduced, as it remains a cruel and unusual punishment.  Vernon Maxwell was the precedent for what happened in Detroit and he only was suspended for 10 games.

- The Pacers have held on fairly strong and have an identical record as the Pistons.  With O?Neal returning early, they still have a chance to win the Central and have home court advantage in the playoffs.  With Cleveland playing well together, three out of the top four teams in the East are in the Central and at least one of those teams will have to begin the playoffs on the road.

- A few weeks ago I wrote that John Paxson should keep his young core and after the Bulls beat the Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills, that assertion is solidified with each consecutive win?they?re at 5 after Wednesday.  Eddy Curry trade rumors have quieted, but will likely reemerge in late January.

- The Charlotte Bobcats already have 7 wins, holding a better record than the Hawks and Bucks.

- Atlantic Division leader New York is once again at .500 after losing to the Celtics, and being embarrassed by the Mavericks.  This should hold true throughout the season.

- With Vince Carter on board in Jersey, they may even make a run at the playoffs.  If Carter can stay healthy, he will become the player he once was.  Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson are too good of players and too good at making their teammate better for it not to happen.

- Finally, last Friday?s game between the Suns and the SuperSonics showed two great teams who have become great with the league?s new ways of officiating.  Here?s hoping that the referees continue to call tight games because this kind of basketball is what the NBA needs.

The columnist may be reached at Christopher.Reina@RealGM.com.