24 Jan 11 Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson: Alabama Crimson Tide RBs Greatest Duo Ever?

Brian A. Westerholt/Getty ImagesOkay, so if you haven't heard yet, Alabama is really good at football. Now that that is established, here is the main reason Alabama is so good: They have the greatest running back duo of all time. Not only do they have the greatest duo in history, but they also have the best two backs in college football in 2010.The Trophy Winner Anyone who follows college football even somewhat closely could tell you that Mark Ingram won the Heisman Trophy in 2009 over the pretty boy and fan favorite Tim Tebow and a multitude of Arizona Cardinals jersey
others. Last season, Ingram rushed for a total of 1,658 yards and 17 touchdowns on his way to the Heisman Trophy. Ingram dominated SEC defenses and was virtually unstoppable. He averaged 6.1 yards a carry, which is almost unheard of for a season. Needless to say, he was voted the best player in college football. Despite knee surgery before the season began and missing the first two games, it looks like Ingram hasn't lost a step in 2010. He has run the ball a total of 33 times for a video game-like 308 yards, averaging almost 10 yards a carry. Along with these crazy numbers he has run for four touchdowns, including a 54-yard dash in an impressive win at Arkansas.The Second String Enough about the praised Heisman winner; let's talk about the second-string running back Trent Richardson. Who wants to hear about a second-string back? Well, everyone wants to when the team's second-string back is considered by many as the No. 2 back in the nation.While backing up Ingram in 2009, Richardson piled up 145 carries for 751 yards and eight touchdowns. This is an average of a little over five yards a carry. It looks like Richardson is picking up right where he left off last year this season. He has already carried the ball 47 times for a total of 356 yards along with four touchdowns this season. Yeah, Atlanta Falcons jersey
the second string has better numbers than the first string right now, but you have to factor in that Ingram missed the first two games of the season and is still not 100 percent.As a Duo Well, if notthoroughlyimpressed by their individual numbers, just think that one needs to add these two sets of statistics together to get a feel for the Crimson Tide's running game as a whole. Together in 2009, the duo rushed for a whopping 2,409 total yards on the way to a national title. This is an average of 5.8 yards every time one of these two beasts gets the ball.The numbers are even more impressive so far in 2010.The dynamic duo has rushed for a total of 664 yards this season so far. 224 of these yards were earned against the No. 10 team in the nation Arkansas. For the year the two backs are averaging 8.3 yards a carry. If this duo can stay healthy and maintain these types of numbers, they will be without a doubt the best tandem of running backs college football has ever seennot only because of the impressive numbers, but also because of the fact they will win back-to-back national championships. They have already joined the likes of Reggie Bush-LenDale White (USC), Laurence Maroney-Marion Barber (Minnesota), and Darren McFadden-Felix Jones (Arkansas) as one of the greatest duos in history, but if the numbersBaltimore Ravens jersey
keep piling up, and the Tide keep on rolling, they will go down as the all-time greatest tandem in college football. James Evens is a Purdue student and Basketball/Football Featured Columnist for the Boilermakers.

24 Jan 11 College Football Week 3 Primer: Iowa @ Arizona Only Ranked Teams Facing Off

Jamie Squire/Getty ImagesWeek three is already here. We have already had big games and blowouts, upsets and overtimes. Expect more of the same all year long.Thursday Sept 16Cincinnati at North Carolina StateBoth the ACC and the Big East have been taking hits all season and are being considered the two weakest BCS Reebok Minnesota Vikings #84 Randy Moss Realtree camo Jersey
conferences. The upside, one of them will get a win.Friday Sept 17Kansas at Southern MissBoth recovered from opening week losses to pick up week two wins.California at NevadaBoth teams are 2-0 and are averaging 50 points a game. Could be a shoot out.Saturday Sept 18Arkansas at GeorgiaGeorgia is already down a game in the SEC. Arkansas is riding their highest ranking since 2006.Georgia Tech at North CarolinaGeorgia Tech is looking to recover from the upset loss at Kansas while North Carolina is only taking the field for the second time this season and the first since they nearly had a comeback win against LSU.Connecticut at TempleTemple is hoping to have a huge season and lots of people think they can. Connecticut was an early contender for the Big East but some doubt them after being blown out by Michigan.Maryland at West VirginiaIf you would have asked me at the start of the season who I would have picked to win, I wouldn't hesitate for a second in picking West Virginia. After watching Maryland and Navy, I don't know who I would pick in this.North Texas at ArmyI really thought North Texas had a strong running game but so far the passing has been the strength. Army needs this as it is still early and they hold hope for a bowl game.Iowa State at Kansas StateAn early lead in in the Big XII North is on the line here. Kansas State has been impressive thus far and could be a dark horse contender.East Carolina at Virginia TechTwo years ago it was East Carolina that upset Virginia Tech, now Virginia Tech is coming off an even bigger upset and is hoping not to start off 0-3.Hawaii at ColoradoI don't really know what it is about this one that makes me want to watch it but there is something.BYU at Florida StateLast year this was a very hyped up game that turned out to be a blow out. This year I am not sure what to expect but I am not as hyped for it so maybe it will be good.USC at MinnesotaUSC has not been living up to the expectations that many had for them heading into the season. They have been winning but not looking veryReebok Pittsburg Steelers #83 Heath Miller Realtree camo Jersey
good at it. Minnesota might be looking for a new head coach soon.Air Force at OklahomaWould you be surprised if I told you that Air Force has overall better stats than Oklahoma. Air Force is actually the top rushing team in the country. Their defense isn't too bad either.Nebraska at WashingtonAfter last seasons closer than expected game with LSU in Seattle, this game has a lot of people calling for an upset win by the home team Huskies. In my opinion it depends on which Washington squad shows up. The week one loss to BYU team will lose this but the week two win over Syracuse team could win.Arizona State at WisconsinThis could be part of a make or break season for both squads. Not to mention it could also be serious for Dennis Erickson and him retaining a job.Washington State at SMUWashington State won last week but barely. They won this game last season, but barely. Going in the biggest surprise is that June Jones and SMU are more of a running team this season.Baylor at TCUThey both used to be in the Southwest Conference and played every year. Since going to different conferences, they have only met twice. TCU has won both.Louisville at Oregon StateLast time these two played, Louisville blew out Oregon State 63-27. In all honesty, I could see it happening again, but the other way.Clemson at AuburnIt's weird that at 2-0 each, I don't feel like I have been hearing much about this game.Mississippi State at LSUMississippi State didn't look too bad even though they lost last week. Could score an upset along the way, this could be it.San Diego State at MissouriSan Diego State has been dominant this season although they haven't really played anyone of significance. This one could be closer than some think, or San Diego State will be exposed as pretenders who killed two cupcakes.Notre Dame at Michigan StateMichigan State has come on strong behind the running of a couple of young backs. Notre Dame fell victim not only to Michigan but also the injury bug. Is Crist back?Fresno State at Utah StateFresno State is pretty well respected as a competitive team out of the WAC. Utah State has long been a lower tier team but gave Oklahoma a scare in week one.Texas at Texas TechHas had some impact on the Big XII south race in recent years and the last time Lubbock, Arizona Cardinals jersey
Tech upset number one Texas in the final seconds.Iowa at ArizonaOddly enough this is the only game all weekend that features two ranked teams. Honestly don't know what to make of this one. Arizona has looked good so far but that Holiday Bowl is still lingering.Houston at UCLAKeenum being out kind of changes this whole game in my opinion. I would have gone with Houston big but now, not so sure.Wake Forest at StanfordBoth teams are 2-0 and gave us quite the game last year

22 Jan 11 College Football Thoughts: What I Think About The 3rd Week Of The 2010 Season

Cameron Newton (right) was one of many great performers on Saturday.Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesIt was a busy weekend, not billed quite as highly as "Monster Saturday" or the opening weekend, but perhaps filled with the most intriguing match-ups yet with some of the best finishes of the season.-First Baltimore Ravens jersey
off, the early action. I was skeptical of watching the Arkansas-Georgia match-up today, especially after the way the Bulldogs played a week ago in South Carolina. But I figured "Hey, at the very least, I'll get a good look at Ryan Mallett." This was my first game watching Mallett live, and I really like what I see. I like the way he looks dropping back, with a timely release well beyond his years. I like how he looks cool and calm in the pocket, with his passes always seeming to go right where it's supposed to. I really like seeing his leadership on the road, helping his team get the win and establish itself among the 2010SEC elite. I've heard from many people that Arkansas has the best wide receivers in the SEC. This I have to somewhat disagree with. Though I will say these receivers have some of the best hands I've ever seen on one team, they need to work on their route running. I saw Mallett under pressure, but these wide outs weren't getting separation couldn't find holes in the coverage.-As the scores scrolled across the bottom of the screen, I saw Michigan struggling mightily with Massachusetts. Now, to be fair, Massachusetts is a well-coached program, but I thought Michigan was past this whole "playing way down to your competition". Another big game from the quarterback saved Michigan, but that won't be enoughagainst some of the better Big Ten schools.-I also saw Virginia Tech losing to Eastern Carolina. I think it's pretty common amongst college football fans to enjoy upsets, but nobody likes seeing traditionally good programs completely fall apart. I was happy to see Virginia Tech pull it together.-Connecticut lost to Temple by 14, mostly because of Temple running back Bernard Pierce, who I think is one of college football's best kept secrets. Between him, Dion Lewis, and Evan Royster, the state of Buffalo Bills jersey
Pennsylvania has three NFL quality tailbacks playing on Saturdays.- It's always a tragedy to have great potential wasted due to suspensions, and that's the reality in North Carolina. I think the same thing I though after the LSU game. If they had all of those players they could have had, they would be ACC champs at least.-I think TCU should be getting all of the respect, or more that Boise State is getting. The Horned Frogs beat Oregon State in week 1, and made a good Baylor team look very, very bad.-It's always a shame to have a game be so well have to be decided be a field goal/penalty/missed field goal. After watching Clemson and Auburn, every starting player's jersey was tattered up, every player grimacing,knowing they're bodies will feel ten times worse tomorrow. Then a kicker, who's jersey probably still had the tag on it, came in and kicked a beauty to send the game into double overtime. But wait, a snap infraction makes them have to kick it again, and we all know how that goes for a young kicker on the road. I say congrats to both teams for a great game.-I'm used to seeing Michigan Statewin last second games on the hard wood with that great basketball team. Seeing them make a gutsy, legendary call against the Fighting Irish was something to see. I watched this game in its entirety, and couldn't help but feeling like it was a game MSU was going to lose last minuteif they didn't do something extraordinary. Seeing 70,000 fans fly out of their seats as their favorite team beat a century-old rival is part of why I love college football-Quick Hits: -Carolina Panthers jersey
Welcome back Mark Ingram. Duke's run defense was your welcome back gift.-Florida has the athletes to make up for the inexperience at key positions.-Nebraska has the offense to capitalize off of a great defense.-Oklahoma, though inconsistent,shouldn't be overlooked in the Big 12.-Enjoy watching a small school get thier heart ripped out? Watch the end of the San Diego State- Missouri game.-Oregon! Save some points for your Pac-10 schedule.

18 Jan 11 Pac-10 Football: Thursday Morning One-Liners

Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesArizona will open up Pac-10 play this weekend against California. Last year, the Wildcats walked into Berkeley No. 18 in the country and lost by eight points.Arizona StateOliver Aaron has patiently waited his turn to start at linebacker for the Sun Devils.Withholding injury information Minnesota Vikings
must be the new trend over in California.One UCLA defender might have to shuffle between defensive end and outside linebacker during the Bruins game with Texas this weekend.Check out this Oregon-Portland State photo blog HERE. There are some really great captures in that bunch.How does one CollegeFootballNews.com writer have Oregon State faring in the Beavers' matchup with the Broncos?There is now a big controversy over where the Pac-12 title game should be played, if it will exist next year. Personally, I think if the Pac-10 committee wants more time to think about it, just declare the title game at Southern CaliforniaL.A. Memorial Coliseum. It is a great venue, and we all know that there is no possibility of the Trojans playing a home game in the title game next year. Zing!If anyone is going to dismantle USC, it will have to New Orleans Saints jersey
start with the AP voters regularly placing them within the Top 15 each preseason.The only luck Stanford has needed over the past year and a half comes with a capital "L."Washington has some issues to sort out during its bye week.Washington State ran a very high-spirited practice yesterday.

15 Jan 11 Detroit Lions Rod Marinelli Shawn Bryson Eddie Drummond Jared DeVries Kalimba Edwards Vernon Fox

The dust has temporarily settled on the NFL acquisitions market, giving Detroit Lions backers a chance to look at the seven silver-and-blue formerly unrestricted free agents now solidly placed on the roster. The list includes:RB Shawn Bryson - Buffalo Bills' castoff Bryson joined the Lions three games into the season in 2003 and led Detroit that year in rushing yardage (606 yards) and receptions (54). Despite experiencing a trio of sub .400 seasons, Bryson re-upped with the Lions this year after racking up 590 yards of total offense in 2006. With his John Hancock, Reebok New York Jets #6 Mark Sanchez Realtree camo Jersey
the No. 2 tailback and third-down specialist of seasons 2004 and 2005 was reportedly promised "a key role" in Coach Rod "Almighty" Marinelli's offense.DE Jared DeVries - The eight-year man turned in another solid performance in the Motor City last year, totaling 22 tackles and adding three sacks to match his career high. A member of the Detroit Lions since being drafted in 1999, this re-signing was exactly what DeVries wanted, and he should be shoring up the Detroit line for a few more years. WR Eddie Drummond - Lions PR remains high on Drummond, a guy who has tallied a grand total of two receptions and minus-three yards in four years. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz has been quoted on Drummond a few times in the offseason, recently comparing him to Az Hakim and stating that he "should be a good backup."DE Kalimba Edwards - Chased by the Atlanta Falcons, Oakland Raiders, and by some accounts, all but signed by the Cleveland Browns, Marinelli personally appealed to the team's 2005 sack leader to stick around. The result? A fat five-year, $20 million Reebok Oakland Raiders #21 Nnamdi Asomugha Realtree camo Jersey
payout and a pigeonholing of Edwards into the Tampa 2.DB Vernon Fox - Fox was a key player on Detroit special teams in 2005 and a crucial resigning. He served as the Lions' special teams captain and racked up twenty tackles last year, also doing double duty as backup safety. C Brock Gutierrez - Gutierrez was the last of unrestricted free agents to resign with the silver-and-blue. Going into his tenth season as a pro and second as a Lion, Gutierrez played in all sixteen games last year, primarily on special teams.LB LeVar Woods - Woods played in just four games in his first season as a Lion in 2005 after battling recurring injuries for the majority of the year. In the season's last three matches, however, the veteran came back with a vengeance, grabbing eight, seven and eleven tackles. Detroit brass hopes to get a bit more out of Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers #86 Hines Ward Realtree camo Jersey
the former Arizona Cardinal this season.In Detroit, everything is up in the air right now. As new leader Marinelli is shaking it down from game plans to quarterback to practice squads, the Lions are certain to sport a new look in 2006 ("thank god," you can hear the faithful mutter). Meanwhile, a needed smidgen of stability is provided by these seven; if they aren't the Magnificent Seven, well, they ain't the Seven Dwarves, either. All Marinelli's hoping is that they're a lucky seven.Have a question or a comment about this article? Have a compliment? A criticism? Let us know about it by filling out the comment section below...watch how everything shakes out for the Detroit Lions (0)

14 Jan 11 Detroit Lions "The worst team in the NFL"

Talk about a must-win: If ever a victory was needed for morale, this week;s Chicago Bears game is it for the Detroit Lions. Unfortunately, it;s tough to make the case that the Lions will get that ;W;.Commentary: In the post-Matt Millen era, pessimism is surely quite unwelcome among a fan base already forward-looking for Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
decades. But hey, folks, let;s be realistic. That realism ; unless, of course, the too-soon swaggering Bears come in overconfident, a picture hardly unrealistic ; would include a Sunday full of Matt Forte romping, the Lions' offensive line collapsing, Rod Marinelli constantly looking from the sidelines appearing as though he;s trying to figure out this wacky game called football, and a few picks thrown by Jon Kitna followed by his replacement at QB -- who then will probably toss in one or two more for good measure.It ain;t pretty, but that;s Detroit football these days, isn;t it?With much of NFL fandom already penciling in the loss, Marinelli already practicing his lines for the post-game press conference (something like ;Well, we just have to put it behind us, watch the tape, and get ready for next week"), and Detroit at very least psychologically eliminated from the playoff race, what;s at stake Sunday? How about status as the worst team in the NFL?Going into last week and Detroit;s merciful bye, the three worst teams, head and shoulders below the crowd, Reebok Chicago Bears #54 Brian Urlacher Realtree camo Jersey
were the Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Rams and your lovable losing Lions. The Chiefs dug themselves out of with a win over Denver, while the Cincinnati Bengals may have entered the discussion with a most impressive loss against the incredibly underwhelming Cleveland Browns.In any case, anything short of a multi-touchdown loss by the Rams will certainly hand the Biggest Loser title to the Motor City Kitties. The difference, folks, is caring. Scott Linehan was canned for failing to deliver in his vision for the team; though Jim Haslett is hardly a swell choice (after giving up the most points in the league, Haslett;s ;D; is right on pace to match that ranking in 2008; depending on Detroit, that is) for the job, the fact that he immediately replaced Linehan;s silly choice of quarterback gives St. Louis fans some tangible reason for hope.Sure, Millen;s gone. But not only are the Lions left with his mostly handpicked and undersized players, they;re stuck with a coach whose game plan simply doesn;t work but who insists on going ;forward; with it. And after a Reebok Chicago Bears #6 Jay Cutler Realtree camo Jersey
game coached by Marinelli;s relatives and various underachievers, Detroit fans will get to hear more empty promises while wondering if big daddy Ford really cares at all about this franchise.Can it get worse? Oh, yes. And it probably will before it gets better.Fantasy Football Impact: You drafted Calvin Johnson? Sorry about that. P.S. My fantasy team hates everyone who drafted Matt Forte.

13 Jan 11 Pivot Points: Lakers End Texas Two-Step with a Kobe Clutch Moment

Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesThis one didn't come at the buzzer, but under the circumstances, Kobe Bryant's jumper over Josh Howard of the Dallas Mavericks with 28 seconds to go in the game was just as sweet as any of the three previous game-winners Bryant has hit this season.On a night where Kobe's teammates played with a fierce passion and Dirk Nowitzki scored his 20,000th point, Bryant still managed to find a way to upstage them, and he did it in his usual spectacular fashion.Hobbled by back spasms and the enduring pain of Indianapolis Colts jersey
a broken finger, Bryant only played nine minutes in the first half and was largely ineffective for the majority of those minutes.Bryant was limited to 11 field goal attempts for the game and was forced to rely on the talents of his teammates, who responded in admirable fashion in the face of doubts about their abilities to equal the output of Kobe.Andrew Bynum scored 22 points and pulled down 11 rebounds, while Lamar Odom scored 18 points and bested Bynum with 14 rebounds. Ron Artest added 16 points and 13 rebounds of his own for good measure.On a night where Bryant totaled 10 points, this was the type of performance needed by the Lakers' secondary players, and a feat they are more than capable of repeating.Maybe they recognized the fierce urgency of the moment, or maybe the lack of playing time by Bryant served as a form of motivation to focus them for the task at hand, which was a needed split on this Texas trip.Bynum followed his stong performance in San Antonio with the kind of game that was normal for him early in the season but disappeared once forward Pau Gasol returned from his first hamstring injury.Speaking of Gasol, his absence forced Odom and Bynum to take command on the inside and, when they applied themselves, the Mavericks were unable to respond, as the two Lakers dominated the paint.Gasol's return, although welcome, is sure to rekindle the debate on how best to utilize the Lakers' seven footers, and if the franchise would be better served by limiting their time together on the court.That discussion, however, is Jacksonville Jaguars jersey
for another time, because the main story was Kobe's big shot and how he managed to add another chapter to his legacy even under the duress of multiple injuries.Nowitzki became the 34th NBA player to score 20,000 points, yet that spectacularmilestone had the significance of a lonely tree falling in a distant forest for Dallas compared to Bryant's heroics.And they are heroics, because there is no other player in the NBA who performs like Bryant when the pressure is the highest, and there is no one more comfortable with the responsibility of closing out an opponent.Nowitzki should be applauded for his feat, for it was indeed apiece of the German's own legacy which was established, but the Dallas faithful will have to find another time and place to serenade him, because this night belonged to Bryant.That's not entirely true, because Bryant's beleagured teammates deserve just as much credit for the Lakers' NBA best 3,000th league victory, as they answered questions about their own perseverance with their biggest stars battling injuries.Still, Bryant was afforded the opportunity to do what he does best, and yet again the "Kobe Clutch" show was revisited as he came through for another crowd quieting finish.Maybe Los Angeles has learned how to play outside of the umbrella of Kobe, and that will help them in the futureas Bryant will eventually need to reduce his minutes in order to be fresh for the postseason.Regardless, it's still great to know if the game is close the Lakers have the specter of a great Kobe moment waiting to happen, he is after all the best Kansas City Chiefs jersey
closer in the professional game today.Maybe the Lakers' 100-95 win on Wednesday night gave theteam the type of confidence they will need as their schedule gets even tougher, and it definitely served notice injured or not, the Lakers are always a big Kobe shot away from victory.

12 Jan 11 Boston Celtics Fall Flat Again in Fourth Quarter in Loss To L.A. Lakers

Maybe there is something in the water?First, the Red Sox season ends when Jonathan Papelbon can’t hold a two-run lead in the ninth inning against the Angels, as the Sox lost 7-6.?Then, the Patriots blow fourth quarter leads in five of their seven losses this past season.Now, the Boston Celtics can’t finish Reebok Baltimore Ravens #5 Joe Flacco Realtree camo Jersey
games either.?The latest example came via a major punch to the stomach delivered by Kobe Bryant and the Lakers, as L.A. overcame an eleven-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Celtics in Boston 90-89.? Bryant hit the game-winning hoop with seven seconds left, that not only gave the Lakers the victory, but it was also their first lead since they led 40-38 mid-way through the second quarter.?Boston has now lost three in a row and six of eight.? In the last three games, the Celtics have been outscored in the fourth quarter in each of them, as the Magic, Hawks, and Lakers totaled 85 fourth-quarter points to just 56 for Boston over that stretch.The Celtics took a 73-66 lead into the fourth quarter and behind a pair of three pointers by Eddie House, Boston led 81-70 with a little over nine minutes to go.But then the Celtics took their foot off the gas pedal on the offensive end.? They turned the ball over repeatedly.? They routinely waited too long to get into their offense, often having to settle for a desperation shot as the shot clock wound down.?In the fourth Reebok Baltimore Ravens #27 Ray Rice Realtree camo Jersey
quarter, Boston’s starting five of Rajon Rondo, Kendrick Perkins, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce combined for just one field goal and only five points. Rondo, who finished with 21 points and 12 assists, had no points and only one assist in the fourth quarter.?Paul Pierce failed to score in the fourth quarter.? Leading by one with under a minute left, Pierce was called for an offensive foul that set up the Lakers on the winning possession.?The defense played well in the fourth quarter. ?But because the offense was so inept, it placed too much strain on the defense to be perfect. ?The Celtics were able to hold Bryant to 2-7 shooting in the final 12 minutes. ?Of course, one of those hoops was the game winner.Ray Allen was all over Bryant, but that is why the problem in this game was the offense.? You can’t give Bryant chance after chance.? Had the Celtics starters done anything offensively down the stretch, Bryant never would have had the opportunity to win the game in the final seconds.There were some bright spots in this game, most notably the play of Tony Allen.? After a sluggish start in the first quarter (L.A. led 30-19 after one) it was Allen, as much as anyone, who was responsible for the Celtics getting back into the game.?But losing again, and losing at the buzzer to your arch rival, makes it impossible to find anything to be positive about for the Celtics at the moment.? Boston is now 29-16, and the loss wrapped up a disappointing January for the Celtics, as they went just 6-8.? It was Boston’s first losing month since April 2007.Where do the Celtics turn?? It is difficult to answer.? This stretch against the Magic, Hawks, and Lakers represented a major test for the Celtics and they failed.? The three losses included a pair of blown leads in games they never should have lost, against Orlando and now the Lakers, sandwiched around their fourth loss of the year against the Atlanta Hawks.At least the bad taste of this loss might not linger too long, as the Celtics get right back at it tomorrow night in Washington against the Wizards.?But Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
regardless of how that games turns out, these last three losses have to cause all those associated with the Celtics to wonder if this team as constructed has what it takes to beat the elite teams in the league.?And if the answer is no, the question suddenly becomes what has to be done to put the team back in the position we all expected them to be in when the season began.

10 Jan 11 Kobe Bryant's Ankle: Just What The Doctor (Buss) Ordered

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty ImagesDon't look now, but the Los Angeles Lakers are showing just how deep their talent really runs. And they're doing it without Kobe Bryant in the lineup.TheLakers have taken it to some of the top teams in the West over the past 11 days and have gone 4-0 with Bryant injured and on the bench.Wins over Portland, Utah, San Antonio, and Golden State are giving the rest of the league an idea of just how talented the defending champs truly are. Of those four teams, only the Warriors aren'tin a position to make it tothe postseason.Kobe's injury San Diego Chargers jersey
may be just what Dr. Buss ordered.Each win without him is bolstering the rest of the Lakers' confidenceas they realizethat they are deservedly one of the best teams in the NBA, with or without Bryant.Maybe winning without Bryant shouldn't come as much of a surprise after all.Maybe, just maybe, Bryant's presence in the lineup is a double-edged sword that hurts as much as it helps. Sure, he can light up the scoreboard, hit the clutch shot, and can carry the team almost every night he's suited up.But at what expense?While Bryantisracking uppoints and hitting buzzer-beaters, are his teammates reaching their potential or are they just spectators with uniforms?Bryant is at that pivotal point in his career where he needs to be able to elevate those around him. He's doing that right now, injured and in street clothes on the bench, but San Francisco 49ers jersey
what about when he's on the floor?None of this is news. Every truly great NBA player has had to come to the realization that in order to reach the pinnacle of the game, it takes a team effort, not just an individual one.As much as Lakers fans cringe when Bryant pulls up limping or grasps his hand in pain, this ankle injury may be just what puts the Lakers in the mindset to win it all again.Don't shake your head, LeBron.

10 Jan 11 Antawn Jamison Traded to Cleveland Cavaliers: Fantasy Implications

Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesThe DealCleveland receives: Antawn Jamison , Sebastian TelfairWashington receives: Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Al Thornton, and Cleveland 2010 first round pickLA Clippers receive: Drew GoodenWhat It MeansThe headline name in this deal is Jamison, who flies in to Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
be LeBron James wing man despite almost every rumor for the past couple weeks being about Phoenix Suns power forward Amare Stoudemire.Jamison was averaging 20.5 points and 8.8 rebounds per game in Washington, where he was playing with marginal talent surrounding him. In moving to Cleveland, where hell presumably take over as the starting power forward, the 69" Jamison could find it harder to keep his scoring up. After James, there are only two Cavs currently scoring over 11 points per game: Mo Williams (16.9) andShaq (11.7).The domino effect on the Cleveland roster could have enormous fantasy implications. There is a good chance that Williams scoring could go down, the fact that Anderson Varejao has a younger set of legs in front of him likely will hurt is team-leading rebound numbers, and Shaq minutes could be cut before the playoffs to keep him fresh.Frankly, the only players in Cleveland that this deal doesn hurt from a fantasy perspective is James.Thornton moving to Washington is an interesting part of the trade, though. The 68" forward was averaging 10.7 points per game for the Clippers, but it hard to get touches when Eric Gordon, Chris Kaman and Baron Davis are all very willing to shoot the ball.Thornton and Josh Howard, acquired in a trade with the Mavericks on Feb. Reebok Chicago Bears #54 Brian Urlacher Realtree camo Jersey
13, are now the highest scoring players on the Wizards roster. Considering what left in the nation capital, Thornton could finally get a chance to show the great athletic ability that convinced the Clippers to take him with the 14th overall pick in the 2007 draft.Sebastian Telfair is injury insurance. The Cavs have enough guards that the New York playground icon will either get lost in the shuffle. If you have him on your fantasy team, you have more problems than Telfair minutes. He has no value.Rumors are that Ilgauskas, whose contract expires after this season, will likely be waived by Washington, wait 30 days, and end up back in Cleveland after a nice break. His numbers have fallen off enough this year with Shaq in town that his fantasy valueremains little, if any, to begin with.Gooden is now miserable. He was dealt to Reebok Chicago Bears #6 Jay Cutler Realtree camo Jersey
the Wizards from Dallas in the Caron Butler-Josh Howard deal, and has been trying to get out of his contract ever since. If there one place in the NBA that worse than the Wizards right now, it the Clippers. He was a fringe fantasy player to begin with, but the soap opera of how/where/when he finally lands could at least be fun to watch.This article is also featured onFantasy Knuckleheads

9 Jan 11 Dear Robin Lopez: Another Year In College Would Have Helped

Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesWhen I started writing I never knew after a few weeksthat I might be writing for 3 sites, on my personalBlog www.behindtheb.blogspot.comI write about NBA players and most of the articles on here will be on there too, I also write for www.ballineurope.com for this site I have had to Reebok Dallas Cowboys #9 Tony Romo Realtree camo Jersey
expand my knowledge as Europe is kind of new to me also this site will help me expand my following and hopefully will gain lots of fans via this site.Now as this is my first post on this blog I need it to grab peoples attention, make them come back for more so I have decided to pick an article which I feel focuses on areas of basketball I know well, anywayto the article.His brother Brooke (nets) made the right decision leaving the NCAA a season early looking for success in the NBA, Robin however did not need to follow him there, he was probably too scared to stay at Stamford without his big brother maybe he just couldn't stand being the lone 7 footer in the once feared twin peaks offence.So being tall and packed with potential he decided to declare for the draft and who wouldn't want a young 7 footerpacked with potentialwho would improve with time, he got drafted by the Suns to play and learnalongside the likes ofAmare and Shaq, unfortunately he didn't develop as quickly as hoped, the Suns didn't make the playoffs andthat summer the Suns GM Reebok Denver Broncos #15 Tim Tebow Realtree camo Jersey
decidedto bring in Channing Frye from Portlandto play his position. Robin I feel would have had a better career had he stayed at college for an extra year and got used to not having another 7 footer to help you out especially when it's your bro who's got your back.If he had entered into Junes draft instead of when he did entre he could have gone higher (as there are not that many solid big men in this years class) and to a team that actually needs a 7 footer, he would have also developed better as a player. Instead he will have to wait develop slowly and probably just be a useful 7 foot bench warmer and only be use in blowout wins or losses always wishing he had stayed in college that extra year.

8 Jan 11 Fantasy Basketball Box Score Breakouts

Sam Greenwood/Getty ImagesHere a look at some fantasy basketball players that blew up the box score last night.Earl Watson, Indiana Pacers Watson had 15 points and five rebounds against Milwaukee. He averaging 10.2 points and 5.2 assists in his last five games.Jerry Stackhouse, Milwaukee Bucks Stack scored 20 points against the Pacers. While he has performed better than I expected, he not a fantasy option.Jason Kapono, Philadelphia 76ers Kapono had 17 points against the Heat. He is not a fantasy option either.Carlos Arroyo, Miami Heat Reebok Chicago Bears #54 Brian Urlacher Realtree camo Jersey
Arroyo had 12 points and 10 assists. I wouldn pencil him into my fantasy lineup.Mickael Pietrus, Orlando Magic Pietrus had 20 points and five rebounds against the Bobcats. He another guy you shouldn concern yourself with.Wesley Matthews, Utah Jazz Matthews dropped 29 points on the Thunder. He averaging 14.4 in his last five games. He a decent option in deep daily leagues if you need some scoring.Nicolas Batum, Portland Trail Blazers Batum had 22 points against the Raptors. Consistency is an issue, but he useful in daily leagues.Wayne Ellington, Minnesota Timberwolves Ellington had 15 points against the Kings. He had 17 points in his last game. If he continues to play 30+ minutes, hell be worth considering in daily leagues.Donte Greene, Sacramento Kings Greene had 19 point and eight rebounds against the Wolves. Minnesota doesn play defense so don put too much stock in his performance.

30 Dec 10 NBA Clutch City—Population Five: Do Role Players Deserve to Live Here?

:ImagesA recent spirited discussion among my friends stemmed from this controversial statement: Robert Horry is a top five clutch player of all time. Two heavily debated sides, lack of compromising, and 10 personal attacks on fanhood later, we agreed to disagree on the definition of clutch.Clutch is an intangible, butterflies-in-the-stomach type of category. It all comes down to a feeling. Even on our weekend warrior basketball teams there are players you trust to have the ball in game deciding possessions.To me, there are few playersReebok New York Giants #27 Brandon Jacobs Realtree camo Jersey
that imbibe confidence more than Robert Horry. The list is short, and definitely sweet: Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bryant (modern era).To some, putting an average player in this list, above such greats as Reggie Miller, can be sacrilege.The two main schools of thought regarding clutch: with the game on the line, or during a game deciding possession the player you would want taking the shot . The other definition: player you would want during important moments that will help decide a game (not necessarily just the last shot/possessions).Given the two differing opinions, the clutch city list can be skewed greatly one way or another. For example, with the first definition Carmelo Anthony is well below Big Shot Bob, and in the second would be well above Horry. To clarify, CarmeloReebok New York Jets #6 Mark Sanchez Realtree camo Jersey
would take the shot when the 24 second clock is running down, shots during key possessions, and shots at ends of games. His body of work in these moments is much larger, simply given the fact that he is a far superior player, and as such is placed in more critical, pressure moments on a day to day, game to game level.I am with the first school of thought. Additionally, shots in playoff series receive a much higher clutchability barometer rating than regular season heroics. Given his opportunities, Robert Horry is the single biggest benefactor of Reebok Oakland Raiders #21 Nnamdi Asomugha Realtree camo Jersey
circumstance.He has six championship rings courtesy of excellent teams, balls batted out to him last second, and surprisingly wide open shots (Portland series ending three). However, he has proved time and time again that, given the opportunity, you can take his check to the bank.A "top 10 clutch moments" YouTube video, six championship rings, nine game winners, and countless clutch game changing shots later, Robert Horry battles it out with the best of best for being the ultimate 'ice in the veins' player.Sunil Top 5 1. Michael Jordan 2. Larry Bird 3. Kobe Bryant 4. Robert Horry 5. Reggie MillerWho would you want taking the final shot with a championship on the line?

29 Dec 10 The Lakers' Blasphemous Rallying Cry

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images In the coming days, the NBA playoffs will get under way and the Los Angeles Lakers will begin defending their title of World Champions. The team, initially thought to be a juggernaut and later disinterested, now has people thoroughly confused. The Lakers are, after all, the number one seed in a hypercompetitive Western Conference, but theyre backpedaling with an intensity not seen since Charles Barkley raced Dick Bevetta. There have been a variety of excuses made for the Lakers slide. Recipients of blame for the Reebok Pittsburg Steelers #83 Heath Miller Realtree camo Jersey
recent string of losses include Kobe Bryant shooting slump, Andrew Bynum Achilles, an imploding bench, and a lack of motivation. The last charge is the most unsettling. Presumably, Kobe will find his form, Bynum will return, and the bench will be bolstered by the return of Lamar Odom who is starting in place of Bynum. However, there is no reason to believe that anything is about to change regarding the malaise infecting the Lakers locker room. What the Lakers lack is an identity. And they need to find one quickly. Just about every other playoff team has had a consistent rallying cry throughout the season and they can draw on that for motivation. In the east there the he might stay if we win Cavs and the now is our time Hawks. In the West there the, were not dead yet Spurs, the too young to know any better Thunder, and the we don need no stinkin bench centers meniscus Trailblazers.The Lakers used to be the win one for Kobe (without Shaq) crowd, but, mission accomplished, they never found a new reason for urgency. There is no excuse for this. They have had one sitting right in their locker room the entire season, and he seven feet tall.Blasphemy, noun, irreverent behavior toward anything held sacred, priceless. In this case, the Hall of Fame.If the Lakers repeat and retain their title of NBA Champions Pau Gasol is a hall of famer. If this sounds outrageous, please take a second to examine the following stat lines before throwing your computer monitor out the window. Through the Arizona Cardinals jersey
first nine years of their careers, Pau Gasol and James Worthy have nearly identical numbers, and remember, James Worthy is not your standard issue hall of famer. He was named to the NBA fiftieth anniversary team. Additionally, Worthy only played until he was thirty two so Pau, who has already signed contracts to play with the Lakers until he turns thirty three, should be able to crush him in terms of career totals if he can stay healthy.The non statistical credentials of each man are similar as well. In their first seasons, both made all rookie first teams with Pau being Rookie of the Year. James Worthy made seven All Star teams in his career, while Pau has only made three, but playing in the Memphis market undoubtedly hurt Pau in this respect. If All-NBA teams are looked at instead, the numbers come together. James Worthy received third team honors twice and Pau who already has one on the mantle, should match him in that category this season.Outside of the NBA, the two Lakers forwards again have received accolades which can be seen as equal. Worthy was a standout for the North Carolina Tar Heels whom he led to the National Championship in 1982. For his efforts, he was awarded the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player Award. Gasol international achievements mirror Worthy collegiate career resume. In 2006, Pau brought his home country of Spain the FIBA World Championship. Keeping pace with Worthy, he was named tournament MVP. Additionally, Gasol earned a silver medal in the Beijing Olympics where Spain kept the United States on the ropes until the closing minutes.The one area where the two men are not comparable is championships. Worthy has three and a finals MVP, Gasol has one and none, respectively. Of Atlanta Falcons jersey
course championships aren all telling, but they are worth something, just ask KC Jones. If the Lakers do win this year, Pau will have two championships and I wouldn be surprised if he picked up the NBA Finals MVP to go along with them.MVP or not, Pau is going to Springfield if the Lakers raise another banner next fall. That statement may be shocking to some people and laughable to others, but the numbers don lie. If you are a Lakers fan this is the identity your team has been looking for. The slant rhymed get Pau to the hall Lakers would be a force to be reckoned with. If you are a fan of any of the other fifteen playoff teams pray. Pray that the blasphemy goes unnoticed.

28 Dec 10 Michigan's Fab Five and The Media

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images I don't really get too much into the NBA until this time of year, when the games getmore intense.As I was watching SportsCenter and TNT's coverage of the playoff, I started to think about how well the Fab Five has done after basketball when it comes to getting jobs in the media.We all know they were the center of media coverage during their Michigan recruitment, Final 4's, Time Outs and even the Ed Martin scandal. But most of the five have gone on to solid basketball careers off the floor.Let's take a quick Atlanta Falcons jersey
re-cap of what all the Fab Five members are doing these days.First off, Juwan Howard is still in the NBA, and playing for the Portland Trail Blazers.He is averaging 6.0 points and just over four boards a game.Howard is now 37-years-old and has had a15 year NBA career, which isvery impressive.Congratulations Howard, I hope you continue playing! Chris Webber also had a 15 year NBA career and has also seen some success off the court as well.He is a regular on TNT's studio coverage and also an analyst on NBA TV's Gametime live.As you may also recall, CWeb has a Charity called the TimeOut Foundation and has an impressive collection of African artifacts that he started collecting in 1994 when he joined the NBA. Jalen Rose had a 12 year career in the NBA and has becomea regular NBA analyst on ESPN's Sportscenter.I also learned during research for this post he also did a couple of stints as a sideline reporter for TNT as well . Rose is also the owner of Three Tier Entertainment, an independent, LA based management and production company. Created in 2007, Three Tier Entertainment is heavily involved in the development of television and film projects and also manages talent including directors, actors and screenplay writers. Many expect Jalen to get into coaching a some point and maybe even as an assistant coach for the Wolverines.Talk about a guy that could recruit and mostly in Metro- Detroit! Jimmy King was not as lucky as his Fab Five teammates during his NBA career. Baltimore Ravens jersey
King only played two NBA seasons with two teams the Toronto Raptors and the Denver Nuggets. He bounced around other professional leagues for a few years as well.King was the CBA MVP in 1998 and won a bronze medal representing the US in the 1998 FIBA World Championships.Even though King didn't have a high profile NBA career, he has also found away to make a few dollars in the media.King did Michigan Basketball games on the radio for the 2008-2009 season and also did a few Michigan Basketball games on The Big Ten Network last year. Ray Jackson is the final member of the Fab Five but henever made it to the NBA.He was cutin1995 by the New York Knicks, and a year later, cut by the Detroit Pistons.Jackson did play some professional basketball getting drafted in the third round of the CBA draft by the Grand Rapids Hoops.A highlight of Jackson's professional career was that he was named the CBA Rookie of the Year during the 1995-1996 season.During an interview with Yahoo Sports in 2007 Buffalo Bills jersey
Ray said , "It took me a long time to get over the fact that I was the only one that didn't make it to the NBA from the Fab Five, but I'm over it because I'm back home and I'm happy with what I'm doing with my life." Jackson lives in Austin, Texas and runs a moving company and youth non-profit organization called Rise Up.This article is also featured onThe BIG HOUSE Blog

27 Dec 10 Minnesota Timberwolves: Is Evan Turner Worth the Cost of Elton Brand?

Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesThis has been in my mind terribly over the last few days, as I haven't been able to write for the last few days amongst disgust over the NBA lottery, which once again cheated the Minnesota Timberwolves (and the New Jersey Nets whom I felt sorry for) out of their supposed lottery position.The Washington Wizards win the lottery, and the Philadelphia 76ers win the 2nd overall pick.While the Wizards will have a perfect fit with John Wall, the Washington Wizards will look like the most athletic team in the Reebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jersey
NBA. With a core of John Wall, Andray Blatche and JaVale McGee, they have good pieces in place for their future. The Philadelphia 76ers would be adding Evan Turner, a versatile player that resembles Andre Igoudala.So far, the signs point to the 76ers wanting to trade down, and the Wolves are in perfect shape to do so. More than likely, the 76ers want to draft either Demarcus Cousins, or Wesley Johnson, two perfect fits for the 76ers.The Wolves want to trade up to the number two slot. To do so? They would have to more than likely take on Elton Brand, and his contract which will pay him 66 million dollars over the next 4 years.Wow.The question is, would the Wolves do this? This would totally take away any free agent opportunities that the Wolves could have this upcoming period, and would do the same following any other free agency periods.More than likely, this is a trade that the Wolves would have to make in order for this to transpire: To 76ers:No. 4 pickNo. 16 or No. 23 pickFill in player for cap space clearing/ young talent To Wolves:No. 2 pickElton BrandIn my opinion, the Elton Brand contract situation is a complete headache, but for the Wolves, they might have to look at it from another standpoint. Say the Wolves were to trade both their later 1st round Reebok New England Patriots #12 Tom Brady Realtree camo Jersey
picks, European big Nikola Pekovic, Ryan Gomes and Ramon Sessions (or a combination of something else) without having to sacrifice their 4th overall pick, than the Wolves would possess No. 2 and No. 4, which they will use to draft Evan Turner and Favors/Cousins.The Wolves core, added with Rubio coming over the season after next, would be something to look twice upon. The Wolves core would then be much respected, have all-star potential, and could possibly compete for an NBA title within 5 years if the chemistry is great.Would taking on Elton Brand's contract be worth that? Is it worth the risk of say having a bust with both the lottery picks?If you look at it from a standpoint of money, than the Wolves probably won't do it. However, I think they will look at it as their future, and Evan Turner could be the start of it. The free agent possibilities for the Wolves signing a marquee player are very slim, and the Wolves need to explore every possibility to getting Evan Turner.So the final verdict?If the Wolves can nail Reebok New Orleans Saints #9 Drew Brees Realtree camo Jersey
Evan Turner, and even Demarcus Cousins/Derrick Favors together, although the risk might be high, the payoff could be incredible. It isn't like Elton Brand can't play anymore (now I've really gone crazy). All jokes aside though, it will be very interesting to see what the Wolves do.I however think the Wolves need to nabb Turner regardless. His versatility and star potential could be well worth the money of Elton Brand's contract.

26 Dec 10 Michael Jordan Can Get Away With Things The Average Person Can't

Air Jordan can get away with things the rest of us can. He can bet millions of dollars on the golf course. He can talk his way onto a minor league baseball roster. He can claim nobody ever believed in him at his Hall of Fame induction speech.And on top of all that, he can pull off a Hitler moustache? Reebok Chicago Bears #54 Brian Urlacher Realtree camo Jersey
(click to see video of Jordan's stache)It seems Jordan learned something from Adam Morrison while he was scouting him at Gonzaga people who are good at basketball can pull off some pretty terrible moustaches. Either that or,as ESPN Bill Simmons speculates, he was thinking this:You may have given me crap after my Hall of Fame speech, but in case you forgot, Im still Michael Jordan. I won six titles and five MVPs. I paid my ex-wife one of the biggest divorce settlements in American history. I once left basketball at the peak of my powers to learn how to play another sport just for the hell of it. I am the most famous athlete alive, even right now, even though Ive been retired for eight years. I can have any woman I want, including yours. And if I want, I can grow a mustache that hasn been seen in 65 years, not since the most reviled political leader in modern history wore it. Why? Because I like it, because I don care and because Im Michael Jordan.My favourite part is that now if you look up a toothbrush moustache (apparently its actual name) on Wikipedia, under Notable people with a toothbrush moustache Jordan name appears.He listed right along such other current Hitler moustache-wearers as current Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, Reebok Chicago Bears #6 Jay Cutler Realtree camo Jersey
former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir, and former Ecuadorian President Abdal Bucaram, currently in political asylum in Panama while he flees corruption charges at home.Maybe His Airness should invite these guys to go golfing as a foursome.Yep. Michael Jordan can get away with things the rest of us or at least those of us not leading a war-torn or third-world country can.

25 Dec 10 Should The Denver Nuggets Consider Rebuilding?

Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesIt may sound like a strange question for a team coming off a 53-win season, one of the premier small forwards in the land and a nucleus that has been together for several years.Do the Nuggets want to take the risk and end up like the Raptors orworse yet,like the Cavaliers?Think about it.If Carmelo Anthony opts to take his talents to the big apple or any other destination, the Nuggets would essentially be left with an over the hill point guard in Chauncey Billups a past his prime Power Forward signed long term, Al Harrington, and a nice solid New Orleans Saints jersey
starting center in Nene.It kind of sounds like the Antawn Jamison, Mo Williams, Anderson Varejao trio left over in Cleveland.The situations are not really much different.Both cities are smallish markets, both Anthony and James have nearly a decade left of their prime, and both teams have experienced their history of losing seasons.The attachment of LeBron James to the state of Ohio is the personal difference maker here.From a Basketball standpoint; however, thekey difference, and this is probably why Denver should actually opt for a rebuild, is that the Nuggets stand further away from contention than Cleveland did last season.Should Denver start rebuilding?Should Denver start rebuilding?Yes59.7%No40.3%Total votes: 72The Lakers have actually improved with the additions of Steve Blake and Matt Barnes.Utah has at worst stayed on par with Raja Belland Al Jeffersonreplacing Wesley Matthewsand Carlos Boozer.Dallas should be better with last year's new faces enduring a full training camp.Oklahoma City, of course, will probablybuild on last season's successwith the progression of the new big three of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Jeff Green.The New Orleans Hornets and Portland Trailblazers both expect to be healthy and50 plus win teams when intact.So right off the bat, is Denver really that much better than a fourth seed out West?They have made one improvement, the signing of Al Harrington, but is that enough for them to get past the second round of the playoffs?It is actuallyriskier to keep Carmelo.Right now the team doesn't have enough assets to really accumulate enough talent for a title contending run anytime soon.By dealingMelo andcompany now, at least Denver can start a rebuilding process early, maximize their return on assets, and hope for contention later down the road.Even if they keep Anthony and he signs an extension, aren't the Nuggets looking more like a perrenial 1st to 2nd round loser in the playoffs than a true contender?So now the question is, what could Denver get in a Carmelo deal and of course help jumpstart the rebuilding process?First off, the plan shouldn't be just to deal Carmelo Anthony.The Nuggets would have to continue their rebuild by at least dealing Chauncey Billups along with Carmelo Anthony.The obvious reasoning for a Billups departure is his age (34), contract (13.15 Millionfor 2011), and likely diminishing talents.AlsoDenvercould pave the way for 2nd year guard Ty Lawson to blossom in a starting role.Obviously, we'll start a rebuilding plan with Carmelo of course.The one team that it would make most sense to deal Anthony to would be the Knicks.For nothing else, it would seem he'd likely sign an extension if he were to dealt thereand New York Giants jersey
New York does have some nice assets in Anthony Randolph, Wilson Chandler, Danillo Gallinari as well as the expiring contract of Eddy Curry to potentially offer.The New Jersey Nets may also be in consideration for Carmelo Anthony, but it would seem doubtful that the team would take such a risk to acquire Anthony and lose one of their two major prospects: Derrick Favors or Brook Lopez in the process (considering that Anthony may debate on whether to sign an extensionin New Jerseyupon a trade).In the end, New York may seem confident that they will land Carmelo Anthony in the summer of 2011 free agency, but they thought the same thing about LeBron James.If Carmelo agrees to an extension prior to such a trade, the Knicks may accept a CarmeloAnthony for Anthony Randolph, Dallino Gallinari, and Eddy Curry deal.The next step is then finding a home for Mr. Billups.The obvioussuitors that come to mind are Portland andCharlotte.The Portland Trailblazers could potentially offer a slew of youth for Billups in the form of Rudy Fernandez, Jerryd Bayless the expiring contract of Joel Pryzbilla, and perhaps a 2011 1st round pick.Denver could even attach recently signed Al Harrington and veteran Anthony Carterintosuch amove and take back Andre Miller who has an uncertaindeal after next season (or probably better yet, Andre Miller could be swung to Indiana in a three-way deal where Jeff Foster andseveral future secondround picks come to Denver).The Charlotte Bobcats; meanwhile, may be able to package the non-guaranteed/instant savings contract of Eric Dampier, young point guard prospect DJ Augustin, and an unprotected 2011 first round pick.Of these suitors' potential packages though, the Portland route would look more attractive considering the overall youth and potential coming to Denver.Denver could then simply work out a buy out with veterans who would like to contend elsewhere like Kenyon Martin and Aaron Affalo(whoare expiring anyway) and could be left with the following lineup:PF Anthony Randolph/ Chris AndersonSF Danillo Gallinari/ Ronaldo BalkmanC Nene/ Jeff Foster/ Joel Pryzbilla/ Eddy CurrySG JR Smith/ Rudy FernandezPG Ty Lawson/ Jerryd BaylessThe team would likely be in the lottery, but would also have an additional first round pick and would be around $28 million under the cap.So should the Nuggets rebuild now?If they can get a lineup that resembles the above, definitely.This team would have loads of promise, cap New York Jets jersey
flexibility and multiple picks to be a promisingfranchise down the road.Even ifCarmeloseems unsure about leaving, the option would be wise to rebuild.Why hasn't Carmelo signed an extension this summer?Especiallywhen the new CBA agreement is approaching and he may risk losing out on a larger contract next off-season.Denver you have been warned.Carmelo'sactions (or lack thereof)are clearer speaking louder than words and Denver management should take notice.If the Nuggets don't rebuild now though, will Cleveland fans have enough Kleenex boxes to lend to the state of Colorado after Anthony declares his decision to go to New York on a 90-minute ESPN360 special?The better question: is it even worth the risk.

24 Dec 10 NBA Rumors: Blockbuster Trade Which Can Change NBA, Make the Blazers Champions

Imagine Nene and Melo in Portlands lineupBrian Bahr/Getty ImagesPortland is an up and coming team filled with talent, but needs more experience. They also need a guy who will get his points night in and night out. Roy will always be the leader of this team, but he cannot take on the offensive load all by himself. Aldridge is a solid 2nd option, but on a championship team he would be the 3rd option on offense.Denver is looking to go into rebuild mode. Carmelo is not happy with the team and does not feel like he is in the best position to win a Chicago Bears jersey
championship.See where I'm going with this?Carmelo going to the Blazers has been in the rumor mill for quite some time, but imagine a bigger trade than that. Imagine Nene being included in the talks, too.Now, listen, I know this may sound crazy, but numbers wise this trade can be pulled off.Melo is owed $17,149,243 this season, and Nene is owed $11,360,000. This is added up to $28,509,243.On the other side of the deal, Portland can offer some nice young pieces and expiring contracts.Portland can offer Marcus Camby, Rudy Fernandez, Joel Pryzbilla, Andre Miller, and the draft rights to Victor Claver. All of their contracts add up to $27,671,076. Their is a difference of roughly $1,000,000 dollars, which Portland's owner Paul Allen would more than likely be willing to pay due to the billions of dollars he swims in.This makes sense because Miller and Fernandez are better in a fast paced offense, Camby could return to the city he won a Defensive Player of the Year award in, Pryzbilla could back Camby up, and Claver is still in Spain.Portland would love adding Nene's and Melo's skill set to their team.Nene may be no Camby, but he is a solid defender, averaging around 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks per game. Nene can also score with his back to the basket, run the floor, and the shoot the midrange jump shot. Those match Portland's slow pace as they can run their offense through the post with Nene and Aldridge.Now for the main show, Carmelo Anthony.Melo's skill set is perfectly fit for Portland's Cincinnati Bengals jersey
offense. He can be a spot up shooter, can slash, get to the line, create his own shot, and can score in the post because of his strength. He's also a good rebounder for his position.The only thing I can see keeping this trade from happening is a personal problem on Melo's side.His wife doesn't want to live in a small market like Portland. She wants to see the big lights and glamor of New York. If this trade were to be pulled off, Melo might not resign with the team to please his wife. If Melo has the drive to win, he will not go to New York and will stay in Portland, if he is traded.He'll take stress off Roy and let him be more of a playmaker. Roy can move over to point to take over Miller's job, and Batum or Mathews can be plugged in at shooting guard, leaving Melo as the Small Forward, Aldridge as the Power Forward, and either Nene or Oden as the center. Scary lineup, right? I thought so.Doug Pensinger/Getty ImagesMelo can spread the floor for Roy to go to work on the drive, and his own slashing can create opportunities for Portland's many shooters, including Roy, Aldridge, Mathews, Batum, Patrick Mills, and Luke Babbit.If Melo accepts the extension the Nuggets offered, Portland would be assured that he would stay there for a couple more yearsCleveland Browns jersey
.But if he accepts the offer, why would Denver trade him?That question I cannot answer right now, and if someone would like to put in the effort and write an article about that, I would be more than happy to read it as it could make for an interesting debate.For now, us Portland fans can keep this trade in our minds and hope GM Rich Cho can pull this off and show himself as the best GM in the league. LETS GO BLAZERS!

23 Dec 10Erick Dampier: Can He Replace Udonis Haslem for Miami Heat?

Chris Graythen/Getty ImagesESPN is reporting that the only thing delaying the Miami Heat's signing of Erick Dampier—to fill the gap left by the injured Udonis Haslem—is the staff deciding who to drop from their full 15-man roster.Haslem had emerged as one of Atlanta Falcons jersey
the most consistent players on a Heat roster that has been criticised for its lack of depth beyond their Big Three. It is unsure how long Haslem will be out after tearing a ligament in his foot against Memphis, though estimates have ranged from a minimum of six weeks to the possibility he may not return until the All-Star break in February.With Haslem sidelined, the Heat need a dominating force who can make up for his eight rebounds. Dampier could bring an on-court big man presence that Chris Bosh cannot offer.Dampier is not an All-Star, but the Heat have enough former All-Stars on their team to suffice. The centre spent six years playing for the Dallas Mavericks, before being traded to the Charlotte Bobcats in July and subsequently waived in September.Dampier had already tried out for the Heat, who believed before the season that Joel Anthony, Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Jamaal Magloire could suffice at center. But after a disappointing beginning to the season and the loss of the team's primary rebounder in Haslem, Dampier looks like he may be able to bring something to the team.Dampier's has averaged 7.4 rebounds and 1.46 blocks per game throughout his career. He won't be much of a scoring presence, though the Heat don't need another high scorer. He is also a 14-year veteran and yet to win a ring, so he may want to finish his career on a high note, get better career statistics and try to get a title if he goes to Miami and plays hard, though this is pure speculation.Despite reports that Miami is Baltimore Ravens jersey
Dampier's first choice location, and that the team is interested in him, it is no forgone conclusion that he will end up there. Apparently, the Lakers have also made offers to the centre to replace the injured Andrew Bynum.Even when Udonis Haslem returns, Erick Dampier could be a very valuable player, as the veteran centre can not only put up reasonable numbers when necessary. However, Dampier can deal with dominating power players, which Miami has had difficulty with in recent games.