Whose coming out of the west?

Thus far this season the NBA's Western Conference has been a wide open race.  With only a quarter of the season remaining much is left to be decided in the standings.  Miami and Indiana are the only teams in the east that resemble a championship contender. 

This year the west is where you can find the meat and potatoes.  Phoenix is currently 8th in the western conference with a record of 33-24.  Memphis is only a half game behind looking to climb into the final playoff spot.  If Phoenix were a member of the eastern conference they would currently be in third position.  Hosting a first round playoff series would be a realistic proposition.  Instead the Suns are in a dog fight for their playoff lives.  Their is a great discrepancy between the east and west this year to say the least.

Match-ups will play a key factor in who wins the west this year.  The safest way to get out of the first round is to lock up the number one seed.  If the playoffs began today Phoenix would be the only team I'd immediately count out.  The Warriors and Mavericks are both wild cards out west.  Both teams have the potential to win two or three series on the road.  Of the top four teams home-court advantage is most important to Portland.  The Trailblazers are as talented as any team in the NBA.  If they can manage to finish strong and get one of the top two seeds they'll be as tough as anyone come playoff time.  The fans in Portland are similar to the twelfth man in Seattle.  Fans from the northwest are extremely passionate about their teams.

The Clippers and Rockets fall in the same category.  Dwight Howard and Chris Paul are the leaders of their teams respectively.  Both have arguably been the best at their position in the entire NBA since entering the league.  Neither has a championship trophy to show for it.  Success in the playoffs comes down to defense for both of these teams.  Both teams have shown the ability to score in bunches at will.  A first or second round series between the Rockets and Clippers could break scoring records. 

San Antonio and OKC are probably the favorites to rise from the land of the giants.  Kevin Durant is looking to start a legacy of winning.  Tim Duncan  wants that fifth championship.  Five rings gives him one more than Shaq and one less than Kareem.  His place in NBA history teeters on wither or not he can capture yet another championship.  A finals MVP would be nice too. 

Danny Granger

Danny Granger certainly got a raw deal from the Indiana Pacers.  Granger was dealt to the Philadelphia 76ers in a trade deadline package that sent back #2 pick in the 2010 NBA Draft Evan Turner and Lavoy Allen to the Pacers.

Remember the motor city brawl the Pacers were involved in at the Palace in Auburn Hills?  The franchise suffered through some tough years following that incident.  Granger was selected with the 17th pick of the 2005 NBA draft.  At the time the Indiana Pacers only averaged around 9,000 fans per home game,  one of the lowest totals in the NBA.  During the 90's Indiana boasted one of the best home-court advantages in the NBA.  Market Square Arena had some of the most colorful and supportive fans in the NBA.

Granger managed to stay healthy his first three seasons with Indiana, playing in 240 of a possible 246 games.  His scoring average steadily increased from 7.5ppg, to 13.9 his second year and 19.6ppg during his third season.  The Indiana Pacers had a superstar in the making.

Granger's fourth season in Indiana was yet another break out year.  He averaged 25.8ppg and 6.1rpg.  His shooting developed as well averaging a career high 40% from three point range.  This was also the first year the injury bug hit.  He missed a then career high 15 games.

Over the next few years Granger would struggle with nagging injuries.  The wrist, knee and ankle to name a few.  He still managed to produce when healthy averaging 18.7ppg in 2012, his last full season in Indiana.  He missed 20 games that year.  Granger's attitude and defensive presence obviously bothered the Miami Heat challenging them to a tough six game series.

Indiana began last year with high expectations.  With Granger sidelined to begin the year a void needed to be filled.  Lance Stephenson and Paul George both stepped up unexpectedly.  George has the potential to be a top five player in the NBA.  Stephenson has a world of talent.  The Brooklyn product has a chance to have a better career than Sebastian Telfair and Stephon Marbury.  Granger played in just five games last year before shutting it down for the season.  Indiana would go on to push the eventual champion Miami Heat to a seventh game.

This year has obviously been a struggle for Granger.  He is 30 years old, the prime of his professional career.  Who could argue with him for expecting more minutes?  After all he's the individual most responsible for turning things around in Indiana.  Instead he has been the consummate professional.  The Pacers have been the best team in the east thus far this season.  They've made no secret that getting the number one seed and hosting the playoffs in their building is their main goal.

At this juncture Evan Turner is certainly an upgrade.  The Pacers have players that will eventually seek a higher pay day, thus the window of opportunity is certainly closing for Indiana.  The Pacers front office  must have been thinking this when they decided to pull the trigger and get this deal done.  Winning a championship is Indiana's priority and rightfully so. 

Basketball is a game but the NBA is a business.  I would have made the same decision given the opportunity.  Tough decisions have to be made on occasion.  Danny Granger's contributions to the Pacers franchise should not be forgotten.

Respect Nowitzki

Judging from last nights game winner at MSG Dirk Nowitzki is still a major force to be reckoned with in the NBA.  Last year Dirk scored 17.3ppg, the lowest since his rookie year.  This year he upped his scoring average back to 21.7ppg.  His overall production is still consistent.  He's shot a career high 91% from the stripe while pulling in 6rpg and 2.9apg.

Rewind back to the 1998-99 season.  Yes Knick fans the same season you nearly received the key to the city alongside the Yankees.  Dirk lacked confidence as a rookie.  He averaged 8.2ppg and 3.4 rebounds per contest.  He thought it was a bad decision to come to the NBA so early and apparently Dallas Maverick fans felt the same way.  Dirk was often booed during his rookie season. 

Fast forward to the 2005-06 western conference semi's.  The Mavericks forced the defending champs to a game seven on their home court.  Trailing by three with less than 60 seconds remaining, the onus fell on Dirk's shoulders.  As the teams leader and the sole reason the Mavericks were even relevant during the 2000's Dirk would have the ball in his hands no matter what.  At this point Dirk was known as a sniper from downtown,  capable of pulling up at any point past half court.  Everyone in the building expected Dirk to shoot a three and have a great shot at making it.  Dirk did exactly the opposite.  He received the ball at the top of the key.  He then proceeded to pump fake, get his man off balance and drive to the basket for the three point play.  Dallas would knock off the defending champs on their home court. They would make it all the way to the NBA finals only to lose to Dwayne Wade and the Miami Heat.  This was Dirks message to Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, Amar'e Stoudemire and any other big man who viewed Dirk as just a shooter.

Fast forward once again to the 2010-11 NBA finals.  The Miami Heat handle Dallas pretty easily in game one of the championship round.  Down the stretch in game two Wade poses after knocking down a corner jumper giving Miami a comfortable lead in the third quarter.  Apparently Miami thought they had Dirk's number.  Wade and LeBron James even went as far as to mock Dirk who was suffering from a cold at the time.  Big mistake, this time Dirk would have the last laugh.  LeBron was obviously still uncomfortable playing on the biggest stage.  Dallas would go on to capture the NBA title and celebrate that same night in South Beach.

Dirk's averaged 22.6ppg during his 16 year career.  Like Steve Nash Dirk is close to averaging the shooters triple crown for his entire career.  Nash is a 6 foot guard.  Dirk is a 6"11 forward/center.  Needless to say its a bit more impressive of an accomplishment on Dirk's behalf.

Is Dirk the greatest shooter to ever play in the NBA? Reggie Miller,  Chris Mullin,  Larry Bird or Ray Allen may beg to differ.

Dirk has gotten better almost every year during his career.  He is a tireless worker and historically underrated.  Dirk Nowitzki is one of the greatest big men to ever play in the NBA.  Respect Dirk!

Tough loss for Knicks VS Mavericks

If the Knicks were having somewhat of a consistent season a loss of this manner could be considered tolerable.  With tonight's 110-108 home loss to the Dallas Mavericks the Knicks fall to an embarrassing 21-36.  The Knicks are a veteran team that came into the season with high expectations.  With that considered a loss like this is not a moral victory.  Its a gut wrenching slap in the face when your clawing for a playoff spot.

New York trailed by eight with 1:30 remaining on the game clock.  After a furious comeback spurned by a Tyson Chandler three point play and a game tying Carmelo Anthony three pointer the Knicks were in prime position to get the win.  Carmelo Anthony was spectacular scoring 44 points.  I hate to pin point any blame what so ever on a guy that carried his team offensively for much of the game.  However,  Carmelo made two bone headed plays to end the game.  Absolutely no ball movement on the Knicks last possession forced a horrible shot clock violation.  Dirk Nowitzki is too good of a shooter to get a clean look at the basket to end the game.  Carmelo didn't want to foul Nowitzki.  Not putting a hand up lead to Dirk getting a clean look and banking in the game winner. 

During Vince Carter's youthful days as a member of the Toronto Raptors he was known as a huge Knick killer.  Vince had the fountain of youth going tonight scoring 23 points on 7-12 from downtown.  Vince knocked down three point bombs effortlessly the way he's done his entire career. 

Tonight the Knicks had opportunity after opportunity to pull ahead.   Pablo Prigioni's two three pointers in the fourth quarter were huge in a losing effort.  The Knicks certainly showed fight tonight.  The team came up short yet the effort was present late in the game.  Once a team quits on its coach the need for a coaching change becomes urgent.  The Knicks are still playing for Mike Woodson.

My NBA Mount Rushmore

LeBron James recent statements about his NBA Mount Rushmore during an interview with Steve Smith has definitely ruffled some feathers.  King James listed Oscar Robertson, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and Earvin Johnson as his four greatest NBA players.  LeBron went as far as to say by the time he's set to retire someone will need to get bumped from that list.  LeBron certainly has a great shot at being one of the greatest players to grace the NBA hardwood.  At 29 years of age he is on pace to break numerous records and leave his own imprint on the league.

My NBA Mount Rushmore happens to differ from LeBron's.  These are the four players I would have on my NBA Mount Rushmore.

1. Lew Alcindor/ Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a no brainer in my opinion.  Numbers speak volumes for this individual.  19 All Star appearances, a six time NBA champion, two time finals MVP and the all time leading scorer in NBA history.  After Wilt Chamberlin's playing days were over he was often quoted saying that the only player that gave him problems man to man during his career was Lew Alcindor.

2. Magic Johnson is arguably the greatest team player in the history of organized American sports.  Magic lead the Lakers to five NBA titles during the 1980's.  A three time finals MVP, 12 time All Star and three time regular season MVP.  Magic was at his best when the stakes were high. 

3. Michael Jordan seems to be the consensus pick for everyone and rightfully so.  Michael struck fear in his opponents in a manner in which no current NBA player possesses.  Six NBA championships  as well as a six time finals MVP speaks volumes.  Need I say more.

4. Bill Russell is the greatest winner in American organized sports to ever live.  That is not an argument.  11 time NBA champion, 12 time All Star and five time league MVP.  Russell could have scored more, he also could have won less.  The NBA was a small time league back then.  Today you would be hard pressed to find a player that possesses the qualities of Russell.  An amazing defender, extremely intelligent and historically unselfish.  It's a shame that anyone could leave Russell off their NBA Mount Rushmore.

That's it that's the list ( Tony Kornheiser voice )!

Lebron Bests Durant.

The last time Kevin Durant and LeBron James squared off in South Beach the Thunder dominated the defending champions on their home court 112-95.  Kevin Durant was unstoppable for most of the evening and OKC walked out of Miami looking like the best team in the NBA. 

The Thunder have won 15 of their last 17 games without Russell Westbrook.  At this point Kevin Durant is probably the league MVP.

LeBron's main focus is winning a third consecutive championship.  Michael Jordan was in a similar situation during his championship years in the 90's.  If LeBron was a selfish individual he could be voted MVP every year.  Someone would literally have to pry the award from him.

LeBron  came into tonight's game looking to make a statement.  A statement was certainly made tonight.  LeBron made a clear announcement to the rest of the NBA leaving the game battered and bruised.  LeBron is still the guy and that wont change until someone takes it away from him. 

Kevin Durant is a great player and certainly having a great season.  However Kevin didn't seem to have that edge tonight.  If this is going to be OKC's year Kevin has to play better in big games.

OKC could have used James Harden tonight.

Knicks bounce back

At some point if the Knicks hope to claw their way back into a playoff spot they're going to have to win on the road.  With the majority of the Knicks games remaining on the road the Knicks are going to have to put in some extra work in those blue uniforms.

The Knicks reverted back to their old ways allowing the Pelicans to crawl back into the game and take a one point lead in the fourth quarter.  New York held a six point advantage at halftime.  J.R Smith opened the fourth period with five quick points which extended the Knicks lead to 83-70.  The Pelicans rallied and took the lead off of a Luke Babbitt lay up with 3:58 remaining.  Carmelo took over the game at that point giving the Knicks the 98-91 victory.  New Orleans may be on the outside looking in at the Western Conference playoff picture.  Nonetheless they are still a tough team with some young talent.  Anthony Davis is a few years away from being a perennial all star.

Carmelo finished with a game high 42 points.  J.R Smith and Tim Hardaway Jr. played solid as well scoring 19 and 16 points respectively.  The Knicks are off tonight before heading to Florida to take on the Orlando Magic.  The Magic have struggled all season long.  However Orlando has what has been the Knicks Achilles heel all season.  Guards that can shoot and break down the defense in Victor Oladipo, Jameer Nelson and Aaron Afflalo.  Raymond Felton and Pablo Prigioni are going to have their hands full defensively.

Big win for the Knicks.

Knicks lose to Grizzlies 98-93

 
At one point last night the Knicks appeared to be on their way to a crucial win in their second half opener.  A sweet win quickly turned into a bitter loss as the Knicks failed to capitalize on a seven point fourth quarter lead.

The Knicks started off slow and actually trailed Memphis by 18 points in the first half.  During the past two years the Knicks have been known to get off to fast starts, only to let their opponents back into the game.  Usually by mid third quarter or early fourth quarter the Knicks are looking around for someone to make a play. 

Last night the Knicks played with fluidity down the stretch.  Carmelo Anthony and Tim Hardaway Jr. came up with the clutch baskets necessary to win a tough road game in a hostile environment.  J.R Smith's roller coaster of a season continued last night.  With 26 seconds remaining Carmelo passed the ball to Smith in the corner for a wide open look that would have given the Knicks the lead.  Smith's attempt barely grazed the rim.  During the Knicks last possession Smith once again had an open three point attempt but instead passed the ball to Pablo Prigioni.  Prigioni who is serviceable from downtown is far from a knock down shooter.  That's Smith's shot to take.  Perhaps the shot from the previous possession was lingering in Smith's mind.

On a positive note once again Carmelo is showing us his willingness to do more.  He posted another two double digit stat line game with 22 points and 11 rebounds.  This may be the first season during Carmelo's career where he really doesn't deserve criticism.   He has been great in so many ways.  Carmelo is a stretch power forward so 11 rebounds speaks volumes. 

Tim Hardaway's game leading 23 points has to have Knick fans salivating over how good he can become. 

The Knicks head to the big easy tonight for once again another must win game.

KNICKS

When a team surpasses its previous years loss total by All Star break its safe to say your season is an utter disappointment.  This is the current state of affairs with the New York Knicks.  20-32 calls for change in New York.  If this were New Orleans or Minnesota the scrutiny wouldn't be half as magnetized.  But this is the big apple.  In New York we don't wait for next year.  That has never been acceptable in this city.  In a year in which the Eastern Conference is historically deprived of consistent basketball teams the fans still expect the Knicks to make the playoffs.

Crunch time began three weeks ago for the Knicks.  With 30 games remaining on the schedule every outing has to be viewed as a must win.  Carmelo Anthony has done his part this year.  He is second in the NBA at 27.3ppg, while posting a career high 8.6 rebounds per game.  Someone on the Knicks roster besides Anthony must step up.  Amar'e Stoudemire has shown flashes but still does not resemble the player the Knicks signed to a five year $100 million dollar deal.

The second half of the Knicks season begins with four road games in five nights.  A simple recipe to deliver a knock out blow to the Knicks season.  Memphis, New Orleans, Orlando and Atlanta.  These are four winnable games.  These are also four games the Knicks can easily lose.  The four games after that consist of home matchups against Dallas and Golden State as well as road games against Miami and Chicago. 

If the Knicks are going to have a real shot at resigning Carmelo Anthony losing is not an option over the next two weeks.  Carmelo has repeatedly expressed his intentions on testing the free agency market this summer.  He has every reason to.  This is a special time in every professional athletes life.  If you've ever dreamed of becoming an athlete, being pursued by multiple teams was likely involved in that dream.

The future of the Knicks franchise may very well be determined over the next few months.

NFL MARKETING TO MOMS

Over the past few years the NFL's image has taken a major hit due to growing sentiment over the safety of the game.  Last summer when the NFL reached a $765 million dollar settlement with its former players  the deal included a clause that allowed the NFL to stay in the closet about information they had on Concussions.  Apparently the NFL has something to hide.  The league knows this entire investigation is one step away from getting ugly.

Maintaining a clean image is important to Roger Goodell.  So important that the leagues latest image based pitch has been directed towards mothers.  Not the mothers of their current employers.  See the mothers of the current employees already know the truth about the game.  The sport is violent by nature.  Always has been and will be for the foreseeable future.

The NFL claims that teaching the correct technique to kids will somehow reduce injury.  What the NFL failed to mention is unlike other sports,  football has a 100% injury rate.  If you play long enough you will get hurt.

I understand the NFL's goal here.  Sports is a business like it or not.  It has to be this way to maintain sanctity.  Everyone has to get paid and without a wide open talent pool eventually the product will suffer.  Imagine Sunday afternoon without the NFL.  Something about that leaves me with a gut wrenching feeling.

If the NFL is going to pursue the blessings of mothers all over the country than the league must be forthcoming with any new information that can make the game safer.  The league has not always been completely honest with its players, current as well as incoming. Junior Seau and Mike Webster are evidence of that.

Farewell Captain

Major league Baseball underwent many changes during the late 90's.  The strike of 1994 which left us with no World Series winner for the first time in decades left the sport reeling.  Cal Ripken, Jr. at the time was recognized as the single most influential player in saving Major League Baseball.  The steroid era followed and by 1998 baseball was back.  Over the past 50 years athletes have gotten bigger, stronger and faster seemingly by generation.  Positions were once defined by a combination of stature and raw physical ability.  By the late 90's it was evident that a new era was on the horizon.

The Shortstop position historically has been played by small, quick and agile men.  Derek Jeter,  Alex Rodriguez and Nomar Garciaparra changed the way the Shortstop would be viewed permanently.  They were coined "the big three" and that's exactly what they were to baseball.  Alex Rodriguez was the rock star of the famed trio.  He hit towering home runs and from the start  had a mystique about him that was second to none.  Nomar Garciaparra won consecutive batting titles early in his career.  Early on many perceived him to be the best of the three.  Derek Jeter was supposed to be the shy little sister of the group.  He didn't hit many home runs and his RBI production wasn't anything to marvel over. 

15 years later Derek Jeter is the last man standing.  Alex Rodriguez has thrown all his credibility away.  He is a life long juicer and frankly I don't believe he was ever clean.  Not only is he a cheater but he is also a blatant liar.  Nomar put together a solid career.  Injuries hobbled Garciaparra during the latter half of his playing career and the two time batting champion called it quits in 2009.

What separated Derek Jeter from the rest was his intangibles.  His confidence,  self awareness and the fact that he always seemed comfortable in any situation are a few of many.  These characteristics are hard to teach.  Derek Jeter never had to learn them.  They came along with the aura.  True greatness in its purest form. 

Growing up I used to hear people talk about Mickey Mantle as if he were a god or saint.  Thanks to Derek Jeter I now understand why.

Knicks lose to lowly Kings

Midway through the third quarter of tonight's game against the Sacramento Kings the Knicks held on to a modest  three point lead.  Leading for much of the game up until that point,  the Knicks once again allowed a team to creep its way back into a game they should have closed out.  Tonight's game in so many ways is a reflection of the Knicks season thus far.  A young team lacking chemistry came into MSG and outplayed the Knicks down the stretch.  A game New York desperately needed to make the playoffs.

Jimmer Fredette torched the Knicks for a career high 24 points tonight.  The New York native connected on six of his eight attempts from downtown and made the Knicks pay for leaving him open.  Isaiah Thomas poured in 20 points and seven assist continuing his stellar play this season. 

Carmelo Anthony finished with 36 points and 11 rebounds.  His hot shooting start cooled off and the Knicks struggled to score down the stretch.  Carmelo scored only four points after the third quarter.  He appeared to be fatigued missing an easy layup to open the overtime period. 

The one bright spot for New York going forward tonight was the play of Amar'e Stoudemire.  Stoudemire scored 20 points and pulled down eight boards in 37 minutes of action. His minutes restriction appears to be over.  The Knicks are going to need production like this from Stoudemire if they expect to make the playoffs.

At this point the only thing that matters for the Knicks is wins.  With this type of loss the playoffs is going to get away from the Knicks.  The Knicks limp into the All Star break a wounded team.

What happened to Tyreke Evans ?

One of the biggest mysteries in the NBA over the past few years has been Tyreke Evans. Evans is an extremely talented player.  He is 6"5 and a burly 220lbs.  His stature combined with versatile skills make him a nightmare match up for guards around the NBA.

Evans had one of the best rookie seasons for a point guard in NBA history.  He captured the 2009-2010 NBA Rookie of the Year award.  Evans is only the fourth rookie in NBA history to average 20.1ppg,  5.3rpg and 5.8apg.  Magic Johnson averaged 18ppg,  7.7apg and 7.3apg as a rookie back in 1980.  Evans is certainly in elite company.  Watching Evans during his rookie campaign was similar to watching LeBron James as a rookie.  A beautiful combination of size,  speed and grace flying down the court with the awareness and skill of a man six inches shorter.  Evans magical rookie year concluded with him capturing a spot on the all rookie first team and co MVP of the NBA rookie challenge.  Tyreke Evans had a better rookie season than Derrick Rose.  Rose came into the NBA in a better situation.

Those were the good old days for Evans.  His sophomore year didn't begin promising.  Evans appeared to have gotten lazy after a stellar first year in the league.  He reported to camp out of shape,  which is a not a good sign in a league as tough as the NBA.  Evans minutes decreased with the emergence of Isaiah Thomas and was often slid over to the off guard position.

The remainder of Evans time in Sacramento would prove to be tumultuous.  Often coming off the bench his numbers slipped to 15.2ppg, 4.4rpg and 3.5apg during his final year with the Kings.  A change of scenery was certainly needed.

This change would come on July 10, 2013.  Evans was shipped to the New Orleans Pelicans via a three team trade involving the Portland Trailblazers.  Adjusting to a new team can be a difficult transition.  Being a guard only enhances the pressure.  In his first year in New Orleans Evans numbers have dropped drastically.  He averages a career low 12.7ppg and 4.3rpg.  Evans has never been a good three point shooter.  His average has dropped to a putrid 14.9% this season.

Evans experienced another low point on Sunday.  He was benched by head coach Monty Williams against Brooklyn for conduct detrimental to the team.  The issue has gotten more publicity than expected.  Players get benched all the time,  right?  Evans shied away from media attention when asked about his latest run in with his head coach.

Evans response to being benched was classic.  He returned to the line up Monday to post 23 points, 5 rebounds, 10 assist and 3 steals while logging 32 minutes.  Evans was a blistering 10-14 from the field with only two turnovers. 

Evans fall from grace has been mind boggling to say the least.  His performance Monday is indicative of what he is capable of doing.  People get annoyed when I say this but Tyreke Evans reminds me of LeBron James when he is focused.  Hopefully after this latest hick up Evans can return to elite form.  New Orleans is a guard loaded team.  Evans has the potential to be the best of those guards.  Tyreke Evans and Anthony Davis have the potential to be a guard forward combination to reckon with for years to come in the NBA.

Hardaway Jr. a pleasant surprise

During a season marred by disappointment the one bright spot for the Knicks this year has been Tim Hardaway Jr.  Hardaway Jr. was the 24th overall selection during the 2013 NBA draft.  He's averaged 9.3ppg while shooting a solid 46% from the field.  Hardaway Jr.'s most impressive asset this season has been his three point shooting.  His 39% from downtown along with an average of 82% from the free throw line has made him a pleasant addition off the bench for Mike Woodson.

With Iman Shumpert's inconsistent play and J.R Smith going through a myriad of issues this season Hardaway Jr. has filled in at the off guard position more often than expected this season.  Not only has Mike Woodson trusted his rookie during key moments this season but he's played well in those situations. 

As Hardaway Jr.'s minutes have increased so has his confidence.  During his last ten games he's averaged 13.6ppg, 2.1apg while shooting 48% from the field.  The NBA has been on notice as well.  Hardaway Jr. was an early selection in the NBA rising stars draft by assistant coach Chris Webber.

No matter how good of a season new players in the NBA are having at some point you can expect to hit the rookie wall.  The Knicks have no real expectations for Hardaway Jr. this season.  He hasn't played a high volume of minutes this season which should keep his legs fresh heading into the last quarter of the season.

At Michigan Tim Hardaway Jr. showed progress each of his three years.  He deferred to Utah Jazz rookie Trey Burke his last two college seasons which shows his unselfishness and dedication to winning.  His work ethic is second to none as he has been one of the last players to leave the Knicks facility after practice.  This rookie appears to get it. It doesn't hurt to have a former NBA all star and one of the best point guards in NBA history as your father either.

With all that said there is still one factor that I can not help salivating over.  Tim Hardaway Sr. stood at 5"10.  During his early years he dominated the NBA despite his modest height with a wicked cross over along with a chiseled upper frame.  Growing up the younger Hardaway could not have expected to a towering 6"6.  Hardaway Jr. may have more to his arsenal than we have had the opportunity to see.  I'm pretty sure Hardaway Jr. wants to be known as an individual but the cross over is in the blood.  Lets see it kid.

It will be interesting to see just how good Tim Hardaway Jr. can become.

Was the Carmelo deal worth it?

It's been three years since the New York Knicks and the Denver Nuggets pulled off the blockbuster trade that sent Carmelo Anthony to the Knicks.  In return Denver received Wilson Chandler,  Danilo Gallanari,  Timofey Mozgov and draft picks.  Denver owns the Knicks first round draft pick this year.  If the Knicks fail to make the playoffs,  Denver will have a shot at the lottery regardless if they make the playoffs or not.  Denver has dropped off dramatically since last season.  This season may not be going particularly well for Denver.  However,  the franchise is headed in the right direction.

The Knicks on the other hand have some hard hitting issues to deal with in the near future.  Carmelo Anthony as we all know plans on opting out of his contract this summer to test free agency.  The roster is aging,  Mike Woodson is currently a lame duck head coach and the salary cap situation is abysmal.  I can go on and on about the miss management of the Knicks franchise, but who really has time for that?  I'm pretty sure everyone gets my drift.

The Knicks defeated the Nuggets pretty handily at MSG last night.  Both teams are having disappointing seasons.  The Nuggets recent struggles were predictable.  The Knicks off season moves did not result in any improvements.  I personally picked the Knicks to finish number six in the east.  Knick fans ripped into me pretty well for this but the lack of continuity was easy to see.

The Knicks traded key pieces as well as draft picks to acquire Carmelo.  Carmelo still has moments where he can be a bit more unselfish.  On the other hand he's been an offensive juggernaut.  Only the second player in Knicks history to capture the scoring title.

The Knicks got the best player in the deal no question.  Basketball is a team game and the NBA is  business.  Careful planning and maneuvering sometimes with less ammunition than competitors is the task of an NBA teams front office.  I have to say right now Denver looks like the winner in the Carmelo Anthony trade.

2014 NBA dunk contest

So the dunk contest at NBA All Star 2014 weekend may turn out to be a memorable one.  If you follow the contest on a yearly basis then you should be familiar with seeing a player you have never seen before.

Most people would prefer to see relevant players.  The dunk contest was most popular when the best dunkers who happened to be some of the best players at the time were contestants.  Julius Erving,  Michael Jordan,  Dominique Wilkins and Larry Nance to name a few.

This year Paul George has decided to enter his name onto the ballot.  Its exciting to see a player of his caliber show what he can do with all that god given athletic ability.  Damian Lillard and John Wall will be in the dunk contest as well.  I'm still waiting for LeBron James and Kevin Durant  to step up to the plate but mean while it should be fun watching these all stars give us a show.

My early prediction is Paul George.  Paul's athleticism should give him an advantage over the other contestants.  Harrison Barnes is my sleeper pick.  Lets go Knicks!

Are the Spurs too old?

I  recently heard someone ask Stephen A Smith a question about the San Antonio Spurs that bothered me a bit.  Stephen A was his usual hostile self towards the young man.  I usually don't agree with Stephen A being abrasive towards fans but in this instance the reaction was well deserved.

The man asked Stephen A if he felt the Spurs were over rated.  I began to ask my self.  How could a team that was one defensive possession away from capturing the NBA championship on the Miami Heats home court be considered over rated?  Some teams get to the final round and get steam rolled right into a second place finish.  Remember Jason Kidd and the New Jersey Nets against the Lakers.  Or maybe The Spurs last title over  an over achieving Cleveland Cavalier team.  Those teams got trounced to the point where you had to question wither or not they even belonged in the championship round.

Don't get me wrong I am well aware of the fact that the defending champions reside in Miami.  But to not view San Antonio as a team to reckon with come playoff time is a big mistake.  The Spurs finished last season playing at an elite level. Good enough to be champs. Gregg  Popovich is known for resting his stars sporadically throughout the season,  although he hasn't done it as blatant as we've seen in years past.

So why would you expect something different from this rugged group of veterans?  I know there are doubts.  Manu Ginobili played horrible at moments during last years playoff run, Tim Duncan must stay healthy and the fact remains that the Spurs have never made the NBA finals in back to back seasons.  San Antonio has also been pretty bad against the NBA's elite this year.  If the Spurs have a real shot at defending their Western Conference crown they must play better against the Miami's and the OKC's of the NBA.  They may also need a favorable match up or two in a wide open conference.  Last year Golden State felt comfortable against the Spurs and at times looked like the better team during their second round match up.  That's the type of young team the Spurs must be ready for come playoff time.  Remember the upset loss to the Grizzlies after leading the league in wins a few years back.

The teams nucleus remains intact from last year.  Patrick Mills has assumed more of a role in the offense which makes up for the loss of Gary Neal.  Marco Bellinili has fit in well thus far.  The Spurs may be under the radar right now but that's just how the like it.  Last June was the first time the big three walked away from the NBA finals with a bad taste in their mouths.  Tim Duncan wants to go out with a fifth championship.  The Spurs have the drive, the belief and the team to win the NBA title come June.

So are the Spurs over rated. No!

Can the Knicks Stop Portland?

The Knicks are still 10 games below the 500 mark with all star weekend right around the corner.  If not for an extremely soft eastern conference and playing in the worst division in the NBA,  this season could already be a wash.  New York currently sits at 10th place in the east.  Oddly enough the team is still only seven games behind Toronto for the Atlantic Division title which would guarantee a first round home playoff series.  The Knicks need to stop the bleeding and try and creep towards the 500 mark before NBA All Star Weekend.  That way the team can go into the home stretch still with high hopes.

If the Knicks have any shot of making the playoffs they absolutely must do two things.  Beat the teams they are supposed to beat and defend their home court.  Right now I don't think any team in the NBA is afraid to come to the garden.  Last year was a different story. 

The Knicks failed to defeat a Milwaukee team that has struggled all season long.  Losses like that is what may ultimately have the Knicks on the outside looking in come playoff time.  Every time New York takes on a playoff team it is an opportunity to turn the season around.  With Portland coming into the garden the Knicks need to make a statement and get their 20th win.

This will not be a simple task.  The Portland Trailblazers have been the surprise of the NBA this  season.  Portland is currently 34-14 which is good for third in the western conference.  Their 15-9 road record is one of the best in the NBA.  With the Knicks still struggling this game may not appear to be of great importance around the NBA.  LaMarcus Aldridge is having a career year.  In his eighth NBA season Aldridge appears to be ready to transition from all star to super star level.

Damian Lillard has been arguably the most impressive player in the NBA this season.  Last years rookie of the year award winner is having what I would call yet another break out season.  Lillard was unheralded coming out of Weber State University and plays with a chip on his shoulder.

The trip to MSG gives both Lillard and Aldridge another opportunity on national television to show the world they are for real.  The two were named all star reserves in a conference full of guards and forwards  playing excellent basketball. 

Tune in later tonight for the game recap.  LETS GO KNICKS!

Peyton's Legacy

When everyone realized the weather wasn't going to be as much of an issue as previously believed talks around  Super bowl 48 switched from Peyton Manning's ability to perform in cold weather to what will Peyton's legacy be after the clock hit triple zero's Sunday night.

Unfortunately For Peyton after last nights debacle his list of disappointing playoff losses got longer.  At the age of 37 this has to be the most disappointing loss in a career of marvelous regular seasons followed by heart breaking losses in the playoffs.  If Peyton were 10 years younger the initial thought process would be  "lets get em next year guys".  At 37 you would have to say this was Peyton's last opportunity to win the big game.

After Sundays 43-8 blow out loss to the Seattle Seahawk's I truly don't believe Peyton Manning's legacy took a real hit.  What actually happened is Peyton simply lost out on a huge opportunity to further supplant his legacy as one of the greatest quarter backs in NFL history.  With a win Peyton would have pushed himself right to the top of the list of multiple championship quarter backs.  He now boasts a disappointing 11-12 career postseason record and worst is now 1-2 on Super bowl Sunday.  Peyton should send a thank you card to his younger brother because the only reason his resume still stacks up to the great Tom Brady is due to the two upset victories Brady suffered to the younger Manning.

Despite the embarrassing loss you cannot hang this loss solely on Peyton.  For Denver to have any shot at winning this game they needed to get off to a fast start and failed to do so.  In fact Denver got off to the worst start possible allowing the vaunted Seattle defense to score the first two points of the game with a safety.  Following the game Peyton was quoted  saying that he would not call the 43-8 loss embarrassing.  Well ill do it for you big guy.  At times it looked as if Seattle had 12 men on the field.  They were faster, hit harder and dominated wire to wire.  Peyton Manning and  the Denver Broncos were in over their heads from the start.

You cannot judge a players career based on one game.  I recently heard the great Joe Montana saying that Dan Marino who was great in his own right deserves more recognition as one of the best.  Marino like Peyton boasts gaudy regular season statistics along with a lack of postseason success.  Perhaps Montana was hinting that he may get too much credit.  Montana played on some of the greatest teams in NFL history.  In 1984 Montana's 49ers walked into the  Super bowl with a number one ranked defense.  In 1989 he won another Super bowl with a number one ranked offense.  Some guys are blessed to play with immense talent.  Not making any excuses for Peyton but these are facts.

Peyton manning will undergo mandatory neck procedures early this spring.  These tests are said to determine much of Peyton's playing future.  With a positive test result Peyton should be able to play as long as he wants barring injury. A negative test result could force Peyton to retire as early as this summer.  Lets just hope that this is not the last we have seen of the great Peyton Manning.