Every Friday during the season, ESPN analyst and regular ESPN.com contributor Bill Walton takes a look around the league and shares his thoughts on "NBA Shootaround" at 7:30 p.m. Look for more of Bill's ramblings here on ESPN.com on Fridays after 8 p.m.

It's a small world after all -- it's a small, small world. Mickey Mouse, turkeys and basketballs: so many things in the air. How are you supposed to keep it all together? But let's try.

	Yao Ming has been surrounded but not slowed since arriving on the NBA scene. This weekend he'll draw attention as the West's starting All-Star center.

Being in Florida this week jolted two lightning bolt flashes of inspiration:

Remember the recent sad story of the mother and adult son who were found dead in their house in Florida after three years, their neighbors thinking everything was fine and the pair just traveling. Isn't that the same story as Shawn Bradley's career?

Remember when we used to come to Orlando every week? Now it seems we only come back to see those who used to play here.

Did you see where Yao Ming, in literally the first two weeks of his NBA career, came within a couple of shots of one of Wilt's most cherished records. Is anything or anyone still safe? (Yao shot .882, going 30 for 34, over five games. Wilt's record is .885 making 54 of 61 shots.)

I always thought being in the NBA was like Fantasia, a dream land -- getting paid to play ball. Come on! But when Knicks owner James Dolan said how much he likes his team and how they will most likely make the playoffs this year, my feelings were truly confirmed. The NBA really is a fantasy land. You stink the joint up and your boss tells you how wonderful you are. Like that really happens in life. Right!

Finally a plausible explanation for the Knicks: Identity theft!

I thought with the coming of winter the fire season in Oregon was over. Who would have thought that it would be a couple of Blazers getting caught for an illegal burn?

Shawn Kemp's financial seminars have left me more than a little confused.

Indiana, Detroit and New Jersey -- the glamour teams of the East! Madison Aveenue must be salivating.

Is Phil Jackson now all of a sudden a better coach with Shaq's return to duty?

They're really jumping on Pat Riley in South Florida these days. If you don't like him, fine. That's your prerogative. But don't wait until he's down to start piling on. Did you stand up and say it when he was on top?

Excuse me, but I'm looking for all the people who said Isiah Thomas can't coach? Funny, they all seem to have disappeared. I can't find 'em anywhere. Hello? Hello? Anybody there?

Back off Vince Carter for dancing at the Nelly concert. As if there's any correlation between that and the rigors of playing in the NBA. You're comparing "relaxing" with the greatest possible demands one can put on one's body. Get real and quit being jealous. What's a man to do, live in a cave?

MJ's concerns about his minutes and role are misplaced. That team is going nowhere unless it's on the accomplishments of his teammates. He can no longer do it by himself.

Halle Barry can play on my team -- any time ... any position.

Is there a more creative mind these days than Ice Cube's?

Why can't there be more people like Grant Hill?

With Dikembe Mutombo struggling mightily in N.J., I'm developing some real reservations about the Nets. It's Philadelphia that's rolling right now. Might Larry Brown have the last laugh on this one?

The Doors' reunion concert next Sunday at the Palms in Las Vegas confirms why the Maloofs' are at the top of the list of the leagues best owners.

The touching, revealing yet ultimately sad story about Rudy T and Kermit Washington is a window into the human soul. I can only hope that one day I can become nearly the man that both these gents have become.

Check out Steve Francis -- he's got it all. And just imagine, playing well after you sign an $85 million contract. Now there's a novel concept.

There is no truth to the rumor that the new James Bond movie, Die Another Day, was inspired by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

What's more surprising? Denver winning two buzzer beaters this week or Lisa Marie Presley and Nicolas Cage divorcing after 3 months? I love long term vision and commitment. Fortunately everyone involved is available for next season's "The Bachelor."

I can hardly wait for the debut of the Seattle Times Gen Y commentary page. The anticipation is building at a fever pitch for the insightful, hard-hitting opinions on world politics, grunge music and café latte concoctions. You guys do know what a newspaper is, don't you?

If the Seven Dwarfs played in the league, would Grumpy be Rasheed Wallace or Stephon Marbury? Bashful would have to be Tim Thomas, we're waiting. Dopey is the easiest --Tom Tolbert.

Was anybody else reminded of "Beauty and the Beast" when they saw the donkey and Charles Barkley? Don't you just hate the infighting for top billing?

Imagine Tom Tolbert's relief at surviving the passing of yet another Turkey Day.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

It's a small world after all.