Bleacher Report - Articles by Josh Dhani

Allen Iverson: The Story Of The Man, Player and Person Who Never Gave Up

Josh Dhani — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:52:13 -0500

2009: Allen Iverson joins the Memphis Grizzlies. Injury happens during training camp which holds him out for the preseason, and a couple of games for the regular season. Iverson's debut was pretty good and he did well off the bench. But he wanted minutes. He wanted to be the starter.

He wanted to be "the man" like he was in Philly. Ah, the good ol' days.But you're in Memphis now, and entering your 13th year as an NBA player. At 34, you still got some gas left in the tank.

Now, you left the team. Personal reasons according to the sources.

Then rumors began to erupt. The Knicks, Bobcats, and the Heat all refused to sign A.I. The C's sparked up yesterday. But then, about nine-to-ten hours later, Iverson retired.

A legend scoring more than 24,000 points, 5,000 assists, and about 2,000 steals in his career. Yeah, that's Hall-of-Fame type. You'll retire as a great player.

But never the winner. Never won a NBA Championship. You deserved an NBA ring. You truly did. That was one goal left on the list.

But still, you are a role model to a lot of people. For what you went through, there's a winner in your heart. And you know that. So do we. And for those of you who don't know his story, let's roll:

Ann Iverson was a basketball star at high school. Heck, WNBA may be an easy shot. Possibly. But at about 16 years old, all the dreams were shattered. Why? She was having a baby.

She knew who she slept with. She told the man that he has a son now. On June 7, 1975, Allen Iverson was born in poverty stricken place in Hampton, Virginia.

And the man who was Iverson's real dad abandoned him and his mom when A.I. was just only three. Ann then moved in with here boyfriend, Michael Freeman. Freeman was trying to make the money.

The house was just messed up. They would go days without water. And what made things worse was that a sewage pipe ran right underneath the house. And then, all the sewage would come up into the house.

No wonder why it would stink. That's when Freeman started selling drugs for money. And then came the jail time. He did a total of about 50 months in prison. So Ann was left alone make money in order to support her family.

And Iverson was the man of the house.

Two more kids rolled by: one in 1979 and one in 1991. Ann introduced Iverson into basketball when she thought he should play sports. Iverson said he didn't want to. He loved football, and he thought football was his dream.

Ann bought Iverson some Jordan shoes and it was off to basketball practice. Iverson then recalled in the book, Fear No One , that he was happy his mom did that.

In high school, Iverson started to become a sports star. In football and basketball, he was the leader. But some days, he would have to miss school. The sister he had that was born in '91 was having problems.

Seizures began to emerge but Ann couldn't pay for the medical help that she desperately needed. Iverson would have to help then out.

Iverson's coaches stopped by to see if everything is okay but sometimes, Iverson would just sleep somewhere outside randomly around the town. Iverson was poor. He just couldn't believe what he was going through.

People from the school actually started to lend him money. Iverson didn't want to take it, but everyone insisted.

When things started to go good at school, in sports, Iverson's coach said he should have some fun. Go to the bowling alley. Be a regular high school guy and have some fun.

Iverson did just that. Or, at least he tried. People at the bowling alley started saying racial slurs at Iverson. Hatred. One of Iverson's friends then punched the man. Then a fight of more than 50 people started to come into view.

After the fight was stopped, the police only picked out the blacks, which was just Iverson and his friends.

At 17, Iverson was convicted with an adult felony charge. He had to serve up to ten years in prison but it was later reduced four months. Iverson received an education for a tutor and he could not play sports in his senior year.

After graduating from high school, Iverson wanted to play basketball in college. Nobody believed he could make it. Not from where he was from. He would later prove them wrong.

Iverson went on to Georgetown and played great. People doubted his ability to play. People thought he wasn't a good fit for a point guard. Allen redefined the point guard position. He changed it.

After his sophomore year was done in Georgetown, his house was a mess, and so was his baby sister. A press conference was set up, and Allen said he was going to the NBA. He needed to help his sister.

Iverson was now part of the NBA draft. The 76ers held the top pick. The Sixers were looking at a lot of players such as Stephon Marbury, Ray Allen, and Marcus Camby.

The Sixers' staff liked Iverson. They picked him first overall and the city of Philly felt happy with the pick. A riot would have emerged if he wasn't picked.

In his rookie year, Iverson was spectacular, playing like he was in the NBA for over five years or so.

People picked on him though, guys like Dennis Rodman, who claimed that Iverson hated Michael Jordan, in which he didn't. Then there came Charles Barkley as well. Iverson hated the criticism.

So what if he was a rookie? Iverson meant business on the court. He respected no one on the court. He feared no one. He was the one. The man of the court. The leader.

Iverson then won Rookie of the Year. People began to criticize Allen even more, saying that Marbury should have won besides some selfish player who didn't help his team win, in which Kevin McHale said.

Iverson didn't care what anyone said about him.

Iverson then went on to help the Sixers for the next couple of years. Then in 2000-2001 season, Iverson led the Sixers to a 56-26 record. Iverson then helped his team advance to the NBA Finals against the Lakers and also won MVP.

He proved what he can do, after all he had went through. Guys like Jason Kidd, Shaq, and Dikembe Mutombo admired him.

In the 2001 NBA Finals, Iverson and Sixers shocked L.A. in the first game, beating them in overtime. But then, with the heroics of Shaq and Kobe tandem (Shaqobe), the Lakers won the Finals 4-1.

It didn't matter that much to A.I. He was still a winner. After all he had been through, nobody could have done it but him.

But after that, stupid things came with Iverson. With Talkin' About Practice came and all of that, Iverson shut everybody up on the court. In the 2005-06, Iverson had a great year, averaging 33 points a game with 7.4 assists and 3.2 rebounds.

In 2006, Iverson was traded to Nuggets. He had some pretty good seasons there but never made the duo of him with Melo unstoppable. Iverson then went on to play with the Pistons in 2008, recalling that it was the worst year of his career. Detroit treated him badly.

After the Grizzlies' misconceptions, Iverson retired in 2009. In 13 years, he has averaged 27 points, 6.2 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game in his career.

If you had gone through what Allen had went, would you have made it? Could you have completed all of those tasks and make it on top? No, I guess not. It would seem impossible.

Iverson was the guy who was on top of the world.

He was a legend.

A great player.

A great person.

And he never gave up.

And that's what makes him a winner to me.

Allen Iverson Leaves Grizzlies

Josh Dhani — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:31:22 -0500

I just received breaking news from the Memphis Commercial Appeal and Rotoworld.

It appears that Memphis Grizzlies point guard Allen Iverson has left the team for personal reasons. It was reported that Iverson met with Michael Heisley last night after the team's loss to the Lakers and met with him again this morning.

Iverson then went off to Atlanta. Why Atlanta?

The Commercial Appeal says that is where he lives in the offseason.

Iverson never did that much in Memphis, only playing three games from the bench and going out with a hamstring injury. He was expected to start tonight against the Clippers, according to ESPN and The Canadian Press.

Click here to read more of this story.

Pacers-Wizards: Pacers Win Second In A Row; Hansbrough Shines In Debut

Josh Dhani — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:43:47 -0500

The Pacers got away with another win, this time, at home. The Pacers improve their record, as they go 2-3 after beating Gilbert Arenas and the Washington Wizards by a score of 102-86.

Indiana literally just steamrolled them. I think people need to change their mind about the Blue and Gold.

Hansbrough debuted with 13 points. After he committed his first foul, he received a few words from Antawn Jamison: “This ain’t Carolina, T!” But Hansbrough did well and played great like he did in college and he made the most of it.

Thirteen points in 14 minutes, that’s great. Not bad for the first start.

“It was a lot of hard work and things to get to this stage, but I put that all behind me when I got out there,” he said. “It felt great. Just a relief to get out there and kind of move forward from this injury thing.”

T.J. Ford had another great game, putting up 18 points, ten rebounds, four assists and two steals. Danny Granger led the team in points, as usual, with 22 points while Roy Hibbert put up the rebound with eleven.

With Troy Murphy injured, Jim O’Brien was counting on Hansbrough to make something great happen.

He did.

Click here to read more at AlwaysMillerTime.com

NBA Talk: Starbury Stirs Controversy In Knicks Game

Josh Dhani — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 10:40:05 -0500

So it seems that Mr. Starbury went to a Knicks game, maybe to try and pull something off. Maybe a show, right? Like others say, he didn't steal the show, but he made a little one and tried to make the most of it.

Listen, to make a long story short, he was just being stupid. Okay, so you got a guy right here going to a game in which a team you hate is playing. Why the hell would you do that? Stephon is lucky he didn't get mauled by anybody.

So here is what happened, he went to the game and promised he would come for the home opener. He sat in the front row, probably laughing in his head. But then he was asked to leave those seats after the usher saw him.

But Marbury didn't go to his right seat. He left the game when the first quarter was about to end. Surprisingly, he came back with a video camera (gee, I wonder why?). I bet Marbury brought a video camera just for Ustream or something.

So then Marbury went to his seat in Row A and was filming the game, probably acting like he was in his own world. But then, he was actually in Row AA and he was asked to move again!

And guess what makes things even better? The Knicks lost.

Marbury, man, you just should have signed the contract with the Celtics.I hope we won't be seeing this stuff a lot if he goes to NBA games. I wonder why he has not been signed yet.

Well, he is sitting out the year. So if he does get signed, trust me, you should be surprised.

NBA Talk: What Can We Expect From D.J. Augustin?

Josh Dhani — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:29:32 -0400

He was coming out of Texas, and, of course, everything is bigger in Texas, right? Not with D.J. Augustine, apparently, as he was entering the 2008 NBA Draft as a small, 6'0" 180-pound point guard.

No, he isn't big. But the way he plays the game of basketball truly is.

Augustin played 72 games last season as a backup to Raymond Felton. Augustin played well, averaging 11.8 points, 3.5 assists and 0.6 steals per game. He was closely compared to Felton.

Some wondered whether Augustin was going to start at point guard because of the rumors going of Felton leaving or being traded.

But now entering the 2009 season, Augustin is looking to build up his game, even as Felton's backup. But with some new additions to the team, including a draft pick in Gerald Henderson, it won't matter.

Even with him as a backup, he can change the game. I mean, Charlotte can look real good this year, I have to admit that. I mean, I see them better than the Pacers even, you're listening to a fan of Indy here.

Augustin is looking to tear it up badly on the court. With some Charlotte fans pissed about their team passing on Brook Lopez in the Draft, they really need to change their mind.

And Augustin will. He doesn't deserve to be criticized.

Augustin is small but mighty. I like how he plays. He's a tiny guard who can dominate in many areas. He's slick and can make you look completely foolish on his pick-and-rolls with his speed running towards the basket.

You'll be amazed. And also, you got his dazzling three-point shot that can leave a sparkle in your eyes. But Augustin does sometimes get intimidated by his size. Sometimes he can't even contest with his shots.

If he can take advantage of the gift he has, quickness, he can excel and be a very strong and powerful point guard.

And with the talent Charlotte has on their team with guys like Felton, Raja Bell, Henderson, Gerald Wallace, Vladimir Radmanovic, Boris Diaw, Tyson Chandler, DeSagana Diop and Nazr Mohammed, they have a one-way ticket to the playoffs.

And Augustin is there to make it possible.

This article can also be seen at sweetstache.wordpress.com, a Bobcats blog

NBA Talk: Can Tyreke Evans Turn Around The Kings?

Josh Dhani — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:07:36 -0400

So you got an amazing point guard entering a draft filled with all kinds of players like Blake Griffin, Tyler Hansbrough, Hasheem Thabeet and more. But then, here you are getting drafted fourth overall.

That's good, right?

Not exactly, if you think about it. So here you are as the fourth overall pick, but the team that picked you was the worst team in the NBA in 2008: the Sacramento Kings. But they could be good this year, right? I mean look, they got guys like Desmond Mason, Francisco Garcia, and Kevin Martin.

Not bad, huh?

Yeah, but be serious here. They don't have the talent the other 29 NBA teams out there have. I mean, the New York Knicks have ten times more talent, and I have to be dead serious right there. But Evans is here to lead the Kings. No doubt that he is the starting point guard.

But can he live up to expectations? I believe he can.

Evans is built as a Larry Hughes-type point guard, expect bigger, faster and stronger. You know what? He's Larry Hughes version 2.0....beta. He's a big 6'6" 220-pound point guard, which is what you want.

But Evans is great at attacking the hoop. He's the guy you want driving up the court, drawing fouls—and maybe sometimes making a shot and getting fouled. Evans is what Sacramento has been looking for.

And when he finds an open jumper, the defense will be sorry. Oh man, oh man, I wouldn't want to face his aggressive jump-shot. And if Evans can find open jump-shots, he can be a dynamic playmaker and a reliable scorer.

And also, don't forget his priority of attacking the rim.

On the level he is at, Evans looks like a guy you just can't stop. He's punishable. Evans will start to develop. And plus, with some help from Beno Udrih, Evans can really make a difference. This acquisition was very smart for Sacramento.

And plus, with other guys like Kevin Martin, Desmond Mason, Jason Thompson, Omri Casspi, Spencer Hawes, and Sean May, the Kings can turn themselves around after a couple of seasons. Although this season won't be all that special, there will be some good in it.

And with Evans here, the Kings franchise will change dramatically.

And that's all what Sacramento needs. Hope is coming.

NBA Talk: You Better Watch Out For Amare Stoudemire This Season

Josh Dhani — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 10:41:23 -0400

Amare Stoudemire, the star power forward for the Phoenix Suns, has to wear goggles for the rest of his career. Although that might not suit him throughout his time shooting hoops, he's ready.

Ready? Ready for what? He's ready for this season. After missing most of the season last year, despite scoring 21 points and eight rebounds per game, he's ready. Amare Stoudemire will be focused this season and will be a strong competitor.

Two eye surgeries are no big deal to him. Wearing goggles, he can expect worse. Injury machine, heck, that's done for good with him. He's reminding the league that he will be dominant on the court.

With Arizona teams already struggling here so far, with the Cardinals being pummeled by almost every NFL team and the Mercury looking to lose in the Finals to the Fever, it's up to the Suns to show who's boss in the Grand Canyon state.

Stoudemire hasn't played for more than eight months and played in his first preseason game not too long ago. He's also showing the league that you can still be assertive even though you had to battle through tough injuries.

"I really enjoy the game of basketball now," Stoudemire said told Marc Stein in an ESPN report. "I did [before], but now I definitely appreciate it."

Now here is Amare, playing in an exhibition game against the Warriors on Saturday night...outdoors. But you think things are easy for the guy.

They aren't. The 6'10," 250-pound athlete had just recovered from a detached retina in which he had to go through some grueling procedures. These included laying on his stomach for ten straight days. On his stomach!

This certainly must be worse than his injury back in 2005, in which he was rebounding from a microfracture surgery on his left knee.

How is that rehab going for Mr. Stoudemire? Amare recalls the rehab in just one word: brutal. No, make that two words: extremely brutal.

"Hard to deal with, hard to get over, still think about it," he said. "A lot of folks probably wouldn't be able to do it. But it makes you enjoy the moment. I'm just ready to play ball. We don't even talk about the [contract] stuff. I'm just trying to focus on getting myself reacclimated to this team and this system. As far as the season and me being here, I don't think about it. I'm here now, that's how I look at it."

Shaq is gone, so it seems like Amare will be getting a lot of playing time, and I really mean a lot. Stoudemire, Nash, Hill, Lopez and Richardson will be the guys for this season.

But most of those guys mentioned are injured. Can Amare lead his Suns to the playoffs, and most importantly, the finals? Yes, he can. I don't expect him to give up, not one bit.

Why else would he have number one plastered on his jersey?

Buzz: Cleveland Cavaliers Consider Trading Zydrunas Ilgauskas

Josh Dhani — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 12:01:05 -0400

There is some big news going on inside the NBA blogosphere.

According to this source at ESPN.com Insider, the Cleveland Cavaliers may trade their center, Zydrunas Ilgauskas.

Ilgauskas was scheduled to be a free agent next year until the Cavaliers spoke out that they make consider in trading their tall center. Cleveland.com also examined that the Cavs may trade the Big Z.

Cleveland.com said this in their article about Ilgauskas:

"You have just hit on what I think will be the biggest off-court story between now and February. Ilgauskas' contract is a massive trade chip because of how many teams will be looking to dump salary for next summer. The Cavs will not have a great deal of cap room, so using that expiring contract could be the last swing at making a major addition for a while. For that reason, Danny Ferry would be compelled to consider it despite his personal relationship with Ilgauskas."

Another reason the Cavs may trade Ilgauskas is because of cap room. Ilgauskas currently has a salary of over $11 million. Another reason would possibly be with the addition of Shaquille O'Neal this offseason.

The Cavs may not have enough money to support the two big men, also with LeBron James in the mix as well. Reports were swarming that the New York Knicks, New Jersey Net, and the Los Angeles Clippers may take a bid on him, according to a source.

Also, with the addition of Leon Powe, the Cavaliers will have to bring a fair amount of minutes to their big men.

The NBA offseason isn't over yet, and the Cavs are setting up a good example why.

Why Are People Hating on T-Jack? The Case for Tarvaris Jackson

Josh Dhani — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 10:51:00 -0400

Why are people hating on Tarvaris Jackson, especially those Minnesota Vikings fans out there?

Vikings fans, why are you being so negative on your quarterback? If you say something negative, something negative is going to happen. If you say something positive about T-Jack, then yes, he'll most probably have a good performance.

I hate when people hate on Jackson, I absolutely do. It's no wonder a CFL team, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, have added him to their negotiation list, according to the CFL report.

You may ask, "Josh, nobody is hating on Tarvaris Jackson." Well, if you go to NFL.com and click on "Blogs," take a look on the latest post there.

After Brett Favre's performance, going one-of-four for four passing yards, Tarvaris Jackson stepped in to replace him, and as you could see, fans were booing during the team's preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

But even though Jackson took the criticism, it just made him better. He went twelve-of-15 for 202 passing yards and two touchdowns, with a big damn 158.3 quarterback rating.

How the hell can people boo at that?

But look, people aren't booing at Sage Rosenfels, who was a freaking choker in all the games I usually saw him play, especially against the Indianapolis Colts last year. Then you have John David Booty, who has yet to make a regular-season snap.

Jackson had a 95.4 rating last year, the best out of all the Vikings quarterbacks that year. I just don't understand what's wrong with him.

Yes, I know, Jackson isn't all that great.

I do have to point out some negatives. I've seen Jackson as a choker, but it was during the start of regular season, and it was the season where he would actually be a 16-game starter...his first time.

Yes, he did get sacked a lot last year, and he took time, but it wasn't entirely his fault. Nobody expected it, and more than likely, neither did Jackson. Can anyone give him some love? Many others have.

Here is what Leroy Watson, a very impassioned sportswriter (you have to see his work), commented about Jackson in one of my old Vikings post about T-Jack:

I remember seeing Jackson for one game way back in his Alabama State days, and the guy was remarkable. I still think he has some serious potential. Who knows what will become of it, but it's there.

I admire your passion, Josh, and agree that Jackson would be a better fit long term than either Favre or Rosenfels. It just doesn't look like he's going to get the chance, barring injury.

Many others had very similar comments like this, including Andy Smith. There were many comments for people supporting Jackson and it really was great to see. I agree with those that commented on Jackson's days back with Alabama State. This guy truly was remarkable.

In his career at Alabama State, he had thrown for over 7,300 yards, 64 touchdowns and 25 interceptions, and a 136.5 rating. On the ground: 924 rushing yards and eleven touchdowns.

So, you still hating or what? Jackson needs two to four more years to develop as a great quarterback. He has been getting better and better each year and continues to impress me each game.

And with Brett Favre in for Minny, Jackson will be learning a lot. Wait and see.

When Favre is gone for good, which will happen in about two-to-three years, watch what Jackson will be doing in training camp.

No more haters. Jackson has a good future ahead of him. Many teams are requesting to have Jackson as their backup. And also, look what I realized. When Jackson is not starting, he is actually much better.

When he came off the bench to fill in for somebody, like he did last year with Gus Frerotte, Jackson was remarkable. So when he comes off the bench for number four, he'll be amazing.

You have to believe me on this. This guy has the arm; he is going to get better. This kid can also run.

This is my case for Tarvaris Jackson.

Sources

Jackson Booed After Replacing Favre--NFL.com
Jackson Added to Blue Bombers List--The CFL Report
Josh Dhani--Bleacher Report
Leroy Watson B/R Profile
KC at MIN--NFL.com

Albert Pujols' Shot at Triple Crown Is a Long One

Josh Dhani — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 20:48:00 -0400

When you think of Major League Baseball, you visualize guys like Derek Jeter, Prince Fielder, Ryan Howard, and so many other superstars.

But the guy that always comes to my mind will be Albert Pujols, who, to me and so many other people, is the best baseball player to ever live. Pujols, in what the people at my age would say in the term for "spectacular," is truly a "beast."

But there is something about this St. Louis Cardinal for this year. Does Pujols have a chance at the Triple Crown? Baseball Prospectus examines that the baseball star has a 134-1 longshot to win this thing since Carl Yastrzemski winning the Triple Crown way back in 1967. Pujols has been amazing this year, and people have been talking about him winning the Triple Crown way back when the MLB season just started.

As of Mar. 31, 2009, Pujols was fantastic. Last year, Chipper Jones beat him for the batting title with his .364 batting average, edging out Pujols's .357. This chart explains what has been going on as of this year between the two contenders:*Chart provided by BaseballAnalysts.com.

If you have trouble seeing the image, click here for a larger view or just click on the image. It's pretty cool, isn't it? But that was way back in March. Back on June 22, 2009, Scott Miller of Bleacher Report examined that Pujols is on a pace for 61 home runs, 159 RBI, and .329 batting average this season. I could believe that after looking at what he has as of right now (look in Sources below for hyperlinks).

Cody Swartz of Blecher Report is looking for someone to actually win the Triple Crown. Swartz believes Albert Pujols does have a chance of the Triple Crown. Here is a chart he made with Pujols's year-by-year Triple Crown breakdown:

Chart can be seen here or here if you happened to have trouble viewing it on BleacherReport.com.

*Chart made on June 2, 2009

It's a great chart, and it just seems like Pujols has a chance. But with BP's projection of Pujols's pace of having 53 homers, .326 BA, and 148 RBI for this season, they say he may not win in any categories. But hey, it's what they believe. I can believe that as well. Both Scott Miller and BP have good predictions. Heck, maybe Pujols may pull something off that'd be way off the predictions anyone has ever imagined.

In my opinion, I really don't think he has a chance. I am just going to put it that way. If they are any disagreements, so let it be, I am up for criticism.

First off, Pujols may have zero chances of winning an RBI title with Prince Fielder and Ryan Howard having the best chances of winning it, as BP examined. And yet, I may be wrong as well. Some say Pujols has a chance, but in my opinion, he doesn't. BP says he has a 22 percent chance of winning both the home run and RBI title.

And again, like I said earlier, Pujols has a 1-134 longshot of winning. If Pujols is to win it, he has to go for 70-183 with a .343 BA for the rest of the season. BP, I strongly believe your predictions. But, remember my opinion.

Gambling911.com says that Pujols has a 3/1 odds of winning the Triple Crown. I don't blame them. I really don't blame anybody. If Pujols can pull this off, it's going to be magical. I really don't see this happening, but if it does, you got me. Everyone got me. Hey, Pujols has a chance. But it's going to be a longshot.

But that's what makes the game of baseball so damn great.

Sources

Albert Pujols Triple Crown--Baseball Prospectus (must have ESPN Insider to view article)
Albert Pujols Triple Crown--Baseball Analysts
Scott Miller--Bleacher Report
Albert Pujols Stats--ESPN
Cody Swartz--Bleacher Report
Associated Content
The Red Zone Report
Cardinal Beat
Gambling 911

The Eagles WILL Benefit From the Michael Vick Signing

Josh Dhani — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 15:32:00 -0400

It has now been official, Michael Vick is a Philadelphia Eagle. But now that we have heard the big news, the question remains- Will the Eagles benefit from the decision to sign this player with explosive talent, talent that can literally knock your freaking socks off?

The answer: How can they not?

The most popular idea that has been mentioned is the Wildcat, and I do believe Andy Reid will bring this twisted idea into Philly's playbook. And heck, maybe it can work. But it has been said that Vick will not be playing those positions people have said, like running back or wide receiver. To the people who believed that, no, it is not going to happen.

Vick will most probably be under center and the Eagles now have probably the best backup quarterback in the NFL. Backup you say, Josh? Well, don't you think it might be somewhat crazy to put in a player who hasn't played for two seasons in place of a respected quarterback in Donovan McNabb? Yeah, I thought so.

Vick has already talked to several teams and was most likely going to the Green Bay Packers, in my opinion. And of course, Christopher Harris has to be right about Mike Vick easily being a sleeper coming into the new NFL season.

I believe that Vick will be taking snaps under center about four-to-five times every game next season. Vick is also allowed to play in the pre-season games. If he can show what he can do with the Eagles during the pre-season, I can't wait to see how exciting he can be in the regular NFL season. There was never a chance for Vick with the Pats anyways, because hell, why would the Pats ever take out Tom Brady. They wouldn't even think of that. That'd be the last thing they would ever do.

I knew Vick was either going to fall with the Packers or Titans, some team like that. But Philly has surprised the National Football League with this signing. I didn't even expect this, and not many others either. McNabb surely likes the deal, as he approved it. You know I said earlier that the Eagles may not be doing the Wildcat? Well, I changed my mind, I think they should.

Just look at how fun that play would be. Seriously, I am not kidding. The Wildcat will probably take place with Vick at shotgun and taking the ball. You have McNabb at receiver and DeSean Jackson playing in Ricky Williams position when he was in the Wildcat with the Miami Dolphins. The Eagles will be switching players a lot; and with offensive playmakers like Brian Westbrook, Jeremy Maclin, Kevin Curtis, Reggie Brown, and LeSean McCoy; how the heck can the Wildcat with Philly be even close to stoppable?

The Eagles pretty much have a one-way ticket to the Super Bowl already. I mean seriously. With good decisions in the Draft and the off-season overall, then this random Vick signing that came out of nowhere, it looks like Philly will be heading off to their third Super Bowl and win their first one.

So it looks like the Vikings have missed out on somebody that could be the answer to their prayers, instead the Eagles have found him. Hallelujah Philly! It looks like a good season for Philly. So to those workers out there, "Hey Philly fans who have work, stop that mining, because those Eagles WILL benefit from the Michael Vick signing." Expect it.

The Pacers Years: Jermaine O'Neal

Josh Dhani — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:39:21 -0400

Hey guys, I am now starting a new series called The Pacers Years. It recaps the former Pacers that made great contributions to the squad. Today, I begin with Jermaine O'Neal, who is currently the starting center for the Miami Heat.

On September 1, 2000, the Indiana Pacers made a trade that changed their whole team's franchise for the next eight years to come. They traded big man Antonio Davis to the Portland Trailblazers for young, four-year pro Jermaine O'Neal. This was one of the smartest moves in Indiana Pacers history. He wasn't that all impressive with Portland, as his career-high year with that team was in his second year, 1997, averaging about five points and three rebounds per game. The Pacers were going to have a great power forward/center for years to come.

Nobody expected anything out of O'Neal that year, but he became a key role player quickly in his first year with all-star Reggie Miller, averaging about 13 points per game and about ten rebounds per game. It was a career-high, for now. He and his Pacers went towards a 41-41 record, and O'Neal kept improving and improving as he played a role in the NBA Playoffs. He averaged ten points and 13 rebounds per game in the Playoffs, which is very impressive actually. Although Indy did get swept by the Philadelphia 76ers there, the 2001-02 season looked to be a much larger success.

2001

During the 2001-02 season, O'Neal made a name for himself on the Indiana Pacers and in the NBA. He averaged about 20 points and eleven rebounds per game. With all that success and going up another level in his averages, it all paid off as he won the NBA Most Improved Player Award.

Said then Pacers' head coach, Isiah Thomas:

"When you see gifted people, those people have to work twice as hard as the normal guy because they have more skills. A guy who can only shoot, he can come in the gym and work on shooting for 45 minutes and go home. A guy who has a multitude of skills has to put more time in the gym to make sure he hones every part of his game. He has to go to A, B, C, D.

"Jermaine has worked his tail off to get to this level. And he's got to keep going."

O'Neal said he was "okay with the award," and he wanted to get to a point in which he "destroys the entire league." O'Neal was going to get his wish. In the Playoffs, the Pacers had an exciting series with the New Jersey Nets, but eventually lost after Kenyon Martin's ability to force O'Neal to average about 18 points and eight rebounds per game during the series.

Also, with Reggie Miller getting older and older as he was going to be 37 next year, it brought questions to the Pacers franchise. Could O'Neal be the new face of the franchise now that Miller is passing his prime? It was a tough question ask, but people were nodding yes. And with a strong supporting cast of Jamaal Tinsley, Brad Miller, Ron Artest, Al Harrington, and Reggie himself, what was to lose? Absolutely nothing. Nothing at all.

2002

O'Neal continued to improve as he entered the new 2002-03 season. O'Neal and his Pacers looked to be a very strong team this year. And when they were looking to be one, they were one, as the Pacers started out as the league-best team, starting out in a 14-2 record. The Pacers were the best until All-Star break after a Brad Miller injury. The Pacers finished 48-34, but the record didn't matter, all that did matter was they had a playoff berth.

O'Neal had a great year, averaging 21 points and ten rebounds, which made him one of the only players in the NBA to do a feat of averaging over 20 points and ten rebounds. Although the numbers were great and O'Neal had some awards that year, the team failed to reach success in the playoffs again, losing to the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs, 4-2. The Pacers were a first-round exit, for the third time in a row. They had to do something now.

But despite the playoffs failure, O'Neal went up to enormous heights in the playoffs. He had a career-high in the playoffs, averaging about 23 points and 18 rebounds. He was so close to a 20/20. It was truly astonishing to witness this and it was all going well for O'Neal as next year, he got his wish as the Pacers looked to be the best team in the NBA next year, in the 2003-04 season.

2003

During the 2003-04 season, this was when Jermaine O'Neal was officially named an All-Star caliber player. Everyone loved J.O. now and he was continuing to make noise. O'Neal was the phenomenon who came back. O'Neal's Pacers had an NBA-best that year of a 61-21 record. It was all going well here in the 2003-04 season and Reggie Miller continued to shine as well as Ron Artest making a name for himself, snatching the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. O'Neal also had another season of 20 points and ten rebounds. Wow!

The Pacers were also a hot team in the playoffs, marching past both the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat, a team O'Neal will play for in five years. Everything was fine for the Pacers and were looking to go to their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000 against the Los Angeles Lakers. They didn't, as the Pacers were sent home packing by the Detroit Pistons, losing in six games.

This was unacceptable. And what was more unacceptable was that next year, it would be "Boom Baby's" last season with not only the Indiana Pacers, but the whole NBA.

2004

Everybody was going to miss Reggie Miller as this was going to be his last NBA season. But let's look on the bright side, the Pacers can go to the Finals again. Miller was already a future-Hall-of-Famer, but he was still searching for that ring. He needed a ring, and it would have been great if his last year in the NBA would give him a ring. Let's what Jermaine O'Neal and the Pacers had to offer.

It didn't start well. Although the Pacers 6-2 heading into Detroit against the 4-3 Pistons, something happened that turned out to be one of the biggest brawls in sports history. It was known as the Mallace at the Palace. And certainly, there was a big brawl as Ron Artest led the way, eventually having the longest suspension in sports history. Coach Carlisle says he was "fighting for his life."

Thing were going crazy during the game. As the fight was wearing down, however, a Piston fan in the stands threw a cup of beer at Artest. Then Artest and Stephen Jackson ran up to the stands and starting beating up the man. Then another Piston fan came up to Ron Artest and shouted at him while Artest responded with a punch. The man came back up, and look who was there to punch him, it was Jermaine O'Neal. Yes, O'Neal was now involved with the fight. He was going to be suspended.

O'Neal had a frustrating season, with the points being good but the rebounds not helping. The Pacers, however, did knock out the Celtics 4-3 in the first round but then lost to the Pistons in the semifinals. The Pistons-Pacers brawl will forever be remembered. And Reggie Miller retired. What was J.O. and his team going to do. Can the Pacers succeed next year without him? The blue and gold were going to find out.

2005

During the 2005-06 season, the Pacers were not that bad without their missed clutch-shooter. But with the team they had right now, it was going to be good. But without Miller gone, things started to get shaky for Jermaine O'Neal, as injury problems started to emerge. O'Neal missed 31 games that year, but he still managed to average about 20 points and nine rebounds for the team, which was impressive despite the injuries.O'Neal was again an Eastern-Conference All-Star but had to be replaced by Gilbert Arenas.

The Pacers finished with a 41-41 record, but eventually lost to the New Jersey Nets in six games. The Pacers were a first-round exit, and this will be their last playoff appearance as well.

2006

O'Neal continued to have injury problems. He missed 44 games that year and a career-low as starter with about 19 points and nine rebounds averaged that year. The Pacers, however, did not make the playoffs which made it worse. It was one of the worst years for Indy and more bad years were continuing to emerge.

2007

This year was the actual career-low for O'Neal. He averaged about 14 points that year as the Pacers missed the playoffs again with a 36-46 record. O'Neal struggled badly and Indy was thinking about trading him now. They did. He and Nathan Jawai were traded to the Toronto Raptors for T.J. Ford, Rasho Nesterovic, Maceo Baston, and Roy Hibbert.

According to one source, O'Neal was very sad to leave the Pacers. He started to cry when rumors of the trade started to emerge, weeks before the trade was made official. It was a sad time in Pacer history and with O'Neal.

O'Neal went on with the Toronto Raptors and liked their chances that year. He was then traded to Miami Heat and is now currently a starting center for the Miami Heat. Although O'Neal is not a Pacer anymore, everyone will remember his contributions. Everyone will remember the player, the person, and the all-star.

But no fear, everyone will remember Jermaine O'Neal when he was with the Pacers during those years.

NBA Talk: How the Okafor-Chandler Trade Benefits Both NBA Franchises

Josh Dhani — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 13:15:07 -0400

With the recent trade of Emeka Okafor going to the New Orleans Hornets to play with Chris Paul and Tyson Chandler going to the Charlotte Bobcats to play with Gerald Wallace, I think it was a pretty good trade for both of these NBA franchises.

But there is always a winner of some trade, and I believe the Hornets are the ones who got the best deal. Not only did they get an NBA player with a great career ahead in his path, Okafor will also save the Hornets $1.1M in salary, and another $1.1M in luxury tax, says John Hollinger of ESPN.com. So that means, however, that the Hornets save more money while the Bobcats waste more.

But both of these teams have good quality power forwards/centers, don't you agree? Although this trade isn't creating a lot of buzz, it makes a difference for both teams. I am going to break down of how plans change with both teams in this trade. You all know what this is, it is the world-famous NBA Talk!

So you guys know the trade, right? Yeah, I thought so, or else I guess you haven't been reading the news lately. Oh well, now that I guess you know, let's start with Emeka Okafor with Nawlins. With Okafor there, the depth chart will most probably look like this:

PG: Chris Paul
SG: James Posey/Morris Peterson/Devin Brown
SF: Peja Stojakovic/Rasual Butler
PF: David West
C: Emeka Okafor

I think that is pretty reasonable. Comment below if you disagree.

We all know how Chris Paul does. CP3 is unstoppable and everyone knows it. James Posey, who played a key role with the Boston Celtics in the 2007-08 season, will be playing this year after his surgery a couple of months ago on his cartilage tear. Morris Peterson, a good veteran player who'll be playing a role, and Devin Brown who will receive more playing time this year.

Then there is Peja Stojakovic, who is a superior three-point shooter. Then there is Rasual Butler, who had many career-highs last year in the 2008-09 season. David West has been very impressive in his last five years of playing, averaging no lower than 15.4 points per game and seven rebounds.

And here is Emeka. Okafor is a better player than Chandler, and it's great that the Hornets somehow picked them up as they traded a more bottom-out player. Okafor is a great post-scorer and he is a guy you can count on for making the shots, as he is very successful in banking them. Okafor is also improving more and more each season, as Hollinger says he averages five points more per game, every 40 minutes. Dang, that's gratifying.

On the NBA Trade Machine game on ESPN.com, I tried out the Chandler-Okafor trade. It's actually very beneficial for New Orleans as they have a predicted five more wins. Don't believe me, try out for yourself. Nah, I know you won't, so why don't you click here and see for yourself?

I think the Hornets are going to be real happy with this acquisition.

Now let's move to Charlotte. With the Tyson Chandler trade, I think the Bobcats depth chart will most probably have a lineup like this:

PG: Raymond Felton/D.J. Augustin
SG: Raja Bell/Gerald Henderson
SF: Gerald Wallace/Vladimir Randmanovic
PF: Boris Diaw/Nazr Mohammed
C: Tyson Chandler/DeSagana Diop

With a good one-two punch of Raymond Felton and D.J. Augustin, I think the point guard spot is all covered. It is the same with the shooting guard spot. Actually, there are one-two punches in each category. Raja Bell, he is a good shooter from behind-the-arc, as far as I have observed. Watch out for Gerald Henderson, he'll be a surprise rookie coming into the 2009-10 season.

Gerald Wallace, he's the face of the franchise. Vladimir Randmanovic continues to arouse me, and I like how he works. Boris Diaw just had his best year last year, and coming into this year, he looks to blow fans in Charlotte away. Although Nazr Mohammed is a center, I think it'd be smart to move him to power forward, which would make that spot at power forward more tough.

DeSagana Diop is mostly known as a good backup center. And I know some of you may comment that he is a bust. Yes, I know, but let's make the most of him because he is good at being a backup center. At least he is no Kwame Brown or Darko. And also, you have to respect Diop's blocking ability, and a song that was a diss to Kris Kross.

And now to Tyson Chandler. It is actually very questionable why the Bobcats would receive to get him. They were the 27th worst offensive team, according to Hollinger, and Chandler is now even good at offense as he isn't a dominate scorer, not even in the post despite his big size. The only thing Chandler is good at his getting dunks in on the pick-and-rolls, which won't fit well with the 'Cats. And according to NBA Trade Machine, the Bobcats are predicted to lose six more games with this addition. Hhm, not so smart now, Charlotte, aren' you? But now that Michael Jordan is going to be the owner, things might switch around a little.

But Chandler will play a big role for Charlotte with the boards, and that's what Charlotte needs because they already have some pretty good scorers on the squad already.

Conclusion: Why the Hornets win this trade

Well, first of all, the Hornets are predicted to win five more games this season while Charlotte is predicted to lose six more games, as ESPN NBA Trade Machine analyzed with the data. Emeka Okafor is also a much better offensive scorer than Chandler as he has more ways to score like on banks shots, dunks, and pick-and-rolls. Chandler is one of the worst scorers offensively as his only scoring option is dunking off pick-and-rolls, like I said a few paragraphs ago.

The only thing the Bobcats could be better in is that their rebounding team will improve much more as Chandler averages about ten-to-twelve rebounds per game. The Hornets are going to be a very strong team this year, the Bobcats are going to be questionable despite their scorers. It's going to be an interesting year, with so many tasks going on this off-season, I can't imagine what the 2010 off-season will be like with LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Yao Ming, and other big stars entering free agency.

So many transactions have been made, more are here to come.

NBA Talk: How The Addition Of Andre Miller Improves The Blazers

Josh Dhani — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 13:48:27 -0400

Josh Dhani is a weekly writer for NBATipoff.com
Although ESPN's John Hollinger does not like the deal of Andre Miller with the Portland Trailblazers, I totally have to disagree. Miller, who signed a reportedly three-year $21M contract which Hollinger called a bargain, helps the Blazers a lot.

How so?

That's where I come in. Let's break down how Andre Miller makes the Portland Trailblazers a much better team. And trust me, he improves them very much. So let's go ahead and break this down!

You all know what this is, it's the world-famous NBA Talk.

You know, it actually does make it a bit tough for Andre Miller with the Blazers. The point guard spot will truly be a competition between Steve Blake and Andre Miller. Jerryd Bayless will still be learning a bit, although he was quite impressive last year. Although it'll most likely seem that Miller will win, it does leave a whole for Blake and Bayless as both will have to receive playing time.

So that brings me to the depth chart:

PG: Andre Miller/Steve Blake/Jerryd Bayless
SG: Brandon Roy/Rudy Fernandez
SF: Martell Webster/Nicolas Batum
PF: LaMarcus Aldridge/Travis Outlaw/Jeff Pendergraph
C: Joel Pryzbilla/Greg Oden

I think this depth chart is pretty reasonable. I used it from a man named Ryan who made a depth chart of his own in one of my Blazer articles. Thank you Ryan. And also, I think many of you could agree with this actually.

Many people have questioned Andre Miller's three-point shooting ability sometimes, but man can he take it up to the rim. I've seen countless times when Miller has done that and he is pretty good at it as well. Miler is probably the point guard the Blazers needed. It really creates a spark for them coming into next season.

And don't worry, Steve Blake and Jerryd Bayless will receive some playing time. Although the man who commented one of my Blazer articles who went by the name of Yeager_06, said that Bayless did have of what he called a "half-ass performance" at the summer league, which I saw a bit, I think Bayless with be a flashy scorer coming into this year.

Coach Nate McMillan will try to work something out with the three point guards so all of them can receive reasonable playing time coming into this year's 82-game season. And at shooting guard, there is no need to worry when Brandon Roy has it all covered. We also have Rudy Fernandez, who played a key role last year. He played pretty good last year, averaging 10.4 points per game as he showed who good of a guard he was.

We then move to small forward in which Martell Webster takes control. Despite him missing all of last year, the 2007-08 year was a spark of improvement from the 2006-07 season. He had a career-high of about eleven points per game in the 2007-08 season and also averaged two other career-highs in assists with 1.2 and rebounds with of about four.

Then there is Nicolas Batum, who played well last year, averaging about five points and about three rebounds. He truly looks to be sharp coming into this year as he and Webster look to create a show with their entertaining skills.

The Blazers then move on to the big men as power forward LaMarcus Aldridge takes control of starter there as he averaged a career-high of 18 points and about eight rebounds along with that. He hasn't let a frown on anyone's face so far this year as he hasn't averaged lower than nine points and and five rebounds in the 2006-07 rookie year. Watch out for Aldridge this year as he goes for 20 points per game, and possibly ten rebounds as he is entering into his prime.

Then there is Travis Outlaw, as his last two years have been nothing less than impressive. He averaged about 13 points per game last year, along with about four rebounds. His stellar performance came in the 2007-08 season, but the 2008-09 was a little of a downgrade. But with he and Aldridge, boards will be grabbed and points will be scored with this one-two punch.

But it really isn't a one-two punch after all with Jeff Pendergraph in the mix.

He was recently drafted in the second round of the NBA Draft this year. Coming out of Arizona State, Pendergraph had a career-high of about 15 points and about eight rebounds last year. He looks to have some of his minutes this year as he will be playing somewhat of a key role when he comes off the bench.

Here, we end with the centers as I believe Joel Pryzbilla will take the starting role this year. I am just not that big of a fan when we involve the-man-that-looks-like-a-50-year-old Greg Oden. Words like "bust" and "Sam Bowie" have already been involving as Oden comes into his third year (pretty much second actually after being out of the whole rookie year). Oden will have to step it up a notch this year.

I like Pryzbilla's style of play as this 7'1" center looks to lead the Blazers as he will be grabbing a lot of rebounds as his size takes the advantage. Watch out for Pryzbilla this year, folks, he looks to be dramatic.

You are almost done with this article (like three more paragraphs to go), so why not finish it exclusively at NBATipoff.com?

Adam LaRoche Is Gone, But Pittsburgh Still Have Promising Stars

Josh Dhani — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 14:56:06 -0400

On July 22, 2009, the Pittsburgh Pirates traded one of their promising stars in Adam LaRoche to the Boston Red Sox. What did Pittsburgh get out of this deal? A minor-leaguer named Argenis Diaz.

The Pirates were looking for some “young” talent, and I believe a minor-leaguer was what they were looking for. But come on, trading a star for a player of skills we don’t how good they are.

But although LaRoche is gone, the Pirates still have some promising young stars on the squad. Yes yes, I absolutely know that the Pirates record isn’t promising, not at all, but hey, although we are looking at another losing season for like the 20th time in a row, there is a bright side looking into next year.

Pittsburgh recently brought Andrew McCutchen, their 2005 MLB first round draft pick, to the majors. And on eveybody’s face when they see McCutchen, there isn’t a frown, but a smile of a clown (okay, no, that’s scary). McCutchen has proved he can hit, has the speed, and he is a good outfielder.

But besides those three things where he masters at, there are many other categories he literally just pwns. For those of you who have not heard of this word “pwn,” as always, let Nigahiga explain to all of you:

McCutchen has proved he will be a promising young star for years to come on the Pirates. Hopefully, Pittsburgh won’t ship him off, because if they do, a fanbase will be rotting. As of right now, he is the future.

We then have Andy LaRoche. LaRoche is improving. After, in what I would call a not so good year for LaRoche in 2008, 2009 is an improving year. LaRoche, so far, has been hitting .264 with four homers, and 37 RBI. Although he probably is going to miss his brother, he’s going to have to step it up a notch these next couple of years.

And right now, he kind of is. He’s improving as well and you may need to watch out for him.

Now here is Garrett Jones. I swear, this kid is a stud. He has a lot of criminal records…on pitchers. He’s truly just an amazing athlete after he had a four-game streak of homers. He hit five of them in his last four games. The streak ended on July 19, 2009.

But although the streak has ended, Jones has proved that he can be a star. He has been getting featured in a lot of waiver wires lately, and I already got him on my fantasy baseball team. Even ESPN is looking out for him now. Jones, right now, hasn’t let anyone down and when he is playing, surely there will never be a frown.

Yes, although the Pirates have lost Adam LaRoche, it doesn’t mean they are screwed, because trust me, they aren’t. With three promising young athletes on the squad, the Pirates can have a winning season before you know it. This season may have already been over, and there were many downs in the path with Nate McLouth and Adam LaRoche gone.

But it brings a new dynasty for the Pirates, with Garrett Jones, Andrew McCutchen, and Andy LaRoche still on the team, there was light in that 2009 season. There was a spark that lit up that year.

And coming in 2010, the Pirates may be a team to look out for.

So, yeah, I admit, LaRoche leaving Pittsburgh isn’t that big of a deal. We have three athletes who are going to shine. So watch out Pittsburgh, prepare to be entertained soon.

I Haven't Been a Sports Fan Long, But Man Has My Short Time Been Great

Josh Dhani — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 22:26:47 -0400

Some of you guys here on Bleacher Report may think I have probably been a sports fan for quite some time. I have seen countless times, people call me a sports fan for a long time.

Trust me, I haven't.

I haven't gotten into sports until I was eight years old. And here I am, now 13 years old and I am the biggest sports fan you have seen (well not entirely compared to those guys who hold season-tickets for their favorite teams every single year).

I admit, I have only been a sports fan for five small, measly years.

Yes, I know, that is not a long time. Probably other 13 year olds out there like Graham Brunell or Dan Callagy have been a sports fan for much longer. When I was eight, in school I always played nothing but these Star Wars games with my friends as we just run around the playground.

I did that when I was six and ended my nerd obsession when I was nine. I am glad I did that because, I got to admit, I was also a fatty as well during those times. Now here I am, shredded off all of the fatness and getting some muscle in.

I am glad I met a friend, his name is Sports.

Although I didn't become a fan of sports, I did play some. But that was only one sport, and I still stick with it today: basketball. It became my love at age five as I finally noticed there was a basketball hoop right outside my garage.

Yes, it was all rusty and it was all crappy. But I though of it as the best basketball hoop in the world as I stuck with it until I was twelve years old. All I did is picked up a dirty basketball in the grass and shot.

And hell, I was pretty damn good.

I never heard a swoosh from it, ever, because there wasn't a net. Yes, that is how crappy it was. I noticed that about seven months ago (gee, I'm blind, aren't I?). But when I shot, I just kept making them.

I then played behind this line, well actually a crack, and I used it as an imaginary three-point line. I was about 20 feet away and I kept making the shots. That was the only sport I played, until I became eight.

Yes, eight years old.

When my dad decided to turn on the TV, a Colts game was on. Didn't know anything about the game of football until my life depended on it.

I was the game when Indy took on the San Diego Chargers as Peyton Manning led the his team to a 34-31 overtime victory.

It was truly great for my father to see as Manning broke Dan Marino's record of most touchdown passes in a season. Hell, I was so stupid, I didn't know who to hell Dan Marino nor what a touchdown was.

Although I have been to a Colts game during 2004 in their 51-24 win over the Tennessee Titans, I still was learning more about the game.

That's when I turned nine.

It was the great 2005 season when the Colts had an amazing 14-2 record, best in the NFL. My first ever game I witnessed that season was against the St. Louis Rams. I saw that St. Louis was leading, 14-0. I went to bed after that because of school, oh man.

To be honest, I really didn't give a damn of who won.

I just went by who's uniform looked more cooler, and I like the Rams' style. So I was kind of happy they were winning. But with my father on the other hand, he was certainly pissed off.

As I woke up the next day, the Colts won, 45-28. I was like, "Hhm, I think I should like them now."

And that's when the love for the Colts came. Then, during 2005, my cousins were finally moving to a new house as their tiny blue one wasn't fun at all as their wasn't an upstairs nor a basement. In their new house, they finally had more room and had an upstairs and a basement.

After a hard work was done moving in all the furniture; my dad, uncle, cousin, and some other dude decided to turn on the TV and watch the Colts game. It was against the San Diego Chargers and the Colts, who were 13-0 at the time, had to go for an undefeated season.

Watching that game, it truly showed of how my knowledge of football became bigger. I said things like, "That's a first down," "That's a fumble," "That's a sack," "That's Peyton Manning."

My sister, who was ten at the time, was like, "How do you know all of this?"

"See, Flavor (that's my sister's nickname, I know, weird), your brother knows about football...in two weeks. How about you? Now you need to know about football. Go and learn," said my Dad, who was obviously mad at her.

I swear, that quote was real, and I can't believe a remember that after four years.

Indy eventually lost, 26-17, which brought me to sadness. But oh well, they were in the playoffs anyways. Then came the playoffs and I finished the first complete NFL football game ever in the Colts 21-18 loss to the Steelers.

Although I was sad, I still had my trust in the blue. At school, all I talked about was football. I even talked about on my school bus. The bus driver then told me something: "Josh, you're a football dork!"

"Awesome!" I replied.

And that was the first time I was a dork of something I was proud of!

Meanwhile, I started to become a fan of the Pacers as I witnessed the first year of the Indiana Pacers without Reggie Miller. The Pacers actually made the playoffs, eventually losing to the New Jersey Nets in the first round 4-2.

So it was a good first year of sports.

Next year showed that I knew everything about football. I always talked about the player's height and weight and saying what their stats were. I was truly a football freak. I pretty much knew every football player's height, I am serious.

Although that may seem stupid, hell, I was actually getting into sports. It was a good year for my Colts, as they won the Super Bowl that year. I watched every single game and I was truly happy of this.

On the other hand, the Pacers just sucked, going 35-47 that year.

I then started getting interested in baseball as the Phillies went 85-77 that year, second in the NL East (I hate you Mets). But I still was getting into the game.

That year was the first time I played a sport for my school. I entered my first year of football and I was pretty good, despite being on the worst team in the school's league. My second year was going to be exciting though.

Then came the year 2007, age eleven. I missed football because I was in California. So then my mother called the commissioner of the school's football league in the middle of the season and was on another bad team. They were 0-2. But when I came, they ended their season at 6-3 when I came.

I was truly excited that year when the Colts went 13-3. Then came the sad loss to the Chargers, 28-24. I had to admit, that's when the true bleeding for the White and Blue came as I cried after the game.

My uncle told me, "Don't let your sports take control of your emotions. It's not right."

After that inspiring quote, I decided to not pay attention player's height and statistics as much as the fanatic of those categories used to be. I just focused on the teams.

The Pacers sucked, again, so there was no point in me explaining anything.

But however, the Phillies were great, going 89-73 as Jimmy Rollins said that the Phillies are the team to beat. They weren't. They lost in the opening round of the MLB Playoffs to the Colorado Rockies.

Enter 2008, age twelve.

This is where I became a sports fan like everyone else. I was now into a group of, well, a billion members.

The Colts were just horrible at the starting of the season, but they bounced back and went 12-4, eventually losing to the Chargers again. No emotions now, you are a man now.

"You are going to be a teenager now, it's best if you stop your emotional crap," I would say to myself.

Meanwhile, the Pacers were impressive, going 36-46, one spot behind the NBA Playoffs (you suck Detroit!).

And also, there were the Phillies, who amazingly won the 2008 World Series. I was truly excited like many other Philly "phans" out there. This was probably the second best year for me in sports.

Now here I am, in 2009. I am now on the travel team in football. I am looking for a good year with the Colts and the Pacers.

The Phillies lead the NL East and recently came off a ten-game winning streak. They are looking great. Also, this year, I became a sportswriter. I became a Senior Writer a month ago and I am with an elite group of members here with the Bleacher Creatures.

This looks to be my best year in sports, for myself, and my favorite teams. Being a sports fan has truly changed my life and it has changed my weight and everything. I am now healthy and better than ever.

I am now a great sports fan and a good sportswriter.

But man, if it weren't for my father turning on that Colts game, I wouldn't be the person I am today.

And that's why it's truly great to be a sports fan.

NBA Talk: Odom, Boozer, AND A.I. All Going to Miami? How It All Works

Josh Dhani — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 22:10:25 -0400

Miami, I'd be scared if I were the opponent" title="miami heat" width="471" height="478" />

If all these guys are on Miami, I'd be scared if I were the opponent

I first found out about Carlos Boozer and Lamar Odom actually being considered to play in Miami for the Heat when I read this fabulous report by Richard O’Neal. It was truly surprising actually.

It does make sense of Boozer coming to Miami, with the recent news of Paul Millsap returning to the Utah Jazz after they matched the Portland Trailblazers offer. And also, I think we all know Boozer is coming to Miami because he already seems very happy with the idea.

Then we have Lamar Odom, who we don’t know if he’ll return to the Los Angeles Lakers, go to the Heat, or even the Dallas Mavericks. It’s going to be interesting to see where he is going to go, but yet, I think re-joining the Heat could be good.

Then we have “The Answer.” Sure sure, he is 34 years old, but seriously, look at Jason Kidd at 36 years old and he still has some swag. And also, can this explain it furthermore that he is still a dynamic player on the court.

I am here to analyze what would happen if all of these players came to Miami and see what kind of impact they’ll make.

Lamar, Carlos, and Allen, I’d like to welcome you to a very special place:

You all know what this is, the world-famous NBA Talk.

I have a strong belief that these guys may come to Miami. Possibly not all three of the players, but at least one. And remember, I’m just breaking down if all of three of these stars were on the Heat’s roster. So let’s go on and break this down.

As with most of these NBA Talk articles, let’s see how the depth chart will look like for the Miami Heat:

PG: Allen Iverson/Mario Chalmers

SG: Dwayne Wade

SF: Lamar Odom/James Jones

PF: Carlos Boozer/Michael Beasley

C: Jermaine O’Neal

Yes, this lineup may need a little changes, but this is my opinion. It actually does make sense though. Take a look:

Now we all know Allen Iverson wants to start no matter what, and he will if he came to Miami. And it is actually beneficial for both A.I. and Mario Chalmers. Iverson can help mentor young Chalmers, which can improve Chalmers’ games and make his skills blow up towards the next level.

And at shooting guard, come on, no gimme that Dwayne Wade is going to tear it up on the court no matter what happens.

At small forward, it was really hard to choose, but Lamar Odom can play both small forward and power forward. He can even play some center as well. Also, Odom is a pretty good shooter when it comes to making some plays behind-the-arc.

We then have James Jones comforting him when Odom comes on the bench. Jones was pretty decent last year in the 2008-09 season as he averaged eight points per game for the Heat, despite playing only 58 games. He’s going to be better this year as Odom might help improve his game.

We then have Carlos Boozer at the power forward position which is pretty reasonable. He is a good scorer and is really going to help out Miami when it comes to getting boards.

Also, there is Michael Beasley backing him up as he enters his second year. Beasley will be mentored big time, and he will definitely improve his game from learning from one of the bests. He will also be learning more from Jermaine O’Neal as he will be playing with Beasley more this year. Beasley will be getting mentored a lot actually and he’s going to be more fun to watch.

And speaking of Jermaine O’Neal, he’s going to make some impact as well. His past two or three years haven’t been swell due to a large amount of injuries. If O’Neal can stay healthy this year, he can be certainly make some noise.

I hope you like this breakdown. This is “how it all works” people. I think this is pretty reasonable. I know you probably have other opinions about the lineup or anything like that.

Now don’t go bashing on me. I am just observing of this move happened, it hasn’t, and heck, it probably not.

But if this happens, oh boy, many of the teams that will be facing Miami may be scared. I know I would be. You should too.

NBA Talk: How the Celtics Can Succeed with Marquis Daniels

Josh Dhani — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:34:41 -0400

Marquis Daniels in Celtics uniform photoshopped, thanks to "KOBE24isdabest" of the InsideHoops.com forum.

It truly surprised me when the Indiana Pacers decided to let Marquis Daniels go due to the fact than Daniels even lowered his money so he can still sign with the Blue and Gold. The Pacers just decided to not use him. As I was observing him in free agency, many teams were deciding to take bids on him.

The team that decided to win the whole battle of Daniels? The Boston Celtics. With the signing of Rasheed Wallace and Marquis Daniels, the Celtics surely had, in what Graham Brunell called it, a booming offseason.

Daniels received a heartwarming welcome to Boston, even though it's still not determined whether he is just signing with the C's or if a sign-and-trade deal is working out with Tony Allen and B-Scal. But however it works out, we know that Daniels will be coming to Boston.

This addition is very beneficial for Boston and it's possible that the Celtics can be a much better team this year than last year.

In my opinion, I think the Celtics are going to be a better team this year than their 2008-09 run. But how so? I'll break it down.

You all know what this is, it's everybody's favorite type of talk: NBA Talk.

It's for sure that the Celtics finally found their swingman since James Posey, as what Lex would say (jeez, how many hyperlinks are there?). But I do have to agree anyways, the Celtics have found their swingman. Daniels can play three positions, as far as I have observed in his time in Indy: small forward, shooting guard, and point guard.

I believe he can do this with the C's, as I have heard many rumors that he will be backing up the great Paul Pierce. As with every NBA Talk article, let's take a look into the C's lineup with the recent addition:

PG: Rajon Rando/Gabe Pruitt
SG: Ray Allen/Eddie House
SF: Paul Pierce/Marquis Daniels
PF: Kevin Garnett/Leon Powe
C: Rasheed Wallace/Kendrick Perkins

Although that's my opinion on the lineup, some other NBA fans show that Wallace may be at the power forward position with KG, which makes Kendrick Perkins the starting center. It's hard to determine which, so I'll let Graham of Celtics17 and Lex of Fernsten's Follies decide that (and many other Celtics blogs like...well, CelticsBlog.com).

It actually does bring back memories from 2007. The Celtics had a swingman in Posey who played one of biggest roles in the NBA Playoffs, but sadly, left the next year. This same exact thing could possibly happen this year with their supplement of 'Quis.

Boston can be a very tough team to beat this year. If KG manages to stay healthy for 70-plus games, I think the Celtics look to be banging on the door for tickets to play in the NBA Finals this year. Although they changed their starting rotation with one player, their team is much more different.

The Celtics will be making noise this year.

First, just take a look at the starting rotation for a second. Yeah, it looks exactly the same, except the center position now has a powerful Rasheed Wallace. We got Rajon Rondo making moves that piss you off, Ray Allen getting his shots from behind-the-arc, we all know how Pierce rolls, Kevin Garnett making a difference with his scoring and rebounding ability, and the great defense of Sheed.

But take a look at the second team as well.

Gabe Pruitt is a pretty good point guard as far as I have seen. Although Eddie House is the size of a point guard, as Celtics17 said (link above on "booming off-season) it was. But House truly surprises me and made some commotion in the NBA Playoffs last year with his amazing shooting.

And you just have to respect Daniels' ability. He creates a spark off the bench and had his best season last year, while being a backup. He is truly at his best when he doesn't start.

In the 2007-08 season, he probably made about three or four buzzer-beaters with all the shots being from about 50 feet or more. He's truly just amazing and Celtics fans will not be disappointed by him. And come on, everybody knows how Perkins and Leon Powe do, kind of like that song by The Game.

It is going to be a great season for the Green.

And with the addition of Marquis Daniels, oh yes, this will be very beneficial for the C's.

Watch Out for This Kid Next Year...| Johnnie Lee Higgins

Josh Dhani — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 14:07:31 -0400

There comes a time in the NFL where there is a player that no one expects of him to be a star or make an impact anywhere for his team. Countless times, we have seen players who make a difference despite being a drafted late in the NFL Draft and being expected to not do anything for his team.

Guys like Terrell Davis, Terrell Owens, Robert Mathis and so many other guys have had successful careers despite being drafted late or not at all.

Then there are some players who did nothing in their first year and made some impact in their second year. Nobody is really like that, but there is someone that comes to mind who is exactly like that. Fellas, let me introduce you to Johnnie Lee Higgins.

Coming out of Texas-El Paso, he was drafted in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He didn't make any amount of impact in his first season of playing due to the fact some people doubted him and his size—5'11",185 lbs.

In his first season, he recorded six receptions for only 46 yards. It wasn't good, not good at all. He did receive some time returning punts where he notched 103 yards. But that wasn't good either because every punt return was averaged for about five yards.

It's just horrible to see that. But yet, he was a third-round pick and nobody really expected anything out of him. It is sad to see things like these happen in the National Football League.

Now it was time for the crucial second season. It was time for Johnnie to prove he was worthy of being on Oakland Raiders' roster. He is the future receiver for this offense. He is the target for not only JaMarcus Russell, but the future of the return the black as well.

Entering into weeks one and two the 2008-09 NFL season, nothing came out of Higgins. Just nothing at all for No. 15. We then trip on a rock into Week Three of playing with a brown ball.

Here we see Higgins making his first ever impact for not only the Oakland Raiders, he had to do it for himself and proving to all NFL fans that he is an NFL player that deserves respect in this league.

Although Raider fans weren't happy in the 24-23 loss to the Buffalo Bills, Higgins created a spark for Oakland as he showed what he can do as he provided an 84-yard touchdown. It truly showed that Higgins deserved to be drafted by the Raiders.

However, it was only one catch he recorded for the Raiders that game. Despite that, it showed that Higgins was going to get playing time this year. And he did coming into next week recording four catches for 35 yards. The week after that, he only had one catch for 35 yards.

Basically, it wasn't that all surprising in the two games after the 84-yard touchdown game. People were thinking it was somewhat rather disappointing actually.

Coming into Week Seven, the Raiders beat Brett Favre and the New York Jets, 16-13, a game in which Higgins recorded an 18-yard run.

All we know is that he was getting shots at playing, but not enough to prove he's a star. Coming into the 29-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, it became more of disappointment as Higgins reeled in two catches for only 16 yards.

His statistics were getting lower and were getting less surprising. What Higgins had to do now was be nothing less than legendary. That was his goal.

But that goal never came until Week 12 of NFL football when he came and made an amazing return for a touchdown in the Raiders 31-10 rout against the Denver Broncos. In week 14, he finally had shots on the receiving end of play.

He had placed two catches for 22 yards. Although you may think it's not good at all, it was a start of something new as next week showed how Higgins rolled.

In the 49-26 loss to the New England Patriots, Higgins had three catches for 66 yards, including an exciting play for Raider fans that witnessed the amazing 56-yard touchdown. The play displayed Higgins' speed and concentration.

Higgins was truly nothing less than legendary in the last three games of the 2008-09 season, resulting a 2-1 record the Raiders themselves as well. Higgins also had three touchdowns in his last three games.

In the 27-16 win over the Houston Texans, Higgins had three grabs for 56 yards and one touchdown. In the last game of the season, Higgins had a career-high in catches with six, along with 52 yards and a touchdown.

Yep, it was definitely nothing less than legendary for Higgins.

He had 22 catches for 366 yards and four touchdowns that year. What was better is that every catch was averaged for about 17 yards, which is solid. He was also well known in his return abilities, notching 842 yards in kick returns and 570 yards and three touchdowns on punt returns.

It was truly an exciting thing to see, although I did observe from many stat sheets of Higgins that he only started three games. So having those stats while only starting three games is truly an honor actually.

So that brings to what is going to happen next year in the 2009-10 season. The Raiders recently just got Darrius Heyward-Bey, who looks to be a helpful and speedy receiver for JaMarcus Russell. There is also the tall, fast, and indestructible Chaz Schilens and tight end Zach Miller.

It also adds up with Justin Fargas, Darren McFadden, and Michael Bush leading the way in the running game. Right now, the Raiders have a lot of targets on offense and Higgins should be a key role in all of it.

He can return the ball, he can run, he can catch, he can just about anything you want him to do. Although Heyward-Bey can do that, the hands have to improve. I have to admit, Higgins is better than DHB, and I hope some people have to agree with that.

And also, have any of you NFL fans ever seen highlights of him? Remember that 56-yard touchdown against the New England Patriots. That was truly an amazing play. And seriously, what about that 90-yard touchdown against Seattle?

You can't deny that. Higgins has been making a name for himself and I think he already has in Oakland. Can he make it bigger? Can he be Mr. Hot-Shot? We'll see next year.

So when you watch the Raiders play, NFL fans, grab a beer and watch out for Johnnie Lee Higgins next year.

NBA Talk: How Plans Change In Indy With the Signing of Earl Watson

Josh Dhani — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 12:14:47 -0400

As I was coming across a popular NBA forum, NBADimensions.net, the user Pacers4Life (a great guy) reported that now former Oklahoma City Thunder's point guard Earl Watson has agreed to a one-year deal with the Pacers.

I thought this wasn't true at all, but hey, Larry Bird said he was going make this off-season active with Indy this year. Also, I was searching on Google News if this was true and wrote "Earl Watson Pacers" in the search engine. Results came up and there were many sources. So it was all true.

Earl Watson is coming to Indy. And I think this is great.

I was about to write a post about Andre Miller coming to Indy until that NBA Dimensions post came up (kudos to you Pacers4Life!). Now here I am, writing an article of Earl Watson in Indy. I definitely see him fitting well with the squad and I'd love to see how he turns out with us.

But no one is going to speculate it so I guess it is up to me. Get ready, because here I am to break down lil' ol' Watson fitting in with the Indiana Pacers You just have to know what this is. It's been going on for well over six months, this is the world-famous NBA Talk!

So now Indy has gotten Watson. He is most notably known as being a good backup point guard, and that is what Indiana needs, badly.

With Jarrett Jack not coming back to Indy, it's time for the Pacers to look for a point guard to comfort T.J. Ford. Although Travis Diener may be some help, A.J. Price is in as well and I still don't believe Diener is good enough as the second point guard in the rotation. He's best at third like he was in his previous years with Indiana.

But that does make A.J. Price second in the rotation and he is only a rookie. He has a lot to learn from Diener and Ford so the Pacers had to pick someone to help out T.J. that could fit ddin the rotation. So that makes Watson the answer, doesn't it?

I think so.

As what I normally do with this famous series, let's see how Watson fits in the starting rotation:

PG: T.J. Ford/Earl Watson/Travis Diener/A.J. Price
SG: Brandon Rush/Mike Dunleavy
SF: Danny Granger
PF: Troy Murphy/Tyler Hansbrough
C: Roy Hibbert/Jeff Foster/Josh McRoberts

I believe that is pretty reasonable, don't you think? Watson creates a lot of change to the offense as the second-team shows Watson, Dunleavy, Granger, Hansbrough, and Foster as the starting five after the first rotation gets finished. The second rotation does look as solid as the first one and it creates problems for other defenses when they face Indy.

You guys should really listen to Strotty, who said the Pacers will get the eighth seed after the 2009-10 season after he made a preview of his 2010 NBA Mock Draft. It's going real good actually and you should check it out. Anyways, back to the story.

So you are probably wondering why the paragraph above was about someone's blog with a cool name? Well, he did say the Pacers will make the playoffs in which I totally agree with. Just look at that rotation up there in the bold letters! You can't deny that the rotation is great.

The Pacers need a quality backup point guard that can help them all around the court, and I think they found it in Earl Watson. So watch out for the Pacers next year, and pay a very close attention to this kid name Earl.

"So who are you?" I ask.

"My name is Earl....Watson," he replies.

Guys, I'd Like to Introduce You To an Amazing Athlete: Garrett Jones

Josh Dhani — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 21:40:51 -0400

I have recently made an observation that started on July 10, the day that Garrett Jones hit his first home run of this season for the amazing Pittsburgh Pirates. That home run surely wasn't his last, no doubt about that.

It all started on what many of people would call a crappy day (but that's usual for Pittsburgh). The Pirates just lost to the Philadelphia Phillies, 3-2. But it wasn't just any normal crappy day for Pirates fans.

There was some light in this game. It wasn't just because they lost by one run to the 2008 World Series champions. It was because this game marked the beginning of a streak (no, not that one) of homers for a kid named Garrett Jones.

Garrett Jones. The name rung a bell in my head when I heard it. I remembered that I saw him play with the Indianapolis Indians in Triple-A, and I must say, he was the star on that team, alongside Andrew McCutchen (and look where both of them are now).

After Jones built his all-star caliber status in the minors, the Pirates finally made a smart move and brought him up to the majors.

People didn't think too much of the first home run Jones hit in the majors, however. It didn't matter to anyone. He was just some guy who got lucky...even I thought that. Well, shame on me, and on anyone else who doubted Jones at the time.

Now we come to July 11. Pittsburgh was playing Philly, once again, and it ended in yet another loss. But it wasn't just another typical crappy day for Pirates fans, as they only lost by one run ( again), with a final score of 8-7. Another spark rose above the heavens when Garrett Jones got the nod from God that he was going to hit another home run.

Hell man, it happened.

Jones hit another home run. He was now on a streak. Two home runs in two games in two days. Hey, like the legend says: "first is the worst, second is the best."

But could Jones stay true to final part of the legend?: "third is the one with treasure chest."

I think so.

And I think I was right. Heading into Philly again, this was another crappy day as the Pirates had a painful loss of 5-2. But that spark was still there, as Garrett Jones got the nod from Him and knocked another dinger out of the park...and completed the legend.

But here comes the fourth one. Could Jones actually get there and reach the milestone of five? He already has number three labeled with three home runs in three games and in three days.

Let's skip ahead five days to July 17. Jones is against a new team, and he looks to go for more than one home run. Nobody is going to expect it, not even Him. It was all Jones here. There was no four-leaf clover to be found (or a five, six, or seven-leaf). It was just all Garrett being Garrett in this game.

For the Pirates, it was a fun day. They finally won after a four-game losing streak (gee, you don't do see that everyday). They beat the San Francisco Giants in a 2-1 finish.

Enter Garrett Jones. Well, two runs were scored. But wait, they weren't just runs. They were home runs, they were dingers, they were homers...let's just say it's a ball out of the park. Jones hit not just one teeny homer, he hit two. Two homers. You read that?

I hope so.

Two homers, and the Pirates beat the Giants 2-1. Hmm, anything ringing a bell in that brain of yours? To all of you who believe the world will end in December 2012 (hope you heard that B.S. rumor):

Garrett Jones: Two homers

Pirates: Scored two runs

Garrett Jones scored all of the Pirates runs on the two homers he had. Thank you for understanding, if you did.

So here we are with a four-game streak of home-runs of Garrett Jones. He has scored five home runs in just four games. People should be buzzing more about this than Prince Fielder beating Albert Pujols in the Home Run Derby (although that Derby will soon be forgotten).

You just don't see a Pirates player having a great streak like that. Although the streak is great, the Pirates only went 1-3 in that four-game streak of Jones'. As I am writing this article, the Pirates are in the bottom of the eighth, and are beating San Fran 2-0.

As of right now, Jones has just one hit. Can he get a home run, and quick? We'll just have to wait. The streak has to continue.

But even if he doesn't get a homer in this game, there's no worries. Jones has already proven enough that he can be a future star in the majors and with the Pirates. He's proven to everyone that he's not some slob who came to majors and couldn't produce.

Guys, this is Garrett Jones. He's going to shine on the field in the second half of Pirates baseball. Everybody, I have now just introduced you to the amazing Garrett Jones.

I am just going to say this one little thing...he is going to be an exciting player to watch in the second half of Pittsburgh baseball. It's going to be like Brandon Rush of the Indiana Pacers who shined in the second half of his team's season.

So everybody, watch out for a player with talent. He has been all over the news for his murders. Gasp! Murders?

That's right, he's getting known for murders...of pitchers.

Note: Jones didn't actually kill a pitcher. You all know what I am talking about...I hope.

For more great Pittsburgh Pirates articles like these, please visit Pirates On the Block for more entertaining Pirates and MLB-related news!

Like to write for the Block? Email me at rocksballer58@yahoo.com and I'll get you all setup!

NBA Talk: Looking at the First Picks of the NBA Draft in the Last Decade

Josh Dhani — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 14:54:38 -0400

Ah, the NBA Draft. With NBA stars losing their luster as they decide to retire, fresh new players come in to pursue a dream and become stars. It all starts in the NBA Draft. And all the hype goes around the player that is the first one taken in the Draft.

As the first pick, it's truly an honor. But there is an absolutely horrible downside as well. Some who did not live up to the potential many experts believed they had have made one of the lists nobody ever wants to be a part of. The list is called "NBA Busts" and many first-rounder have landed there in the last decade.

But some do live up to their potential and have that dream career everyone expected. Here's my observation of the first picks of the NBA Draft since 1998. As Blake Griffin has been taken by the Clippers in 2009, let's take a look at the others from 1998-2008.

1998: Michael Olowokandi, Los Angeles Clippers

Let's start with a player who Uncle Popov literally cracked me up as he made an hilarious diss at the end of this article. But we are not here to talk about a blog about someone's Drunken Sports Rant.

Olowokandi never lived up to the success many people expected. He averaged about eight points and seven rebounds per game in his nine-year career, living up to one of the busts of many NBA lists.

Averaging eight points and seven rebounds in a career is not what you expect from a first overall pick. His best season in his NBA career was averaging about twelve points and nine rebounds per game in the 2002-03 season with the Clippers, although he did just play 36 games. He might as well just have a 36-game career.

1999: Elton Brand, Chicago Bulls

Elton Brand came into Chicago as a hot-shot player. It was all awards in his career in College Basketball, winning numerous awards and coming to the Chicago Bulls looking to make himself a star. In his rookie year, he averaged 20 points per game as he was named NBA Rookie of the Year with Steve Francis.

Brand was also a two-time NBA All-Star as well as winning two other awards in 2006 beginning with the All-NBA Second Team and going for the Sportsmanship Award. He was also with Team USA in the 2006 FIBA World Championship going for the Bronze Medal.

It's for sure he lived up to his potential in his NBA as his lowest points per game was about 14 just last year with the 76ers. For most notably being a star in L.A., frustration began to emerge. Since 2007, he has been battling injuries, which has been bringing down his status as the potential first overall pick superstar.

But don't worry about it. As the injuries begin to go away, I believe a bright future is still headed his way as an NBA superstar.

2000: Kenyon Martin, New Jersey Nets

It's hard to call Martin a bust or a superstar. He was always more in the middle but I believe he was an above-average NBA player overall, which is pretty good for a first overall draft pick. K-Mart has battled through injuries as he normally played 60-70 games a season in his NBA career, which does go along with 14 points and seven rebounds per game, which is pretty solid for him.

His best year was in the 2003-2004 season when he averaged about 17 points and about seven rebounds per game, which is very good for someone at his position of power forward. He has been in scuffles throughout his NBA career (does the word thug and the name Mark Cuban ever ring a bell?).

I think Martin will always be an above-average caliber player. Although we might not see him in the Hall-of-Fame, he had his times and he was always a pretty darn good player. He was close to getting an NBA ring, probably coming into the 2009-10 season, he and his Nuggets may be battling towards the spot as the best basketball team in the universe.

2001: Kwame Brown, Washington Wizards

This is probably where we reach the non-talent players of this list as we head into this kid named Kwame Brown. He is totally labeled as a bust and, as what New York Vinnie would call it, a PUD.

Brown has career averages of seven points per game and about six rebounds. So I must say, these are just great stats for a first overall pick of the NBA Draft. You have to agree with me, no doubt. As you all know that sarcasm has been noted, here's where we come to all seriousness.

His best season was the averages of about eleven points per game and seven rebounds. It doesn't really matter what year those stats took place because every year he has been a disappointment.

He might as well just come to some random team like the Warriors and go ahead and be a backup for Darko or go to a Chinese Basketball League and play alongside with David Harrison.

It's what his best option looks like.

2002: Yao Ming, Houston Rockets

Ming was labeled as a superstar after his 2001-2002 season with the CBA after averaging 32 points per game. Dude, that is just amazing right there, I just have to say. With him most likely missing the rest of the 2009-10 season, and battling through injuries for much of his career, it's hard to label of where exactly he should be.

I should put him up at where K-Mart is, as being an above-average player. Although statistics are pretty nice and so his size, he does somehow act a bit of a Mr. Softie sometimes (that includes you too Pau Gasol) and seriously just never finishes a season.

For much of his career, he has had stats of about 20 points and ten rebounds for his career. It's all good for Yao, but there is one problem with him, and it's just those nagging injuries that just bother me so much, and even with NBA fans.

2003: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

Okay, so we all know where James is at right now. He is the icon of the NBA (sorry Kobe but I know you are up there too and you know that as well) and is, no doubt, a future Hall-of-Famer. Named MVP last year and just being amazing every game.

With averages of close to 30 points per game, how is it possible that he is even near above-average? He's nothing less than legendary, in my opinion. We all know how this star rolls and I think there is no further point of me explaining anything of him. His actions speaks louder than words so it's best that I don't need to write anything about him.

2004: Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic

Okay, so we all know how this goofball rolls as well. He has lived up to his potential easily as well. First, his team almost had a shot of winning the NBA Finals, and they also destroyed the best team in the NBA (and that's before the Finals) during the Eastern Conference Finals.

Howard is just an amazing player. He is fun to watch on and off the court (seriously). As being an All-Star and a guy who recently won the nickname of Superman about a couple of years ago, he is just another guy who deserved to be the first overall pick of the NBA Draft.

And again, no more explaining about this kid, we all know he rolls.

2005: Andrew Bogut, Milwaukee Bucks

It's hard to tell where Bogut stands in his career. I'd rather just label him as an average player because he's still got a long way to go in his career. He has averaged about twelve points and about nine rebounds in his career, which is pretty good for a young player that is still developing (at least he ain't Adam Morrison).

Bogut still has a lot to prove so I'm just going to let him go at this. Not a bust, not a superstar, just an average dude.

2006: Andrea Bargnani, Toronto Raptors

Bargnani is a kid who right now is an above-average player in which I believe will be a superstar soon. He's an amazing player to watch with his stupendous abilities for his position. He can shoot and rebound, but he's not like every NBA center. His shooting is just too good.

His best season was just last year when he averaged of 15 points and five rebounds per game. He's been doing very well so far and in his short career, and has a very long way to go. Watch out for this kid, he's looking good.

2007: Greg Oden, Portland TrailBlazers

Oden was expected to be a star in the 2007-08 season, but failed to do anything as he was injured for the whole season. Now coming into the 2008-09 season and trying to make a name for himself, he really couldn't do much by averaging about nine points and seven rebounds per game. It was okay as it was pretty much his first year in the NBA.

It is hard to determine where he is at but I'll give him the nod as average. He's a player with a future and let's hope he doesn't ruin it or else it's just going to stink real badly. I just hope he doesn't have a Michael Olowokandi or Kwame Brown future. As for right now, average his destiny.

2008: Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls

Derrick Rose was already a star in high school! He didn't need to go to College but he had to anyways and proved he was already a NBA-caliber player. Just last year in his first ever year in Professional Basketball, he showed the world that he was the boss.

He had averaged about 17 points per game which also earned him Rookie of the Year. And also, this first-year player beat out the veteran in Kirk Hinrich, which is just truly amazing, I must say, but people were expecting it. He also led Chi-Town to the NBA Playoffs but eventually, his Bulls lost to the hot-shot Celtics, 4-3. It was an amazing series, you got to admit it.

I'll have to label as a superstar for right now because everyone knows he's going to have a great future in the NBA. We'll see how it goes.

What's Next?

Blake Griffin recently got drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers as the first overall pick. Hmm, well look back eleven years ago when the Clippers held the number one pick and got Olowokandi. Anything is ringing a bell in your head?

I don't what's at hand for Griffin but I think he might have success. It's a new team, building around with Marcus Camby, Eric Gordon, Baron Davis, and Griffin himself. It's going to be all good LA and we'll see how it goes for B-Griff and company.

Conclusion

Let's take a look at this chart and break it down of all of the players I have mentioned:

Year Player Drafted	Player	Team Drafted By	Labeled As...
1998	Michael Olowokandi	Los Angeles Clippers	Bust
1999	Elton Brand	Chicago Bulls	Superstar
2000	Kenyon Martin	New Jersey Nets	Above-Average Player
2001	Kwame Brown	Washington Wizards	Bust
2002	Yao Ming	Houston Rockets	Above-Average Player
2003	LeBron James	Cleveland Cavaliers	Superstar
2004	Dwight Howard	Orlando Magic	Superstar
2005	Andrew Bogut	Milwaukee Bucks	Average Player
2006	Andrea Bargnani	Toronto Raptors	Above-Average Player
2007	Greg Oden	Portland TrailBlazers	Average Player
2008	Derrick Rose	Chicago Bulls	Superstar

Two players were named busts, two players were chosen as average, three players were selected above-average and four players have been proclaimed superstars. These are the players from the last decade and I have analyzed as much data as I could get.

I'd like to thank Basketball-Reference.com for the statistics and Wikipedia for labeling a chart of first-round picks. The chart above was made by myself.

As I have observed, ten percent of the players were busts and averages, about 15 percent of the players were above averages and 25 percent of the players were named superstars. Where will Blake Griffin stand? We'll find out in 2010.

Time will come to determine if these players calibers may have changed as well. Griffin has a good chance of being a superstar as most of the players on this list were. Time will tell, as I have said, of where Griffin stands.

I'll just have to wait, and of course, so will all of you.

NBA Talk: Mavs, Forget Gortat, It's Time To Go For Lamar Odom

Josh Dhani — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 06:08:53 -0400

Well well well, looks the Mavs just lost out on two players they were going to have: Marcin Gortat and Brandon Bass.

The Orlando Magic retained Gortat by matching the $34M offer. I'm sorry, but I have to say that's a bad deal for ORLANDO! You hear that Magic fans! Yeah, that's right, I said it and you read it. Why re-sign someone for more than $30M even though he is going to back up Superman and only play about ten minutes per game.

Yeah, I know, pretty outrageous, huh (dang, a lot of commas there in that sentence for only like six words, don't you agree. Oh whoops, got to get back to the story I'm talking about, don't want to be blabbing about punctuation. On to the story!).

But hey, forget Mo-Go. There's a lot of better players. Sure, he could fill in for the aging Erick Dampier but seriously, there are a lot of better players besides some guy who know one really knows of how capable he is of being a starter for an 82-game season.

And besides, you could get a kid like Nate Robinson, who I heard may be going to the Olmypiakos with Josh Childress. It's time for him to stay in the NBA, not to some place across the seas.

But someone is going to get him, and I really don't think the Mavs may be going for a guy like Krypto-Nate, but there is someone who sticks out of Nate and many other free agents who may have a future with Dallas.

You all probably know who it is by now, if you read the title. It's Lamar Odom. Don't say that "Odom won't fit with Dallas" or stuff like that because he will. And Mark Cuban told NBATV that he'd love to have Odom on the squad.

He's not going to come back to Los Angeles, that's for sure. Check out the articles from the Los Angeles Times and the Los Angeles Daily News, because they say that Odom and the Lakers aren't agreeing with anything.

So back to Mr. Hot Show in Dallas. Mavs already got Shawn Marion, they can settle for one more player and not to do a fat trade involving four teams and eight players. The Mavericks can get Odom easily.

And I am here to break down of what will happen if this kid goes to big D, because that's probably his last stop this off-season.

You all know what this is, it is the world famous series we all call the NBA Talk!

You have to admit, Odom looks good in a Dallas Mavs jersey with that big fat number seven plastered on the jersey. And also, think of how great it would make the lineup and roster look like if he came to Dallas.

Like many of my articles involving players going to different teams, here's where Odom and many other players stand in the lineup of the Dallas Mavericks:

PG: Jason Kidd

SG: Josh Howard/Jason Terry

SF: Shawn Marion

PF: Dirk Nowitzki/Lamar Odom

C: Erick Dampier

But hey, you probably might be wondering that maybe it won't look good with Odom at the power forward spot with Dirky. Well we could switch it up a little with Odom going at small forward with Shawn Marion.

And you also might be wondering that why the heck is Josh Howard at the shooting guard spot? Well, where else would he be? He deserves to be on the starting lineup and I believe it's a good fit with him at the spot I put in those bold letters up there for the "SG" spot.

It does look dangerous, I already know. Odom to the Mavs, yep, it looks real good. I think we may actually be seeing Odom and the Mavericks agreeing on both cylinders which will create a deal that'll be buzzing on ESPN.

We then see John Hollinger writing his analysis for ESPN Insider, but guess what, there's no point because I got it all (no disrespect John, but you do know we have the same idea if Odom went to the Mavs and if we analyze the data, you'll pretty much be writing my article. Again, no disrespect man, keep up the great writing!)

So you see where we are probably at by now. It's all good right now.

Odom can fit well at power forward and small forward because it'll be dangerous on both sides as he'll be acting like a power forward at the small forward spot, which creates problem for the other small forward, and then it's pretty much the other way around at the power forward spot as he acts like a small forward because he'll be jacking up three-pointers (and yes, they'll be made) which would be hard for other power forwards to stop (dang, that was all one sentence!).

So you get where I am going, don't you (hope so)? The Mavericks are still on top as one of the dangerous teams in the Western Conference, let's see if they can be the best with the signing of Odom.

Sorry Ron Artest, but you to LA will be just as same with Odom to the Mavs. So you two guys are pretty much even right now. So with that said, Mavericks and the Lakers will contend in the Wild West to prove who is the best.

And maybe the Mavs will be the one to be the best of the rest.

NBA Talk: Raptors Get Turk, Celebrate All You Want, No Success Next Year

Josh Dhani — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 04:16:55 -0400

NBA player Hedo Turkoglu, who recently opted out of a contract with the Orlando Magic, says that he is going to play for the Toronto Raptors deciding against signing with the Portland Trail Blazers, which was reported as recently as Friday.

"Yipee!" will be heard from many fans of the Raptors. But the cries of happiness will be wasted. I believe there is no point "Yipee-ing," because the Raptors are not going to be successful next year.

Why? I'll tell you why.

This is the talk. The NBA talk that is.

"Portland did everything we asked them to do, and they would be justified if they feel aggrieved. He [Hedo Turkoglu] simply decided Toronto was a better fit," said Turkoglu's agent, Len Bobby.

ESPN.com said that Turk looks to make $53M on a five-year contract.

One of Turkoglu's suspected reasons for choosing Toronto was the Turkish population in the Canadian city. Turkoglu also had wanted to stay in the Eastern Conference, as he'd love to play against his former team, who just added Vince Carter via trade.

Although on paper, the Raptors look like they could easily compete, I believe there is a very slim chance of Anthony Parker and Shawn Marion coming back to play for the Raptors.

ESPN.com shows a story that Toronto and Shawn Marion are moving farther apart from a deal. As I was looking at ESPN's Anthony Parker profile, it showed in the status note that with Turkoglu in, Parker may not be coming back as well.

Probably the only person that maybe coming back that ESPN mentioned out of these three players is Carlos Defino who averaged nine points per game last year with Toronto.

Defino looks to start at shooting guard this year which makes the likelihood of Turkoglu coming in at small forward higher. Here's what the depth chart may look like coming into next year:

PG: Jose Calderon

SG: Carlos Defino/DeMar DeRozan

SF: Hedo Turkoglu

PF: Chris Bosh

C: Andrea Bargnani

It looks pretty good but I just don't expect Toronto be successful. Sure, it's a good lineup but the Raptors' bench may not be strong enough to get them to the postseason.

It is a nice one-two punch with Turk and Bosh, but seriously, this may be Bosh's last year in Toronto. If the Raptors fall out of contention early, Bosh could easily be traded before the deadline.

The backups on Toronto's roster average no more than about five points per game. Look for Bosh and Turk to be playing more minutes this year than usual.

Sure, the stats will probably be much higher as Turkoglu may be the face of the team now that Bosh probably might not claim the title anymore. But here's the thing, Toronto probably may just end up like the Cavs last year if they make the playoffs.

They make the playoffs next year, but that's it. They may not even pass the first round, or to put it in another way, there is no playoff title for next year at all. With the stars Toronto has had in the past, none of them have been successful enough to lead their team to the postseason.

Sure, a little help from their first-round draft pick DeMar DeRozan can help, but for this year?

Hell no.

And look at the teams they'll have to face next year in their division: Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, and New York Knicks. If Toronto was only one game better than New York this year, and the Knicks could be a better team this year as well, how can Toronto pass any of the other teams in the conference.

They'll suffer some painful losses from the Boston Celtics, I can tell you that, because they'll destroy the Raptors. It'll just be Turkoglu and Bosh against all. And with the same solid players they had last year, there was no success.

How can they have success this year with not as many solid players (count that two)?

It'll be near impossible for the Raptors to be successful next year. Look for the 2010-11 season to be even worse as I bet Bosh will be gone by then.

The Raptors are looking at a long road ahead, and Hedo Turkoglu is just the start of the hell in making.

NBA Talk: All Of You Shut Up! The Cavaliers Are the Answer For A.I.

Josh Dhani — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 02:32:58 -0400

I have been hearing many rumors about Allen Iverson.

One is that he may go to the Memphis Grizzlies to form an attack team with Rudy Gay and O.J. Mayo. I believe this can happen.

The Grizzlies need a guy like A.I.

Then there were talks about him going to the San Antonio Spurs.

You serious?

It would be crazy but I really wouldn't expect that happening. It just won't look right and it seems to me that San Antonio is more interested in Rasheed Wallace than that six-foot point guard.

Then here comes everyone blabbing about Allen Iverson to the Charlotte Bobcats. I heard one of the best NBA writers I have ever seen, D. Michael Lee, saying it can happen. But c'mon, with Larry Brown? Are you nuts?

I believe you are.

I would love to see him with the Indiana Pacers, it's not going to happen, not at all. If they didn't draft A.J. Price, a little chance they might get A.I., but it's for sure Indy isn't looking at him. And if they did, they won't be looking at him for long.

So then here comes the last rumor. When I posted one of my Allen Iverson articles (a Big NBA News one), one of the guys said that he should go the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat.

There were talks heating up rapidly of this rumor coming to life. I definitely can see A.I. coming to Miami to play for the Heat or traveling to Cleveland to play for the Cavaliers.

But which one should A.I. choose? Both teams definitely look like championship teams next year that Iverson can actually win a ring with. But which team.

The Heat are still rebuilding. The Shaq trade made some trouble because Shawn Marion was a waste.

Sure, A.I. can help out Mario Chalmers but isn't that way Dwayne Wade is there as well? Sure, both superstars in together with Wade and A.I., well take a look at 'Melo and A.I. about one or two years ago.

You know what I am saying.

But then here comes A.I. to Cleveland. It'll finally be no LeBron all day. And with A.I. on the Cavs, wouldn't that just be the best thing Cleveland can get. The point guard attack of Mo Williams and Allen Iverson will evolve, quickly.

So what do you say? I think A.I. should go to Cleveland.

I agree, it is also Dwayne Wade all the time with the Heat but I think Michael Beasley and Mario Chalmers are really improving. A lot of other guys are pitching in as well and I think Wade is all good.

As for the Cavs, it's a different story. And that is why I am here to tell you Allen Iverson should go the Cavaliers. It looks like a perfect fit so here we go.

This is the talk, the NBA talk that is.

So Allen Iverson...to the Cavaliers. To the Cavaliers, am I serious? Oh heck yeah, I literally am serious and you should agree as well. If you are saying A.I. doesn't look like a great fit, what about Ron Artest to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Doesn't that look a little weird?

Yes, it most certainly does but we can all see why he is there. No Trevor Ariza. And Artest can make a huge difference in LA and it can make Los Angeles a very dangerous team coming into next year, and also, of course, the team to beat for next year.

In this recent NBA Playoffs, the Cavaliers were the team to beat. Many people believed they had the NBA Finals trophy already. They faced the Detroit Pistons. Out, easily. Then the Atlanta Hawks. Out, easier.

Then came Orlando: Cleveland's out, easily.

But wait, is there something wrong with that sentence above this one? That's what many NBA fans believed as well. Looks like ClevelandFrowns.com is frowning even more.

And during all of those games in the NBA Playoffs that the Cavs played in, it was all LeBron James in every single one of them. Mo Williams couldn't help. Neither could Ben Wallace. Nobody. Not even "The Big Z."

It was all LeBron, all day. The King. All day, every day. Nobody else.

So it brings me to this point. The Cavaliers need Iverson. If Iverson is in, the line-up will most probably look like this:

PG: Mo Williams/Allen Iverson/Daniel Gibson

SG: Delonte West/Tarence Kinsley

SF: LeBron James

PF: Anderson Varejao

C: Shaquille O'Neal/Zydrunas Ilgauskas

It does look like a pretty solid lineup. But the front three is going to make a enormous difference.

It'll be a crazy attack with the point guards with some good defense from Mo Williams, spectacular shots from Allen Iverson, and all-you-can-get from Daniel Gibson.

In the shooting guard section, you have Delonte West attack with his passing and consistent shooting (questionable, actually), and with Tarence Kinsley doing what he does.

And we all know what's with the small forward. LeBron, all day and every day. The King. We all know what LeBron can do. He will attack you no matter where he is.

And how about the big guys?

I really don't like Anderson Varejao, he just plain sucks to me. I have seen him play for a long time and all I see is that he isn't tough. On Yahoo! Sports, an article showed of Varejao and LeBron James with their shirts off.

Varejao's body was flat, LeBron's: all buffed up.

So I think I might have to scratch up the lineup a bit as it would be nice if "The Big Z" was at power forward and Shaq at center. That would be very dominant. You won't be seeing many rebounds from the opponents the Cavs face!

See how everything works out?

With Allen Iverson in, it makes a huge difference. One little player, making one giant leap for a team. It doesn't look right but it is. It actually is! Iverson can change the whole completion of a game when he is on the court.

Sure, many of you people have said Iverson is stats guy, not a winning guy. But c'mon, he did lead his Sixers to the NBA Finals be himself, but eventually losing. And that happened exactly to LeBron James a couple of years ago.

And with both of them teaming up, it's going to be a major hell for many opponents. It fits perfectly.

Both of these guys deserve a ring and with them teaming up together, a ring may be coming there way.

NBA Talk: Plans Change in Detroit with Villanueva and Gordon Added

Josh Dhani — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:44:38 -0400

We all remember the heartbreaking move for Detroit when they sent Chauncey Billups to the Denver Nuggets while Detroit brought in Allen Iverson. It wasn't good for the Pistons, as they got destroyed in the playoffs.

Then here they are with Iverson gone and Rasheed Wallace aging a bit. And Richard "Rip" Hamilton can't do everything by himself. How can Detroit survive? I'll tell you why.

With two standout adds of Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva, the Pistons look like a viperous team coming into the 2009-10 season, as they look to strangle their opponents.

And another good thing is that they haven't reached 30 yet, as they are both in there mid-20s, which is acceptable for this offense.

Bringing in Gordon really helps out Rip and Rodney Stuckey, being the "sixth man" of the group. Gordon makes a monumental difference towards the squad. It'll look like the "good ol' days" when it was Isaiah Thomas, Vinnie Johnson, and Joe Dumars.

Now we know how Gordon can help, how the heck will Villanueva end up? I'll tell you how.

Villanueva helps replace Rasheed Wallace, who reportedly has received some pretty big attraction from the Boston Celtics, and according to ESPN.com, some appeal from the San Antonio Spurs.

Although Villanueva is probably better shooter, there is absolutely no way he can reinstate the defensive intelligence of Sheed. But besides that, the Pistons were built to be a younger and stronger team.

Wallace, I know, is the heart and soul of the Detroit Pistons, but he has to go and it looks he will...to the C's.

Many people were also lingering for the trade of Kwame Brown and Jason Maxiell to the New Orleans Hornets for Tyson Chandler and Julian Wright, but c'mon: Aren't Gordon and Villanueva better?

The Pistons look to be a powerhouse team and can be a threat in the Central Conference. But it's going to be a tougher division as the Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks join the mix as both teams are dying for playoff-spot.

With Ben Gordon, Charlie Villanueva, Rip Hamilton, Rodney Stuckey, and Tayshaun Prince leading the Pistons, they can be that team they were: a furious one.

And Gordon and Villanueva are the first step in the progress.

Big NBA News: Feat. Josh Childress (Iverson Going For Memphis?)

Josh Dhani — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:54:58 -0400

Hello, and welcome to another edition of Big NBA News. We got some good stuff in for us today so let’s go. These are some pretty big rumors and I really do think these are the ones you definitely don’t want to miss!

Cavaliers at Hawks - Game 3" width="234" height="334" />

Mike Bibby

Atlanta Hawks point guard was given some rumors that he may go to Philadelphia to play for the Sixers.

But Sixers fans, you might want to stop cheering and put your hands down. The Sixers aren’t interested in Bibby, according to the Inquirer.

But heck, it would be real nice for Philly to get him. But as for right now, he’s chilling in Atlanta.

He is also looking to bring the Hawks to the playoffs again and hopefully passing the second round and not getting killed by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

My bad, Atlanta. Sorry for bringing back bad memories.

Ricky Rubio

Jeez Ricky!

I really don’t understand what’s the point of him coming to the NBA after reading this about him going back to Spainto play professionally for two more years!

But it won’t matter because if he wants to return to the NBA, the Timberwolves still hold the rights to him. So Ricky, it really doesn’t matter if you don’t want to play for Minny, just try to make the best of it, okay?

Nah, he won’t.

Hedo Turkoglu

Hedo Turkoglu, he recently opted out of his contract with the Orlando Magic, shouldn’t be really happy right now.

The Toronto Raptors were about to give him a $60M contract but they decided not to, according to The Star.

We’ll see what happens, maybe Toronto be decide to again. And teams going for a bid?

As of right now, not many. Sorry, Hedo. Want to go back to Orlando? Nah, I really think he doesn’t. Let him wait, he’ll get the deal and the team he wants.

New Orleans Hornets

The Times-Picayune reports that the New Orleans Hornets are deciding to acquire the following free agents:

Mikki Moore (right)
Maceo Boston
Jake Voskuhl

ESPN.com reports that the Hornets are also taking a look at former-Hornet, Brandon Bass.

Let’s see who they pick because all of the players look interesting to me. Moore might fit well.

I don’t know who to pick, it’ll be a tough decision. But hey, why not , sign them all. But nah, it’ll probably be a not-so-smart idea.

Josh Childress

The Journal Times reports that the Milwaukee Bucks are trying out Josh Childress, who the last NBA team he played with was the Atlanta Hawks after moving to the Olympioacos.

Childress has been called by many NBA teams, and he does look like he can fit nicely with the team after that trade that sent Richard Jefferson to the San Antonio Spurs.

Pistons at Hornets" width="420" height="598" />

Here is the biggest news of the day! Now that I have made a new website called MemphisBlueBears.com, a site about the Memphis Grizzlies (I am a bigger Indiana Pacers fan, though, of course), I know have to write some Grizzlies news.

Well, Allen Iverson announced that he wanted to play for the Memphis Grizzlies, ESPN reports. Here’s what Iverson said on his Twitter:

“I’m a free agent, healthy again, and capable of signing with any team. My only preference will be [is] to play for a coach that knows what I bring to the table and that I am going to bring it every night! Someone who best knows how to utilize my skills to make our team the very best it can be. For those of you who thought I was done, think again.”

Whew, A.I. had a lot to say there to all of his fans on Twitter (more than 16,000 to be exact, dang!). Let’s see how everything turns out.

He looks good with the Grizzlies as a new “Big Three” may approach with him, Rudy Gay, and O.J. Mayo. Now that would be nice. We’ll see how it turns out, as of right now, Iverson is probably chilling (and why wouldn’t he?).

NBA Talk: Samuel Dalembert to the Charlotte Bobcats?

Josh Dhani — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:27:49 -0400

Philly.com reports that Philadelphia 76ers center Samuel Dalembert and the 76ers' 17th overall pick in this year's NBA Draft could be sent to the Charlotte Bobcats for power forward Vladimir Randmanovic, center Nazr Mohammad, and the Bobcats' 12th overall pick in the NBA Draft.

Finish this article at NBATipoff.com

Colts Talk: Is Pierre Garcon What Indianapolis Is Looking For at The Slot?

Josh Dhani — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:06:56 -0400

After reading from a popular blog called The Colts Corner, I read an article about the Colts questions and answers. One question asked by Bryan Brackney, the owner of the site, was who will be the surprise player for Indianapolis coming into the 2009-10 season?

Well, Bryan answered that the person who will be the surprise player is in the title above: Pierre Garcon. As Bryan observed, Garcon has been doing well at training camp and the Colts look to put him at punt/kick returner as well as the slot receiver.

That brought me to something; is Pierre Garcon the answer for the Colts at the slot position? This is what the Indianapolis Colts are apparently talking about.

Well, as of right now, I received an email on June 21. And I just couldn't believe who it was: Pierre Garcon. I asked Pierre a couple of months ago if he and I can hook up for an interview as I contacted him at his website, and he said yes.

But just because I am going to interview him, that doesn't mean I want him to be the guy to take over at the slot position. Sure, many people have been arguing that Roy Hall and Austin Collie should be the guys.

Some people are even considering Taj Smith as a canidate to fill the position, but I believe he'll make the practice squad.

However, I do believe that Garcon is just the perfect choice. Colts fan have seen him play last year in the 2008-09 season and he was pretty good. He was capable of being a starting kick/punt returner but he wasn't there in all of the games.

The Colts switched most of the time.

Last year, it was a mix between many players, mostly with Najeh Davenport and Garcon himself. But Garcon isn't just the receiver for the kick/punt return, although I highly believe that Garcon will earn that spot.

So now that we know that Garcon is going to pursue the spot in the return, people are wondering if he can handle being the slot receiver. It's going to be tough for Reggie Wayne and Anthony Gonzalez taking everything, yet, the Colts also have a key player in Dallas Clark.

But by saying that, Clark can't handle it all the time as well and we have seen him in the slot position at times. But the Colts are opening up younger guys and that's why there is an opportunity in the hands of Garcon.

In Week Three of the preseason last year against the Atlanta Falcons, a highlight was shown of Jared Lorenzen lobbing a 60-yard bomb to the left of the field where Pierre Garcon was being covered by what appeared to be two or three guys.

As I witnessed this, in what I call an underrated play, Garcon leaped over all of the defenders and caught the pigskin that landed right into his hands. It was one of the most exciting plays I have seen, especially from a receiver like Garcon.

In the 2008-09 season, Garcon only caught four passes for 23 yards.

Sure, it isn't what is expected as very good, but hey, many fourth-string or lower receivers in the depth chart never really get the popular stats people think with the strong passing offense of the Colts.

I think Garcon can do something with the Colts this year. He told me he is long waiting for a touchdown and I believe if he wins this slot position this year, the fans won't be disappointed.

Not one bit.

Can the Bills Launch a Rushing Attack with Rhodes, Jackson, and Lynch?

Josh Dhani — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:35:21 -0400

The Bills were doing well in the 2008-09 season as both of their running backs ran for over 570 rushing yards.

Star, Marshawn Lynch, had 1,036 rushing yards as well as eight touchdowns with a 4.1 yards per-carry average. It was his second straight year with 1,000 rushing yards or more and he was developing into the franchise's main back.

But the Bills couldn't use Lynch all the time. That's why they still had Fred Jackson, and his best season was during the 2008-09 season when he ran for 571 yards and three touchdowns. He also had a 4.4 yards per-carry average.

Now the Bills are here into a new year and looking to improve further.

With the law having their way with Marshawn Lynch, he was suspended for the first three games of the new NFL season. With a valuable and underrated running back left in free agency, the Bills brought him in and his name was Dominic Rhodes.

With that said, Fred Jackson and Dominic Rhodes were going to carry the load with the first three games of the season. But with Lynch back in Week Four, do the Bills have a three-way rushing attack now?

I believe they do.

However, can the Bills' O-Line improve as well? Not a problem. I think the Bills can actually be satisfied with three solid running backs carrying the load.

And of course, Marshawn Lynch will lead the way and will probably harder than ever after his arrest and his suspension as well as he may be a little behind from D-Rhodes and Fred Jackson.

And with the Bills having a pretty good passing attack with Trent Edwards throwing to Lee Evans and Terrell Owens (and possibly the 6'7" James Hardy if he improves), I think Buffalo can be very dangerous this year.

With a rushing attack and passing attack, I think the Bills are up top in the AFC East, hopefully edging out the New York Jets, New England Patriots, and Miami Dolphins.

But however, all those teams have rushing attacks and passing attacks as well, it's going to be a tough war between all of these four teams.

But if the Bills are successful this year with their passing attack, the rushing attack will dominate. And if the defense can be a success as well, I think the Bills can edge out those teams.

We'll see. Just wait and see.

Josh Dhani is a writer for NFLGridironGab.com and ProFootballCentral.com.