Here are the busts from the 1950's: Irwin Dabmrot,Gene Melchiorre,Marcus Freiberger, Zeke Sinicola, John McConathy, Ed Smith, Joe Dean, Bob Stauffer, Chuck Darling, Mark Workman, Ralph Polson, Bob Lochmueller, Jim Neal, Jim Fritsche, Jack Turner, Johnny Horan, Hal Lear, Ron Shavlik, George Bon Salle, Brendan McCann, Pete Brennan, and John Richter.1960s: Al Bunge, Tom Stith, Wayne Yates, Gerry Ward, Tom Hoover, Roger Strickland, Bill Green, Gary Bradds, Barry Kramer, Nate Bowman, Ollie Johnson, Dave Schellhase, Sonny Dove, Tom Dallas Cowboys jersey
Workman, Mel Daniels, Dave Lattin, Mal Graham, Craig Raymond, Bill Hosket, Terry Driscoll, and Bud Ogden.1970s: Jim Ard, George Johnson, Greg Howard, Jimmy Collins, Al Henry, John Valley, Gary Greman, Mike Price, Ken Durett, Clarence Glover, Dana Lewis, Collis Jones, LaRue Martin, Russ Lee, Tom Riker, Rob Nash, Travis Grant, Kevin Joyce, Barry Parkhill, Steve Downing, Raymond Lewis, Cliff Pondexter, Glenn McDonald, Gene Short, Bob Bigelow, John Lambert, Chuckie Williams, Norm Cook, Tate Armstrong, Bo Ellis, Wesley Cox, Rich Laurel, Glenn Mosley, Rod Griffin, Raymond Townsend, Lary Demick, Roy Hamilton, Brad Holland, Lee Johnson, Wiley Peck, and Larry Knight.1980s: James Ray, Rickey Brown, John Duren, Monti Davis, Chad Kinch, Danny Vranes, Jeff Lamp, Ray Tolbert, Charles Bradley, David Thirdkill, Eddie Phillips, Mark McNamara, Darren Tillis, Russell Cross, Leo Rautins, Greg Kite, Stewart Granger, Tom Sewell, Earl Jones, Michael Young, Jon Koncak, Joe Kleine, Uwe Blab, Len Bias, Christian Washburn, William Bedford, Maruice Man, Anthony Jones, Ken Barlow, Joe Wolf, Jose Ortiz, Christian Welp, Ronnie Murphy, Will Perdue, Eric Leckner, David Rivers, Kenny Payne, Jeff Sanders, Ray Marble, Anthony Cook, John Morton, and Kenny Battle.1990s: Dave Jamerson, Jerrod Mustaf, Duane Causwell, Tate George, Lance Blanks, Rich King, Kevin Brooks, John Turner, Leron Ellis, Shaun Vandiver, Mark Randall, Pete Chilcutt, Bobby Hurley, Scott Haskin, Doug Edwards, Rex Walters, Greg Graham, Luther Wright, Ervin Johnson, Corie Blount, Geert Hammink, Malcolm Mackey, Eric Montross, Yinka Dare, Eric Mobley, B.J. Tyler, Dickey Simpkins, Bill Curley, Brooks Thompson, Denver Broncos jersey
Shawn Respert, Cherokee Parks, Randolph Childress, George Zidek, Loren Meyer, David Vaughn, Sherrell Ford, Mario Bennett, Greg Ostertag, Todd Fuller, Dontae' Jones, Roy Rogers, Efthimi Rentzias, Martin Muursepp, Brian Evans, Priest Lauderdale, Travis Knight, Adonal Foyle, Johnny Taylor, Scott Pollard, Paul Grant, Jacque Vaughn, Keith Booth, Robert Traylor, Michael Doleac, Bryce Drew, Brian Skinner, Sam Jacobson, Vladimir Stepania, Aleksandr Radojevic, William Avery, Frederic Weiss, Cal Bowdler, Quincy Lewis, Tim James, Scott Padgett, and Leon Smith.2000s: Joel Przybilla, Jerome Moiso, Mateen Cleaves, Dalibor Bagaric, Jake Tsakalidis, Mamadou N'diaye, Erick Barkley, Mark Madsen, DeSagana Diop, Kedrick Brown, Steven Hunter, Kirk Haston, Michael Bradley, Jason Collins, Joseph Forte, Jeryl Sasser, Brandon Armstrong, Nikoloz Tskitishvili, Marcus Haislip, Curtis Borchardt, Ryan Humphrey, Qyntel Woods, Frank Williams, Chris Jeffries, Reese Gaines, Troy Bell, Zark Cabarkapa, Zoran Planinic, Ndudi Ebi, Rafael Arajuo, Luke Jackson, Robert Swift, Kris Humphries, Pavel Podkolzin, Viktor Khryapa, Sergei Monia, Sasha Vujacic, Fran Vasquez, Yaroslav Korolev, Julius Hodge, Ian Mahinimi, Wayne Simien, Shelden Williams, Patrick O'Bryant, Cedric Simmons, Oleksiy Pecherov, Quincy Douby, Renaldo Balkman, Maurice Auger, Mardy Collins, Joel Freeland, Acie Law, Julian Wright, Sean Williams, Jason Smith, Morris Almond, Tiago Splitter, Petteri Koponen, Joe Alexander, Alexis Ajinca, Kosta Koufos, JR Giddens, Hasheem Thabeet, Ricky Rubio, Gerald Henderson, Earl Clark, Jeff Teague, Eric Maynor, Victor Claver, Byron Mullens, Demarre Caroll, and Christian Eyenga.The way drafts are held today there's a lot of hype with Detroit Lions
first round players, especially when they are in the top 10. If they don't put up numbers, they are considered a bust. In my opinion, though, if a player is drafted in the first round they need to make a difference regardless if it's the first pick or now the 30th pick of the draft in the first round.There's a tremendous number of busts in the article, but it doesn't include the likes of Bowie, Brown, and Milicic because even though they did not live up to the expectations of where they were drafted, they still put up better numbers than the busts from any of the decades.
2010年12月25日星期六
25 Dec 10 NBA League Intervention Puts Stars In Limbo Broadway's Other Lead
Chris Graythen/Getty ImagesThis week the NBA announced plans to take over the fiscally struggling New Orleans Hornets whose financial predicaments have left the league with no choice but to take temporary ownership.Perhaps such a situation could have been avoided had the team Reebok Oakland Raiders #21 Nnamdi Asomugha Realtree camo Jersey
decided to retain a 17-year-old Kobe Bryant draft instead of swapping him on draft day in 96 for aging center Vlade Divac. Or perhaps it all went wrong in February of 2005 when the team shipped rising star Baron Davis to Golden State for Long Island own Speedy Claxton and Dale Davis.Regardless, the team is in a state of financial flux following their torrid start but now the franchise sees itself sinking fast in the ultra competitive NBA southwest division.Like Major League Baseball did when the league assumed ownership of the struggling Expos, many Hornet players could see themselves shipped off at bargain prices in order to cut losses so to make the team more attractive for potential sale to a new owner. Among the list of pricey talent-laden players who will soon be available: Chris Paul.Paul heads many fantasy leagues as a front-runner for MVP. His 16.2 PPG combined with a stately 10.4 ASG plus a near 5 RPG places the Wake Forest product as not just a candidate as a fantasy MVP but also an NBA MVP. Add to Paul totals a 90 percent conversion rate from the charity stripe and the Hornet point guard compels trade suitors to salivate.The 25 year-old guard is set to make over $15MM in 10-11 plus incentives which make Paul an imminent trade candidateReebok Pittsburgh Steelers #86 Hines Ward Realtree camo Jersey
looking to shed payroll. A team rumored to be a suitor is the Orlando Magic whose ability to offer young trade pieces like Jameer Nelson and J.J. Reddick make a potential deal viable. The feasibility of Paul teaming up with a hyper-athletic scoring center like Dwight Howard could cause the guard peripheral stats to explode.As the February 24th trade deadline approaches and the league pressure for New Orleans to unload payroll intensifies, Chris Paul tenure as a Hornet may be coming to a close.Wilson Chandler may not be the draw that three-time all-star Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers James Harrison Realtree camo Jersey
Chris Paul is, but Chandler emergence as the Knicks blossoming star certainly has staked his claim as one of Broadway newest draws. Statistically Chandler is a top 20 player who contributes in every statistical category including blocked shots where the 68 forward blocks nearly two shots per contest.Continue Reading
decided to retain a 17-year-old Kobe Bryant draft instead of swapping him on draft day in 96 for aging center Vlade Divac. Or perhaps it all went wrong in February of 2005 when the team shipped rising star Baron Davis to Golden State for Long Island own Speedy Claxton and Dale Davis.Regardless, the team is in a state of financial flux following their torrid start but now the franchise sees itself sinking fast in the ultra competitive NBA southwest division.Like Major League Baseball did when the league assumed ownership of the struggling Expos, many Hornet players could see themselves shipped off at bargain prices in order to cut losses so to make the team more attractive for potential sale to a new owner. Among the list of pricey talent-laden players who will soon be available: Chris Paul.Paul heads many fantasy leagues as a front-runner for MVP. His 16.2 PPG combined with a stately 10.4 ASG plus a near 5 RPG places the Wake Forest product as not just a candidate as a fantasy MVP but also an NBA MVP. Add to Paul totals a 90 percent conversion rate from the charity stripe and the Hornet point guard compels trade suitors to salivate.The 25 year-old guard is set to make over $15MM in 10-11 plus incentives which make Paul an imminent trade candidateReebok Pittsburgh Steelers #86 Hines Ward Realtree camo Jersey
looking to shed payroll. A team rumored to be a suitor is the Orlando Magic whose ability to offer young trade pieces like Jameer Nelson and J.J. Reddick make a potential deal viable. The feasibility of Paul teaming up with a hyper-athletic scoring center like Dwight Howard could cause the guard peripheral stats to explode.As the February 24th trade deadline approaches and the league pressure for New Orleans to unload payroll intensifies, Chris Paul tenure as a Hornet may be coming to a close.Wilson Chandler may not be the draw that three-time all-star Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers James Harrison Realtree camo Jersey
Chris Paul is, but Chandler emergence as the Knicks blossoming star certainly has staked his claim as one of Broadway newest draws. Statistically Chandler is a top 20 player who contributes in every statistical category including blocked shots where the 68 forward blocks nearly two shots per contest.Continue Reading
2010年12月24日星期五
24 Dec 10 Lebron James: Not Riding Coattails, Just a Step Ahead of the Rest
Lebron is just trying to winMarc Serota/Getty ImagesSince Lebron left Cleveland, everyone from team owners to ex-NBA greats have had something to say. He has been called all kinds of things including coward, narcissist, and ring chaser. Many claim the reason he joined up with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami is because he needs other superstars to hide his own deficiencies. The truth is no one person can win a title on their own, and Lebron knows it.The fact that the James-led Cavaliers have posted 60+ win regular season records Atlanta Falcons jersey
means nothing. The playoffs are a whole different game and if you are relying on players like Mo Williams and Antawn Jamison, chances are you are not going to have much success regardless of how good you are. This is something Lebron realized and took advantage ofwith the opportunity that free agency created.It is easy for players such as Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan to come out and say they would not have done what Lebron did, in going to a team with a player like Dwyane Wade. Magic was drafted into a team with players like Kareem-Abdul Jabbar and James Worthy. Jordan’s Bulls were able to acquire players such as Pippen and Rodman. When you have teammates like these, it’s a no-brainer to not want to leave your team. James however did not have that luxury.Charles Barkley was also another strong critic of Lebron’s move. Barkley also said he would not have switched teams in his prime in order to team up with another superstar. But Barkley did go to Houston later in his Baltimore Ravens jersey
career for the shot a championship. A championship he did not win. The fact that Barkley never won a championship is something he most likely regrets. Why should Lebron be criticized for trying to accomplish his ultimate goal early in his career instead of later? Would it have been OK to leave Cleveland five years from now in order to try and win a championship? You can’t blame a player for wanting to win and win often. That is what Lebron is trying to do with this Miami Heat team. In the NBA success is measured in championships. If Lebron truly wants to be considered as one of the best to ever play the game then going to Miami was a smart move. His individual statistics may suffer a bit, but the chance for a title is increased. That is what James is going after. Buffalo Bills jersey
Let’s not blame Lebron for trying to win championships at an early age in order to cement his legacy. He knows the history of the game and is aware a championship is hard to win. He now has a head start and a great opportunity to do it. We should not question his competitiveness. We should honor the sacrifice he is making in putting aside his personal statistics, ego, and millions of dollars for the chance to win.
means nothing. The playoffs are a whole different game and if you are relying on players like Mo Williams and Antawn Jamison, chances are you are not going to have much success regardless of how good you are. This is something Lebron realized and took advantage ofwith the opportunity that free agency created.It is easy for players such as Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan to come out and say they would not have done what Lebron did, in going to a team with a player like Dwyane Wade. Magic was drafted into a team with players like Kareem-Abdul Jabbar and James Worthy. Jordan’s Bulls were able to acquire players such as Pippen and Rodman. When you have teammates like these, it’s a no-brainer to not want to leave your team. James however did not have that luxury.Charles Barkley was also another strong critic of Lebron’s move. Barkley also said he would not have switched teams in his prime in order to team up with another superstar. But Barkley did go to Houston later in his Baltimore Ravens jersey
career for the shot a championship. A championship he did not win. The fact that Barkley never won a championship is something he most likely regrets. Why should Lebron be criticized for trying to accomplish his ultimate goal early in his career instead of later? Would it have been OK to leave Cleveland five years from now in order to try and win a championship? You can’t blame a player for wanting to win and win often. That is what Lebron is trying to do with this Miami Heat team. In the NBA success is measured in championships. If Lebron truly wants to be considered as one of the best to ever play the game then going to Miami was a smart move. His individual statistics may suffer a bit, but the chance for a title is increased. That is what James is going after. Buffalo Bills jersey
Let’s not blame Lebron for trying to win championships at an early age in order to cement his legacy. He knows the history of the game and is aware a championship is hard to win. He now has a head start and a great opportunity to do it. We should not question his competitiveness. We should honor the sacrifice he is making in putting aside his personal statistics, ego, and millions of dollars for the chance to win.
2010年12月23日星期四
23 Dec 10Richard Jefferson: The Little San Antonio Spur That Could
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images"Richard Jefferson, we hardly knew ye."That's the headline I thought that I'd be running with a few weeks into the season, right around the time I predicted I'd be issuing the eulogy at the funeral of Jefferson's NBA career. Well, lo and behold, it's still the one I went with. St. Louis Rams jersey
And not because the 6'7" forward took note of the "staggering downswing in production" rumblings throughout the course of last season and retired at the age of 30, but because we literally did not know ye, Rich. Or more specifically, we didn't know you had it in you. After he mind-blowingly opted out of his $15.2 million contract in June, Spurs fans may have though they'd seen the last of Jefferson, who notched just 12.3 points in 31.1 frustrating minutes per game last year. But he managed to re-sign with the team in July, at what he considers his own type of self-negotiated contract extension. "So you figure it out. If you're able to get four years and 40 (million dollars by opting out) from someone (which ended up being the Spurs), it's like, 'OK, I did lose out on 15 (million dollars). But I'm going to get basically a $25 million extension,'" he told Fanhouse before opting out. Well, he ended up getting near his $40 million mark by signing for $39 million over four years, giving San Antonio one hella-good (so far) player for a measly $8.4 million. His contract steadily increases throughout the course of the deal, bringing him to over $11 million in year four, in which a 34-year-old Jefferson will likely be driving to the rim in a Cadillac with a perpetual left-turn signal on for 18 minutes a game. But this is not the time, nor place to discuss that dismal imagery. Rather, it's to offer Jefferson some praise. As the transition of the organization continues and 34-year-old Tim Duncan's minutes and points diminish, the needTennessee Titans jersey
for added production from other contributors grows consistently. Manu Ginobili has benefitted from his added minutes by shooting lights out and scoring over 21 per. Even Tony Parker has been as hot as his wife ex-wife, Eva Longoria, shooting close to 53 percent from the field and 81 percent from the line (Parker has career averages of 49 and 73 percent, respectively). But the biggest surprise of this young season for San Antonio is undoubtedly the motivated production from Jefferson. In roughly the same amount of playing time as last year, certain aspects of his 2010-2011 numbers are staggering. Jefferson is shooting at a 54 percent clip combined with 46 percent behind the arc. Compare that with 47 percent and 32 percent a year ago and the Spurs are in business.Will Jefferson continue at this pace throughout the course of the season?Will Jefferson continue at this pace throughout the course of the season?Yes90.3%No9.7%Total votes: 165His rebounds and assists are slightly down, but the adjustments to his overall game have given San Antonio a versatile scorer at the perfect time. Jefferson has even elevated his play to the point where I've confidently added him to my fantasy basketball team, "Pimping Gloria James." Basically what all of this boils down to is this: the majority of the NBA world believed that the productive days of the former Arizona Wildcat were far behind him. So much so, in fact, that basketballreference.com didn't even bother to update his Washington Redskins jersey
stock photo from his time in New Jersey, despite last appearing in a Nets uni in April 2008 and changing teams twice since then.Roughly 87 percent of the season remains to be played, and by then this column might look ridiculous.But right now it's time to buy into Richard Jefferson and the 10-1 Spurs, if you haven't already.
And not because the 6'7" forward took note of the "staggering downswing in production" rumblings throughout the course of last season and retired at the age of 30, but because we literally did not know ye, Rich. Or more specifically, we didn't know you had it in you. After he mind-blowingly opted out of his $15.2 million contract in June, Spurs fans may have though they'd seen the last of Jefferson, who notched just 12.3 points in 31.1 frustrating minutes per game last year. But he managed to re-sign with the team in July, at what he considers his own type of self-negotiated contract extension. "So you figure it out. If you're able to get four years and 40 (million dollars by opting out) from someone (which ended up being the Spurs), it's like, 'OK, I did lose out on 15 (million dollars). But I'm going to get basically a $25 million extension,'" he told Fanhouse before opting out. Well, he ended up getting near his $40 million mark by signing for $39 million over four years, giving San Antonio one hella-good (so far) player for a measly $8.4 million. His contract steadily increases throughout the course of the deal, bringing him to over $11 million in year four, in which a 34-year-old Jefferson will likely be driving to the rim in a Cadillac with a perpetual left-turn signal on for 18 minutes a game. But this is not the time, nor place to discuss that dismal imagery. Rather, it's to offer Jefferson some praise. As the transition of the organization continues and 34-year-old Tim Duncan's minutes and points diminish, the needTennessee Titans jersey
for added production from other contributors grows consistently. Manu Ginobili has benefitted from his added minutes by shooting lights out and scoring over 21 per. Even Tony Parker has been as hot as his wife ex-wife, Eva Longoria, shooting close to 53 percent from the field and 81 percent from the line (Parker has career averages of 49 and 73 percent, respectively). But the biggest surprise of this young season for San Antonio is undoubtedly the motivated production from Jefferson. In roughly the same amount of playing time as last year, certain aspects of his 2010-2011 numbers are staggering. Jefferson is shooting at a 54 percent clip combined with 46 percent behind the arc. Compare that with 47 percent and 32 percent a year ago and the Spurs are in business.Will Jefferson continue at this pace throughout the course of the season?Will Jefferson continue at this pace throughout the course of the season?Yes90.3%No9.7%Total votes: 165His rebounds and assists are slightly down, but the adjustments to his overall game have given San Antonio a versatile scorer at the perfect time. Jefferson has even elevated his play to the point where I've confidently added him to my fantasy basketball team, "Pimping Gloria James." Basically what all of this boils down to is this: the majority of the NBA world believed that the productive days of the former Arizona Wildcat were far behind him. So much so, in fact, that basketballreference.com didn't even bother to update his Washington Redskins jersey
stock photo from his time in New Jersey, despite last appearing in a Nets uni in April 2008 and changing teams twice since then.Roughly 87 percent of the season remains to be played, and by then this column might look ridiculous.But right now it's time to buy into Richard Jefferson and the 10-1 Spurs, if you haven't already.
2010年12月22日星期三
Monta Ellis-To-New York Knicks Deal Makes Perfect Sense
Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesThere's no denying that Monta Ellis is an entertaining, explosive player on one of the worst teams in the NBA.Take Ellis away from the Golden State Warriors and it becomes a team with point guard Stephen Curry and a bunch of players who can't be watched without without Reebok Indianapolis Colts 18 Peyton Manning Realtree camo Jersey
partially covering your eyes.There's also no denying that a backcourt tandem of Curry and Ellis won't last in Golden State. They share too many strengths, and yet Ellis doesn't have Curry's ability to develop into a true point guard. Curry is the guy the Warriors will build around.Thus, the report that Ellis is being offered to the New York Knicks in a sign-and-trade deal for power forward David Lee makes perfect sense.Well, it's out of character for the Warriors to consider a trade that would actually help them out. The club has been notorious for taking back a line of mediocre players for their stars.Lee's a versatile big guy who averaged 20.3 points and 11.7 boards in 37 minutes per game last season. He's a true NBA talent who, like Ellis, has been surrounded by inferior supporting players on some truly terrible teams. In fact, some NBA insiders remain surprised that Lee isn't mentioned amongst the list of Grade A free agents. The guy can play.Oh, and Lee hasn't cause a lick of trouble on the court or off. That alone makes him attractive.The Warriors do have a number of tall players. (There's really no other way to describe them, given that they haven't shown to be proven power forwards or centers.)Lee would immediately give the Warriors a star in the middle. He'd allow Andris Biedrins to play defense and rebound without having to worry about scoring around the hoop. Anthony Randolph and Brandon Wright would cease to be pieces to the puzzle. If they develop, fine. If they take time or don't make it at all, then a Lee-Biedrins-Turiaf combo under the hoop makes the Warriors competitive. First-round draft pick Epke Udoh will pound the boards and play defense. This is, of course, assuming Don Nelson forfeits the head coaching job, and his concept of the 5-man run and gun Reebok Minnesota Vikings 28 Adrian Peterson Realtree camo Jersey
rmy.And, really, Randolph is going to develop into a player. Having a veteran like Lee on the club will only expedite the process. Udoh's presence will eventually relieve Randolph of banging in the post, something he's not necessarily suited to do.There's no reason to worry about losing Ellis. The club never does anything right, but is rightly aware that having two, similarly skilled guards in Curry and Ellis is no way to build a team. And, it doesn't matter how much fans like Ellis—he will be the guy they trade. Curry's not going anywhere.It wouldn't hurt to relieve the new ownership of Ellis' contract either.So, Lee for Ellis makes sense and would be a big step towards legitimacy for the Warriors.Still, the Knicks aren't the only team that might be able to help the Warriors.The Chicago Bulls are offering small forward Luol Deng around. The former Duke star is a 6-foot-9, 25-year-old who averages 17.6 points and 7.3 rebounds for his career. The Warriors are without a small forward. And really, an NBA team should be able to fill all five spots on the floor with proven performers.The Portland Trail Blazers, whose front office may be a bigger mess than the Warriors', are also bidding for Deng. However, the Warriors have the assets to issue a better offer.Certainly, Ellis-for-Deng is unthinkable. But the NBA is all about multi-team trades these days and Ellis is a very, very marketable player. Teams are jockeying for trades that would better lure free agents like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade Reebok Minnesota Vikings #4 Brett Favre Realtree camo Jersey
and Chris Bosh.The Bulls are angling for both LeBron and Wade. Ellis is widely perceived as a scoring guard. ...What value would a scoring point guard have to a team seeking James or Wade?For now, let's dwell on the comforting idea of acquiring Lee, because it's the only Warriors idea that makes sense
partially covering your eyes.There's also no denying that a backcourt tandem of Curry and Ellis won't last in Golden State. They share too many strengths, and yet Ellis doesn't have Curry's ability to develop into a true point guard. Curry is the guy the Warriors will build around.Thus, the report that Ellis is being offered to the New York Knicks in a sign-and-trade deal for power forward David Lee makes perfect sense.Well, it's out of character for the Warriors to consider a trade that would actually help them out. The club has been notorious for taking back a line of mediocre players for their stars.Lee's a versatile big guy who averaged 20.3 points and 11.7 boards in 37 minutes per game last season. He's a true NBA talent who, like Ellis, has been surrounded by inferior supporting players on some truly terrible teams. In fact, some NBA insiders remain surprised that Lee isn't mentioned amongst the list of Grade A free agents. The guy can play.Oh, and Lee hasn't cause a lick of trouble on the court or off. That alone makes him attractive.The Warriors do have a number of tall players. (There's really no other way to describe them, given that they haven't shown to be proven power forwards or centers.)Lee would immediately give the Warriors a star in the middle. He'd allow Andris Biedrins to play defense and rebound without having to worry about scoring around the hoop. Anthony Randolph and Brandon Wright would cease to be pieces to the puzzle. If they develop, fine. If they take time or don't make it at all, then a Lee-Biedrins-Turiaf combo under the hoop makes the Warriors competitive. First-round draft pick Epke Udoh will pound the boards and play defense. This is, of course, assuming Don Nelson forfeits the head coaching job, and his concept of the 5-man run and gun Reebok Minnesota Vikings 28 Adrian Peterson Realtree camo Jersey
rmy.And, really, Randolph is going to develop into a player. Having a veteran like Lee on the club will only expedite the process. Udoh's presence will eventually relieve Randolph of banging in the post, something he's not necessarily suited to do.There's no reason to worry about losing Ellis. The club never does anything right, but is rightly aware that having two, similarly skilled guards in Curry and Ellis is no way to build a team. And, it doesn't matter how much fans like Ellis—he will be the guy they trade. Curry's not going anywhere.It wouldn't hurt to relieve the new ownership of Ellis' contract either.So, Lee for Ellis makes sense and would be a big step towards legitimacy for the Warriors.Still, the Knicks aren't the only team that might be able to help the Warriors.The Chicago Bulls are offering small forward Luol Deng around. The former Duke star is a 6-foot-9, 25-year-old who averages 17.6 points and 7.3 rebounds for his career. The Warriors are without a small forward. And really, an NBA team should be able to fill all five spots on the floor with proven performers.The Portland Trail Blazers, whose front office may be a bigger mess than the Warriors', are also bidding for Deng. However, the Warriors have the assets to issue a better offer.Certainly, Ellis-for-Deng is unthinkable. But the NBA is all about multi-team trades these days and Ellis is a very, very marketable player. Teams are jockeying for trades that would better lure free agents like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade Reebok Minnesota Vikings #4 Brett Favre Realtree camo Jersey
and Chris Bosh.The Bulls are angling for both LeBron and Wade. Ellis is widely perceived as a scoring guard. ...What value would a scoring point guard have to a team seeking James or Wade?For now, let's dwell on the comforting idea of acquiring Lee, because it's the only Warriors idea that makes sense
2010年12月21日星期二
Why Carl Crawford Is Worth Every Penny of His $142 Million Deal
Carl Crawford may actually live up to his fresh $142 million contract.Mike Ehrmann/Getty ImagesThere is a certain logic to why the Washington Nationals splurged on Jayson Werth, even if it is a faulty logic. But what was the logic of the Boston Red Sox snagging Carl Crawford for seven years at $142 million? The guy is good, but is he that good? Unlike the Nationals, who were a team acting upon a desperate desire just to be relevant, the Red Sox were already a very good team, fresh off of netting Adrian Gonzalez. Additionally, it stands to reason that Boston benefits from a Reebok New York Giants #27 Brandon Jacobs Realtree camo Jersey
certain wisdom that comes through having a history of winning and being rich. One would also think that the Red Sox front office learned their lesson the hard way with J.D. Drew. Like the Nationals signing Werth, Boston had external motives behind the Crawford deal beyond the player himself. For the Red Sox it's always about keeping up with New York. The Yankees may not have wanted Crawford, but this now puts all of the pressure on them to sign Cliff Lee, lest they walk away from this winter without signing even one of the free agent heavyweights. Boston also finished a lackluster third in the AL East last season, and the Crawford deal was exactly the kind of macho power move that the front office needed to placate a rabid fan base. The Red Sox were World Series contenders before Crawford. With him, they're the early favorites. But looking beyond how these external motives may have raised the price on Crawford, it is interesting to note that he might actually live up to his huge worth. J.D. Drew, no longer the highest-paid outfielder on the Red Sox.Darren McCollester/Getty Images$142 million over seven years might seem high for a guy who, over the past three seasons has a .803 OPS. This, compared to Boston's big bats: Gonzalez (.910), Kevin Youkilis (.975), Dustin Pedroia (.860), and David Ortiz (.899). But that number is still better than J.D. Drew's .793. Incidentally, it is important to mention Drew. For one, Crawford will live in the shadow of J.D.'s five-year $70 million contract. For one, this deal is widely considered Theo Epstein's biggest free agency blunder, and Crawford's worth will always be judged against the merits of the Drew deal. However, Crawford is also linked to J.D. because Crawford's value truly projects best if he switches from left field to right, Drew's position. God bless him, J.D. will be gone after 2011, however it is worth having Crawford in right starting this year. Playing left at Fenway takes away Crawford's speed, whereas Fenway's right field is among the more spacious in all of Reebok New York Jets #6 Mark Sanchez Realtree camo Jersey
baseball. Crawford is widely regarded as a premier defensive outfielder. It would behoove Boston to maximize his talents by playing him in right rather than neutralizing his speed in left. As for said speed on the base paths? It figures Crawford's stolen base totals have seen their best days; Boston's offense does not favor base stealing, neither in style or substance. However Crawford's speed will still be utilized, albeit in less statistically appreciated ways, such as going first to third on an opposite field blooper by Youkilis or second to home on a ground ball up the middle by Ortiz. What is your opinion on the Carl Crawford deal?What is your opinion on the Carl Crawford deal?It's just right.43.8%Too much money.14.4%Too many years.11.1%Too much money and too many years.20.9%Would rather extend J.D. Drew's contract to 2020.9.8%Total votes: 153But it all comes back to his fielding. FanGraphs Dave Cameron points to Crawford's WAR (Wins Above Replacement) value as being the best indicator of just how good he really is. Crawford's WAR over the past two seasons is sixth-best in all of baseball. Cameron argues that if "you buy into Crawford being an elite defender, then he is worth this contract, and maybe even a little bit more." Crawford has landed his big payday, but what will be interesting to see in the future is the price put on top-notch outfield defense. Seattle gave Franklin Gutierrez, arguably the best defensive outfielder in the game, four years at $20.5 million with a team option for a fifth year. Gutierrez does not compare to Reebok Oakland Raiders #21 Nnamdi Asomugha Realtree camo Jersey
Crawford at the dish (only a .666 OPS), however he isn't terrible with the bat. He also has speed and, obviously, compares to Crawford in the field. So would Gutierrez stand to make more now, in the wake of Crawford's mega-deal? Not that it matters for Gutierrez anymore, but would $10 million-a-year be out of the question for a player of his caliber? The price put on slick fielding is still up for grabs, however it seems safe to say that it isn't an undervalued commodity anymore in light of Carl Crawford, who just might actually live up to his big deal, even if he never hits 20 home runs. Will the same be said of Jayson Werth?
certain wisdom that comes through having a history of winning and being rich. One would also think that the Red Sox front office learned their lesson the hard way with J.D. Drew. Like the Nationals signing Werth, Boston had external motives behind the Crawford deal beyond the player himself. For the Red Sox it's always about keeping up with New York. The Yankees may not have wanted Crawford, but this now puts all of the pressure on them to sign Cliff Lee, lest they walk away from this winter without signing even one of the free agent heavyweights. Boston also finished a lackluster third in the AL East last season, and the Crawford deal was exactly the kind of macho power move that the front office needed to placate a rabid fan base. The Red Sox were World Series contenders before Crawford. With him, they're the early favorites. But looking beyond how these external motives may have raised the price on Crawford, it is interesting to note that he might actually live up to his huge worth. J.D. Drew, no longer the highest-paid outfielder on the Red Sox.Darren McCollester/Getty Images$142 million over seven years might seem high for a guy who, over the past three seasons has a .803 OPS. This, compared to Boston's big bats: Gonzalez (.910), Kevin Youkilis (.975), Dustin Pedroia (.860), and David Ortiz (.899). But that number is still better than J.D. Drew's .793. Incidentally, it is important to mention Drew. For one, Crawford will live in the shadow of J.D.'s five-year $70 million contract. For one, this deal is widely considered Theo Epstein's biggest free agency blunder, and Crawford's worth will always be judged against the merits of the Drew deal. However, Crawford is also linked to J.D. because Crawford's value truly projects best if he switches from left field to right, Drew's position. God bless him, J.D. will be gone after 2011, however it is worth having Crawford in right starting this year. Playing left at Fenway takes away Crawford's speed, whereas Fenway's right field is among the more spacious in all of Reebok New York Jets #6 Mark Sanchez Realtree camo Jersey
baseball. Crawford is widely regarded as a premier defensive outfielder. It would behoove Boston to maximize his talents by playing him in right rather than neutralizing his speed in left. As for said speed on the base paths? It figures Crawford's stolen base totals have seen their best days; Boston's offense does not favor base stealing, neither in style or substance. However Crawford's speed will still be utilized, albeit in less statistically appreciated ways, such as going first to third on an opposite field blooper by Youkilis or second to home on a ground ball up the middle by Ortiz. What is your opinion on the Carl Crawford deal?What is your opinion on the Carl Crawford deal?It's just right.43.8%Too much money.14.4%Too many years.11.1%Too much money and too many years.20.9%Would rather extend J.D. Drew's contract to 2020.9.8%Total votes: 153But it all comes back to his fielding. FanGraphs Dave Cameron points to Crawford's WAR (Wins Above Replacement) value as being the best indicator of just how good he really is. Crawford's WAR over the past two seasons is sixth-best in all of baseball. Cameron argues that if "you buy into Crawford being an elite defender, then he is worth this contract, and maybe even a little bit more." Crawford has landed his big payday, but what will be interesting to see in the future is the price put on top-notch outfield defense. Seattle gave Franklin Gutierrez, arguably the best defensive outfielder in the game, four years at $20.5 million with a team option for a fifth year. Gutierrez does not compare to Reebok Oakland Raiders #21 Nnamdi Asomugha Realtree camo Jersey
Crawford at the dish (only a .666 OPS), however he isn't terrible with the bat. He also has speed and, obviously, compares to Crawford in the field. So would Gutierrez stand to make more now, in the wake of Crawford's mega-deal? Not that it matters for Gutierrez anymore, but would $10 million-a-year be out of the question for a player of his caliber? The price put on slick fielding is still up for grabs, however it seems safe to say that it isn't an undervalued commodity anymore in light of Carl Crawford, who just might actually live up to his big deal, even if he never hits 20 home runs. Will the same be said of Jayson Werth?
2010年12月19日星期日
20 Dec 10 Ex-Gator Kerwin Bell: Is the Time Right to Come Home?
Urban Meyer will have to decide the direction he wants to go regarding Florida's offense.Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesFor all the names that have come up when discussing potential offensive coordinators to replace Steve Addazio at Florida, none has gathered more steam or generated more excitement in Gator Nation than Kerwin Bell.A quarterback at the University of Florida from 1983-87, Bell was a walk-on who found himself buried in the depth chart as a freshman. With a little luck and a lot of hard work, Bell became the starter at Florida in 1984 and led the Gators to a 9-1-1 record and won the Southeastern Conference Player of the Year award. By the time he left Florida, he had accumulated over 7,000 passing yards and threw for over 50 touchdowns.His professional career took him on many travels, through the NFL, CFL and the World League. But it was during his time in Toronto in the CFL when Bell realized his calling. In one year, Bell went from Argonaut quarterback to offensive coordinator, and just like that, his coaching career had begun.Bell was hired in 2001 as head coach of Trinity Catholic, a new catholic school in Ocala, Florida. He quickly established Trinity Catholic as a state powerhouse, winning a state championship in 2006.In 2007, Bell was hired at Jacksonville University to build a new program, much like he had at Trinity. In his first year, Bell won Pioneer League Coach of the Year honors. In 2010, JU finished 10-1, and finished with the No. 1 ranked offense in the country. Maybe what is most impressive about Bell’s success Reebok Chicago Bears #54 Brian Urlacher Realtree camo Jerseyat JU is that he has built a program without any scholarship players.Urban Meyer and Steve AddazioDoug Benc/Getty ImagesHis record and accomplishments speak for themselves, and he has admitted he hopes to return to the Gator sideline one day, as a coach. So what stands in the way of making this official, offensive philosophy, of course?Bell’s offense runs many pro sets and throws the ball all over the field, much like you see Bobby Petrino do at Arkansas. There is no read option, and the current coaching philosophy begins and ends with the read option. Even as pedestrian as the 2010 Gators appeared on offense, it may be asking too much for Meyer to change from what he knows best.There is the possibility Meyer and Bell could incorporate a lot of Reebok Chicago Bears #6 Jay Cutler Realtree camo Jerseyhow both offenses scheme and make it work; after all, many power football teams and pro-style offenses in college football incorporate a certain amount of spread or wildcat into their offenses. But the basic principles of the offense would change, and Meyer would have to accept that. Although Meyer claims he has no certain offensive style, the spread is his bread and butter and it has been his area of expertise since he became a head coach.Another possibility is that Meyer’s new approach, the new “delegating Meyer,” would recognize Bell, with head coaching experience, could not only bring a successful offense to Gainesville, but could also bring great leadership to the program, which the program desperately needs after losing Charlie Strong and so many other great coaches. Thus allowing Meyer time and energy to be a head coach, a husband and a father all at the same time.John Brantley played for Kerwin Bell at Trinity Catholic.Mike Ehrmann/Getty ImagesThere are other aspects Kerwin Bell brings to the Florida program that should be worth noting. For all his talent and success, Bell is a Florida Gator. This above all Reebok Dallas Cowboys #82 Jason Witten Realtree camo Jersey other reasons is why Gator Nation is so energized by Bell.Although a successful coordinator will no doubt have many new offers year in and year out, Bell is a Floridian and he is a Gator. Having success on the sidelines at Florida could prove gratifying enough for Bell to hang around for awhile, and who knows what the future could bring.Make no mistake; Kerwin Bell will be lured away from JU very soon. There are too many mediocre programs and few too many great coaches in college football. Programs like Vanderbilt will look at his success at JU and see gold. It may not happen this year or next, but it will happen.Whether Meyer makes the move to bring Kerwin Bell back home, one can only speculate. But until a new coordinator is named, the excitement in Gator Nation still persists and the dream continues to survive.
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