Though the Boston Celtics did defeat the Milwaukee Bucks to end their franchise-record losing streak at 18 games, the team presents a challenge for the Memphis Grizzlies in competing for the worst record in the league. Both the Celtics and Grizzlies can, at this point, be assured at top-4 pick in next June’s NBA draft.

While this year’s college freshmen appear to have more talent than those of many past years, many have mentioned they may stay in college instead of a “one-and-done” season originally expected with the NBA draft age limit. Kevin Durant, definitely a contender for the #1 pick who’s a freshman at Texas, thinks he could stay at the school. His father, “Kevin is so young. There’s not a rush for him to go to the NBA. Right now, we’re not even talking about that.”

Greg Oden, another possible #1 pick who has the potential to start another Bill Russell-like dynasty in Boston, also entertains the possibility of another year at Ohio State University with longtime teammate Mike Conley.

If all of the NBA-quality players entered their names into the draft, June 2007 could bring a handful of ready-to-play rookies. NBAdraft.net’s current mock draft projects six freshman could go in the lottery, including the first three picks. More likely, though, many freshman will surprise us by postponing NBA fame for the college life.

One week remains until the NBA trade deadline arrives. Several names you can expect to hear involved in trade rumors: Mike James, Vince Carter, Danny Fortson, Mike Bibby, Pau Gasol, Drew Gooden, and the Boston Celtics. Jason Kidd looks like he’s off the list, though the New Jersey Nets may rid themselves of Carter since he can opt out of his contract at the end of the season.

This All-Star weekend, NBA players will announce their new union president, Derek Fisher of the Utah Jazz. Fisher, 32, will take over for Antonio Davis — who probably lost his job after going into the stands after his wife got involved in a confrontation.