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Key to Game 5 of Lakers vs. Suns

So what is up with the Lakers? They just can’t seem to figure out the Suns “girly-zone” as Suns head coach Alvin Gentry calls it. And they can’t handle the Suns intangible. The Lakers are still scoring but the suns are scoring more so what does that mean? The Lakers are playing terrible Defense.

Keys to Lakers win:

Play defense. Plain and simple at this point. The Lakers are playing just terrible D. Ron Artest isn’t playing like his normal self or like he did in the 1st 2 games. Instead of Artest, how bout play like last year’s playoff star Trevor Ariza?

Gasol, Bynum, Odom, Artest. These guys are a shame of themselves. Nothing like in game 1 and 2. It’s a joke. No defense. No rebounds. Not shooting well. Dumb mistakes. None of them are playing like the stars they are and they should be embarrassed.

If the Lakers just play up to their potential, they will win.

Keys to Suns win:

Nash and Stoudemire must play the slash game they are so good at. If Amare can get loose and play like he did when he scored 42 and Nash can distribute and make those key shot the Suns are set.

The true key to the game though in my opinion is Robin Lopez. The guy looks like a straight up caveman and has been playing like a beast. At Stanford he was overlooked for his brother and was thought as the defensive guy. Well Lopez is a monster on defense and has shown a surprising offensive game lately. The strange thing about it, Lopez was out for an extended period time yet he is playing like he didn’t miss a beat.

Bench help would be nice again. Jared Dudley and Channing Frye were on fire in game 3 (mainly Dudley)
And game 4 (Dudley played good but Frye went off). On top of that, Dragic has been playing like he could be a nice replacement to Nash. Little early on that one but he did have 20+ in a game against the Spurs and now continues to play at an excellent level against the Lakers.

Prediction: Lakers win tonight and win the series on Saturday

Houston ace wants out; go to a contender

Roy Oswalt wants to out but where to?

Houston Astros ace Roy Oswalt, 33, has officially asked Astros management to be traded, particularily to a World Series contender.

My question is why it took so long. They haven’t been to the playoffs since 2005 – when they went to the World Series and lost – and Oswalt isn’t getting any older or better.

The problem with a trade for Oswalt is Astros owner Drayton McLane and General Manager Ed Wade. These two are some of the most inept people in the industry. They have successfully run the Astros into the ground in five short years since going to the World Series.

Since 2005, the Astros have lost out on one of the best centerfielders in the game – Carlos Beltran – have made bad signing after bad signing, and acted like they were in contention each year despite a pathetic roster.

Despite all of these dumb things, the Astros could have drafted well a continued to replenish their roster with nice young talent. But then again we are talking about the Astros.

For the past few years the Astros have been ranked in the bottom five in farm rankings system.

The Astros hate trading away veteran talents especially if they don’t get exactly what they want but they need to make this trade.

Oswalt signed a 5 year – $73 million dollar contract in 2007 and this is another problem in trading for Oswalt. He is due over $30 million dollars over the next two seasons and we all should know that the Astros will have no intention in paying any of that. Yet, they will still ask for an organizations top prospects.

So where can Oswalt go?

There is the Dodgers who have a decent farm system (but not a great one anymore after pulling up guys like Matt Kemp for the past few years) and should have the money to eat the salary.

Two problems with the Dodgers. First is that they might have an even dumber owner –Frank McCourt – going through a ridiculous divorce. Got to love the irony in that one by the way. He also says he wants to keep the pay roll under $100 million despite him earning more and more every year. He is ruining the team.

The second issue with the Dodgers is the fact that their best young farms hands (prospects) are extremely raw or have graduated to the big leagues.

The Astros could ask for a major league player in return but if the Dodgers trade one of their core pieces like Matt Kemp or Andre Ethier, LA will revolt and possibly have the Owner and GM’s heads.

Then there is a team like the Yankees. They are getting a better farm system and definitely have enough money but they reportedly like their rotation and prospects too much. Also for the Yankees why would you want to get older than you already are?

There is the Mets who desperately need help. They are such a streaky team that they would benefit from having two aces in Johan Santana and Roy Oswalt and then that would make Mike Pelfrey the third pitcher in the rotation.

The problem with the Mets is that besides having a gigantic payroll already, is they have a pathetic farm system, which might be actually worse than the ‘Stros especially after pulling up Ike Davis.

No way the Mets can trade Ike Davis or even Jenrry Mejia – who was recently sent back down to the minors where he belong – if they expect to in the upcoming seasons. The Mets aren’t like the Yankees were they can spend at an insane rate, because the Yankees will out bid you if they want a player.

Who bought a mid-market team like the Twins? They have a nice farm system, an increasing payroll due to their new stadium Target Field, and are primed to make a run at the World Series.

The problem for the Astros is that the Twins are not stupid. They will not get screwed in a deal again like they did with the Johan Santana deal. They will not give up their best prospects AND pay all of Oswalt’s remaining contract.

For the Twins it might be counter-productive anyways. Francisco Liriano seems to be back to his old form pre-Tommy John surgery. So they really do not need an ace anymore in front of their young rotation that had no “true ace.”

I’m sure there are a few teams putting out “feelers” to judge how much the Astros would like for Oswalt but right now it looks like Oswalt might be stuck with the sorry ‘Stros at least until the offseason.

2010 NBA Mock Draft

The NBA draft is June 24th but hey it is never too early to start doing mock drafts, I mean c’mon there are already mock drafts for the 2011 NFL Draft. The future is now bright for some of these lottery teams. Oh and by the way, this is the NBA draft so expect A LOT of trades…. Especially from Portland (like always), and the two clubs with three picks in the first round.

1. Washington Wizards – John Wall – Freshman – Point Guard – Kentucky
I’m not a big fan of John Wall. I just don’t see the star that everyone else does. He isn’t as good as Derrick Rose was coming out of Memphis like many say he is. He is an athletic freak who has nice leadership skills and plays great defense, which maybe his best attribute. He isn’t that great of a passer and plays crazy on the fast break to go along with his poor jumpshot. He has an insane amount of potential but I expect him to be just an average player.

Regardless, watch for the Wiz to try and release or trade Gilbert Arenas (which will be nearly impossible to do either) so Wall will be the marquee name. If they cannot get rid of Arenas, watch for head coach Flip Saunders to play Arenas at shooting guard where Arenas should have been playing, instead of masquerading as a point guard.

2. Philadelphia 76ers – Evan Turner – Junior – Shooting Guard/Small Forward – Ohio State
I personally believe that Evan Turner is better than Wall yet Washington fans may burn down the city if they take Turner instead of Wall. Turner is such a great player that he singlehandedly turned the Buckeyes season around after he returned from a serious neck injury. He’s versatile, can score, rebound, handle the ball and is a great leader.

With Turner in Philly, Andre Iguodala will too be traded like Arenas or will shift position depending on where the coach wants AI to play. Whoever is named coach of the Sixers should walk into a pretty nice situation.

3. New Jersey Nets – Derrick Favors – Freshman – Power Forward – Georgia Tech
Did you watch the Draft Lottery show? When the Nets’ name was called for the 3rd overall pick it looked like new Russian billionaire owner, Mikhail Prokhorov, wanted to kill someone. Prokhorov, also known as “Mutant Russian Mark Cuban” by ESPN’s Bill Simmons, is supposed to be trying to lure LeBron James and he is key pieces were going to be John Wall and the team moving to Brooklyn. Well Wall isn’t an option unless the Nets can somehow pull off a huge trade, so let’s just see how much Jay-Z can do to bring the star to the Nets.

This year’s Jordan Hill in my opinion. He is big, can run the floor and should rebound well. Like Hill, Favors is extremely raw and will take time to develop. It appears the Nets seem to have given up on Yi Jianlian so if the Nets want to start Favors it might actually be an upgrade. If the Nets can get LeBron, a lineup of Brook Lopez (who just might be the best Center in the Eastern Conference), Favors, LeBron, Courtney Lee and Devin Harris (extremely talented point guard, just cannot seem to stay healthy) seems like it could be impressive.

4. Minnesota Timberwolves – DeMarcus Cousins – Freshman – Center – Kentucky
They have Kevin Love and Al Jefferson but one has to go. They are stunting each other’s growth because they play the same position. I would probably trade Jefferson because he will bring more in return and won’t but heads with Cousins in the paint. Love can excel with his passing and perimeter game, while Cousins plays deep in the post.

Cousins has a big bruising body and was dominate in his only year at Kentucky. I believe he was better than Wall for most of the year but was simply overlooked. People in Minnesota will love Cousins if he they can keep him motivated.

5. Sacramento Kings – Wesley Johnson – Junior – Small Forward – Syracuse
A power forward is probably more of a need since Spencer Hawes has sadly not played to his potential, forcing Jason Thompson to play center. They need big bodies like say Cole Aldrich, but big men are aplenty this year.

The Kings need a scorer to pair up with Tyreke Evans and Johnson is that and more. The Syracuse swingman is a good all-around player who will make an impact immediately. He can use his length to rebound and defend while using his athletic abilities to score and handle the rock. With Johnson here, Donte Greene becomes trade bait.

6. Golden State Warriors – Al-Farouq Aminu – Sophomore – Small Forward/ Power Forward – Wake Forest
Only a year or two ago we were ohing and awing at the potential the Warriors had and now they are a mess. Why though? They have talent everywhere; it’s just that Don Nelson won’t let young players out of his dog house like Anthony Randolph or Brandan Wright.

Aminu is a versatile player that can help with Nelson’s up and down the court style of play. He is long, athletic and very skilled, but still very raw. All of this though is pointless if Nelson puts another young, raw, immature player in his doghouse and puts a gate at the door for seemingly no reason.

7. Detroit Pistons – Cole Aldrich – Junior – Center – Kansas
Remember the Pistons of a few years ago? They were being compared to the Bad Boy Pistons of the 80’s and early 90’s. Tough defensive minded teams that controlled the game. Sound familiar? Apparently General Manager Joe Dumars (who was on those Bad Boy teams) forgot that last year when he assembled a roster of little tweener girls and softies.

Maybe Dumars should just be fired. He has assembled talent but his old reliable guys have aged or been traded away. Without his old faithful’s mentoring and developing the younger guys the team will disappoint again.

Aldrich is a tough defensive minded center who controls the paint on both sides of the floor. Teams won’t be able to drive the lane at will with the threat of Aldrich blocking their shots.
With the former Jayhawk, maybe some Bad Boy flavor will be injected into the lineup.

8. Los Angeles Clippers – Xavier Henry – Freshman – Small Forward – Kansas
What a surprise, the Clippers in the Lottery. After getting the prize of last year’s draft in Blake Griffin (who broke his knee cap and didn’t even get to play in one game) the Clips are back again. “That other team from L.A.” has talent like it did a few years ago when they made the playoffs but have quickly fallen back into irrelevance.

He could be the steal of the draft here if the Clip can develop him. With a lineup of Baron Davis (PG), Eric Gordon (SG), Xavier Henry (SF), Blake Griffin (PF) and Chris Kaman (C), the Clippers could push for a playoff spot next year.

Henry has a NBA ready body and has that desired range. He was at one point rated higher by talent evaluators than John Wall. He did have a slightly less than inspiring freshman year but so did most of the team. I tend to agree with them. Maybe another year in College and he could have been the top overall pick. He could even rise up the boards if teams realize how much of a talent this guy is.

9. Utah Jazz (from the New York Knicks) – Greg Monroe – Sophomore – Power Forward – Georgetown
Carlos Boozer is probably on the way out and Paul Millsap is only 6’ 8,” which in reality is probably closer to 6’6.” So that means the Jazz are in need of an infusion of height.

Monroe brings a long athletic frame at 6’11,” which also in reality is smaller, he seems like his height is closer to 6’8” probably. On the film he plays big, at times, but looks smaller than he is listed. But the Jazz do need big men. Kosta Koufos should be ready in a year or two, put Monroe at the “4” and tell Millsap to work on his perimeter game; this might be the ideal situation for head coach Jerry Sloan.

10. Indiana Pacers – Ed Davis – Sophomore – Power Forward – North Carolina
I don’t like this pick. The Pacers took another tar Heel last year in Tyler Hansbrough last year to pair up with Roy Hibbert. This makes no sense to me but apparently most draft gurus think this will happen despite Hansbrough. It could be to solidify depth but why spend such a high pick on depth? A point guard is a bigger need, but – and that’s a huge but – none of the point guards in this class are worth this pick either.

Davis is a nice young player with a very high ceiling and NBA ready body. He needed to stay in school one more year but if you have a high ceiling you will be drafted by a NBA team. He is very raw so don’t expect to see Davis make an impact for a year, maybe two.

11. New Orleans Hornets – James Anderson – Junior – Shooting Guard – Oklahoma State
A center would be nice but they already traded for Emeka Okafor and his gigantic contract. There are some options out there but they are all raw, so shooting guard would be nice.

Marcus Thornton had a nice season averaging 14.5 points a game, but James Anderson is easily a better player and has an incredibly high ceiling. Anderson is a top-five talent but had a rough season at Oklahoma State, dropping his stock.

With a backcourt of Anderson and Chris Paul and forward David West, the Hornets could possibly be on the way back to the playoffs.

12. Memphis Grizzlies – Gordon Heyward – Sophomore – Small Forward – Butler
I’m not completely confident with this pick but it’s not because Heyward. In fact, I could see Heyward jumping up the boards and being a top 10 pick.

The Grizzlies seem to be set on their starters. This pick is mainly about depth and possibly replacing Rudy Gay if he leaves in free agency next year or is even traded due to no agreement on a contract extension.

Heyward has been compared to Larry Bird – which is reach because Bird was utterly dominate at Indiana State, while Heyward was just a budding star at Butler – which is a fun comparison. They are both white players, tall, under appreciated in the athleticism department, and from small schools.

Heyward probably should have stayed at Butler for one more year, maybe even two, but with a year learning from the pros and controlled playing time, Hey ward could become a star.

13. Toronto Raptors – Daniel Horton – Freshman – Center – Kentucky
Star forward Chris Bosh seems to have one foot out the door already, so a new low post man would be in order. Horton may not be here when the Raptors come to the podium but if so they will have a potential star.

Horton barely played at Kentucky, but that has to do with that big guy DeMarcus Cousins. Horton would have started at virtually any other university besides Kentucky and Kansas due to his immense talent and ceiling. Though he is very raw, he could be in the same class that Bosh found himself in when he was drafted; a boom or bust type of player worth the risk.

14. Houston Rockets – Hassan Whiteside – Freshman – Center – Marshall
Whiteside was called the ultimate high-risk, high-reward player in this draft by ESPN’s Chad Ford. That sure is the case, the freshman has been compared to a Marcus Camby or a poor man’s Dwight Howard but we really have no idea. He played against “small-time” college talent so his play may be a phony.

Nevertheless, Whiteside is worth the risk to a big man needy team. Sure Yao is supposed to be back but for how long? He is known to be injury-prone and could leave as a free agent. A shot blocker is needed and if Whiteside can live up to either comparison, the Rockets found a gem.

15. Milwaukee Bucks – Ekpe Udoh – Junior – Power Forward – Baylor
I constantly got Udoh and Aminu mixed up and probably will still. They both are lengthy tweeners and both have weird names. Udoh is known as a good defender with nice shot blocking abilities and uses his 6’ 10” frame and long wingspan to his advantage.

Udho will form a nice defensive front court tandem with Andrew Bogut – once Bogut returns from injury – and will help the eastern conference “Fear the Deer.”

16. Minnesota Timberwolves – Paul George – Sophomore – Small Forward – Fresno State
Haven’t heard of him? That’s ok. The 6’ 8” “2” guard from Fresno State can really light it up and after Whiteside may just be the biggest “high-risk, high-reward” prospect in the draft.

George can push Corey Brewer over to small forward – where he belongs – and add scoring and size to the T’Wolves. George is raw (most prospects in the NBA draft are) but if he gets a chance he should contribute out of the gate.

17. Chicago Bulls – Jordan Crawford – Sophomore – Shooting Guard – Xavier
Remember that movie last summer that had a college player dunking on LeBron James? It was hidden for a little bit but finally was revealed. It was grainy, but we know who dunked on James; that would be the Xavier wingman.

Again a raw player but this team is young and will pick up the slack. Put Crawford in the backcourt with Derrick Rose and you have a highly athletic, explosive, and nice scoring pair. He could have used another year at Xavier but he is a first round draft pick so no big deal I guess.

18. Miami Heat – Eric Bledsoe – Freshman – Point Guard – Kentucky
That whole Mario Chalmers experiment has been a disappointment. Even though he was just a second round pick, he has never lived up to his skills, potential, or place on the team. The Heat almost forced the starting point guard job on him but he should have been ready after a decorated college career.

Bledsoe – my highest rated point guard – is the fourth Wildcat taken in the first and for good reason. The kid has skills. He has that “NBA ready body,” and Pat Riley will fall in love with his toughness, defense and scoring. He might not be a true point guard, but the ball is always in Wade’s hands anyways.

Would have been a top 10 pick if he stayed at Kentucky for just one more year but why would he complain here? Teaming up Dwayne Wade (if he returns, which he should) and possibly another max contract player (maybe Chris Bosh) would be a great place for Bledsoe to go to. In the long run, he will be a great pick. By the way, I keep seeing Bledsoe as a Tim Hardaway type if Riley takes him.

19. Boston Celtics – Luke Babbit – Sophomore – Small Forward – Nevada
He won’t be able to defend a three year old but man the guy has a sweet stroke. If Ray Allen leaves or simply isn’t brought back, Babbit could provide some nice scoring from the wing.

Don’t worry Celtics fans, his defensive liability shouldn’t be that big of a deal because everyone else on your team can lockdown guys. The real question will be whether Babbit becomes Adam Morrison, Joe Alexander, or Marco Belinelli (busts) or the next Chris Mullin or Danilo Gallinari.

20. San Antonio Spurs – Damian James – Senior – Small Forward – Texas
He is a little bit like DeJuan Blair; in that he is that typical Spurs pick. He can defend pretty much any player on the floor and he can score. In his time in Texas it seemed like he never had any designed plays for him, yet he still scored in bunches.

James maybe the most underrated player in the draft, but it seems like it’s been that way since he came to Texas with Kevin Durant. His play has never gotten the recognition it has deserved, but the Spurs will take it and place him at small forward. Say bye bye to Richard Jefferson guys and girls.

21. Oklahoma City Thunder – Donatas Motiejunas – Power Forward/ Center - Benetton Treviso (Italy)
Our first international player. He could have been taken in the top 10 if this was a few years ago, but the NBA has finally fallen out of love with the foreign players. Thankfully for most teams, they have started to shy away from the risk of foreign big men, who tended to disappoint and not be tough.

Well Motiejunas is the typical foreign big man. Tall and skilled but not considered a tough guy. So he won’t be able to defend either big men but he will be a match up problem for those same guys. He is very skilled on the offensive end. He can shoot, handle with both hands and will spread the floor.

It would be nice for the Thunder to be able to draft him and keep him in Europe for a year or two more to develop some more and get stronger. He has supposedly some Pau Gasol and Toni Kukoc – two of the best foreign players – in him, but I see more of an Andrea Bargnani in Montiejunas.

22. Portland Trailblazers – Patrick Patterson – Junior – Power Forward – Kentucky
Wow. Five Kentucky Wildcats in the first round? Well John Calipari is great recruiter – even though Patterson was from the former regime – and pumps talent into the Association.

Patterson could have been a higher pick last year or even if he had come out after his freshman year, but choose to stay in school. He is an offensive minded power forward - and is willing to be unselfish – who will not play much defense at first but Nate McMillan can drill it in to him. His pro potential has started to fade but here he is a solid value who could be a starter for a long time.

23. Minnesota Timberwolves – Larry Sanders – Junior – Power Forward/ Center – Virginia Commonwealth
Can you say lengthy? He is 6’ 10” but has a wingspan of 7’ 7”! His obvious length will serve as the ultimate shot blocker for a team that needs an off the bench shot blocker in the Chris Andersen (Denver Nuggets) mold.

I have Cousins going with the fourth overall pick, and trading Al Jefferson, but Sanders will be a nice bench player. Incredibly raw but can help with his shot blocking abilities.

24. Atlanta Hawks – Avery Bradley – Freshman – Point Guard – Texas
Are the Hawks still trying to find a point guard? Technically, yes. Mike Bibby is aging and isn’t much of a starter. They have tried Acie Law, and took Jeff Teague last year but with their track record of developing point guards another one wouldn’t hurt.

Bradley is a super fast player who will need to develop more as a point guard – that’s were Mike Bibby comes into play – to succeed in the NBA. He played as “2” guard at Texas so we know he can score, but he needs to mature and learn the point guard position.

25. Memphis Grizzlies – Willie Warren – Sophomore – Point Guard – Oklahoma
Mike Conley Jr. has not developed like the Grizz had hoped and now it’s time to give him some competition to maybe jumpstart Conley. If Comley starts playing to his potential, Warren will be a nice replacement if Conley leaves in free agency later or just for some added depth.

Warren is a score first type of point guard who would have been a top 10 pick last year or even if he had played well this past season. Warren suffered though injuries and struggled with his shot all year when he was healthy. He is a steal here for Memphis.

26. Oklahoma City Thunder – Kevin Seraphin – Power Forward - Cholet (France)
Seraphin is in the Mold of Serge Ibaka – who the Thunder already have – but with a lower ceiling. The Thunder have no immediate needs so they could stash him in Europe for a year or two like Motiejunas and let the two big men develop.

Seraphin is didn’t start playing basketball until later in his young life which has lead to him being extremely raw. He is inconsistent and at times not focused, but is athletic and has good hands. Patience will be needed for a couple years.

27. New Jersey Nets – Terrico White – Sophomore – Shooting Guard – Ole Miss
White is an elite athlete to put with and already athletic team. Like the incumbent Nets, White is extremely inconsistent player but is gifted with incredible talent. He disappears in games, but when focused he is a special player.

If the Nets sign a player like Joe Johnson, LeBron James or another big time free agent, this pick is mute or trade bait.

28. Memphis Grizzlies – Devin Ebanks – Sophomore – Small Forward – West Virginia
Another athletic wingman for the Grizz. He will add depth if Gay leaves and Heyward takes over. In reality, this pick is probably going to be traded away or sold to the highest bidder.

He is a nice smooth fluid athlete who had a downish year at West Virginia. He can defend multiple positions due to his size and athleticism. If he learns to be more aggressive on offense he could be a starter on any number of teams.

29. Orlando Magic – Elliot Williams – Sophomore – Point Guard/ Shooting Guard – Memphis
He is a good story. He signed with Duke and then his mother got sick. He requested a transfer to Memphis and Duke obliged. Then the NCAA allowed a waiver for Williams to play immediately due to his mother’s illness.

He is a smart mature kid who has talent. He is a very unreliable shooter but can learn from the plethora of three point shooters on the Magic. Williams can back up Jameer Nelson for the time being and then either take over for Nelson or shift over to the shooting guard. There he can take over for the overrated Vince Carter – that is if the Magic don’t make the worthy J.J. Reddick the starter.

Either way Williams is a mature talent who will be a great pick for the Magic.

30. Washington Wizards – Solomon Alabi – Sophomore – Center – Florida State
Alabi could easily be taken sooner because of his size. The Wiz only have Andray Blatche and JeVale McGee under contract next year as big men so another big body is needed.

He is a legit shot blocker right now and otherwise good defensive player. Alabi is extremely raw on the offensive side of the ball and will need time to develop but the Wiz aren’t going anywhere, anytime soon. On the other hand, they do get everyone’s favorite player – John Wall – so who really cares who they pick here?

Summer of 2010; the most prized free agents class in recent memory

I mention the summer of 2010 and what do you think? If you’re an NBA enthusiast, then there’s only one thing on your mind. The monster free agent class of the summer of 2010.

There are a ton of good players on the market but there are several free agent prizes that teams are just itching to gobble up. From the superstars to the below the radar fringe stars, this class is packed with difference making players.

Let’s start with my top 15 free agents working in countdown form, where they will go and a few wild card places for them to choose.

15. Michael Redd, Shooting Guard, Milwaukee Bucks- Remember when Cleveland Cavaliers General Manager Danny Ferry courted Redd like he was going to be LeBron’s Scottie Pippen? Well Redd took the max contract and “the opportunity to help build something in Milwaukee.”

Do you think he regrets it now? After two major knee surgeries and not even remotely helping the Bucks to the playoffs I bet he does. With those creaky knees Redd will not be courted like years ago but with his sweet “J” behind the three point line he still has a chance to be something on a contender.

Possible Destination – San Antonio Spurs – They need a three point threat like Bruce Bowen or Brent Barry in years past.

14. Shaquille O’Neal, Center, Cleveland Cavaliers- No he is probably not a starter anymore but he could play a bigger part in a way to the New Jersey Nets. The Big Diesel could help further Brook Lopez’s development. Lopez is arguably the best overall center in the Eastern Conference and who better to help in the development of a great young cornerstone in one of the greatest of all time?

The chance he goes to help develop Lopez is the only reason why he is on this list.

Possible Destination – New Jersey Nets – Shaq will probably follow the money as always but the Nets are an intriguing option.

13. Tracy McGrady, Shooting Guard, New York Knicks- Teams and fans have a fascination with his scoring abilities and for good reason. But he cannot do much else and he too is another injury risk. He has had microfracture surgery in his balky knee twice and has other minor procedures performed on it. He was traded to the New York Knicks at the trade deadline and if healthy will fit in with coach Mike D’Antoni’s system. He wanted the move and was finally granted it so don’t expect him to leave.

Possible Destination – New York Knicks – McGrady stays with the Knicks unless they can lure a bigger free agent to them.

12. Paul Pierce, Small Forward, Boston Celtics- He has a player option, so he can opt out if he so feels. If he does opt out he is not going anywhere. He feels like a one team for his entire career type of guy. I would have him rated higher if I thought he would leave.

Destination – Boston Celtics – Will be a Celtic whether he opts out or not.

11. Ray Allen, Shooting Guard, Boston Celtics- Getting old right? Have you watched him since the trade deadline when there were talks about him being moved? The old geezer (soon to be 35), has been lighting teams up like back in his hay day. After how he’s been playing, teams will want him.

Possible Destination – Boston Celtics – Allen will need to take a massive pay cut to stay but I think he loves this team too much to leave.

10. Yao Ming, Center, Houston Rockets- Do you remember him? That giant guy from China? Well he was out all season with a foot injury and it seems as if we all forgot about the dominant yet injury-prone big man. He has a player option that he can choose to opt out of if he would like, which he might just do. The Rockets have some nice young players but wouldn’t a fresh start be nice? He will need to accept less money because of his history of injuries but he will get good money due to his unique size and talent.

Possible Destination – Detroit or New Orleans – Both need a big shot blocker and scoring from the center position.

Wild Card – Houston Rockets – Could always just re-sign an extension with the team that drafted him.

9. Raymond Felton, Point Guard/Shooting Guard, Charlotte Bobcats- Again another player that does not get his due. Sure he is not really tall enough to be a shooting guard but he sure can score. You can say he has the Gilbert Arenas disease, the scorer who is masquerading around as a point guard. He has his moments as a point guard but Felton can be a special scorer and would be great for a team in need of scoring. Do not expect Felton to return to the bobcats because they have D.J. Augustine waiting.

Possible Destination – Indiana Pacers – They desperately need a point guard and scoring so Felton would be a nice fit.

Wild Card – New York Knicks – They really want Ricky Rubio from the Timberwolves, who still have not signed him and imported the youngster from Europe yet, but Felton isn’t a bad option B especially with Chris Duhon starting.

8. David Lee, Power Forward/Center, New York Knicks- I just don’t get it. The guy is a double-double machine and it always seems like no one wants to pay him or even trade for him. The guy will get you 20 points and 15 rebounds on a solid night but apparently teams just don’t like him. He should be just below a max contract.

Possible Destination – New York Knicks – He could do better but Knicks will happily take the underappreciated former Florida Gator.

Wild Card – Miami Heat – If the Heat can get Dwayne Wade to stay then Lee would be a nice piece to move Michael Beasley to small forward. Lee could play center like he did in New York if they need would rather just play him there.


7. Carlos Boozer, Power Forward, Utah Jazz- He could have opted out last year and gotten some big money even though he was coming off a knee injury. This year he is in the midst of a stacked free agent class, and seems to be screwed. He hasn’t gotten any younger, looked small and overpowered against taller guys like the Laker big men. If he goes to the east he will be in a better situation because they have shorter big men in the conference.

Possible Destination – Miami Heat – If the Heat cannot land a guy like David Lee, Chris Bosh or Amare Stoudemire do not be surprised to see Boozer in Miami next year.

Wild Card – Utah Jazz – They seem to adore him there.

6. Joe Johnson, Shooting Guard, Atlanta Hawks- He left Phoenix for the big money and a chance to prove himself. Looks like he will do the same. It’s been rumored by insiders that Johnson wants to play in the Big Apple. Why he would want to leave the Hawks for the lowly Knicks is confusing, but hey the Hawks were a sad group before him and now they are a perennial playoff team

Possible Destination – New York Knicks – He wants the spotlight and the big money but he is the Knicks fifth or sixth option.

Wild Card (A) – Atlanta Hawks – If the Knicks sign someone else he probably will re-up with the Hawks.

Wild Card (B) – Detroit Pistons – Richard Hamilton is seemingly a non factor now. Johnson can score; which the Pistons desperately need after GM Joe Dumars spent foolishly on Charlie Villanueva and Ben Gordon.

5. Dirk Nowitzki, Power Forward, Dallas Mavericks- Reportedly Dirk will opt out of his contract. But no way he leaves. The opt out is reportedly to get more money, and obtain a no-trade clause (only Kobe has a no-trade clause).

I bet Dirk is disappointed after being knocked out the playoffs again but leaving the Mavs is no way to get that elusive title. The Mavs are set up to have a ton of cap space so they can sign Nowitzki and another max contract guy.

That max contract guy they have interest in is obviously LeBron James (Owner Mark Cuban was fined $100k for talking about how he has interest in James) but Wade could also be a target.

Possible Destination – Dallas Mavericks – I just can’t see him leaving the Mavericks.

Wild Card – New Jersey Nets – They have the cap space to sign two max contract guys and power forward is definitely a need; especially when Yi Jianlian is your starting power forward.
4. Amare Stoudemire, Power Forward, Phoenix Suns- He was trade bait at the deadline but the Cavaliers wouldn’t give up J.J. Hickson up in the deal because he was playing well at the time. Well foolish Danny Ferry. The Cavs are out of the playoffs and the Suns are playing the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. Nice job Ferry.

While Amare is an athletic freak and an amazing talent (seems like he can’t grab a rebound to save his life though), he seems like a Robin to someone else’s Batman. If Amare does leave the Suns, which I don’t exactly think he will, he will probably pair up with either Wade or James.

Possible Destination – Phoenix Suns – Nash is still a big time player and the suns should b able to contend again next year.

Wild Card – See teams that LeBron or Wade go.

3. Chris Bosh, Power Forward, Toronto Raptors- When he was drafted they called him boom or bust. Well he is definitely BOOM. He is probably better than we give him credit because he has been trapped up there in Toronto.

Sure at times it did seem like he was lackadaisical this season, but how would you feel playing for a team going nowhere and not making the playoffs for a couple years? The guy is “uber-talented” and will sign big.

Possible Destination(s) – Bosh gave a list of teams he is considering to the Raptors consisting of Toronto, the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers. Bosh was spotted at a Lakers playoff game, but to go to L.A. a sign-and-trade would have to be done.

2. LeBron James, Small Forward, Cleveland Cavaliers- I’m crazy right? Sure he is talented, a two-time MVP and a freak of nature, but I have to agree with Skip Bayless on this one. James hasn’t won anything with a better cast than Wade.

Sure Wade had Shaq when they won a title but Shaq was (still is) declining in skill. And after Shaq who else on that team was better than anyone on LeBron’s team? LeBron has (had) a good team the past two years and that is evident with the back-to-back 60 win seasons.

James has the skills of a leader but the mentality of a sidekick.

Possible Destination – Cleveland Cavaliers – I don’t think he will leave his home state team and if he does he becomes public enemy No. 1. Call me crazy again, but if LeBron leaves Cleveland without a title you can consider him a bust. Yes he has all the achievements but he didn’t win the big one. He was there once and had the opportunity to go again, so it is on him not the team. He SHOULD return.

Wild Card (A) - New Jersey Nets – They are moving to Brooklyn and have a partial owner in his buddy Jay-Z. Doesn’t make sense because they are so far away from even being in the playoffs.

Wild Card (B) – Chicago Bulls – James craves the spotlight and loves being compared to Michael Jordan, so why not go to MJ’s former team and team up with Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah?

Wild Card (C) – New York Knicks – The rumors were never for James to go here but the media sure does love the idea.

Teams to consider if “The King” really wants to win and not just money

Wild Card (D) –Dallas Mavericks – Cuban pampers his players and will throw money at LeBron. He would team up with Jason Kidd, Dirk Nowitzki, Caron Butler and Shawn Marion.

Wild Card (E) – Miami Heat – Team up with Wade and dominate the eastern conference for years to come. Both stars would have to put their egos aside but it’s about winning championships right? I think Wade could (the Heat would still be his team), what about you LeBron?

Wild Card (F) – Los Angeles Lakers – He could sign for a smaller contract and make up the money in endorsements. No spot for him at the moment but could trade Lamar Odom or Ron Artest. Kobe would have to approve but it would help Kobe get a couple more titles.

Wild Card (G) – Boston Celtics – Same scenario, he signs a smaller deal and makes up the money in endorsements. This way he is with the Big Three and Rondo. Allen might not be there but James gets closer to the title.

1. Dwayne Wade, Shooting Guard, Miami Heat- Have you ever seen a player do more with less than this guy? Put it this way, if Wade wasn’t on the Heat the team probably would have been as bad the Nets, yet they were the five seed in the playoffs! Take LeBron off the Cavs and they probably would make the playoffs.

Yes Wade hasn’t always been the healthiest but he has been hearty lately (he played 77 games this year).

He also has that so called “clutch gene” that Skip Bayless always says that Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan have. Whenever there is a game winning basket in the NBA it always seems to be by Kobe or Wade not LeBron.

Love me or hate me, I’ll take Wade.

Possible Destination – Miami Heat – They have to get him some help but Wade has said he loves Miami so do not bet against him staying… if he gets some much needed help.

Wild Card (A) – Chicago Bulls – Wade is a Chicago native but Rose and Wade are too much alike in their style. Can’t say no absolutely but doubtful.

Wild Card (B) – New York Knicks – This is beyond a long shot, Wade says he doesn’t like the cold, so I am sorry New York, you lose out in the Wade/ LeBron sweepstakes.

Bring on Strasburg

Sooo... When is Washington bringing up their phenom? Yes Strasburg. He is a freakn monster and he cant b contained (from a pitching standpoint obviously) despite giving up an earned run(finally gave 1 up) and 5 hits in only 5 innings.

Umm from wat I understand about baseball (I like to think I kno alot), giving up only 1 run in 5 innings is pretty good. It seemed like ESPN was trying to make him look like he was Aroldis Chapman and wasnt impressive.

Sure he wasn't his normal self but Sandy Koufax and Nolan Ryan didnt throw no-hitters every time out (Ryan tried to tho).

I understand y the Nats wanna postpone Strasburg timetable and work load in the majors but he would b good for them right now. They say he will b pulled up early June when they have a long home stand so he can pitch twice an sell out the stadium each time.

Well gotta give it to Mike Rizzo. That is a smart decision. Strasburg has me excited

Steroids in Sports; do we really care?

Recently the recipient of the Associated Press’ annual Defensive Rookie of the Year award had to rely on a revote to retain the title.

Houston Texan linebacker Brian Cushing (134 tackles, 5 sacks and 4interceptions) was this player.

Before the National Football League season had started, Cushing was subject to the leagues random drug testing. It seemed as if he passed the random test and was good to go.

Unfortunately for the Texans and Cushing, it was later revealed that he had tested positive for human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), a fertility drug that is used as a masking agent for someone that is coming off a “steroid cycle.” This positive test was announced after Cushing had already received the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

This Performance Enhancing Drug (PED) happens to also be the drug that Los Angeles Dodgers leftfielder Manny Ramirez tested positive for last year.

After the AP had learned about the tests results they decided to hold a revote for the award. Cushing ended up winning again thankfully.

This situation brings up a huge argument. Why do we make such a big deal about steroids in sports?

Going back to the days of Babe Ruth, players have been using illegal substances. Sure Ruth was only an alcoholic, but it was during the 1920’s and the period of prohibition, when it was illegal to consume alcohol. Yet no one cared because they had never seen a someone hit the ball so far so many times.

During the Henry Aaron’s era (former career leader in homeruns), 50’s-70’s, drugs known as greenies ran rampant throughout the sports. Greenies in fact are slang for amphetamines. The use for amphetamines was to increase energy levels, concentration, and motivation. Sounds good but they were illegal too and still are to this day. But when we talk about steroids nowadays, we never recognize greenies.

Then BOOM in the 80’s and early 90’s cocaine hit the scene. Again athletes used this drug and the only athletes we really cared about doing “coke” was Darryl Strawberry and Lenny Bias (who died from only a one time use of the drug).

In the 90’s and early 2000’s everyone knew that seemingly everyone was taking steroids. Again no one cared that athletes were taking an illegal substance, but hey, players like Barry Bonds, Mark McGuire, Sammy Sosa, Gary Sheffiled, Jason Giambi, Rafael Palmeiro and countless other were saving the sport with their bats. While pitchers like Roger Clemens (allegedly), Andy Pettitte, Eric Gagne, Kevin Brown, John Rocker and again too many to imagine were implicated in taking steroids or other PEDS.

Owners and league officials didn’t really care that players were taking anabolic steroids, human growth hormones and other steroid related drugs. A few baseball writers started writing about how angry they were about the apparent steroid abuse, which led to fans hating the drugs too, finally.

Fine, fine, fine. I get it. I started out football and went to baseball. So let’s go back to football.

Rodney Harrison was suspended four games in 2007 for using HGH. He admitted his use to the commissioner of the league but the story was barely a side note at the time regardless.

In 2008, three members of the New Orleans Saints, Deuce McAllister, Will Smith and Charles Grant failed drug tests along with Minnesota Vikings, Pat and Kevin Williams, and Grady Jackson of the Atlanta Falcons. All these tests never caught actual steroids, but they did catch “masking agents,” which is usually a diuretic pill.

All those players are Pro-Bowlers or even All-Pro’s, yet even I forgot that they were suspended four games for failing drug tests.

On Thursday May 20, former Tour De France winner, Floyd Landis finally admitted to using PEDs and then tried to accuse Lance Armstrong of taking them too, along with many more cyclists.

But even Landis says he has no proof that Armstrong did, so Landis is a joke. He spent all his money and other people’s money that was donated to him through his website. He denied for years and finally admitted it but only to try to bring someone down with him

With all these instances, Cushing’s situation is a joke. The AP was embarrassed so they tried to take the award away. Sure a lot of people changed their vote (originally 39 first place votes to 18), but one writer-Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette- actually changed his vote to Cushing, to supposedly show how stupid the re-vote was.

I tend to agree with Bouchette.

We haven’t had a problem with athletes taking illegal drugs until either we are embarrassed or we are feed up with it. So do we really care about drugs in sports? Doubt it.