MVN: Most Valuable Network

I've already torn through my litany of gifts (beard trimmers, underwear, power scissors, etc.) but being the greedy bastard I am, I want more. But as we all know, some of the best gifts are free. But if I'm getting free gifts (again, a greedy bastard), they better damn-well be NBA related. Here are some of the things I'm hoping for in the remainder of the season.

• Let Stephon Marbury play. His off-court antics are only good for a bit of coverage. Sure, it's entertaining, but it's getting to the point of not being applicable to NBA fans. If I could only cover one player on this blog, it would be Starbury - but if he's not on the court I'm left high and dry.
  
  
• Allow Greg Oden to learn how to not foul an exorbitant amount of times. Oden has shown he has the ability to positively affect the game when he is on the court, but more often than not he finds himself deeply rooted on the bench due to his own foul trouble.
  
  
• Keep the Houston Rockets healthy. Due to all of this hubbub around the blazing starts of the Celtics, Cavs and Lakers, several teams who could make some postseason noise are being overlooked. Among them is the Rockets, who at full-strength could be a major threat to the elite teams in the league. The problem is, nobody would be surprised if Yao Ming or Tracy McGrady found themselves in casts, wheelchairs or walkers by the end of the season.
  
  
• Motivate Dwight Howard to defend his slam dunk contest crown. Although Howard has said that he is leaning towards not participating, I think he has much more creativity left in his tank. Howard delivered one of the most exciting All-Star Weekend moments in years as he took flight in his superman cape last year. It's rare that a player of Howard's size, athleticism and (most importantly) charisma participate in the dunk contest.
  
  UPDATE: It's just been brought to my attention that Dwight Howard has committed to participate in the Dunk Contest. Santa works some serious magic, I swear.
  
  
• Show mercy on the Timberwolves and Thunder. Both teams have promising players and bright futures, but watching them this season has been nothing short of painful. With a combined 7-49 record, they need as much Santa magic as possible. In fact, I'm going to take it a notch up and wish for an upset win over one of the league's top teams. Everybody loves an underdog.

What is on your NBA Christmas wishlist this year? I'll be emailing a list to Santa shortly.