Scottie Pippen has become one of the primary focuses at this weekend’s All-Star game, after announcing that he’d like to sign with a championship contender later in the season. Pippen says he’s at the lowest body fat in his life, but his primary value while playing point forward would be veteran leadership. If Pippen does make a return and win the championship, he’d have seven (one more than Michael Jordan) — may that means Air Jordan and Charles Barkley will make returns? While they’re at it, bring back John Stockton and Karl Malone…

“Something like the last two months of the season, somewhere I can come back and play limited minutes to start, play point forward for someone and build toward the playoffs. It’s something I’ve been thinking about for the last three months.”

Vince Carter will be the odd man out for the New Jersey Nets, if Rod Thorn gets his wish. The Nets no longer see Carter as a max-salary player and they expect him to opt of his contract. The Orlando Magic have a great chance of signing Carter this off-season, but Thorn hopes to trade Carter for draft picks, expiring contracts, and some young talent.

Meanwhile, Jason Kidd also see himself as potentially leaving the Nets. Kidd told reporters, “There are people who have contacted the Nets, so we’ll see.” The Los Angeles Lakers have been rumored to show strong interest in Kidd, which would allow the Nets to trade Kidd to the Western Conference.

David Lee enjoyed the Rookie-Sophomore game Friday night. On perfect 14/14 shooting from the field, Lee scored 30 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished 4 assists on his way to the MVP award. Chris Paul flirted with a triple-double by earning 17 assists, but fell one steal short. Yes, that’s nine steals. Final score: 155-114, a record pounding.