24 Jan 11 Wisconsin Football: Weak Out-Of-Conference Games Hurting Badgers?

When the Badgers run out onto the field Saturday to face Michigan State, will they be ready?Ethan Miller/Getty ImagesFor years now, the Wisconsin Badgers have been scheduling weak out-of-conference games to powder puff their way into Big Ten conference play. Some would argue this hasn't been beneficial. The other day, I was listening to a Bill Simmons "B.S. Report" podcast, and one of his guests picked their Super Bowl teams, suggesting that one of them would be 9-7 or 10-6 on the NFL season, and sneak in as a lower seed and blow everyone away. Now, why was it he reckoned New England Patriots jersey
that the low seeded team would blow everyone away? He predicts that the teams who would normally go about 11-5 or so, that face a tough schedule, will lose a few games due to the grind of their year. He also suggests that the team will be better prepared for the later season games and the playoffs, if they have a tougher schedule, provided that they get through their schedule and into the playoffs. Simple enough argument, right? It's not hard to see where Simmons' guest is coming from, either. Just a few years ago, the New York Giants ran through the playoffs and beat the "Best Team in the NFL", the 18-0 (including playoffs) New England Patriots in the Super Bowl which was one of the biggest upsets of all time. Why is it that the 10-6 Giants, who started the 2007 season 6-2, and stumbled into the playoffs going 4-4 the remainder of the year, were so able to perform against the Patriots, while other teams failed?Strength of schedule, which is beaten to death in college football discussion shows, will illustrate this nicely. The Giants' opponent record that season? Tied for the eight hardest in the NFL, at .514 percent winning percentage by the season opponents. Simmons' guest believes that the Giants played better teams, and lost games they would have won against weaker teams, and were better off for it. In the college football world, there are two schools of thought. Either schedule the Weak Kneed Nuns of Holy Father Seminary Catholic School, and win by 80, or you could spend these early games in the season playing legitimate teams who could challenge and push players to earn every yard, score, or tackle. I'm not in any position to pass judgment on others here, but that's exactly what I'm about to do. The University of Wisconsin Athletic Department and Barry Alvarez need to start scheduling real tests for the Badgers in out of conference play. If the Badgers Want To Return To The Rose Bowl AsThe Did Under Former Coach And Current Athletic Director Barry Alvarez, They Need To Schedule Better OpponentsThe Badgers proved very little in beating Austin PeayNew Orleans Saints jersey
70-3, the largest win in school history. What did the team learn, besides the fact that you could put up numbers found only playing the video game NCAA Football 11?Nothing, because the team was on autopilot from the first snap. Look, I'm not saying for Wisconsin to schedule Alabama, Texas, Boise State as your out-of-conference tune up games. More accurately, I'm suggesting the staff in the Athletic Department at UW should consider better opponents. Maybe schedule a team like Connecticut, a team who is for the most part turning their team around. Or schedule LSU or another SEC team to get some early respect in the polls. LSU, because they aren't exactly title contenders like a few years back, but they are still a respectable team in the tough SEC. The Badgers played four teams this out of conference season, totaling a combined record of 6-10 this season. Yeah, that's going to impress a whole bunch of people. Quarterback Scott Tolzien Will Look To Lance Kendricks As Nick Toon Will Return To Action and Likely isn't 100% Yet For The BadgersEspecially when you tell them that not a single team you've played so far has a winning record, and that you've nearly lost twice. I understand the need to beat up on smaller schools. Fine. How about actually doing it though? The Badgers should have been winning by 20-plus points in all of their out-of-conference games, but struggled to get in rhythm at times, and the running game hasn't been as dominant as expected coming into the season.Sure, John Clay and Co. are doing well with running the ball, but I'd have expected bigger numbers against such soft competition. This should be a cautionary tale, as the Badgers enter Big Ten play against Michigan State on Saturday. It'll be their first real test of the season, and I'm assuming the coaching staff doesn't want to have unpreparedness rear its ugly head in the first important game. To be fair, the Badgers have had some significant injuries this season, with Chris Borland, a stud linebacker out for the rest of the season and quarterback Scott Tolzien not having two of his better passing options in Nick Toon and David Gilreath, the latter being out again for this week. However, that means other players need to step up and make their presence felt in the absence of these players. The lack of a player stepping into their shoes and making an impact should be a concern for the Badgers. Back to the main point though. If the Badgers want to do well in conference and bowl week play, they better start scheduling (and playing better against) tougher opponents. For coach New York Giants jersey
Bret Bielema and the Wisconsin Badgers, the 2010 season is really starting this Saturday. If the team has any hopes of going far this year and ascending the ranks of the elite teams in the BCS standings, they better start playing like BCS contenders, or they'll do as they've always done; start the season hot, and limp to the finish line.

22 Jan 11 LSU Defense Stifles The Bulldogs With 5 Interceptions

Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesIn their home opener, the Fighting Tigers of LSU displayed, once again, the stellar defensive play that will determine the fate of the Tiger's season. In the 29-7 victory over the Mississippi State Bulldogs, the Tiger defense intercepted the Bulldog quarterbacks, Chris Relf and Tyler Russell, 5 times thanks to the athletic play-making abilities of Patrick Peterson (2), Mo Claiborne (2), and Drake Nevis (1).The Tiger defense, led by All-SEC linebacker Kelvin Sheppard, has now allowed a total of 10 points in SEC play, and has shown the Cincinnati Bengals jersey
ability to punish and confuse opposing quarterbacks with constant quarterback hurries and sacks. Rarely, has an opposing quarterback been able to throw comfortably as Defensive Coordinator John Chavis' athletic front seven flies to the ball.The Mississippi State Bulldogs were able to exploit the Tiger defense's aggressiveness at times. Bulldog quarterback Chris Relf, was often able to break free before a punishing hit at the end of the first half sent him to the sideline. Relf rushed for a total of 52 yards on 7 tries for a 6.6 yard per carry average. This is certainly something John Chavis will need to address as athletic quarterbacks Cam Newton and Jerimiah Massoli await on the horizon.Offensively, the Tigers still have not found a rhythm. While Quarterback Jordan Jefferson was efficient, this was far from a break out game. Jefferson's 10-16 for 97 yard passing performance obviously will not strike fear into defensive coordinators. Jefferson did find the end zone with 5:16 left in the third quarter with a beautiful 16 yard run.Jefferson finished the day with 10 carries for 40 yards. The Tigers' leading rusher, once again, was Stevan Ridley who finished the day with 19 carries for 78 yards and a touchdown.The offense on a whole runs as if it's trying not to make mistakes, rather than score. Against Mississippi State, the offense relied on specialist Josh Jasper's LSU school record 5 field goals. While an excellent day for Jasper, the Tiger offense cannot function in this way even with a defense as good as LSU's. The offense has to find a way to find the end zone, as the Cleveland Browns jersey
stronger opponents are still to come.In the LIne of FireGary Crowton, Offensive CoordinatorHow does an offensive coordinator nicknamed "The Wizard" direct such a painfully obvious offense. Yes, Russell Sheppard is an extremely talented athlete, but how many times in one game can you possibly call an end around? Crowton seems to call this play at least 3-4 times a game. It's becoming obnoxious. If the fans know it's coming, the you can bet, opposing defensive coordinators know it's coming too. I do not understand why the offense never opens up. Yes 4 yard passes move the ball, and yes the wide outs are extremely athletic, but you honestly have to throw the ball deep occasionally.Tweet of the Night"I wonder if John Chavis looks down at Gary Crowton and thinks....if only you could do what I can do, they'd be touting us a BCS championship contenders." Fletcher MackelAmazing Play of the NightToss up: Patrick Peterson's interception in which he tipped it to himself, or Drake Nevis' interception. Nevis is a big man that can move and he is quickly working his way into the First Round of next year's NFL draft.The "You're So Money and You Don't Even Know It" Player of the GameLSU Kicker Josh JasperJasper kicked a school record 5 field goals including 4 in the first half. Jasper hit on field goals of 44, 32, 51, 37, and 21. Jasper is a real weapon in close games and looks comfortable on 50 yards plus.Way to Early ObservationThe 2010 Tigers are beginning to look like a team that can be a national championship team in the way that the 2002 Ohio State Dallas Cowboys jersey
Buckeyes were. Great defense that overshadows a mediocre offense.Next Up For the TigersThe #21 ranked West Virginia Mountaineers come to Death Valley bringing an offense that features talented running back Noel Devine. Devine comes into the game having rushed 73 times for 354 yards with a 4.8 yard per attempt average and 2 touchdowns.

18 Jan 11 Alabama-Arkansas: Can the Razorbacks Pull the Upset Over the Tide?

Chris Graythen/Getty ImagesAfter winning the national championship last year and starting the season with three impressive blowouts wins, the college football odds for the Alabama at Arkansas game this weekend show the Crimson Tide -7 over the Razorbacks.Both teams are playing well in the early going, with Arkansas also opening Jacksonville Jaguars jersey
the year 3-0.These teams last met on September 26th of last season, with Alabama winning that contest 35-7.The Crimson Tide opened the season with a 48-3 victory over San Jose State, beat then-No. 18 Penn State 24-3 the following week, and last Saturday Alabama crushed Duke 62-13. This team has wasted no time letting everyone know that they are trying to repeat as national champions, and they are letting nobody stand in their way.Their stiffest test yet will come this Saturday at Arkansas, and if they post another dominant performance, it would be hard to see any team knocking off Alabama this year.Alabama put up 28 points in the first quarter against Duke, and their 62-point total is what you would likely see from a Crimson Tide basketball team.Heisman Trophy-winning running back Mark Ingram was awesome in his return from injury, rushing for 151 yards and two touchdowns on just nine carries. His backfield mate, Trend Richardson, rushed for 61 yards on seven carries with a touchdown. Richardson also returned a kickoff 91 yards for a score.It was great to have Mark back, Alabama coach Nick Saban said. He certainly gives us another weapon and he did a fantastic job in the time that he played. Saban went on to say, But I think the offense deserves a lot of credit. Greg did a good job. Trent played well today. Julio played well. The latter is Julio Jones, who caught five balls for 106 yards in the win.McElroy did throw his first interception of the season, but he has been mistake-free for the most part all year. Kansas City Chiefs jersey
With so many weapons offensively, all he has to do is take care of the football and Alabama will be a very tough team to beat. But with three ranked opponents coming up, including Arkansas, Florida, and South Carolina, the Crimson Tide will be tested.The Razorbacks made a big statement last week, going into Georgia and winning 31-24. Arkansas is now 3-0 after taking care of Tennessee Tech 44-3 in Week 1 and Louisiana-Monroe 31-7 in Week 2.Heisman Trophy candidate Ryan Mallett had another big day last Saturday, proving himself as a clutch performer by hitting Greg Childs for a 40-yard game-winning touchdown with 14 seconds left to beat the Bulldogs. His numbers have always been there, but many have questioned whether he could make the big play in a big game. He finished 21-of-33 for 380 yards and three touchdowns against Georgia.Arkansas is now 3-0 for the first time since 2003, and the Razorbacks are now the No. 10 team in the nation. A win Saturday would cement them as legitimate national title contenders. They already took a big step in that direction last week with their first win in Athens since 1993.This Razorbacks offense has been extremely efficient in the red zone this season, scoring on all 10 of their trips inside the opponent's 20-yard line. That could be huge Miami Dolphins jersey
against Alabama, because scoring touchdowns instead of field goals is the only way theyll have a chance to pull off the upset.Jack Jones will have several college football picks for Week 4 starting Thursday as he continues his 76-54 (58 percent) football run. He will also have several more game previews available on the top contests this week.

15 Jan 11 Detroit Lions Rod Marinelli "Madden" Commentary

All right, everybody knows that the vantage point of a journalist or couch jockey quarterback is an easy one from which to make off-hand judgment calls. The actual duties involved in NFL coaching are surely unimaginably myriad and the job is insanely difficult. Fair enough, but at 1-6 and in the midst of that four-decade rebuilding program known as the Detroit Lions, you'd think Rod Marinelli would be willing to take advice from all corners.Now this is not to suggest that some RealFootballer such as myself should be imparting wisdom to the man (although Os Davis did enter the 2006 season having run up as many games in the head coach position as Marinelli had). Instead Marinelli should spend some quality time during the bye week constructively, dedicating a few dozen hours to a guy who's been there, Seattle Seahawks jersey
who has that ring: John Madden.It's a bye week. Are you ready, coach Marinelli, for some Madden? Heck, the old marine could even play "coach mode," and thus really gain some tips for his team other than "hit the X button, then A, then juke the stick in rapid progression."Right now, this PC is in the throes of a Lions simulation, in fact. Though still using the 2006 version of the game, the silver-and-Honolulu blue's core is essentially the same. Since Jeff Garcia retires after 2005, we've got a Jon Kitna clone at QB. We're even using the Cover 2 defense as a default. Just trying to help you guys in Detroit. And check out what you can learn:First, please, run with Kevin Jones. The game against the Minnesota Vikings was a classic chicken-and-egg situation: Did Jones run for under one yard per carry, because he wasn't getting the ball enough, or was Kitna not giving him the ball because he was continually being hit for a loss? Madden says it doesn't matter. If the offensive line is adequate (and let's generously say the real-life 2006 Lions' is), you've gotta make that back find the holes! As Madden's buddy Al Michaels says, "They're gonna continue with the running game, no matter how ineffective it is." And it may be this simple: When Jones runs, you win. Jones goes for 127 yards against Buffalo, you win. When Jones gets 93 yards against St. Louis, you ... well, you should have won. In Madden, you give him carries like real-life Edgerrin James and he amasses 1,600 yards-plus for the season.Um, about that passing on third down ... The greatest cliché in all of Madden is "Now, that's the kind of play that just drives me crazy. Does the receiver not know where he needs to go to get the first down?" Well, does he not? A couple of microcosms of "Lions Football" re: third-down success. Against the Seattle Seahawks in St. Louis Rams jersey
Week 1, Detroit was 5-of-14 on third-down conversions. In 11 of these situations, a pass was called. Just twice was first down gained by air. You score six points, you lose. Last week against the New York Jets, the Lions gained a pulse (not to mention some proper route running). When playing desperate, the Lions went 3-of-5 with one TD on third down and 2-of-2 on fourth down. "Just let your receivers go out and fling it in there."Maybe Madden - like real-life football - shouldn't be played so conservatively, but kick the field goal, man! The real-life Lions mostly sit Jason Hanson. Dude's got a 92 ranking in my version of Madden. Twice for the Lions he's nailed kicks of 57 yards and once for 58; his kick even made that satisfying "plunk" sound off the bottom of the crossbar to bounce in. Sorry, what's that? So he's one out of three from 50-plus ... when the special teams play is as lacking as Detroit's, you might want Hanson teeing off from 63 yards every game.Seriously, now, let's talk about that defense. In the 1990s against Elway and long bombers, great defense. Today, in the day of "Bradyball," not so good. Perhaps it's time to admit that the Tampa 2 may simply just not work. A "bend but don't break" philosophy is fine, but without a serious all-pro secondary, it's going to break. And aside from exploiting the potential of above-average quick and below-average size like Ernie Sims, the Tampa 2 allows short-yardage and hurry-up game plans way too much liberty for today's style of play. Tampa 2 adherents in the Indianapolis Colts and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 18th and 27th in total defense. Mike Tomlin's schemes for the Minnesota Vikings are succeeding this year to the tune of No. 7 'D' in the league. Marinelli et al might want to try a different offense with a bigger Madden playbook or see if there Tennessee Titans jersey
are any 85s hanging around in the free agent pool.Finally, ditch the uniforms. The fewer ties to the present, the better. Don the throwback blues with the white helmet. Or check out the sweet, seldom-used black versions of the Lions' uni. Why are they not used more often? When my Madden Lions are in the Honolulu blue, we're 1-3. Too bad you can't hit RESET in real-life, eh? Happy Maddening!(PS: If you play the Lions on Madden, you don't even have to fire Millen. Though you probably should pretend to, anyway.)RealFootball365.com: Where we cover virtual and actual Detroit Lions. (3)

14 Jan 11 Seattle Seahawks Shaun Alexander Steve Hutchinson

In the course of two regular-season games to start the 2006 campaign, Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander has gone from uncontainable league MVP to just another stoppable ball carrier. Though Seattle's currently 2-0, the offense hasn't looked anything like itself from last year, when the unit finished tops in the NFL, helping lead the Seahawks to their first Super Bowl bid. Well, Alexander was at the forefront of the offensive output last year, and now he's standing out again, but not in a good way.After a pair of contests against mediocre-at-best defenses, the 29-year-old Alexander has gained just 140 ground yards on 45 carries, good enough for an awful 3.1 per-carry average. His one total touchdown? Enough to make those who spent high first-round picks on him in fantasy leagues Reebok Minnesota Vikings 28 Adrian Peterson Realtree camo Jersey
vomit. Last season the former first-round pick from Alabama set an all-time league record, with 28 total touchdowns. It was expected to be much of the same this year, but not so far. So, why is Alexander having such difficulty? The reason for his struggles are twofold. One of those excuses sounds quite ridiculous, but it's actually becoming a proven fact. The second is, indeed, very obvious.First off, there's the dreaded "Madden curse." Yep, that's right. There really is one, so stop laughing. Of course, said curse refers to Alexander being among a list of unfortunate names to take the bait and appear on the cover of the Madden video game franchise. The last few Pro Bowlers on the box - Eddie George, Daunte Culpepper, Marshall Faulk, Michael Vick, Ray Lewis and Donovan McNabb - have Reebok Minnesota Vikings #4 Brett Favre Realtree camo Jersey
all experienced misfortune in their respective cover years, whether by uncharacteristically poor play or injury. So far, Alexander's clearly suffering from the former. Every year the wide-eyed Madden star insists there's no curse. And every year they're proven dead wrong. It can't be coincidence, can it? Doubt it.If you aren't one to believe in what's perceived as a silly superstition, then take a look at the suddenly vulnerable line in front of Alexander. The unit used to be dominant in terms of run blocking, but that doesn't seem to be the case anymore. Seattle had to part ways with arguably the best left guard in football, Steve Hutchinson, during the offseason, and it's clearly hurt the formerly tremendous O-line. No longer is the group dominant, and now Hutchinson's replacement, Floyd "Pork Chop" Womack, is sidelined up to six weeks with a knee ailment. Taking his place will be green second-year man Chris Spencer, a 2005 first-round pick. Perhaps he, like Hutchinson, can quickly become a first-round star. At least, that's what those in the Pacific Northwest are hoping.It doesn't matter which excuse you use. The bottom line is, the 5-foot-11, 225-pound Alexander hasn't been himself this September. Maybe it's all an aberration, but struggling against the less-than-mighty run defenses ofReebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jersey
the Detroit Lions (19 carries, 51 yards) and the Arizona Cardinals (26, 89) is certainly quite alarming. If Alexander had difficulty against those two units, he might have an even tougher time this weekend against the New York Giants' defense, even though it's far from dominant.The Seahawks' offense obviously wants to regain its marvelous form, but the wheels won't begin turning until Alexander becomes himself again. This Sunday, it's high time he steps up for the first time since last January.--Got feedback? Connor J. Byrne responds to readers' comments and questions each day: cbyrneGet more on the Seattle Seahawks .

13 Jan 11 Boston-Atlanta: Celtics Coaches Lack Trust in Bench, Lose to Hawks

Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesIt would be easy to blame the referees for what was essentially another collapse by the Celtics. The Atlanta Hawks came into the Garden and swept the season series.Tom Thibodeau was put in charge of leading the troops after a flagrant foul was called on Glen Davis and Doc Rivers was ejected for protesting the call.Brian Scalabrine, the consummate role player, was having the best offensive and defensive game in a Celtic uniform. The refs robbed him of a great play on an attempted layup by Josh Smith. His ensuing fourth foul forced the Celtics to insert Davis.Thibodeau rode the starters in the fourth quarter with Davis.The only offensive threats were Ray Allen and Paul Pierce. Rondo was exhausted, team injuries had forced him to think score. The game screamed for Buffalo Bills jersey
Thibodeau to put Scalabrine back in the game. It would have balanced the floor and opened up driving lanes for Pierce and Rondo.None of this was done.The coaching staff had collective gridlock as the cameras continually scanned the bench for any signs of life. The usually animated Celtic bench simply sat there and watched the team's collapse. Eddie House, Tony Allen, andScalabrine were all fourth-quarter DNPs.Not once did Thibodeau so much as looktheir way. He sacrificed "ubuntu" because he assessed his best chance was to ride the starters. The team failed miserably without them.

12 Jan 11 Agent No-No: Gilbert Arenas' Actions Hurt Recuperating NBA Image

Brendan Smialowski/Getty ImagesWhen a sports fan thinks of the most out-of-control, least manageable, and arguably the most dangerous sports league in North America, the National Basketball Association comes to mind.Whether it revolved around Dennis Rodman, the Portland Jail Blazers, or an Reebok Denver Broncos #15 Tim Tebow Realtree camo Jersey
astonishing brawl between athletes and fans at the Palace, the NBA has, for better or worse, been viewed as a league of delinquency and misbehavior.While the NBA has been plagued with unfortunate incidents the past couple decades, there is no denying the league attempt to clean its image and make it more marketable to outside developers and fans who pay to help maintain credibility.And after all the work that has been done, from stricter guidelines like proper dress attire before and after games, one incident could derail any effort and make outsiders say I told you so.Such is the case with Gilbert Arenas.The Washington Wizards $111 million-dollar man brought a gun into the locker room, and then proceeded to threaten a teammate with it. There are just so many things wrong with this scenario.First off, Arenas is making over a $100 million over a six-year time frame. Whether he deserved such a large contract in the first place is debatable, especially when one considers his injury history and lack of success in the postseason. Players like LeBron or Kobe warrant such huge contracts, but Arenas should not be mentioned in the same breath as those guys.Then you have the issue of actually bringing a firearm into a building and, jokingly or not, threatening another person with itlet alone your own teammate. Didn it once cross Arenas mind that this was, in essence, a bad idea? Apparently not.And for a player as widely known as Arenas, this was and continues to be a PR nightmare for Washington and the NBA as a whole. His suspension for the remainder of the season hurts his team (as does that of Javaris Crittenton), not to mention makes upper management really take a step back and begin having second thoughts on that monster contract.Maybe changing the franchise name from the Bullets to the Reebok Green Bay Packers #12 Aaron Rodgers Realtree camo Jersey
Wizards was a bit premature.This may end up being the sword in Arenas NBA coffin, but the NBA will get over it over time. The league achieved success despite drug use, brawls, and the Tim Donaghey saga. Sure, it will not be the easiest distraction to overcome, but time does heal all woundseven in professional sports.Although in many cases, athletes aren so lucky.

10 Jan 11 Oklahoma City Thunder Stand Pat

Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesThe trade deadline has come and gone. Oklahoma City remains unchanged.While many will be wondering why General Manager Sam Presti didn't take a shot at a big name that can "help the Thunder in the playoffs," or "make that final push," he didn't need to.Think back to the beginning of the season, Oklahoma City was projected to be a middle of the pack team in the West. Most "experts" said that a 30 win season would be a win, and everything else is gravy. Guess what? Oklahoma City is currently sitting on win number 31 and fans are already Baltimore Ravens jersey
excited about the playoffs.So, wouldn't that mean that the Thunder would want to make a trade to solidify that playoff bid? In a word, no.The main reason for the dramatic improvement over last season is the growth of the Thunder's younger players and the defense of coach Scott Brook's system.If the Thunder grabbed Amar'e Stoudemire or Brendan Haywood, how would Serge Ibaka grow? The emergence of Ibaka has been one of the pleasant surprises this season. Many believed that Ibaka would spend a year in Tulsa, OKC's NBA D-League affiliate, and hopefully contribute next year. Well, he is already impacting this team. He battles on defense, and is quickly becoming the team's enforcer.What about an upgrade at power forward? Yes, everyone and their dog has been critical of Jeff Green (myself included). Green is playing out of position, and we all know it. However, he is proving himself to be capable of defending so-called "big named fours." If you had the pleasure of watching Oklahoma City's win over Dallas on Feb. 16, you saw Green stifle one of the best Buffalo Bills jersey
fours in the league, Dirk Nowitzki. Nowitzki has dominated Green in the past, but Green is finally starting to figure out what being a power forward entails.Oklahoma City needs to sit on what they have, because what they have is working. There are players who might improve OKC now, but Presti isn't building a team for this season. The Thunder are a team built for the future, and the future is coming a little faster than we all thought it would.

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It that time of year again. With just a quarter of the NBA regular season remaining, the MVP race and debates are set to heat up.This season, the race seems to be between Dwight Howard, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James, with the King currently leading the way.LeBron James is the leader of the Cleveland Cavaliers, the team with the top record in the league (46-14). Meanwhile, the Magic are fourth in the league (39-20), and the Thunder are 10th (34-23).In the past 10 years, six of the MVP came from the best team in the league, two from the second, Reebok Baltimore Ravens #5 Joe Flacco Realtree camo Jersey
and the other two from the third. That said, the chances of Durant winning the MVP are slim to none.Putting personal statistics in consideration, LeBron is the clear winner.LeBron James leads the league in scoring, averaging 30 PPG, and is among the league leaders in minutes played as well. Moreover, LeBron is one of the smartest players in the league, as he is sixth in personal fouls committed, and leads all frontcourt players in assists-turnover ratio.All around, LeBron posts the best statistics in the league, as he is the only player to nearly average a triple double every game. If that not impressive enough, LeBron is doing so on a lackluster team. James game has made the mediocre players around him much better. Mo Williams was a backup PG for the Bucks, but he helped transform him into an All-Star.Moreover, James ability to get to the basket at will and dish out passes has given opportunities for the team several sharp shooters to shine. Finally, think about what being the league most valuable player means. In my mind, part of being the MVP is being the "poster boy" for the league. LeBron James is one of the most famous athletes in the world. Furthermore, his unbelievable athleticism and creative plays makes him one of the most entertaining players in the league.James, alone, has put Cleveland on the map, Reebok Baltimore Ravens #27 Ray Rice Realtree camo Jersey
and he is setting the standard for how the game should be played. Meanwhile, neither Howard nor Durant have the magnitude of impact on the sport that King James does.Don get me wrong. I love Kevin Durant and Dwight Howard. They are among the top players in the league, and have very bright futures. However, as for the MVP award, this season, LeBron is the clear front-runner to repeat, and may be so for, who knows, possibly the next decade.

8 Jan 11 Week 21 Fantasy Basketball Risers and Fallers/Waiver Wire Watch

Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesMaking that final push toward the playoffs in your fantasy league?Eager to find some sleeper-type guys that could help you in some critical areas?This week, we've combined the risers and fallers with the waiver wire watch.The risers consist of five guys available in most leagues that you can expect a jump in production from.The fallers, as usual, are five guys you should be wary to depend upon as the season nears its end.RisersJrue Holiday, PG, Philadelphia 76ers (2 percent owned in Yahoo! leagues)Holiday's Reebok Dallas Cowboys #9 Tony Romo Realtree camo Jersey
production has been on the rise since Allen Iverson left, and is averaging 14 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds in the last five games.His numbers are solid across the board, and he can also provide a boost in the three-point and free throw shooting departments.If you're in desperate need of some guard help, Holiday may be worth a look.Courtney Lee, SG, New Jersey Nets (18 percent)The Nets are horrible, but Lee has been anything but that recently.After going through a disappointing season for the most part, he's averaging 19 points in his last five, but has also been a bit inconsistent.Snag him if you need scoring help, but do so with caution.Quentin Richardson, SG/SF, Miami Heat (4 percent)Richardson, like Lee, has been fairly inconsistent with his scoring, but when he's on, he's on.He's 18-43 from deep in his last five games, a stellar percentage that could prove to be a valuable asset down the stretch if you need help in that area.He's typically good for at least a pair of threes per game.Drew Gooden, PF, Los Angeles Clippers (24 percent)Gooden occupied this space a couple of weeks ago, but he's still widely available in most leagues.He's averaging 14 points and eight rebounds per game in March, and can be a solid boost to any frontline lacking in rebounding, especially.His Clippers may be losing, but Reebok Denver Broncos #15 Tim Tebow Realtree camo Jersey
he can help you win.JaVale McGee, C, Washington Wizards (4 percent)McGee's numbers for the season aren't great, but he's stepped up his rebounding and shot blocking since the trade deadline.He's near the top of the league in blocks since then, and could be a nice pickup if you're really scrapping for help.FallersC.J. Watson, PG, Golden State WarriorsWatson thrived in the absence of Monta Ellis, but his numbers have taken an expected hit since Ellis has returned.He may be worth keeping on your roster in case Ellis goes down again, but don't put him in your lineup unless that happens.Randy Foye, G, Washington WizardsShaun Livingston's recent solid play has cut into Randy Foye's minutes in the past few games.His shooting has dropped completely off-the-radar, and he doesn't have much impact on the game if his confidence shooting the ball is shaken.As long as Livingston continues to play better, don't expect much from Foye.Hedo Turkoglu, F, Toronto RaptorsThe Raptors have been struggling mightily since a couple of their key players have suffered injuries, and Turkoglu is one of them.He tweaked his ankle a couple of weeks ago against the Rockets, and hasn't been himself since.Typically a fairly dependable player all across the board, he's averaging just over seven points on 11-28 shooting in his last five games.Channing Frye, F, Phoenix SunsFrye has lost minutes to Robin Lopez as the season has progressed, and his red-hot shooting start this season seems like a distant memory.Since a 23-point (7-10 3p) outburst against the Clippers on Reebok Green Bay Packers #12 Aaron Rodgers Realtree camo Jersey
March 3, Frye has scored just 13 points total in three games.Taj Gibson, F, Chicago BullsGibson is hampered by plantar fasciitis in both of his feet, and his effectiveness has been limited recently.Normally a solid scorer and rebounder, the fact that Gibson is having trouble exploding off of his feet makes him a major red flag for now.For NBA news, fantasy advice, and NBA Draft analysis, head over to NBA Soup.

30 Dec 10 Tim Duncan's Fundamental Dominance Gives Spurs New Life, Old Hope

Phil Jackson wanted to makeanother abrupt sideline interview allabout the struggles of his Lakers, instead of the gritty, relentless play from the visitors.He cracked a joke about finding a rabbit's foot for the Easter Bunnyand then went after Bennett Salvatore and a play that caused the lead official to "T" up Ron Artest and Kobe Bryant."The referees turned against us," he told ABC's Lisa Salters.The winningest coach in NBA history seemed to know his team was doomed. His face sported a look of depressing resignation.Even with Pau Gasol playing as well as he ever has, the Spurs cruised in the final minutesto a 100-81 victory.Something else turned against the Lakersin this Sunday afternoon match. They did not get any help from the Tim Duncan of New York Giants jersey
two weeks ago.Then,in a 92-83 loss, Duncan missed chip shots, andjump hooksthree-to-five feet from the rim.He looked older than the Alamo in the process.If he had dominated since the time when dinosaurs roamed the earth, wasn't it time for his extinction?The Spurs responded to that demoralizing home defeat with wins over the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, and Orlando Magic.Manu Ginobili led the charge again with his Argentina-sized cojones, scoring 17 of his 32 points in the fourth quarter. As the Spurs' guard again drove up his price, Duncan lowered the cost of the wear and tear on his knees with another dominant day at the office.Sunday, the supposed underdog was the one delivering the beatdown.When the Lakers pulled to within two in the fourth quarter after trailing by as many as 15, Gregg Popovich saw something that should convince him to cancel his latest appointment with the gastrointerologist.Then, Ginobili and Richard Jefferson decided it was time for a steady diet of Timmy. Duncan delivered and outplayed Gasol and LamarOdomdown the stretch.He contorted his bodywith Gasol molesting himfor a three-point play.Gasol swiped the ball from Duncan on a post-up attempt and ran the length of the floor for a slam. When the Spaniard tried the same play again, he missed and Duncan made him pay with an uncontested slam of his own.The significance of San Antonio's victory cannot be overstated. If the Lakers miss Andrew Bynum, the Spurslong forthe return ofstarting, All-NBA point guard Tony Parker.Only one of those players owns a Finals MVP trophy.Sophomore combo guard George Hill left the contest with a sprained ankle and did not return.The undermanned Spurs won by 19 with D-League call up Malik Hairston getting crunch-time burn. Popovich had not chaperoned a triumphat Staples Center since 2007's Rodeo Road Tripunless you count numerous embarrassments of theClippers.I don't.The building looks and sounds a lot different when L.A.'s real NBA team hosts an opponent.The aftershocks of an earthquake centered in Mexico could have been confused for the rumble of Clipper fans racing to lower their standards for that evening's game with the New York Knicks.The Spurs defeated Hollywood's storied franchise, not the one riddled by injuries and a disgraceful, racist, and cheapskateowner.They did it with the Duncan of old, instead of just an old Duncan.His new normthe product of 12-plus NBAseasons and knees as uncooperative as Ben Roethlisberger with theauthoritieswill have to do.Popovich cannot expect the Duncan who averages 20 and 11 in every month of the season to surface again.If he can post those numbers through February and recoverNew York Jets jersey
from a few statistical dips here and there, the Spurs immediate future looks less bleak.His legs ache every day, but his on-court leadership and drive to win burned longer when the Lakers threatened to pounce.Sunday marked the third straight game in which Duncanput the game out of reach with his usualback-to-the-basket command.He outplayed Dwight Howard in a tight game. He whipped the Rockets crippled front line.When the Spurs needed to extend a late four-point lead against the league-leading Cavs, Hill threw it to Duncan,and heresponded withhis agelessjump hook.Doubting Duncan, again, seems like a dangerous idea.Maybe the Spurs cannot be champions, especially since they figure to start the playoffs on the road.Can anyone like the chances of Utah, Dallas, Phoenix, or Denver more?The Jazz swept the season series, but all four games were close in the fourth quarter. In a potential playoff meeting, what happened in 2007 would matter.If the Suns continued to surge thanks to a mostly cupcake finishing schedule and happened to meet the Spurs in the first round, wouldn't Parker, Duncan, and Ginobili lick their chops?No need to start a conga line. A layup line would do.Ifthe Spursbeat much betterSuns squads in 2005 and 2007 without home court advantage, how could they lose now?The Jazzcould not stop the Lakers from scoring easy bucket after easy bucket. They weren't as competitive with L.A.a month ago at Energy Solutions Arena as the Spurs were at the ATT Center.The George Karl and Kenyon Martin-lessNuggets have looked like unarmed soldiers heading into an ambush.Playing with proper between-game rest, Denver fell behind at homeby 20 to the lowly Clippers. That they won 98-90 says more about the ineptitude of the Clippers than their own fortitude.The Mavericks may boast the edge in the I-35 series, but Caron Butler and Brendan Haywood have not turned Dallas into a defensive juggernaut. The Mavs surrendered 121 points to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a Saturday home loss.Butler and Haywood have also never tasted the conference finals. As Jefferson and Antonio McDyess recount their own NBA Finals experiences, on what will the Mavs' trumpeted acquisitions lean?They did learn the hard way what can happen when a player brings firearms into the locker room.How will that nugget of knowledgehelpDallas ina physical, seven-game series?Portland needs Greg Oden and Joel Pryzbilla to have a chance to reach its potential. Brandon Roy's greatness can only take the Blazers so far.Oklahoma City will either die by its youth or use the don't-know-any-better factor to strangle a veteran squad.While the Lakers' "other" challengers stumble in trying to figure themselves out in time for the postseason, the Spurs have been beating elite teams their waywith defense and ball movement.Sunday also offered other encouraging signs. Jefferson was a key part of the Spurs' third-quarter run that afforded them some breathing room.He caught a full-court pass from Duncan for a fastbreak slam. He cut to the rim as Duncan was doubled and threw down an alley-oop while being fouled.The Jefferson of Sunday looked more like the one Popovich Oakland Raiders jersey
wanted last June.McDyess played a rugged fourth quarter, securing tough rebounds and nailing a 15-footer to make it 78-71.Matt Bonner contributed eight points and some adequate defense.Hill's injury leaves the Spurs without a non D-League point guard on their roster, and that could hurt them in their quest to avoid the eighth seed.Even after Sunday's rout, Popovich knows better than to welcome a first-round date with Kobe Bryant."The ones that say, 'We don't care who we play,' they're full of baloney," Popovichsaid just before the game. "We're all trying to hide from the Lakers in the first round and that's the truth."He's right to call anyone who claims to not fear the Lakers "idiots." Raise your hand if you think Bryant will let a team with such talent bow in the first round.Still, with Ginobili en fuego, playing as well as he ever has, a productive Duncan, the return of Parker, and a revamped supporting cast, won't the Spurs always represent the Lakers greatest Western Conferencechallengers?Even if they can't win without a size upgrade next to Duncan, can't they throw the hardest punches?They boast the championship moxie lacking in most of the conference's other All-Stars not named Chauncey Billups.When the going got tough in the third quarter, it was not hard to see why GM R.C. Buford had coveted Jefferson and McDyess in a busy offseason.They found ways to help Ginobili and Duncan win a game they could not afford to lose.A defeat would have given the Lakers a 3-1 series win and even more confidence heading into a first-round matchup.Now, the Spurs and a scorching Ginobili have hope of avoiding the defending champs when the postseason begins.No one mattered more on Sunday than Duncan. After Serge Ibaka and Philadelphia Eagles jersey
Al Horford had delivered highlight reelblocks anddunks at the forward's expense, Popovich needed his foundation to give him areason for hope.The old Duncanwith moves and legs that seem todate back to the cretaceous perioddelivered.A season most would label as disappointing became immediately better than the previous two in the span of three hours.Withnew lifeborne from a season-defining afternoon of dirty work at Staples Centercame an old hope.

29 Dec 10 Spurs-Mavericks: An Early Playoff Treat

Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesLast night, the Dallas Mavericks hosted the San Antonio Spurs for a good ol' fashioned, end-of-the-season rivalry game. There's no better way to end the season than playing your rival.Unless you're the Spurs, who were handed a seven point loss.Neither team was playing for much of anything, as both teams had already locked up a playoff spot, with Dallas securing the No. 2 seed and San Antonio the No. 7 seed.The interesting thing is that while Tony Parker played, he did so without his wing men Tim Duncan and Manu Reebok Oakland Raiders #21 Nnamdi Asomugha Realtree camo Jersey
Ginobili, who sat last night's game out to rest up for the upcoming playoff appointment with the Mavericks.What makes the loss so interesting, is that while the Spurs lost, they only lost by seven, even with Duncan and Ginobili taking the night off.The Mavericks should be terrified that their foes did so well without their complete trifecta of stars in the game.Furthermore, they should be concerned with the outstanding play of DeJuan Blair, who racked up 27 points, 23 rebounds, four assists, and three steals.Up until last night, Blair was just another spot on the roster, only averaging 7.8 points per game. Last night, he more than tripled his season average.However, the Spurs' shooting numbers should send shivers down the entire roster.The Spurs shot an abysmal 2-22 on 3-pointers, which works out to only 9.1 percent.The Spurs' Field Goals were depressing, too.San Antonio made 37-91 FGs, a pitiful 40.7 percent.Wanna know where the missing seven points were last night?Free throws.The Spurs sunk 13 of 20 free throws, a decent 65 percent. But had they made those seven free throws, they might have won.If San Antonio wants to send the Mavericks packing in Round One, Gregg Popovich needs to lock his players in the ATT Center and work on their shooting numbers until Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers #86 Hines Ward Realtree camo Jersey
Sunday.While last night's game was merely a formality for both teams, the Spurs should be both excited and worried.They should be excited because even without Duncan and Ginobili, players like DeJuan Blair stepped up and pulled their weight in their absence.They should be worried because of their shooting numbers, which need a lot of work before Sunday's opening Round One game.Hopefully Popovich won't bench Blair just because Duncan and Ginobili will be playing, but instead, uses him often to give one of those guys a breather.Blair has proved his worth to the team, and maybe he can become the fourth man in San Antonio's group of elite three.While last night's game meant virtually nothing, it showed us two things:1. DeJuan Blair is San Antonio's best-kept secret, and is a valuable offensive weapon.2. San Antonio, for the most part, was able to keep pace with the Mavericks, even without their two stars.A San Antonio-Dallas matchup is exciting all by itself, but to get such a matchup in the first round of the playoffs is even better. Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers James Harrison Realtree camo Jersey
Now that it's the playoffs, San Antonio will be an unstoppable force that will unleash their fury on the Mavericks.Leading the charge?The elite three, with their newest member, DeJuan Blair.My pick?San Antonio in five games.To read more of Jordan's work, click here.

28 Dec 10 Kobe Bryant vs. LeBron James: Has the Torch Been Surrendered?

It is always tough to watch a young-gun snatch the stranglehold that one has on an industry and its participants, as their dominance is something both revered and admired by its followers.Observing a superstar rise into the spotlight with an array of talent and mounds of perseverance, is something that we secretly clamor for.That's why stars are stars. We pay to see them dominate the competition, and idolize their greatness.Every star has their day, but what happens when that day comes to a slow demise based on diminished physical ability and the arrival of Reebok New Orleans Saints #9 Drew Brees Realtree camo Jersey
a successor?Julius Erving's attack of Larry Bird after the young-gun dominated him is what happens. Shaquille O'Neal's public verbal attack on Dwight Howard and the Superman moniker is what happens.Ego's get in the way, and the great ones don't concede easily.Kobe Bryant has long been viewed as the NBA's best overall player after the torch was passed from the greatest ever, Michael Jordan.Bryant came into the league a brash, talented, and wiry 18-year-old kid who had the moon as the limit of his talent.Capturing three NBA titles in a row, Bryant and O'Neal played leading roles in a dynasty that brought them together, but would eventually tear them apart.There was nothing on a basketball court that Bryant couldn't do, and there was no one man in the league that could guard him.Bryant was undoubtedly the single most visible player in the NBA for most of the 2000's, and the most supremely talented.That was until the arrival of a young kid from Akron, Ohio, by the name of LeBron James.From the moment ESPN televised James' high-school games for St. Vincent-St. Mary's live, the sports world wascaptivated by the athleticability James displayed, and couldn't wait for the future.Unlike Bryant, James made an immediate impact with a 25-point, nine assist, six rebound game against the Sacramento Kings in his first NBA performance.James won Rookie of the Year honors averaging 20.9 PPG, 5.9 APG, and 5.5 RPG, while Bryant averaged just 7.6 PPG in limited action.Although James had a faster ascension into NBA hierarchy, Bryant eventually worked himself into the sameconversationwith the all-time greats of the league.Once James settled into the NBA, it was clear that the torch would eventually be passed from Bryant to him as the best player in the world.Rumblings started about this a few years ago, and they have never been more rampant as James has stole the show with his freakish physical attributes combined with his impeccable talent.The question is, "Has Bryant officially lost the "best in the world" title?"After winning his second consecutive NBA Most Valuable Player award, there has never been more steam behind the argument for James.Let's put their attributes into perspective for the sake of comparison. Both players will be compared based on five important basketball characteristics.Shooting, passing, defense,clutch performance, andleadership will be the determining factors as to who's the better player, and ultimately determining if Bryant's status as the best is no more.ShootingWhen James first entered the league, the man couldn't shoot a lick.Not to quote Mr. Outrageous Skip Bayless, but he was right when he used to call LeBron, "LeBrick."Everyone knew James could penetrate the lane with the best of them no matter who was guarding him, but his stats suffered due to him not being a feared shooter.Similarly, Bryant wasn't a great shooter either when he arrived in L.A, and had the same tendency to always drive and miss numerous jump shots.James has began to shoot the ball far better than earlier in his career, and the stats prove that he has become a more potent scorer since.Also, his ability to shoot makes defenders have to play Reebok New York Giants #27 Brandon Jacobs Realtree camo Jersey
him tighter, which allows him to use his best attribute to its fullest, his power and speed to the basket.Bryant also developed into a formidable shooter, and added a fade-away from the basket jump shot similar to the one Jordan employed, and made a staple late in his career.James went from shooting 42 percent in his rookie year to 50 percent this season and Bryant went from shooting 42 percent as a rookie to 46 percent this season.James is far stronger than Bryant and gets more dunks and lay-ups than Kobe, naturally.Both players shot 33 percent from the three-point line this season, and at this point none hold much of an edge over the other.Some would argue that Kobe is more consistent and is a better free-throw shooter, but not enough to hold a significant edge here.Advantage: EvenPassingThis debate is easier settled than a man having to choose between a Lamborghini Gallardo and a Saturn Ion.Okay maybe not that easy, but James came into the league at six-foot-nine as a great passer, and averaged nearly six assists per game as a rookie, seven per game for his career and hasn't had a season below 5.5.Pretty good for a natural power forward.Bryant has had the stigma of "ball-hog" follow him since his days at Lower Merion High School, but those accusations aren't completely accurate.As a rookie, Bryant didn't play much and averaged only 1.3 assists per game, but improved that to five by 2000.Bryant averaged a career high in 2004-05 in assists with six per game, but fell under five two times after that and has a career average under five.Fora penetrating guard with the talent Kobe has, that's a little low. Jordan had a career average of 5.3, but a high of eight and second high of 6.3 in consecutive seasons.Bottom line, James is the better passer and has done it with less, until the arrivals of Mo Williams and Antawn Jamison.Advantage: JamesDefenseThis is just as easily settled as the last comparison, but in the other man's favor.James came into the NBA not a great defender, but descent enough to not earn the Steve Nash label of, "he may torch you on offense, but be prepared to give up 30 on D."Wanting to be the best player on the court every night, James quietly worked himself into a very respectable on-ball defender who could guard the other team's best player consistent enough to make some big stops.Unfortunately, he has yet to develop the patience and intensity on defense needed to shut-down the opponents best player for long stretches of Reebok New York Jets #6 Mark Sanchez Realtree camo Jersey
time.Bryant on the other hand prided himself on the defensive end of the floor nearly as much as the offensive side, and developed into a great on-ball defender.Not only could Bryant guard your best player, but he could make the game very difficult to him as he did to Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook in the 2010 playoffs.Making the All-Defensive first team eight times, Bryant has beenexceptional defensively for much of his career.James has developed a tendency to perform what I call, "demoralizing trailing blocks" that he performs when a player believes he has a fast break layup in which James swoops in like a seagull and sends the shot away.As amazing as those blocks are to witness and Bryant's aging legs, Kobe is the winner here, still.Advantage: BryantClutch PerformanceThis is a very tough category because both players have shown an ability to get it done in clutch situations.Oh, who am I kidding?At this point, I won't waste time with this debate. James is the better clutch player.Many of you reading this will scoff at that assertion, but before viciously attacking me like a K-9 dog to an evasive criminal look at it this way.Mentioned in the previous "defense" category was James' propensity to chase down players and block their shots, often in dramatic fashion.Despite that, he's not a better overall defender than Bryant. Kobe hits a considerable amount of game-winning shots, especially this past season.Clutch extends further than that. While there is no easily identifiable stat to define clutch, being able to lift your team to victory in close games under five minutes to play is close enough.If you believe in John Hollinger's PER (Player Efficiency Rating) system, then Steve Nash, Manu Ginobili, Amare Stoudemire, and LeBron James are your top players.Either way, Bryant is a great clutch player, but his final shots are like the highlight film blocks by LeBron: They don't tell the whole story.James is better at involving teammates and also being consistent in the clutch of fourth quarters, but hasn't passed Bryant individually yet.In other words, with one shot under five seconds to go I want Bryant taking it. If I need to win a close game with underfive minutes to go give me James.Okay, I wasted some time with that debate. Oops.Advantage: JamesLeadershipOne thing has been consistent about Bryant since his inception into the league: He's a demanding teammate who will not hesitate to check you to your face.Often described as fiercely competitive and intense, Bryant will's his team to victory getting the most out of them. All great players do that.Sometimes, though his aggression and verbal nature cause him to draw ire from his teammates, and early in his career he did just that.For that reason amongst others, that's what broke he and Shaq apart prematurely. Those attributes combined with a sense of narcissism can take away from team unity.Nonetheless, Bryant has transformed himself into a far more engaging teammate who can have fun with his team, but distinguish that from the task at hand, winning.James on the other hand has always had the complete respect of his teammates, and often is the most engaging, fun-oriented player on the floor.Since being a Cavalier, James has had many visibly jovial moments with his team such as dancing and different versions of high-fives and silly on-court antics.Some outlets have argued that James' demeanor isn't serious enough, and that's why he hasn't won a title yet, Reebok Oakland Raiders #21 Nnamdi Asomugha Realtree camo Jersey
similar to the assertions that Dwight Howard faces.James proved the type of teammate he is when he received the MVP award this season.He brought the entire team out to accept it with him, and that kind of appreciation is what makes him the ultimate teammate.James willfully distributes the basketball and openly applauds his teammates when they do well. Bryant is very hard on his teammates and extremely demanding similar to Jordan.The work-ethic example that Bryant sets and expects from his teammates makes them better, and despite his aggressive nature he has evolved into a fearless leader.So has James, except he does it in a more comfortable way.Advantage: JamesThe fact is, Bryant is still a superstar and a force to be reckoned with. Nobody can take thataway from him.Hiscurtain is just closed on being the best player in the world.Bryant's place is etched in history, but individually it's time for him to make like thefamily dog and move over foryour daughter'snew puppy.Consider the torch passed, and blazing with fire.

27 Dec 10 Kevin Garnett Shows More Signs of Bill Russell Than Dwight Howard

Doug Benc/Getty ImagesThe Celtics are pointing the way to the inevitable for the Orlando Magic, an excuse not to want to come back to the TD Garden. They flat out Manny Pacquiao'd the Magic and took a 2-0 home court advantage back to Beantown.Every time Orlando landed a blow of their own, Celtics Reebok Dallas Cowboys #82 Jason Witten Realtree camo Jersey
cut-man Ed Lacerte was there to be sent back on the court to patch them up.The Magic, on the other hand, tried to land a jab and missed a half-court desperation shot from Jameer Nelson.The question is, do the Celtics have the killer instinct that is necessary to slowly carve the life out of Orlando?Bob Couscy said that as soon as theysteppedfoot on the court their thought was to annihilate the opponent. Their only thought and purpose was to win another championship.Bill Russell said they would look down the other end of the court and, instead of warming up, the opposing team would be watching them. They knew then that they were in their heads.The Magic aren't necessarily doing that, but the Celtics are toasting them, and it looks like they are about done.This version of the lads in green is beginning to display the mentality that Cooz and Russell's teams had. They accept their roles and understand the chances of getting a championship are elevated.These Celtics lookeerilysimilar to the last run that Russell had. They limped into the playoffs with a team that was showing its collective age. Their core group had somehow managedtoget out of the East and the heavily favoredLakershad all but beenchristenedchampions.You know the storybook ending. The Celtics won Reebok Dallas Cowboys #9 Tony Romo Realtree camo Jersey
and the Lakers were as deflated as the soon to be balloons they had stored in the Forum's rafters.Pundits are quick to associate Howard's name with the great Russell, which is an insult to him and Kevin Garnett. It was Garnett that got to embrace Russell as a champion in 2008, stating proudly that he had his own ring now. Russell had promised KG that he would give him one of his 11 championship rings if he lost.Don't you think KG took that to heart? Kevin is a prideful guy; his work ethic and personality demands that of himself and his teammates. Reebok Denver Broncos #15 Tim Tebow Realtree camo Jersey
That single utterance from Mr. Russell drove him to Banner 17.Don't you think that he is using the fact that Howard is considered more Russell-like than him to fuel himself? After all, he was part of the core that won the last championship in the house that Russell built.Don't you think he is just insane enough to accomplish his mission to once and for all show that he is more Russell-like than anyone ever thought by raising Banner 18?More on Causewaystreethoops

26 Dec 10 Why This Edition Of Lakers-Celtics Will (Or Won't) Be Different

Jim Rogash/Getty ImagesAlright, enough with the Conference Finals. Enough with exaggeration and panic and fans and media alike going crazy. Time for something REALLY compelling.No match-up in basketball - heck, no match-up in SPORTS - is more compelling, more exciting, more bloodcurdling than Lakers-Celtics...or Celtics-Lakers, to be fair to both sides of the coin. No two teams have ever met so often to determine the champions of their sport.Not Dodgers-Yankees. Not Cowboys-Steelers. Not even close.With 32 leagues championships and 50 (that's right) Finals appearances between the two before this year, it only makes sense that the Lakers and Celtics would meet once again. Before the summer solstice rolls around, the combined total of Larry O'Brien trophies forSan Diego Chargers jersey
these two teams will be 33. The big question, though, is who will take that title home?Some favor the Celtics, who ultimately embarrassed the Lakers in the Finals two years ago for their first NBA Championship since the glory days of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parrish. Some favor the Lakers, who, since said trouncing, have won a championship, added the defensively tenacious Ron Artest, and grown into a tougher and more resilient unit as a whole.That being said, let's take a look at what's changed since the 2008 Finals match-up between LA and Boston and see how those changes could affect the outcome of this year's edition:ExperienceThe most obvious change that's taken place over the last two years, for both teams, is the growth in experience. The two years since the 2008 Finals have seen each team confront new and different challenges with a variety of results. Most significantly, this year's version of the Lakers now has the championship pedigree to match that of the Celtics, after Kobe Bryant led his squad to the 2009 NBA Championship over the Orlando Magic in five games.On the other hand, it's not as though the C's have been sitting at home, twiddling their thumbs the entire time. Boston nearly made a return trip to the Eastern Conference Finals last year and, if not for the absence of Kevin Garnett due to injury, it might be looking at a potential three-peat this year. Such experiences have certainly strengthened Boston as a whole, making them that much more of a threat now that KG is back.Roster ChangesEach of these two basketball juggernauts has made significant personnel changes since they last met in the championship round. No longer can Boston rely on Eddie House to hit daggers and James Posey to stick to his opponents like glue off the bench. No longer can LA watch native son Trevor Ariza do both of those things from his spot in the starting lineup.These roles will now be played by entirely different actors. The Celtics have added Rasheed Wallace, the fiery and well-seasoned ex-Blazer and Piston, to their reserves, along with his three-point shooting, low post defense, and championship experience. Though far less heralded than 'Sheed, Nate Robinson brings with him plenty of San Francisco 49ers jersey
spark, as evidenced by his performance in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Finals, wherein he practically scorched the nets with his hot shooting.For the Lakers, the de facto replacement of Ariza with Ron Artest has been combed over time and again in the sports media. Though Ron-Ron may not be "sharpshooter" that Ariza allegedly was, he carries with him the kind of size, strength, tenacity, and know-how that should enable him to do what neither Trevor Ariza nor a fake injury could last time around - stop Paul Pierce.Same Players, Different MindsetsFor the most part, the Lakers and Celtics return with the same core group of players. However, there are some notable changes among those returning for this go-round. Since 2008, the Celtics have morphed from a three-headed monster into the Fantastic Four, with Rajon Rondo developing into an All-Star and All-NBA-caliber point guard alongside the veteran stalwarts of Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett. Unlike last time, when Boston depended on the Big Three to get it done and were happy with whatever Rondo could give them, the Celtics now rely on Rajon to make plays for himself and distribute the ball effectively to his superstar teammates, which he has proven capable of doing, especially in this year's playoffs.Such would seem like a pure advantage for the Celtics, if not for changes to the Lakers' key components as well. Last time, Boston dominated LA's frontline with a blend of size and physicality that Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom struggled to match. This time, the Lakers have Andrew Bynum who, though once again hampered by a bad knee, will at the very least provide the Purple and Gold with another big body to throw at KG and Kendrick Perkins. Add to this the improved toughness and overall prime-of-his-career play of Pau Gasol, the Phoenix-like (pun intended?) resurrection of Derek Fisher's shooting stroke, and the payback mindset behind Kobe's unmatched determination and competitiveness, and the Lakers have a few tricks up their own sleeve as well.Overall, it's difficult to say definitively who now holds the edge in this age-old rivalry. Sure, the Lakers have improved, but so have the Celtics. As a Lakers' fan, I will be Seattle Seahawks jersey
rooting harder than ever for Kobe and the gang against the much-despised Paul Pierce and his band of goons. However, I expect an entertaining and intriguing series, as always, between these two historically dominant franchises.And the Lakers in six.

25 Dec 10 Is Stephen Curry Set To Join the Ranks of Elite NBA Point Guards?

Ethan Miller/Getty ImagesWhen Team USA basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski was asked what impressed him most about finalist Stephen Curry's game, his response may have come as a surprise.Coach K said that Curry's on-ball defense was much more advanced than he first Denver Broncos jersey
thought. Although surprising, this statement is one that fans of the Golden State Warriors are surely happy to hear.Most people would have thought Coach K's first assessment would at least mention Curry's amazing shooting stroke, and although that is the main reason he is still in contention for a spot on the National team, his defensive improvement is welcome news.Curry is one of four point guards, along with Rajon Rondo, Derrick Rose, and Russell Westbrook, who still harbor hopes of wearing the National team's colors. But, his shooting ability may give him a slight edge when making final decisions.Curry and Kevin Durant are probably the most accomplished long distance shooters remaining on the roster, and with the premium placed on outside shooting in International play, it's a good chance that Curry could make the team.Rondo and Rose are considered to be among the top point guards in the NBA, and Tyreke Evans, who beat Curry out for last season's NBA Rookie of the Year award, has already been cut. This bodes well for Curry.Coach K's opinion may be a little biased since he will have the opportunity to coach Curry's younger brother Seth at Duke University this season, and both players have similar shooting strokes.But, Coach K went on to say Stephen was one of the most intelligent point guards he had ever seen, and that his natural basketball instincts could place him among the NBA's top point guards next season.That's strong praise coming from a person who had the benefit of coaching college talent like Jason Williams. Curry's continued development is a boon for the Warriors, who are having postseason thoughts for next year.Golden State is in the midst of a complete team overhaul from the owner down to coach Don Detroit Lions
Nelson, and with a re-vamped roster, expectations are high for the Warriors.It all begins and ends with Curry at the helm, and his on-ball defense was seen as an area that needed a little improvement in an otherwise sparkling rookie campaign.Some people have concerns about Curry's size. Although he does have a thinbuild, Curry's 6'3 frame is on par with most of the NBA's elite point guards.Curry will need to get stronger in order to contend physically with guards such as Deron Williams and Chauncey Billups, but his strength is not as detrimental as it may seem.Good man to man defense is as much about predicting where the opposition will go and beatingthem to the spot, as it is about having the physical strength to keep them out of the lane.The best defensive players also have strong basketball instincts, and as previously mentioned, Curry' basketball instincts are impressive.Curry's vision in the open court is already above average, and he is a much better ball-handler than he receives credit for, so is it plausible to Green Bay Packers jersey
think Curry could join the ranks of elite NBA point guards next season?Curry also has the benefit of his magnificent jump shot, which is already arguably the best in the NBA, and a gre

24 Dec 10 Cleveland Cavaliers Are Set To Be a Competitive Team Contrary to Popular Opinion

Cleveland Cavaliers JaMario Moon (left) and Ramon Sessions have a laugh during warm upsWhen LeBron James left the city of Cleveland for the Miami Heat in the recent off season, he put a dagger in the hearts of everything Cleveland Cavaliers. The Team, the Fans, the City, everything was affected.The King tore his kingdom apart to the point where his followers displayed their frustrations and high emotions every which way they could. From trash-talking to burning their LeBron gear, the fans held nothing back.Neither did owner Arizona Cardinals jersey
Dan Gilbert whose comments are almost as famous as LeBron's choice to leave. James talked all the time about bring a championship to Cleveland and Gilbert did everything in his power to help that to happen, as well as the rest of the front office.Now, without their two-time reigning MVP, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been written off as at best the eighth seed. All there is to think about that is the league couldn't be more wrong.Mike Brown was relieved of his duties and replaced by fast-paced coach Byron Scott. He helped the New Orleans Hornets come back to contention, and now he is in Cleveland to keep them in contention.With a faster-paced offense and a group of new and old players, the Cavaliers are set for success, even if it doesn't match the success of the last two seasons.Point Guard: Mo Williams, Ramon Sessions, Daniel GibsonIn the 2009-2010 season, Mo Williams was the Cavaliers' starting point guard. He was their second scoring option behind James. He has averaged around 17 points a game in his two years with the Cavaliers. With more chances likely to come his way, he could score somewhere to around 20 points a game.Ramon Sessions, the Cavaliers' key offseason acquisition via trade from the Timberwolves, is set to have a breakout season with the team. In his three seasons in the NBA, Sessions hasn't had much success. He never fit any teams' style of play, but he is expected to fit coach Scott's very smoothly.The Cavaliers haven't had a true point guard in awhile, one who passes first and is aggressive to the basket. In the 2008-2009 season with the Milwaukee Bucks, Sessions averaged 12.4 points a game and 5.7 assists per game. If he can duplicate those numbers, he will be considered a success.Then comes Daniel "Boobie," Gibson, a fan favorite in Cleveland. Gibson, is a very physical defender, who can be lights out from three-point range once he hits his grove. He never got that with ex-coach Brown's unorthodox lineups. Coach Scott should use Boobie to his advantage.Summary: The Cavaliers have some dynamic options at point guard. Ability to score and aggressiveness shouldn't be a concern here. The defense might not be lights out but they will be able to get the job Atlanta Falcons jersey
done.Cavaliers shooting guard Anthony Parker looks to scoreGrade: B+Shooting Guard: Anthony Parker, Manny Harris, Daniel GreenAnthony Parker was brought to the Cavaliers to offer some kind of stability to the team's shooting guard position. Though many would disagree, he did just that. He is a solid defender, and lights out from beyond the arc. If he gets his touches this season, he could average somewhere around 15 points a game.The undrafted rookie free agent (no longer) Manny Harris is turning some heads in the organization this preseason. In five games this preseason (no starts) he is averaging 19.6 minutes per game. In those minutes, he is averaging 9.8 points per game, 2.4 assists per game, 1.2 steals per game and 3.4 rebounds per game.All of this while shooting .500 from the floor, .571 from beyond the arc, and he is making 85 percent of his foul shots. He is quick, aggressive and a scorer, something the team has lacked behind James and Williams in the past.It's pretty impressive considering he went undrafted. To put it in a simple way the man can get things done and at the end of every day he is going to get his points. AP isn't amazing so if Harris keeps it up he will definitely get his minutes behind Parker. With an expanded role, who knows what kind of numbers he is capable of.Cavs forward JaMario Moon gets vertical for a shotAnd then there was Daniel Green. Drafted by the Cavaliers with the last pick of the draft last year, Green didn't exactly impress during the 09-10 season. Not to say he was horrible, but he didn't open up anyone's eyes in any sense. He should look to get a small amount of minutes, if any at all.Summary: With a solid veteran starting and a energy-filled rookie manning the position, the Cavaliers should get some success from the position. Nothing too special, but not too shabby, unless of course Manny Harris gets significant playing time and decides to play rookie of the year basketball.Grade: C+Small Forward: Jamario Moon, Christian Eyenga, Jawad Williams, Joey Graham,(Antawn Jamison)The Cavalierssmall forwardposition is interesting. The only player we should know what to expect from is Jamario Moon. He is tall, athletic, is a solid defender, and can drive to the basket. I Baltimore Ravens jersey
personally think his three-ball is underrated also.From there we have Christian Eyenga. He was the Cavaliers' first-round draft choice a year ago, and the team should play him often. He is young and the Cavaliers have to see what he is capable of. Jawad Williams and Joey Graham are OK, but they are old.What will JJ Hickson's numbers resemble this season?What will JJ Hickson's numbers resemble this season?10-12 points, 6-8 rebounds per game0.0%12-15 points, 8-10 rebounds per game100.0%15-18 points, 12-12 rebounds per game0.0%Total votes: 1Give Eyenga the playing time and only use Williams or Graham when necessary.An interesting player here is Antawn Jamison. Coach Scott has declared Jamison will come off the bench but if the Cavaliers want to win games, Jamison has to get as much playing time as possible. Although he is older now, he is athletic and quick enough to play small forward.Summary: It may be tough but with the right rotation and lineups, Moon, Eyenga and Jamison will all be able to get minutes at this position. If utilized right, the Cavaliers small forward position could be one of successes in the upcoming season.Grade: C+Power Forward: J.J. Hickson, Antawn Jamison, Leon Powe, Samardo Samuels(Anderson Varejao)During last season, J.J. Hickson was talked about in many trade rumors with the Cavaliers but Cleveland's answer was always NO! They have big expectations of J.J. and many think he is ready for a breakout season. Coach Scott has declared him the starter.Antawn Jamison, possibly the team's best overall player, looks to come off the bench here as well as at small forward. While Hickson is an aggressive inside scorer, Jamison can mix it up with his excellent outside and mid-range Carolina Panthers jersey
shooting.Cavaliers newly acquired center Ryan Hollins goes for a reboundLeon Powe, who didn't quite live up to the fans' expectations last year, looks to prove himself this year. If he is healthy, he could be a solid rotation player for the Cavaliers.Nobody should expect much from Samardo Samuels, as he is looking to be a reserve this season.Varejao, looking to play center for the Cavaliers, will also get some minutes at power forward. If the team is looking for a taller lineup or some players need rest, look for Varejao to step in here.Summary: The Cavaliers have great versatility here, combining youth and experience. If Hickson steps up like expected, the Cavaliers' power forward position will be an area their opponents have to build their gameplan around.Grade: B+Center: Ryan Hollins, Anderson VarejaoRyan Hollins, acquired in the trade that also landed the Cavaliers Ramon Sessions, is a tall athletic center who comes to Cleveland expecting his biggest role with a team ever. The man has never averaged more than 17 minutes a game in his career.He has always been a bench player. On a team where the center position is thin, he should get an expanded role so he can finally show his true colors, whether they be good or bad.Cavaliers new head coach Byron ScottVarejao, the Cavaliers key bench player last season and a Sixth Man of the Year candidate, should get an even bigger role this year. Whether he starts or not isn't for sure yet, but man he is a great bench player so it wouldn't be surprising if he came off the bench and Hollins started.Varejao should definitely get most of the minutes at center, whether he starts or not.Summary: Neither players here should be a focal point of the team but both can make their contributions. Their mindset should be to get as many rebounds as possible to help out the rest of the team, and score when given the opportunity.Grade: COverall Summary: The Cavaliers' roster should rely on their athleticism and seek to win their games. Never quit coming and never let the opposing team catch a breather.The team is full of athletic players, and I for one think it is no coincidence. If the Cavaliers' defense can rise up to the challenge, they can be a scary team.The thing that should be a concern is mismatches. The Cavaliers don't have an answer for players like Dwight Howard or LeBron James. The only thing they can hope to do is play suffocating defense and keep their players fresh.Cavaliers new logoOverall Chicago Bears jersey
Team Grade: B-The new team slogan is "All for one, one for all." No one player should win or lose ball games for us. Every player will make his contributions. If we lose, it will be because of a failed team effort. That's much better than a one man effort resulting in failure.Projected starting lineup:PG Mo WilliamsSG Anthony ParkerSF Jamario MoonPF J.J. HicksonC Anderson VarejaoBench:G Ramon SessionsG Daniel GibsonG Manny HarrisF Christian EyengaF Antawn JamisonF Leon PoweC Ryan HollinsReserves:G Daniel GreenF Jawad WilliamsF Samardo Samuels/Joey GrahamSide Note: I personally think that Mo Williams and Varejao should come off the bench and let Sessions and Hollins start. Sessions is better at running an offense, and Varejao is much better off of the bench.Nonetheless, look for the Cavaliers to contend this season, turning some heads in the process.GO 2010-2011 CLEVELAND CAVALIERS!!! GET THAT WEAK STUFF OUTA HERE!

23 Dec 10Mike D'Antoni Band-Aids New York Knicks' Center Problem by Starting Ronny Turiaf

Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesAllow me to invoke my inner Rick Pitino here to convey the Knicks' tenuous center dilemma at the moment. Willis Reed is not walking through that door. Patrick Ewing is not walking through that door. Marcus Camby is not walking through that door. Amar'e Stoudemire walked through that door and proudly declared the Knicks back, but to call him a combo power forward/center is silly because I'm not sure how many centers like to face-up their defender 15 feet from the basket and drive to the hole. Reebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jersey
I'm also not sure how many centers are as allergic to defense as Amar'e, but that's a different story. The Knicks' saving grace down low, and perhaps overall, is 6'10" Ronny Turiaf, who serves as the perfect complement to Stoudemire. Turiaf patrols the starting center spot these days, and this partnership is proving to work wonders as they each fill each other's gaps. Turiaf is top-20 in the Eastern Conference with a plus-minus of 56 on a list filled with All-Stars. He is the ultimate team player, masking his deficiencies on the offensive end by playing aggressive and timely defense, while making all the little plays playoff contending teams need to make. The Knicks are a 6-5 team with Turiaf in the lineup, but the injury-prone big man was hurt for three games, all Knickerbocker losses. With Turiaf out and Stoudemire battling foul trouble in one of those losses against Minnesota, Kevin Love torched the Knicks for 31 points and 31 rebounds in a maestro performance that hadn't been emulated since Moses Malone sprung for 32 and 38 in 1982. When Turiaf returned from injury, he immediately began making all the little plays again, helping the Knicks to a three-game winning streak on the West Coast. He sprung for seven points, eight assists and three blocks in a 125-119 win at Golden State in 35 minutes of play. His court time was peculiar because he had played for over 30 minutes only once prior to this night. Herein lies a problem, however. The Knicks' saving grace has never played a full season Reebok New England Patriots #12 Tom Brady Realtree camo Jersey
or averaged more than 22 minutes per game through an entire season. So how do the Knicks rectify this situation and find a Plan B when Turiaf is not on the court? Unfortunately, options are quite bleak, so the short answer is to just grin and bear it. Timofey Mozgov is coach Mike D'Antoni's pet project. This dunk tells you how this experiment is going. Mozgov looked like he was shielding himself in a nuclear bomb drill. As for 6'11", 21-year-old Anthony Randolph, he currently is becoming best friends with Eddy Curry. He also apparently has a habit of looking at coaches after making mistakes, according to the New York Daily News' Mitch Lawrence, which can't inspire D'Antoni's confidence in him. Like Mozgov, Randolph has looked lost on the basketball court and needs time to inevitably get himself out of the D'Antoni doghouse and pull himself together, but he definitely has the potential to be a cog in the Knicks rotation. Eddy Curry has eaten more donuts in one day than games played in the last two years (10). He'll need a GPS to find a way off the bench. Therefore, expect to see much of Wilson Chandler at the four, with Stoudemire patrolling the five. Chandler can play the four, but he is much more suited for the wing. He can make a timely block and plays well on defense, although he can be easily posted-up by some of the bigger power forwards in the league. A Chandler-Stoudemire-Gallinari frontcourt is a scary defensive proposition. Ultimately, the Knicks need to hope Reebok New Orleans Saints #9 Drew Brees Realtree camo Jersey
Turiaf stays healthy. If he gives the Knicks 25 minutes a night consistently until April, they will return to the playoffs for the first time in seven years. If not, with the way things are going in the dregs of the East, the Knicks could still sneak in with 35 wins. After all, the 6-8 Knicks are currently sixth—in the Eastern Conference. I wonder how the 8-4 Dallas Mavericks, currently sixth in the West, feel about that?

Is Kobe Bryant in the NBA Pantheon Yet?

Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesIn Bill Simmons' "The Book of Basketball", he undertakes the formidable task of identifying the top 96 professional basketball players of all time and ranking them in order of greatness.He brings an incredible breadth of knowledge to the task, and makes his case for each player based on stats, achievements, interviews, and opinion.Simmons is first and foremost a basketball fan. He grew up going to Celtics games with his Dad in the 70's and 80's. As such, he's not an entirely impartial judge of Dallas Cowboys jersey
greatness, and cops to a few things right out of the gate: 1) He's an unabashed Celtics fan2) He believes greatness is measured more by team success (exemplified by Bill Russell) than individual stats (exemplified by Wilt Chamberlain)3) He can't stand Kobe BryantSo we know going in that Simmons will base his rankings more on rings than scoring titles, and we can assume Larry Bird will be deified while Bryant's achievements will be discounted .What are the measures of Greatness? To help make his case, Simmons includes all of the players career stats and accomplishments. It's a long, exhaustive, season by season list.In order to assist in an objective assessment of greatness, I have taken some of these individual achievements and assigned a point score, weighting each achievement based on relevance to greatness. My point system is a total swag and obviously subjective, but it can be applied objectively to all players. To the left is a legend which shows the points I'm assigning to each achievement, encodes each of the different achievements with a unique symbol and ranks them in descending order.Those with an "*" are long-standing awards which came into existence before 1960 and can be used to compare all players across the last 50+ years.The NBA Finals MVP was introduced in 1969, so can't be used as an objective measure across time. I'm giving an NBA Championship the most points because all of the greats (with the exception of perhaps Wilt Chamberlain) concur that rings matter most.So a Championship should count more than an NBA MVP. "AS_MVP" is All-Star MVP. The 'Seasons Played" marker ("+") does not have any points associated with it, but provides a way to monitor the seasons where a player was active. Why not include other stats like total points, rebounds, assists, etc in the measure? Because each player Denver Broncos jersey
contributes differently and fills up the stat sheet differently. The weighting of different stats (rebounds, points, assists, steals) is hard to normalize.Moses Malone was a rebounding machine, Jordan was a scoring machine, Magic was a play maker. Ultimately, how a player's unique talents contribute to the success of their team is what should matter most, and that success can be objectively assessed based on achievement.So Who Does Simmons Think is the Greatest? Simmons' Pyramid consists of five levels. The top level is referred to as "The Pantheon" and consists of the twelve greatest basketball players of all time. Those players (as of 2008 when Simmons wrote the book) were: 1) Michael Jordan 2) Bill Russell 3) Kareem Abdul-Jabar 4) Magic Johnson 5) Larry Bird 6) Wilt Chamberlain 7) Tim Duncan 8) Jerry West 9) Oscar Robertson 10) Hakeem Olajuwan 11) Shaquille O'Neal 12) Moses Malone Kobe Bryant was ranked 15th.Because The Pantheon is based on achievement to date, it will never be a static assemblage of players. New players will always be knocking on the door. Kobe Bryant has been knocking for a while, but is he in yet? And, more importantly, has he passed Bird yet?Has Kobe passed Larry yet? When Simmons wrote the book, Bryant and Bird each had three NBA Titles to their names. Bird also had three League MVPs and two Finals MVPs. Bryant had no Finals MVPs (Shaquille O'Neal was the Alpha Dog on the three Championship teams) and one league MVP. Looking at both Bird and Kobe's careers over the last 14 years, we can see that the Birds placement over Bryant was accurate after 12 Seasons. Detroit Lions
Bird had clearly achieved more than Bryant up to that point. The Lakers won the title in Kobe's 13th season and Kobe was the Finals MVP. The Lakers then won another championship in Kobe's 14th season (2009-10), giving Kobe five titles to his name and a second Finals MVP award. While Larry Bird was an early achiever, plateauing after nine years, Kobe got off to a slow start but has continued to climb every year since his 4th Season. After 13 Seasons, Kobe was dead even with Bird, and passed him after 14 Seasons.It would appear that Kobe is now in the Pantheon How do you account for different career Lengths?Longevity plays a huge role in a player's achievement score. While Bird's career was cut short by injuries, Kareeem Abdul Jabbar played for 20 seasons, won a championship in his nineteenth season, and finals MVP awards in both his second season (1971) and his sixteenth (1985).Kareem kept going and kept achieving at a high level. Most players are like Bird, they peak and then level-off.Bill Walton (Simmons rank: 27) is perhaps the best example of a player who's potential was cut short by injury. He was healthy through four seasons. In that time he had racked up a championship, finals MVP, and an NBA MVP. His achievements through four years surpassed both Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, and had him fifth all time behind Magic Johnson at that point in their careers. Some players, like Walton, burn brightly for short periods then quickly fade. At Walton's peak you could make an argument for him being in the Pantheon.Hakeem the Dream had a transcendent season in 93-94 where he won the NBA MVP, Defensive MVP, a championship, and the Finals MVP. No other player accomplished all of that in one season. How do you account for that kind of single season dominance in the all-time measure?Simmons accounted for it by placing Olajuwon in the Pantheon, when his total careers stats don't quite afford him that high of a rank.Whose Place in the Pantheon Did Kobe Take? Kobe's clearly in the Pantheon now. But how do you compare someone who's still adding to their achievements to those whose careers are complete?Most players have reached their peak by their 14th season and then plateau. The 97-98 Season was the 14th Season after Jordan entered the league (but only his 12th complete season as a result of the baseball sabbatical). In the 97-98 Season, Jordan won his 5th NBA MVP, the Bulls defeated the Utah Jazz for Jordan's 6th title and he also won his 6th Finals MVP award. Jordan retired (for the second time) after hitting the championship-clinching shot at the buzzer in game six.Magic, Bird, and Russell were effectively done after 13 Seasons (Magic briefly attempted a comeback years later). Chamberlain and West retired after 14. Kareem is the one Simmons Pantheon player who was still going strong after 14 seasons - until Kobe. Assessing all of the Pantheon players at the 14 year mark is one way to see where Kobe currently stands. The attached static charts show Simmons Pantheon of 12 plus Kobe. The line chart shows the trend of the achievement score through time, and the symbol charts below show the achievements by season.The charts only contain the first 14 seasons of Green Bay Packers jersey
each player and only include the common awards (Those in existence in pre-1960). The most significant exclusion is the "Finals MVP Award". Through 14 seasons, Russell is first, Jordan is second and Bryant is in seventh position, just behind Jerry West and just in front of Larry Bird.The player who Bryant displaced in the Pantheon was Hakeem Olajuwan. If you were to include ALL of the players in Simmons Pyramid using this criteria, three other Celtics who were on the championship teams of the 60's jump into the Pantheon: Cousy, Havlicek, and Sam Jones, with Cousy (a Simmons Level four player) jumping from 21st to fifth position all-time. Shaquille O'Neal, Oscar Robertson, and Moses Malone are the Pantheon Players who are displaced (along with Hakeem).So Who's in The All Time Pantheon now?If you were to include ALL of achievement scores (pre and post 1960), ALL of the Seasons, and ALL 96 Players, the Simmons' top 4 (Simmons' rankings are in parens) are the same players but change order. Kobe is firmly in the middle and still climbing - looking down at Bird. . . But he's still looking up at Jordan.1) Jordan (1)2) Jabbar (3)3) Russell (2) * No Finals MVP4) Johnson (4)5) Duncan (7)6) Bryant (15)7) O'Neal (11)8) Chamberlain (6)9) Havlicek (13)10) West (7)11) Bird (5)12) Cousy (21) *No Finals MVP Check out "The Ivory Sofa " for a fully interactive version of the visualization.

Miguel Tejada: San Francisco Giants Sign the Shortstop to a One-Year Deal

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty ImagesFirst Jon Garland and now Miguel Tejada. I asked another Padre friend of mine, via Twitter, if the San Diego Padres were planning on bringing anyone back for the 2011 season. The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Garland just before Thanksgiving and now another NL West team has signed another former Padre. Minnesota Vikings
This time, it was the San Francisco Giants who signed Tejada to a one-year $6.5 million deal after losing their own shortstop, Juan Uribe, also to the Los Angeles Dodgers. What makes me question this move is the defensive liability in not only Tejada, but also with Pablo Sandoval over at third base. Tejada doesn't have the range he once had and, playing on the same side of the infield as Sandoval, it might create a problem. Maybe the Giants aren't after defense, it looks as if they are trying to upgrade their offense for next season. Though I can't say I blame them. As for the Padres, it seems a lot of fans aren't all that surprised by the move since the front office was not keen on the idea of paying Tejada nearly the amount of money the Giants gave him. Even on a one-year deal. While I do agree with the sentiment, I can't help but wonder if they are sitting on their hands and watching free agency pass them by. Or perhaps they plan to make a splash at next week's winter meetings. Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesThe team does have holes to fill in their rotation, as well as New England Patriots jersey
shortstop and second base, as David Eckstein was also not offered arbitration by the team. It's still early in the off season and there are a lot of changes to be made in quite a few teams. The Dodgers made their move, the Rockies re-signed their star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and the Giants bring over Tejada. The Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks are the two teams yet to make any kind of a splash. Maybe next week will surprise everyone.