Thursday, February 24, 2011

New Jersey Takes Plan-B Pill

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For the past several years, the New Jersey Nets have had little to cheer for which was why the thought alone of Carmelo Anthony being traded to the garden state caused such a stir. Instead, the Brooklyn native was granted his wish and was sent to the New York Knickerbockers. However, the Nets didn't let their failed attempt at landing the highly coveted All-Star bother them and instead moved on to Plan B, trading for another one of the west's star players. In response to their soon to be inner-city rivals being the ones to land Anthony, Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov made sure his team didn't come out empty handed at the trade deadline by acquiring Jazz star point guard Deron Williams.

Similar to the Nuggets who were afraid of losing Anthony to free agency and getting nothing in return, Jazz chief executive officer Greg Miller decided to deal his talented young point guard, despite his contract with the team not expiring until after the 2011-2012 season. For Prokhorov who promised Nets fans a world title within the next 5 years, the addition of Williams gives him and the New Jersey faithful the star player he tried so desperately to get in the offseason. After their near record setting 2009-2010 campaign that saw the Nets finish the season with a dismal 12-70 record, becoming only the fifth team in NBA history to record 70 losses in a single season, the Russian play boy was unable to convince any of the marquee names free agency had to offer to play for his franchise.
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Also similar to the blockbuster deal that sent Carmelo to the big apple, was the hefty price Prokhorov paid to land the 2-time All-Star. In exchange for D-Will, Utah received the third overall pick of last year's NBA Draft - Derrick Favors, PG Devin Harris, 1st round picks in both the 2011 and 2012 Drafts along with $3 Million cash. With a talented tandem of Williams added to compliment New Jersey's standout center Brooke Lopez, the Nets have two integral parts needed to form a dominant team for many years to come, assuming Williams re-signs with the team once his contract is up after next season. And for New Jersey's sake, I hope they can convince him to stick around while the team relocates to Brooklyn in 2012, considering the crop of young talent their Russian owner dealt for the guy.

Williams however, made it clear upon his arrival to the Nets that he's not making any guarantees that he'll re-sign when he becomes a free agent. If I'm Mikhail Prokhorov, I'm making sure I'm doing everything possible to satisfy Williams and assure him that the Nets future ahead is very bright. But until then, I'm pulling my hair out and praying to the basketball gods that he decides to re-sign early just to avoid the stress similar to that of the Carmelo situation. As for the Jazz, a team that's made the playoffs for four consecutive years, the organization appears to now be in a rebuilding stage after now losing their two biggest pieces (Williams and Boozer) along with their Hall of Fame coach Jerry Sloan who resigned last month. Was the deal equally as good for Utah, or will it just add to the trend of star players flocking east to form these super teams, granted Williams decides to sign elsewhere come 2012.

The Wait Is Over, Melo's a Knick

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After nearly a year of speculation revolving a possible trade that would involve Nuggets Forward Carmello Anthony, Denver finally decided to part ways with the 4-time All-Star, sending him to the New York Knicks. In fear of losing their star player to free agency and getting nothing in return like the Cavs and Raptors did when both LeBron James and Chris Bosh ditched their teams for the sunny beaches of Miami, Denver realized their slim chances of re-signing Anthony and decided to pull the trigger. Headlining the blockbuster three-team, 14 player trade, Melo and Nuggets point-guard Chauncey Billups were packaged to the Knicks along with Renaldo Balkman, Shelden Williams and Anthony Carter in exchange for Timofey Mozgov, Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, Raymond Felton, a 2014 first-round pick, two second-round picks and $3 Million.

Also in the mix were the Minnesota Timberwolves who sent Corey Brewer to the big apple and received Eddy Curry and Anthony Randolph. The Knicks who haven't been relevant in the playoffs since Patrick Ewing graced the hardwood, are hoping Carmelo is the final piece to their puzzle. Though they may not be title contenders this year, talks of acquiring another marquee player via free agency this offseason have already begun, including the possibility of signing PG Chris Paul which could very well put them among the leagues best. However, I think addressing the need of a big man would be their biggest concern considering they depleted their young crop of talent in the process of landing Carmelo, leaving Ronny Turiaf to start at center.
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Not to be forgotten in the trade, is the former NBA Finals MVP Chauncey Billups who's been somewhat overshadowed by the super stardom of Anthony. Less than 24 hours after news broke of the former Nuggets being shipped out east, Knicks tickets sales began to skyrocket, sending a craze throughout Gotham city. Fresh off the plane and into the conference room, Amar'e Stoudemire was the first to greet his new teammates before taking the floor. Carmelo, a Brooklyn native and Syracuse alum was introduced to a thunderous applause by the New York faithful inside of Madison Square Garden and lit up the court against the visiting Milwaukee Bucks in his Knicks debut, scoring 27 points to go along with 10 rebounds in route to a 114-108 victory. As for the other guy if you wanna call him that, Billups put up 21 points and 8 assists.

Having beat the mediocre Bucks, the Knicks (29-26) will face a true test on Feb. 27, when they head to south beach to take on D-Wade and the Heat. As for Denver, Melo's absence will most likely end any hopes of the Nuggets returning to their second Western Conference Finals in three years, however, chances are their current record of 34-25 will keep them in the playoff picture come mid-April.
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Thursday, February 17, 2011

Throwback Thursday x Trevor Hoffman

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Hells Bells - With the early stages of baseball's Spring Training underway as pitchers and catchers begin reporting to camp, one hurler who won't be taking part in the festivities for the first time in nearly 20 years is the recently retired Trevor Hoffman. Having solidified himself as one of the best closers the game of baseball has ever seen, the 43 year old reliever decided it was finally time to hang up his cleats. After 18-years in the big leagues, the highly touted right-hander set the bar for closers, logging a total of 601 saves making him baseball's all-time career saves leader. Better known as the longtime ninth inning specialist for the San Diego Padres where he would set numerous Major League and franchise records, the California native also served time with the Florida Marlins whom he was drafted by, and the Milwaukee Brewers where he spent the final two years of his prestigious career.

The 7-time All-Star recently announced his retirement late last month after becoming the first and only player in Major League history to reach the 600 save plateau in September of last season. After a lackluster season productively in which he struggled and was demoted to a set-up role, the 2-time NL Rolaids Relief Man of the Year still managed to compile 10 saves, improving his all-time saves mark to 601 where it stands today. Helping him dominate at his position for so many years, was the devastating changeup he added to his repertoire once his fastball velocity began decreasing after undergoing surgery. In 1998, Hoffman recorded career bests in both Saves (53) and ERA (1.48), creating quite an argument for the highly coveted Cy Young Award as well as MVP honors. However, he fell short of bringing home either piece of hardware, finishing seventh in MVP voting and runner up for the Cy Young.
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Despite the long list of milestones he achieved, Hoffman, a converted infielder, saw limited success in the postseason, making a lone trip to the World Series in 1998 where he blew a 3-2 lead in the 9th inning upon getting swept by the eventual world champion New York Yankees. Given he played a majority of his career with a mediocre Padres squad, his impressive body of work both on and off the field made up for it. Receiving high praise from his teammates as well as his managers for his leadership skills, Hoffman's unmatched work ethic made him a fan favorite among players and organizations alike. The younger brother of a former big league shortstop, Hoffman's high leg kick and his traditional 'Hells Bells' introduction music by AC/DC became just as synonymous as Southern California's warm weather.

Second to none in San Diego, unless you're Tony Gwynn of coarse who won fans over by way of hitting the ball instead of throwing it, Hoffman was in many ways the face of the Padres ball club. And just like the great Gwynn who was awarded a statue outside of Petco Park, don't be surprised if San Diego plans to honor Hoffman with a statue of his own in the near future. Although his days as baseball's all-time saves leader are limited with Yankees closer Mariano Rivera most likely to surpass Hoffman's 601 mark in the next year or two, Hoffman will still be the NL's all-time saves leader. Though he might not be looking forward to the day his record is broken, one occasion that will be circled on his calendar is when he'll be Hall of Fame eligible in 2016. While voters remain unkind to relievers when it comes time to vote, in my eyes the guy is a first ballot candidate.
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A story of my own - Although he never played for my team and was actually a member of one of the Giants division rivals, I always respected Hoffman's body of work and became an instant fan of his when I learned firsthand just how humble he was, regardless of being one of the games bigger names. While on vacation with some friends in Colorado, I managed to make it to a Rockies-Padres game in Denver's Coors Field and witnessed the players taking batting practice and warming up before the game. Lo and behold was Trevor Hoffman stretching in left field. Even though I stood there wearing the hat of a rival team, Hoffman was kind enough to sign my ball, creating one of my all-time favorite moments while at a sporting event.

Friday, February 11, 2011

The End Of An Era In Utah

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Just when you thought the Jeff Fisher-less Tennessee Titans were gonna take some getting used to after being let go by the team he spent 16 seasons with, long time Utah Jazz head coach Jerry Sloan resigns after 23 years with the franchise. Ironically, Sloan's resignation comes only three days after signing a 1-year extension that would've kept him with the organization for a record 24th season. In a live press conference addressing his decision to resign, Sloan appeared to look very tired, saying "My time is up and it's time for me to move on." Though he didn't mention it himself, reports have it that All-Star PG Deron Williams played a key role in Sloan withdrawing from his position.

After Utah's 91-86 loss at home to the Chicago Bulls, that saw the Jazz fall three straight games at home for the first time since 2007, Sloan and his talented young point-guard got into a heated debate in what many are saying was the cause for the 68 year old coach stepping down. Williams however, denied the blowups between the two had any influence on Sloan's decision and said he wouldn't be where he is now if it wasn't for Sloan. The complete turnaround in the relationship between the two comes as a surprise given the future Hall of Fame coach once said he trusted Williams with his offense more than he did John Stockton who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009, headlining the class of inductees along with Michael Jordan.
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Sloan, the longest tenured head coach in NBA history, leaves behind a legacy of 1,127 career wins, ranking him third all-time only behind Lenny Wilkens and Don Nelson. After coaching three seasons with Chicago whom he once played for, Sloan made back-to-back NBA Finals appearances with the Jazz, but came up short on both occasions, losing to the Michael Jordan led Bulls that went onto win six world titles in 8 an eight year span. If it wasn't for Phil Jackson who migrated out west to coach the Lakers after coaching the Bulls to success, there's no telling how many rings Sloan would have right now. Instead he joins the long list of great players and coaches that were unable to win a ring.

The most astonishing stat during Sloan's time at the helm of the Jazz, is the other 196 coaching changes that were made since his hiring. Joining Sloan in departing from the franchise, is assistant Phil Johnson who also resigned after a lengthy time spent with the franchise (18 years). Succeeding Sloan as the Jazz head coach, is Tyrone Corbin who has been with the team since 2004, serving as an assistant coach, and also has roots with the team as a small forward from 1991-1994. With the post Jerry Sloan era now in effect, the future of Deron Williams becomes a concern considering he'll be a free agent this coming offseason. And with the franchise revolving around him as their best player, you've gotta wonder if this will have any effect on a potential return to Utah.
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Super Bowl XLV Ends In Cheesy Fashion

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Packers top Steelers, 31-25 - For some 16 odd years, the tiny town of Green Bay, Wisconsin was better known for worshiping the great one they call Brett Favre. However, that is no longer the case now that there's a new sheriff in town. Although he's got quite a ways to go if he plans to break the many franchise and NFL records No. 4 has set during his lengthy career that appears to be over now, one significant area Aaron Rodgers was able to duplicate his mentor in, is the trophy case. In only his third year at the helm, Rodgers brought home the Lombardi Trophy in half the time it took Favre (six seasons). At the young age of 27, and a team full of talent returning next season, there's no telling how many rings Rodgers will end up with. Though the Packers reached the Mount Everest of Football greatness for a record 15th time counting 13 League Championships prior to the Super Bowl era, their fourth Super Bowl was anything but given to them. Before the parade began, a hard fought battle took place.

The Run Down - With Green Bay winning the coin toss, selecting to defer and get the ball at the half, Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers' boys stopped the Steelers' opening drive on offense on a three and out, before Rodgers took the field to draw first blood. The 2009 Pro Bowl QB began his productive day with a 29-yard touchdown pass to WR Jordy Nelson. Less than a minute later, Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger would be pressured, releasing an errant pass that was picked off by safety Nick Collins and returned 37-yards for a touchdown. With a 14 point deficit digging an early hole for Mike Tomlin and company, Pittsburgh was able to respond with a field-goal to start the second quarter.
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With two highly regarded defenses on the field, the hard hits were bound to come. One hit that stood out, came at the expense of Steelers wide-out Emanuel Sanders who was carted off the field after being slammed knee first into the turf. One drive later, Packers veteran receiver Donald Driver who was drafted by the team in 1999, was brought down awkwardly and was seen limping off the field heading to the locker room. Safety Sam Shields who came up big for Green Bay in the win against the Bears in the NFC title game, left with an arm injury. The casualties didn't stop there, as a huge blow would be felt throughout the Packer defense one play later, when cornerback Charles Woodson aggravated his collarbone, forcing him to watch the rest of the game from the sidelines.

After a stop on defense, Roethlisberger was back at it, marching his team down field before a dangerous pass in between two Packer defenders was intercepted by CB Jarrett Bush. Taking over at midfield, Rodgers took little to no time to make Big Ben and co. pay for their mistakes, as he connected in the end-zone with his favorite target -- WR Greg Jennings. Having been out played for almost two full quarters, Roethlisberger managed to find Hines Ward 8-yards out for a touchdown, making it 21-10 heading into the half, and shifting the momentum to Pittsburgh's side. With the injuries of key players for both teams beginning to stockpile, how the second half played out was anybodies guess.
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In spite of having to kick off to start the third quarter, the Steelers struck first in the second half thanks to a Rashard Mendenhall TD run 8-yards out, inching the steel curtain closer to a 21-17 score. Minutes later with a chance to make it a one point game, the Steeler offense slowly began to solve the Packer defense that appeared to be more visible in the second half, but was held near midfield and was forced to kick a field-goal that was missed 52 yards out by kicker Shaun Sweisham. With everything but the score working in Pittsburgh's favor, a huge shift of momentum would be felt when Packers linebacker Clay Mathews forced a fumble on Mendenhall, recovered by Green Bay. The Packers would eventually capitalize a few plays later, as Jennings found an opening in the right corner of the end-zone, making it 28-17.

Roethlisberger countered with a touchdown pass of his own, capped off by a successful 2-point conversion, throwing ahead of the speedy Mike Wallace, bringing them within a FG. With a chance to put the game away for good, Rodgers began marching down field, but was unable to put Dick Lebeau's defense out of its misery, and was held in the red-zone. With a decision to go for it or not, Mike McCarthy was forced to bring in the field-goal unit, as Mason Crosby split the uprights 23-yards out to make it a 6-point game. With two Super Bowl victories already under his belt, the game was anything but over for Roethlisberger, who was given the opportunity to lead his team on a game-winning drive, as the two-minute warning approached. With the fate of a record seventh Super Bowl title lying in the hands of their Pro Bowl Quarterback, a comeback would've made for a storybook ending. But that didn't happen.
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With just under two minutes remaining and 87 yards to go, Roethlisberger's chance of staging a comeback similar to the one he led Pittsburgh on two seasons ago against the Cardinals, ended after he failed to get his team past midfield and turning the ball over on downs. With Aaron Rodgers kneeling the ball as the final seconds ticked off the clock, Big Ben had his first taste of Super Bowl defeat, while Green Bay's QB had his first taste of triumph as the Packers captured their fourth Super Bowl title. Rodgers who threw a number of window tight passes, displayed superb accuracy which resulted in 304 yards and 3 touchdowns on 24-of-39 passing earning him MVP honors, something not even Rodgers' mentor Brett Favre was able to accomplish in his celebrated career.
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Noteworthy: With his outstanding performance and helping Green Bay top Pittsburgh 31-25, Rodgers became only the 3rd QB in NFL history to throw for over 300 yards with at least 3 touchdowns and no interceptions, joining the elite class of Steve Young and Joe Montana. Both of whom he grew up idolizing as a child and fan of the San Francisco 49ers.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Melo-Drama

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With the long lived Carmelo Anthony to New York talks that date back to summer of last year slowly coming to a halt, another team enters the room as a possible destination for the 4-time All-Star. After posting a disappointing 5-5 record in their last 10-games before winning on the road in Memphis on Monday, Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak publicly expressed his feelings about potentially making a trade. Though nothing was said about any player in particular, all signs pointed towards a possible deal involving Ron Artest, who has struggled this year to say the least, putting up career-low number on offense. But with very few teams willing to take on the remainder of Artest's five-year, $33 Million contract, another name surfaces.

Sources say if a deal involving both parties was to be made, 23 year old Laker Center Andrew Bynum would most likely be featured as the base of the trade. Although no one has ruled out the possibility of the two star players being traded straight up, a third party will likely be involved to help Denver shed even more of their salary. Since the addition of Pau Gasol in February of '08, size has been one of if not the biggest advantages for the Lakers, led by the two aforementioned 7-footers and Lamar Odom who mostly serves off the bench. When healthy, Bynum has shown a tremendous upside and has the potential to become one of the more dominant big men in the league, but his lack of consistency and fragile frame has been his weakness, resulting in numerous injuries.
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Having struggled all season long against the top teams in the league, including recent losses to the San Antonio Spurs and Boston Celtics who each lead their respective conferences, there's no need for L.A. to push the panic button just yet. However, there is somewhat of a cause for concern given the Lakers have already lost more games at home this season than they did all of last year, and we're yet to reach the All-Star break. Despite currently being the third seed in the Western Conference behind San Antonio and their inner-state rivals the Dallas Mavericks, I still don't see either team beating the Lakers in a best-of Playoff series. But that doesn't mean I don't think a move needs to be made. After offseason additions of Matt Barnes, Steve Blake and Theo Ratliff to deepen the depth of the Lakers bench, it seemed as if the Lakers had the perfect formula to runaway in the standings. Instead they find themselves trailing.

Personally, I wouldn't hesitate one bit to trade Bynum to Denver in exchange for Carmelo, but only if we were able to sign him long term, as I don't see any reason in acquiring a player of his magnitude if he's only gonna serve as a rent-a-player for less than a season. Not to mention Bynum has another year left on his contract. My biggest concern if the deal for Melo did go through wouldn't be the loss in size, but rather how it would effect the role of Odom who has been L.A.'s MVP so far this season. Also, would he fit into Phil Jackson's system or would he pose as a speed bump in the Lakers' chances of three-peating? What surprises me more than anything, is that the Nuggets would even consider trading their All-Star talent within the conference.
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As for the players themselves, neither Melo nor Laker captain Kobe Bryant were aware of the trade rumors, and downplayed the possibilities of it happening. And even though it would be nice to see both players playing alongside one another like they did in the 2008 Summer Olympics, let's face it, it probably won't happen.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Fisher Gone Fishing

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With a majority of the NFL focused mainly on the main attraction that is Super Bowl weekend, headlines are still being made elsewhere in the league. After an unsuccessful 2010 campaign in which the Tennessee Titans finished the season tied for last in the division, team owner Bud Adams decided it was time to part ways with head coach Jeff Fisher. Prior to his departure, Fisher was the longest tenured head coach in the league, spending 16 seasons at the helm, amassing an overall record of 142 wins and 120 losses for the team formally known as the Houston Oilers until 1997. Two years removed from coaching Tennessee to a league best 13-3 record before falling short in the Playoffs, the USC alum finds himself jobless. Fisher's career highlight came in the 1999 season that resulted in a Super Bowl appearance, where his Titans fell one yard short of what would have been a game winning touchdown.
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Since then, it hasn't been all negative for Fisher, but at the same time, it hasn't been all velvet ropes for the former cornerback either, having made the Playoffs five times since their Super Bowl stint, and only reaching the AFC title game once in '02. After their disappointing 6-10 season this year that saw issues both on and off the field between Fisher and Titans QB Vince Young, reports began to surface of Bud Adams demanding one of the two to be axed. With a strong relationship between the coach and owner, all signs were pointing towards the 2-time Pro Bowl QB being the odd man out, and Fisher returning in 2011. Instead, the 88-year old owner decided to pull the plug on his head coach and take the youth approach by holding onto Young. However, that might not last very long either.
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According to sources, the latest developments revolving Tennessee still has the team seeking offers for their talented young QB. If so, the release of two of the teams bigger names will make for an interesting change and storyline heading into the 2011 season. Among those suitors interested in Young are the Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers.

I'm sure I speak for the entire 49er fan base when I say we'd be more than happy to demote that bum of a QB Alex Smith and would welcome Young with open arms...As long as he's staying out of trouble and not beating people up for flashing upside down 'Hook 'em Horns' sign of coarse. But will these rumors remain just that, or is old man Adams seriously contemplating a complete makeover? Only time will tell... As for Fisher who remains uncertain about his coaching career, it'll be odd glancing at the Titans sidelines and knowing that iconic mustache of his will no longer be there.