"Please forgive them, for they know not who they draft"

Let me start by saying that the news of the NBA's wanting to raise the age limit again is absolutely ridiculous. It is an argument based on the intangible measurement of "maturity". A 18 year old is not as ready to play as a 22 year old, so the argument goes. But here is how I see it:

In life you must strike while the iron's hot. When your stock is high, put yourself out there and make the money. Last I checked, this is the United States of America....right? If a person has the skills to perform a job, then spending time in school is a waste of time. Once you've got a High school diploma and graduated with at least decent grades, the world should be your oyster.

I'm a college graduate. And I'm glad for the chance and the education. But if I had the skills then that I have now, I would not have spent the time in college. Don't be fooled by the hippie notion that you go to college to "find yourself". Noone finds themself in college, no more than a person would find themselves outside of college from age 18-22. Life is the only thing that can prepare you for life. People go to college to learn the requisite skills in order to be hired by a company in a certain field. The ones who do well are supposed to make the most money, as compared to those who don't do as well. But if you are better at 18 than the 22 year old guy, why shouldn't you get the job over a 22 year old? Because he's mature?

All the proponents for age limits bring up the mistakes of high-schoolers who couldn't adjust to the real world. But there is evidence all around us, everyday, of supposedly mature people making stupid mistakes.

For example:

Tony Larussa, a 50ish baseball lifer, is sleeping at the wheel of a car stopped at red light. Apparently Larussa had a few drinks that night, wine or whatever.

Scott Spiezio, a long time baseball veteran, was caught driving drunk.

Jim Leyritz. Don't get me started.

PacMan Jones getting arrested every full moon.

Chris Henry getting cut by the Bengals because he can't stay out of trouble.

The Astronaut chick who drove, through like 4 states, in diapers, to go kill her lovers main squeeze.

I can go on and on with older men and women who made stupid decisions. Is anyone calling into question their maturity level? But because the tattoo and corn-row crew want to play ball, there now needs to be some kind of rule to protect them from themselves?

Can someone forward Michelle Wie's High School transcripts to me? Or how about the college courses that Steffi Graf or Monica Seles or Martina Hingis took prior to Wimbledon. How about Federer's?

Some people want the 18 and 19 year olds to stay in college to "learn the systems and become better players". But have any of you watched college basketball lately? The schemes and plays are simple and terrible. The 35 second clock leads to long stretches of inane dribbling. Half the shots taken are threes, and 25% are dunks/layups that are the product of missed assignments. Noone develops a full repetoire in college. It's such a dribble and pull-up game (with a short 3), that you can shoot your way out of deficits on volume alone. College basketball is so different from the NBA, in it's rules and style of play, that it might actually #### a kids growth as a pro.

Besides, what tells you that an 18 year old will be a bigger bust than a 22 year old? The cream will always rise at the pro level. Look at a program like Duke. All these all-americans, yet only Grant Hill, Elton Brand and Luol Deng have become stars in the NBA. The latter two didn't graduate, by the way.

Shane Battier, Mr. Duke, is nowhere near the player he was at Cameron. Sheldon Williams is an absolute bum who spent three years at Duke, yet developed no offensive moves outside of bully your way to the rim. Not surprisingly that hasn't worked for him in the NBA. JJ Redick? Laetner? Trajon Langdon? You think any of the current players will be beasts in the league?

You will get your share of high school players who don't do anything in the NBA, but that is because THAT player wasn't ready.

The truth is the NBA wants to save the General Managers and owners from themselves. After all, noone forces the teams to draft high-schoolers. It is a decision based and what the team needs and the players they feel can fill the roles. If you miss, that's on your scouting, developing and coaching, as well as the player. I hear no consternation when a team drafts a foreign player and he stinks. Can't wait for the ban on Chinese players after Yi doesn't pan out...though I think such a ban will never come.

It's just like when the NBA locked out the players. The main reason was because player salaries went through the roof. Wanna know why the salaries went so high? Because Pat Riley paid P.J. Brown $100 million to be his new Oakley. Because Charlotte gave $85 million to Grandmama LJ with his chronic back issues. The NBA just couldn't stop itself from doling out huge contracts to 1-dimensional players, so Stern had to stop them. Same thing now. The GM's kept screwing up, so the league needs the commish to bail them out before they draft Andrew Bogut Jr.

First off, aren't you glad that Shaq trade hasn't worked out for the Suns? I mean, the pundits were right. The Suns have faded into obscurity, and can't win a ball game. 
Wait a sec, this just in.....the Suns are 0.5 games out of first place in the entire western conference. Maybe........just maybe.........they have gotten their legs under them now after a little adjustment period. They've played well and are doing what they need to do. All those who wrote them off might have done so a tad prematurely. Imagine a team with Shaq and Steve Nash actually making no noise in the NBA world. It seems people were too occupied with.....

The Houston Rockets!

The streak has come to an end, rather shamefully with two blowout losses. The crazy thing is how do you win 22 straight games, lose the Celtic game, and find yourself TIED for first? That just goes to show how strong the West has been and will be going into the Playoffs. The winner is going to be a survivor, but may not have what it tasks to beat the real best team in the NBA.......

The Boston Celtics!

How can the Celtics not be the best team in the league, as well as the favorite to win the ring? How many teams have beaten the Spurs twice, the Rockets, Lakers, Suns, and Pistons twice in one season, some of those games without their best all-around player? Any answers? I'll cue the jeopardy music while I wait....
.......

.......

Seriously, the C's are the best team in the league. They play incredible defense, have 4 scoring options and share the ball really well. They are better than Detroit, hands down. Short of LeBron going absolutely medieval on the Celtics, Boston will represent the East in the Finals....with homecourt advantage.

The Denver Nuggets scored 168 points the other day, which was truly remarkable. But then they turn around and give up 136 to Detroit, who turns around and scores 70 sumthin against Cleveland. 136 for Detroit is the equivalent of giving up 200 points. This means that the Nuggets play not one lick of defense and will not make the playoffs. They have as much talent as any team on Earth, but just don't have what it takes to make the playoffs. When the Warriors play better D than you, your team really stinks.

The Spurs have really struggled lately, and just don't seem to have the chemistry at this point in time. There is still time to make a run and set themselves up, but it's gonna be hard to win 4 series without homecourt. Anything less than a ring and I can't rate the Spurs as a true dynasty. For me, you have to win back-to-back at some point in your reign. It's toughest to win when the bullseye is on your back solely, but that is what the true greats do.

Lastly:

I enjoy the almost daily battles on the FoxBlogs between Kobe and LeBron partisans. The irrational arguments really make my day. On one side, they'd have you think Kobe was the best player to ever play the game, while LeBron is a bum who "pad his stats". I've actually seen that typed by a Laker fan. But on the other, LeBron is King, and Kobe is a ballhog who can't live with another player taking the shots.

Here is the truth. The only true difference between them is age. Kobe is better because he has more experience. But LeBron at 23 is better than Kobe was at 23. Plus it helps to have Shaq to help win games. Kobe has better range and plays better defense, but LeBron is better at the all around game, in terms of passing, rebounding and ####in it on people. Both men at various points have had to carry their team and take a bulk of the shots, mostly due to lack of consistent options around them. Kobe would drive and dish to Kwame Brown, who would fumble the ball out of bounds. LeBron would drive and kick to Donyell Marshall, who would proceed to brick a wide open 3. It would have been darn near impossible for their respective teams to win with each guy averaging 18 points per game. LeBron and Kobe do what needs to be done. When their teammates are hitting the shots, the passes come freely. But when the team struggles, the star has to carry the whole show and pull out the win.

So as of right now....Kobe is better. Check back in a year or so. 

League MVP is Chris Paul. This award is for the most valuable player, not most skilled or the best player, but the guy who affects his teams performance the most. To me it's CP3. It's one thing to score 30 points, it's one thing to have 17 assists (rare as that is). It's wholly another to have 30 and 17 in the same game. I'm not a huge stat guy, but c'mon. His performance defies words. And he plays defense, rebounds for a 6'2" guy and is a leader. Plus, his team is in the thick of the thickest race ever in the West.

I await the Laker fan hate mail.

Laker fans...be careful what you wish for, you just might get it. Did I miss something or did the Suns not knock you out of the playoffs TWICE!?!? The first year was a 7 gamer, a downright classic, but last year you got murdered once Amare was on the court. So this season, you add Gasol and an improved Bynum, they add Shaq. The Suns still have better team and better players.

I hear alot of people saying this trade would destroy the Suns. How? The deal makes sense for the Suns and makes them an even bigger threat for the ring.

The money isn't really a big difference, seeing as how Shaq is off the books after next season. Marion and Banks combined make the same amount of money, so where is the financial burden?
Marion is a liability offensively, because he has no real game outside of the lobs and an occasional 3. He actually makes the Suns play 4 on 5 when they get to the Spurs. Shaq would force the Spurs to play straight up, freeing up Nash and Grant Hill. The Suns actually get deeper and better defined roles too.
And the Suns can still run when they want. Take out Shaq, play Diaw. Shaq only will play 30 mins a night, so there is ample opportunity to play small ball. This will allow the Suns to beat any opponent at it's game. Shaq may not be in MVP form, but how many centers get you 14 and 10 in the NBA today? Here in New York, people are ready to #### their pants if Eddy Curry gets a double-double.

One last thing, in the fourth quarter the Suns are gonna be a serious headache to defend. Amare gets to the line alot, and the Suns shoot free throws well. Shaq and Amare together will put the opponent in foul trouble. Lakers fans know quite well that Shaq makes the free throws when he needs to.

Y'know what I see on the site out of Laker fans? Fear, shock, concern, even if it's wrapped in this phony blanket of confidence. The trade is between the Suns and Heat, yet laker fans are everywhere saying "Bring him on, I hope they do it, it'll make the Suns easier to beat!" Lots of tough talk and chest pounding. Deep down though, you know Shaq will like playing in Phoenix, for a laid-back coach, with a chance to restore his legacy, win a 5th ring, AND possibly eliminate the Lakers, and keeping Duncan from having more rings than himself.

Laker fans are sounding alot like Patriot fans were sounding a week ago. And we all know how that worked out.

Think the Suns are ripe for a ring? Or do you think this ends their title hopes?

Let's get right to it:

Congrats to the Pats and Giants. I hate both teams with a passion, but I always give the winners their due.

The Pats are the greatest team I've ever seen, they can win anyway they need to. As much as I would hate to hear the New Englanders babble on about their dominance over the entire galaxy (could you imagine if Romney is president? We'd never hear the end of it!), I want the Pats to win, just so I could say I saw a team go undefeated in the NFL in my lifetime. It may never happen again. Plus, I live in New York and can't bear to see the fake #### Giant fans throwing a parade. A month ago they would have traded Eli Manning for Dakota Fanning, now Eli is the modern day Broadway Joe?

Can we stop with the Canonization of Eli Manning please? The guy is playing great, but I mean geez. The media (especially New York) fixation with this guy now is almost sickening. I feel he got WAY too much blame when the Giants stunk, and now they turn around 180 degrees and praise him too much. The key to the Giants turnaround is that they have an offense that doesn't feel the need to justify drafting Eli Manning #1 overall.

For years the Giants would forcefeed the passing game, even with an elite running combo like Tiki and Brandon Jacobs. They would average 5 yards a run, yet threw the ball unneccesarily. As this season wore on though, the reliance on Jacobs and Bradshaw has allowed the Giants to get the offense in manageable 3rd downs, cutting down on the INT rate. Plus, their defense actually stops people and catches Interceptions. The Giants as a team have done the heavy work, Eli is just asked not to lose it. I can't nominate a game manager for Sainthood just yet, can you?

Baseball is alive and well, no matter how hard others try to tell us otherwise. You can't fail as a business when you are making more profit than ever before. You can't be dying when more tickets are being sold, and new stadiums are being built yearly. The steroids issue is not a cancer, it's a pimple. Unless every player or major star is on drugs, it's not going to cripple the sport.

What's really going on with the Redskins? How can you interview a guy 4 times, and not hire him? I honestly believe Dan Snyder is gonna wait till after the Super Bowl, then offer Bill Belichick a Joe Torre, Phil Jackson sized contract. It's the only logical answer. He loves big name coaches, and unless he wants Steve Spagnoulo or Josh Mc Daniels (who aren't big name guys), the only big fish still workin is Belichick. There is no salary cap on coaches, and Belichick would be President of Football Operations too. $15 mil a year sounds about right.

I think the NBA needs to redo their season and playoff setup. I beleive they should expand to 32 teams, cut the regular season to 50 games, and then seed each conference 1-16. During said regular season, the West only plays the West and the East only the East. The All-Star game would be played after the end of the regular season. Then the teams would be given a week to prepare for the playoffs. All series would be a best of 7, and the Finals a best of 9. Games 1&2 would be played on a neutral site, then the rest in the 2-3-2 format. Or just a 3-3-1-1-1 format? Have it some way that gives homecourt advantage to the best record.

To me, the regular season drags on too long, and the good matchups are few and far between.

One more thing, could the NBA get the good matchups on TV sometime in the near future? The Boston-Detroit games need to be on national TV. As well as when Boston goes out West to face the Spurs, Suns, Mavs, etc.? What is the point of this TV contract? And what is the point of ABC showing only the Finals, and nothing else? Back in the NBA on NBC days, these non-football weekends would have double and triple headers, even if the early game involved so-so teams. You were guaranteed a Knick game at 12 noon against some rival, and either the Bulls or some Western Conference showdown was slated for prime-time. Now, you're lucky if ABC shows ONE game a weekend, and it's at some weird #### time like 4 PM. I used to love watching the NBA, now if it ain't TNT, I can't deal with it. ESPN is horrible, from pregame shows, to production quality.

That's my take folks.

The whole Michael Vick thing is a story on many levels.

Dogfighting is a felony in the state of Virginia. For that he should be locked up. But to the feds, it's not the dogfighting that they are after. It's about an illegal enterprise that creates untaxed revenue. The government wants it's money.

It's like the mob. The boss doesn;t go for assault, or for threats made. Know what he goes to the clink for? Tax evasion. Making money that the government can't tax is what catches the Feds eye. Vick is purported and (pleaing) to have been the moneyman and a big gambler on the dogfighting circuit. The actually killing of dogs, while heinous and sick, is not a federal crime. Even the DOGFIGHTING isn't a federal offense. It's the gambling and financing of the operation that's a felony.

Michael Vick to me is not a victim. He is a man who decided to get involved in an illegal enterprise. See, I can forgive a one-time offense, provided you can show that it was a mistake and you are truly sorry. But to continually be involved in an operation, knowingly and by choice, cannot be a mistake. He deserves his time.

But I don't get into the whole depravity, poor animals, shtick that everyone gets worked up over. There are many businesses that are cruel to animals. You don't think that Tigers and elephants like to jump through flaming hoops, do you? And do you honestly think that the circus animals are treated well while traveling from stop to stop?

Or sport-hunting. another fine American pastime. It's one thing to hunt for food. But to hunt a moose or deer, or bear for just it's head is cruelty. The deers meat isn't eaten. The fur isn't used for clothing or warmth. Where is the compassion in that? Or our fearless Vice President who hunts quails. He's so big and tough! Shooting a little #### bird and not eating it. He doesn't need to, he's rich. Isn't that cruelty?

Will Mike Vick will ever play football again? I think he will, but it will be at least 2 or 3 years before that happens. I hear all the time, that IT'S A PRIVILEGE TO PLAY IN THE NFL. No it's not. You make the NFL by outworking the competetion and being the best of the best at a certain position. You get paid your salary for playing at a high level. When you don't play at that level anymore, they cut you. Is it a privilege to get cut when you aren't good enough anymore? Trust me, if Vick can still play at an NFL level after the jail time and suspension, somone will sign him.

The players get payed that money because they make owners far more money than even we know. You don't pay a guy 10 million and you as an owner only make 1 million, do ya? The talent on the field leads to butts in the seats, which leads to revenue. That's why players get payed that kind of money.

I think the saddest part is that Michael Vick is costing himself serious amounts of income for a business that isn't going to make him a serious percentage of his contract and endorsement money. For example, if you made 35K a years, would you risk getting fired for 100 bucks? You might consider it for 25K, but not 100 dollars. If he makes 18 million in contracts and endorsements, did he really risk it for 500K a year? That would be foolish.

I actually wanted a trial, just to see how stupid Vicks decision really was. Could he have squandered all that money for small potatoes in his world? Was he just the moneyman and gambler, or the actual trainer and killer. I know that's what he plead to, but he's doing that to avoid more charges being brought out later. I want to know the whole story.

And one more thing, the Reverand Al and Jesse, as well as the NAACP need to really look around our country and our people (I'm black) and see what's going on. The murder rates, the dropouts, the single parent homes. That is what really needs attention.

To white america: the above named "leaders" DO NOT speak for us all. We have views as divergent as yours. Do the K.K.K., or Pat Robertson, or Ann Coulter speak for all of you? No way. So why is the Rev. Al, etc  looked upon as our mouthpiece? Do you guys actually speak to black people to have such a narrow-minded view of us? You might feel we all have the same views because the media runs to our 3 mouthpieces anytime a black person is involved. But we aren't all the same and don't all see the same way. Turn off BET and actually speak to a black person. You might be surprised.

Here are the moves I see happening and the players involved.

Chauncey Billups is in a bind. I think he wants to leave Detroit, but wants to get paid what star NBA point guards get paid. His free agent options are slim, with only Orlando being a decent team. For him, I see a move that might sound far fetched, but actually makes sense.

Chauncey gets traded to the Philadelphia 76ers for Andre Miller and at least 1 first rounder. The money matches up, and Detroit might be desperate to get something for thier best player. Short of him walking to the Bucks, this might be the best move for all parties. I do not see Detriot trading Mr. Big Shot to a division foe like Milwaukee, so he and Michael Redd can light up the scoreboard on them. You don't help out division foes.

You put Chauncey, AI the 2nd and Korver together, and watch the buckets fall. Plus, the Pistons get an experienced point guard and some picks to help fortify the team.

 

Kobe Bryant isn't going anywhere. He makes too much money is there is no way you could move Kobe and get a respectable return. Short of LeBron or Wade, noone is close to Kobe in terms of star power and backcourt dominance. He stays in LA. And to those who question Kobe's desire to win: could you imagine the Lakers record if Kobe averaged 20 ppg, and not been aggresive? The Lakers would have been Grizzly, Atlanta Hawk bad. The only reason they made the playoffs was because of Kobe's scoring. The only mistake Kobe made was scoring all those points. Lose games Kobe! Because had the Lakers been really bad, they might've gotten him Oden, Durant or Brewer. But he gets no help this summer. Kobe should tank next season so he can get OJ Mayo or somebody.

 

Kevin Garnett is an interesting concept to me. I think he is the most under AND overrated player in the League. Underrated because he is a league leader in rebounding, and 20 ppg scorer, a good foul shooter and good soldier. Overrated because he doesn't seem to want to take every shot and seems too selfless at times.

At his contract and talent level, the T-Wolves are in a bind. They want to move on, but don't want to get fleeced in a trade. I see him getting traded.........to Phoenix. Compared to the Lakers, the Suns have a better chance to win now. I see Shawn Marion and some draft picks being the package, maybe even adding a Boris Diaw. Under no circumstances do I trade Amare for KG tho. Amare is much younger and will continue to improve his individual game (which is already at an All-Star, All-NBA level), while KG will stay the same. Marion almost seems out of place now on Phoenix, he can't shoot well enough to be a 3, and as a 4 he loses value playing along side Amare.

KG, Amare, James Jones, Raja Bell, Steve Nash. With a bench of Kurt Thomas, Marcus Banks and Leandro Barbosa.

 

The Nets are making a huge mistake by keeping Vince Carter. He has already shown the inability to take over games late, the lack of shot selection, and the fear of contact. They should let him walk, don't even sign and trade. Get the money off the books. Nenad Krstic will develop into a good big man with a post game, while Richard Jefferson will have more freedom to move and operate. He is the future of your franchise. Plus with the free money you could return Mikki Moore, plus maybe add a shooter or two to open space for J Kidd and RJ.

 

The Cavs need a shooter in the worst way. Boobie Gibson is a good player and should develop even further. To me, Larry Hughes is a liability. He's injury-prone, expensive and just seems to not have the game to score next to Lebron. And the other perimeter players around Lebron are horrid. Sacha Pav, Eric Snow, Donyell. You see why the Spurs trapped and double Lebron at every chance. These guys can't make open shots to punish the defense. The solution might be to scrap the whole team outside of Lebron, Gibson, Varajeo and Big Z.

 

What happens with Ron Artest? His on-court value is still incredibly high, but his off-court value is lower than that Microfiber ball David Stern tried to sell us. Do the Kings try and give him away, or do they demand some good players or picks? Artest on the court could help basically every team in the free world, but the fear of him doing something retarded and getting banned from the league has to weigh heavily on execs minds. I think the Kings will try to get the best package for him they can, but if it's a lose-lose proposition, I expect a buy-out sometime in the Fall.

I never understood why teams sign and trade stars for "expiring contracts". You help the the other team out, TWICE!! You give them a star, and you take their baggage. How is this helping you? You are better off getting the cap room, then signing the best players outright.

 

The Knicks....do absolutely nothing. Noone wants any of the Knicks big players. Eddy Curry plays no defense and doesn't rebound. Marbury, Francis and Crawford are all gunners with at best decent jumpers (not to mention huge contracts). And teams aren't gonna trade impact players for David Lee, Renaldo Balkman and Channing Frye. So the New York Knicks will be what they were meant to be...a 37 win team.

 

Lastly I expect a surprise or two early in the draft. After 1 & 2, you've got lots of solid players and lots of teams with multiple needs. The Celtics will be active to me. They've got tons of young talent, plus they've got Paul Pierce, who needs the change of scenery.

Maybe they pull off a blockbuster trade. How about Pierce and some kids (they got too many to name) to Charlotte for Emeka Okafor, Gerald Wallace(free agent to be) and #22 pick? The C's would add a defensive and rebounding center to play along side Al Jefferson, have the slashing Gerald Wallace, and still have a good pick to get a Mike Conley or Corey Brewer. The Bobcats would add a bonafide scorer in Pierce, plus a few bargaining chips (imagine a Gerald Green or Kendrick Perkins) for a future deal, and draft a 4 like Brandon Wright.

Think my offseason moves are crazy or on point? Got any you might wanna consider? Holla @ me

Who is your first half MVP of the American League? I know it's early and there is so much ball left to play, but who has been most valuable?

To me the AL winner has to be Vlad Guerrero. The Angels are in first place, and unlike the other good AL teams, Vlad has noone near his talent level on his team. Youkilis, for as well as he has played, is still not the most feared Red Sock. Alex Rodriguez is killing the ball and putting up Ruth-Mantle numbers, but he also has Jeter and Posada. Magglio has Sheffield in Detroit. Hafner has Victor Martinez. Vlad has.........Howie Kendrick. See my point? Vlad is one of my favorite players because of his approach and hitting style. There might not be a more exciting at-bat in sports than his. Other guys might take a pitch, Vlad swings at darn near everything, and still hits it hard somewhere. He's my MVP so far.

By the way, when does the NBA Finals start? Have any of you seen any commercials or promos for it? I can't seem to find it anywhere.

On the real tho, I'm glad that catastrophe is over. Now we can move on to the real NBA season.....the offseason. You've got some big stars in this one. Kobe, Jermaine O'Neal, Kevin Garnett, Chauncey Billups, Rashard Lewis. Now Gilbert Arenas is making noise about wanting to test his value when he becomes free, which might lead to his departure from Capitol HIll. The Eastern Conference better hope that some of those players come (or stay) East. That is the only way to balance out the League.

The draft will be fun, because I feel there will be a few trades. The Suns have ammunition with two first rounders, and I think they feel they need a minor make-over to go all the way next season. Shawn Marion will be expendable. He doesn't fit with the Suns anymore.

Atlanta will most likely draft ANOTHER wing player. It's what they do. They collect Small forwards like Chris Henry collects arrests.

Dogfighting is a felony in the state of Virginia. So if Mike Vick is involved he should be tried in court for it. But for people to act like other NFL players, or rich folks,  don't engage in "immoral" acts on animals is a joke. How about the hunters and sport fishers? Most people fish to make a living or to eat, not to show off. Hunting deer with a bow and arrow to put it's head over your fireplace is wrong too. You're not eating the animal, you're not using the fur for clothing, you're just killing it because you can. Is that right?

Horses are killed all the time, even some former racing champions. Why? Because the owner doesn't want them anymore, or they become too wild. Some of the horses are injured while racing, then are shot or euthanized because it's too hard to take care of them. Tell me, what's the honor in that? How is that more immoral than dogfighting? Can anyone honestly tell me the difference? You are killing animals for your own gain and because you want to.

This just in: Kobe Bryant wants to get traded to another NBA team, yet wants to stay in LA. A recent Youtube video shows Bryant asking to be dealt.

The best move, if I were Mitch Kupchak, would be to send him to the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA. It's risky, but might be crazy enough to work.

At least Kobe will have a better supporting cast than what he had as a Laker.

I figured out how the Sopranos really ended: Tony ends up in a jail cell with Pacman Jones.

Happy belated father's day to all the fathers. We might not be as nurturing as the mothers, but we show just as much love, just in our own way.

This whole Giambi - Steroids thing is an absolute joke.

Major League Baseball wants to suspend a guy for saying he did the juice, even though he has never failed a steroids test. That's like sentencing a man to death for saying he shot John F. Kennedy, even though you have no evidence. You have no concrete proof, so how can you try to suspend someone? If they are going to do it that way, then Barry and Sheffield should get the ban too. I mean they admitted that they took something, albeit unknowingly. But even if you don't know what you took, you still took it, and that should be a suspension, No?

Bud Selig is the biggest joker in American sports. He and his owners knew what was going on the whole time, in regards to McGwire, Brady Anderson, etc. and did nothing about it. The strike threatened to send baseball the way of Horse Racing (a fringe sport). Once they saw the guys hitting all these homeruns, and subsequently the fan reaction to them, there was no way Bud and the boys were gonna mess up a good thing. Too much money to lose.

But now, when Congress calls him in to testify and to scold him, he all of a sudden gets a backbone. On Capitol Hill, Selig sounded like those parents on talk shows who act to stop their children's wild behavior, but only after being yelled at and chastised by someone else. Once the bully on the pulpit gives him a kick in the ####, Bud now wants to be Mr. Law and Order.

He all of a sudden sees that steroids are bad for his players, though not necessarily bad for ticket sales. Now he wants to hire George Mitchell and have his little witch hunt party, in hopes of taking down Barry Bonds before he breaks Aaron's record. To me it's too little, way too late. Bud doesn't really want the players to talk, because there is alot of dirt on the shoes of MLB and the owners.

As a Yankee fan, I actually hope they void Giambi's contract, so he can tell us all what a bad boy George Steinbrenner has been in this whole situation. Remember, George signed Sheffield after the 2003 season, and even after the BALCO trial, you never heard any threats to void Sheffield's deal. But Jason Giambi, because he isn't hitting 40 homers, must go for his "admission". Bullcrap!

And I wish Jason Giambi the best. I've liked his play since he was an Athletic. He seemed very cool and comfortable in his own skin in Oakland, a bonafide leader and star. When he came to the Yankees, I was glad, though I was a little upset about losing a rival like the A's. He has given us his all, played hurt, been a postseason performer. The guy was and still is one of my favorite Yankees, no matter what transpired. I hope that he gets a chance to tell his story, and let the fans know who the real villians of the steroids era really are.

Because my fellow bloggers, let me ask you this:

Who is worse: The drug dealer, the junkie, or the cop who takes the bribe to not bust the drug deals?

Let me know your thoughts.

Game 4 between the Spurs and Suns has actually made me see the light on the NHL and it's violence problem. 

I used to question why there were fights in the NHL. I thought it was silly, childish and unnecessary. But after watching Game Four in San Antonio, and the series as a whole, I now see why guys drop their gloves and throw haymakers on the rink.

For those keeping score on dirty/suspect plays, it's 3-0 Spurs.

1. Bruce Bowen's foot to the back of Amare's leg in game 2. You react late, and the guy gets a dunk, but you end up with your foot elevated, right behind a guys leg while he's jumping. HMMMMMMM?

2. Bowen's knee to Nash's testicles in Game 3. How many times have u seen that? A guy gets pressured and tries to step through to get some space. That happens all the time. But I've never seen a guy lift his knee on the step-through, basically Tai-Bo-ing an opponent in the Twig and Berries.

3. Robert Horry's body-check of Steve Nash in the waning moments of game 4. Hard fouls happen. Forearm shivers are a bit rarer on the ballcourt. If you are trying to foul a guy, you tag or slap at or even grab. But to emphasize your frustration on an opponent is uncalled for.

So what's the solution?

The Suns need to level a Spur or two. It's obvious that the NBA is going to penalize you heavier than they will San Antonio. So you might as well goon things up. They call cheap fouls on Amare, allow Bowen to slap hack and grab Nash and fall for the Spurs flops. What are you left with? I dunno bout you, but I've never won a game 8-on-5, when you are the short-handed side.

Amare and Diaw's suspensions weren't wrong, because the rule says do not leave the bench for any reason whatsoever. But then Bowen (funny how his name is all over this series) and Duncan should be banned 1 game for the second quarter situation with Elson and Jones. What is the purpose of Duncan walking past the 3-point line when Elson hit the court? Or Bowen pulling him back to the bench? Since this is the LETTER OF THE LAW COMMISH, the two Spurs players had no reason to leave the bench area either. No timeout was called. Duncan is actually on the court. But "surprisingly", no suspension. So if you are the Suns, you are left with no other recourse but to fight dirt with dirt.

In the NHL, fights occur due to excessive cross-checks, and due to the refs doing nothin about a player trying to hurt your teammate. Once you retaliate, the fight starts. The situation is resolved after that. I actually agree with them now. Because if the game is going to be called one way and not equally, then you are left with no choice but to get violent. Playing nice will get ya lip busted.

In baseball. They warn teams after the first hitter is plunked. But now, if you are the plunkees, you are at the disadvantage. It's so foolish. The warning should be given after each team has been hit. So we are square, and that's the only way the plunkers will feel the weight of their actions.

This turn the other cheek #### is how you get ya face mangled. Sometimes you have to fight back, using the same tactics as your opponent. Back in the Bad Boy Piston days, Detroit used to laugh at the Bulls because they never retaliated. But once the Bulls got down and dirty too, things began to change. In sports (and in life), you can't play the nice guy all the time, especially when the authorities, whether they be referees or policemen, aren't going to prosecute the original perpetrators.

Should the Suns take the high road? Or take a high elbow to that dorsal fin Manu calls a nose? Let me know your thoughts and views.

First, let me say....Red Sox suck. The Red Sox fans on this site who blog (cry?) about hating Roger Clemens for signing with the Yankees are the same hypocrites who jumped for joy when they got Dice-K. For $103 million. I don't care what you say, that's alot of dough for a guy who never pitched in the Majors. When you consider that it was a 5 year deal for Dice-K, it cost the Sox 20 mil a year for him too. And so far he's had the benefit of surprising hitters, cuz they've never seen him. And his ERA is still over 4.00!

The Yanks and Sox have the two highest payrolls in sports, so you guys can''t cry about the Yanks buying a ring, particularly after Dice and JD Drew and taking on Mike Lowell's contract.

And one more thing for THE NATION OF RED SUCK. You have been a healthy team since day 1, with the same rotation since opening day, and a healthy closer....and the best you can be is 5 1/2 games in front in the AL East? The Yankees have put Wang, Mussina, Karstens, Pavano, Hughes and Karstens (again!) on the DL in just a month. The Blue Jays lost BJ Ryan and Reed Johnson for long periods of time. And all you've got is a 5 1/2 game lead....with 130 games to go? You know someone on your "Uberteam" is gonna get hurt. Dice-K isn't exactly the next Bob Gibson, now is he? You've got a nice team, but do you really think you're all gonna be healthy? Varitek, Schilling, JD Drew. Plus can Papelbon make it a full season as a reliever?

Meanwhile, the Yanks will round themselves into shape, just as they do every season. Abreu, Matsui and Damon are all slumping.....really think that will last all season? Even if they don't put up the usual numbers, they should still be fine. Jeter, Alex, Robinson and Giambi will carry things for the time being.

And even without Clemens, the Yanks still have the best starter on either team....Chien-Ming Wang. Plus, Mariano is not done until he pitches horribly for about a month straight. Only then will I say he's finished as the best pitcher still playing.

Mussina is still a very good pitcher, and Pettitte will battle you. By the time Clemens comes, so will Phil Hughes. Check that starting 5 out. Roger is the 4th starter.

Now, Clemens will be OK. When coming from the NL and going to the AL, your ERA will go up about a run and a half. Last year his ERA was 2.46, so this season he'll have an ERA of at least 4.00. If that's not striking, consider that this is AL with about 8 good offensive lineups. The NL has like 3 strong, deep lineups. Your ERA has to go up.

All in all, the time has come for Red Sox fans to embrace the horror that your summer will become. Your team is slowly gonna begin to hear footsteps, and as fast as you run, the stomping will get closer and closer. You're gonna hear the Bronx Bombers breathing down your neck. But the Yanks aren't behind you just to catch you, they are there to pass you, and leave you in the dust. And as your quaint little team begins to crumble, you'll look back at April and May and ask yourself "Why didn't we bury those Damn Yankees!!!"

Still got faith in your Sucky Sox? Any Yankee fans agree with me? Holla @ ya boy.

I respect San Antonio, but by God I'm tired of the Spurs. The cry baby, I've never fouled a person in 10 years San Antonio Spurs.

The NBA talks all this #### about not allowing players to be demonstrative after calls, yet Duncan still turns to the official, palms up, everytime he misses a friggin shot. And then when he fouls someone, he ask's the ref "What? Me? No way!" I used to really like Tim Duncan as a ballplayer, but now I'm sick if his ####. He cries more than Rasheed, which is no small task.

Besides, the Spurs seem out of place in these 2007 playoffs. I need some fun, wild wide-open basketball. Is there anyway to get Golden State, Phoenix and Denver to advance? Screw structure, forget the shot clock. I need some 120-118 regulation scores. GS and Phoenix are holding up their end of the bargain so far, wish they could play one another.

And for the fourth semifinalist, between Houston and Utah, we get Houston, so then we get Stephen Jackson trying to guard Yao. Hell, Houston is boring too. David Stern should step in and allow the Lakers to advance in the place of Houston and Utah, so then we can see Kobe trying to outgun the entire Golden State team.

Those Golden State games have been entertaining as hell, with all the crazy matchups and fast breaks. The Suns as usual play Ferrari ball, and the Nuggets have two bonafide 30+ point scorers. I'm talking entertainment, screw the Big Fundamentals.

On Saturday April 28th, we will witness the birth of many new careers. But we will also see the beginning of the end of one man's career. Jamarcus Russell. When he is taken by Oakland, and they hand him that stupid looking hat and the Black jersey with #1 on it, it will signal the downfall of this young man's football life. And the saddest part is it won't even be his fault.

Why you may ask?

Well for one, being drafted #1 is not exactly the best place to be, particularly when you are drafted by a clueless organization. The Raiders definetely fit the bill there.

If you look at the high picks of the last 10 years at QB, you will see many successes and just as many (if not more) failures. Now we all like to call them Busts, but the one thing we as fans and media fanatics tend to forget is that no Qb has ever won alone. No QB can single handedly win a ballgame. And every young QB needs good coaching to be successful. Just look at some years in which there has been top 5 pick QB's and look at their competition. You'll see that it's the organization that makes them great and increases the chances for success.

1998. Peyton Manning is drafted #1 over Ryan Leaf. His OC is Tom Moore, who gives the reigns of the whole show to the cerebral Manning. He comes to a team with Marshall Faulk, Marvin Harrison, and Ken Dilger. In subsequent drafts, the Colts land Edgerrin James, Tarik Glenn, Reggie Wayne, etc. as well as lesser known guys like Jeff Saturday and Dallas Clark. Leaf had June Jones....nuff said. Didn't have much around him did he? Leaf's emotional problems aside, how many rookie Qb's could be put in the same position and expect to be successful? I think Natrone Means was still around in those days, lol.

1999. Tim Couch goes to an expansion team, and the organization's other picks in his time there were William Green, Courtney Brown and Gerard Warren. Not one Pro-Bowler among them. Akili Smith went to Cincinatti before Marvin Lewis got there. Peter Warrick was a bust, and the Bengals were notoriously mismanaged. But Donavan McNabb gets a young hard-worker in Andy Reid as his coach. The team has an excellent defense, plus Duce Staley and Chad Lewis to give the kid some help. As time goes on he gets Brian Westbrook, Tra Thomas, plus Fred-Ex. (OK so Fred-Ex wasn't exactly a big help). See the difference?

In 2003, the Giants trade up for Eli Manning. He does go to a team with Barber, Shockey and Toomer. But they have no defense, and his teamates seem to overshadow him. What's even worse, the organization feels it has to justify the trade by forcefeeding the passing game, when clearly the Giants best mode of attack was Tiki and Brandon Jacobs. Roethlisberger goes to an organization that drafts players like Troy Polamalu, Casey Hampton, Alan Faneca, and Joey Porter prior to Big Ben. Then they supplement the team with Heath Miller, Willie Parker, etc. Philip Rivers goes to a team with LT, Gates, Jamal Williams, Donnie Edwards, plus it drafts Shawne Merriman, Shaun Phillips, Marcus McNeill, and others. On talent and smart decision-making from the staff, can't you see a clear division between these teams?

So what's the point of this little history lesson?

The point is that football teams should not draft a QB high unless you have the support around him to help his development. The Oakland Raiders need a marquee QB, the argument goes. But they have yet to sign/develop a good offensive line. You think that's gonna change anytime soon? Jamarcus is going to take a beating, not that different from David Carr's early years. The Raiders are mismanaged when it comes to the scouting and development department, and have had some bad luck with draft picks.

Think back to Philip Buchanan, who couldn't cover a bed with a fitted sheet. Or Robert Gallery, who has yet to make an impact. What did they do with those picks they got from Tampa Bay for Jon Gruden? Tampa has been mediocre since the Super Bowl, you think the Raiders might have done something smart with the picks. Plus, how much losing will Al Davis take before he runs Lane Kiffin out of town? That means Russell will get a new coordinator in a year or two.

The Raiders are notoriously stingy when it comes to paying coaches, so how long until Ryan, their brilliant, Kenny Rogers-looking defensive Coordinator, finds greener pastures? The losing won't go over well with Randy Moss, who will pout and play at less than full speed. How is that a good situation for Jamarcus?

So the problem facing Jamarcus Russell is that he's going to an organization that has an inept front office (Mostly Al davis), a new, low-cost coaching staff with very little control or security, and an offense with a crappy line and malcontent wideouts. I don't know about you, but to me that doesn't sound too conducive to success. And it doesn't look like things will get better.

So Jamarcus is doomed to be added to the long list of #1 pick busts. He will end up on some Fox Funhouse list of worst first round pick Qb's ever, slotted somewhere between Cade McNown and Rick Mirer.

But I'm one who looks on the bright side: At least he'll get paid enough to sleep on a bed of money. And he'll need the comfort and support, seeing as how he will get Ike & Tina'd 16 times a year.

Think Jamarcus Russell has a great chance for success in Oaktown? Your comments are greatly appreciated.

I'm going to break down the NBA playoffs, series by series, round by round, and then give you the eventual champion. This weeks post will deal with the first round, next week (if I remember to), I'll go further into the brackets.

At the end, you can agree or disagree with my prognastication.

FIRST ROUND

EASTERN CONFERENCE

#1 Detroit vs. #8 Orlando. Dwight Howard will have a good series, as Detroit will most likely let him destroy C-Webb 1-on-1. But other than that it's all Pistons here. Jameer Nelson against Chauncey? No hope for the Magic there. Grant Hill will have trouble trying to score on Tayshaun, and the Pistons have the experience.

Detroit in 5.

#2. Cleveland vs. #7 Washington. This might be the lock of all time. No Hibachi, no Caron mean no hope for the Wiz. Lebron will have his way, and the Wizards just won't be able to keep up over the duration of a 7 gamer. Make that a 4 gamer.

Cleveland in 4.

#3 Toronto vs. #6 New Jersey. This is a very intruiging series. Toronto has the best player top to bottom in Chris Bosh, but NJ has the experience, as well as the explosive trio of Kidd, carter and Jefferson. The key is Kidd trying to keep up with TJ Ford on one end, and then TJ trying to man-up against  KIdd on the other. The winner of that match-up will be Kidd, just too big and too clutch.

New Jersey in 7.

#4 Miami vs. #5 Chicago.  The Heat are the champs, but have yet to be in top form. I believe that if the Heat are going to be stopped, now is the time to catch them, before they get their legs. Wade is improving, and we all know how Shaq raises his level in the playoffs. But the Bulls have excellent perimeter scoring, improved toughness with Wallace and PJ, and have Hinrich to battle D-Wade. The key to this series is can the role players for the Heat step up like last year. Haslem, Payton, Walker and Jason Williams are goin to have to make big plays for the Heat to repeat. This round I believe they make just enough plays for Miami to advance over the pesky Bulls.

Miami in 7.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

#1 Dallas vs. #8 Golden State. As we all have been told, the regular season means nothing when it comes playoff time. Or does it? In the two meaningful matchups this year, Golden State beat Dallas both times. This is a series that is really going to test Avery Johnson's scheme. He wants his team to slow it down and play hard-nosed, but the Warriors are going to try and speed things up. Can the Mavs resist temptation? Baron Davis is going to give Jason Terry and Devin Harris all they can take, and then some.

In terms of sheer talent this might be the one even series of the first round. But in the end, the Mavs will win because of the two things Don Nelson didn't have when he was the coach. One, THESE Mavs play defense without gimmicks. And Two Josh Howard is now a big time player, and will be the deciding factor of this hotly-contested series.

Dallas in 6.

#2 Phoenix vs. #7 LA Lakers. If you are clamoring for a repeat of last years 7 game extravanganza between these two rivals...you will be left clamoring. The Lakers have not improved from last year, particularly without Kwame Brown in the middle, while the Suns have improved greatly over last years squad.

Why you ask? Amare Stoudamire.

He is a beast and will systematically destroy Andrew Bynum night after night. Amare's playoff numbers are staggering, and it will only continue against a lackluster Laker defense. Kobe will try his Superman routine, and it might get them a game or two, but Phoenix is the far superior team. Put it this way: the best player in the series is Bryant. But the next 4 are all Suns. Nash, Stoudamire, Marion and Barbosa. Nuff said.

Suns in 5.

#3 San Antonio vs. # 6 Denver. This is a series where the Spurs will have to really be focused to avoid falling behind. Unlike in past years, where San Antonio could just concentrate on Carmelo, this Nuggets team has Allen Iverson, who will be a tough assignment for anyone who gaurds him. And this will lead to some very entertaining games, particularly in Denver. But overall, the Spurs have Duncan, Parker and an excellent defense.

Spurs in 6.

#4 Utah vs. #5 Houston. I'm really excited to watch this series, because to me, it's a put-up or shut-up series for both sides. It's about time that Tracy McGrady wins a series, and he seems to poised to step up. With Yao in shape, and Shane Battier on defense, the Rockets have a great chance to go deep into the playoffs. For the Jazz, Jerry Sloan's team has really struggled down the stretch, and he has yet to win a series without Malone and Stockton. He is a great coach, a master tactitian and an excellent leader, but eventually Sloan is going to need results.

I see this as a 7-gamer, with lots of adjustments from game to game. Mehmet Okur will pull Yao out on the perimeter with his shooting stroke, but Yao should have his way on the interior. Can AK47 defend Tracy McGrady? He's probably the only hope to keep T-Mac from going off. Harpring will not slow McGrady down. In the end, I think that the Rockets will be able to seperate themselves from the Jazz.

Rockets in 7.

Can there truly be anyone hotter than Alex Rodriguez right now?

He's hitting .351, with 10 Hr and 26 RBI's through 14 games. In that span, the guy has hit 2, that's right, 2 walk-off homeruns to win games for the Yankees. And not just solo shots, a Grand Slam and a 3-run blast.

This post is to my fellow Yankee fans: Enjoy what you are seeing from A-Rod. I don't wanna hear any boos. Becuase all of you yahoos will regret it when he leaves town. There is noone who will come to the Yankees who will be as good an all-around player as A-Rod. There aren't too many 3rd basemen who are better with the glove, nor is there any who is as potent with the bat. The same guys who want Alex run out of town will wonder how come the next 3rd baseman can't hit like Alex. He'll be hitting .252 with 9 Hr in mid-July, and then the fans will boo him too.

Alex Rodriguez, if he decides to continue playing for another 7-8 years and stays healthy, will go down as maybe the GREATEST player to ever play this sport. Plus, he's been clean. No drug test failures, no DWI, no assault charges, no child support cases. The man has been a model citizen and a model ballplayer. 

Imagine a guy who can hit 800 Homers, have over 3000 hits, have close to 300 steals, win a gold glove, win an MVP at 2 different positions, in 2 different cities. All the while being a professional, a class act and being unfairly dissed for doing things that every other intelligent human being would do.

Imagine yourself in this situation:

Owner: "Here you go Alex, I'm gonna offer you $252 million dollars."

You reply:

"NO thank you sir, I think I'll take $130 million for the same amount of time, from another team, because I SO love the atmosphere and the city!"

You know what you would do? You would go to bed, feeling all good about yourself, then wake up a 3:18 in the morning, jump out of bed, run outside and begin screaming like a friggin madman. You know why? Because only a lunatic would turn down 120 million dollars. Even the Mets offer of $160 mil goes by the boards once Hicks comes to you with 252.

Even if you don't feel bad about taking the smaller deal, your wife will try and kill you in your sleep for refusing to sign the most lucrative contract in the history of sports. You better make sure it's pepper she put on your steak at dinnertime. Heck, a decision so foolish might lead her to divorce, and you know she'll get half. So of the $130 mil, she'll get 65 (minus your agents fee and taxes).

I figure that most of the fans out there have jobs. Let's say you make $35,000 a year, you enjoy your job and coworkers. But a rival company comes at you with an offer of $85,000 a year, plus other benefits. Now, you give your current employer the right to offer a more lucrative salary. They tell you "Well the highest we can go is $45K". Can you honestly tell me you would stay with your current job? Even if you say it, you'd be lying through your teeth.

So give the guy his props, and let him be. I for one am glad he's on my favorite team, and wouldn't trade him for anyone the Yanks could possibly get. He's at worst the 3rd best player in baseball, and he is in the race with only Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera. We're not getting Pujols ever, and you know Cabrera, if and when he hits the market, will command A-Rod-Manny-Jeter, if not more. If a flawed hitter like Soriano or Carlos Lee or Aramis Ramirez can get $100+ million, you know Cabrera will get monster money.

Now, before I start, I must warn you. My story is a darn near impossibility. I mean, Pacman Jones has a better chance of NOT getting arrested again than this scenario coming to fruition. But there is always a chance.

 

Alright.....here it goes.

 

The New York Knicks, they of the highest payroll in the NBA, fail to make the playoffs. With a chance to win and secure a postseason berth, New York loses to of all people, New Jersey. The Nets continue their torment of the Knickerbockers.

 

Now the Knicks enter the 2007 NBA draft lottery. They have the smallest statistical chance of getting the #1 pick. As Russ Granik begins to read off the names of the 14th pick on down, the usual suspects are called. Minnesota, Indiana, Milwaukee. So far the Knicks still survive. Now we get to the top 3 picks. A sense of anticipation blankets Secaucus, New Jersey (has anything ever blanketed Secaucus other than smog?).

 

To build the suspense, the NBA goes to a commercial break. First it's a car ad. Then the cavemen from Geico try to kidnap the Gecko and hold him for ransom. "Change your slogan or the pipsqueak gets it!"

 

"We're back folks". The deputy commish calls the #3 team. "The Charlotte Bobcats". Now comes the second pick. "The Memphis Grizzlies". Isiah Thomas, who came to the lottery to represent his team, begins to grin. "And the #1 pick goes to....". Isiah screams out "THE NEW YORK KNICKS!!!!!"

 

Thomas begins to hop around the stage, chanting "Go New York, Go New York, Go!" He high fives all the other execs, except for Michael Jordan, who is representing his Bobcats. He extends his hand, but when His Airness extends his, Thomas yells "Sike!"

 

Isiah finds his way over to Russ Granik, who he proceeds to kiss all over his head. He does the cabbage patch at the podium. He grabs the mic like he's 50 Cent and begins to dis his detractors like it's a beef record.

 

"First off, I wanna say suck my **** to all those who didn't think I knew what I was doing all along. I wanna extend a major middle finger to the Knick fans who questioned my management style. But I gotta big up James Dolan for believin in me and letting me spend his money like Michael Irvin at a crack house. It was all worth it Jimmy!"

 

The other executives are shaking their heads in disdain at Thomas actions. Security guards come up from behind Thomas and rip the mic out of his hands. Granik gets back on the mic and says “The #1 pick belongs to the Chicago Bulls. Due to the Eddy Curry trade you made two years ago Isiah, you have to swap picks with Chicago.

 

"Thank you for watching the draft lottery, ladies and gentlemen. Have a great evening."

 

The camera zooms in on Thomas' stunned face. The sound effect that plays when you go bankrupt on Wheel of Fortune rings through your TV set. Happy-go-lucky theme music is replaced by the song from Nightmare on Elm Street.

 

ESPN, which televised the lottery, goes back to the halftime studio. Everyone in the room is speechless for about 15 seconds......then you hear an unseen announcer say "This has been the Kia Halftime show, thanks for watching".

 

After that night, there could only be one logical chain of events.

 

The Bulls, with the #1 pick, take Greg Oden. The Knicks, who got the Bulls pick, # 21, take Frederic Weis.........again, hoping to rekindle interest in Knicks basketball.

 

Eddy Curry gets blamed for the Knicks trading for him. He gets so depressed that he eats himself into oblivion in the off-season. He shows up to camp looking like Shawn Kemp during his Houston Rocket days. But at least he shows up to camp.

 

Frederic Weis refuses to come to New York.......again.

 

Isiah is hated more than Bartman. He needs a bulletproof vest just to go to practice. He needs a secret service detail just to leave his house. James Dolan builds him a Popemobile to get around town. Amidst all the furor, James Dolan extends Thomas' contract through the next total solar eclipse.