A ton of stuff going on around these parts (there always is in the weeks leading up to the season), but again I think you'll be happy with the results when they are finally ready to launch. I did still manage to make it down to practice today, where I was treated to a three-point shooting exhibition put on by Marvin Williams after scrimmage was over. First of all, I think any worries we have about his thumb should be put to rest soon. I don't know that he will play tomorrow night, but he was out there in practice today (though he didn't scrimmage) and his shot certainly didn't seem affected by the contraption he wore around his thumb.

Marvin was hitting at least 3 of 5 from every 3-point location around the court, and doing it with ease. It's actually very interesting to watch him shoot from distance, because while I always think of him as a jump shooter in the midrange, he takes a set shot from behind the arc (or at least was today). He looked incredibly comfortable, so much so that it just seems inconceivable that he took so few last year. I'd say his development as a long-range shooter is perhaps the single most intriguing subplot to the beginning of the season for me.

Anyway, I caught up with Acie Law after practice to ask him what he thinks about the preseason so far. Injuries are never good, but I'd argue that the setbacks to Mike Bibby and Speedy Claxton have been a blessing in disguise, as Acie has gotten the opportunity to get a ton of minutes and grow his confidence as a leader on the court. He talked about his game-winning layup on Monday against the Bobcats as well as his game-losing blocked layup from Wednesday's game against Phoenix, and he really seems pleased with both his performance and that of the team's so far. I still contend that he could have had a decent season last year if his injury hadn't sidetracked him, and I hope that what we've seen from him so far will help him to prove his doubters wrong this time around.

Word on the street is Marvin will most likely not play tomorrow night, while Speedy and Bibby will be in uniform. The Bobcats are winless on the preseason so far, so I expect them to come out with near regular-season intensity. Should be a good game!