By JOHN ROHDE, The Oklahoman

OKLAHOMA CITY - Born and raised in Seattle, Nate Robinson dreamed of someday playing for the SuperSonics.

And now he is -- sort of.

When politicians from Seattle and the state of Washington tabled a potential vote for public funding toward a new arena in the greater Seattle area, the Sonics' new ownership group from Oklahoma City moved the franchise here in July 2008.

Can coach Byron Scott turn it around in Cleveland? The easy answer is, "Doesn't matter. He'll be coaching the Lakers next season anyway."

Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star forward Kevin Durant has become adept at executing the "rip" move, and it has left some defenders feeling ripped off.

Madison Square Garden is jumping again. The New York Knickerbockers have reclaimed a presence inside The World's Most Famous Arena.

But amid all this excitement, the Knicks still need to get 'Melo.

Friday night's 22-point loss at home to Miami verified the Knicks still require the services of Denver forward Carmelo Anthony.

New Orleans certainly has seen better days. Tragically, it also has seen worse.

Life in pro basketball remains difficult in the Big Easy. Last week, the Hornets became the first franchise in NBA history to be owned by the league.

Los Angeles Clippers phenom Blake Griffin so far is an easy choice for NBA Rookie of the Year.

The former University of Oklahoma standout also should be considered a heavy favorite to win the NBA slam dunk contest during All-Star Weekend (Feb. 18-20) on his home floor at Staples Center.

The place where three superstars united was supposed to be the big story this NBA season. The big story instead is the Big Easy, where one superstar was ready to leave.

The three-headed free-agent Miami monster of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh commenced the season at 6-4, while Chris Paul and the New Orleans Hornets are the league's last unbeaten at 8-0.

The most significant free-agent market in NBA history has dwindled to a few leftovers. So here are the projected 2010-11 power rankings in each conference.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

1. Los Angeles Lakers (57-25 last season)

Additions: F Devin Ebanks; F Derrick Caracter; G Matt Barnes; G Steve Blake; C Theo Ratliff

Subtractions: G Jordan Farmar; F Josh Powell

In the NBA free-agency process, there has to be a first shoe to drop. This summer's star attraction is LeBron James, but don't expect his shoe to drop anytime soon.

On July 1, teams can commence negotiating with the most significant free-agent class in NBA history, and this year's sacred cow figures to milk as much attention as he can.

OKLAHOMA CITY - As wildfires spread concerning conference realignment, we can only hope the entire landscape doesn't get torched.

Many factors must be considered before the moving process begins. Offering and accepting can work hand in hand, but they also can be deemed impossible. Somewhere in the middle lies the reality of all the rumors we've heard lately.