The trade deadline has passed today at 3pm, so let's take some time to review the big name trades that have come to fruition over the past few weeks. The western conference has been having an arms race to see who is top dog and prepare themselves for the post season. I'll start things off with the "Big Acquisition", aka Shaquille O'Neal:
After watching last night’s game when the Phoenix Suns battled the L.A. Lakers in the debut of the big fella, the Suns were missing Shawn Marion. Yes, Shaq had a decent game scoring 15 points and collecting 9 rebounds and his presence opened things up for others, resulting in a 37 point 15 rebound performance for Amare Stoudamire. However the Suns gave up 35 points in the fourth quarter in route to a 130-126 loss. The Suns brought in Shaq to rebound, block shots and play defense and at this stage of his career that is not what he is equipped to do. The Suns will not make it to the NBA finals, as the window of opportunity will continue to close on their hopes for a championship.
Jason Kidd to Dallas:
This was an excellent trade for New Jersey, but for Dallas.... not so much. Bringing in a new point guard at this point in the season is like bringing in a new Quarterback to your football team at week 10. It will require a bit of time for all parties to become acclimated with each other and get used to how everyone plays. Jason Kidd is one of the best point guards of his era and he will definitely makes life easier for Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry, and Josh Howard, but it will be his defense that will be his undoing. In the playoffs, defense is what matters. Teams that run up and down the court, and run people out of the building in the regular season, magically cannot do that come playoff time. Jason Kidd was once a great defensive player, but at 34 years old he is going to need help playing against the point guards out west. This was proven in Kidd's debut when Chris Paul went off for 31 points, 11 assists, 9 steals, and 5 rebounds. It won't get any easier for Kidd, he will play against other point guards like Baron Davis, Deron Williams, Steve Nash, and Tony Parker. Devin Harris, who was traded to New Jersey had the youth and foot speed to match up against all of those players. Dallas also sent DeSagana Diop to New Jersey, which is another player they need in the playoffs. His presence will be missed when the Mavericks will need someone to bang with Tim Duncan, Shaquille O'Neal, and Pau Gasol. The pressure will be on Dirk to help in that category, and that is something he does not want to do, and is not capable of doing. Dirk is a finesse player and cannot hang with the true big men of the NBA.
Pau Gasol to LA:
This was more like grand theft than it was a trade. The Lakers sent off Kwame Brown to Memphis and got back a star. Pau Gasol has made the Lakers one of the favorites to make the NBA finals. With him, the Lakers now have a front court of three seven footers in Gasol, Andrew Bynum, and Lamar Odom (ok, Odom is just 6'11" but I'll count it). Kobe Bryant said everyday is like Christmas after previously demanding to be traded. The Lakers are 6-1 since the acquisition of Gasol, and as long as Kobe Bryant's finger holds up, we could very well see them hoisting the O'Brien trophy at seasons end. This trade sent the entire western conference into a panic. If it were not for this trade, the Dallas and Phoenix trades would never have happened. With this one move, the Lakers have forced everyone else to play catch up.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Really Roger???
After watching the hearings with Brian Mcnamee and Roger Clemens it becomes obvious that there is no innocent party. It is true that Mcnamee was not truthful in earlier proceedings. It is true that we are talking about someone who illegally obtained, distributed, and administered steroids and HGH to athletes he trained. However, most of those lies were to protect Roger Clemens, and he is a small fish in a large pond when it comes to the HGH and steroids distribution. It is also true that some of the people injected by Mcnamee are close friend and teammate of Clemens, Andy Pettitte along with Clemens’ wife and Chuck Knoblauch. The only doubt seems to be about round of golf, and parties at which Clemens may or may not have been. Aside from that, Knoblauch and Pettitte are backing what Mcnamee has said. This is of particular importance because of Pettitte's relationship with Roger Clemens. Pettitte grew up idolizing Clemens and ended up become great friends with him during their time together in New York and Houston. This is someone who would be one of the last people he would ever want to defraud. However, Pettitte submitted a sworn affidavit saying that Clemens spoke with him about taking HGH. This is the smoking gun. A person with nothing but his conscience to fear speaks out against his hero. When Clemens was asked why Pettitte would say these things if they were not true Clemens responded, "I believe he misremembers". Really? Really?? That’s the explanation we get? That is not even a word! What’s worse is Clemens said on three separate occasions that Pettitte "misremembers". That goes in the same category with words like "chalant" and "irregardless". Clemens tried to bully around congress the same way he bullied around hitters. At one point attempting to argue with one of the congressmen, which then drew the gavel being slammed down to maintain order. After which Clemens was reminded that this was not his place to argue. The next step the federal government will take is to try to convict Roger Clemens on perjury charges. However perjury is going to be tough to prove, and Clemens has the resources to be able to fight hard enough to create reasonable doubt and escape jail time. I do expect that when the dust settles, Clemens will try to be incognito, and try to stay out of the public eye. It is a shame to see someone once high and mighty fall so fast and violently.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Diesel Heading to the Desert
It's official, Shaquille O'Neal is heading to Phoenix to join the Suns. This was a surprising move, but one that was made in response to the Lakers trading for Pau Gasol. The word was that the Dallas Mavericks were trying to put together a package to acquire the services of the aging center. However, the Suns got word of this and put together a trade package of their own. They decided to send SF Shawn Marion and PG Marcus Banks to south beach for the big fella. This is definitely a high risk, high reward move for the Suns. They already have the best record in the Western Conference, and sending off one of their core players is questionable at best. However, Suns General Manager Steve Kerr is thinking the Diesel just needs a change of scenery and a chance for another title to get Shaq's motor going strong once again. This season, Shaq is averaging 14 points and eight rebounds per game when he is healthy. Health seems to be the biggest question mark in this deal. If he is indeed healthy, can Mike D'Antoni get Shaq motivated? This year Shaq has been playing on arguably the NBA's worst team, so it is hard to get motivated to play and play hard when there is nothing to play for. Also, now that he is back out west, he will get another chance to stick it to the Lakers and Kobe Bryant. Playing for the Suns, there is a realistic chance the Lakers and Suns will meet in the Playoffs. Those playoffs are exactly the reason Shaq is still playing. At this point in his career, he is paying for championships and it became clear that was no longer a possibility in Miami. So, Shaq is be no means disappointed to be heading back out west.
On the other side of the equation, Shawn Marion is happy to be leaving Phoenix. After hearing his name in numerous trade rumors over the past few years he became tired of it and demanded a trade at the beginning of this season. This is a fantastic move from the Heat's point of view. Although the Heat are too far behind in the standings to make a playoff push this year, now that they no longer have Shaq's twenty million per year contract, they are poised to make moves starting this off season. Shawn Marion can opt out of his contract at seasons end if he so chooses, which would make the Heat an immediate candidate to add a big name free agent. The Heat also should have a top five pick in this year's draft where they can add a player to make an immediate impact (perhaps one of the diaper dandies such as Kansas State Forward Micheal Beasley or Memphis Point Guard Derrick Rose). Even if Shawn Marion decides he wants to stay in a Heat uniform next season, that is good news for the Heat. Marion is one of the leagues most versatile players. He can score, rebound, defend, and can play four of the five positions on the floor. Having him on the floor will turn the Heat into more of a fast pace running team, and he and Dwayne Wade will mesh well together. Dwayne Wade has been trying to do it all himself this year, and he finally has a reliable All Star caliber player to play along side him. Also, by getting Marcus Banks out of this deal , it will ease the transition from Jason Williams since his contract is expiring and is not expected to be retained. This is a win-win for the Heat, and has brought a silver lining to the cloud that has been hanging over this season.
On the other side of the equation, Shawn Marion is happy to be leaving Phoenix. After hearing his name in numerous trade rumors over the past few years he became tired of it and demanded a trade at the beginning of this season. This is a fantastic move from the Heat's point of view. Although the Heat are too far behind in the standings to make a playoff push this year, now that they no longer have Shaq's twenty million per year contract, they are poised to make moves starting this off season. Shawn Marion can opt out of his contract at seasons end if he so chooses, which would make the Heat an immediate candidate to add a big name free agent. The Heat also should have a top five pick in this year's draft where they can add a player to make an immediate impact (perhaps one of the diaper dandies such as Kansas State Forward Micheal Beasley or Memphis Point Guard Derrick Rose). Even if Shawn Marion decides he wants to stay in a Heat uniform next season, that is good news for the Heat. Marion is one of the leagues most versatile players. He can score, rebound, defend, and can play four of the five positions on the floor. Having him on the floor will turn the Heat into more of a fast pace running team, and he and Dwayne Wade will mesh well together. Dwayne Wade has been trying to do it all himself this year, and he finally has a reliable All Star caliber player to play along side him. Also, by getting Marcus Banks out of this deal , it will ease the transition from Jason Williams since his contract is expiring and is not expected to be retained. This is a win-win for the Heat, and has brought a silver lining to the cloud that has been hanging over this season.
Monday, February 4, 2008
A Letter to the Giants...
Dear Giants,
I would first like to say congrats on the big win yesterday. During that game, you proved the critics wrong. You were able to show that the Patriots are indeed human. You did it by proving the age old mantra true, "defense wins championships". Tom Brady could do nothing with your front seven harassing and beating him up all game long to the tune of five sacks. You were able to even rattle Bill Belichick. He was forced into making questionable decisions, like the decision to go for it on a fourth and thirteen instead of kick a 48 yard field goal. The play calling all night was effected. Tom Brady threw nearly fifty passes and the running game was non existent. The Pats had been winning in the playoffs by running the ball, and your defense set the tone and had the unstoppable looking like the unreasonable. Let's not forget about your offense. Eli Manning realized his potential in this game. When he was under duress, he eluded pass rushers and completed passes. I will never forget the pass he threw to David Tyree after it looked as though the Patriots had him in their grasp. Brandon Jacobs, although did not have a great game statistically, came up with a fourth and one conversion to keep the game winning drive alive. Then Plaxico Buress put the double move on a cornerback, and makes an easy target for Manning to find in the end zone. But it wasn’t over yet, Tom Brady had 35 seconds, and three timeouts. This was exactly what Brady is known for. He has ice in his veins, and he was poised and ready to come down the field and win his fourth Super Bowl. Not this time, you were able to make four straight stops to secure the victory. You violently threw the Pats out of the '72 Dolphins undefeated neighborhood. You brought smiles to the faces of many New Yorkers, but smiles were also had by south Floridians. I have never been so excited to be proved wrong in my weekly prediction. What a great win for you New York, thanks for the memories.
Sincerely,
Derek J. Segaloff
I would first like to say congrats on the big win yesterday. During that game, you proved the critics wrong. You were able to show that the Patriots are indeed human. You did it by proving the age old mantra true, "defense wins championships". Tom Brady could do nothing with your front seven harassing and beating him up all game long to the tune of five sacks. You were able to even rattle Bill Belichick. He was forced into making questionable decisions, like the decision to go for it on a fourth and thirteen instead of kick a 48 yard field goal. The play calling all night was effected. Tom Brady threw nearly fifty passes and the running game was non existent. The Pats had been winning in the playoffs by running the ball, and your defense set the tone and had the unstoppable looking like the unreasonable. Let's not forget about your offense. Eli Manning realized his potential in this game. When he was under duress, he eluded pass rushers and completed passes. I will never forget the pass he threw to David Tyree after it looked as though the Patriots had him in their grasp. Brandon Jacobs, although did not have a great game statistically, came up with a fourth and one conversion to keep the game winning drive alive. Then Plaxico Buress put the double move on a cornerback, and makes an easy target for Manning to find in the end zone. But it wasn’t over yet, Tom Brady had 35 seconds, and three timeouts. This was exactly what Brady is known for. He has ice in his veins, and he was poised and ready to come down the field and win his fourth Super Bowl. Not this time, you were able to make four straight stops to secure the victory. You violently threw the Pats out of the '72 Dolphins undefeated neighborhood. You brought smiles to the faces of many New Yorkers, but smiles were also had by south Floridians. I have never been so excited to be proved wrong in my weekly prediction. What a great win for you New York, thanks for the memories.
Sincerely,
Derek J. Segaloff
Friday, February 1, 2008
Super Bowl
It all comes down to one last Sunday. It is the best of times for football and it is the worst of times. The greatest spectacle of American sports today also signifies the end of the 07-08 season. There was a lot to talk about this season. It was filled with surprises, starting with the Cleveland Browns finally looking like they are on their way to being a good football team, Brett Favre having an amazing season at 37 years old, and of course the New England Patriots going for the second perfect season in NFL history (the first since the 16 game schedule) and "spygate". Before we get into what a great season the Pats are having, let's first have a look at the New York Giants. Before the season started, there were questions on how the team would respond after losing RB Tiki Barber to retirement and if Michael Strahan would even return to the field after missing all training camp contemplating retirement. There was definitely some talent still in NY, but only time would tell how good the Giants could truly be. When the Giants got into the playoffs it was said that the Giants were "the worst 10-6" team, and there were not too many believers in what they could accomplish. Eli Manning had another up and down season, his touchdown to interception ratio was an unimpressive 23-20, and had a QB rating of only 73.9. However, Eli has turned into Super-Manning in the playoffs. He has thrown no interceptions, four touchdowns, he is completing 62% of his passes for a QB rating of 99.1. The Giants have had some solid consistencies this season that were key. The pass rush kept them in games and WR Paxico Buress had a stellar season despite having a bum ankle that has kept him out of practices. He had 70 receptions for over 1000 yards and twelve touchdowns, a trend that has continued in the playoffs. He dominated Pro Bowl CB Al Harris in the freezing cold NFC championship game for 11 receptions and 151 yards. Harris and the rest of the Green Bay secondary tried to be physical with him, and he bull dozed, stiff armed, and trampled all over them by using his size to his advantage (6'5" 232 lbs). The Giants have also received an extra spark in the running game by rookie Ahmad Bradshaw, giving them a thunder and lightning combination with Brandon Jacobs that is similar to that of the last time the Giants went to the super bowl (Tiki Barber and Ron Dayne). Tom Coughlin may also have a better chance of keeping up with mastermind Bill Belichick since the both are the products of the Bill Parcells coaching tree.
But let's be real for a second, no one has been able to out-Belichick, Belichick. Last time I checked he has Tom Brady, Randy Moss, and a defense that despite being older has still more than held up its end of the bargain. Randy Moss has had a record setting season, but he is not even the leading receiver on his own team. Wes Welker leads the NFL in receptions this season with 112. In past years, the Patriots have grown a reputation for being versatile on defense. They lined up in unorthodox formations, with blitzers coming from all over the field. This year, its the offense that has proved to be most versatile. During the regular season, the run game was not existent and this was a flaw on the NFL's best team. When playoff time came around, they knew that had to change. Now the Pats are ranked second amongst playoff teams in rushing (the Giants are number one) . Against the Chargers, they went to two and three tight end sets and just let RB Laurence Maroney do his thing, averaging 5.2 yards per carry. Bill Belicheck has an extra week to prepare, and I expect the Pats to have a few things up their sleeves we haven't seen before (maybe Dan Marino will come out of retirement for one play so he can finally get his ring...ha!). All jokes aside, this will be a great super bowl. Plaxico Buress will get his numbers, over a hundred yards, a touchdown or two, but it will not be enough. The boys from Boston will force Eli to make a costly interception, and that spells doom for the G-men. I am looking forward to this high scoring affair, 38-36 New England.
But let's be real for a second, no one has been able to out-Belichick, Belichick. Last time I checked he has Tom Brady, Randy Moss, and a defense that despite being older has still more than held up its end of the bargain. Randy Moss has had a record setting season, but he is not even the leading receiver on his own team. Wes Welker leads the NFL in receptions this season with 112. In past years, the Patriots have grown a reputation for being versatile on defense. They lined up in unorthodox formations, with blitzers coming from all over the field. This year, its the offense that has proved to be most versatile. During the regular season, the run game was not existent and this was a flaw on the NFL's best team. When playoff time came around, they knew that had to change. Now the Pats are ranked second amongst playoff teams in rushing (the Giants are number one) . Against the Chargers, they went to two and three tight end sets and just let RB Laurence Maroney do his thing, averaging 5.2 yards per carry. Bill Belicheck has an extra week to prepare, and I expect the Pats to have a few things up their sleeves we haven't seen before (maybe Dan Marino will come out of retirement for one play so he can finally get his ring...ha!). All jokes aside, this will be a great super bowl. Plaxico Buress will get his numbers, over a hundred yards, a touchdown or two, but it will not be enough. The boys from Boston will force Eli to make a costly interception, and that spells doom for the G-men. I am looking forward to this high scoring affair, 38-36 New England.
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