Just A Thought…

BE A GOOD SPORT…The NBA Season is just a few weeks away from Tip-Off but one of the lasting images in fans’ mind from the ’09 postseason was the sight of LeBron James walking off the court without shaking the hands of the Orlando Magic. Many would characterize his actions as being a “sore loser” or “poor sport” without realizing in life we too are guilty of the same poor actions. When you’re in traffic and someone is trying to get in front of you, have you let them over with a smile? Or stared straight ahead as if you never saw them? When you’re on an elevator at work, will you hold it for a fellow employee trying to catch it? Or will you slam the button? There are a million and one ways to be a good sport but there are just as many when it comes to being a sore loser. Some think they’re “competitive nature” is their reason for their actions while others like Derek Jeter, Steve Nash and Peyton Manning can congratulate others in their defeat because they understand the meaning of sportsmanship. So whether you’re an athlete or an administrator remember this: “people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did but people will never forget how you made them feel.”—Maya Angelou

NBA News & Notes:

Back to the Hardwood!!! Last week we dissected the order for the Central Division (Cavs, Bulls, Pistons, Pacers and Bucks) as well as the Northwest Division (Nuggets, Blazers, Jazz, Thunder and Wolves). Now, we’ll head down south to take a look at the Southeast Division (home of the defending East Champs, Magic) as well as the South West Division (home of a proven Champ, Spurs)….

EAST: South East (predicted order of finish)

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  1. MAGIC- Other than the Lakers edition of Ron Artest this offseason, I really liked the upgrades Orlando made. Sure they lost Hedo and Courtney Lee but they added Vince Carter, Brandon B**** (a true PF), retained Marcin Gortat and they’ll have a healthy Jameer Nelson back to man the offense. The first 10 games of the season will be played without Rashard Lewis, who’s serving a 10-game suspension for a banned substance, but luckily for the Magic it’s a cupcake schedule that only features a game against the Cavs. The Magic should easily come out of that stretch with an 8-2 record. Orlando will get tougher this year and that means a tougher task in the paint for their opponents. Question is has Dwight developed a post move to use against Shaq and K.G?  Prediction: 58-24
  2. HAWKS- The Hawks have quietly improved their record over the last 4 seasons. 2 seasons ago they snuck into the playoffs and this past season they actually one a playoff series. This summer they’ve added Jamal Crawford to the guard rotation and the veteran presence of Joe Smith in the front court. So does this mean they’re ready to contend for a title? Not quite. The Hawks will be a more explosive team and should win a few more close games down the stretch with options such as Joe Johnson and Jamal Crawford but their true task will be to get wins on the road this season so that they can make the leap to true contenders this season. Nevertheless they won 47 games last year and I wouldn’t be shocked to see them hit the big 5-0 this season. Prediction: 50-32
  3. WIZARDS- Offensive guru Flip Saunders will take over coaching duties with hopes that a healthy Gilbert Arenas could get Washington back to respectability. Many “experts” feel this team could possibly make a run at the 4^th or 5^th seed in the East, I myself would rather see that sermon than hear it. There are a few health and chemistry concerns (additions of Mike Miller & Randy Foye) that worries me but I still believe this team should be playoff bound….if they stay healthy. Prediction: 42-40
  4. HEAT- Question can one man do it all? Well Dwyane Wade will definitely do his best to be that man because Miami made absolutely NO upgrades this offseason (no disrespect to Quentin Richardson) but other thank being a fellow Chicagoan, he and Wade have nothing else in common skill wise to make a move up the East standings. Not to mention, Michael Beasley had a tumultuous off-season needing to check into a drug rehab. Pat Riley never signed a solid PG to add to Mario Chalmers and no one in South Florida believes Jermaine O’Neal will play 62 games let along 82! In the end D. Wade still gives Miami fans hope for the upcoming year that is until he test free-agency next summer.  Prediction: 40-42
  5. BOBCATS- This Larry Brown/Michael Jordan constructed team is going to play hard and be one of those scrappy teams that you can never pull away from but Tyson Chandler will miss CP3’s lobs, Raymond Felton will miss a lot of shots and once again Charlotte will miss the playoffs. Prediction: 38-44

WEST: South West

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  6. SPURS- San Antonio made some quiet yet major moves this off-season. Trading for swingman Richard Jefferson (for a guy who retired and another utility player. This allows the Spurs to have some insurance on Manu (in case he doesn’t return to form) or simply makes them that more explosive. The Spurs also added Antonio McDyess (&Theo Ratliff) to their front court. As usual Popovich will preach defense, Tony Parker & Duncan will run the offense and the Spurs will once again be featuring their “boring” offense & defense come the postseason.  Prediction: 55-27
  7. MAVERICKS- For some reason the Mavs always seem like a player away after losing in the Finals in 2006. They retained Jason Kidd and added Shawn Marion and Drew Gooden but it seems as if Josh Howard is dealing with a few injuries and will more than likely set the Mavs back. Unless Mark Cuban can pull off a big move this year they may be bounced from the postseason pretty early, except this time it won’t be a surprise. Prediction: 51-31
  8. HORNETS- So let me get something straight, the Hornets traded away an athletic big that ran the break to perfection along side Chris Paul for a undersized center that plays BELOW the rim? And you wonder why they’re third in the division? This team is definitely digressing and it seems as if they will struggle this year and return to the Hornets of old. There will be a lot of pressure on Paul’s shoulder to carry the team, watch the health of Paul who may possibly break down over the course of the 82-game schedule. Prediction: 49-33
  9. ROCKETS- No Ming. No Artest. No T-Mac (for most of the year) No playoffs for the Rockets!! The addition of Trevor Ariza is nothing to tweet about, last year this team was tough, fought hard on every possession and was never easy to pull away from. But when you lose the firepower, toughness and leadership that they’ve lost going into the season it’s easy to understand why the Rockets will never launch in Houston this season. Prediction: 44-38
  10. GRIZZLES- Let me first begin by saying I AM an Allen Iverson fan. Now, let me move on by saying this team has NO chance whatsoever to play deep into May. The team is full of youth (along with Iverson & Zach Randolph) but none have a true concept of team basketball (meaning on both ends of the court) and they all succeed with the ball in their hands. A recipe for disaster. I must admit Memphis has more to cheer about (and watch) on Beale Street but it will be short lived. Prediction: 34-48

NFL News & Notes

*Braylon to Big Apple! After losing yet another game with the Cleveland Browns and stealing on a friend of LeBron James, Braylon Edwards was traded to the New York Jets for 2 players and 2 draft picks. While many joke that LeBron James had something to do with the move, I ****ure you it was in the works prior to Braylon’s impersonation of Kimbo Slice. Fantasy owners should rejoice because not only his starting immediately but he will be playing with a QB that is not afraid to let the ball fly down the field.

*Crabtree Finally Signs: It only took 10 months and MC Hammer (yes MC Hammer) to get a deal done between rookie wideout Michael Crabtree and the San Francisco 49ers. No, Hammer is not Crabtree’s agent but apparently he had a hand in convincing Michael to do whatever it took to get the deal done. I never thought Crabtree’s helmet was snapped too tight but now that I now he needed a guy who mastered the art of blowing money giving him financial advice, I know MC Crabtree has finally lost all the mind that he has left. Good Luck rookie and welcome to the NFL.

NFL: PICK 6! WEEK 5 Predictions:  (Bye Week: Bears, Packers, Saints, Chargers)

1.(3-1) BENGALS @ (3-1) RAVENS- After the Bengals fell to the hands of the Broncos and their “Hail Mary” in week one many football enthusiasts thought the Bengals were doomed for another disaster season. But after the first quarter of the year has come to a close Palmer & OchoCinco seems to be on one accord and their defense is flying to the ball. This week however will be their toughest test yet as they travel to Baltimore for an AFC North clashing! The Ravens are still upset about the way they lost to the Pats in week 4 and they’ll look to bounce back against Cincy. Look for their defense to set the tone early and Flacco to finish things late as the Ravens prove that they are for real. Now don’t get me wrong the Bengals will play them tough (as they always do) but their Offensive line isn’t quite tough enough to withstand the wrath of the Ravens. Prediction: RAVENS by 6

2. (2-1) FALCONS @ (3-1) 49ERS- After a week to off the Falcons should be both healthy and prepared for the Niners. But in San Fran their defense has been one of the better units around in the first quarter this season. While its true that all of their wins have been against NFC West opponents this team is still legit. As for the Falcons their great equalizer has been a young Matt Ryan. His ability to stand tall and dissect defenses has been the key to the Falcons success since he took over last season. Atlanta may come out a bit rusty but with a banged up Frank Gore on the Niners sideline the nod has to go to the dirty birds. Prediction: FALCONS by 3

 3. (2-2) TEXANS @ (1-2) CARDINALS- If nothing else this game will be a shootout! The Texans have been inconsistent when it comes to finishing games but they haven’t had a problem with putting points on the board. As for the Cards it seems as if they are suffering from a bit of Super Bowl “losers” hangover. If Arizona wants to salvage this season and have a chance to compete with the Niners for their division the time to start is this week at home! Beanie Wells has shown flashes in the backfield but Kurt Warner and his wideouts have struggled. The Texans inconsistency will most likely continue on the road, as the Cards will look to improve to .500. Prediction: CARDINALS by 4

4. (3-1) PATRIOTS @ (4-0) BRONCOS: This game will feature the Teacher vs. the Pupil. Bill Belichick has taught Josh McDaniels all that he knows including how to rip the sleeves off of his hoodie. But one thing Josh doesn’t have that Bill does is Tom Brady (&Randy Moss). This game will be close since Josh knows Brady’s strengths and weaknesses. But like my old high school coach told me, your opponent can know what play is coming, but they still have to be able to stop it! Prediction: PATRIOTS by 10

5. (4-0) COLTS @ (0-4) TITANS: Normally this game is a toss up but so far the guys from Remember The Titans could probably do a better job of playing football than the real Titans! I’m not sure exactly what their problem is. They’ve lost close games and they’ve been blown out. Either way fresh off a 13-3 season a 0-4 start is unacceptable. As for Manning & Co. preparation and perfection is just something that they mastered in Indy and something they will look to continue this Sunday. The Colts p****ing attack will be too much for a struggling Titans offense to rival. If Tennessee’s running game can’t get going early this game will be over even earlier! Prediction: Colts by 8

6. (3-1) JETS @ (1-3) DOLPHINS: This Monday Night snoozer just got interesting with the recent acquisition of WR Braylon Edwards. Although he is expected to start I wouldn’t expect for him to make that big of a splash in his first game due to lack of timing with his rookie QB in Mark Sanchez. As for Miami, they will attempt to use their wildcat offense to offset the various schemes drawn up by Rex Ryan and his defense. Without Chad Pennington under center the Dolphins don’t pose much of a threat through the air. Look for the Jets to fly high this week regardless of Braylon’s play. Prediction: JETS by 7

NFL: QUICK PICKS (For the Office Pool Players!)

**SURE FIRE PICKS**

VIKINGS OVER RAMS

GIANTS OVER RAIDERS

EAGLES OVER BUCS

STEELERS OVER LIONS

**EVEN STEVENS**

BILLS OVER BROWNS

PANTHERS OVER REDSKINS

JAGUARS OVER SEAHAWKS

COWBOYS OVER CHIEFS

**UPSET SPECIAL**

LSU OVER FLORIDA

III. SAY WHAT!!! (Tweets of the Week)

@OGOchoCinco Good morning World, may you all have a nice **** Day, (so happy it's Thursday) get yo toilet paper ready, somebody gonna test you today!!!

@shawnemerriman jordan had pippen, kobe had pau, wade had shaq, magic had jabar and so on....TEAMWORK IS ESEENTIAL WHEN CONDUCTING BUSINESS AT A HIGH LEVEL

@sportsventz a sneak peek at the new ESPN Body Issue…thank me later!

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