Similar to last month’s Kobe Bryant Blog Day, Don at With Malice is hosting NBA Unsung Player Day today.

I was a big fan of the idea behind Kobe Bryant Blog Day and am glad someone else had a similar idea for the blogosphere. It really brings a lot of bloggers together under a unifying theme and is a hell of a lot of fun.

The first player that came to mind for me, naturally, was Ronny Turiaf.

un·sung /ʌnˈsʌŋ/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciat[uhn-suhng] – adjective

Some would say that the Frenchman is not all that unsung anymore. He has started many a game amidst the Los Angeles Lakers injury woes. Providing a strong defensive presence and even a hint of a new-found shooting touch, he has excelled and been commended for his efforts.

His averages have improved across the board (well, save FG%) this season as well:

However, he is for all intents and purposes, a role player coming off the bench. Regardless of his playing time, when he steps on the court, he makes an impact. Many people tend to forget about Ronny when all is going well. Who will remember how instrumental he was earlier in the year as he comes off the bench with a fully healthy Laker squad? At that point, he falls back into the cheerleader role in people’s minds - dancing on the sidelines supporting his teammates.

But even the so-called “cheerleading” - attention to which displeases Turiaf - is invaluable. A team shouldn’t take themselves too seriously, and Turiaf helps create a better environment for all.

Ronny Turiaf continues to consistently play his game and help his team. Sometimes he gets noted, more often he does not. For this, he gets his dues on Unsung NBA Player Day.

Donnie Walsh has taken over as president of basketball operations for the New York Knicks, signaling the beginning of the end for royal screwup Isiah Thomas.

This is the first of perhaps many titles stripped from Zeke. He seems to be taking it well so far, being diplomatic and saying all the right things. According to the New York Times, Zeke wants to do “whatever [he] can do to help [the Knicks] win.” Umm, Zeke? If you really meant this, you would’ve resigned long, long ago.

I guess this is the only way the Smiling Assassin knows how to go out - always with a calm demeanor, never revealing what lies beneath. Now we all just sit back and play the waiting game.

Here is an appropriate eulogy showcasing the brilliance that is Zeke, found on The Angry T. Isiah Thomas, we hardly knew ye…

Or rather, a hero returns tonight against the Portland Trailblazers. As joyous as I was when I heard the news of the blockbuster trade, I am even infinitely happier to have Pau Gasol back in the lineup tonight.

The Lakers were somewhat hit or miss without Gasol in the lineup, essentially reverting back to their previous few years’ identity, letting Kobe Bryant lead the charge. As special of a player as Kobe is, its become all too clear now that he needs a big to aid him. Or at least another high quality scoring option he trusts so he can enter into facilitator mode.

Good to have you back, Pau! Let’s finish the season strong and gain some momentum going into the playoffs!