2011年3月9日星期三
10 Mar 11 "Camelot" Is a Magical Movie, and a Primer in Civilized Human Relationships and Growth
"Camelot" Is a Magical Movie, and a Primer in Civilized Human Relationships and GrowthBy: Ed Bagley .... Click author's name to view profile and articles!!!Retargeting by ChangoTweet ? 2007 Ed BagleyCamelot – 4 Stars (Excellent)"Camelot" is a wonderful Broadway musical that garnered Oscars for Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design and Best Music, and Oscar nominations for Best Cinematography and Best Sound. In other words, Camelot was a superb technical triumph in its day.Camelot also won Golden Globes for Richard Harris for Best Actor (as King Arthur), Frederick Loewe for Best Original Score, and both Frederick Loewe (music) and Alan Jay Lerner (lyrics) for Best Original Song "If Ever I Should Leave You".Golden Globe nominations also went to Camelot for Best Picture, to Vanessa Redgrave for Best Actress (as Guenevere) and to Franco Nero for the Most Promising Newer (as Lancelot Du Lac).The cast was superb and included David Hemmings (as Mordred, who looked as slimy and cunning as possible), Lionel Jeffries (as King Pellinore) and Laurence Naismith (as Merlyn, the Magician).Joshua Logan directed this film like a beautiful flower ing into blossom where it is planted only to be destroyed by fire.Camelot, released in 1967, celebrates its 40th anniversary this October, and was based on the 1960 musical play Camelot written by Alan Jay Lerner with music by Frederic Loewe.The play was based on the King Arthur legend as adapted from the T. H. White novel "The Once and Future King" and ran on Broadway for 873 performances. To say the least, it was well received.The original cast for the play included Richard Burton as King Arthur, Julie Andrews as Queen Guenevere, Robert Goulet as Sir Lancelot, Roddy McDowell as Mordred, Robert Coote as King Pellinore and David Hurst as Merlyn with Moss Hart as the Director.Camelot became a modern day legend when it was immortalized-after President John F. Kennedy's assassination on November 22, 1963-by revealing that the show's original cast recording had been the favorite bedtime listening in the White House. Kennedy's favorite lines were in the final number (when King Arthur knights a young boy and tells him to pass on the story of Camelot to future generations):Don't let it be forgot,That once there was a spot,For one brief, shining momentThat was known as Camelot.Since then, Camelot has been associated with the Kennedy administration, and the glory and the tragedy of the Kennedy family. Kennedy was the youngest elected President, the first Roman Catholic President, and the youngest President to die.The following synopsis of Camelot from wikipedia is important in setting the stage for what I am about to reveal to you (the songs to acpany the scene are in parentheses):"Guenevere arrives in Camelot on a wintry morning to marry King Arthur (of England) and is greeted festively by the Court. Arthur, shy and nervous, hides in the nearby woods ("I Wonder What the King is Doing Tonight?")."Guenevere es to the woods, uncertain about herself and her future ("The Simple Joys of Maidenhood"). She stumbles into Arthur, who tells her about life in Camelot ("Camelot"), and then discloses his identity. They are each happily charmed by the other."Arthur learns from Merlyn the wisdom of peace and brotherhood, and is inspired to establish the Round Table. The news of this reaches young Lancelot in France, who is determined to e to Camelot and join Arthur's knights ("C'est Moi")."A May Day celebration takes place on the castle grounds ("The Lusty Month of May"), where Arthur introduces his wife to Lancelot. Guenevere takes an instant dislike to the cocky young man and (challenges) him to engage three knights of the Round Table in a jousting match ("Then You May Take Me to the Fair"). Arthur is dismayed by this and (is) at a loss to understand a woman's way ("How to Handle a Woman")."In the jousting match Lancelot easily defeats all three knights, drawing the admiration of them all, including Guenevere. Lancelot falls in love with (Queen) Guenevere and is torn by the conflict between this love and his devotion to Arthur. He asks permission to leave Camelot for foreign conquests."Returning two years later, Arthur makes him a Knight of the Round Table. Arthur is painfully aware of the feelings between Lancelot and Guenevere but remains silent to preserve the tranquility of Camelot."Lancelot reveals his feelings to Guenevere ("If Every I Would Leave You"). Nevertheless, she remains faithful to Arthur, and helps him in carrying out the affairs of State ("What Do Simple Folks Do?")."Mordred, Arthur's illegitimate son, es to Camelot to dishonor the King and try to gain the throne for himself. He schemes . . . to trap Arthur in a forest one night. During the night, Lancelot visits Guenevere in her chambers, where she reveals her love for him ("I Loved You Once in Silence")."Mordred and some of the Knights of the Round Table interrupt, accuse Lancelot of treachery, and imprison him. Lancelot escapes, but Guenevere is sentenced to burn ("Guenevere"). At the last moment, Lancelot rescues her and takes her off with him to France."For the sake of his own honor and that of Camelot, Arthur must now wage war on France. Just before the final battle, he meets Lancelot and Guenevere, and forgives them both."In camp, Arthur meets a young stowaway who wants to join the Round Table. Arthur knights him on the field of battle and sends him back to England to grow up there and pass on to future generations the ideals of Camelot."Two side notes and then my revelation.First, the song "If Ever I Would Leave You" (erroneously called "If Ever I Should Leave You" in the Golden Globe citation) was nominated and won in the category Best Original Song Written for a Motion Picture, even though it was not written especially for the film.It was written for the original stage production of Camelot, and all the other nominees were songs especially written for films. This is the only instance in the history of the Golden Globe Awards that this has happened.Second, even though Richard Burton won a Tony for Best Actor in the stage play and was offered the same part as King Arthur in the film, he turned it down. Richard Harris was magnificent in his performance as King Arthur in the film.And the revelation? Camelot the play and Camelot the film were both truly inspirational musical productions, but I submit that the story Camelot was much more.I felt in my heart that Camelot was also a primer in civilized human relationships and personal growth as well as a step forward for humanity. Let me explain.When King Arthur realizes the relationship between his Queen and his chief knight, he says this, reacting like a man:"I love them and they answer me with pain and torment. Be it sin or not sin, they betray me in their hearts and that's far sin enough. I can feel it in their eyes. I can feel it when they speak, and they must pay for it and be punished. I shall not be wounded and not return it in kind! I'm through with feeble hoping! I demand a man's vengeance!When he calms down and says this, reacting like a king:"Proposition: I'm a king, not a man. And a very civilized king. Could it possibly be civilized to destroy the (ones) I love? Did they ask for this calamity? Can passion be selected?"In the end, King Arthur takes the high road. He would not punish either of them given his druthers, he realizes he still loves Guenevere and loves his best friend and knight, Lancelot, as a brother.He cannot, however, stop Guenevere from burning at the stake for her indiscretion. He enlists his confidant King Pellinore to watch and see if Lancelot will attempt to rescue her in time. Thankfully, Lancelot does.King Arthur sees the wisdom of the Round Table, bringing the knights of the kingdom together to protect the weak rather than fight among themselves at the expense of the weak.King Arthur sees the wisdom of a legal system that gives the accused his day in court rather than fighting for his life in a duel whether the accused is guilty or innocent. Poor King Pellinore does not understand or accept this precursor to rule by law rather than rule by might.King Arthur uses his love to overe his pain and suffering and ultimately loses not only the love of his life but his best friend.And, most important, despite going into a battle he may well lose and perhaps even die, he has the presence of mind to knight a young man to carry his hope into the future, so his vision will continue.Is Alan Jay Lerner a great writer of screenplays? Perhaps the best, ever. You decide.Camelot has been on my Top 10 Favorite Movie List for 40 years. Now you know why.Article Source: abcarticledirectoryEd Bagley is the Author of Ed Bagley's Blog, which he Publishes Daily with Fresh, Original Articles on Internet Marketing, Jobs and Careers, Movie Reviews, Sports and Recreation, and Lessons in Life intended to Delight, Inform, Educate and Motivate Readers. Visit Ed at . . .edbagleyblogMovieReviewArticles.htmledbagleyblogLessonsinLifeArticles.htmledbagleyblogInternetMarketingArticles.htmlNote: The content of this article solely conveys the opinion of its author, Ed BagleyRetargeting by ChangoDid You Like This Article? Share It With YourFriends!Please Rate this Article 5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 Not yet Rated Click the XML Icon to Receive Free Articles About Movies Film via RSS!Additional Articles From - Home Arts Movies FilmWhy Calibrate your High Definition TV?- By : Robert ShefferSweet Phone - By : Tim Webb.Find out Home Theater Methods! What You have Been Missing in Your TV and Movie Encounter.- By : Joesph MellbergPreparing and Setting up a Home Theater system is Easier Than you Think!- By : Zachariah DivensGrown Ups 2010 Movie In Review- By : Elenor CherryCamera Crew Hire- By : Mark A. WilsonReview of Drive Angry Movie- By : Gursel BatmazReturn Of The Horror Legend: Scream 4- By : Gursel BatmazMovie Review: Clash Of The Titans Leaves Audiences Wanting- By : Elenor CherryRed Riding Hood The Movie- By : Gursel Batmaz Still Searching? Last Chance to find what you're looking for. Try using Bing Search!
2011年3月5日星期六
5 Mar 11 The Easiest Way To Grow An Affiliate Business
The Easiest Way To Grow An Affiliate BusinessBy: Brian Wynn .... Click author's name to view profile and articles!!!Retargeting by ChangoTweet There are many ways to help your affiliate business grow, but one of the easiest and most overlooked ways is through building a strong mailing list. When building your web site, you should make sure to add a sign-up button where visitors can register their email addresses to receive email updates, newsletters, or other freebies you may want to offer. Affiliate programs are based on the number of sales you can make by NHL Jersey
enticing potential customers to visit your site and buy from it. Enticing people who have already visited the site or who have made purchases before is much easier. There are two ways you can create an emailing list:- Use a 'sign-up' button that will automatically save the customer's email address without the hassle of filling out a small form.- Create a small form that includes their name and email address.You can use either one you want, but make sure that the sign-up button is always working. Visitors that find links that are not working will get discouraged and will leave the site without signing up. You could lose many potential customers this way. After a few weeks, you may notice that your email list is growing. This is a great time to think about sending out an email to your customers prompting them to visit the site again. In your email, you may want to mention a new product, sale, or simply thank them for signing up and invite them to visit the site again. In order to make money online, you should try to be as personal as you can in your email. You should write an email that is conversational in tone and has personal touches. Using your customer's first name is an excellent way to establish a relationship. Most people do not like reading generated email that went out to a thousand people. This can be perceived as cold and uninviting. While you may want to invest in an autoresponder program when sending out sales information, you will want to keep other types of email correspondence as personal as possible.When sending out email, you do not want to write what is called a 'hard sell'. This type of email will turn people off. The 'hard sell' is a very persuasive letter that instills fear, anxiety, and a sense of urgency into the customer. You want to go with the 'soft sell', which may involve mentioning the benefits and features of your products, testimonials, or pre-selling items that will be available soon. You should send three emails in total during one email campaign. Any more and people may opt-out of your mailing list. You should create an Tampa Bay Lightning jersey
email campaign two or three times a year. This will keep customers interested and visiting your web site when you have something new to offer. The key to running a successful affiliate program is to stay in contact with customers through email campaigns and newsletters. Returning customers are easier to sell to and will allow you to keep making money online if business gets a little slow. Customers on your mailing list will also recommend your web site to their friends and family, which means free advertising for your site.Article Source: http://www.shop-on-sale.com The Millionaire League, founded by Brian Wynn, is the only millionaire's club that shows you how to become one! Just imagine waking up to $1,000+ every morning! Stop dreaming about making money and make money while you sleep instead! Visit www.TheMillionaireLeague.comNote: The content of this article solely conveys the opinion of its author, Brian WynnRetargeting by ChangoDid You Like This Article? Share It With YourFriends!Please Rate this Article 5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 Not yet Rated Click the XML Icon to Receive Free Articles About Affiliate Programs What Cloth Diaper Provides The Top Match For Newborns?- By : mirtagaylWhat is Affiliate Marketing and Why You Should Do It?- By : James A AndersonEarning Money Quickly With Email Marketing - True or False?- By : chad buistMoney Creating Tips For Individuals Involved In An Online Affiliate Marketing Home Business- By : Johnny BarrellGlobal Success Lightning jersey
Club And How To Make Money Online- By : Don SeanMake Cash Over The Internet With Affiliate Marketing- By : Leroy WheelerWhich Affiliate Networks To Look Out For When Promoting ?- By : Elsa Braxton Still Searching? Last Chance to find what you're looking for. Try using Bing Search!
enticing potential customers to visit your site and buy from it. Enticing people who have already visited the site or who have made purchases before is much easier. There are two ways you can create an emailing list:- Use a 'sign-up' button that will automatically save the customer's email address without the hassle of filling out a small form.- Create a small form that includes their name and email address.You can use either one you want, but make sure that the sign-up button is always working. Visitors that find links that are not working will get discouraged and will leave the site without signing up. You could lose many potential customers this way. After a few weeks, you may notice that your email list is growing. This is a great time to think about sending out an email to your customers prompting them to visit the site again. In your email, you may want to mention a new product, sale, or simply thank them for signing up and invite them to visit the site again. In order to make money online, you should try to be as personal as you can in your email. You should write an email that is conversational in tone and has personal touches. Using your customer's first name is an excellent way to establish a relationship. Most people do not like reading generated email that went out to a thousand people. This can be perceived as cold and uninviting. While you may want to invest in an autoresponder program when sending out sales information, you will want to keep other types of email correspondence as personal as possible.When sending out email, you do not want to write what is called a 'hard sell'. This type of email will turn people off. The 'hard sell' is a very persuasive letter that instills fear, anxiety, and a sense of urgency into the customer. You want to go with the 'soft sell', which may involve mentioning the benefits and features of your products, testimonials, or pre-selling items that will be available soon. You should send three emails in total during one email campaign. Any more and people may opt-out of your mailing list. You should create an Tampa Bay Lightning jersey
email campaign two or three times a year. This will keep customers interested and visiting your web site when you have something new to offer. The key to running a successful affiliate program is to stay in contact with customers through email campaigns and newsletters. Returning customers are easier to sell to and will allow you to keep making money online if business gets a little slow. Customers on your mailing list will also recommend your web site to their friends and family, which means free advertising for your site.Article Source: http://www.shop-on-sale.com The Millionaire League, founded by Brian Wynn, is the only millionaire's club that shows you how to become one! Just imagine waking up to $1,000+ every morning! Stop dreaming about making money and make money while you sleep instead! Visit www.TheMillionaireLeague.comNote: The content of this article solely conveys the opinion of its author, Brian WynnRetargeting by ChangoDid You Like This Article? Share It With YourFriends!Please Rate this Article 5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 Not yet Rated Click the XML Icon to Receive Free Articles About Affiliate Programs What Cloth Diaper Provides The Top Match For Newborns?- By : mirtagaylWhat is Affiliate Marketing and Why You Should Do It?- By : James A AndersonEarning Money Quickly With Email Marketing - True or False?- By : chad buistMoney Creating Tips For Individuals Involved In An Online Affiliate Marketing Home Business- By : Johnny BarrellGlobal Success Lightning jersey
Club And How To Make Money Online- By : Don SeanMake Cash Over The Internet With Affiliate Marketing- By : Leroy WheelerWhich Affiliate Networks To Look Out For When Promoting ?- By : Elsa Braxton Still Searching? Last Chance to find what you're looking for. Try using Bing Search!
2011年1月24日星期一
24 Jan 11 College Football Edge: Texas and Oklahoma Bring Questions into Red River Game
Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesTexasReebok New York Giants #27 Brandon Jacobs Realtree camo Jersey
football is reeling after the UCLA loss, while Bob Stoops' Oklahoma football team seeks consistencyView complete "Matchup Stats" for Texas and Oklahoma at Big12Matchups.com.The aroma of fried food is wafting through the air at the State Fairgrounds in Dallas and people are lined up to ride the Texas Star. This means it is time for the Red River game Saturday with Texas and Oklahoma both looking to take a step forward in the Big 12 South.Oklahoma is coming off of another inconsistent performance against Big East member Cincinnati. The good news for Sooner fans is their team squeaked out a 31-29 win to remain undefeated on the season.Texas, meanwhile, did not fare as well in their match with UCLA. It was a dismal day for the Longhorns as the Bruins dominated the game from start to finish and left bruised feelings behind as they took Texas down, 34-12.So, how do Texas and Oklahoma look on paper? Consider first the Sooner offense against the Longhorn defense.Oklahoma moves the ball well and puts points on the scoreboard, but 71 percent of their offense comes through the air. While Texas may have looked lousy last weekend, it was not their pass-defense that was shredded. Nationally, against the pass, the Longhorns rank sixth. Against UCLA, they only gave up 27 yards passing, but in fairness, the Bruins tried less than two handfuls of passes.So who has the edge when Texas is on defense against the Sooners? Looking at the numbers, Texas gets the nod just because Oklahoma is not trying to do enough on the run.Want an iPhone app with stats, rosters schedules and more? Click here to visit the iTunes store.Running back DeMarco Murray is the key to flipping the advantage back to the Sooners. He is averaging 4.15 yards per carry this season and Reebok New York Jets #6 Mark Sanchez Realtree camo Jersey
has totaled 436 yards through Oklahomafirst four games. If the Oklahoma offense can score points while moving the balance of running and passing yards closer to 40/60, it will give them a huge boost in this game.Now, what does it look like when Texas has the football and Oklahoma is playing "D"?This season, Oklahoma has managed to give back all but eight yards of what their offense gains on average each game. So, while the Sooners are good at moving the ball, they are not doing very well when it comes to stopping the other guys.Oklahoma has not done too badly against the rush except when they faced Air Force and their option attack. In the other three games, they have only given up an average of 119 yards per game.Texas provided UCLA the shovel so they could bury them last Saturday. When you give up four fumbles and one interception during a game you are just gift-wrapping a win for the other team.So far, Texas has given the ball back to the other team 10 times this season. Think how much better the yards per game and scoring would look if they cut that number in half. Think about how much better the defense could look if they were not being called on to bail out the mistakes of the offense.Comparing the Oklahoma defense to the Texas offense is tricky, but by just the slightest of margins the edge goes to the Longhorns.There are two ways Oklahoma can regain the advantage over Texas when these units are on the field. First, they need to win on third down. Oklahoma currently allows other teams to convert at a rate of 40 percent on third down.To state the obvious, if your defense is off the field, then the offense has more opportunities to rack up points.Second, the Sooner defenders must swarm to the ball. If Texas drops the football, it increases the odds of Reebok Oakland Raiders #21 Nnamdi Asomugha Realtree camo Jersey
making the recovery if your side has lots of bodies there.The call for the game? Texas should win the game. Should.On paper they are also a better team than UCLA. Count on Bob Stoops to have his Sooners ready for this game and the energy to be more consistent with what was shown in their meeting with Florida State. Given the unanswered questions both team have, this game is a genuine toss-up.
football is reeling after the UCLA loss, while Bob Stoops' Oklahoma football team seeks consistencyView complete "Matchup Stats" for Texas and Oklahoma at Big12Matchups.com.The aroma of fried food is wafting through the air at the State Fairgrounds in Dallas and people are lined up to ride the Texas Star. This means it is time for the Red River game Saturday with Texas and Oklahoma both looking to take a step forward in the Big 12 South.Oklahoma is coming off of another inconsistent performance against Big East member Cincinnati. The good news for Sooner fans is their team squeaked out a 31-29 win to remain undefeated on the season.Texas, meanwhile, did not fare as well in their match with UCLA. It was a dismal day for the Longhorns as the Bruins dominated the game from start to finish and left bruised feelings behind as they took Texas down, 34-12.So, how do Texas and Oklahoma look on paper? Consider first the Sooner offense against the Longhorn defense.Oklahoma moves the ball well and puts points on the scoreboard, but 71 percent of their offense comes through the air. While Texas may have looked lousy last weekend, it was not their pass-defense that was shredded. Nationally, against the pass, the Longhorns rank sixth. Against UCLA, they only gave up 27 yards passing, but in fairness, the Bruins tried less than two handfuls of passes.So who has the edge when Texas is on defense against the Sooners? Looking at the numbers, Texas gets the nod just because Oklahoma is not trying to do enough on the run.Want an iPhone app with stats, rosters schedules and more? Click here to visit the iTunes store.Running back DeMarco Murray is the key to flipping the advantage back to the Sooners. He is averaging 4.15 yards per carry this season and Reebok New York Jets #6 Mark Sanchez Realtree camo Jersey
has totaled 436 yards through Oklahomafirst four games. If the Oklahoma offense can score points while moving the balance of running and passing yards closer to 40/60, it will give them a huge boost in this game.Now, what does it look like when Texas has the football and Oklahoma is playing "D"?This season, Oklahoma has managed to give back all but eight yards of what their offense gains on average each game. So, while the Sooners are good at moving the ball, they are not doing very well when it comes to stopping the other guys.Oklahoma has not done too badly against the rush except when they faced Air Force and their option attack. In the other three games, they have only given up an average of 119 yards per game.Texas provided UCLA the shovel so they could bury them last Saturday. When you give up four fumbles and one interception during a game you are just gift-wrapping a win for the other team.So far, Texas has given the ball back to the other team 10 times this season. Think how much better the yards per game and scoring would look if they cut that number in half. Think about how much better the defense could look if they were not being called on to bail out the mistakes of the offense.Comparing the Oklahoma defense to the Texas offense is tricky, but by just the slightest of margins the edge goes to the Longhorns.There are two ways Oklahoma can regain the advantage over Texas when these units are on the field. First, they need to win on third down. Oklahoma currently allows other teams to convert at a rate of 40 percent on third down.To state the obvious, if your defense is off the field, then the offense has more opportunities to rack up points.Second, the Sooner defenders must swarm to the ball. If Texas drops the football, it increases the odds of Reebok Oakland Raiders #21 Nnamdi Asomugha Realtree camo Jersey
making the recovery if your side has lots of bodies there.The call for the game? Texas should win the game. Should.On paper they are also a better team than UCLA. Count on Bob Stoops to have his Sooners ready for this game and the energy to be more consistent with what was shown in their meeting with Florida State. Given the unanswered questions both team have, this game is a genuine toss-up.
2011年1月22日星期六
22 Jan 11 Week 3 Recap: Nebraska Cornhuskers Dominate Washington Huskies
Otto Greule Jr/Getty ImagesWeek three's SWOT analysis is, quite frankly, very easy to write. The first two games of the season were a mixed bag of great performances and head-scratching mistakes against inferior foes.It's true that the Huskers faced an easier opponent for the third consecutive Saturday, but at leastthey faceda BCS team on the road in a traditionally difficult environment for visitors. Many questions remained unanswered for Nebraskaafter the Idaho game:How do theystack up against BCS competition? How wouldfreshman QB Reebok Baltimore Ravens #5 Joe Flacco Realtree camo Jersey
Taylor Martinez performin his first start on the road? Will the hostile, loud crowd contribute to the Husker's penchant for committing penalties? Will turnovers finally catch up to the offense against a much better Washingtonteam?Couldthe Huskerssecondary contain quarterback Jake Locker, who isexpected to be a top-five in the 2011NFL draft?Nebraska stomped into Husky stadium, asserted its will on the home team, destroyed a Heisman campaign, and turned a potential trap game into a laugher. In the end, itturns out that Idaho provided more of a challenge for themthan the Huskies. Now, on to the SWOT:Strengths7.1 yards and a cloud of dust.Last week I lamented that Nebraska proved it could score from the 50-yard line but seemed to have problems mounting sustained, clock-eating drives. Obviously Shawn Watson and Barney Cotton (the Husker's offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, respectively) read my analysis and decided to prove me wrong.The offensive line played like men against a pee wee team. A nearly 10 minute difference in time of possession solidified Watson's commitment to game management.Even better news: the time differential got better for the Huskers as the game wore on. Washington held the ball for over nine minutes in the first quarter while Nebraska won the clock battle in all succeeding quarters,including nearly 11 minutes in the fourth quarter.Martinized.Any questions about Nebraska's inexperienced freshman quarterback? Martinez had more miscues at home last week than on the road this week. Once again, he leads the team in rushing.His 7-11 and no INT passing performance was the model of efficiency in a hostile stadium. Sure, hewas sacked three timesbut did I mention he led the team in rushing? Again? Speaking of which...A little help from his friends.Martinez, or T-Mart, or T-Magic, or whatever the Husker fan base wants to call him (I sense another column coming up to squash this nickname issue) had some company in the 100-yard club. Along with the QB's 137 net yards, seniorReebok Baltimore Ravens #27 Ray Rice Realtree camo Jersey
Roy Helu, Jr. contributed 110 and sophomore Rex Burkhead pitched in 104. It was only the fifth time in school history that threeNebraska players rushed for 100+ yards. And the first time ever that Washington allowed that feat.Today's Pick-Six Winner is...Three interceptions returnedfor touchdowns in two games for the defense. This week CBAlfonzo Dennard got into the act. The Huskers need only three more to break the school record for a season. I'm looking at you, Missouri.WeaknessesMental Lapses.Ok, let's reach to find a weakness this week. The stellar, other-worldly defensive secondary had its once-a-game mental lapse on Heisman dope-ful Jake Locker's only TD pass of the day, a 45-yard strike to Jermaine Kearse that resulted from a missed assignment by Nebraska's safeties.It temporarily halted momentum forthe Huskersafter opening the second half on a one-play, 80-yard TD drive by Martinez that should have ended hope on the purple sideline.OpportunitiesScoreboard.Is it just me or does it seem like there is really no intimidating presence in the Big 12 this year? Check out these scores from around the Big 12: Oklahoma 27, Air Force 24; Missouri 27, San Diego State 24; Texas AM 27, Florida International 20. Kansas 16, Southern Miss 31.Colorado was down 10-0 at home at the half against Hawaii. Texas and Kansas State don't look awe-inspiring. Oklahoma State struggled against Troy last week. This could be a really special year for the Huskers.ThreatsStringing out the QBs.When Martinez started at quarterback in the firstweek of the season,the deepest position on the team seemed to be QB. Think about it: the starter is a freshman, the back-up is a sophomorewho started two games last year, and the third stringer is a senior who started in 12 games in 2009.Yet, Cody Green's two fumbles and the complete absence of Zac Lee makes one wonder where Nebraska would be if the unthinkable happened.Jacked-up.Nebraska rolled through its first three opponents and is eager to start their final Big 12 Conference campaign on a nationally-televised Thursday night game at Kansas State. But the team must not forget the trap game coming up this Saturday in Lincoln against a gritty South Dakota State team.A Husker let-down against a determined Jackrabbit squad would destroy Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
the season andoh, hell. Who am I kidding? I couldn't write this with a straight face. Next Saturday will be a great night to take the family out to dinner, with an ear piece on, of course.Get the Red out!Lil' Red was given face time on this ABC/ESPN regional telecast. The more this puffed-up balloon boy shows up on TV the less intimidating the Husker football team becomes. I've made my stance perfectly clear on who should be representing this program.So, Nebraska passes what wassupposed to beits first real test with flying colors. The question is, did they pass because Washington really is that bad or because Nebraska is really that good? Who cares? South Dakota State is next.
Taylor Martinez performin his first start on the road? Will the hostile, loud crowd contribute to the Husker's penchant for committing penalties? Will turnovers finally catch up to the offense against a much better Washingtonteam?Couldthe Huskerssecondary contain quarterback Jake Locker, who isexpected to be a top-five in the 2011NFL draft?Nebraska stomped into Husky stadium, asserted its will on the home team, destroyed a Heisman campaign, and turned a potential trap game into a laugher. In the end, itturns out that Idaho provided more of a challenge for themthan the Huskies. Now, on to the SWOT:Strengths7.1 yards and a cloud of dust.Last week I lamented that Nebraska proved it could score from the 50-yard line but seemed to have problems mounting sustained, clock-eating drives. Obviously Shawn Watson and Barney Cotton (the Husker's offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, respectively) read my analysis and decided to prove me wrong.The offensive line played like men against a pee wee team. A nearly 10 minute difference in time of possession solidified Watson's commitment to game management.Even better news: the time differential got better for the Huskers as the game wore on. Washington held the ball for over nine minutes in the first quarter while Nebraska won the clock battle in all succeeding quarters,including nearly 11 minutes in the fourth quarter.Martinized.Any questions about Nebraska's inexperienced freshman quarterback? Martinez had more miscues at home last week than on the road this week. Once again, he leads the team in rushing.His 7-11 and no INT passing performance was the model of efficiency in a hostile stadium. Sure, hewas sacked three timesbut did I mention he led the team in rushing? Again? Speaking of which...A little help from his friends.Martinez, or T-Mart, or T-Magic, or whatever the Husker fan base wants to call him (I sense another column coming up to squash this nickname issue) had some company in the 100-yard club. Along with the QB's 137 net yards, seniorReebok Baltimore Ravens #27 Ray Rice Realtree camo Jersey
Roy Helu, Jr. contributed 110 and sophomore Rex Burkhead pitched in 104. It was only the fifth time in school history that threeNebraska players rushed for 100+ yards. And the first time ever that Washington allowed that feat.Today's Pick-Six Winner is...Three interceptions returnedfor touchdowns in two games for the defense. This week CBAlfonzo Dennard got into the act. The Huskers need only three more to break the school record for a season. I'm looking at you, Missouri.WeaknessesMental Lapses.Ok, let's reach to find a weakness this week. The stellar, other-worldly defensive secondary had its once-a-game mental lapse on Heisman dope-ful Jake Locker's only TD pass of the day, a 45-yard strike to Jermaine Kearse that resulted from a missed assignment by Nebraska's safeties.It temporarily halted momentum forthe Huskersafter opening the second half on a one-play, 80-yard TD drive by Martinez that should have ended hope on the purple sideline.OpportunitiesScoreboard.Is it just me or does it seem like there is really no intimidating presence in the Big 12 this year? Check out these scores from around the Big 12: Oklahoma 27, Air Force 24; Missouri 27, San Diego State 24; Texas AM 27, Florida International 20. Kansas 16, Southern Miss 31.Colorado was down 10-0 at home at the half against Hawaii. Texas and Kansas State don't look awe-inspiring. Oklahoma State struggled against Troy last week. This could be a really special year for the Huskers.ThreatsStringing out the QBs.When Martinez started at quarterback in the firstweek of the season,the deepest position on the team seemed to be QB. Think about it: the starter is a freshman, the back-up is a sophomorewho started two games last year, and the third stringer is a senior who started in 12 games in 2009.Yet, Cody Green's two fumbles and the complete absence of Zac Lee makes one wonder where Nebraska would be if the unthinkable happened.Jacked-up.Nebraska rolled through its first three opponents and is eager to start their final Big 12 Conference campaign on a nationally-televised Thursday night game at Kansas State. But the team must not forget the trap game coming up this Saturday in Lincoln against a gritty South Dakota State team.A Husker let-down against a determined Jackrabbit squad would destroy Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
the season andoh, hell. Who am I kidding? I couldn't write this with a straight face. Next Saturday will be a great night to take the family out to dinner, with an ear piece on, of course.Get the Red out!Lil' Red was given face time on this ABC/ESPN regional telecast. The more this puffed-up balloon boy shows up on TV the less intimidating the Husker football team becomes. I've made my stance perfectly clear on who should be representing this program.So, Nebraska passes what wassupposed to beits first real test with flying colors. The question is, did they pass because Washington really is that bad or because Nebraska is really that good? Who cares? South Dakota State is next.
2011年1月18日星期二
18 Jan 11 Wisconsin Football: Austin Peay Governors Coming To Madison With No Expectations
When the Wisconsin Badgers Run Out Of The Tunnel At Camp Randall, The Austin Peay Governors Wil Find That Game Film Wont Prepare You For Gametime Atmospheres Like Camp RandallEthan Miller/Getty ImagesThe Austin Peay Governors (named after the Governor by the same name who served Tennessee Reebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jersey
from 1923-27) are coming to Madison with very low expectations. Coach Rick Christophel hasn't had a winning year in his five year tenure, and says while the program is starting to turn the corner with pieces like running backs Ryan White and Terrence Holta standout seniorthey're nowhere where they'd like to be as a program. "We've got to get to that upper-echelon level. We're not there yet. There's three, four, five teams in our conference that are there. That's how you measure yourself. When you go outside the conference, then maybe you'll be able to compete." Christophel said. Austin Peay plays in the OVC, the Ohio Valley Conference of the FCS. For Austin Peay, staying on the field long enough at least competently, would be nice. "It's going to be hard to tell after a game like this because Wisconsin's so good," Christophel said. Reebok New England Patriots #12 Tom Brady Realtree camo Jersey
"If we can just play our assignments and do the things we're supposed to do, then hopefully we can be competitiveve enough to stay on the field for a little while." The Governors have little to lose, but the intimidation factor will definitely be there, coming out of the tunnel on to the field to play the Badgers, with just a handful of fans in their corner, out of thousands.The offense of Austin Peay will be very limited, likely focused in large on Holt (700-plus rushing yards and 13 touchdowns last season) but the attack shouldn't be too much to handle. For the Badgers, it's a refresher on what needs to be worked on, where they can improve, and getting healthy against a lesser opponent. Starters will get their time on the field, but once the Badgers pull aheadand they willthe backups (namely Montee Ball, James White, some interior linemen) should get plenty of garbage time reps. Junior running back John Clay and his physical running style should make short work of the Governors defense, and continue into Big Ten play stronger than in previous weeks. Clay sits at 383 yards and five touchdowns, but I'm sure he'd love to bump those numbers up to perhaps 500 yards and seven or eight scores. That would certainly put him back in the discussion of Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year again, an award he won last season. Quarterback Scott Tolzien will hopefully continue to grow into his role, and progress further as a passer for the Badgers. It's key that he keeps developing his passing game (which is already rather efficient and low on mistakes) because the runningReebok New Orleans Saints #9 Drew Brees Realtree camo Jersey
game needs the passing game to work well to keep defenses honest, keeping men in traditional positions rather than loading the box suspecting run. If the No. 11 Badgers want to make a serious BCS push, it starts Oct. 2nd, at Michigan St. If they can roll over Austin Peay Saturday, look for a hot Badgers team to roll into conference play with issues resolved.
from 1923-27) are coming to Madison with very low expectations. Coach Rick Christophel hasn't had a winning year in his five year tenure, and says while the program is starting to turn the corner with pieces like running backs Ryan White and Terrence Holta standout seniorthey're nowhere where they'd like to be as a program. "We've got to get to that upper-echelon level. We're not there yet. There's three, four, five teams in our conference that are there. That's how you measure yourself. When you go outside the conference, then maybe you'll be able to compete." Christophel said. Austin Peay plays in the OVC, the Ohio Valley Conference of the FCS. For Austin Peay, staying on the field long enough at least competently, would be nice. "It's going to be hard to tell after a game like this because Wisconsin's so good," Christophel said. Reebok New England Patriots #12 Tom Brady Realtree camo Jersey
"If we can just play our assignments and do the things we're supposed to do, then hopefully we can be competitiveve enough to stay on the field for a little while." The Governors have little to lose, but the intimidation factor will definitely be there, coming out of the tunnel on to the field to play the Badgers, with just a handful of fans in their corner, out of thousands.The offense of Austin Peay will be very limited, likely focused in large on Holt (700-plus rushing yards and 13 touchdowns last season) but the attack shouldn't be too much to handle. For the Badgers, it's a refresher on what needs to be worked on, where they can improve, and getting healthy against a lesser opponent. Starters will get their time on the field, but once the Badgers pull aheadand they willthe backups (namely Montee Ball, James White, some interior linemen) should get plenty of garbage time reps. Junior running back John Clay and his physical running style should make short work of the Governors defense, and continue into Big Ten play stronger than in previous weeks. Clay sits at 383 yards and five touchdowns, but I'm sure he'd love to bump those numbers up to perhaps 500 yards and seven or eight scores. That would certainly put him back in the discussion of Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year again, an award he won last season. Quarterback Scott Tolzien will hopefully continue to grow into his role, and progress further as a passer for the Badgers. It's key that he keeps developing his passing game (which is already rather efficient and low on mistakes) because the runningReebok New Orleans Saints #9 Drew Brees Realtree camo Jersey
game needs the passing game to work well to keep defenses honest, keeping men in traditional positions rather than loading the box suspecting run. If the No. 11 Badgers want to make a serious BCS push, it starts Oct. 2nd, at Michigan St. If they can roll over Austin Peay Saturday, look for a hot Badgers team to roll into conference play with issues resolved.
2011年1月15日星期六
15 Jan 11 St. Louis Rams Week 1 Report Card Marc Bulger Leonard Little
The more things change, the more they stay the same. In Sunday's win at home versus the Denver Broncos, the St. Louis Rams' defense forced five turnovers but couldn't stop the run. The Rams' offense displayed a vastly improved rushing attack but was still unable to find the end zone. The Rams' special teams contained the Broncos' returners and proved that Jeff Wilkins can still kick, yet were anything but special returning the ball themselves. As a result, the Rams' grades are something of a mixed bag:Quarterback: Considered among the most accurate passers in the Reebok Green Bay Packers 21 Charles Woodson Realtree camo Jersey
league, Marc Bulger turned in a pedestrian effort on Sunday. Bulger's career passing percentage is an impressive 65 percent, yet he managed only 18-for-34 for 217 yards, barely over 50 percent. What may be considered a decent outing for other quarterbacks is extremely average for Bulger. Continuing the touchdown drought of the preseason, Bulger should get better in subsequent games after he has knocked the rust off. He missed a couple throws he normally makes, including a wide open Torry Holt in the end zone. Grade: B -Receivers: A decent, if unspectacular outing. Holt and Issac Bruce had solid games, catching seven balls for 80 yards and five for 64, respectively. However, the Rams saw virtually nothing from third and fourth receivers Kevin Curtis and Shaun McDonald. Head coach Scott Linehan's dedication to the run could come at the expense of opportunities for the Rams' talented backups. Note: Congratulations to Issac Bruce, who passed Shannon Sharpe and former Ram Henry Ellard for 11th place on the NFL all time list with 818 receptions. Grade: BRunning backs: It seems Linehan will afford Steven Jackson the opportunity he's been asking for; now he must literally take the ball and run with it. Jackson rushed for 121 yards on 22 attempts and generally looked strong throughout the game. Unfortunately, Jackson still shows a propensity for trying to juke the entire defense in the backfield, causing him to have multiple rushes for negative yardage (he led the league in this category last season). Although elusive at his size, Jackson is no Marshall Faulk and must learn to recognize when there are no holes and push the pile for a couple yards. Jackson can be downright scary when running north and south, evidenced by his dragging of defenders for first downs on Sunday. Tony Fisher was productive in his backup role, with two receptions for 54 yards. Grade: B +Offensive line: The line did a credible job opening up some holes for Jackson and generally looked strong early. Unfortunately, center Andy McCollum went down with what is being deemed a serious knee injury in the second quarter. Without McCollum, the Rams' linemen went on to give up three sacks and committed numerous penalties. Backup center Larry Turner watched Broncos' defensive end Kenard Lang blow byReebok Minnesota Vikings #84 Randy Moss Realtree camo Jersey
him and crush Bulger on a critical fourth-quarter drive. If McCollum is out for an extended period, look for some shuffling and veteran backup Todd Steussie to see some playing time. Grade: C +Defensive line: Leonard Little appeared unstoppable, racking up five tackles, two sacks and forcing a fumble. Little's constant harassment of Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer contributed to hurried throws and three interceptions. Anthony Hargrove contributed a sack and La'Roi Glover looked solid on the interior of the line. However, the Rams are still having trouble stopping the run, getting torched for a combined 161 yards on 25 attempts by the Denver running backs. Failing to stop the run could prove fatal in subsequent contests. Note: Jimmy Kennedy broke his hand but returned to the game with a cast. Grade: B (A - for Little's superior effort)Linebackers: Will Witherspoon earned every penny of his lucrative free agent deal, posting eight tackles and forcing a fumble to halt an early Denver drive. Witherspoon's tipped pass (and subsequent interception by Fakhir Brown) all but sealed the Broncos' fate. Pisa Tinoisamoa recovered a fumble and Brandon Chillar looked like he belongs with the first unit. Unfortunately, the Rams' linebackers must share the burden of not consistently holding up against the run and it keeps them from earning a higher grade. Grade: B +Secondary: Numerous penalties (including two pass-interference calls against Fakhir Brown) marred an otherwise stellar performance. The Rams' secondary was credited with three interceptions and a fumble recovery by O.J. Atogwe. Brown contributed a sack. They held Plummer to a mere 138 yards passing. The additions of Brown and Corey Chavous have shown immediate dividends. If the defense can continue to play at this level and the Rams' offense can return to form, St. Louis' opponents are in serious trouble. Defensive coordinator Jim Haslett's arrival has brought not only sweeping changes in personnel, but also in attitude. The aforementioned penalties (including a ridiculous unsportsmanlike conduct call for "Excessive Celebration," that could have proved costly) keep the secondary from earning a perfect score. Grade: A - Special teams: Jeff Wilkins' reliable leg simply won the game for the Rams, setting a franchise record with six field goals. Matt Turk proved to be a valuable asset, averaging 50 yards on three punts. While the Rams did nothing noteworthy returning kicks, they broke with tradition and stymied the Denver return game, disallowing any kind of meaningful gains. IfReebok Pittsburg Steelers #83 Heath Miller Realtree camo Jersey
the special teams units can continue to contribute in this manner it will erase a perennial glaring weakness in the Rams. Grade: A -Much like last year the St. Louis Rams are committing far too many penalties and continue to struggle stopping the run. However, unlike last season, the Rams' defenders played inspired football and the offense proved it can run the ball. Indeed, the more things change the more they stay the same. However, the biggest change this time is the Rams pulled out a game that last year they would have lost.Get more St. Louis Rams insights (0)
league, Marc Bulger turned in a pedestrian effort on Sunday. Bulger's career passing percentage is an impressive 65 percent, yet he managed only 18-for-34 for 217 yards, barely over 50 percent. What may be considered a decent outing for other quarterbacks is extremely average for Bulger. Continuing the touchdown drought of the preseason, Bulger should get better in subsequent games after he has knocked the rust off. He missed a couple throws he normally makes, including a wide open Torry Holt in the end zone. Grade: B -Receivers: A decent, if unspectacular outing. Holt and Issac Bruce had solid games, catching seven balls for 80 yards and five for 64, respectively. However, the Rams saw virtually nothing from third and fourth receivers Kevin Curtis and Shaun McDonald. Head coach Scott Linehan's dedication to the run could come at the expense of opportunities for the Rams' talented backups. Note: Congratulations to Issac Bruce, who passed Shannon Sharpe and former Ram Henry Ellard for 11th place on the NFL all time list with 818 receptions. Grade: BRunning backs: It seems Linehan will afford Steven Jackson the opportunity he's been asking for; now he must literally take the ball and run with it. Jackson rushed for 121 yards on 22 attempts and generally looked strong throughout the game. Unfortunately, Jackson still shows a propensity for trying to juke the entire defense in the backfield, causing him to have multiple rushes for negative yardage (he led the league in this category last season). Although elusive at his size, Jackson is no Marshall Faulk and must learn to recognize when there are no holes and push the pile for a couple yards. Jackson can be downright scary when running north and south, evidenced by his dragging of defenders for first downs on Sunday. Tony Fisher was productive in his backup role, with two receptions for 54 yards. Grade: B +Offensive line: The line did a credible job opening up some holes for Jackson and generally looked strong early. Unfortunately, center Andy McCollum went down with what is being deemed a serious knee injury in the second quarter. Without McCollum, the Rams' linemen went on to give up three sacks and committed numerous penalties. Backup center Larry Turner watched Broncos' defensive end Kenard Lang blow byReebok Minnesota Vikings #84 Randy Moss Realtree camo Jersey
him and crush Bulger on a critical fourth-quarter drive. If McCollum is out for an extended period, look for some shuffling and veteran backup Todd Steussie to see some playing time. Grade: C +Defensive line: Leonard Little appeared unstoppable, racking up five tackles, two sacks and forcing a fumble. Little's constant harassment of Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer contributed to hurried throws and three interceptions. Anthony Hargrove contributed a sack and La'Roi Glover looked solid on the interior of the line. However, the Rams are still having trouble stopping the run, getting torched for a combined 161 yards on 25 attempts by the Denver running backs. Failing to stop the run could prove fatal in subsequent contests. Note: Jimmy Kennedy broke his hand but returned to the game with a cast. Grade: B (A - for Little's superior effort)Linebackers: Will Witherspoon earned every penny of his lucrative free agent deal, posting eight tackles and forcing a fumble to halt an early Denver drive. Witherspoon's tipped pass (and subsequent interception by Fakhir Brown) all but sealed the Broncos' fate. Pisa Tinoisamoa recovered a fumble and Brandon Chillar looked like he belongs with the first unit. Unfortunately, the Rams' linebackers must share the burden of not consistently holding up against the run and it keeps them from earning a higher grade. Grade: B +Secondary: Numerous penalties (including two pass-interference calls against Fakhir Brown) marred an otherwise stellar performance. The Rams' secondary was credited with three interceptions and a fumble recovery by O.J. Atogwe. Brown contributed a sack. They held Plummer to a mere 138 yards passing. The additions of Brown and Corey Chavous have shown immediate dividends. If the defense can continue to play at this level and the Rams' offense can return to form, St. Louis' opponents are in serious trouble. Defensive coordinator Jim Haslett's arrival has brought not only sweeping changes in personnel, but also in attitude. The aforementioned penalties (including a ridiculous unsportsmanlike conduct call for "Excessive Celebration," that could have proved costly) keep the secondary from earning a perfect score. Grade: A - Special teams: Jeff Wilkins' reliable leg simply won the game for the Rams, setting a franchise record with six field goals. Matt Turk proved to be a valuable asset, averaging 50 yards on three punts. While the Rams did nothing noteworthy returning kicks, they broke with tradition and stymied the Denver return game, disallowing any kind of meaningful gains. IfReebok Pittsburg Steelers #83 Heath Miller Realtree camo Jersey
the special teams units can continue to contribute in this manner it will erase a perennial glaring weakness in the Rams. Grade: A -Much like last year the St. Louis Rams are committing far too many penalties and continue to struggle stopping the run. However, unlike last season, the Rams' defenders played inspired football and the offense proved it can run the ball. Indeed, the more things change the more they stay the same. However, the biggest change this time is the Rams pulled out a game that last year they would have lost.Get more St. Louis Rams insights (0)
2011年1月13日星期四
14 Jan 11 Seattle Seahawks "If not Jim Mora, then whom?"
If not Jim Mora, then whom?Mora was hired to coach the Seattle Seahawks' secondary this year, but that might not have been the primary purpose for bringing him to the team. As indicated by his other title -- "assistant head coach" -- the coach the Atlanta Falcons fired this offseason is now the No. 2 man behind Mike Holmgren in Seattle. And with Holmgren playing it one year at a time these days, team president Tim Ruskell obviously is bracing for Holmgren's departure by setting up Mora as a potential successor.While it seems like a sound contingency, it might be Carolina Panthers jersey
good for only one year. If Holmgren stays through his two-year contract, Mora might not be around to replace him in 2009 (or 2010 or whenever). As the Seahawks' assistant head coach, Mora can get out of his contract only for a head-coaching job, but he figures to get another such chance next offseason. Among those who could be looking for coaches then are the New York Giants, Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers, Washington Redskins and Oakland Raiders. Of course, former Pittsburgh coach Bill Cowher figures to get the job of his choice, assuming he plans to re-enter the NFL coaching ranks. That would leave Mora going against as many as a dozen legitimate candidates for perhaps five or six other jobs. Odds are pretty decent that Mora gets one of those jobs -- if he wants it.Assuming Mora does leave Seattle after one year and Ruskell's replacement plan does fall through, the Seahawks president would have to come up with Plan B to replace Coach H.So who then could Plan B be?The first thing to keep in mind is that Ruskell will want to keep the offense intact. Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has put in too much time mastering Holmgren's West Coast scheme, and Ruskell surely would not want to make the Pro Bowl quarterback start all over and learn a new offense. The addition of Chicago Bears jersey
Mora indicates that Ruskell is in fact looking at defensive-minded coaching candidates, but any offensive coach who favors the West Coast scheme would probably be a candidate as well. Or Ruskell could favor a coach who has been there before and knows how to manage a team. Mora fits all of those qualities.So who else fits those profiles?Defensively, there could be a number of options. Jim Haslett, former coach of the New Orleans Saints, probably deserves another shot -- and probably could succeed with a better franchise. He interviewed with Detroit and Buffalo last year, and if he can revive the St. Louis defense in his second year with the Rams, he could quickly jump back into the pool of prime candidates. The Seahawks actually looked at him in 1999 before they hired Holmgren, and he favored the West Coast offense when he was with the Saints. If the Panthers let John Fox go, the former defensive coordinator for the Giants could become another recycled candidate. Rising defensive minds include Ron Rivera, Greg Manusky as well as Rob and Rex Ryan. Rivera, formerly the Chicago Bears' defensive coordinator, has garnered the interest of at least 10 teams over the past two years. The Bears inexplicably allowed Rivera to leave this offseason -- he replaced Manusky as the linebackers coach in San Diego -- but Rivera should still command interest two years from now if the Seahawks are in the market for a new coach. So should Manusky, provided he can work wonders for San Francisco's porous defense over the next two seasons.The Ryan brothers, sons of former Chicago and Philadelphia defensive guru Buddy Ryan, both run their own NFL defenses these days. Rex is in charge of the Baltimore Ravens' vaunted unit, while Rob has turned the Oakland Raiders' defense into one of the league's better squads. A couple of experienced offensive coaches who could step in are Mike Sherman and Mike Mularkey. Sherman, who coached under Holmgren in Seattle in 1999, ran the same offense for several years in Green Bay. And Mularkey coached Buffalo for two years and is known by Ruskell from their days in Tampa Bay (1994-95).But the best choice could be someone who is not even in the NFL right now. Two years from now, Pete Carroll could be ready to leave USC. And the NFL already seems ready to have him back -- as the Miami Dolphins' interest this offseason showed. The only question would be whether Carroll would be willing to work under a general manager. But if he was, he would take over a team with a built-in offense Cincinnati Bengals jersey
and a bunch of defenders who play in a scheme similar to the one he runs at USC and who are led by one of his former stars, linebacker Lofa Tatupu. While Carroll might be a stretch, he could be the best option two years from now. Because if not Mora, then whom?RealFootball365.com: Where there's no such thing as an offseason for Seattle Seahawks football.
good for only one year. If Holmgren stays through his two-year contract, Mora might not be around to replace him in 2009 (or 2010 or whenever). As the Seahawks' assistant head coach, Mora can get out of his contract only for a head-coaching job, but he figures to get another such chance next offseason. Among those who could be looking for coaches then are the New York Giants, Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers, Washington Redskins and Oakland Raiders. Of course, former Pittsburgh coach Bill Cowher figures to get the job of his choice, assuming he plans to re-enter the NFL coaching ranks. That would leave Mora going against as many as a dozen legitimate candidates for perhaps five or six other jobs. Odds are pretty decent that Mora gets one of those jobs -- if he wants it.Assuming Mora does leave Seattle after one year and Ruskell's replacement plan does fall through, the Seahawks president would have to come up with Plan B to replace Coach H.So who then could Plan B be?The first thing to keep in mind is that Ruskell will want to keep the offense intact. Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has put in too much time mastering Holmgren's West Coast scheme, and Ruskell surely would not want to make the Pro Bowl quarterback start all over and learn a new offense. The addition of Chicago Bears jersey
Mora indicates that Ruskell is in fact looking at defensive-minded coaching candidates, but any offensive coach who favors the West Coast scheme would probably be a candidate as well. Or Ruskell could favor a coach who has been there before and knows how to manage a team. Mora fits all of those qualities.So who else fits those profiles?Defensively, there could be a number of options. Jim Haslett, former coach of the New Orleans Saints, probably deserves another shot -- and probably could succeed with a better franchise. He interviewed with Detroit and Buffalo last year, and if he can revive the St. Louis defense in his second year with the Rams, he could quickly jump back into the pool of prime candidates. The Seahawks actually looked at him in 1999 before they hired Holmgren, and he favored the West Coast offense when he was with the Saints. If the Panthers let John Fox go, the former defensive coordinator for the Giants could become another recycled candidate. Rising defensive minds include Ron Rivera, Greg Manusky as well as Rob and Rex Ryan. Rivera, formerly the Chicago Bears' defensive coordinator, has garnered the interest of at least 10 teams over the past two years. The Bears inexplicably allowed Rivera to leave this offseason -- he replaced Manusky as the linebackers coach in San Diego -- but Rivera should still command interest two years from now if the Seahawks are in the market for a new coach. So should Manusky, provided he can work wonders for San Francisco's porous defense over the next two seasons.The Ryan brothers, sons of former Chicago and Philadelphia defensive guru Buddy Ryan, both run their own NFL defenses these days. Rex is in charge of the Baltimore Ravens' vaunted unit, while Rob has turned the Oakland Raiders' defense into one of the league's better squads. A couple of experienced offensive coaches who could step in are Mike Sherman and Mike Mularkey. Sherman, who coached under Holmgren in Seattle in 1999, ran the same offense for several years in Green Bay. And Mularkey coached Buffalo for two years and is known by Ruskell from their days in Tampa Bay (1994-95).But the best choice could be someone who is not even in the NFL right now. Two years from now, Pete Carroll could be ready to leave USC. And the NFL already seems ready to have him back -- as the Miami Dolphins' interest this offseason showed. The only question would be whether Carroll would be willing to work under a general manager. But if he was, he would take over a team with a built-in offense Cincinnati Bengals jersey
and a bunch of defenders who play in a scheme similar to the one he runs at USC and who are led by one of his former stars, linebacker Lofa Tatupu. While Carroll might be a stretch, he could be the best option two years from now. Because if not Mora, then whom?RealFootball365.com: Where there's no such thing as an offseason for Seattle Seahawks football.
2011年1月12日星期三
13 Jan 11 I'm Back...and So Are The Lakers at The Top
Harry How/Getty ImagesBrought to you by the guys at Lakers101.Hello one and all. It is true. I have been gone missing. It not all my fault. In the past six months, during my absence from writing, I got a job, planned a wedding, attended a wedding as both a groomsman and a groom, honeymooned on a seven-day cruise through the Western Caribbean (which I highly recommend), moved into a new home, got my wife a new job at my place of work, oh, and made two very important purchases: 1) a new big screen to enjoy all my Lakers Reebok Baltimore Ravens #27 Ray Rice Realtree camo Jersey
games, 2) and of course NBA League Pass since it the only way to get EVERY Lakers game when you live on the East Coast.The saying is true. It much easier to fall out of a habit than it is to get back into it. Even with all that going on, that doesn excuse my long hiatus. But, just because Ive been out of sight from my readers, doesn mean I haven been paying attention to our boys (reference #1 2 above). At night, instead of writing for your enjoyment, I have been selfish and chose to watch Lakers games instead.But Im backand without further adeuFor the entire article please visit www.Lakers101.com.
games, 2) and of course NBA League Pass since it the only way to get EVERY Lakers game when you live on the East Coast.The saying is true. It much easier to fall out of a habit than it is to get back into it. Even with all that going on, that doesn excuse my long hiatus. But, just because Ive been out of sight from my readers, doesn mean I haven been paying attention to our boys (reference #1 2 above). At night, instead of writing for your enjoyment, I have been selfish and chose to watch Lakers games instead.But Im backand without further adeuFor the entire article please visit www.Lakers101.com.
12 Jan 11 New Jersey Nets: Calm Before the Storm
Andy Lyons/Getty ImagesThe New Jersey Nets are in the midst of what might end up being the worst season in the history of the NBA. That just sounds horrible, the "Worst Team in the History of the NBA," no one would ever want attached to their name for eternity. Lets be honest, the Nets aren't nearly in as bad of shape as one would expect the "Worst Team in NBA History" to be in.This season might be a little hard to swallow, everyone in the Nets organization cannot wait for this 82 game season to be over. But it seems like their is a big light at the end ofHouston Texans jersey
this tunnel. First lets start with the young talented group New Jersey has pieced together of the past two seasons:Brook Lopez is one of the best young players in this league, averaging 19.0 points per game, 9.40 rebounds per game and 2 blocks per game, every night he gets a double double it seems.Devin Harris has fallen off a little, but he's also been injured and playing with worse talent. Harris can still be a star in this league and is still one of the better point guards in the league.Chris Douglas-Roberts does alot of things very well, and could be a very good 2 or 3 in a few years. Averaging 13.8 points per game, he's an average defender but has shown glimpses of brilliance this year.Terrence Williams has also had some big games for them this year, and could be a very good player.Well the first key for the Nets turning around is the obvious one, Get John Wall. Point blank, no other way of putting it. Get him and your team already added a superstar and it won't even be July by than. History shows that the team that's supposed to win the lottery doesn't, but the Nets really need this one, the lottery will be one of the most important days in the history of the Nets organization.Lets say they don't win and they pick No. 2 or No. 3, than they'll have to decide between Ohio States Evan Turner, Kansas's Xavier Henry, Syracuse's Wesley Johnson and Georgia Tech's Derrick Favor, who in my opinion will all be successful NBA players but none will touch the level of super stardom John Wall will. In this year's draft, if the season ended today they would have Indianapolis Colts jersey
the No. 1 overall pick, No. 23, and No. 31 picks, which could help fill a few of the holes on the team.Next step, sign one of the big name free agents; thinking they can convince two max contract guys to come to New Jersey is unrealistic, but signing Joe Johnson, Amar'e Stoudemire or Chris Bosh is realistic. Last week Amar'e Stoudemire said that New Jersey is a place he's keeping his eye on because of their ideal situation of good young talent and the possibility of playing with John Wall. Chris Bosh would fit in excellently on the Nets, who might be one of the few "max contract guys" who hasn't reached his full potential yet. I think they have a slight window for LeBron James to consider coming to New Jersey, that being his friendship with Nets part-owner Jay-Z. If that's the case, this is a completely different article, but it's being written assuming he's not coming to New Jersey.Now if everything falls right for the Nets and they win the John Wall lottery, Devin Harris, while being a very good player is expendable now. I can name a few teams that would love to have a Devin Harris (Portland, Phoenix [after Nash leaves], Lakers, Dallas (to replace Kidd, again), Minneasota) if the Nets can find a way to improve and add another player or two via trade, than they've given the team a face lift while keeping most of its young core in tact.The Nets are in an extremely interesting time for the franchise, in five years they could be in Newark sharing a building with ex-roommates the New Jersey Devils, or they could be the team that Jacksonville Jaguars jersey
brings back basketball to the Big Apple (which they desperately need). Regardless of where they are, the New Jersey Nets are a team to watch in the near future, but it all starts in May when their franchise's fate hangs in the balance of a bunch of ping pong balls.
this tunnel. First lets start with the young talented group New Jersey has pieced together of the past two seasons:Brook Lopez is one of the best young players in this league, averaging 19.0 points per game, 9.40 rebounds per game and 2 blocks per game, every night he gets a double double it seems.Devin Harris has fallen off a little, but he's also been injured and playing with worse talent. Harris can still be a star in this league and is still one of the better point guards in the league.Chris Douglas-Roberts does alot of things very well, and could be a very good 2 or 3 in a few years. Averaging 13.8 points per game, he's an average defender but has shown glimpses of brilliance this year.Terrence Williams has also had some big games for them this year, and could be a very good player.Well the first key for the Nets turning around is the obvious one, Get John Wall. Point blank, no other way of putting it. Get him and your team already added a superstar and it won't even be July by than. History shows that the team that's supposed to win the lottery doesn't, but the Nets really need this one, the lottery will be one of the most important days in the history of the Nets organization.Lets say they don't win and they pick No. 2 or No. 3, than they'll have to decide between Ohio States Evan Turner, Kansas's Xavier Henry, Syracuse's Wesley Johnson and Georgia Tech's Derrick Favor, who in my opinion will all be successful NBA players but none will touch the level of super stardom John Wall will. In this year's draft, if the season ended today they would have Indianapolis Colts jersey
the No. 1 overall pick, No. 23, and No. 31 picks, which could help fill a few of the holes on the team.Next step, sign one of the big name free agents; thinking they can convince two max contract guys to come to New Jersey is unrealistic, but signing Joe Johnson, Amar'e Stoudemire or Chris Bosh is realistic. Last week Amar'e Stoudemire said that New Jersey is a place he's keeping his eye on because of their ideal situation of good young talent and the possibility of playing with John Wall. Chris Bosh would fit in excellently on the Nets, who might be one of the few "max contract guys" who hasn't reached his full potential yet. I think they have a slight window for LeBron James to consider coming to New Jersey, that being his friendship with Nets part-owner Jay-Z. If that's the case, this is a completely different article, but it's being written assuming he's not coming to New Jersey.Now if everything falls right for the Nets and they win the John Wall lottery, Devin Harris, while being a very good player is expendable now. I can name a few teams that would love to have a Devin Harris (Portland, Phoenix [after Nash leaves], Lakers, Dallas (to replace Kidd, again), Minneasota) if the Nets can find a way to improve and add another player or two via trade, than they've given the team a face lift while keeping most of its young core in tact.The Nets are in an extremely interesting time for the franchise, in five years they could be in Newark sharing a building with ex-roommates the New Jersey Devils, or they could be the team that Jacksonville Jaguars jersey
brings back basketball to the Big Apple (which they desperately need). Regardless of where they are, the New Jersey Nets are a team to watch in the near future, but it all starts in May when their franchise's fate hangs in the balance of a bunch of ping pong balls.
2011年1月10日星期一
10 Jan 11 Bleacher Report Goes Hollywood: Are the Los Angeles Clippers Ready To Set Sail?
Stephen Dunn/Getty ImagesWhile wondering what I should do with my Drew Gooden Clippers jerseyWelcome to the inaugural edition of Bleacher Report Goes Hollywood , where we look at the LA sports scene from a Tinsel town point of view. Each week well look at the major issues involving Southern California Reebok Baltimore Ravens #27 Ray Rice Realtree camo Jersey
franchises both college and professional. Also, on a completely unrelated note, well have a special feature at the end of each column called Pimp Slap of the Week , which needs no explanation, and deservedly so.Remember how in The Karate Kid when Daniel-San was always being beaten down by the Cobra Kai and finally getting the upper hand by crane-kicking Johnny in the tournament finals? Well for years Ive waited for the LA Clippers to do the same thing to their Staples Center brethren since they drafted Danny Manning No. 1 more than 20 years ago. Unfortunately though, knowing the Clippers history, Daniel-San crane kick was blocked, with him falling to the ground with a broken leg and Mr. Miyagi having to rely on washing windows.It as if for every draft pick for the Clippers that resulted in a Benoit Benjamin, Lamond Murray and even Michael Olowokandi No. 1 overall, there has always been that hope that they would finally rise up out of the incompetence of owner Donald Sterling and succeed in spite of his attempts to use former GM Elgin Baylor as the scapegoat for their failures. When they had a thrilling semi-final series against the Suns a few years ago in the playoffs, I thought their fortunes had changed. Since then Elton Brand went to sabotage his own career in Philly in a turncoat move worthy of Hulk Hogan-status, leaving Baron Davis and others to wonder whose dog they had ran over to end up in this situation.Yet, I remained hopeful when they selected Oklahoma Blake Griffin No. 1 in the 2009 NBA Draft. Then, in true Clipper fashion, he broke his kneecap on a fast-break dunk in the final preseason game, resulting in season-ending surgery and another year of setback. That being said, I do believe that THIS is the time in which the Clippers might finally awaken out of their own abyss.Now JR, Im sure you might be asking, when are you going to put the pipe down? This team hasn even won a game since Dumbleavy stepped down as coach? Well, the realist in me realizes this is the case, and yet the optimist in me looks at the recent moves and believes that perhaps Mike Dunleavy may know what he doing, despite the recent barbs fired by frustrated All-Star Center Chris Kaman . The recent trades have shed light into what appears to be an actual plan by the red-headed stepchildren of the Staples Center. Although Marcus Camby was leading the team in rebounding at 12.1/game, they made a shrewd move to send him to Portland for forward Travis Outlaw and point guard Steve Blake. Blake can provide a measure of Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
leadership that the Blazers will miss out on come playoff time, and he will provide a solid back up presence when Baron Davis has to rest. Davis had grown to actually realize there are actually guys he can pass the ball to this year, and also developed a (gasp!) relationship with Dunleavy before he spared all of us of his head-scratching decisions.Also, in what was a very good cap-clearing trade, which is the modus operandi in Clipperland, they executed a three-way deal that sent Al Thornton and draft bust Sebastian Telfair to the Wizards and resulted in Drew Gooden, who will probably smash the Mike Morgan record for the most number of teams played for in a career should they decide that his soul patch isn worth keeping around. Now it puts them in a category where only a few will reach come July 1, 2010. They are now in position to shop for that mega-star that could finally put butts in seats not named Billy Crystal or Bill Simmons.The question is now who should they get to go alongside Kaman, a healthy Griffin, Baron, and up-and-coming guard Eric Gordon? They would need someone who can play the three and switch over to the two if they want to go big. Someone who can placate as playmaker when Baron decides to revert back to his Golden State days and will have no problem playing second, or even third banana, yet have All-Star talent.I have to agree with Simmons and suggest they go hard after Joe Johnson of the Atlanta Hawks. He has spent the past five years making the Hawks relevant, and after another year of coming up short against the likes of Dwight Howard, LeBron, and KG, he will have had enough and want to go to a team that could possess legitimate title hopes with two strong post players. Also, JJ won have to feel like being the first go-to option all of the time, since he usually gets smothered come playoff time with no one else able to score consistently for Atlanta. That said, should Atlanta break through and reach the conference finals this year thanks to an improved Al Horford, Josh Smith and Jamal Crawford all bets are off.The Clips second best option would be Rudy Gay of Memphis. He is an unassuming slasher who can take a lot of guys off the dribble and won demand the ball as much. A lineup of Griffin, Gay, Kaman, Gordon and Baron as the veteran leader could create a lot of headaches out west.I don think LeBron will be willing to share top billing with Kobe in the Staples Center. Being in the same commercials is one issue, sharing the same court for six years is another altogether. All of the other potential big free agents (Bosh, Stoudemire, Boozer) will only hinder the development of Griffin, who actually looked interested in ending the so called Clippers curse after getting drafted. Dwayne Wade could be an option, but he seems like his mind is already focused on going north instead of west.Yes, the Clippers are 21-33, losers of six straight and are about to watch another season go up in ping-pong balls. However come October 2010 they might start off with one of the best starting fives in all of basketball without destroying their salary cap in the process. Here hoping they will finally be able to deliver that crane kick! PIMP SLAP OF THE WEEKThis is the portion of the column where we have to unfortunately smack some Reebok Chicago Bears #54 Brian Urlacher Realtree camo Jersey
sense into someone from the world of sports. However, for our first ever slap were headed in a totally different direction: were going towards those fans who actually believe Tiger Woods needs to apologize to them!Okay, I don necessarily like the fact that this man couldn figure out how to keep it in his pants, thus forcing his wife Elin to now place a house-arrest style ankle bracelet whenever Eldrick so much as goes to take out the trash. It won even matter what he says on his apology come Friday, the fact is that he doesn owe the fans any explanation because he didn cheat the game of golf, nor taint any of the majors that he won.Sure he a cheater to the nth degree, but the only people he needs to apologize too is to his family, case closed. It not his fault you bought Buicks, Titleist golf balls, and Nike gear because he said so. Besides, should he roll over to Augusta and shoot a first round 68 on the second Thursday in April, you fans will be the first ones running over family members to watch it on TV.Fans, time to a dose of reality, not every scumbag athlete needs to tell you Im sorry. For displaying a self-righteous desire to fulfill a sensitive ego, you deserve BRGH first Pimp Slap of the Week!
franchises both college and professional. Also, on a completely unrelated note, well have a special feature at the end of each column called Pimp Slap of the Week , which needs no explanation, and deservedly so.Remember how in The Karate Kid when Daniel-San was always being beaten down by the Cobra Kai and finally getting the upper hand by crane-kicking Johnny in the tournament finals? Well for years Ive waited for the LA Clippers to do the same thing to their Staples Center brethren since they drafted Danny Manning No. 1 more than 20 years ago. Unfortunately though, knowing the Clippers history, Daniel-San crane kick was blocked, with him falling to the ground with a broken leg and Mr. Miyagi having to rely on washing windows.It as if for every draft pick for the Clippers that resulted in a Benoit Benjamin, Lamond Murray and even Michael Olowokandi No. 1 overall, there has always been that hope that they would finally rise up out of the incompetence of owner Donald Sterling and succeed in spite of his attempts to use former GM Elgin Baylor as the scapegoat for their failures. When they had a thrilling semi-final series against the Suns a few years ago in the playoffs, I thought their fortunes had changed. Since then Elton Brand went to sabotage his own career in Philly in a turncoat move worthy of Hulk Hogan-status, leaving Baron Davis and others to wonder whose dog they had ran over to end up in this situation.Yet, I remained hopeful when they selected Oklahoma Blake Griffin No. 1 in the 2009 NBA Draft. Then, in true Clipper fashion, he broke his kneecap on a fast-break dunk in the final preseason game, resulting in season-ending surgery and another year of setback. That being said, I do believe that THIS is the time in which the Clippers might finally awaken out of their own abyss.Now JR, Im sure you might be asking, when are you going to put the pipe down? This team hasn even won a game since Dumbleavy stepped down as coach? Well, the realist in me realizes this is the case, and yet the optimist in me looks at the recent moves and believes that perhaps Mike Dunleavy may know what he doing, despite the recent barbs fired by frustrated All-Star Center Chris Kaman . The recent trades have shed light into what appears to be an actual plan by the red-headed stepchildren of the Staples Center. Although Marcus Camby was leading the team in rebounding at 12.1/game, they made a shrewd move to send him to Portland for forward Travis Outlaw and point guard Steve Blake. Blake can provide a measure of Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
leadership that the Blazers will miss out on come playoff time, and he will provide a solid back up presence when Baron Davis has to rest. Davis had grown to actually realize there are actually guys he can pass the ball to this year, and also developed a (gasp!) relationship with Dunleavy before he spared all of us of his head-scratching decisions.Also, in what was a very good cap-clearing trade, which is the modus operandi in Clipperland, they executed a three-way deal that sent Al Thornton and draft bust Sebastian Telfair to the Wizards and resulted in Drew Gooden, who will probably smash the Mike Morgan record for the most number of teams played for in a career should they decide that his soul patch isn worth keeping around. Now it puts them in a category where only a few will reach come July 1, 2010. They are now in position to shop for that mega-star that could finally put butts in seats not named Billy Crystal or Bill Simmons.The question is now who should they get to go alongside Kaman, a healthy Griffin, Baron, and up-and-coming guard Eric Gordon? They would need someone who can play the three and switch over to the two if they want to go big. Someone who can placate as playmaker when Baron decides to revert back to his Golden State days and will have no problem playing second, or even third banana, yet have All-Star talent.I have to agree with Simmons and suggest they go hard after Joe Johnson of the Atlanta Hawks. He has spent the past five years making the Hawks relevant, and after another year of coming up short against the likes of Dwight Howard, LeBron, and KG, he will have had enough and want to go to a team that could possess legitimate title hopes with two strong post players. Also, JJ won have to feel like being the first go-to option all of the time, since he usually gets smothered come playoff time with no one else able to score consistently for Atlanta. That said, should Atlanta break through and reach the conference finals this year thanks to an improved Al Horford, Josh Smith and Jamal Crawford all bets are off.The Clips second best option would be Rudy Gay of Memphis. He is an unassuming slasher who can take a lot of guys off the dribble and won demand the ball as much. A lineup of Griffin, Gay, Kaman, Gordon and Baron as the veteran leader could create a lot of headaches out west.I don think LeBron will be willing to share top billing with Kobe in the Staples Center. Being in the same commercials is one issue, sharing the same court for six years is another altogether. All of the other potential big free agents (Bosh, Stoudemire, Boozer) will only hinder the development of Griffin, who actually looked interested in ending the so called Clippers curse after getting drafted. Dwayne Wade could be an option, but he seems like his mind is already focused on going north instead of west.Yes, the Clippers are 21-33, losers of six straight and are about to watch another season go up in ping-pong balls. However come October 2010 they might start off with one of the best starting fives in all of basketball without destroying their salary cap in the process. Here hoping they will finally be able to deliver that crane kick! PIMP SLAP OF THE WEEKThis is the portion of the column where we have to unfortunately smack some Reebok Chicago Bears #54 Brian Urlacher Realtree camo Jersey
sense into someone from the world of sports. However, for our first ever slap were headed in a totally different direction: were going towards those fans who actually believe Tiger Woods needs to apologize to them!Okay, I don necessarily like the fact that this man couldn figure out how to keep it in his pants, thus forcing his wife Elin to now place a house-arrest style ankle bracelet whenever Eldrick so much as goes to take out the trash. It won even matter what he says on his apology come Friday, the fact is that he doesn owe the fans any explanation because he didn cheat the game of golf, nor taint any of the majors that he won.Sure he a cheater to the nth degree, but the only people he needs to apologize too is to his family, case closed. It not his fault you bought Buicks, Titleist golf balls, and Nike gear because he said so. Besides, should he roll over to Augusta and shoot a first round 68 on the second Thursday in April, you fans will be the first ones running over family members to watch it on TV.Fans, time to a dose of reality, not every scumbag athlete needs to tell you Im sorry. For displaying a self-righteous desire to fulfill a sensitive ego, you deserve BRGH first Pimp Slap of the Week!
2011年1月9日星期日
9 Jan 11 Nuggets, Best Team In The NBA?
Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesThe Denver Nuggets have played some excellent stretches of basketball this season, you could say that they have been the surprise team this year.They have been playing with confidence, poise, and swagger, most of that provided by veteran Chauncey Billups.They can blow by anybody in terms of scoring, and can play lock-down defense when it really matters.They have amassed a 12-2 record against the best competition the NBA has to offer, and they are a combined 6-0 against the Los Angeles Lakers (2-0) Cleveland Cavaliers (2-0), Carolina Panthers jersey
Orlando Magic (1-0) and Boston Celtics (1-0), all widely considered contenders for the Larry O'Brien trophy come June.They have veteran leadership in Chauncey Billups, who is also one of the best point guards in the game today, and one of the best scorers in Carmelo Anthony, who can also play lock-down defense when it matters.All seems swell in Denver right?Well, it's not as dandy as they would like it to be.Denver currently has eight combined losses to: Detroit Pistons, Sacramento Kings, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Milwaukee Bucks.They seem to have the same problems that they Los Angeles Lakers have, they seem to play according to their competition.Not much of a problem considering that when the Playoffs come around, their competition will be fairly good, or great when they play teams like the Lakers, Mavs, or if they get that far, the Cavs or Magic.I wouldn't say that they play according to their competition, but I would say that they have problems focusing.Guys like J.R. Smith and Kenyon Martin can be real knuckle heads, and sometimes only take momentum away from the Nuggets.Especially if both are cold, because J.R. Smith has the tendency to shoot, shoot, and shoot, even when he's missing. Kenyon Martin also has the tendency Chicago Bears jersey
to take too many mid-range jumpers, even when they aren't falling.The Nuggets are a very talented team, and they will go far in the playoffs, but until they solve their focus problems, they will still be second in the West to the Lakers.Never mind that they are 2-0 against the Lakers this season, Orlando was also 2-0 against the Lakers last year, and they got beat in the Finals by the same Lakers' Squad.Are the Nuggets the best team in the NBA? Maybe the most talented, but they are not the best yet
Orlando Magic (1-0) and Boston Celtics (1-0), all widely considered contenders for the Larry O'Brien trophy come June.They have veteran leadership in Chauncey Billups, who is also one of the best point guards in the game today, and one of the best scorers in Carmelo Anthony, who can also play lock-down defense when it matters.All seems swell in Denver right?Well, it's not as dandy as they would like it to be.Denver currently has eight combined losses to: Detroit Pistons, Sacramento Kings, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Milwaukee Bucks.They seem to have the same problems that they Los Angeles Lakers have, they seem to play according to their competition.Not much of a problem considering that when the Playoffs come around, their competition will be fairly good, or great when they play teams like the Lakers, Mavs, or if they get that far, the Cavs or Magic.I wouldn't say that they play according to their competition, but I would say that they have problems focusing.Guys like J.R. Smith and Kenyon Martin can be real knuckle heads, and sometimes only take momentum away from the Nuggets.Especially if both are cold, because J.R. Smith has the tendency to shoot, shoot, and shoot, even when he's missing. Kenyon Martin also has the tendency Chicago Bears jersey
to take too many mid-range jumpers, even when they aren't falling.The Nuggets are a very talented team, and they will go far in the playoffs, but until they solve their focus problems, they will still be second in the West to the Lakers.Never mind that they are 2-0 against the Lakers this season, Orlando was also 2-0 against the Lakers last year, and they got beat in the Finals by the same Lakers' Squad.Are the Nuggets the best team in the NBA? Maybe the most talented, but they are not the best yet
2011年1月8日星期六
8 Jan 11 Portland Trail Blazers VP of Basketball OperationsTom Penn Fired
As reported by Jason Quick :Tom Penn, the right-hand man of general manager Kevin Pritchard, has been fired by the Trail Blazers, The Oregonian has learned. Tuesday's decision comes nearly 10 months after Penn was promoted to Vice President of Basketball Operations. It is unknown why Denver Broncos jersey
Penn was fired, but it is believed to have come from owner Paul Allen and not Pritchard.Wait, what? Just like that? Penn was reportedly getting offers for the GM position at other organizations last year. It was thought that his promotion was the result of Portland's desire to keep him in the fold for as long as possible. He's supposed to be the CBA guru that can manufacture trade exceptions from thin air. Right?Hopefully we get more details soon.UPDATE: Via the venerable Wendell Maxey, "philosophical differences ." How often do people get fired in this manner because of differences in philosophy? Still waiting for a real explanation.UPDATED UPDATE: In all the excitement I was a bit late to Senor Brian T. Smith's information on the firing: According to the source, there had been rumblings in recent weeks within the organization that Penn's job was at stake. The primary reason was that Penn had a tendency to rub many of those he worked with the wrong way, the source said, and was seen as being a "ladder climber."UPDATE TO THE UPDATED UPDATE: Detroit Lions
Tom Penn is both surprised and disappointed . Don't sweat it, Tom. Anyone who ever built an empire or changed the world sat where you are sitting, and it's because they sat there that they were able to do it.As you can tell I'm out of original thoughts so I am done for the night.Photo courtesy of the Oregonian.
Penn was fired, but it is believed to have come from owner Paul Allen and not Pritchard.Wait, what? Just like that? Penn was reportedly getting offers for the GM position at other organizations last year. It was thought that his promotion was the result of Portland's desire to keep him in the fold for as long as possible. He's supposed to be the CBA guru that can manufacture trade exceptions from thin air. Right?Hopefully we get more details soon.UPDATE: Via the venerable Wendell Maxey, "philosophical differences ." How often do people get fired in this manner because of differences in philosophy? Still waiting for a real explanation.UPDATED UPDATE: In all the excitement I was a bit late to Senor Brian T. Smith's information on the firing: According to the source, there had been rumblings in recent weeks within the organization that Penn's job was at stake. The primary reason was that Penn had a tendency to rub many of those he worked with the wrong way, the source said, and was seen as being a "ladder climber."UPDATE TO THE UPDATED UPDATE: Detroit Lions
Tom Penn is both surprised and disappointed . Don't sweat it, Tom. Anyone who ever built an empire or changed the world sat where you are sitting, and it's because they sat there that they were able to do it.As you can tell I'm out of original thoughts so I am done for the night.Photo courtesy of the Oregonian.
8 Jan 11 Portland Trail Blazers VP of Basketball OperationsTom Penn Fired
As reported by Jason Quick :Tom Penn, the right-hand man of general manager Kevin Pritchard, has been fired by the Trail Blazers, The Oregonian has learned. Tuesday's decision comes nearly 10 months after Penn was promoted to Vice President of Basketball Operations. It is unknown why Denver Broncos jersey
Penn was fired, but it is believed to have come from owner Paul Allen and not Pritchard.Wait, what? Just like that? Penn was reportedly getting offers for the GM position at other organizations last year. It was thought that his promotion was the result of Portland's desire to keep him in the fold for as long as possible. He's supposed to be the CBA guru that can manufacture trade exceptions from thin air. Right?Hopefully we get more details soon.UPDATE: Via the venerable Wendell Maxey, "philosophical differences ." How often do people get fired in this manner because of differences in philosophy? Still waiting for a real explanation.UPDATED UPDATE: In all the excitement I was a bit late to Senor Brian T. Smith's information on the firing: According to the source, there had been rumblings in recent weeks within the organization that Penn's job was at stake. The primary reason was that Penn had a tendency to rub many of those he worked with the wrong way, the source said, and was seen as being a "ladder climber."UPDATE TO THE UPDATED UPDATE: Detroit Lions
Tom Penn is both surprised and disappointed . Don't sweat it, Tom. Anyone who ever built an empire or changed the world sat where you are sitting, and it's because they sat there that they were able to do it.As you can tell I'm out of original thoughts so I am done for the night.Photo courtesy of the Oregonian.
Penn was fired, but it is believed to have come from owner Paul Allen and not Pritchard.Wait, what? Just like that? Penn was reportedly getting offers for the GM position at other organizations last year. It was thought that his promotion was the result of Portland's desire to keep him in the fold for as long as possible. He's supposed to be the CBA guru that can manufacture trade exceptions from thin air. Right?Hopefully we get more details soon.UPDATE: Via the venerable Wendell Maxey, "philosophical differences ." How often do people get fired in this manner because of differences in philosophy? Still waiting for a real explanation.UPDATED UPDATE: In all the excitement I was a bit late to Senor Brian T. Smith's information on the firing: According to the source, there had been rumblings in recent weeks within the organization that Penn's job was at stake. The primary reason was that Penn had a tendency to rub many of those he worked with the wrong way, the source said, and was seen as being a "ladder climber."UPDATE TO THE UPDATED UPDATE: Detroit Lions
Tom Penn is both surprised and disappointed . Don't sweat it, Tom. Anyone who ever built an empire or changed the world sat where you are sitting, and it's because they sat there that they were able to do it.As you can tell I'm out of original thoughts so I am done for the night.Photo courtesy of the Oregonian.
2010年12月30日星期四
30 Dec 10 The Miami Heat Defense Fueling Its Recent Surge Up the NBA Standings
Jed Jacobsohn/Getty ImagesThe Miami Heat are the NBA's hottest team right now, having won 14 out of its last 17 games and they currently own the league's longest winning streak at eight victories in a row.They had a stellar month of March, only dropping three games, which enabled them to climb all the way up the standings and regain the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference.They had crucial wins over the Charlotte Bobcats and Milwaukee Bucks, who they overcame in the standings to get back to the fifth spot.In Reebok New York Giants #27 Brandon Jacobs Realtree camo Jersey
addition, Miami has won six straight road games, which is their longest streak in three years. They sit nine games over the .500 mark at 43-34, which is also their best record since 2007.The Heat are playing their best ball of the season at the right time with only five games remaining and the team in the thick of the playoff race, holding a slim half game lead over the Bucks and a 2.5 game lead over the seventh-seeded Bobcats.Miami's recent surge is a product of their fierce defense that ranks best in the league in most categories.Second-year head coach Erik Spolestra has instilled a strong sense of defensive prowess in his team, which has been passed down to him from former Heat skipper Pat Riley and his defensive minded approach.The Heat have finally realized that their defense is what fuels their game and makes them successful. They have learned that their defense gives them a chance to win every night and it has been their formula for success in their recent winning streak.Miami is now second in the NBA in points allowed, limiting opponents to an impressive 94 points per game. They only trail their division-mate Charlotte Bobcats by 0.5 points, who allow 93.5 points per game, for the least amount of points allowed.They rank No. 1 in the league in lowest field goal percentage against at 43.7 percent per game and they are tied for third-best in three-point percentage allowed at 33.9 percent.In addition, they are tied for second in the NBA for blocked shots, swatting 5.7 shots per contest.Miami takes a lot of pride in its defense and relies heavily on it in late game situations. They have the ability to play lock-down defense every night that is among the most ferocious defenses in the NBA.Their defensive effort has made them a playoff team this season and the Heat are among the best defensive squads in the NBA.The Heat are equipped with defensive weapons both in the starting lineup and off the bench.Jermaine O'Neal and Dwyane Wade highlight the defense for the starting lineup. O'Neal is still an excellent inside defensive presence and shot blocker, averaging 1.4 blocks per game. He still has the ability to change shots and hassle the best big men in the league.Wade is undoubtedly one of the top defensive players in the league.The All-Star averages 1.9 steals per game, which is third-best in the NBA and leads the Heat, and he is good for 1.1 blocks per game. He is hands-down the best shot blocking guard in the league and is an Reebok New York Jets #6 Mark Sanchez Realtree camo Jersey
overall relentless defender.Quentin Richardson is also a solid defender in the starting rotation. He is fourth on the team in steals and he can be counted on to take charges on a nightly basis.The Heat's second unit also contains some great defensive weapons.Point guard Mario Chalmers, who hasn't been as effective as last year, is still a reliable defender. He averages 1.2 steals per game, which is second on the team. He receives a lot fewer minutes this season in a reserve role, but still contributes highly on defense.Miami's defensive frontcourt off the bench is even more impressive, with Dorell Wright, Udonis Haslem, and Joel Anthony making up that cast.Wright's length and athleticism allows him to be a dangerous defender.At the small forward position, he receives defensive assignments against the NBA's elite players and does a solid job. Wright has finally started to come together on the court and is finally part of the regular rotation.Haslem leads the Heat's second unit and brings lots of energy off the bench with his hustle and motivation. He is a hounding defender that is able to out-rebound bigger opponents. Haslem also has a knack for sacrificing his body to take charges, further adding to his value to the Heat's roster.Anthony has been a nice surprise for Miami. He might be the most unknown player in the league, but has quietly been one of the team's most valuable players in their recent surge.Anthony has started in place of the injured Jermaine O'Neal for the last four games and responded well. He has averaged six points and 4.2 rebounds in those four victories and the Heat are 11-3 this season with Anthony as their starting center. He has 100 blocks on the season, which is the most on the team.When both the bench and the starters are on defensively, the Heat are one of the most lethal defensive teams in the NBA.In their current eight-game win streak, their defense has limited opponents' scoring to 82.9 points per game.Miami hasn't allowed 100 points or more in more than two weeks.While an argument could be made that during the streak, the Heat have only faced three playoff-contending teams (Milwaukee, Toronto, and Charlotte), it's undeniable that the Heat have noticeably picked up their defense.Miami is playing with a sense of urgency as they know they have no room for error with the Bucks scratching at their heels for the fifth seed. Miami has worked hard to recapture the fifth spot and they don't want to relinquish it.To Reebok Oakland Raiders #21 Nnamdi Asomugha Realtree camo Jersey
accomplish that, the Heat will simply have to maintain their defensive intensity. They have relied on it consistently over the past month to win ballgames and rise up the standings.If the Heat continue that defensive mentality, they will be a very dangerous team in the postseason. With five games left to determine their playoff fate, Miami will turn to their defense to help them prevail.If Miami can carry that defensive momentum into the playoffs, they have the opportunity to be a surprise threat.
addition, Miami has won six straight road games, which is their longest streak in three years. They sit nine games over the .500 mark at 43-34, which is also their best record since 2007.The Heat are playing their best ball of the season at the right time with only five games remaining and the team in the thick of the playoff race, holding a slim half game lead over the Bucks and a 2.5 game lead over the seventh-seeded Bobcats.Miami's recent surge is a product of their fierce defense that ranks best in the league in most categories.Second-year head coach Erik Spolestra has instilled a strong sense of defensive prowess in his team, which has been passed down to him from former Heat skipper Pat Riley and his defensive minded approach.The Heat have finally realized that their defense is what fuels their game and makes them successful. They have learned that their defense gives them a chance to win every night and it has been their formula for success in their recent winning streak.Miami is now second in the NBA in points allowed, limiting opponents to an impressive 94 points per game. They only trail their division-mate Charlotte Bobcats by 0.5 points, who allow 93.5 points per game, for the least amount of points allowed.They rank No. 1 in the league in lowest field goal percentage against at 43.7 percent per game and they are tied for third-best in three-point percentage allowed at 33.9 percent.In addition, they are tied for second in the NBA for blocked shots, swatting 5.7 shots per contest.Miami takes a lot of pride in its defense and relies heavily on it in late game situations. They have the ability to play lock-down defense every night that is among the most ferocious defenses in the NBA.Their defensive effort has made them a playoff team this season and the Heat are among the best defensive squads in the NBA.The Heat are equipped with defensive weapons both in the starting lineup and off the bench.Jermaine O'Neal and Dwyane Wade highlight the defense for the starting lineup. O'Neal is still an excellent inside defensive presence and shot blocker, averaging 1.4 blocks per game. He still has the ability to change shots and hassle the best big men in the league.Wade is undoubtedly one of the top defensive players in the league.The All-Star averages 1.9 steals per game, which is third-best in the NBA and leads the Heat, and he is good for 1.1 blocks per game. He is hands-down the best shot blocking guard in the league and is an Reebok New York Jets #6 Mark Sanchez Realtree camo Jersey
overall relentless defender.Quentin Richardson is also a solid defender in the starting rotation. He is fourth on the team in steals and he can be counted on to take charges on a nightly basis.The Heat's second unit also contains some great defensive weapons.Point guard Mario Chalmers, who hasn't been as effective as last year, is still a reliable defender. He averages 1.2 steals per game, which is second on the team. He receives a lot fewer minutes this season in a reserve role, but still contributes highly on defense.Miami's defensive frontcourt off the bench is even more impressive, with Dorell Wright, Udonis Haslem, and Joel Anthony making up that cast.Wright's length and athleticism allows him to be a dangerous defender.At the small forward position, he receives defensive assignments against the NBA's elite players and does a solid job. Wright has finally started to come together on the court and is finally part of the regular rotation.Haslem leads the Heat's second unit and brings lots of energy off the bench with his hustle and motivation. He is a hounding defender that is able to out-rebound bigger opponents. Haslem also has a knack for sacrificing his body to take charges, further adding to his value to the Heat's roster.Anthony has been a nice surprise for Miami. He might be the most unknown player in the league, but has quietly been one of the team's most valuable players in their recent surge.Anthony has started in place of the injured Jermaine O'Neal for the last four games and responded well. He has averaged six points and 4.2 rebounds in those four victories and the Heat are 11-3 this season with Anthony as their starting center. He has 100 blocks on the season, which is the most on the team.When both the bench and the starters are on defensively, the Heat are one of the most lethal defensive teams in the NBA.In their current eight-game win streak, their defense has limited opponents' scoring to 82.9 points per game.Miami hasn't allowed 100 points or more in more than two weeks.While an argument could be made that during the streak, the Heat have only faced three playoff-contending teams (Milwaukee, Toronto, and Charlotte), it's undeniable that the Heat have noticeably picked up their defense.Miami is playing with a sense of urgency as they know they have no room for error with the Bucks scratching at their heels for the fifth seed. Miami has worked hard to recapture the fifth spot and they don't want to relinquish it.To Reebok Oakland Raiders #21 Nnamdi Asomugha Realtree camo Jersey
accomplish that, the Heat will simply have to maintain their defensive intensity. They have relied on it consistently over the past month to win ballgames and rise up the standings.If the Heat continue that defensive mentality, they will be a very dangerous team in the postseason. With five games left to determine their playoff fate, Miami will turn to their defense to help them prevail.If Miami can carry that defensive momentum into the playoffs, they have the opportunity to be a surprise threat.
2010年12月29日星期三
29 Dec 10 NBA Championship Betting – Nuggets, Jazz Get Things Rolling in Denve
Both even ended the season by winning six of their last 10 games, so who gets the edge when the series kicks off in Denver on Saturday night?Jazz vs Nuggets odds Saturday, April 17, 10:30 PM ETThe Jazz were a force down the stretch, and Deron Williams was the key, averaging 23.0 points and 9.2 assists for Minnesota Vikings
Utah. Williams is easily a top-five point guard in the league, and people can make good arguments for him being the best. Carlos Boozer ended the season with an average of 19.5 points and 11.2 boards, and it unlikely that hell be back in Utah after this season, so he would like to go out on a high note. Williams leads an attack that was fourth in the West in scoring, but they haven been as strong defensive as a Jerry Sloan-coached team usually is, although they did manage to get their season average under 100 points to 98.9 points.The Nuggets basketball betting odds received a boost as Kenyon Martin returned to the lineup with three games left in the season after dealing with tendinitis in his knee, and having Martin back is great for the Nuggets as he their best interior defender, and probably their toughestNew England Patriots jersey
player. It on the defensive end of the floor that the Nuggets need him, because offensively, theyre fine with Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups steering the attack. The X-factor for the Nuggets NBA odds could be J.R. Smith, who has improved this season, but he still sometimes takes some truly awful shots.Online sports betting odds should favor the Nuggets in this contest, but not because theyve won three of four against the Jazz this season. The Jazz have dropped four in a row and five of their last six in Denver, and the Nuggets 34 home wins led the West (ironically, just two wins ahead of Utah), and that pulls them even with Atlanta for second place in the NBA behind Cleveland. There are matchups all over the place to watch, like Martin and Boozer in the post, although the Nuggets may rotate defenders on Boozer to take care of Martin knee. There also Billups and Williams at the point, while Utah Andrei Kirilenko will probably guard Anthony, who averaged 33.5 points in two games against the Jazz this season. The New Orleans Saints jersey
crowd is going to be up for this game, and the Nuggets need them as coach George Karl isn back on the bench yet due to his cancer treatments, although doctors say he should be back for the second round, if Denver makes it that far. The Nuggets will get off to a good start, so take them in your sportsbook.
Utah. Williams is easily a top-five point guard in the league, and people can make good arguments for him being the best. Carlos Boozer ended the season with an average of 19.5 points and 11.2 boards, and it unlikely that hell be back in Utah after this season, so he would like to go out on a high note. Williams leads an attack that was fourth in the West in scoring, but they haven been as strong defensive as a Jerry Sloan-coached team usually is, although they did manage to get their season average under 100 points to 98.9 points.The Nuggets basketball betting odds received a boost as Kenyon Martin returned to the lineup with three games left in the season after dealing with tendinitis in his knee, and having Martin back is great for the Nuggets as he their best interior defender, and probably their toughestNew England Patriots jersey
player. It on the defensive end of the floor that the Nuggets need him, because offensively, theyre fine with Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups steering the attack. The X-factor for the Nuggets NBA odds could be J.R. Smith, who has improved this season, but he still sometimes takes some truly awful shots.Online sports betting odds should favor the Nuggets in this contest, but not because theyve won three of four against the Jazz this season. The Jazz have dropped four in a row and five of their last six in Denver, and the Nuggets 34 home wins led the West (ironically, just two wins ahead of Utah), and that pulls them even with Atlanta for second place in the NBA behind Cleveland. There are matchups all over the place to watch, like Martin and Boozer in the post, although the Nuggets may rotate defenders on Boozer to take care of Martin knee. There also Billups and Williams at the point, while Utah Andrei Kirilenko will probably guard Anthony, who averaged 33.5 points in two games against the Jazz this season. The New Orleans Saints jersey
crowd is going to be up for this game, and the Nuggets need them as coach George Karl isn back on the bench yet due to his cancer treatments, although doctors say he should be back for the second round, if Denver makes it that far. The Nuggets will get off to a good start, so take them in your sportsbook.
29 Dec 10 NBA Championship Betting – Nuggets, Jazz Get Things Rolling in Denve
Both even ended the season by winning six of their last 10 games, so who gets the edge when the series kicks off in Denver on Saturday night?Jazz vs Nuggets odds Saturday, April 17, 10:30 PM ETThe Jazz were a force down the stretch, and Deron Williams was the key, averaging 23.0 points and 9.2 assists for Minnesota Vikings
Utah. Williams is easily a top-five point guard in the league, and people can make good arguments for him being the best. Carlos Boozer ended the season with an average of 19.5 points and 11.2 boards, and it unlikely that hell be back in Utah after this season, so he would like to go out on a high note. Williams leads an attack that was fourth in the West in scoring, but they haven been as strong defensive as a Jerry Sloan-coached team usually is, although they did manage to get their season average under 100 points to 98.9 points.The Nuggets basketball betting odds received a boost as Kenyon Martin returned to the lineup with three games left in the season after dealing with tendinitis in his knee, and having Martin back is great for the Nuggets as he their best interior defender, and probably their toughestNew England Patriots jersey
player. It on the defensive end of the floor that the Nuggets need him, because offensively, theyre fine with Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups steering the attack. The X-factor for the Nuggets NBA odds could be J.R. Smith, who has improved this season, but he still sometimes takes some truly awful shots.Online sports betting odds should favor the Nuggets in this contest, but not because theyve won three of four against the Jazz this season. The Jazz have dropped four in a row and five of their last six in Denver, and the Nuggets 34 home wins led the West (ironically, just two wins ahead of Utah), and that pulls them even with Atlanta for second place in the NBA behind Cleveland. There are matchups all over the place to watch, like Martin and Boozer in the post, although the Nuggets may rotate defenders on Boozer to take care of Martin knee. There also Billups and Williams at the point, while Utah Andrei Kirilenko will probably guard Anthony, who averaged 33.5 points in two games against the Jazz this season. The New Orleans Saints jersey
crowd is going to be up for this game, and the Nuggets need them as coach George Karl isn back on the bench yet due to his cancer treatments, although doctors say he should be back for the second round, if Denver makes it that far. The Nuggets will get off to a good start, so take them in your sportsbook.
Utah. Williams is easily a top-five point guard in the league, and people can make good arguments for him being the best. Carlos Boozer ended the season with an average of 19.5 points and 11.2 boards, and it unlikely that hell be back in Utah after this season, so he would like to go out on a high note. Williams leads an attack that was fourth in the West in scoring, but they haven been as strong defensive as a Jerry Sloan-coached team usually is, although they did manage to get their season average under 100 points to 98.9 points.The Nuggets basketball betting odds received a boost as Kenyon Martin returned to the lineup with three games left in the season after dealing with tendinitis in his knee, and having Martin back is great for the Nuggets as he their best interior defender, and probably their toughestNew England Patriots jersey
player. It on the defensive end of the floor that the Nuggets need him, because offensively, theyre fine with Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups steering the attack. The X-factor for the Nuggets NBA odds could be J.R. Smith, who has improved this season, but he still sometimes takes some truly awful shots.Online sports betting odds should favor the Nuggets in this contest, but not because theyve won three of four against the Jazz this season. The Jazz have dropped four in a row and five of their last six in Denver, and the Nuggets 34 home wins led the West (ironically, just two wins ahead of Utah), and that pulls them even with Atlanta for second place in the NBA behind Cleveland. There are matchups all over the place to watch, like Martin and Boozer in the post, although the Nuggets may rotate defenders on Boozer to take care of Martin knee. There also Billups and Williams at the point, while Utah Andrei Kirilenko will probably guard Anthony, who averaged 33.5 points in two games against the Jazz this season. The New Orleans Saints jersey
crowd is going to be up for this game, and the Nuggets need them as coach George Karl isn back on the bench yet due to his cancer treatments, although doctors say he should be back for the second round, if Denver makes it that far. The Nuggets will get off to a good start, so take them in your sportsbook.
2010年12月28日星期二
28 Dec 10 Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and the Rebirth of the Showtime Lakers
Stephen Dunn/Getty ImagesI became a life-long fan of the Los Angeles Lakers in 1980 when a skinny rookie by the name of Earvin "Magic" Johnson guided his team to a NBA championship, while playing center in place of an injured Kareem-Abdul Jabbar.In that memorable Game Six, Magic had more than 40 points and 15 rebounds, as well as seven assists, and from that moment on my allegiance to the Lakers was simply a matter of course.1980 was the beginning of a magicaltime in Lakers' history, for Johnson went on to lead Los Miami Dolphins jersey
Angeles to four more championships as the lead guardin what came to be known as the Showtime era.That group of players, consisting of names such as Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, Byron Scott, Michael Cooper, A.C. Green, Kurt Rambis and others is considered one of the most dominant teams of all time.The Lakers earned their Showtime moniker because of the flair they brought to the court, the tempo at which they played, and the flawless rhythm that Magic established while running the offense.Magic at the head of a fast break was truly a thing of beauty, and with finishers like Worthy and Scott filling the lane, you could surely expect fireworks above the rim.The Lakers circa 2010 may not play with the same flair as the team of the '80s, and one would be hard pressed to prove theyare anywhere near as exciting, but this team does share some similarities with that fabled squad.Magic and Kareem were the centerpieces of those Lakers' teams, and they represented the best two players at their respective positions, and the 2010 Lakers can arguably make the same claim.Kobe Bryant is generally regarded as the best guard in the entire league, and while Pau Gasol is not usually thought of in terms of the NBA's best power forward, there are points in his favor.Gasol has undoubtedly been the best power forward in the playoffs so far, and if the postseason ended today he would definitely be the MVP for the Lakers at least.Gasol has increased his scoring average, rebounds, and shooting percentage in the postseason, and his seven-foot frame and wide array of post skills makes him a terror to defend for opposing players.Versatility may be the best way to describe Gasol, as he is comfortable shooting with either hand, while also a competent passer, and his talents translate to the defensive end of the floor as well.In the first two games against the Utah Jazz Gasol has recorded seven blocks and his length has caused the Jazz to alter many of their shots at the rim, but Gasol's best Minnesota Vikings
attribute may be his chemistry with Bryant.Before Gasol arrived in 2008 Bryant was a captain without a side-kick, but once Gasol was added to the Lakers' roster, the team under went a seismic shift, which has seen them capture three straight Western Conference titles.The Lakers were a good team before Gasol arrived, but his presence made them a great team almost immediately and his transition to the triangle offense was so seamless, it seemed he had been running it for years.Bryant and Gasol's bond is evident on the court, and even though Bryant has suffered through periods of disappointment in Gasol's play, and the same can be said in reverse, they both credit each other with the Lakers' meteoric rise from irrelevance.It is in much the samemanner that Magic often gave most of the credit for the Lakers' success to Kareem, and the legendary center would do the same for his equally legendary point guard.Magic and Kareem were the anchorsof the Showtime Laker teams, but they were surrounded by an abundance of talent who all excelled in different areas of the game.Lamar Odom, Ron Artest, Andrew Bynum, and Derek Fisher are representative of players like Worthy, Scott, Cooper and Green, who all added their own imprint to the Lakers' strength.There are some glaring differences in the two teams, and at a glance the most glaring one would be the complacent attitude that has sometimes plagued the 2010 version of the Lakers.The passion and drive of Magic would never allow his teams to get too complacent, and he had the Lakers ready to play on every occasion, whether it was the regular season or playoffs.The '80s team was glamorous for sure, but they also had a nasty edge with players such as Green and Rambis who acted as enforcers, and were never afraid to back down from a mental or physical challenge.Artest is probably the most physical member of this Lakers' team, and although the 2010 version of the Lakers have been accused of playing soft, lately they have shown they are more than capable of holding their own.Both teams prided themselves on defense, and it is this category where they are most similar, because this year's Lakers have been the best defensive team in the playoffs, and when motivated are the best defensive team in the NBA.The two teams had different approaches to success, as Magic's teams liked to push the tempo and run an opponent out of the arena, while Kobe's teams grind an New England Patriots jersey
opponent down with the precision of the triangle offense.But the measure of both teams has been the number of championships won, and Magic's teams were able to capture five in a decade, while Kobe's Lakers could approach that same number this year.These two eras may stand as the best in the long and glorious history of the Lakers' franchise, and even though they appear to be different on the surface, their paths have led them to almost the exact same conclusion.
Angeles to four more championships as the lead guardin what came to be known as the Showtime era.That group of players, consisting of names such as Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, Byron Scott, Michael Cooper, A.C. Green, Kurt Rambis and others is considered one of the most dominant teams of all time.The Lakers earned their Showtime moniker because of the flair they brought to the court, the tempo at which they played, and the flawless rhythm that Magic established while running the offense.Magic at the head of a fast break was truly a thing of beauty, and with finishers like Worthy and Scott filling the lane, you could surely expect fireworks above the rim.The Lakers circa 2010 may not play with the same flair as the team of the '80s, and one would be hard pressed to prove theyare anywhere near as exciting, but this team does share some similarities with that fabled squad.Magic and Kareem were the centerpieces of those Lakers' teams, and they represented the best two players at their respective positions, and the 2010 Lakers can arguably make the same claim.Kobe Bryant is generally regarded as the best guard in the entire league, and while Pau Gasol is not usually thought of in terms of the NBA's best power forward, there are points in his favor.Gasol has undoubtedly been the best power forward in the playoffs so far, and if the postseason ended today he would definitely be the MVP for the Lakers at least.Gasol has increased his scoring average, rebounds, and shooting percentage in the postseason, and his seven-foot frame and wide array of post skills makes him a terror to defend for opposing players.Versatility may be the best way to describe Gasol, as he is comfortable shooting with either hand, while also a competent passer, and his talents translate to the defensive end of the floor as well.In the first two games against the Utah Jazz Gasol has recorded seven blocks and his length has caused the Jazz to alter many of their shots at the rim, but Gasol's best Minnesota Vikings
attribute may be his chemistry with Bryant.Before Gasol arrived in 2008 Bryant was a captain without a side-kick, but once Gasol was added to the Lakers' roster, the team under went a seismic shift, which has seen them capture three straight Western Conference titles.The Lakers were a good team before Gasol arrived, but his presence made them a great team almost immediately and his transition to the triangle offense was so seamless, it seemed he had been running it for years.Bryant and Gasol's bond is evident on the court, and even though Bryant has suffered through periods of disappointment in Gasol's play, and the same can be said in reverse, they both credit each other with the Lakers' meteoric rise from irrelevance.It is in much the samemanner that Magic often gave most of the credit for the Lakers' success to Kareem, and the legendary center would do the same for his equally legendary point guard.Magic and Kareem were the anchorsof the Showtime Laker teams, but they were surrounded by an abundance of talent who all excelled in different areas of the game.Lamar Odom, Ron Artest, Andrew Bynum, and Derek Fisher are representative of players like Worthy, Scott, Cooper and Green, who all added their own imprint to the Lakers' strength.There are some glaring differences in the two teams, and at a glance the most glaring one would be the complacent attitude that has sometimes plagued the 2010 version of the Lakers.The passion and drive of Magic would never allow his teams to get too complacent, and he had the Lakers ready to play on every occasion, whether it was the regular season or playoffs.The '80s team was glamorous for sure, but they also had a nasty edge with players such as Green and Rambis who acted as enforcers, and were never afraid to back down from a mental or physical challenge.Artest is probably the most physical member of this Lakers' team, and although the 2010 version of the Lakers have been accused of playing soft, lately they have shown they are more than capable of holding their own.Both teams prided themselves on defense, and it is this category where they are most similar, because this year's Lakers have been the best defensive team in the playoffs, and when motivated are the best defensive team in the NBA.The two teams had different approaches to success, as Magic's teams liked to push the tempo and run an opponent out of the arena, while Kobe's teams grind an New England Patriots jersey
opponent down with the precision of the triangle offense.But the measure of both teams has been the number of championships won, and Magic's teams were able to capture five in a decade, while Kobe's Lakers could approach that same number this year.These two eras may stand as the best in the long and glorious history of the Lakers' franchise, and even though they appear to be different on the surface, their paths have led them to almost the exact same conclusion.
2010年12月27日星期一
27 Dec 10 2010 NBA Free Agency: Where Will LeBron James Land?
Gregory Shamus/Getty ImagesThe playoffs have been flat this year, really flat.So it's not surprising that most of the media glare has been focused on the upcoming free agent bonanza, which includes Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, and of course, LeBron James.The much anticipated summer of LeBron is finally here.There's no doubt that the reigning two-time MVP is the biggest fish around, and there hasn't been a player so big since Jordan.But who will LeBron sign with?In this article, I hope to provide the reader with an outlook as to how Cincinnati Bengals jersey
well-equipped the contenders are in this big-money race. A neutral viewpoint as to which team is the best set for a monarchy.Chicago BullsProsThe biggest reason why LeBron should come to Chicago is the supporting cast.It has a legitimate superstar in Derrick Rose, a passionate big man who protects the rim in Joakim Noah, a good two-way player in Luol Deng, a solid defender and shooter in Kirk Hinrich, and a young asset in Taj Gibson.Add LeBron to the mix, and you have a team which can instantly contend for a championship.Another reason is the media.Chicago is a big city, but not a global hub. This ensures that the exposure is more than sufficient to make LeBron even more of a global icon.However, unlike cities like New York, the media glare is not too much. Each and every shot he misses will not make the front page, and his private life will not be busted open completely.Moreover, Chicago has a sports culture. It is the home to several successful and storied franchises like the Bulls, Cubs, and the Bears. Even the Blackhawks have risen to prominence recently, plus, Chicago has educated fans who actually care.ConsWhile Rose is a major selling point, he can also be a drawback.Like LeBron, he too needs the ball in his hands. Can he handle not being the star attraction?Even if the ego problems can be settled, it would not be easy for the dynamic duo to share the ball-handling responsibilities and maximize their individual output.LeBron may have problems co-existing with Joakim Noah. The two aren't exactly the best of friends. And that's the understatement of the century.Importantly, Chicago is a place where Michael Jordan will forever remain the icon.The ghost of Jordan may come back to haunt James, and at every step he will be compared to the greatest of all time. He can never really be the icon which he (presumably) wants to be.But maybe the biggest negative is the coach situation.It is unlikely that LeBron will come to a team which doesn't have a coach as ofCleveland Browns jersey
yet, especially after his struggles with the offensive cripple Mike Brown.However, this situation can be turned around superbly if the Bulls end up with John Calipari or Phil Jackson.Cleveland CavaliersProsPerhaps the likeliest move.The biggest pro is that in Cleveland, LeBron is a god. Every superstar has an ego, and there is no place where LeBron's ego will be fed better than in Cleveland.He hails from Akron and Cleveland is really close to home. If he re-signs with Cleveland, he'll be hailed as the epitome of loyalty and a one-team man, and who doesn't like that.The roster may be aging, but it's really quality. Ferry is ready to do anything he wants. If he signs a short-term deal, this team could really contend. He also has good team chemistry with the players there.He's as powerful as the GM with the Cavs. No deal can go through without the King's approval. I'd be surprised if he can wield anywhere near that much power somewhere else.But the biggest reason is that every athlete cares for money above all else, besides maybe winning, and no team can give LeBron more dough than the Cavaliers.ConsThe roster is getting older by the day.When Antawn Jamison, Shaquille O' Neal, Anthony Parker and Zydrunas Ilgauskas are vital contributors, you know you're greying fast.Another major problem is the coach.Mike Brown is undoubtedly good as a defensive manager, but offensively, you would be hard-pressed to find somebody more inept than him.His best chance at capturing that elusive championship lies elsewhere.When you need to make your six-foot eight-inch forward defend the opposing team's lightning quick point guard, you know that you've got problems.James is a competitor. If he doesn't leave Cleveland and never wins a championship, evenDallas Cowboys jersey
a celebrated career will somewhat be lamented.It will always be a case of what if, and I don't think that LeBron wants that.Plus Delonte West, no further comments.A final major negative is the "Curse of Cleveland."It's increasingly looking like it's possible to win a major championship while playing in Cleveland, and for somebody who's primary aim is to win, it sure doesn't bode well.Los Angeles ClippersProsThe one thing that the Clippers have going for them is that they have a solid nucleus.Say whatever you want about Baron Davis, but the guy with the beard can still ball.Chris Kaman has slowly but surely matured into an All-Star caliber center, Blake Griffin may have had his rookie season destroyed by injuries, but the amount of upside that he has is worth drooling over.Add to that Eric Gordon, a sure-fire star for the future and a great offensive player, as well as some other solid parts like DeAndre Jordan, and you've really got something.The other major plus they have going for them is the city itself. Los Angeles is a massive city, and a major marketing hub.Playing in LA could only improve his image as the world's most popular athlete.The NBA would profit greatly.It currently lacks a cut-throat rivalry, and if LeBron played for the Clippers, the NBA would get one as big as any other.Viewership numbers would rise again, something that the Association badly needs.ConsThe biggest reason for LeBron to not sign with the Clippers is simple, name one major athlete who entered the Clippers and saw Denver Broncos jersey
professional sports. Need I say more?Playing in LA means that LeBron would have to share the spotlight with Kobe Bryant, and he may even have to be second most popular athlete in his own town.I'm not sure he can handle that.Davis and Gordon are both ball-dominating guards. Add LeBron to the mix, and you get a combustible mixture full of ego problems.It's nearly impossible for LeBron, Davis, and Gordon to co-exist because of the way they play.Miami HeatProsThe biggest pro is by far Dwyane Wade, whom the Heat have an excellent chance of re- signing.Can you even imagine how good a LeBron-Wade combo would be? I can't. It wouldn't be Batman and Robin, it would be Batman and Superman.If they off-load Beasley, Cook, and Chalmers, they will then have enough money to sign a third big free agent.If Bosh, Wade, and James were playing, the Heat could win a championship with my grandmother as the fourth wheel.Another massive positive is Pat Riley.The guy is one of the best general managers in the game, and a great coach to boot. LeBron will want a great coach wherever he goes, and Riley fits the bill.The final pro is Miami. The city is probably the celebrity capital of the USA.Great beaches, great parties, and all in all, it seems ideal for somebody like LeBron.ConsAfter Wade and LeBron, the team would probably lack depth, not a good sign for any championship contending team.There would be major alpha dog struggles between Wade and LeBron, and they're probably two of the three greatest "basketballers" in the world today.It wouldn't be easy for either of them to compromise their status', and there would be ball sharing troublesBut if the egos are managed, then the Heat could be formidable.New Jersey NetsProsOne thing that the Nets have going for them is that in two years time, they are moving to Brooklyn.Another reason is Jay-Z.The popular rapper is a close friend of LeBron's, and also a minority owner of the Nets. He will undoubtedly do everything in his power to convince LeBron to come to New Jersey.The Nets also have a young one-two punch. The bigger part of that is Brook Lopez. He may one day become the NBA's best center, and no, I'm not overstating things.They also boast Devin Harris, one of the fastest guards around and a great complimentary scorer.Besides these two players, they have a solid core. Courtney Lee, Terrence Williams, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Yi Jianlian, and, most importantly, one of Detroit Lions
Evan Turner, Wesley Johnson, DeMarcus Cousins, and Derrick Favors are solid rotational players, if not more.They have the cap space to sign another big free agent, a Joe Johnson or a Chris Bosh, to complement the already mentioned team and LeBron would be really, really good.Last but not least, the Nets have a new owner in Mikhail Prokhorov.The Russianbillionairecould extend LeBron's appeal to Russia. He has shown that he cares about winning, and that's what matters most.ConsThere is a lot of instability over where the Nets are going to play next year, and the year after that.They aren't moving to Brooklyn before two years time, and that means two years of playing in New Jersey. It is unlikely that the King would want to play in such a place for two whole years, especially after playing in Cleveland.Plus, the players on the Nets are good, but the supporting cast is not likely to be as good as the Bulls or even the Cavaliers.Finally, their is no head coach at the present moment. Unless they bag a big name soon, it's likely to adversely affect James.New York KnicksProsWe're talking about the Big Apple here. The odds are that there is no more desirable city to play in, and that's why LeBron is likely to come.He's made it known several times that he loves NYC.New York have a lot of cap space, and he can basically come in and choose the sidekick that he wants. To LeBron, that's a big plus.Madison Square Garden is hands down the most famous venue in the world, and the chance to come and play there must be an enticing one.Another positive is Mike D' Antoni. His system is probably not one likely to deliver a championship, for it lays a lot of emphasis on offense, but nevertheless LeBron is a great fan of his.Finally, no other place offers half the media coverage of New York, and that's a great thing for James who wants to become the world's most popular athlete.ConsThe media glare is maddening. It may make him even more of an icon, but it's equally likely to dissect every move he makes, and tear into his private life. Plus the supporting cast really isn't that good. You aren't going to win a title withDanilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, Toney Douglas, Bill Walker and Eddy Curry.David Lee probably isn't returning either. Green Bay Packers jersey
While Mike D' Antoni's system may be very entertaining, it isn't the type of system which wins championships. You need to play defense for that.All said and done, the squad, even with LeBron and another free agent isn't enough to contend for the Larry O' Brien trophy, and that's probably the decisive factor.The VerdictLeBron James is a man who loves attention. He's undoubtedly going to wine and dine with the GM of all thirty teams, and he's going to drop hints about joining each and every team.He loves the attention.But at the end of the day, he'll narrow it down tothe Bulls,the Cavaliers and the Heat.Then he'll sign a two-year contract with any one of them, with a player option for the third year. He'll win at least one trophy in that two-year period, maybe two.And in 2012, all the madness will start again.
well-equipped the contenders are in this big-money race. A neutral viewpoint as to which team is the best set for a monarchy.Chicago BullsProsThe biggest reason why LeBron should come to Chicago is the supporting cast.It has a legitimate superstar in Derrick Rose, a passionate big man who protects the rim in Joakim Noah, a good two-way player in Luol Deng, a solid defender and shooter in Kirk Hinrich, and a young asset in Taj Gibson.Add LeBron to the mix, and you have a team which can instantly contend for a championship.Another reason is the media.Chicago is a big city, but not a global hub. This ensures that the exposure is more than sufficient to make LeBron even more of a global icon.However, unlike cities like New York, the media glare is not too much. Each and every shot he misses will not make the front page, and his private life will not be busted open completely.Moreover, Chicago has a sports culture. It is the home to several successful and storied franchises like the Bulls, Cubs, and the Bears. Even the Blackhawks have risen to prominence recently, plus, Chicago has educated fans who actually care.ConsWhile Rose is a major selling point, he can also be a drawback.Like LeBron, he too needs the ball in his hands. Can he handle not being the star attraction?Even if the ego problems can be settled, it would not be easy for the dynamic duo to share the ball-handling responsibilities and maximize their individual output.LeBron may have problems co-existing with Joakim Noah. The two aren't exactly the best of friends. And that's the understatement of the century.Importantly, Chicago is a place where Michael Jordan will forever remain the icon.The ghost of Jordan may come back to haunt James, and at every step he will be compared to the greatest of all time. He can never really be the icon which he (presumably) wants to be.But maybe the biggest negative is the coach situation.It is unlikely that LeBron will come to a team which doesn't have a coach as ofCleveland Browns jersey
yet, especially after his struggles with the offensive cripple Mike Brown.However, this situation can be turned around superbly if the Bulls end up with John Calipari or Phil Jackson.Cleveland CavaliersProsPerhaps the likeliest move.The biggest pro is that in Cleveland, LeBron is a god. Every superstar has an ego, and there is no place where LeBron's ego will be fed better than in Cleveland.He hails from Akron and Cleveland is really close to home. If he re-signs with Cleveland, he'll be hailed as the epitome of loyalty and a one-team man, and who doesn't like that.The roster may be aging, but it's really quality. Ferry is ready to do anything he wants. If he signs a short-term deal, this team could really contend. He also has good team chemistry with the players there.He's as powerful as the GM with the Cavs. No deal can go through without the King's approval. I'd be surprised if he can wield anywhere near that much power somewhere else.But the biggest reason is that every athlete cares for money above all else, besides maybe winning, and no team can give LeBron more dough than the Cavaliers.ConsThe roster is getting older by the day.When Antawn Jamison, Shaquille O' Neal, Anthony Parker and Zydrunas Ilgauskas are vital contributors, you know you're greying fast.Another major problem is the coach.Mike Brown is undoubtedly good as a defensive manager, but offensively, you would be hard-pressed to find somebody more inept than him.His best chance at capturing that elusive championship lies elsewhere.When you need to make your six-foot eight-inch forward defend the opposing team's lightning quick point guard, you know that you've got problems.James is a competitor. If he doesn't leave Cleveland and never wins a championship, evenDallas Cowboys jersey
a celebrated career will somewhat be lamented.It will always be a case of what if, and I don't think that LeBron wants that.Plus Delonte West, no further comments.A final major negative is the "Curse of Cleveland."It's increasingly looking like it's possible to win a major championship while playing in Cleveland, and for somebody who's primary aim is to win, it sure doesn't bode well.Los Angeles ClippersProsThe one thing that the Clippers have going for them is that they have a solid nucleus.Say whatever you want about Baron Davis, but the guy with the beard can still ball.Chris Kaman has slowly but surely matured into an All-Star caliber center, Blake Griffin may have had his rookie season destroyed by injuries, but the amount of upside that he has is worth drooling over.Add to that Eric Gordon, a sure-fire star for the future and a great offensive player, as well as some other solid parts like DeAndre Jordan, and you've really got something.The other major plus they have going for them is the city itself. Los Angeles is a massive city, and a major marketing hub.Playing in LA could only improve his image as the world's most popular athlete.The NBA would profit greatly.It currently lacks a cut-throat rivalry, and if LeBron played for the Clippers, the NBA would get one as big as any other.Viewership numbers would rise again, something that the Association badly needs.ConsThe biggest reason for LeBron to not sign with the Clippers is simple, name one major athlete who entered the Clippers and saw Denver Broncos jersey
professional sports. Need I say more?Playing in LA means that LeBron would have to share the spotlight with Kobe Bryant, and he may even have to be second most popular athlete in his own town.I'm not sure he can handle that.Davis and Gordon are both ball-dominating guards. Add LeBron to the mix, and you get a combustible mixture full of ego problems.It's nearly impossible for LeBron, Davis, and Gordon to co-exist because of the way they play.Miami HeatProsThe biggest pro is by far Dwyane Wade, whom the Heat have an excellent chance of re- signing.Can you even imagine how good a LeBron-Wade combo would be? I can't. It wouldn't be Batman and Robin, it would be Batman and Superman.If they off-load Beasley, Cook, and Chalmers, they will then have enough money to sign a third big free agent.If Bosh, Wade, and James were playing, the Heat could win a championship with my grandmother as the fourth wheel.Another massive positive is Pat Riley.The guy is one of the best general managers in the game, and a great coach to boot. LeBron will want a great coach wherever he goes, and Riley fits the bill.The final pro is Miami. The city is probably the celebrity capital of the USA.Great beaches, great parties, and all in all, it seems ideal for somebody like LeBron.ConsAfter Wade and LeBron, the team would probably lack depth, not a good sign for any championship contending team.There would be major alpha dog struggles between Wade and LeBron, and they're probably two of the three greatest "basketballers" in the world today.It wouldn't be easy for either of them to compromise their status', and there would be ball sharing troublesBut if the egos are managed, then the Heat could be formidable.New Jersey NetsProsOne thing that the Nets have going for them is that in two years time, they are moving to Brooklyn.Another reason is Jay-Z.The popular rapper is a close friend of LeBron's, and also a minority owner of the Nets. He will undoubtedly do everything in his power to convince LeBron to come to New Jersey.The Nets also have a young one-two punch. The bigger part of that is Brook Lopez. He may one day become the NBA's best center, and no, I'm not overstating things.They also boast Devin Harris, one of the fastest guards around and a great complimentary scorer.Besides these two players, they have a solid core. Courtney Lee, Terrence Williams, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Yi Jianlian, and, most importantly, one of Detroit Lions
Evan Turner, Wesley Johnson, DeMarcus Cousins, and Derrick Favors are solid rotational players, if not more.They have the cap space to sign another big free agent, a Joe Johnson or a Chris Bosh, to complement the already mentioned team and LeBron would be really, really good.Last but not least, the Nets have a new owner in Mikhail Prokhorov.The Russianbillionairecould extend LeBron's appeal to Russia. He has shown that he cares about winning, and that's what matters most.ConsThere is a lot of instability over where the Nets are going to play next year, and the year after that.They aren't moving to Brooklyn before two years time, and that means two years of playing in New Jersey. It is unlikely that the King would want to play in such a place for two whole years, especially after playing in Cleveland.Plus, the players on the Nets are good, but the supporting cast is not likely to be as good as the Bulls or even the Cavaliers.Finally, their is no head coach at the present moment. Unless they bag a big name soon, it's likely to adversely affect James.New York KnicksProsWe're talking about the Big Apple here. The odds are that there is no more desirable city to play in, and that's why LeBron is likely to come.He's made it known several times that he loves NYC.New York have a lot of cap space, and he can basically come in and choose the sidekick that he wants. To LeBron, that's a big plus.Madison Square Garden is hands down the most famous venue in the world, and the chance to come and play there must be an enticing one.Another positive is Mike D' Antoni. His system is probably not one likely to deliver a championship, for it lays a lot of emphasis on offense, but nevertheless LeBron is a great fan of his.Finally, no other place offers half the media coverage of New York, and that's a great thing for James who wants to become the world's most popular athlete.ConsThe media glare is maddening. It may make him even more of an icon, but it's equally likely to dissect every move he makes, and tear into his private life. Plus the supporting cast really isn't that good. You aren't going to win a title withDanilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, Toney Douglas, Bill Walker and Eddy Curry.David Lee probably isn't returning either. Green Bay Packers jersey
While Mike D' Antoni's system may be very entertaining, it isn't the type of system which wins championships. You need to play defense for that.All said and done, the squad, even with LeBron and another free agent isn't enough to contend for the Larry O' Brien trophy, and that's probably the decisive factor.The VerdictLeBron James is a man who loves attention. He's undoubtedly going to wine and dine with the GM of all thirty teams, and he's going to drop hints about joining each and every team.He loves the attention.But at the end of the day, he'll narrow it down tothe Bulls,the Cavaliers and the Heat.Then he'll sign a two-year contract with any one of them, with a player option for the third year. He'll win at least one trophy in that two-year period, maybe two.And in 2012, all the madness will start again.
2010年12月26日星期日
26 Dec 10 Lakers-Celtics Finals' Preview: All That But STILL The Usual This
The "All That"... The Draft: You know how it works. Like all professional leagues in America, the NBA holds one every year. It's designed, of course, to give the crappy teams leverage in the acquisition of new, young talent. The NBA relatively recently even injected a draft lottery, to supposedly Reebok San Francisco 49ers #21 Frank GORE Realtree camo Jersey
keep said crappy teams from tanking the latter portion of seasons (as if some can help it) in order to secure the best draft position. But mainly, the lottery gives those crappy teams something extra to get excited about in May, while they're watching the good teams on TV in the playoffs. The Regular Season: The NBA plays an 82-game schedule. That's a lot of basketball. Then they put over half (16 out of 30) of the teams in the playoffs. This renders the regular season semi-meaningless. Teams have to really suck to not make the playoffs. The good-great teams go into each season knowing they'll make the playoffs and hence can dork-around through entire chunks of the season. So, in essence, the regular season only serves to resolve the mystery of which good-great teams will be seeded where and which mediocre-sorry teams will manage to back in at the seventh eighth slots in each conference (although for the past few years, the seventh eighth seeds out West have been pretty darn good). Turning It On Just For The Playoffs: Every year, fans and the media's "Talking Heads" yap incessantly about how some good-great team that's dorking-around in parts or all of the regular season won't be able to turn it on for the playoffs. And every year, fans and "Talking Heads" are proven wrong. This season, it was the Lakers (dorking-around most of the second half of the season) and the Celtics (dorking-around most of ALL of the season). I think you see where I'm Reebok Washington Redskins #98 ORAKPO Realtree camo Jersey
going with this...I mean..."All That". Free Agency: A bunch of teams, as usual, scrambled and made big headlines in adding players who "will put us over the top". The Magic added Vince Carter to "Superman". The Cavaliers were front-runners here with the additions of Shaq and Antoine Jamison. With "The King" already in his "freak" (that's a compliment) place, Cavs' fans in some quarters pre-ordered their "Cavaliers' 2009-2010 NBA Championship T-Shirts last November. I think you see where I'm going with this also...I mean..."All That" also. The "Usual This"... This will be the 64th NBA Finals. The Celtics will have played in 21 Finals and the Lakers will have played in 31 Finals. This will be the 12th time that they've played each other in the Finals...theReebok Pittsburgh Steelers 43 Troy Polamalu Realtree camo Jersey
second time in the last three years. The Celtics own 17 rings and the Lakers own 15 rings. Therefore, combined, these two teams already own slightly more than HALF of all NBA Championships. The "Usual This".CONTINUE... Reg DeVone is co-owner/admin: Sports Jabber. Join in the discussion on this and other topics in the NEW Sports Jabber Forums!
keep said crappy teams from tanking the latter portion of seasons (as if some can help it) in order to secure the best draft position. But mainly, the lottery gives those crappy teams something extra to get excited about in May, while they're watching the good teams on TV in the playoffs. The Regular Season: The NBA plays an 82-game schedule. That's a lot of basketball. Then they put over half (16 out of 30) of the teams in the playoffs. This renders the regular season semi-meaningless. Teams have to really suck to not make the playoffs. The good-great teams go into each season knowing they'll make the playoffs and hence can dork-around through entire chunks of the season. So, in essence, the regular season only serves to resolve the mystery of which good-great teams will be seeded where and which mediocre-sorry teams will manage to back in at the seventh eighth slots in each conference (although for the past few years, the seventh eighth seeds out West have been pretty darn good). Turning It On Just For The Playoffs: Every year, fans and the media's "Talking Heads" yap incessantly about how some good-great team that's dorking-around in parts or all of the regular season won't be able to turn it on for the playoffs. And every year, fans and "Talking Heads" are proven wrong. This season, it was the Lakers (dorking-around most of the second half of the season) and the Celtics (dorking-around most of ALL of the season). I think you see where I'm Reebok Washington Redskins #98 ORAKPO Realtree camo Jersey
going with this...I mean..."All That". Free Agency: A bunch of teams, as usual, scrambled and made big headlines in adding players who "will put us over the top". The Magic added Vince Carter to "Superman". The Cavaliers were front-runners here with the additions of Shaq and Antoine Jamison. With "The King" already in his "freak" (that's a compliment) place, Cavs' fans in some quarters pre-ordered their "Cavaliers' 2009-2010 NBA Championship T-Shirts last November. I think you see where I'm going with this also...I mean..."All That" also. The "Usual This"... This will be the 64th NBA Finals. The Celtics will have played in 21 Finals and the Lakers will have played in 31 Finals. This will be the 12th time that they've played each other in the Finals...theReebok Pittsburgh Steelers 43 Troy Polamalu Realtree camo Jersey
second time in the last three years. The Celtics own 17 rings and the Lakers own 15 rings. Therefore, combined, these two teams already own slightly more than HALF of all NBA Championships. The "Usual This".CONTINUE... Reg DeVone is co-owner/admin: Sports Jabber. Join in the discussion on this and other topics in the NEW Sports Jabber Forums!
26 Dec 10 Lakers-Celtics Finals' Preview: All That But STILL The Usual This
The "All That"... The Draft: You know how it works. Like all professional leagues in America, the NBA holds one every year. It's designed, of course, to give the crappy teams leverage in the acquisition of new, young talent. The NBA relatively recently even injected a draft lottery, to supposedly Reebok San Francisco 49ers #21 Frank GORE Realtree camo Jersey
keep said crappy teams from tanking the latter portion of seasons (as if some can help it) in order to secure the best draft position. But mainly, the lottery gives those crappy teams something extra to get excited about in May, while they're watching the good teams on TV in the playoffs. The Regular Season: The NBA plays an 82-game schedule. That's a lot of basketball. Then they put over half (16 out of 30) of the teams in the playoffs. This renders the regular season semi-meaningless. Teams have to really suck to not make the playoffs. The good-great teams go into each season knowing they'll make the playoffs and hence can dork-around through entire chunks of the season. So, in essence, the regular season only serves to resolve the mystery of which good-great teams will be seeded where and which mediocre-sorry teams will manage to back in at the seventh eighth slots in each conference (although for the past few years, the seventh eighth seeds out West have been pretty darn good). Turning It On Just For The Playoffs: Every year, fans and the media's "Talking Heads" yap incessantly about how some good-great team that's dorking-around in parts or all of the regular season won't be able to turn it on for the playoffs. And every year, fans and "Talking Heads" are proven wrong. This season, it was the Lakers (dorking-around most of the second half of the season) and the Celtics (dorking-around most of ALL of the season). I think you see where I'm Reebok Washington Redskins #98 ORAKPO Realtree camo Jersey
going with this...I mean..."All That". Free Agency: A bunch of teams, as usual, scrambled and made big headlines in adding players who "will put us over the top". The Magic added Vince Carter to "Superman". The Cavaliers were front-runners here with the additions of Shaq and Antoine Jamison. With "The King" already in his "freak" (that's a compliment) place, Cavs' fans in some quarters pre-ordered their "Cavaliers' 2009-2010 NBA Championship T-Shirts last November. I think you see where I'm going with this also...I mean..."All That" also. The "Usual This"... This will be the 64th NBA Finals. The Celtics will have played in 21 Finals and the Lakers will have played in 31 Finals. This will be the 12th time that they've played each other in the Finals...theReebok Pittsburgh Steelers 43 Troy Polamalu Realtree camo Jersey
second time in the last three years. The Celtics own 17 rings and the Lakers own 15 rings. Therefore, combined, these two teams already own slightly more than HALF of all NBA Championships. The "Usual This".CONTINUE... Reg DeVone is co-owner/admin: Sports Jabber. Join in the discussion on this and other topics in the NEW Sports Jabber Forums!
keep said crappy teams from tanking the latter portion of seasons (as if some can help it) in order to secure the best draft position. But mainly, the lottery gives those crappy teams something extra to get excited about in May, while they're watching the good teams on TV in the playoffs. The Regular Season: The NBA plays an 82-game schedule. That's a lot of basketball. Then they put over half (16 out of 30) of the teams in the playoffs. This renders the regular season semi-meaningless. Teams have to really suck to not make the playoffs. The good-great teams go into each season knowing they'll make the playoffs and hence can dork-around through entire chunks of the season. So, in essence, the regular season only serves to resolve the mystery of which good-great teams will be seeded where and which mediocre-sorry teams will manage to back in at the seventh eighth slots in each conference (although for the past few years, the seventh eighth seeds out West have been pretty darn good). Turning It On Just For The Playoffs: Every year, fans and the media's "Talking Heads" yap incessantly about how some good-great team that's dorking-around in parts or all of the regular season won't be able to turn it on for the playoffs. And every year, fans and "Talking Heads" are proven wrong. This season, it was the Lakers (dorking-around most of the second half of the season) and the Celtics (dorking-around most of ALL of the season). I think you see where I'm Reebok Washington Redskins #98 ORAKPO Realtree camo Jersey
going with this...I mean..."All That". Free Agency: A bunch of teams, as usual, scrambled and made big headlines in adding players who "will put us over the top". The Magic added Vince Carter to "Superman". The Cavaliers were front-runners here with the additions of Shaq and Antoine Jamison. With "The King" already in his "freak" (that's a compliment) place, Cavs' fans in some quarters pre-ordered their "Cavaliers' 2009-2010 NBA Championship T-Shirts last November. I think you see where I'm going with this also...I mean..."All That" also. The "Usual This"... This will be the 64th NBA Finals. The Celtics will have played in 21 Finals and the Lakers will have played in 31 Finals. This will be the 12th time that they've played each other in the Finals...theReebok Pittsburgh Steelers 43 Troy Polamalu Realtree camo Jersey
second time in the last three years. The Celtics own 17 rings and the Lakers own 15 rings. Therefore, combined, these two teams already own slightly more than HALF of all NBA Championships. The "Usual This".CONTINUE... Reg DeVone is co-owner/admin: Sports Jabber. Join in the discussion on this and other topics in the NEW Sports Jabber Forums!
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