Ladainian Tomlinson Wants To End Hold Out

Ladainian Tomlinson, of the San Diego Chargers, is trying to end his own type of hold out. He wants to suit up and take some snaps during this preseason, something he hasn’t done since the preseason of 2005. The star running back wants to ensure that he comes out the gates fast this year and not wait until week 3 to get into the swing of things.

Tomlinson told the AP press, "I want to play. "We'll see where that takes us. Its one thing for me to want to play and then it's another thing, the coaches make the decision. We'll see where we end up."

We all want LT to be on top of his game as the season nears but its more important for the running back to be as healthy as he can possibly be for the duration of the “entire” season. Tomlinson has had injuries in the playoffs the last 2 years that have prevented him from helping his team reach the promise land. Yes, the Chargers didn’t necessarily lose because he was on the sideline but he would have certainly helped. Fans of San Diego’s prized football team want, need, expects him to be a strong presence for them as they make a run to the championship.

My advice to the Charger brass, give the man one series in each preseason game to ease his ego and sit him down. A healthy LT in the playoffs was a Marlon McCree interception and fumble away from going to the Super Bowl. Let’s hope he understands this is best for him.

Jerry Stackhouse Get His LeBron James On

Mr.Stackhouse gets posterized by Kentucky incoming freshman John Wall

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Pau Gasol Has Surgery On Finger

Lakers PF Pau Gasol, while playing in Spain with the Spanish national team, was taken to the hospital to have emergency surgery on his left index finger which he jammed in practice, reports theLos Angeles Times. Gasol is expected to miss 4 to 6 weeks of action. With the injury to his hand Gasol can’t flip the bird to his former team, the Memphis Grizzlies, after winning his first NBA Championship this past June.

But on a serious note, the Lakers should be kind of worried that a lingering problem with his hand doesn’t persist. As a big man, you are constantly getting your swiped at during games and your hands are always in mix while blocking shots or going for tough rebounds. Also, this may take away from his aggression down low when the season first begins. The Lamar Odom signing is looking more and more logical.

MLB Power Rankings

We Have a new leader atop the MLB Power Rankings, yes The New York Yankees. They do have competition for that top spot lets see how it looks as of August 10, 2009:

1. NEW YORK YANKEES 69-42 Won 6

The New York Yankees are the hottest team in baseball having won 7 consecutive games. Coming off an impressive sweep of their rivals the Red Sox, they now possess the leagues best record. Led by the rejuvenation of there awesome bats and the pitching staff is starting to earn their money, they have overtaken the mighty Dodgers. Since the All Star break they also boast a record of 17-5.

2. LOS ANGELES ANGELS 65-44 Lost 1

Angels have been on a great ride without 2 of their superstars. Vlad Guerrero and Tori Hunter have been injured since early July but that hasn’t stopped the Angels from doing damage. Last week they cranked 3 straight 10 run 15 hit games. After slow start to the season, they are rounding into to form as the post season approaches. Their pitching is coming along so this could be fun

3. LOS ANGELES DODGERS 67-45 Lost 3

For the majority of the season they were undoubtedly the best team in baseball. But after losing 10 of their last 15 games, they have been going in the wrong direction. They have had a hard time finding consistent starting pitching all year and now they can’t get any run support. Getting on base isn’t the problem, driving the runs home is. They need to fix this soon if they want to get a chance at the pennant.

4. ST.LOUIS CARDINALS 62-51 Won 3

With the addition to Matt Holiday this team has become even more dangerous. It should be illegal to have this much firepower on one team. Led by Triple Crown favorite Albert Pujoles, the sky is the limit. They also have a Cy Young candidate in Chris Carpenter to help anchor one of the best pitching staffs in the national league with 13 wins and an ERA of 2.26.

5. TEXAS RANGERS 62-48 Won 1

Texas is starting to look like geniuses for not trading Derek Holland to the Jays for Halladay. The young rookie has become an anchor for there ball club turning them into a formidable contender down the stretch. After taking 2 of 3 this weekend from west leading Angels, they are now 3 ½ games out of 1^st. Will the off the field troubles of Josh Hamilton become a distraction? Only time will tell.

6. SAN FRANSISCO GIANTS 61-50 Lost 1

This Giants team has the talent to be leading the National League West but they lack that one offensive bat to get them over the hump. Luckily there pitching has carried them over that hump. They are locked in a 3 headed race for the West crown with the Rockies and Dodgers. The 3 game set this week with the Dodgers will determine a lot for their future.

7. PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES 61-48 Lost 3

This is another team with an abundance of offensive weapons on the field daily> However, unlike the Cardinals, their pitching staff is quite suspect. 46 year old Jamie Moyer leads the team in wins so you know they struggle. They were swept over the weekend by the Marlins, looks like they need new addition Cliff Lee to pitch every other day. And don’t they have Pedro somewhere on that team?

8. BOSTON RED SOX 62-48 Lost 6

You are probably reading this saying, “Why are the Sox this low”. Well the last week they have ummm, sucked. They have lost 6 straight games and were swept by a better Yankee team. In their defense, they were in all of the games this weekend. Once the staff gets back to normal I see them rising quickly.

9. COLORADO ROCKIES 61-50 Won 1

No one expected them to be this close to making the playoffs. The Rockies have gone 43-22 since firing Clint Hurdle and replacing him with Jim Tracy. Can they keep up, the pitching will have to make that answer

10. TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAY 61-50 Lost 1

The one team in the American League East that no one is talking about is the D Rays. Last years World Series runner ups have quietly gained a head of steam to make a push for a repeat trip to the World Series. Led by star Evan Longoria, things are looking very good. The upcoming series vs. the Angels will be a true test.

11. DETROIT TIGERS 59-51 Won 1

The Tigers hold a 3 game lead in the Central division but they need a lot more. They can achieve this with their new pitching staff that hoists Verlander, Jackson Washburn and Galarraga. Offense has dipped of late but shouldn’t be an issue.

12. CHICAGO CUBS 58-51 Lost 1

The Cubs have a lot of stuff going good for them but the bullpen isn’t one of them. They have shown they have what it takes to put themselves in position to win but the pen has blown save after save. Not good at this time of year.

13. CHICAGO WHITE SOX 57-55 Lost 1

They needed a fire lit under them that didn’t require the manager cursing them in the media and they got it via the trade for Peavy. He isn’t activated but they have indeed played better. With him coming back soon, the race in the AL Central figures to tighten up.

14. ATLANTA BRAVES 58-54 Won 3

After dominating the Los Angeles Dodgers this weekend I was tempted to put them much higher. The thing is they have moments where they play like champs then turn around and play like chumps. The staff pitched EXCELLENT in LA though.

15. FLORIDA MARLINS 58-53 Won 3

Nick Johnson may or may not be the key to put them over the top. It all depends on his health. They recently swept the slumping Phillies yet were demolished by the horrific Nationals. Something is wrong here.

16. SEATTLE MARINERS 58-53 Won 1

The Mariners have given up on any chance to compete for the post season by trading their ace J. Washburn. They were staying within arms reach for so long then waved the white flag. Bright spot on the team is closer David Aardsma. He didn’t have a save in 130 innings prior to this season, now he has 36 saves with a 1.58 era.

17. MILWAUKEE BREWERS 55-56 Won 1

After not making any big moves at the trade deadline the Brewers thought they can make a run with what they got, WRONG! They need pitching real bad. I thought the Fielder vs. the Dodgers incident would spark them but again I was wrong

18. MINNESOTA TWINS 54-57 Lost 1

This team needs offensive help in a major way. They picked up Orlando Cabrera from the A’s but its not enough. They had a bad week against the Tigers and Indians; maybe they can pull it together.

19. HOUSTON ASTROS 55-56 Won 1

Astros went from a team with potential to team that has fizzled out. Having lost 6 of their last 10 games they are making it hard to come back from a 6 game deficit in the NL central. Especially with the lack of pitching depth they currently have.

20. TORONTO BLUE JAYS 53-57 Won 2

The good thing for the Jays is that Halladay is still there, the bad thing is Halladay is still on the team. Looks like they are pushing towards next season with the team they have. Or they could be waiting to make a huge trade this summer likely involving Halladay and a contender.

21. NEW YORK METS 52-59 Won 1

What can I say positive about the Mets? They don’t have the worst record in the National league yet they play like they do. They have a ton of talent but can’t do anything with it. Injuries have decimated there team this year. You know your in trouble when Sheffield leads your team in homeruns (10). It’s sad however it’s not my problem.

22. ARIZONA DIAMONBACKS 50-62 Lost 3

Not too long ago this team was contending for the crown in the National League West. Recently they have been trying to stay healthy and get young guys prepared for the future. Mark Reynolds is having a fantastic year. And that’s where it stops for the D-Backs

23. OAKLAND ATHLETICS 49-62 Won 1

This is another that is desperately looking toward next year. They signed a slew of veteran players they thought could get them over the hump but none of them panned out. One of the vets, Jason Giambi, was released by the team over the weekend. Signaling the end is near for the club.

24. BALTIMORE ORIOLES 46-65 Lost 2

The future is so bright for the young Orioles. The disheartening thing is that they are stuck in the present and its not getting better right now. If they keep the talent together they can be dangerous in the coming years.

25. SAN DIEGO PADRES 47-66 Lost 1

The Padres are in dire need of youthful explosion of “good” talent to come to this team. They almost pulled it off at the deadline but reneged on a deal. Look for this awful team to get younger in the off season.

26. CINCINATTI REDS 48-62 Won 1
27. CLEELAND INDIANS 48-63 Won 1

Another team that literally has turned itself a major league farm system. They shipped Cliff Lee and Victor Martinez off for a bus load of young prospects. When will they be ready to produce?

28. KANSAS CITY ROYALS 43-68 Lost 1

One of the worst teams in baseball has one of the best young rising starts in Zack Greinke. When he gets more polished then the AL batters should beware. That’s all they have on the team. Not a good sign of improvement

29. PITTSBURGH PIRATES 45-66 Lost 8

As the season went on, the Pirates found a way to make their major league club into a major league farm system. They have gotten rid of all there key players just to get younger and younger. You see there record right, need I say more?

30. WASHINGTON NATIONALS 40-72 Won 8

See above comment and insert Nationals.

Just Wondering.........

Did anyone else notice that ESPN had a story about how twitter had been hacked into on thursday but they failed to say a word about Ben Rothlisberger allegedly raping a woman? Im not trying to anything just wondering if yall seen what I saw.

New WBC Title Belt

The WBC will be unveiling new and improved championship belts this year. The changes are just a few pictures added to make the belt not as dull. But lets be real, who cares! How bout they make a new blockbuster fight card to regain the attention of fallen boxing fans. The sport has been in a slump the past few years and is falling behind to UFC, MMA and backyard fighting. The sport needs something to bring them out of a recession so to speak. Maybe a Mayweather vs Pacquiao fight with an under card that would most definitely be the Main Event any other night, would be a great start. But for now lets do away with a new belt, its pointless.

Another Possible *

After a long day running errands and out with my family, I came home to check out the latest happenings in the world of sports. When I read a troubling headline,“RASHARD LEWIS TESTED POSITIVE FOR STEROIDS”. What, are you serious? Like steroids the baseball players take? No way Jose (no pun intended). Before you go jump off the bridge and calling all sports a fraud. Rashard took a pill form of red bull.

According to the beloved and former Boston Globe columnist Jackie MacMullan, he has tested positive for the steroids precursor DHEA. DHEA is something that we have naturally in our bodies to begin with but when taken over the counter it adds adrenalin to your body. Lewis said that he began taking this toward the end of the season to boost his energy levels. This is understandable, you will need to have the maximum amount of energy to make a push for the finals. But this leads me to the question is this really cheating?

No one is questioning Lewis like we all do any other sport that is found to have failed a piss test. Maybe because we all don’t think its possible to take something to cheat in basketball. But I believe they should and do so around the league. In basketball extra energy boost are uber essential. This enables you to put the finishing touches on a game while everyone else has the cement heavy legs. How many times late in the season and in the post season did you see Rashard Lewis make a game changing shot very late in a game to secure a victory? Too many times. He even made a several shots late to beat King James and prevented the Kobe vs LeBron match up. I’m going to be careful not to fully label him as a cheater but if it quacks like a duck, walks like a duck and look like a duck tell me what you think it is!

Delonte West KFC Freestyle

When I first heard about this I was hearing negative remarks but after watching this he gets a HIGH FIVE from me. This was a hilarious way to pass time while waiting for chicken! You gotta check it out.

Derrick Mason Returns

After announcing his retirement a few weeks ago Derrick Mason has return to lead the Baltimore Raven's receiving core. Mason met with the Raven's brass on Saturday to talk it over and later in the day it was announced that he would be in camp on Sunday.

The 12 year veteran unexpectedly retired less than a week after his former teammate and close friend Steve McNair was murdered over the July 4th weekend. In a statement released yesterday Mason said "It was a tough decision, but I think it was a good decision for me to come back," Mason said in a statement. "I needed to evaluate my life, football and my career." Which is was expected after losing a close and dear friend. We all are happy to see him come back to continue doing what puts a smile on his face.

USA’S TYSON GAY VS JAMAICA’S USAMA POWELL 100 METER RACE AT GALAN STOCKHOLM

Cant wait for Usain Bolt to join these 2 on the track for the race of all races.

Dynamic Duo

Check out this article written Bill Simmons back in march. Plug in Big Papi name where you see Manny's name.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/090507&sportCat=mlb

The Break Up Was The Best Thing For Reggie

Reggie Bush has been the man in everything that he has done. High School he broke all kinds of San Diego football and track records. In college he was “The Most Electrifying” player in the country and also the best player. In the NFL, he dated Kim Kardashian. Kim Kardashian? Yep, the highlight of his career has been has been dating the attention hungry diva.

You see, this hasn’t been the best thing for President Bush (that’s what we call him in Cali) because he hasn’t improved since he entered the league. Yea he probably has more paparazzi pictures than anyone in the league but what is that good for? I think this break up came at a great time for him. For the simple fact that everyone, including myself, has doubt about his ability to become an every down back. Now that he can totally focus on football for the first time since college, we should look forward to a big booming season from Bush. If it doesn’t come to pass then I’m pretty sure USC needs a running backs coach

Chad "OchoCinco" Johnson a trend setter?

Twitter and Ustream has become a mainstay for celebrities and athletes to answer a few questions for the fans. But OchoCinco has taken it to another level. He is broadcasting his own reality show type show called the Ocho Cinco Show. The superstar receiver is broadcasting live from training camp from Georgetown, Kentucky and is involving his teammates. Yes, Ocho is team player.

With training camp opening up Thursday night, Chad has done something no one else has done before. He allows us in to a NFL player’s everyday life. For sports fans, we get the unfiltered material from a superstar and his teammates. When he isn’t filming himself, he is twittering, posting pics throughout the day and talking to fans. There isn’t a script, no mulligan, no wait lets erase that, just what you see is definitely what you get. What else is dope about is that he is just a regular guy doing the same stuff that we all do and that makes it that much more fun because we can relate. He even puts his teammates on to allow them to get face time on his show. It’s AWESOME. When other players heard word that he was doing, you started to see them ask people “What’s Ustream, how do I sign up”. You wont see ESPN reporting on this anytime soon, they only report the mans wacky ways. How about patting him on the back for being entertaining and innovative.

Follow Chad Johnson on twitter @ogochocinco and here is a link for his show http://bit.ly/9jFEa

I have a new crush!!

I don’t really get star struck because i'm some what of a celebrity myself but someone major has caught my attention. Cheyenne Woods, freshman golf sensation from Wake Forrest, has captivated me like no other. Ok, maybe she isn’t a household name to you but her uncle should be. She is the niece of the legend Tiger Woods. Yes, that Tiger Woods. I first seen her a few weeks back on sportscenter and I fell into instant like. I’m not a crazy guy, I just like what we could possible represent.

First off, with me and her together we will never have to wait in line at the clubs anymore (once she becomes of age). Do you know how dope that is? In LA, guys wait for a long time while these women with a dish rag on get in as soon as they walk up. Second, i’m pretty sure my credit would be A++. I would definitely be able to go get a credit card for the first time and put something on lay a way. HAHAHA I’m just serious yell. But for real I really have a crush and I’m crossing my fingers that at next years ESPY's ill meet her.

Get Your Popcorn Ready!!

They haven’t made a formal announcement yet but we all know Brett Favre will be donning a Viking uniform this season. This has been in the makings for a year now and we finally have it. I’ve talked to some people and have read a multitude of articles on why he should hang it and he is coming back for the wrong reasons. But the truth is, the man still has it. The Vikings wouldn’t put there qb of the future on hold for a guy that’s just playing to fulfill a vengeance against a former team. This is a legend that has been given an amazing gift to launch a football thru a wall and even do it at amazing angles. Yes the guy has created a stir for the second straight off season yet we still tune in to the latest news. Football fans are addicted.

How will he fare this season? He has the components around him to make a serious run at the super bowl. The Vikings made it to the playoffs with crappy play at the quarterback position and still had a deadly offense. Tavaris Jackson could use the time to learn how to be a leader from Favre. Brett has never played with a running back that’s explosive like Adrian Peterson, who is averaging 1550 yard a season. He will have a young, fast and talented receiving core that can makes plays when properly thrown to. And a great up and coming defense that led them to the playoffs with a slew of stellar performances. I also think they should sign Marvin Harrison to be a great possession guy and show these young players the ropes. This could really work guys. Peterson may end up running for 2000 yards because the D can’t put eight guys in the box anymore. It could all backfire for everyone involved in Minnesota, in the event it doesn’t you know where you heard it first.

Should The NCAA Take Away Bowdens Wins?

Florida St is involved in yet another NCAA scandal. The university has reported they had knowledge of 61 student athletes who cheated on test during the 2006-2007 season or that received improper help from staff members who gave them answers. The cheating occurred thru an online music history class during the 2006-2007 school year. Of the 61 athletes who were caught cheating, 25 belonged to the football program. The football program administered a penalty upon itself by suspending the players for 4 games, which included the 2007 Music City Bowl (they lost that game 35-28).

Florida St, who should be commended for there doings, thought the penalty the imposed was good enough. WRONG!! In comes the bad big bad wolf, also known as the NCAA, and they said that the team would have further trouble down the road. They are forcing the university to vacate 14 wins, put on a four year probation and take away multiple scholarships in the future. That seems pretty steep but should the NCAA really erase 14 wins from a legend who is only 1 win behind Joe Paterno for most wins as a coach?

I say take me away. Yes, the coaching staff had nothing to do with it nor did the rest of the players. But there is one important part of this story that they are leaving out. As reported by ESPN's Outside The Lines, the athletic Department went out to seek suitable tutors for its athletes and they helped them cheat. What happen to all for one, one for all? If the quarterback fumbles the ball late in a game he isn’t the only tabbed with a loss, right? People are writing that the NCAA should not take the wins away but rules are rules. If a student if deemed ineligible he shouldn’t play in a game and if by chance he plays the game shouldn’t count. It’s as simple as that. There shouldn’t be any wiggle room here. But apparently there is a chance that he may scape with his victories.

You see back in 2005, 17 Georgia Tech players were improperly certified by the university as being ineligible players and were ordered to vacate victories from 1998-2004. Later, the Yellow Jackets won an appeal and got there victories back. In 2008, the Oklahoma Sooners, won an appeal to overturn a ruling that would have vacated there 8-5 season. It was punishment for Rhett Bomar accepting money from a booster he worked for in the summer.

We all don’t want to Bowden to give up in the race to be the most winnings coach but he has to take the blame for what the program he is apart of has done. Simple As That!! This should be a warning to USC that no one is untouchable.

My NBA Draft grades

The 2009 NBA Draft has come and gone but not without the drama that makes it all fun. In a draft that many of the “Experts" have called weak. I'd like to call it the "Now and Later" draft, you draft the player now and reap the benefits later. With all the trade rumors floating around, gave it a day to let the smoke settle before I

came out with my winners and losers. Here you go:

Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks acquired the pg from Wake Forest that they desire, just a few years late. Jeff Teague will be an awesome lead guard if he can become steady on the defensive end. Scoring won’t be a problem for this team but stopping people will. Now they have a guard heavy team, I’m not sure that they want to hand the team over to a young pg or if they want to give the team to shot happy Jamal Crawford (which they traded for wed night). It sure doesn’t look good for Bibby’s return to the Hawks. The second round pick Sergiy Gladyr will spend a few years overseas and might not make back over.

Boston Celtics

It was kind of hard for the Celtics to get better with there first round draft pick belonging to the Timberwolves this year. I was disappointed they didn’t make any trades to get into the first round for the simple fact that they are getting old. With the 58^th pick they grabbed a steal in Lester Hudson. He is a 6’3 combo guard that can do it all. He has a knack for scoring but the competition he faced at Tenn Martin wasn’t good at all. But they got a great player late in the draft.

Charlotte Bobcats

The Tar heels that run the Bobcats showed you can find success up the road after all by drafting Duke guard Gerald Henderson. With Raja Bell at the position now they needed an upgrade for the future. He is a excellent defender and athletically gifted, his offensive game needs polishing up. Derrick Brown, a small forward from Xavier, is a nice addition to there roster. He can play both forward positions and is improving his range.

Chicago Bulls

They came into the draft with a need for a inside scorer and came away with 2 players that wont help in that area. They drafted James Johnson with the 16^th pick, more of a small forward that may attempt to play a little big man. He may impress some but I know what he is capable of doing. Taj Gibson out of USC has the height and the skill to be a good player. He just lacks the huskiness to really be a beast down low. They now have 3 guys on the roster like that in T. Thomas and J. Noah

Cleveland Cavaliers

They really didn’t help themselves out at all in this draft. They wasted there first round pick on a guy that won’t help them for a number of years. They drafted Danny Green from Carolina who may be a solid Rick Fox type of guy in 2011.

Dallas Mavericks

I like all 3 of there picks in the draft because they went after a need. They selected 2 pg’s that can really help especially with Jason Kidd saying that he wants out. Rodrigue Beaubois and Nick Calathes are similar but Calathes is better now.

Denver Nuggets

They may have gotten the best pure pg in the draft, Ty Lawson. They acquired him in a trade with Minnesota for a future first round pick. He is exactly what they wanted and needed. He fits there system like I fit a pro club white t shirt. The one knock on him is he is very similar to Raymond Felton’s game and I’m really not a fan of his.

Detroit Pistons

Piston’s Drafted 3 forwards who can possibly play the small and power. The bad thing is all 3 are relatively inconsistent. I thought maybe they would go after one of the million guards in the draft. These were picks for the future, I hope.

Golden State Warriors

This was a great pick up for the Warriors. Stephen Curry can get an open shot at any time. He has been rumored in the deal that would bring Amare to the bay. The biggest question is will he be involved in the trade? If that does happen it turns into the worst pick possible.

Houston Rockets

For a team that didn’t have picks to start with, they came out like a fat rat on thursday. They picked up a lot of scoring in a major way. Central Florida’s Jermaine Taylor and Chase Buddinger out of Arizona are great scorers at any level. The question is when will they be able to contribute? Maybe as early as opening night!!

Indiana Pacers

This was a good draft for the Pacers. They filled a major need. I like teams that to this. Hansborough may not be a superstar in this league but he will most def be a starter for many years. AJ Price could come in handy if they trade TJ Ford or if they let Jarred Jack go.

Los Angeles Clippers

BLAKE GRIFFIN, nuff said.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers traded their lone first round pick saving them almost 6 million. They are not trying to add guys to the roster unless their names are Ariza and Odom.

Memphis Grizzlies

To be such a horrible franchise they did pretty well Thursday night. They got the shot blocker that will help change and alter shot but that’s all they will get from him. Thabeet is Mutumbo x’s 2.They also got over aged Sam Young.

Miami Heat

With no first round picks they drafted 2 athletes in the 2^nd round. They are setting themselves up for a run at the big free agents.

Milwaukee Bucks

The rebuilding process has started in Milwaukee. They traded away Jefferson this week and really didn’t get better from it. B. Jennings will be legit once he begins to become complete on the floor. Until then its going to be rough. Meeks from Kentucky is just a scorer that’s it, he is a poor mans Ben Gordon.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Where do I start with this team? They came into the draft with a need at pg, so they drafted 3 of them. But it’s a smart decision. They drafted Rubio 5^th and Flynn 6^th with the thought that one of them won’t be there when training camp starts. Rubio has stated he won’t play there so the Flynn selection makes more sense. They drafted Lawson then traded him to Denver. Also they got Ellington from Carolina to shore up there perimeter need. Good draft.

New Jersey Nets

Terrence Williams is a nice addition to the Nets. He does everything well except for put the ball in the basket from the perimeter. Good grab

New Orleans Hornets

The Hornets may not have received the player they want but sure did get the position right. With so many point guards coming of the board early, they selected Darren Collison out of UCLA. He will be of great assistance in relief of CP3 and he is a lock down guy. Thorton from LSU is a good scorer who may be essential.

New York Knicks

The fans cried for Curry but they should have cried for help. The Knicks drafted Arizona big man J. Hill. He fits the prototypical pf role that D’Antoni likes. With a season playing behind David Lee, he will be ok. Toney Douglas is the scorer they need to compliment everything else.

Oklahoma City Thunder

A great great pick for them. He wasn’t heralded as the 3^rd pick but was the best guard in the draft. With him, Westbrook and Durant they are looking very enticing.

Orlando Magic

They had no picks this year but they made a trade to win NOW!! They traded for Vince Carter. This will be a good trade if we are playing on NBA LIVE but this is real life. They gave up the future for Vince, I hope it works out.

Philadelphia 76ers

I love the pick of Jrue Holiday for the 76ers. It fills a possible open spot that may be vacated if Andre Miller moves on. If he returns then it makes them that much better plus he can tutor Holliday.

Phoenix Suns

Earl Clark out of Louisville brings much of what Grant Hill didn’t have, athleticism and youth. He is still improving and will be a force. They also got Taylor Griffin… Right

Portland Trail Blazers

They drafted for the “just in case scenario”. Just in case one of the pg’s go down they have Patty Mills. He is very experienced and a lighting quick hooper. They also got Dante Cunningham from Nova, don’t know what to think about that one. And with there first round pick they got a good guard that will stay overseas.

Sacramento Kings

They chose Tyreke Evans over Rubio which may be good. With the trade for Sergio Rodriguez they have wiggle room. J.Brockman will be a force down low, something like Brad Miller. Overall pretty darn good job.

San Antonio Spurs

Some say the Spurs were the winner of the draft that night, I don’t see it that way at all. Yea they got a rebounding beast in Blair but he is only 6’6 and won’t be a factor like they say he will. Jack McCLinton gives them scoring but will he fit the system??

Toronto Raptors

Vince Carter version 2 is now in Canada. Demar DeRozen is there choice but he can’t shoot to save his life. Great upside but he may fall on his face.

Utah Jazz

They should have drafted a suitable fall back at forward just in case Boozer, Milsap and or Okur leave. Instead they Maynor fell in their lap. Good backup for D. Will.

Washington Wizards

No picks because they traded the 6^th pick to Minnesota for Foye and Miller. They received experienced guards but they had the chance to pick up Rubio. Can you imagine Rubio and Arenas in the backcourt together? They would have been “Showtime” of the East. This ultimately makes them the LOSERS of the draft.

*these are all opinions made by me!! i did not copy anyone elses words, thoughts or ideas

Guess Who's Coming To Town

I guess LeBron said since we couldn't beat Superman, we might as well have him join our team. The Cleveland Cavaliers, in need of stability at the center position, acquired Shaquille O'neal from the Phoenix Suns. In the blockbuster deal the Suns receive Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovic, a second round draft pick and cash consideration for the 15 time all star. The trade was first brought to light around this years trade deadline in february but never was completed. After failing to reach the NBA Final this spring, the Cavs needed to make a splash this summer and they did so by way of a 7 foot, 320 pound center.

Will this acquisition bring that coveted championship the city desperately desires? What will LeBron be, the man or the sidekick? Do the Cavs have enough to win? What will happen if the Cavs still cant get to the promise land?

First off, its way too early to tell if this will work out to the Cavs advantage or not. On paper it looks like a parade on the east coast 12 months from now. But it really isn't that easy to call. Yes they needed a big man because Zydrunas Illgauskas is just flat out awful now a days, as you seen against the Magic this year. Shaq brings that presence down low that draws a constant double team from most teams, something LeBron has yet to have since joining the league. Bron Bron will have to rely on his jump shot more this season than ever before. Shaq take up alot of space in the paint, wont be alot of room for Bron to rove the paint. Although it will create open opportunities for the perimeter players to hit wide open treys. How will Varejao adjust to being a mid range shooting power forward? We all know Shaq is a dominant force on offense but he is a huge liability on defense. Teams will take advantage of his lack of mobility in defending the pick and roll every game. When you have all the competitive teams in the east running the pick and roll all day it proposes a problem. Also, the new trend in the NBA is to push the rock up and down the court, can Shaq hang? I dont think Shaq can take the physical pounding of playing in the eastern conference day in and day out. This isn't the west where he goes against power forwards pretending to be centers. The east takes a toll on your body. I'm not here to bash the 'Big Fella' I'm just stating the facts.

You have 2 of the biggest stars in the league along with 2 of the largest personalities to ever play as well. They both love the spotlight, love the glory, so how will this work? Didn't Shaq have problems with all the with all of his other high "sidekicks" teammates? The answer is YES, but this is a different type of teammate. The difference is he is coming to a team where "The Man" is already established. He don't have to come in and be the Diesel. Now he can simply be the Jeep Cherokee and cruise. He is now playing with the ultimate teammate who loves to esteem others above himself (something like Magic Johnson). I kinda see it like Magic and Kareem in the 80's. One budding star just coming into his own and another on the tail end of there career. Two people who really need each other to win, one more than the other. But, you know Shaq will always be Shaq. Its kind of hard to tell a zebra to lose it stripes right? I just wonder will Shaq be man enough to take a backseat to King James and the Prince ( Mo Williams)? We shall see in due time.

With all that being said i don't think they have enough to win it all as of June 25th. They still need a prominent wing man to take the burden off LeBron and to just make plays. You can only count on D. West for so long before you say enough is enough! Especially with the loss of Pavlovic you need help, not saying Pavlovic was a factor. He was just another guy that was used as an option. I think that a guy like Shawn Marion or Matt Barnes would do wonders for this current roster. They also need a consistent back up behind Mo Williams. Boobie Gibson had that great run in the playoffs that one year but Keyshia Cole got him all messed up. What if they can come out of the draft with a solid point guard. Maybe someone like Eric Maynor from VCU. I'm not a GM so don't listen to ol Goat.

Do I think that this partnership will work? It has a fair chance but it all depends on the pieces that surround this big puzzle. And alot rides on Mike Brown too. He called only one play the whole playoffs, can he really coach? Or did he have the luxury of having LeBron take his team to new heights in the regular season? All these answers wont be answered until they lace em up this fall. For now we just have to settle for the what ifs and great debate in the barber shops.