Bleacher Report - Articles by Bradley Jenkins

Nicklas Lidstrom: The Surprise Candidate for NHL MVP

Bradley Jenkins — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 06:07:44 -0400

For those of you who follow hockey, you're engaged in the playoff races and the storylines that follow.

Can Brodeur take his team to the Cup again?

What about Nabokov? Giguere? Hasek?

Will Sid the Kid be healthy and primed to bring his young Penguins team to hoist the Cup?

What about the falling Ottawa Senators?

Team headlines aside, who are the individuals who will garner honors at season's end? More importantly, who is your choice for the Hart Memorial Trophy as the NHL MVP?

Maybe you're leaning towards Evgeni Malkin, who emerged from Sidney Crosby's shadow in Pittsburgh to carry the Penguins in Sid's absence.

Or what about Roberto Luongo, who is carrying the Canucks on his back despite some of the worst goal support in the league?

Most of you probably would go with 22-year-old Uber-star Alex Ovechkin, who's league-leading point total has his Capitals team on the cusp of their first playoff appearance since the 2002-2003 season.

What if I told you there was a certain player you haven't considered with the credentials to come out on top?

Would you consider a star who spends nearly half of each game on the ice for his team, playing on the top unit on both the power play and penalty kill? What if I told you he ranks fourth in the league in assists, fourth in power play assists, and ranks first in the NHL with a staggering plus-41?

Maybe that's not quite enough.

What if the kicker was he was a lock to win the Norris Trophy this year as the league's top defensemen, all while captaining the team with the league's best record?

Nicklas Lidstrom of the Detroit Red Wings has proven year-in and year-out that he is in a class of his own at his position. He has been a poster boy for durability, missing just 18 games in his past ten seasons, with just one season under 57 points in his last 12 years.

With the dominant Swede anchoring the back line for the Wings since 1991, Detroit has been the class of the NHL, making the playoffs each year with Lidstrom, en route to the league's best record five times to go along with three Stanley Cup championships.

As the Wings prepare to finish with home ice advantage throughout the playoffs yet again, making another run for Lord Stanley's Cup, it is time to look at a player who finds himself in the thick of the race. He's been anchoring the back line of a team ranking near the top in both special teams' categories.

On top of that, does anyone think it's a secret that the Wings rank near the top in goals against every year, including the comfortable hold they have on first place in that department this year?

Next month Lidstrom will turn 38 years old. Maybe it's time he adds a little variety to his trophy case, in the form of his first NHL MVP.

Sad But True: The Yankees Have A Pitching Staff?

Bradley Jenkins — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 08:33:05 -0500

Like a Rubik's Cube in the early '80s, the 2008 brand of the New York Yankees is a puzzle I just cannot figure out.

Just what is it that gives the men in pinstripes a pass this year? Is it the fact that they FINALLY found a way to rid themselves of Joe Torre? Is it the fact that they FINALLY found a way to rid themselves of the best pitcher of this era? Is it that they FINALLY found a way to push the best owner in the bigs onto the back burner when every team in the American League is improving?

Don't get me wrong, the Yankees have been the class of the big leagues since the start of the divisional playoff era. Since the playoffs expanded to eight teams in 1995, the Yankees have made the postseason every year, winning six American League pennants and four World Series titles.

Year in and year out, the Bronx Bombers lead the majors in payroll, ranking themselves among the top contenders each and every year.

So does this give them a free pass?

In a year where the AL East is stronger than ever with the Red Sox looking better than ever, the Blue Jays being regarded as one of the biggest sleepers in the league, and even the Tampa Bay Rays making strides toward being competitive, it's hard to believe the Yanks are well on their way to a 14th straight postseason berth.

As usual, New York has put together a potent lineup with emerging players like second baseman Robinson Cano and center fielder Melky Cabrera, surrounded by the household names of Jeter, Rodriguez, Damon, Posada, Matsui, Abreu, and Giambi. A lineup like this could be the envy of upwards of 25 teams across the majors.

Looking outside the box, however, there is the potential for many questions to be brought up.

Will A-Rod perform at the level he did last year now that there is not $200+ million hanging in the balance?

Will the inconsistencies of aging stars Matsui, Giambi, and Abreu worsen?

Can the youth continue to rise and carry the team through rough spots?

Realistically, it is hard to believe that the entire offense would collapse this season, which turns the ship toward the Yankees' largest yet seemingly ignored hole: the pitching staff.

While the opposition can roll out Beckett, Bedard, Sabathia, Verlander, and Halladay, the Yanks rotation relies on the still-budding Chien-Ming Wang as the ace to go along with two unproven starters and two over-the-hill aces.

In Joba Chamberlain, the Yankees have a power pitcher who was enough to sweep Yankee Nation by storm last year. If it weren't for a run-in with insects off the Erie shore, he could have helped them to a deep playoff run. However, Chamberlain's major league experience features a grand total of 24 innings pitched—hardly enough to be considered the next savior.

Phil Hughes was marketed as the centerpiece in a deal to bring in Johan Santana, but never really caught the Twins' eyes enough to consider the Yanks as serious players in the deal.

In my eyes, Mike Mussina is one of the most underrated pitchers in the past 20 years. He has 250 career wins, but Moose has been in a steady decline for years now and at 39 years old is far from a reliable starter.

Then comes everybody's favorite pseudo-hero. Andrew Eugene Pettitte is now praised for his honesty for being one of the few to admit to using performance enhancing drugs. Also in the latter years of his career and fighting off injuries, it's hard to believe Pettitte will be able to return to previous form. It's hard to believe Andy will not be the center of attention this year every time kingpins McNamee and Clemens make a move, creating another media circus around the Yanks.

Pitching wins in the big leagues. Ask A-Rod—who was part of a very potent lineup in his Texas years—how far the pitching staff took them. This begs me to ask the question: When did the Yankees put together a formidable pitching staff?

Leading up to this season it seems the Bombers have their free pass once again to set up another push to October. But this year with the American League and more specifically the AL East as strong as ever, it's time for the Yankees' regular-season dominance to end.

It's sad...but true.

Sad But True: Houston Rockets

Bradley Jenkins — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 07:18:10 -0500

In the most trivial matter of good fortune for me, luck chose to swing my way. About a month ago in my Western Conference preview for the second half of the season, I had the Houston Rockets as the odd team out in the playoff race.

I have never been a Rockets fan, in fact I would put Houston right up there among my most hated teams in the league. Reasons why aren't very obvious. Maybe because they saved a whining 22-year-old Steve Francis from the Vancouver Grizzlies. Maybe because there's something about Tracy McGrady that just bugs me. Or maybe because I'm forced to acknowledge that they are beloved by over a billion people on the other side of the world. Call it bias but I have no problem predicting and even rooting that the Rockets would get an early start to their offseason.

I am not self indulged enough to think I had anything to do with it, but like I flipped a switch, the suddenly healthy Rockets managed to run off 12 straight wins, not experiencing defeat in over a month. The run propelled the Rockets from 10th in the exceptional Western Conference all the way up to the 7th spot just a mere 3 games out of the West's top spot.

Then the news came that Houston's 7'6 monster had been cut down for the season. Sunday night Yao put in a dismal performace against the retooled Chicago Bulls, posting just 12 points and 6 rebounds in 36 minutes of work -last time I take a Rocket in fantasy...seriously. Little did we know this would be the last we saw from Yao in a Rockets uniform this season.

Midday Tuesday, ESPN and other media outlets began circling the report that Yao suffered a stress fracture in his left foot and would be shut down for the season. Now I have never fractured my foot but I am thinking that trying to lug around all 90 inches and 310 pounds around on one would be far from enjoyable.

So like Bruce Willis finding out he's the one of the dead people that little creepy kid sees, this is the twist that has been dealt to you residents of Texas and China. (I swear this is the only situation where you can compare the two) Your hopes now rely on a backcourt that you can't take seriously when it's led by a guy who was actually referred to as "Skip to my Lou" while with the And1 tour, and a frontcourt that features a man who's biggest appearance this year was looking ridiculous at the dunk contest. Now we know the argument for the Houston supporters will be the man wearing the #1. It's easy to fall in love with his 21 points, five rebounds, and six assists a night, but lets remember just a short month ago the chic topic in Houston was the Rockets going 11-4 in the 15 games McGrady missed while injured. Stories ran rampant over the prospects that Houston could be better without the 6'8 swingman. In light of this it is hard to accept him as the Rockets savior.

There is plenty of relief for you Houston, luckily there is still six weeks left in the regular season. This gives you plenty of time to step back and reanalyze your thoughts. Don't be foolish enough to ride out this playoff run, sever ties and move on. Think about your good fortune living in a state with three basketball teams, it's not too late to hop on the bandwagon with Timmy and Tony, or even J-Kidd and the reigning MVP. Whatever you do, stop counting on your beloved Rockets. The Rockets, while making and nice run are finished. It's sad...but true.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Eastern Conference Repeat?

Bradley Jenkins — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 07:07:45 -0500

Close your eyes and imagine another time and place. Cleveland: early last December, stuck in the lull between the Indians almost-was in the American League playoffs, to the impending disaster for the Buckeyes in their second straight national championship game, one story could prevail above the rest.

King James is in street clothes, watching his teammates stumble to a fifth straight loss, dropping the defending Eastern Conference champions to a dismal 9-12 through the first quarter of the season.

As in most cases, the stories began to surface on whats wrong with Cleveland. This is a team led by arguably the best young star in the league, on the rise, fresh off their first finals berth. LeBron and the Cavs seemed to be squandering a chance to begin their push to greatness.

Fast Foward to the present: the trade deadline has come and gone. James has missed just one game since a 101-95 loss to the lowly Sonics, while carrying Cleveland up to the fourth position in the Eastern Conference.

To make matters better the Cavs pulled of a monster three team 11 player deadline deal, bringing in a scorer in Wally Szczerbiak, point guard Delonte West, to go along with front court help in four-time defensive player of the year Ben Wallace and former #1 overall pick Joe Smith.

This forced them to give up little more than the trigger happy Larry Hughes, and banger Drew Gooden the Cavaliers appear to have added adequate depth to their equation.

So after 250 or so words, lets start the controversy. It's time to pencil in Cleveland as the favorite to come out of the East.

Back to the Cavs, barring any unforseen injuries over the season final six weeks the Cavs figure to finish as the four or five seed in the Eastern Conference, setting the table for a first round matchup with the Toronto Raptors.

Buried in the land to the North, GM Bryan Colangelo has put together an impressive bunch of players capable of competiting with any team on any night. The continued emergence of big man Chris Bosh along with pure point guard Jose Calderon being thrust into a starting role give the Raptors a strong one-two punch.

Looking beyond the cover however, question marks surround the rest of the Toronto roster. With roleplayers such as Anthony Parker, Carlos Delfino and Jamario Moon not proving consistent enough to carry the load, coupled by TJ Ford's ongoing injury troubles and Andrea Bargnani's disappointment in what could have been his breakout year, the Raptors seem to be easily overmatched in the opening series.

On the the second round, and the three-headed monster that is the Boston Celtics. We've already gone over what the Celts bring to the table, so looking at the matchup, you can see where the Cavs can exploit the Eastern Conference champions.

Against Boston, the acqusition of Big Ben figures to prove its value the most. In Wallace, the Cavaliers have a man who on top of his game has always proved able to slow down the best big men in the league.

Teaming up with Zydrunas Ilgauskas and the pesky Anderson Varejao, Wallace and Cleveland have the potential to slow down the Celts interior offense. On the outside LeBron will have to prove he can defend against one of the game's best Small Forwards in Paul Pierce, the loss of Larry Hughes definately hurts the Cavs perimeter defense but with players such as Sasha Pavlovic, Delonte West and Devin Brown, Cleveland could have just enough roleplayers to slow Pierce and Allen.

Neutralizing the Big Three puts plenty of pressure on the supporting cast, and while each has shown flashes throughout the season, the inconsistencies could be too much for the Celtics to overcome.

In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Cavs would most likely find themselves in a rematch with the division rival, Detroit Pistons. Last season, the Cavs shocked Motown, after two straight losses, winning the next four the send the Pistons home early.

Underneath the final outcome, you see that the Pistons stole the first two games of the series after being outplayed before LeBrons controversial dishoff in Game One, and missed game winner in the second contest. With a few different bounces, many could think the Cavs dominated the series in 2007.

This year has the potential to bear the same result. Between the coaching of Flip Saunders, and Rasheed's inevitable implosion, Detroit as the potential to take themselves out of the playoff picture once again.

One of the largest enigmas in the NBA Rasheed Wallace has the pure skills and one of the most well rounded games of any Power Forward in the league he can post up and use his deadly turn around jumper or stretch the floor knocking down threes from the top.

Recently Charles Barkley went as far as to say Rasheed could be the best player in the league.

On the flip side we are talking about one of the most problematic players in the league from his well documented troubles in Portland to his coveted records for technical fouls, Wallace has proven he lacks the focus to be a consistent force helping his team. Remember it was Wallace's defensive lapse in Game 6 of the 2005 NBA finals that may have cost them a second straight title, and Wallace's complete meltdown against Cleveland last year which may be the most memorable moment aside from LeBron's dominance.

As most fans know, as Rasheed goes, the Pistons go. And with Rasheed just one call away from single handedly burying his teams chances the Pistons face a very terrifying situation. Turning to the man at the top, over the past month, Saunders has received praise in the Detroit media for his utilization of young guns Jason Maxiell, Aaron Afflalo, Rodney Stuckey and Amir Johnson.

While every team needs depth come playoff time, I would not feel as comfortable as most Pistons fans do with a second unit with an undersized big man in Maxiell, three players in their first full NBA season and former first round disappointment Jarvis Hayes.

Throw in Saunders refusal to double team James despite his dominance in last year's series and it is easy to see that Saunders is the deadliest poison to this Pistons squad.

While it takes just one injury or one out of this world performace to change all of this, remember that if anyone in the East is capable of taking over a game, it is King James. In his fifth NBA season, James has put up career highs in points, rebounds, assists and shooting percentages further proving his ability to take over basketball games.

As James proved last year he can turn up the intensity come playoff time and while proving his skill as the best in the league driving to the basket, it could be a short spring for the Eastern Conference favorites as LeBron leads his team to their second chance at their first title.

Red Wings Crystal Ball: Stanley Cup Returning to Hockeytown

Bradley Jenkins — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 07:53:35 -0500

Growing up in Metro Detroit through the 90s could be described as dismal and depressing for any aspiring fan. Motown's beloved Tigers were past their success of the Sparky Anderson led teams of yesteryear, now fans were forced to don jerseys of can't miss stars like Justin Thompson or Bobby Higginson. Despite boasting a budding superstar in Grant Hill, the Pistons never could achieve any playoff relevance without a supporting cast. All the while, Barry Sanders—possibly the most electric and exciting back in league history—sold out Lions games for years. Sanders retired with one playoff win, coming in 1991. Detroit was a sports city living on past achievements and pipe dreams for the future until an unexpected group returned a sense of pride to the Motor City.

Early in the decade, a dormant franchise began to emerge from the depths of Joe Louis Arena. Built around hometown hero Steve Yzerman, the Detroit Red Wings front office put the pieces in places for a spot in history with hockey's great teams. The addition of future Hall-of-Famers Nicklas Lidstrom, Sergei Fedorov, Brendan Shanahan, and Igor Larionov, transformed the Red Wings into the class of the NHL. A league record 62 wins in 1995-1996, followed by back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in '97 and '98 brought fans to their collective feet, packing the Joe to rally around the Wings every night.

Ten Years Later—six years removed from 2002's triumph over the Carolina Hurricanes for the franchise's 10th Cup—not much has changed. The Red Wings are still the envy of opposing fans, general managers and owners. Since their last title the Wings have averaged an NHL best 51 wins a season en route to the Presidents' Trophy—handed to the team with the best regular season record—three times.

So why the sense of lost opportunities in Hockeytown? The bottom line reads zero. And as a Detroit hockey fan the bottom line is all that matters. In each of the past four playoff seasons the Red Wings have squandered home-ice advantage and have been defeated by the eventual Western Conference champion.

On to this season, despite retirement of Stevie Y, defections of star players such as Shanahan, Robert Lang and Mathieu Schneider. The Wings have coasted to a league best 39-10-4 mark, 14 points ahead of the rest of the NHL. Led by Lidstrom and budding superstars Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg. Add to the equation the emergence of young talent such as Jiri Hudler and Valterri Filpulla, and the dominant net-minding tandem of future Hall of Famer Dominik Hasek and Chris Osgood, Coach Mike Babcock has the Wings entering the playoffs as the favorite to hoist Lord Stanley's Cup.

With all of that being said, one might have to look between the lines for an argument against Detroit's 11th title. But with all of that being said the Wings game simply has no holes. Statistically the Red Wings dominate the league. On pace to 60 wins the Hasek-Osgood tandem has given up just over two goals per contest, while the high powered attack—anchored by Datsyuk's NHL best 46 assists—is averaging 3.3 each night out. On special teams the Red Wings Power Play ranks 3rd while the Penalty Kill places 9th in the NHL. The defense has the ability to shut down a team as evidenced by Detroit outshooting their opponents in 46 of their 53 contests this year.

Despite the numbers telling a truth this year, the statistics always seem to be in the Wings favor. In each of their past four playoff exits, Detroit has run into emerging goaltenders making a name for themselves. Miikka Kiprusoff, Jean-Sebastian Giguere and Dwayne Roloson each led their teams to the Stanley Cup Finals by dominating the Wings along the way. With prospective first round matchups having Detroit facing the likes of Kiprusoff, Former NHL MVP Jose Theodore, or Vezina candidate Roberto Luongo, Babcock will have to rely on the hot hand of Osgood or the Dominator to place his team atop the NHL again.

Second-Half NBA Projections: Eastern Conference

Bradley Jenkins — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 08:10:18 -0500

As the league's best prepare to shine in the Big Easy, the trade deadline approaches, and the majority of franchises gear for their stretch runs.

Now is a time to take a peek in the crystal ball at the fortunes of your favorite team.

In this first installment, we look at the NBA's Eastern—Leastern for most pundits—Conference. With KG crossing borders, the emergence of recent No. 1 draft picks LeBron James and Dwight Howard, the stalwart Pistons squad, and the up and coming Chicago Bulls, the East was figured to level the playing field in the Association dominated by the West for the past decade.

The Celtics' rise to the top however, has not spelled success for the rest of the conference.

Right now the East holds just six teams above the .500 mark. Despite the futility, the competition is still stiff as seven teams are within two-and-a-half games of one another with just two spots to fill.

With no further hesitation, let's take a stab at what may develop as the teams in the East hit their stride.

15. Miami Heat (Currently 9-35, Projected Finish 17-65)

Have we ever seen a fall of that compares to this?

The disappointment on South Beach grows every day as the Heat struggle with injuries and underachievement. While trading perennial headache Antoine Walker the Heat acquired another in the form of Ricky Davis. Injuries to Wade, Shaq, and Mourning's career-ender have hampered Miami all year.

Despite Wade returning to form and O'Neal expected to return, I don't see any improvement from the Heat, and they will find themselves with a great shot at Michael Beasley in the summer's draft.

14. Charlotte Bobcats (Currently 18-28, Projected Finish 28-54)

While it seemed the Bobcats had struck gold in landing Jason Richardson on draft day, Charlotte has had to endure a very talented team that can't seem to get over the hump.

Richardson, along with Gerald Wallace, has been able to carry the team offensively on most nights, but the results have not shown in the box scores.

With 23 of their 36 remaining games coming on the road, including 16 against the Western Conference, the Bobcats figure to have a tough finish to a tough season.

13. Philadelphia 76ers (Currently 18-28, Projected Finish 28-54)

After trading A.I. last year the Sixers felt comfortable with their second coming of A.I. However, Andre Iguodala has proven he only excels as his teams second option. In his first season without Iverson, Iguodala has regressed as he tries to shoulder the load in Philly. As the deadline approaches it will be interesting to see if the Sixers can find a suitor for point guard Andre Miller.

Philadelphia should find themselves playing meaningless games within the next few weeks, which could spell extended minutes for youngsters Louis Williams and Thaddeus Young.

12. New York Knicks (Currently 14-31, Projected 30-52)

I wasn't hitting any pipes while making these projections. The Knicks are a team full of talented players.

The frontcourt with Eddy Curry, Zach Randolph, and the underrated David Lee, provide a rebounding presence. Outside shooters Nate Robinson, Jamal Crawford, and Quentin Richardson have the ability to take over games.

With a favorable schedule down the stretch, featuring only one extended road-trip, the Knicks could easily prove to be a .500 basketball team to finish the season.

11. New Jersey Nets (Currently 19-26, Projected 31-51)

If the Nets front office hasn't found the panic button yet, now is the time.

Coming off a nine-game losing streak, Jason Kidd's trade demands, and Vince Carter's declining stats, a franchise once the class of the East now finds themselves preparing for a rebuild. Rumors are running rampant and the biggest has Kidd returning the the Dallas team that drafted him.

If the trigger is pulled on a deal, it's hard to believe Carter won't go back to his lackluster mentality as the Nets continue to slide. This offseason they could rebuild around young talent in Sean Williams, Josh Boone, and Marcus Williams

10. Milwaukee Bucks (Currently 18-29, Projected 32-50)

Buried in the Cheesehead state, Milwaukee is probably the most talented team you don't know about. Despite Yi Jianlian's up and down rookie year, Andrew Bogut has found his niche, averaging 13 points, 9 rebounds, and nearly 2 blocks a game.

Coupled with Michael Redd's sharpshooting and Mo Williams' emergence as one of the league's most underrated point guards, the Bucks have the nucleus in place to establish themselves in a very strong division over the next couple years.

Although the Bucks have a favorable schedule down the stretch, playing 21 of their remaning 35 at home, I think games such as their 112-69 loss to the Sixers Wednesday night happen too often for Milwaukee to overcome their road woes for a playoff push this season.

9. Atlanta Hawks (Currently 18-24, Projected 34-48)

I really hope I am wrong and the Hawks do not miss out on the playoffs by a single game. The biggest reason being the replay that will take place against the Heat.

This team reminds me of last year's version of the Los Angeles Clippers: a franchise mired in futility begins to come around. With the enigmatic Josh Smith leading the way, alongside proven scorer Joe Johnson, Atlanta has developed into one of the league's young and exciting teams.

With a six-game road trip after the All-Star break and 13 games remaining against the West, the Hawks will struggle to keep pace with the rest of the East. However, it will be interesting to see if the Hawks can pull off a deal for a proven point man, Andre Miller perhaps, to improve their chances.

8. Indiana Pacers (Currently 19-27, Projected 35-47)

If you haven't had the chance to tune-in to a Pacers game this season you're missing out. Jim O'Brien has transformed Indiana into the Eastern Conference's equivalent of the Warriors or Suns.

The Pacers get out and run every night, performing well on the offensive end of the floor with Jamaal Tinsley orchestrating the offense. Mike Dunleavy is finally proving he was worthy of a 3rd overall pick by the Warriors, and Danny Granger is developing into a star across the board.

If Jermaine O'Neal can return from injury in his previous form, I feel the Pacers will be able to hang on to the East's final spot and create a very tough matchup for their first round opponent.

7. Chicago Bulls (Currently 18-27, Projected 37-45)

I took entirely too much time disputing whether the Pacers or Bulls would secure the East's final playoff position.

All logical signs point Indiana—three more home games, four less against the West, the Bulls' current road trip and four of five on the road after the All-Star break. With Scott Skiles recently admitting he simply could not get through to this team, questions arise over the Bulls' desire to win.

Deng and Gordon have turned down extensions. Kirk Hinrich, poised for a breakout season, has regressed significantly. Ben Wallace is a shell of himself as a Piston.

With all of that being said, I simply see no way a team this talented from top to bottom can miss out on the playoffs. April holds two matchups against Cleveland and Orlando, and a home meeting with Boston. These games could make or break the Bulls' chances of being a lethal matchup in the first round in this year's playoffs.

6. Washington Wizards (Currently 24-20, Projected 42-40)

When Gilbert Arenas' season was cut short last year, it spelled disaster for the Wizards. They limped through the remainder of the regular season and a quick dismissal in the first round.

As Arenas opted for surgery early this season, it appeared the Wizards would succumb to the same fate. However, in Gilbert's absence, the Wiz have rallied around the rest of their lineup, most notably Caron Butler.

Butler, alongside underrated Antawn Jamison, has developed into a bona fide superstar, carrying his team at both ends of the floor. With Arenas working towards a return, it will be interesting to see how seamlessly he can return to the Wizards while the team maintains their success against a very tough schedule down the stretch.

5. Toronto Raptors (Currently 25-20, Projected 48-34)

The work that Bryan Colangelo has done with this team is nothing short of amazing. From Chris Bosh all the way down, the team has been put together in a mold that could make them one of the most dangerous teams in the playoffs.

Despite a tough schedule that includes a five-game west-coast swing, the Raptors should be able to ride the emergence of Jose Calderon, with the performance of role players Anthony Parker, Jamario Moon, Carlos Delfino, and Andrea Bargnani to a comfortable position in the middle of the Eastern playoff picture

4. Cleveland Cavaliers (Currently 25-20, Projected 50-32)

Early on this season all of the questions were revolving around what's wrong with the Cavs.

The defending Eastern Conference champions struggled out of the gate. But after enduring a LeBron injury, they seem to be coming around as a force in the Central Division.

The end of Anderson Varejao's holdout, coupled with performances by Drew Gooden, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, and Daniel Gibson have propelled Cleveland into contention for a home matchup in the first round of the playoffs. With 21 of their remaining 37 at home and the team coming into last season's form, King James and the Cavs could create headaches for other teams come April.

3. Orlando Magic (Currently 29-18, Projected 52-30)

After storming out of the gates quickly in November the Magic have cooled, but still hold firm as one of the East's top teams.

Dwight Howard continues to prove the Magic made the correct choice taking him first overall in 2004. The double-double machine, along with sharpshooters Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu, have Orlando primed to take the next step forward in the Eastern Conference.

A favorable schedule should allow Orlando to hold off Washington in the Southeast. It will be a story to follow if Jameer Nelson can stay healthy and adequately run the point for Orlando come playoff time.

2. Detroit Pistons (Currently 33-13, Projected 60-22)

After a nailbiter against the Lakers Thursday night, capped by Tayshaun Prince's game winner, the Pistons sit comfortably atop the Central Division.

The story has not changed for the boys from Motown as the starting five has been their same old selves night in and night out. The Pistons don't do it with style, but compete every night for the win. The emergence of bench players Jason Maxiell, Rodney Stuckey, Jarvis Hayes, and Aaron Afflalo has created an interesting storyline as the Pistons look to contend for their second title this decade.

Twenty-one of thirty-six at home, including two, five-game home stands should have the Pistons primed for a strong finish to the regular season and another extended playoff run.

1. Boston Celtics (Currently 36-8, Projected 63-19)

There is nothing that can be written about Boston that we haven't heard already.

Early on in the season the Big Three of the Celtics were playing extended minutes. Critics worried about Boston's aging stars holding up throughout the season.

With help from blowout victories and improving performances from Glen Davis, Leon Powe, and Rajon Rondo, each of the three have seen decreased minutes that should go a long way in April and May. 21 road games down the stretch should test the Celtics just in time for the playoffs. I see the Celts slipping as they play teams embedded in playoff races. Balancing the rest of their starters should slow Boston's pace throughout the final few months.

That being said expect Doc Rivers to have his team ready as the season come to a close to give Boston title number seventeen.

Stay tuned for the projections for the Western Conference, which will need revisions as I read into the Lakers adding a HUGE piece to their equation.

2008 NFL Mock Draft: Detailed If Not Accurate Three Months From Now

Bradley Jenkins — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:10:04 -0500

As Super Bowl Weekend is upon us, we all wait to see which team can make the final push to complete a storybook season. In one corner lies a juggernaut: The New England Patriots.

A well-documented saga stretching from "Bill's cameras" to "Brady's Boot." From "Randy's Resurrection," to the infamous grey hoody.

In the other corner stands the New York Giants. The road warriors, riding the coattails of a coach and quarterback who very few thought could lead them to the promised land.

For the remaining 30 franchises, the offseason has already begun as teams plan ahead for a run at the big one in 2009. In this installment I take my first stab at which collegiate stars you might expect to see donning your favorite team's colors come draft day.

This column does not take into account the unpredictability that is the first round of the NFL draft. With rumors circulating every day, the biggest being Darren McFadden to the Dallas Cowboys with the first pick, we will take the current draft order; speculating based on team needs as well as overall talent to see which household names as well as future stars could end up where.

1. Miami Dolphins - Chris Long, DE - Virginia

Rumors are already running rampant about the Tuna trading down, with Bill Parcells at the helm you can trust the Dolphins will be looking to build a strong core for the future. As appealing as a Darren McFadden or Matt Ryan will be, Miami should look to build around what the parts they already have in place. This pick should come down to a toss-up between Long and LSU's Glenn Dorsey. With Jason Taylor's time running short as well as seeing more looks at linebacker, Long figures to fit perfectly as an end in the Dolphins 3-4 scheme.

2. St. Louis Rams - Glenn Dorsey, DT - LSU

As age begins to catch up to the Rams, there are a wide number of holes being left in their personnel. Although the interior line might not be the biggest need for St. Louis, the opportunity to secure the top talent on the defensive side of the ball could be too much of an opportunity to pass up. Paired with Laroi Glover in the middle, this tandem could create fits for opposing fronts. With the aging and oft-injured Orlando Pace a question mark at offensive tackle, the Rams could reach for Michigan standout Jake Long here.

3. Atlanta Falcons - Matt Ryan, QB - Boston College

The state of this franchise could not have turned any quicker, from Mike Vick to Bobby Petrino to the overall discontent in the Atlanta locker room throughout the season. This franchise needs a star to become the face of a recovering franchise. That being said the Falcons should give Jerious Norwood his shot to prove himself as opposed to using this pick on McFadden. Ryan makes sense here as a safe pick as someone without off-the-chart physical talents, but the mind to control games in a cool, collected manner. Despite expected initial struggles in his rookie season, he could develop into the star the Falcons need to turn them around.

4. Oakland Raiders - Darren McFadden, RB - Arkansas

The top talent in this year's draft class comes off the board with the fourth overall pick. Does anyone really think Al Davis will have a problem cutting ties with budding star Justin Fargas to bring in the physical specimen who could dominate games a la Adrian Peterson? Back-to-back runner-up finishes in Heisman voting, while playing in the nation's toughest conference are notable achievements on McFadden's resume. His above average size to go along with 4.4 speed give McFadden the potential to give opposing coordinators headaches for years to come.

5. Kansas City Chiefs - Jake Long, OT - Michigan

Just three years ago the Chiefs offensive front was the envy of the other 31 franchises, while helping spring Priest Holmes to a then-record 27 touchdowns. Retirement and free agency have since decimated this unit. While playing the right side at Michigan, Long continuously dominated opponents with his 6'7 300-plus pound build. Long could immediately step in and shore up one side of the Chiefs line, with the potential to have an impact that could remind many of Joe Thomas' rookie season. If Ryan falls to them here the Chiefs could take a strong look at cutting the cord on the Brodie Croyle experiment.

6. New York Jets - Vernon Gholston, DE - Ohio State

A little-known entity before the season, Gholston improved game-in and game-out before capping an outstanding season by outplaying Jake Long in Ohio State's dominance of Michigan. The Jets have struggled to get to the passer in the past few seasons since the loss of John Abraham. Gholstons tools and raw talent could turn a weakness into a strength for the Jets and help them to field a strong defense in the '08 season.

7. New England Patriots - Aqib Talib, CB - Kansas

And your reward for quite possibly the best season in NFL history and being stripped of your first round pick: Grab on to San Francisco's rights to a top-10 pick. With the possibility of shutdown corner Asante Samuel fleeing the Belichick regime to the highest bidder, a gaping hole could be left in the secondary. Talib starred for the Cinderella Jayhawks, with 66 tackles to go along with six interceptions, none bigger than his highlight reel pick-six on the national stage in the Orange Bowl. Talib possesses 4.5 speed with a 6'2 frame that give him the physical abilities to make an impact in his rookie season.

8. Baltimore Ravens - Brian Brohm, QB - Louisville

Brohm was considered the top QB prospect early this season, he was likely to be the the first QB off the board while Petrino still presided over the Falcons. Although his value has slipped throughout the year, the Ravens (who boast Trent Dilfer as their only successful quarterback since fleeing Cleveland) will probably have to stretch here to bring in another signal-caller. If Talib gets past the Patriots the Ravens could take a serious look at him as well as USF's Mike Jenkins to apprentice under the aging Chris McAllister and Samari Rolle.

9. Cincinnati Bengals - Keith Rivers, LB - USC

Cincinnati's offense regressed this past season. Before hitting the panic button the Bengals will address one of the worst defenses in the league. This pick should come down to a battle between two Trojan defenders. Sedrick Ellis has been climbing up draft boards, but I think the Bengals go for Rivers here. A linebacker with the speed and intensity to play sideline to sideline comparable to recent top-10 pick Ernie Sims.

10. New Orleans Saints - Dan Connor, LB - Penn State

Like Brohm, Connor's stock has fallen recently. The Saints will probably have their cross-hairs locked on Rivers if he is still on the board, but with a weak line backing corps, the Saints may be looking to make this stretch. Penn State is notoriously good for producing players from the position and Connor should be able to fit into any NFL defense. The struggling Saints secondary could have them taking a long look at Mike Jenkins as well.

11. Buffalo Bills - Malcolm Kelly, WR - Oklahoma

With a draft class full of talented wide receivers, there is no clear-cut number one. Buffalo would love to add a strong complement opposite Lee Evans, and Kelly fits that mold. A strong possession receiver who quickly developed into Sam Bradford's favorite target for the Sooners, Kelly utilizes the strong route running of a possession receiver that could take the pressure off deep threat Lee Evans, as well as give the Bills quarterback of choice another target in 2008.

12. Denver Broncos - Sedrick Ellis, DT - USC

The Broncos D took a 180 degree turn this past season, going from a feared unit to a defense often shredded by the opponents' running game. Despite adding Dre Bly to form arguably the league's best corner tandem, the front line of the Broncos needs immediate help. Despite being slightly undersized at 6-1 Ellis has the talent to disrupt offenses as evidenced by his 58 tackles and 8.5 sacks in his senior season under Pete Carroll.

13. Carolina Panthers - Jeff Otah, OT - Pittsburgh

The Panthers, despite a quiet season have an envious dilemma. With tackles Travelle Wharton and Jordan Gross eligible for free agency, it is unlikely they can retain both. Otah is a very raw tackle whose 6-6 335 pound frame give him the strength to overpower opposing defensive ends. A prospect with huge potential and upside could possibly allow Carolina to seamlessly move to a potent offense with the return of Jake Delhomme and emergence of DeAngelo Williams.

14. Chicago Bears - Andre Woodson, QB - Kentucky

Despite their standout defense being exposed in 2007, the biggest hole in the Windy City is the quarterback possession. The Bears have the chance to cut ties with Rex Grossman, and both Brian Griese and Kyle Orton have not proven to be any more of a solution. Chicago's front office may feel the pressure of the fans to take the last of the big three quarterbacks on the board here. Woodson was a Heisman candidate mid-season before the Wildcats collapse. With Cedric Benson struggling the Bears could make a splash by taking Oregon back Jonathon Stewart.

15. Detroit Lions - Mike Jenkins, CB - South Florida

Perennially one of the worst drafting teams in the league, the Lions are left with many holes from top to bottom. The grumblings from the fans are for an improved offensive line and while tackles like Sam Baker and Ryan Clady are available, the Lions would have a hard time turning away top ten talent in Jenkins. Reeling since trading Dre Bly for next to nothing, Jenkins could start immediately for the Lions opposite Fernando Bryant.

16. Arizona Cardinals - Jonathon Stewart, RB - Oregon

With Edgerrin James losing his edge since migrating to the desert, the up-and-coming Cardinals would most likely salivate over Stewart. A shifty back with vision in the open field, built in the mold of the man he would succeed in Arizona, Stewart could be a great fit in an offense with the tools to dominate the NFC.

17. Minnesota Vikings - Kenny Phillips, S - Miami

The Vikings look very strong on paper here aside from Tarvaris Jackson, have strong lines on each side of the ball, solid linebackers, a shutdown corner, and the league's best young weapon in AP (or All-Day). That said, there are multiple possibilities such as a corner opposite Antoine Winfield, or a deep threat such as DeSean Jackson. However, Phillips has great value here to play and learn beside season veteran Darren Sharper in the waning years of his career.

18. Houston Texans - Reggie Smith, CB - Oklahoma

The Texans suffer from playing in a division in which their most promising season goes to waste. Houston suffered injury troubles throughout the year to many of their star players. Smith would provide speed to go opposite Dunta Robinson while also supporting with help against the run.

19. Philadelphia Eagles - DeSean Jackson, WR - California

Next to McFadden and Dorsey, Jackson potentially has the most talent in this draft. Despite their aging players around the depth chart, Philly still has a pressing need for a big-time playmaker to keep Donovan McNabb performing at his best. Despite the line being exposed this season, especially in the early season meeting with the Giants, Jackson's 4.4 speed and ability to beat the defense should be too much for the Eagles to pass up.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Ryan Clady, OT - Boise State

One of the pleasant surprises in the NFC this year, the Bucs road the coattails of the ageless Jeff Garcia to an NFC South title. Heading into next season, the need gets deeper to replace defensive stalwarts Derrick Brooks and Ronde Barber. However, Clady possesses the size and athleticism here that Tampa Bay could plug in to open holes for Earnest Graham.

21. Washington Redskins - Limas Sweed, WR - Texas

Despite an improbable playoff run this season the Redskins holes are obvious. Help in the secondary is needed to fill the massive void left by the untimely death of All-Pro Sean Taylor. An outside pass-rusher would also suffice for the 'Skins. In the end the talent of Limas Sweed will be too much to pass up. Sweed was a standout in his junior season, seen by many as the top receiver in the country before an untimely wrist injury cut his season short. At 100% the 6-5 Sweed may be viewed as the best receiving prospect in this draft, ahead of Kelly and Jackson, who could provide a strong possession receiver for Jason Campbell.

22. Dallas Cowboys - Domanique Rogers-Cromartie, CB - Tennessee State

When the 'Boys received Cleveland's 1st round pick last year it was expected to be a much higher selection than this. In the 2003 draft Jerry Jones had the final say on taking a corner named Terrance Newman. With the success of that pick the owner would love to put another star across the field from him. Rogers-Cromartie raised his stock exponentially in the senior bowl and has the tools to remind fans of his older cousin, 2007 NFL interception leader Antonio Cromartie.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers - Sam Baker, OT - USC

Perhaps one of the biggest slips of the first round, the 6-5 300 pound Baker would fit great into the Steelers system. With an aging line Baker would be able to learn from proven players within the strong system. With plenty of receivers out there it will be interesting to see if the Steelers fulfill Big Ben's request for another playmaker.

24. Tennessee Titans - Calais Campbell, DE - Miami

Everyone knows players the likes of Early Doucet or Mario Manningham would answer the fans' desire for a receiver to complement Vince Young. But Campbell here would provide the force alongside Albert Haynesworth to strengthen an already outstanding defensive unit.

25. Seattle Seahawks - Rashard Mendenhall, RB - Illinois

A classic case of a team building for the future. With the engine wearing down on workhorse Shaun Alexander, the Seahawks would gladly bring Mendenhall to the Northwest. Seattle is talented across the board and being able to work Mendenhall in with Alexander could progress his talent even more from his 1600 yard 17 touchdown season in his junior year with the Illini

26. Jacksonville Jaguars - Phillip Merling, DE - Clemson

If Campbell begins to slip, the Jaguars could be salivating while waiting for their chance on the clock. Merling is a strong end from Clemson who could fill nicely into the rotation along the D-Line with the aging Paul Spicer. Another interesting suggestion could be the multiple receivers on the board here. With former first rounders Matt Jones and Reggie Williams alongside Ernest Wilford it would be tough for the Jags to make that stretch.

27. San Diego Chargers - Kentwan Balmer, DT - North Carolina

Aside from the New England Patriots, the Chargers possess some of the best talent on both sides of the football. Balmer is an exceptionally strong run stuffer who could fit great into the rotation of the Chargers 3-4 scheme when Jamal Williams needs a breather. Think of an interior lineman such as Vince Wilfork.

28. Dallas Cowboys - Felix Jones, RB - Arkansas

I can't force myself away from my own comparisions of McFadden-Jones to Ronnie Brown-Carnell Williams. This is another situation where you have a two-headed backfield in college in which the teams had a HUGE luxury. Jones is similar to Brown in that his finest skills have not been on display at the college level. With Julius Jones likely to trade in his uniform in the offseason, Felix Jones could fit perfectly as a speed back replacement along side bruiser Marion Barber.

29. San Francisco 49ers - Mario Manningham, WR - Michigan

The view would look a lot better from the seventh overall spot, where the Patriots have a firm grasp on the Niners pick. I think my Michigan roots are showing here as I'm up in the air between Manningham and LSU receiver Early Doucet. Manningham displayed outstanding playmaking abilities in the Maize-and-blue that had fans quickly forgetting Braylon Edwards. When the Niners' best receiver last year was former Notre Dame signal-caller Arnaz Battle, I don't see how they ignore this pressing need.

30. Green Bay Packers - Leodis McKlevin, CB - Troy

If you asked me around Week Eight, you would have seen me ripping out hair for the Packers to go for my Wolverine Mike Hart. Little did I know the Pack would strike gold in the form of Ryan Grant, a back who reminds me a lot of Hart. Now with this pick the Pack would be smart to bolster an already strong secondary with McKlevin a little-known prospect out of a small school. He possesses the speed to fill in for Al Harris or Charles Woodson seamlessly.

31. New York Giants - Chris Williams, OT - Vanderbilt

A month ago anyone could have picked apart the holes in this team. A few improbable weeks later they look like a well-oiled machine. The linebacking corps could an upgrade but with the choices thin I see the Giants closing out the first round by bolstering a solid but aging offensive line with a strong tackle in Williams. Williams held his own in the toughest conference in the country and should be able to do the same at the pro level.

There you have it, just plug thess guys into your team's roster right now! It's set in stone as everyone knows how easily an NFL draft could be predicted three months ahead of time. On a serious note, expect plenty of revisions as draft day nears. Enjoy your Super Sunday.