This week's top 5 stories in the NBA

Here’s a look at five headlining NBA stories from the week of Oct. 25:

5). Donaghy’s botched book deal could help NBA (FOX Sports.com, Oct. 30).

The stars are still aligned for a thrilling 2009-2010 NBA season. Disgraced former referee Tim Donaghy had hoped to rain on the league’s parade this season with his tell-all book titled “Blowing the Whistle: The Culture of Fraud in the NBA.” However, the book's publisher appropriately pulled the plug because of “concerns over liability.”

4). Rondo, Rose making their points (ESPN.com, Oct. 29).

Who’s the best point guards in the NBA? Most discussions pit Chris Paul vs. Deron Williams. In ’09-’10, the Celtics’ Rajon Rondo and Bulls’ Derrick Rose (photo above) appear primed to enter into that conversation. In debut victories for their teams, Rondo had 10 assists, 6 rebounds and 3 swipes while Rose had 13 points, 7 dishes and 7 boards.

3). Nuggets get season started right with Melo (Denver Post.com, Oct. 29).

Denver Nuggets’ All-Star Carmelo Anthony (photo above) looks like he can taste a NBA championship now. The third wheel in the 2003 NBA Draft, which included LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, sniffed it in ’09. In the first two games, Melo was stronger and smoother than ever, tallying a total of 71 points.

2). Online Gambling: LeBron James will never win a ring in Cleveland. (Eye on Gambling.com, Oct. 30).

Apparently some critics are already writing off the Cavaliers (1-2) and the LeBron-Shaq experiment. Yes, the Cavs were badly exposed against the more athletic frontcourt of the Celtics and Raptors. But did you really expect they would go 66-16 again or the transition of the 7-foot-1, 325 pound Shaquille O'Neal would be easy? I thought the NBA season's 82 games, not two.

1). Opening-night doubleheader is Turner’s most-watched ever (NBA.com, Oct. 28).

It’s not a big surprise. These are the results when you broadcast a Game 1 (Celtics vs. Cavaliers) with potentially six NBA Hall of Fame players on the floor and then follow it up by showing the defending champs receiving their rings before the start of Game 2 (Lakers vs. Clippers). Turner's previous doubleheader record was back in '96, featuring the Suns vs. Cavaliers and the Bulls vs. Lakers, when M.J. still laced up his sneakers.