Bleacher Report - Articles by Tyler Pollard

The Curious Case Of The Dallas Mavericks

Tyler Pollard — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:39:16 -0400

Do you remember in 2006, when the Dallas Mavericks were in the NBA Finals (for the first time in franchise history)?

Do you remember in 2007, when the Dallas Mavericks had the best record in the NBA at 67-15 (the eighth best record in NBA history, and the best record this decade)?

Do you remember in 2008, when the Dallas Mavericks finished 51-31 (their worst record since the 1999-00 season)?

I know everyone remembers in 2009, when the Dallas Mavericks finished 52-30, earned the sixth seed in the Western Conference and went on to beat the San Antonio Spurs in the first round in five games (the first time advancing in the playoffs since their Western Conference Finals against the Suns). Then, unfortunately, they got beat up by the Denver Nuggets in five games.

Despite a roller coaster type path of the last four years, Mavericks fans always seem to have faith in their Mavericks, being in the top five in attendance all four years.

Though Dallas fans are some of the best in the game, most of them are wondering if the Mavericks can be a contender like they were in 2006 and 2007.

Well, over the summer the Mavericks tried to improve their roster by getting electric forward Shawn Marion in a sign-and-trade.

Lets have a look at the 2009-10 Dallas Mavericks:

Owner: Mark Cuban

Mark Cuban was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and grew up in the Pittsburgh suburb of Mt. Lebanon.

Cuban's first order of business was at age 12, when he sold garbage bags in order to pay for an expensive pair of basketball shoes. While in school, Cuban had a variety of jobs, ranging from bartender to party prompter, to even being a disco dance instructor.

Rather than attend high school for his senior year, Cuban enrolled as a full time student at the University of Pittsburgh. After one year there he transferred to Indiana University. Cuban spent his last three years there before graduating in 1981 with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration.

In 1982, after graduating, Cuban moved to Dallas and found work as a bartender. Then Cuban became a salesman for Your Business Software, one of the first PC Software retailers in Dallas. Less than a year later Cuban was terminated after meeting a client to procure new business.

After his termination Cuban started his own PC Software retailing company, Micro Solutions, with support from his customers at Your Business Software. The company was an early proponent of technologies such as Carbon Copy, Lotus Notes, and CompuServe. One of the company's largest clients was Perot Systems. In 1990, Cuban sold Micro Solutions to CompuServe for $6 million. He retained $2 million after taxes.

In 1995, Cuban and former Indiana University alumnus Todd Wagner started Audio-net, combining their mutual interest in college basketball and web casting with a single server and ISDN line. In 1998 Audio-net became Broadcasting.com. One year later Broadcasting.com had grown to 330 employees and $13.5 million in revenue. In 1999 during the Dot-com boom era, Broadcasting.com was acquired by Yahoo! from Cuban for a whopping $5.9 billion in stock.

On January 15, 2000, Cuban purchased the majority stake of the Dallas Mavericks for $285 million. In the 20 years before Cuban bought the team it had a combined winning percentage of 40 percent. Since then Dallas has a winning percentage of 69 percent and went to the NBA Finals in 2006.

GM: Donnie Nelson

Nelson grew up in a basketball orientated childhood, being the son of future Hall Of Fame coach Don Nelson (who currently coaches the Warriors).

Since 1990, Donnie has served as a assistant coach for the Lithuania national basketball team. In that span, he has helped them win three bronze medals in four Olympiads, a silver medal in the 1995 European Championships, and a gold medal in the 2003 European Championships.

In 1994, Nelson served as a Scout for USA Basketball at the World Championships in Toronto. Dream Team II went undefeated that year on its way to capturing the gold medal.

In 1995, Nelson was hired as assistant coach for the Phoenix Suns. Nelson coached under Paul Westphal, and got to coach players like Charles Barkley and the late Wayman Tisdale.

In 1998, Nelson came to Dallas after three years with Phoenix. Nelson served as assistant coach under Don Nelson (who is his dad). In 2002, Nelson was promoted to GM of the Dallas Mavericks. Nelson has held the position since then, leading the Mavericks to the NBA Finals in 2006.

The Good:

Dallas selected forward Josh Howard (29th overall pick) in the star studded 2003 NBA Draft.

Howard, who was an All-Star in 2007, has been a steal for the Dallas Mavericks. In his six year career he has made game-winning shots and averaged a career 15.5 PPG.

The Mavericks signed Shawn Marion to a five-year, $39 million contract in a sign-and-trade with the Raptors, Grizzlies, and Magic.

Marion is a fast break waiting to happen, which should also complement Jason Kidd's elite passing vision. He can also help out the Mavericks defense with his outstanding hustle and play.

The Bad:

Dallas re-signed forward Keith Van Horn and traded him with guards Devin Harris, Trenton Hassell, Maurice Ager, and center DeSagana Diop, along with first-round picks in 2008 (Ryan Anderson) and 2010 for guards Jason Kidd and Antoine Wright, and forward Malik Allen.

Dallas was looking to acquire a true point guard, a position they lacked since they had Steve Nash, then ended up trading away what they were hoping to get in Harris. Harris had a breakout year in New Jersey, averaging 21.3 PPG and 6.9 APG, and also making a couple clutch game wining shots.

Coach: Rick Carlisle

Rick Carlisle was born in Ogdensburgh, New York, and grew up there most of his childhood.

Carlisle went to school at Worcester Academy, and played two years at the University of Maine, then transferred to the University of Virginia. There he would co-captain the Cavaliers to the Final Four in 1984.

In the 1984 Draft Carlisle was drafted by the Boston Celtics in the third round.

Carlisle spent six seasons in the NBA, playing for the Nets, Knicks, and Celtics, and winning a championship in 1986 alongside Larry Bird.

In 1990 Carlisle retired and became assistant coach with the New Jersey Nets, where he spent five seasons under Fitch and Chuck Daly.

In 1994 Carlisle joined the Portland Trailblazers as an assistant coach under PJ Carlesimo. He spent three years there before going to the Indiana Pacers.

In 2001 Carlisle was hired as head coach of the Detroit Pistons. He would spend two years there, winning the NBA Coach of the Year in 2001-02 and guiding the Pistons to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2003. As a coach for the Pistons he had a combined .610 win percentage, but after he led the Pistons to the conference finals he was fired.

In 2003 the Indiana Pacers hired Carlisle as head coach. In his first season as head coach he guided the Pacers to the NBA's best record at 61-21. He ended up guiding them to the Eastern Conference Finals, but lost to his former team. He spent four years with the Pacers, missing the playoffs once with them in 2007.

The Dallas Mavericks then hired Carlisle in 2008 as head coach. He has held the position since guiding them to the playoffs in his first year as head coach.

Strengths:

Has great leadership, and is great at running a offense.

Weakness:

Doesn't get off with management to well, which is why you don't want to see him and Mark Cuban have a soap opera type of season.

Players:

PG: Jason Kidd

Kidd is a one of the best playmakers in the NBA and gets the whole team involved, which should help players like Shawn Marion, who excelled with point guard Steve Nash—whose style of play is similar to Kidd's—in Phoenix. Kidd can also be a great defender when he is into it, and is the best reobunding point guard in the league. Another plus from Kidd is that he is a great leader and a triple-double waiting to happen. The big question for Kidd is if his age wont ware down on him as the season goes on.

SG: Josh Howard

Howard is a great scorer coming off the bench. He torched San Antonio in the playoffs last year with his scoring. He has great athleticism and has a huge wing span. Howard knows how to get to the basket and has a great jump shot. He is also a great rebounder for his size.

SF: Shawn Marion

Marion, who has been on quite a few teams lately, is one of the best athletes in the league. Marion has jaw-dropping leaping skills, and jumps high in a short period of time, which is a great skill to have for rebounding. He grabs 10 rebounds a night on a daily basis, and will make a great rebounding tandem with Nowitzki. Marion drives to the basket with no fear and is a fast break waiting to happen. Marion is also a great defender, and can guard multiple positions.

PF: Dirk Nowitzki

Nowitzki, who is the best European player in history, is a match-up nightmare for forwards. Nowitzki is one of the most versatile guys in the league. He dribbles like a playmaker, shoots like a guard, and rebounds like a center. He has almost perfect mechanics and can shoot over any defender. If you play Nowitzki close up he will drive right by you, but if you give him space he will shoot right over you. The only bad thing about Nowitzki is that he has below average defense.

C: Eric Dampier

Dampier is a big tough player in the middle of the paint, he spends a lot of time in the weight room. He is a great rebounder and a good shot blocker. He can rebound on the offensive and defensive end. He has quick feet, although he is not really talented on the offensive end. He can be foul prone sometimes.

Key Bench Player: Jason Terry

Terry is a great combo guard: he can shoot, score, and has great speed. Terry is also a great on-the-ball defender, which helps the Mavericks when facing conference rivals with guards like Richard Jefferson (Spurs) and Kobe Bryant (Lakers). He has a pretty jumper and is a great sidekick for Dirk Nowitzki and Shawn Marion.

Dallas is an elite rebounding team, having great rebounders in Howard, Dampier, Marion, Nowitzki, and Kidd. They need to improve on their three-point shooting, as they were 25th in the league in three-point percentage.

With all of this put together Dallas hopes to compete for the title again. It will be a tough competition there as they will have to deal with teams like the Lakers and Spurs.

The question is though:

Can Dallas compete for the NBA Title.

San Antonio Spurs: Dynasty Or Not?

Tyler Pollard — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:19:06 -0400

The San Antonio Spurs fell down hard last season, losing to the Dallas Mavericks 4-1, in the Western Conference play-offs. It was San Antonio's earliest exit since 2000. For Tim Duncan, it was the first time in his career he couldn't lead the Spurs past the first round.

It was ugly last year for the Spurs, coming into the playoffs as the third seed. They were taken down by Mark Cuban's Dallas Mavericks.

Many ESPN Analysts proclaimed that the Spurs were a Dynasty after winning their fourth title since 1999 in the 2007 NBA Playoffs. Since then, the Spurs haven't returned to the NBA Finals, losing 4-1 to the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals in 2008, and getting knocked out of the first round by the Mavs in 2009.

Which brings up the question:

Are the San Antonio Spurs a dynasty?

Well let's have a look at the Spurs Owner, Coach, GM, and Players who will try to bring in that fifth ring for the Spurs.

Owner: Peter Holt

Review: Holt spent two years in the Army, including one in Vietnam. He ended his military duty as a Sergeant with a Silver Star and three Bronze Stars for Valor, as well as a Purple Heart for wounds received.

In 1983, Holt rejoined his father (A Caterpillar Dealership Owner) in Holt Companies in 1983. As president and CEO, Holt implemented a strategy to diversify the company’s markets, taking it from one of the smallest Caterpillar Dealerships to the biggest one in the country today.

In 1993, when he invested in the the Spurs, his desire was to keep the team in San Antonio to help the community and vice-versa. He has owned the Spurs all the way up to today, leading them to four NBA Titles.

GM: R.C Buford

Review: Buford started out as Assistant Coach of the Spurs, He spent four seasons as an assistant with the Spurs, including the 1989-'90 and 1990-'91 seasons when the team captured back-to-back Midwest Division Titles.

In 1992, he moved to the Clippers, becoming the No. 1 assistant for Larry Brown with the Clippers. He spent one year with the Clippers before moving to the University of Florida before the 1993-'94 season.

In 1994, Gregg Popovich (Now Head Coach of the Spurs) hired Buford as Spurs' Head Scout. Then, in 1997, Buford was named the Spurs' Director of Scouting, and two years later was promoted to the position of Vice President/Assistant General Manager. In 2002 Buford was promoted to General Manager of the Spurs, and has been GM since.

The Good: Buford made a trade a couple months ago that sent Kurt Thomas, Bruce Bowen, and Fabricio Oberto to the Milwaukee Bucks for Richard Jefferson. It is a great move for the Spurs because Jefferson is a competitive player, who is a runner and a slasher on the court. He moves very well without the ball, and is excellent transition.

He should help put more points on the board for the Spurs, which addresses the lack of ofensive firepower that really hurt them last year.

Although Buford did not draft Tim Duncan and David Robinson. Buford took two of the players from what is now the Spurs Big Three. Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker were both drafted and signed by Bruford. Parker 28th overall and Ginobili 57th overall.

The Bad: There has hardly been any bad transactions Buford has made, but there is one that he regrets. Traded center Jackie Butler and the draft rights to Luis Scola to the Houston Rockets for guard Vassilis Spanoulis, a 2009 second-round pick (Nando de Colo), and future considerations on July 12, 2007.

All-In-All: Buford has been great for the Spurs, he has won three NBA Title, four Division Titles, and in seven seasons has made the Playoffs all seven times.

Coach: Gregg Popovich

Review: Popovich graduated from Air Force Academy in 1970. He played basketball for four seasons at the Academy and in his senior year, he was team captain and led the team in scoring.

Popovich then served a required five years in the U.S Air Force, touring Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union with the U.S Armed Forces Basketball Team. In 1972 he was selected captain of the team which won the Amateur Athletic Union championship.

In the summer of 1988 Popovich joined the San Antonio Spurs, as lead assistant under Larry Brown. Popovich was even the best man at Larry Brown's wedding (the two would later coach each other during the 2005 NBA Finals, Popovich being the one that prevailed).

From 1988-1992 Popovich was Brown's top assistant, before the whole staff was fired by Red McCombs. Popovich then moved to Golden Sate to be an assistant under Don Delson, bringing along with him Avery Johnson.

In 1994 he returned to the Spurs as General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations. Popovich held the position until 2002, drafting Tim Duncan during his stint.

In the 1996-'97 season, Popovich fired Bob Hill and named himself interim Head Coach. Popovich remains coach today, supported by a 686-303, .675 record.

Strengths: Popovich is notorious for developing players into stars. Popovich has developed guys like Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili, which is now called San Antonio's Big Three.

Weakness: Popovich can get in trouble with his mouth some times. In a 2007 interview with Craig Sager of TNT, Popovich ignored a question by Sager regarding a current game and outwardly questioned Sager's professionalism. Popovich has also been known to give short and sarcastic answers to reporters.

Players

PG: Tony Parker

Parker is one of the quickest players in the game. A matchup nightmare for players. Parker is a fast break waiting to happen, he can drive the lane like few others. He breaks down defenses with his speed, and gets a lot of lay-ups with his very effective finger roll lay-up.

Parker is also one of the best in the game in mid-range shooting and is great off the dribble. Parker is no doubt one of the elite point guards in the game. It should help a lot now that he has Richard Jefferson to run with him on the fast break.

SG: Richard Jefferson

Jefferson was acquired from Milwaukee in a three-player deal this offseason. He should help the Spurs a lot with there PPG problem, as he averaged 19.6 PPG last year. Jefferson is a great athlete, who can shoot over his defender, and is great driving to the basket.

Jefferson is very good in the open court which should help Tony Parker because he likes to score on the break. Jefferson is also a great defender, which is just one more great defender added to the Spurs squad. He should fit in very well with the Spurs lockdown defense style of play.

SF: Manu Ginobili

One of the best slashers in the game, and is a streaky shooter. Ginobili is excellent at changing direction and with that gets a lot of lay-ups. The big question is whether his right ankle will bother him though, after last season when he missed 37 games.

Manu has great athleticism and leaping skills. He's come off the bench the past couple of years but might get the starting role back this year.

PF: Antonio McDyess

Used to be an athletic freak back in the days, AD is a great rebounder and a good defender. Could score 20 points anytime, thanks to his physical skill. He will make a great frontcourt tandem with Tim Duncan. McDeyess is more of a finesse player now, and a savvy veteran. He is still a great player though.

C: Tim Duncan

The Future Hall of Famer is looking to get his 5th ring this year. Has some of the best fundamentals in the game and is great off the glass. He is also a splendid defender and rebounder. He is devastating at both ends of the court. Duncan has excellent footwork and is a master at ball fakes. He should switch off the center job with McDyess.

Key Bench Player: Roger Mason

Mason was great for the Spurs last year, coming out of nowhere and hitting game-winning three pointers in a couple of games. He has a great jump shot, and was surprisingly a go-to guy in the closing seconds of games last year.

The Spurs have a great shot at winning their fifth NBA title next year—proving to people that they are really a dynasty.

The Spurs have been the best team in sports for the past 10 years.

But the question remains:

Are the San Antonio Spurs a dynasty?

Memphis Grizzlies: NBA's Forgotten Team

Tyler Pollard — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 13:39:28 -0400

The Memphis Grizzlies are one of the NBA's most forgotten teams. Having had the 2nd-worst attendance in the league (again) last year, the Grizzlies have had the worst overall turnstile counts over the last five years, only climbing above the 2nd-worst once.

Most Memphis fans are baffled by the question:

What is the missing piece to the Memphis Grizzlies' puzzle?

Well, let's have a look at the Grizzlies' GM, coach and players.

GM: Chris Wallace

Review: Wallace started out in Boston, being hired there in 1997, and four years later being given the job as GM in the 2000-'01 season.

The next season, Wallace would make a trade-deadline-deal with the Phoenix Suns of Joe Johnson for Tony Delk and Rodney Rogers, among others, which would help get the Celtics to their first Eastern Conference Finals in over a decade. One other good thing that Wallace did while he was in Boston was drafting Paul Pierce.

In the 2007-2008 season Wallace was hired by the Grizzlies to replace Jerry West. Than Micheal Heisly went and hired Mark Iavoroni, whom he later fired in the 2008-'09 season, as head coach. Iavaroni was fired as Memphis was fading in the standings. Wallace hired as inten head coach. Two days later, Lionel Hollins was brought in to coach, all on Micheal Heisly's account.

The Good: He made a good move in trading Kevin Love for O.J. Mayo. Mayo is a player that Memphis can build around. Has a superior offensive skill set. This turned out looking to be a good deal in 2009, but of course we won't know for sure until five years later.

The Bad: Many were puzzled about how easily Pau Gasol was traded to the Lakers. I am sure that the Lakers could have lured in Gasol much easier than just his brother Marc Gasol and a 2008 First Round Pick, like Donte' Green, and 2010 First Round Pick.

He traded for Zach Randolph, who is quite possibly the worst locker room/team chemistry guy in the NBA today. He demands the ball no matter who is on the team, points fingers after losses, punched and injured a teammate in 2003, famously feuded with Nate Robinson on the bench during games in New York, and is an organizational nightmare off the court, including multiple lawsuits, guns, drugs, gangs, DUIs, a crazy sexual assault accusation in 2007, and time in juvie back in HS for stealing guns.

All-In-All: Wallace has done below average, he has made a couple good trade but overall hasn't helped Memphis all that much.

Coach: Lionel Hollins

Review: Lionel Holllons played twelve seasons in the NBA. He played for five teams all together: the Portland Trailblazers, Philadelphia 76'ers, San Diego Clippers, Detroit Pistons, and Houston Rockets. Hollins averaged 11.5 PPG, and 5.4 APG in his career, wining one championship in Portland and having one All-Star apperance, both during the 1976-'77 season.

On April 18th, 2007 The Blazers Retired his jersey, number fourteen.

Hollins has been a head coach three different times in his career, all for the Memphis Organization. Hollins was hired in the 1999-2000 season as an interim head coach, then again hired in the 2004-'05 season as interim coach. Finally, in 2009 he got the permanent head coaching job.

Strengths: He is a great x's and o's coach, and he also has the ability to connect with players. He brings great experience and commitment to the city of Memphis.

Weakness: He is most pronounced in half-court sets.

Starting Line-Up:

PG: Mike Conley, Jr.

The Spin: Conley has done average as a point guard for Memphis in the past two seasons. Many people are wondering if he will live up to the potential he has. The hiring of Hollins should help that.

Remember back when Hollons coached for the Vancouver Grizzlies? Mike Bibby was a struggling second-year guard for the Grizzlies. When Hollins came in, he helped Bibby and let him call plays on his own. Bibby blossomed as a player, and has been good in both his stint as a Sacramento King (All-Star) and now playing for Atlanta. Hopefully the same can happen for Conley, Jr.

SG: O.J. Mayo

The Spin: In my opinion, Mayo should have gotten Rookie Of The Year. Averaging 18.5 PPG, Mayo was a good scorer for them. Mayo is a physical guard who can play either backcourt position. He has a complete offensive game, able to shoot from deep or power to the basket and finish. Mayo also takes on all challenges at the defensive end.

SF: Rudy Gay

The Spin: Few players in the NBA have the combination of talent and skill Gay has. His high-flying style of play and great mid-range game have made him a great pick by Memphis in 2006. Gay averaged 20.1 PPG in the 2007-2008 season, and 18.3 PPG last year. Gay and Mayo will make a great scoring tandem in a couple of years.

PF: Marc Gasol

The Spin: Gasol was included in the trade to the Grizzlies for his brother Pau a year and a half ago. Since then he has been a great double-double threat, achieving 17 of them last year. Gasol is a great rebounder, and can make a powerfull front court tandem with Hasheem Thabeet.

C: Hasheem Thabeet

The Spin: If Thabeet can improve his offensive game, he can be a complete center in the NBA. Thabeet is known as a great shot blocker, which will help Memphis have a big presence in the lane when on defense. If he can develop fully, Thabeet can be great pick for the Grizzlies.

Key - Bench Player: Zach Randolph

The Spin: It will be a great risk signing him, as he has had a history with the law (see above). Randolph is a double-double machine, though; he had 29 double-doubles last year in only 50 games. He can be a spark coming off the bench for the Griz, as he knows how to score fast and easily.

The Grizzlies are full of young talent as their youth movement is in full affect. With players like Gay, Mayo, Thabeet, Gasol, and Conley Jr., the Memphis Grizzlies are piled with talent. The team is certainly heading in the right direction.

I don't think the Grizzlies can contend in 2009, but in the coming future, look for them to be a great force.

Kevin Durant Trying To Put Fallen Oklahoma City Thunder on the Map

Tyler Pollard — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 14:16:39 -0400

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the New Orleans Hornets were forced to play much of their home games in Oklahoma City during the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons.

Longing for a professional sports team, Oklahoma City showed it could support a beaten down New Orleans Hornets team, even impressing David Stern. Stern commented that Oklahoma City could support a team of its own.

A year after the Hornets left, an agreement was reached that would allow Seattle Supersonics owner Clay Bennett to move the team to Oklahoma City.

The Oklahoma City Thunder were born!

Things did not go well for the Thunder in their first season, going 1-17 in their first 18 games and eventually ending the season with a 23-59 record. Three games better than last year's record—there is a ray of hope in Oklahoma City.

Hope in a 6'10", small forward from Texas.

Hope that this 20-year-old kid can someday lead their Thunder to an NBA Title.

That ray of hope is Kevin Durant, who has earned the respect of Thunder fans with a great 2008-09 season, far better statistically than the prior campaign.

In the 2008-09 season, Durant averaged 25.3 PPG (five better than the previous year), 6.5 RPG (2.1 better than the previous year), and earned a 42.2 three-point percentage (a whopping 14 percent better than the previous year).

Durant was the second player to average 25 PPG in his second season since Shaquille O'Neal in 1992. His company: LeBron James.

Many people get that Durant is a special kid, on a team that has had a rough go of it the last two years.

There is potential that Durant can lead this Thunder team who are the youngest team in the NBA to the playoffs.

The Oklahoma City Thunder's 2009-10 starting lineup:

PG: Russell Westbrook Age: 20

2008 Stats: 15.3 PPG, 5.3 APG, 4.9 RPG

SG: James Harden Age: 19

2008 Stats: (Arizona State) 20.1 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 4.2 APG

SF: Kevin Durant Age: 20

2008: Stats: 25.3 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.8 APG

PF: Jeff Green Age: 22

2008 Stats: 16.5 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.0 APG

C: B.J Mullens Age: 20

2008 Stats: 8.8 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.1 BPG

Some players were born to play in the NBA; Kevin Durant wasn't one of them.

Ten words form the foundation of Kevin Durant's basketball career: "Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard. "

Those words came from Taras Brown, a former coach of Durant, and the man whom Durant calls his Godfather. Among Brown's drills was making Durant write these words hundreds of times.

Without Brown there would be no Durant, say most of Durant's childhood teammates.

"Without Taras Brown, there would be no Kevin," said Richard Wyatt, Jr., a friend who played with Durant at the rec center. "You would think that was his father."

Durant wasn't always the guy who you would think would be in the NBA one day.

"When we first started, he wasn't that good," Wyatt said. "He had to work at it. Everything you see in Kevin is because of his hard work. He lived in the gym."

Durant is all about hard work, which leads us back to the Thunder.

The Thunder have the youngest starting lineup in the league, but some hard work can make them one of the best starting lineups in the league.

Grizzlies Rolling The Dice With Zach Randolph

Tyler Pollard — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:41:41 -0400

Zach Randolph isn't the best person for your kid's to look up to.

Though Randolph has always been a dominant offensive force in the NBA scoring 20 or more points per game in four out of his eight seasons. He just can't stay out of trouble with the law. Getting his past teams front office's pissed of here and there.

Randolph has had several ups and downs in his career. The Grizzlies are ready to roll the dice on this power forward who is a great low post player. Something the Grizzlies haven't had in years.

It will be interesting to see how Randolph cops with the rest of this young and talented team. Considering Randolph has always been the main offensive objective on his past teams, while the Grizzlies have many offensive weapons. O.J Mayo, Rudy Gay, and possibly Allen Iverson. All guy's that are prolific scorers and can breakout for 30 or more points each night they play.

He will also go along the Grizzlie powerful front court tandem next year, Marc Gasol and Hasheem Thabeet. Both great defenders and rebounders.

The Grizzlies can get a lot Randolph lets see the up's of his career and the downs of his career.

Ups:

Was named NBA's most improved player in 2004, averaging a double-double with 20.1 points and 10.3 rebounds a game.
Finished 2009 with 29 double-doubles in only 50 games.

Downs:

Threatened with charges involving the shooting's of three men, but charges were dropped when he admitted his brother took the shots.
Was charged with sexual assualt on a women and later sued for it.

Though Randolph is a double-double machine he always find's trouble. It will be a gamble for this up and coming Memphis team.

Shawn Marion: Forgotten Free Agent Would Make Cavaliers a Championship Team

Tyler Pollard — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:42:47 -0400

What happened to Shawn Marion?

Three years ago he was at the top of the trade rumor mill.

Now he's simply a free agent who no one wants to sign. The only team that seems to be targeting Marion is the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are trying to bolster their roster for next season.

A lot of teams don't realize what kind of hard work Marion puts in. When put on the floor, Marion will give you everything he has for all 48 minutes of the game.

Just ask teammates of Marion in the past, like Steve Nash, Dwyane Wade, or Chris Bosh. They'll all tell you the same thing that I just wrote above.

Lets explore what the Cavs would get if they signed Marion:

An athletic guy who can play any position on the floor except point guard.
A guy who will hustle and play 40-plus minutes every night if needed.
A versatile defender who will help complement LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal.
A fast break waiting to happen. Marion is super quick and will benefit from LeBron's passing skills.
A great rebounder who will fight for the ball at any time.
Gives 110 percent every play and minute of the game.
A good shooter that can shoot from anywhere on the court.
Energizes any home crowd with his dunks.

The abilities that Marion has will put any contender over the top to win a championship.

Marion has skills that will help win Cleveland a championship next year. Now it's just up to the Cavaliers to sign him.

Is Trading Amare Stoudemire a Good Move?

Tyler Pollard — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 19:52:40 -0400

The picture above is Amare Stoudemire getting dunked on by Chris Wilcox, but on the other end, Amare will just get the ball and dunk on someone else.

This has been the story of Amare Stoudemire and his six-year career in the NBA. There is no doubt in my mind that Amare has to be one of the worst defensive big men in the league. The problem is, he is also one of the best offensive power forwards in the NBA.

This leaves the Phoenix Suns front office puzzled, willing to trade him to any team deemed the highest bidder.

The solution: Bring in a coach who can teach Amare how to get better on defense. If you look at all of Amare's coaches in his six-year Phoenix Suns career, you'll see that they've never really had a mind-set to teach defense.

Mike Dantoni 2003-2008: Probably the best offensive coach, turned the lagging Suns in 2003 to the best show in sneakers. In his five-year reign as head coach, the Suns lead the NBA in scoring all four years. He got fired and went to New York and turned the Knicks offense in to the fourth best offense in the NBA.

Terry Porter 2008-2009: Came in to turn the team into a Shaq-based team didn't work and got fired for the Suns record. His primary focus was to base the team around Shaq which didn't work out for players who had been built to live and breathe fast break.

Alvin Gentry 2009-present: A lot like Mike D'Antoni, he was brought in to bring the Suns back to that run n' gun style that the Suns were all so familiar with. Brought the Suns' PPG total up from 15th in the league to first.

So when you look at all of Amare's coaches, you realize Amare Stoudamire has never had a coach to teach him defense.

So, to all of you that criticize Amare because of his bad defense, don't blame him. Blame the Phoenix Suns Front Office for never bringing in a assistant coach to teach him defense. This problem could be solved so simply, and yet Steve Kerr is going to trade the Suns' future away.

Don't forget this either: Amare came right out of high school into the NBA. He was still trying to find his game and walked right in on a team based 100 percent on offense.

So this is my advice to Steve Kerr, don't trade Amare, teach him defense.

Steve McNair: 1973-2009 Your Legacy Will Live On Forever

Tyler Pollard — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 18:35:40 -0400

Steve McNair retired quarterback, was found dead this morning with a gun shot wound in his head today.

To tribute McNair I am going to Review his career.

1995: In the 1995 NFL Draft Steve McNair was selected third overall in the first round by the Houston Oilers. He barely saw any action until 1997.

1997: 1997 was McNair's first year as a starter, the season resulted in a 8-8 record. McNair had 2,665 passing yards the most from a Houston Oiler since Warren Moon in 1993.

McNair also threw 13 Interceptions, setting the franchise record for fewest INT's in a single season. He aslo lead the team in rushing touchdowns with eight and ranked second behind Eddie George in rushing yards with 674, the third highest by a QB in history. McNair was a sensation and 1997 was the birth of a star.

1998: In 1998 his numbers were even better, setting career passing highs with 492 attempts, 289 completions, 3,328 passing yards, 15 touchdowns and cutting down his interceptions down to 10, raising his QB rating to 80.1.

1999: In 1999 The Houston Oilers moved to Nashville and changed their name to the Tennessee Titans. Early in the 1999 season, in a 36-35 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, McNair was diagnosed with Inflamed Disk and needed surgery. McNair came back with nine games left in the season and guided them wining seven of their last nine.

Despite missing five games McNair passed for 2,100 yards, threw 12 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. McNair guided the Tians to the Super Bowl, but lost when Kevin Dyson wasn't able to break the plane on the last play.

2000: In 2000 McNair put together his most productive year, passing for 1350 yards, 21 touchdowns and 15 Ints. He guided the Tians to a 13-3 record. McNair was a candidate for the MVP award but lost. In the playoffs the Titans lost to the Baltimore Ravens.

2002: After a playoff loss McNair was arrested for DUI and illegal gun possession. Things were looking bad for McNair and it looked as if his career was going down the toilet.

2003: After a calf injury in December McNair was sidelined for two games but that didn't stop him from wining Co-MVP with Peyton Manning. McNair put up the best numbers of his of his career 3,226 passing yards, 24 touchdown passes, and a 100.4 QB rating, and threw only seven interceptions.

2004: Due to injuries McNair only played five games and had 1300 passing yards and 8 touchdowns.

2005: In 2005 McNair had a productive season 3,161 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. On June 7, McNair was traded to the Baltimore Ravens for a fourth-round draft pick in 2007. Which ended up being Chris Davis a receiver from Florida State.

2006: In his first season as a Raven McNair lead the Ravens to a 13-3 record. McNair passed for 3,000 yards and had 16 touchdowns. The Ravens lost to the Indianapolis Colts 15-6 in the first round. The Colts eneded up being Super Bowl Champs.

2007: McNair only played seven games due to injuries, and passed for 1,100 yards and two touchdowns.

2008: McNair announced his retirement after 13 season.

Carear Stats

Passing Yards: 31,304 QB Rating: 82.1

Touchdowns: 174 Interceptions: 114

MVP's: 1 Pro Bowl Apperances: 3

R.I.P Steve McNair

Five NFL Teams That Will Surprise You in the 2009 Season

Tyler Pollard — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:54:23 -0400

The Tenessee Titans were a huge surprise in 2008. Winning their first ten games, and finishing with a 13-3. Despite losing to the Ravens in the second round of the playoffs to the Raven's their is alot of hope in the city of Nashville that their Titans might have a shot to win the Superbowl this year.

Begin Slideshow

NFL Season Preview: AFC South and AFC West

Tyler Pollard — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 14:00:59 -0400

Here are my predictions for the AFC South and West.

AFC South

1. Tennessee Titans 12-4

Reason: The Titans surprised many last year with there 10-0 before losing 34-23 to the Jets. Albert Haynsworth is leaving but I don't think it will really matter that much considering they still have Jevon Kearse and Kyle Vanden Bosch. Also they got Nate Washington to help out Kerry Collins.

2. Indianapolis Colts 12-4

Reason: Manning took the Colts on that amazing run last year wining thier last nine games to put them in the playoffs. Thier are alot of questions for the Colts heading into 2009. How will Jim Caldwell do? Will Payton Manning's knee hold up? Well how about this the Colts were 31st in the league in rushing yards, what if they went out and signed free agent Edgerin James.

3. Houston Texans 9-7

Reason: The Texans are slowly becoming a contender for the AFC South, they have alot of potentiol with young talent like Andre Johnson and Mario Williams. You look back at thier 2006 draft pick Mario Williams looks to be a good pick by the texans. Also Matt Shaub and Andre Johnson seem to be on the same page as the Texans were 4th in passing yards last year.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars 8-8

Reason: What happened to the Jaguars, they went from being 11-5 to 5-11. I'll tell you what, lack of offensive line for David Garrard and Muarice-Jones Drew. Drafting Euegene Monroe should help give more space for Garrard and Jones Drew. Also if they were to sign Marvin Harrison, they would have something they have'nt had in years, a go-to reciever.

AFC South Awards

MVP: Payton Manning: 4400 YD's/ 34 TD's

Defensive Player: Mario Willams: 15 SCK's/ 65 TCK's

Offensive Player: Chris Johnson: 1,500 YD's/13 TD's

Rookie Of Year: Brian Cushing: 78 TCK's/ 2 INT's/ 7 SCK's

AFC West

1. San Diego Chargers 13-3

Reason: San Diego missed Shawn Merriman last season and with him back, the defense will be alot better. And when they brought in former Bears Defensive Cordinator Ron Riveria in the middle of the season last year the defense got alot better and they went on that run to win the divison. Also Phillips Rivers is finally starting to mature into a excellent QB.

2. Kansas City Chiefs 7-9

Reason: Bringing in Matt Cassel was a good trade, the Chiefs will be good in the future just not his year. Dwayne Bowe is really developing into a good WR and will have a breakout year for the Chiefs. Also the defense has alot of young talent in Tyson Jackson and Glen Dorsey, but in my oponion they would be even better if they had Aaron Curry instead of Tyson Jackson.

3. Denver Broncos 7-9

Reason: The Broncos had a nightmare of a offseason losing there star QB Jay Cutler to the Bears. It will get even worse if they lose Brandon Marshall but they have alot of potential with Eddie Royal. Thier defense should get better, considering they signed Brian Dawkins. Also there running back trouble should get better after drafting Knowshawn Moreno.

4. Oakland Raiders 3-13

Reason: I don't know where to start with this team first of all they made a gigantic mistake in passing up Michael Crabtree. They will be a team to watch in a couple of year when all thier young players develop like Darren Mcfadden and Jamarcus Russel. This year though signing Jeff Garcia was a good signing not so he could bring them wins which they desperatly need but so that he can teach Russel considering they have the same kind of QB style.

AFC West Awards

MVP: Phillip Rivers: 4300 YD's/ 35 TD's

Defensive Player: Shawn Merriman: 74 TCK's/ 9 SCK's/

Offensive Player: Dwayne Bowe: 1200 YD's/ 9 TD's

Rookie Of Year: Knoweshawn Moreno: 1100 YD's/ 11 TD's

My College Rankings Heading Into The Season 1-10

Tyler Pollard — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:13:58 -0400

It's that time of year again, the time where training camps start, Fantasy Rosters are drafted and the time where you head down to where your favorite teams training camp is.

Ahhhhhhhh. Its Football Season. Here is my Collage football Ranking's going into the season.

1. Florida Gators

Reason: With Tim Tebow coming back for his senoir season you know its gonna be a sucess. The Gators are the fastest team in the country and with Urban Meyer the Gators look to be heading to another BCS Boewl Game.

Key Departure: Percy Harvin WR - Harvin was a fast speedy guy for the Gators, used effectively in reverses and kick returns.

Key Arrival: Jelani Jenkins OLB- Jenkins, the 2nd best linebacker recruit, is a rangy prospect who will give it everything he gots for the Gators every snap.

Must-Watch Game: October 10, @ LSU-

2. Oklahoma Sooners

Reason: Hiesman winner Sam Bradford was the best offensive QB last year. The video game like offense of Oklahoma will give the BCS Title a serious run.

Key Departure: Phil Loadholt OT- Loadholt was key to all the time Bradford got in the pocket last year. He was considered the best at his position in the draft.

Key Arrival: Jamarkus McFarland DT- McFarland is explosive and gets off real fast at the snap of the ball.

Must-Watch Game: October 17 vs. Texas

3. USC Trojans

Reasons: USC fans don't be dissapointed that you guys lost Mark Sanchez, USC went out an recruited the top High School prospect Matt Barkley.

Despite losing alot of key players to the draft USC like always went out and recruited alot of good player, and with Pete Carrol leading the way USC should have another productive season.

Key Departure: Brian Cushing OLB- Cushing was a dominant force at linebacker for USC.

Key Arrival: Matt Barkly QB- Barkly, the top High School prospect in the country, is a true pocket passer and has great footwork.

Must-Watch Game: September 12 @ Ohio State

4. Texas Longhorns

Reason: Colt McCoy is coming back for his senoir season, look for Texas like last year, to always find a way to win.

Key Departure: Brian Orakpo DE- In his collage carear Orakpo had 132 tckls, 22 SK's, and six forced fumbles. He one siz awards last year and was argueably the best defensive end in the draft.

Key Arrival: Garrett Gilbert QB- He will be a good backup for McCoy next year, he has great feat and a good arm.

Must-Watch Game: October 17 vs Oklahoma

5. Utah Utes

Reason: Utah surprised many last year with their 13-0 run, look for them to try and do it again as they have the basically the same roster as last year.

Key Departure: Paul Kruger DE - He origanly sighned with Utah as a QB and developed into a defensive end, Kruger was on The Mountain West All American Team in 2008.

Key Arrival: Brian Blechen QB - Blechen has great size and is a great athlete at the QB.

Must-Watch Game: September 19 @ Oregon

6. Alabama Crimson Tide

Reason: Wont be as good as they were last year but Julius Jones should have a breakout year and lead this team to a good bowl game.

Key Departure: Andre Smith OT - Smith was a great blocker to John Parker Wislon and was a 2008 AP All American.

Key Arrival: Dre Kirkpatrick CB - Kirkpatrick, the 4th best high school prospect, is very athletic and has excellent coverage skills.

Must-Watch Game: November 11, VS, LSU

7. Ohio State Buckeyes

Reason: This might be one of the best teams out there. Losing Chris 'Beanie' Wells was a huge loss but they have gigantic potentiol in Terrell Pryor.

Key Departure: Chris 'Beanie' Wells RB - Wells was a hiesman canidate last year before he got hurt but put up great numbers for Ohio State.

Key Arrival: Jaamal Berry - They brought this guy in to replace Wells, he is really explosive and has once every ten year kind of acceliration.

Must-Watch Game: September 12 vs USC

8. Penn State Nittany Lions

Reason: Joe Patterno is coming back at age 83, and Daryll Clark is a great QB . Look for this team to win a championship for one of the greatest coaches of all time.

Key Departure: Aaron Maybin DE - The All American was great for Penn Stae and was one of the top DE's in the draft.

Key Arrival: Miles Dieffenbach OC - Dieffanbach is very versitale and can play all positions on the line, should help protect Daryll Clark.

Must-Watch Game: November 7 VS. Ohio State

9. Oregon Ducks

Reason: Oregon was good last year finishing 9th in the rankings last year. Using two QB's look fo Oregon to be good.

Key Departure: Patrick Chung S- He was a guy that played every day for Oregon he holds the record for most games played on Defense.

Must-Watch Game: October 31 VS. USC

10. TCU Horned Frogs

Reason: They were 12-1 last year and surprised many with their win against undefeated Boise St. last year.

Key Departure: Jason Phillips MLB- Phillips was a very athletic player who would sometimes play QB.

Key Arrival: David Johnson DT- He is very tough and disruptive and tough. A great fit for the TCU defense.

Must-Watch Game: September 26 @ Clemson

Thank you for reading, 10-25 will come sometime in the next three days.

10 Must-Have Players That Will Lead Your Fantasy Baseball Team to the Championship

Tyler Pollard — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:13:04 -0400

10. Tommy Hanson is one of the MLB's top pitching prospects. Since brought up from the Minors, Hanson is 4-0 with a 2.48 ERA. He has pitched seventeen straight scoreless inning and what makes it even more impressive is that 2 out of the three teams it was against was the Boston Red Sox and The New York Yamkees.

Begin Slideshow

What To Make Of The Steroid Era?

Tyler Pollard — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:07:33 -0400

We live in a age where you never see raw talent like you used to see. It seem's every good player you would look up to as a kid is on steroids, A-Rod,Manny,Sammy Sosa,etc. You look at Albert Pujols and you say well he's putting up monster numbers and hes never been testified for steroids.

With all due respect to Albert Pujols but isn't that what everyone was saying about A-Rod two years ago, isn't that what everyone was saying about Manny Ramirez five years ago, isn't that what everyone was saying about Sammy Sosa, Roger Clemens, and Mark Mcgwire 10 years ago.

Some chose to go the path of lying about it in front of Congress,Roger Clemens, Mark Mcgwire, Barry Bonds, and Sammy Sosa. Others chose to tell the truth, A-Rod, and Jason Giambi. It seems that the players of our age have forgotten that the only way you'll get better is if you practice, and believe that they wont be good unless they use steroids.

People like Ozzy Guillen are right, just show us the list. What is the point of keeping it from the public?

Randy Johnson just won his 300th game and it is an amazing feat, what makes it more amazing is that he did it without steroids. Mariano Riveria and Trevor Hoffman are in the 500 saves club what makes it more amazing is that they did it without steroids. Ken Griffey hit his 600th home run last year, and he did it without steroids. Derrick Jeter and Ichiro Suziski are on pace to get 300 hits and they all did it without steroids.

These players worked harder than any other player to get to the top and it worked. They are all future Hall Of Famers. What makes it even more special is they did it without steroids.

Barry Bonds,Mark Mcgwire, and Sammy Sosa are the top three in most home runs in a season. All most all of them have been linked to Steroids. If you take out all the stats of these players, the real record holder for most home runs in a season would be Roger Maris who hit 61 home runs with the Yankee's in 1961. If you took all those stat's away, Albert Pujols with 30 home runs, would be on pace to break that record.

Pete Rose was suspended from baseball for gambling, he is one of the greatest players and he never even got a chance to be inducted into the Hall Of Fame. Why is David Stern even giving players like Mark Mcgwire a chance to be inducted into the Hall Of Fame. I believe that every player that has been linked to steroids should be suspended for life. You have to lay down some rule better than a 50-game suspension or it will just keep happening again.

Was AJ Hinch a Good Hiring by the Arizona Diamondbacks?

Tyler Pollard — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:52:10 -0400

A.J Hinch was the President of Player Developement, before he was hired as head coach of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Bob Melvin lead the Arizona Diamondbacks to thier first divison title in five years when he was hired, before he was fired by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Many people were puzzled by why this happened, wondering why this would help the falling Arizona Diamondbacks record. Look at AJ Hinchs Record with the Diamondbacks compared to Bob Mevins this season.

Bob Melvin: 12-18 AJ Hinch: 19-30

Not much of a difference right? Well thier wasnt supposed to be a difference, as President of Player Development your job is to make sure that the minor league players get developed right so that they can be money in the big leagues.

Seven out eight of the Diamondback players in the starting linup were in the D-backs minor league system sometime in the last four years. Look at the stats of some of these palyers with AJ Hinch and Bob Melvin.

Bob Melvin: 30 games AJ Hinch: 49 games

Mark Reynolds: HR:7, RBI's:14,SB:3,AVG:.252/ HR:15, RBI's:43, SB:10, AVG: .270

Justin Upton: HR:6, RBI's:16, SB:2,AVG:.294/ HR:8, RBI's:29, SB:8, AVG:.320

Note: Mark Reynold's is 8 HRs away from his carear high, and is third in the MLB in HR's. Justin Upton is 14th in batting average.

He has also brought up players he is familiar with like Gerrardo Parra who is second in the league in triples in only 42 games.

With all due respect to Bob Melvin, I think hiring A.J Hinch was a good decision. They brought up A.J Hinch so that he could help develope the D-backs young roster, and so far it has worked. Bob Melvin deserves to have a stating job on any team in the MLB, just not on the Arizona Diamondbacks.

2009 NFL Season Preview: AFC East and AFC North

Tyler Pollard — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:32:21 -0400

As Training Camp fastly approaches here is my 2009 NFL Season Preview

AFC EAST:

1. New England Patriots: 12-4

Reason: With Tom Brady comeing back and the addition of Fred Taylor this should give the Patriots enough to win the divison. They won't be where they were in 2007, but a Bill Bellicheck coached team always find a way to win.

2. Miami Dolphins: 10-6

Reason: With the addition of Jason Taylor playing along with Joey Porter look for the Dolphins to be better on defense. The bottom line is that the Dolphins have a tough schedule to win the divison but look for the Dolphins to give the Patriots a serious run.

3. Buffalo Bills: 6-10

Reason: I don't like them signing T.O, it won't solve any of thier problems that they showed last year. Geting a player like T.O wont see changes right away but maybe adding a player like Marvin Harrison might help.

4. New York Jets: 5-11

Reason: The New York Jets are in a rebuilding process, Merk Sanchez wont help right away, considering he only played one year of collage but look for these guys to be contenders in maybe three years.

AFC East Awards:

MVP: Tom Brady/ Prediction: 4,460 yds/35 TD's

Defensive Player: Joey Porter /9 Sacks/ 3 INT's

Offensive Player: Randy Moss /1300 yd's/13 td's

Rookie Of Year: Mark Sanchez /2100 yd's/ 9 TD's

AFC North

1. Steelers: 13-3

Reason: The defending champ's are the most complete team in the NFL, they will again have the best defense in the NFL and easily win the AFC North.

2. Ravens: 11-5

Reason: .Look for Joe Flacco to step up as a leader this year and lead the Ravens to a Wild Card win. Also loseing Rex Ryan will also take a big toll on the defense.

3. Cleveland Browns: 9-7

Reason: The Eric Mangini hiring is a good move for the Browns. Brady Quinn will win the starting job over Derrick Anderson and have a season where he is consistant and going to start all 16 games. Look for the Browns to be the dark horse to win the Wild Card.

4.Cincinnati Bengals: 4-12

Reason: Carson Palmer will only play six games, Chad Ochocino will be unhappy that he is not getting the ball. Flooded by injuries the Cincinnati Bengals will have another bad season.

AFC North:

MVP: Willie Parker/ 1300 YD's/ 14 TD's

Defensive Player: Troy Pollamalu/ 4 Sacks/ 75 Tck's/ 8 Int's

Offensive: Joe Flacco/ 3,600 yd's/18 TD'S

Rookie Of the Year: Andre Smith

Shaq: The Best Thing That Ever Happaned To The NBA

Tyler Pollard — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:47:47 -0400

1992 was a sad year for the NBA, Ervin "Magic" Johnson had tested positive HIV and announced that he would immediately retire (only to come back years later and play 32 games as a power forward). Larry Bird had announced retirement to go be special assistant in the Celtics Front office. The NBA had lost two of it's most prized players, their only hope: Micheal Jordan who would retire one year later. The NBA was loseing ticket sales and tv ratings, they desperately needed to sell tickets fast, their answer: Shaq.

In the 1992 NBA Draft Shaq went first overall to the Orlando Magic, The Orlando Magic wanted Shaq so bad that they went around the locker room asking players for a cut in salary. Enough players agreed to give Shaq the money he wanted. And in his rookie season when he broke the hoop everyone knew right then that he was special.

The reason we most love Shaq are his sound bytes ranging from mocking another teams name and telling a reporter that he was going to move in with him. Also his nicknames that he makes for himself like 'The Big Aristotle' and Wilt Chambernieze is why we all love Shaq.

David Stern and all the NBA should be bowing down to Shaq, considering what he has done for them.