By: Kevin Cottrell Jr.

Just A Thought…BE THE OWNER! In sports whenever a team has a losing atmosphere for consecutive seasons the OWNER tends to make changes. Whether the problem is the coach of the team or the players that play, the owner must evaluate the situation as a whole and then break things down into various parts to locate the issue(s). Whether its life or sports if a team stays at the bottom the problem is usually at the top! So be a great owner of your team and when things around you don’t change…then change the things around you!

NBA Season Preview: Last week we dissected the order for the South East Division (Magic, Hawks, Wizards, Heat, and Bobcats) as well as the South West Division (Spurs, Mavericks, Hornets, Rockets, Grizzles). Now, we’ll take a look at the two divisions that are home to the last two NBA Champions: Atlantic (Celtics) & Pacific (Lakers) Divisions. 

EAST: Atlantic (predicted order of finish)

CELTICS- Last season the Celtics were on a crash course for a rematch with the Lakers in the NBA Finals. Then “it” happened, Kevin Garnett went down with a knee injury. Boston managed to maintain their success during the regular season but when the playoffs came around the Bulls gave them all they could handle before the Champs would eventually be eliminated by the Magic. This season Boston signed up for some insurance by signing F/C Rasheed Wallace and G/F Marquis Daniels. Not only are the C’s primed to make another run into June but Rasheed is predicting the team will make a run at the Bulls 72-10 record! I’m not sure they will win that many games but if KG is healthy Boston will definitely be the Beast of the East. Then again if he’s not healthy Boston will simply look down the bench at their All State Policy (Rasheed Wallace) and they’ll be in good hands! Prediction: 64-18

RAPTORS: Toronto’s starting 5 is talented and eccentric! Each player (Calderon, Belinelli, Turkoglu, Bosh and Bargnani) has there own unique way of scoring and speaking (since they are all from different countries). I’m not sure if there signals ever get lost in translation but one thing's for sure they will be explosive on the offensive end. Their bench is strong in the backcourt (Jack, DeRozan & Wright) but it lacks depth in the front-court. Hedo Turkoglu provides the versatility to run the offense or play off the ball. Turkoglu will also be able to give Toronto the outside option in the clutch (matched with Bosh’s ability to score in the paint). This team is not among the best in the East but they will definitely compete with the rest. Prediction: 43-39

76ERS: PF Elton Brand will return from his season ending shoulder surgery but exiting is PG Andre Miller (Portland) via free-agency. The big question is who will run the team? Lou Williams is a shoot first guard and rookie Jrue Holiday needs to be brought along slowly before he can be handed the keys to a NBA Team. This team is solid on paper but has too many questions to answer in a preview. If Brand returns to his 20-10 form things will open up for guys around the perimeter but will they knock down shots consistently? See what I mean, question after question. If you ask me today are they a playoff team my answer is “No.” Stay tuned it seems as if the Sixers needs to make a deal or two this season to produce a more competitive roster. Prediction: 38-44

NETS: This summer the Nets finally parted ways with the final piece of their finals roster when they traded Vince Carter to the Magic for Courtney Lee, Rafer Alston and Tony Battie. At the point Devin Harris is definitely the future of the Nets and the addition of Courtney Lee showcasing a promising backcourt tandem. In the middle Brook Lopez has a lot of upside to combine with the guards but that’s where the majority of their talent ends. Bobby Simmons and Yi Jianlian are too soft to be their cogs at forward. As for the acquisition of Alston he’s in the final year of his deal and may be soon shipped out of town to rebuild and prepare for a possible move to Brooklyn (and of course the summer of 2010). Prediction: 36-46

KNICKS: The Yankees seemed to be destined for another World Series appearance, the Giants are undefeated and looking like the best team in football, the Jets have a bright future with Mark Sanchez and Braylon Edwards and then there are the Knicks. Mike D’Antoni will enter his second season as the Knicks coach (thinking what did I get myself into) attempting to turning New York’s rotten apple team into a winner. Unfortunately, the Knicks roster does not feature one player that gives the city and its fans hope for even a 30-win season. Many fans are holding their collective breaths that LeBron James (or some big 2010 Free-Agent) will sign with New York next summer, until then they’ll just cheer on the Yanks, Giants and Jets and act as if the Knicks do not exist! Prediction: 28-54

WEST: Pacific

LAKERS- When a team wins the NBA Title it’s hard to expose their weakness but when it comes to the Lakers its no secret that they lacked toughness. But that was then, now the Lakers have one of the toughest on ball defenders in the L, in F Ron Artest. Despite Lamar Odom’s abrupt marriage prior to training camp the team should be just fine (barring injury). Kobe trained with Hakeem Olajuwon in the off-season to enhance his post game. This is key since the Lakers operate out of the triangle offense where Kobe is often featured with his back to the basket. Not to mention Bryant didn’t have any Olympic commitments to tend to or injuries to nurse. KB24 is rested, healthy and ready to accept a new challenge: battling Artest in practice on a daily basis. This may be Phil Jackson’s last run at a title so please believe Ron Artest will do whatever it takes to get his first. This team will be representing the West in the Finals for a third consecutive season. Prediction: 67-15

SUNS- Last season the Suns fired a coach, lost Amar’e Stoudemire to a season ending eye injury and missed the playoffs despite finishing the season 10 games over .500. So what does that mean for a team once among the NBA elite? They have a lot of holes to fill. Nash and Hill are getting older, Stoudemire seems to be motivated yet Robin Lopez will start the season injured. So now Channing Frye is expected to step up at the Power Forward position and Amar’e must play center once again. Phoenix will look to get back to their run-n-gun style but the aging veterans mixed with the youth and inexperience will expose various holes on defense and a lot of high scoring battles. The Suns will compete with the mediocre teams but they will serve as doormats to the elite. Prediction: 44-38

CLIPPERS- The Clippers are excited about the arrival of #1 pick Blake Griffin. As Griffin teams with the likes of Al Thornton and Eric Gordon they definitely have a bright future. But the point of this blog is what can they do now! Baron Davis, Marcus Camby and Chris Kaman will have the frustrating task of pursuing the playoffs will playing through the growing pains of their younger players. Surprisingly this team is deep enough to challenge for the 8^th spot in the playoffs. Just like any team the key is health, especially among the veteran players. If their vets can stay healthy and bring the young players along smoothly they can compete and look to win 40+ games. How fast the team gels will be the difference in whether or not they will clinch a spot in the postseason. Prediction: 40-42

WARRIORS- The moment training camp opened in Oakland their season came to a screeching hault. “Captain” Stephen Jackson enters camp demanding a trade and PG Monta Ellis seems to still be holding a grudge with the management and quietly wants a change of scenery as well. Nevertheless this team is stacked with talent in Anthony Randolph, Anthony Morrow and Stephen Curry. However, the distractions of their unhappy veterans may stunt their growth. Hopefully the Warriors can move Jackson early with hopes of releasing the tension out of Warriors camp. If not the teams season is headed directly over the Golden Gate Bridge. Prediction: 37-45

KINGS- This team has D League written all over it! The only bright spot on the roster is rookie G Tyreke Evans. Kevin Martin’s numbers will fall without the services of a true PG not to mention Francisco Garcia will start the season in street clothes after breaking his forearm while working out with an exercise ball that exploded. The Kings are a long way away from the Chris Webber glory days and they won’t give fans in Sacramento any reason to bring the cow bells to the arena this season. Prediction: 22-60

NFL News & Notes

*Braylon’s Debut! Just days after disgruntled wideout Braylon Edwards stepped on to the Monday Night scene and gave Jets fans a reason to smile. Edwards hauled in 5 catches for 64 yards and a 1 TD (actually he was robbed of a 2^nd by Refs). Braylon looks like he will be the big target downfield the Sanchez needs to succeed. I’m not jumping on the Jets bandwagon or anything but this is definitely a team to watch and a player to snag up in your Fantasy leagues! 

*NFL Trade Deadline: The NFL Trade deadline is Tuesday Oct. 20^th. Unlike the NBA most teams don’t look to make deadline moves that will help teams make a playoff push or stock piling picks for the draft. In my opinion a lot of teams that are struggling (Bills, Browns, Panthers and Raiders) all have at least one player they could trade with hopes of building a better roster whereas a contender may be able to relinquish some picks for an opportunity of playing for a Super Bowl in February. While the majority of these players won’t be moved by Tuesday many teams could definitely use their services. Here’s a look at a few possible commodities on the market. 

1. DE Shawne Merriman: Merriman has yet to return to his Lights Out form which means the Chargers aren’t likely to offer him a new deal at seasons end. We all know defense wins championships and a team like the Saints who has a potent offense and an average defense, could use the services of a LB like Merriman with his sights set on getting a new contract. Likely Destination: Saints, Falcons, Bears, Patriots

2. QB Brady Quinn: At one point Brady Quinn was viewed as the Browns’ savior but now he’s been benched for the second time by his hometown team! With that said it seems like the Browns could fix this leak by trading Quinn to a team like the Rams who doesn’t seem to have a clue what their future holds at the QB position. Besides Quinn still has potential to produce in my eyes he just needs a fresh lease on life and a chance to get out of the hometown spotlight. Likely Destination: St. Louis, Washington, Seattle

3. QB Michael Vick: The Eagles proved to have the biggest spaldings of all NFL teams by signing the dynamic QB. But with Donovan McNabb back to his All-Pro form and Kevin Kolb proving to be a worthy backup the Eagles should look into enhancing their safety position (along with a draft pick) to make a run at the Gaints in their division and of course a deep run in the playoffs. The Eagles will probably hold on to Vick and allow his stock to rise into the off-season but I wouldn’t be surprised to see a team make the move with hopes of building a rapport with Mike prior to next season. Likely Destination: Carolina, Seattle, San Francisco

4. WR Terrell Owens: Owens seems like the most likely trade piece in the NFL. He only has a one year deal (so Buffalo won’t get anything for him next summer), Buffalo can’t score on Madden ’10 and a few teams need a veteran threat at wideout. Rumors have flown around about the Bears looking into the services of T.O. but they don’t have a history of doing anything close to the nature of acquiring a player like Owens who comes with baggage. Many teams are predicated on running the ball and if they could acquire a talent like Owens to take a safety out the box their chances of making the playoffs will only enhance. Likely Destination: Bears, Chargers, Dolphins 

*40/40 Club: The Patriots recently signed 40-year-old LB Junior Seau. By signing to New England Seau becomes only the second (current non-kicker/punter) to play at the age of 40. The other being QB Brett Favre (I’m sure you’ve heard of him)

NFL: PICK 6! WEEK 6 Predictions: (Bye Week: Cowboys, Colts, Dolphins, 49ers)

1. (2-2) CARDINALS @ (2-3) SEAHAWKS- The Cards visit Seattle after winning a shootout against the Texans. As for the Seahawks they look to get back to .500 now that they have Matt Hasselbeck back under center. So what will give, the explosive Cardinals offense or the roaring 12^th man at Qwest Field? Both teams are chasing the ‘Niners in the NFC West but a good way to catch up is by gaining a W against a division opponent. This game will come down to which team can stop the run because the balanced attack will prevail. Look for the Cardinals to clean things up along the defensive line while their offense will continue moving chains. This may be another shootout involving the Cardinals and I’m not sure the ‘Hawks have enough firepower to compete for 4 quarters.  Prediction: CARDINALS by 4

2. (2-3) TEXANS @ (4-1) BENGALS- For those who continue to believe the Bengals are not for real seriously needs to order the Sunday Ticket and start watching more of there games. I’m not saying this team is primed for a Super Bowl run but they currently sit atop the AFC North defeating three straight divisional opponents. Now they will host the Texans who haven’t had a problem putting up points yet they’ve struggled to stop the opposition. Something tells me that the Bengals may come down to earth this week but I wouldn’t take that bet to Vegas! Prediction: TEXANS by 3

3. (3-2) RAVENS @ (5-0) VIKINGS- The Vikings offense will finally be tested by a top rated defense when the Ravens visit the Metrodome on Sunday. Ray Lewis and company will do all that it can to shut down Adrian Peterson on the ground. They won’t just put 8 players in the box but they will have various blitz schemes designed to funnel the offense in one direction. This game will be a true clash but the difference may actually be the two offensive lines. Both teams have good running games but the team who can prevent their QB from lying on his back means the chains will be moving down the field. This game will be entertaining and described simply as a slugfest! Prediction: RAVENS by 5

4. (5-0) BRONCOS @ (2-2) CHARGERS: Are the Broncos seriously undefeated? That’s what their record says! And their play on the field has backed it up. Now Denver will showcase their “Wild Horses” formation on Monday Night when they take on their AFC West division foe San Diego Chargers. Like most seasons, San Diego has started out slowly boasting the 2-2 record and in fear of falling 3 games behind Denver in the lost column. The Chargers absolutely HAVE to get Tomlinson/Sproles going on the ground if this team wants to challenge Denver for the Division. As for the Chargers defense they need their front 7 to step up and pressure Kyle Orton if they look to come out of the game with a W. For some reason I think the Chargers slow start to the season has ended and they will pick things up in front of a National audience. At least Norv Turner hopes so. Prediction: CHARGERS by 2

5. (3-1) BEARS @ (3-1) FALCONS: This game is obviously a difficult one for me to call. I’m an unapologetic CHICAGO BEARS fan! I probably know more about the Bears than I do about my third cousin! But due to the fact that I reside in Atlanta my knowledge of the Matty Ice version of the Dirty Birds makes this breakdown that much more difficult but I will give it a try! The Bears are fresh off a much needed bye week used to get their walking wounded healthy. Everyone should be back in uniform (not named Brian Urlacher) poised to seek revenge on the last second defeat they suffered in the Georgia Dome last fall. As for the Falcons they are coming off a huge win by the Bay against a surging 49ers squad (who was without Frank Gore). Ryan and Roddy White seem to mold into the highly anticipated 1-2 punch that Falcons’ fans hoped would develop. Not to mention Michael Turner got in the groove by scoring 3 TDs. So what will be the difference in the game, DEFENSE of course! The Bears are currently in the midst of a three-game winning streak because of their ability to pressure opposing QBs. This disrupts the timing of an offense and eventually leads to turnovers .Something that is hard for teams to overcome when the opposition has a balanced attack. The Falcons defense has struggled to pressure QBs (which is how they lost to the Patriots) and that puts pressure on the secondary. This game is definitely worth the price of admission (which is why I will be in attendance) as for the outcome, it may again come down to a field goal but this time on the toes of Robbie “Good As” Gould! Prediction: BEARS by 1

6. (5-0) GIANTS @ (4-0) SAINTS: Prediction: If the Bears-Falcons game is a featured presentation the Giants-Saints is the ENCORE! These two NFC heavyweights will collide in the Bayou. Both teams have excellent passing games but one will be surprised to see how big of a gap there is between the #1 team in the Conference and the #2 team. One team has a tenacious defense the other is emerging. One team has an undeniable run game the other is non-existent. One team has Super Bowl experience and the other one….well has Super Bowl aspirations. While I do like Brees and his gaudy fantasy numbers his Saints squad is clearly the second best team in the conference and both will have an opportunity to settle things once and for all come Sunday. To conclude things the Giants run game will truly be the difference because it will keep Brees & Co. on the sideline setting things up for the hungry front four rush of the Giants. Prediction: GIANTS by 7

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

**SURE FIRE PICKS**

JAGUARS OVER RAMS

PACKERS OVER LIONS

EAGLES OVER RAIDERS

STEELERS OVER BROWNS

**EVEN STEVENS**

PATRIOTS OVER TITANS

JETS OVER BILLS

PANTHERS OVER BUCCANEERS

CHIEFS OVER REDSKINS

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

@RealSkipBayless For a last-ditch drive, I'll take Eli over Brees. I've SEEN Eli pull 'em off. Brees has none in last 2 min. Capable, but hasn't done it yet. (My take:Wow! I actually agree!)

@Serenajwilliams  HYPERLINK "http://twitpic.com/lfi6b" \t "_blank" twitpic.com/lfi6b - Don't make fun of my pants!!! Lol

@reggie_bush Just did this tv spot for St. Jude Childrens Cancer Research Hospital. Check out me and my new best friend Anna!!!  HYPERLINK "http://twitpic.com/levp0" \t "_blank" twitpic.com/levp0

@Baron_Davis Happy BDay to 1 of the greatest ppl I've ever met n my life. Coach John Wooden 99 yrs old today a true Bruin legend & Icon... (My take:That’s right if Naismith invented Basketball, Wooden took it to new heights!)

@OneandonlyCP3 Jus finishd dinner wit the fellas n we always play "Credit Card Roulette", whoever card the waiter pulls out a hat last pays...I LOST again! (My take: I know how that feels, me and my boys do that all the time……NOT!)