"I'm Really Sick Of..." and "Without a Doubt!" - NFL Late Season and NBA Offseason Edition

After 13 games of the 2011 NFL season, there are a few themes of the season that can be debated. Here are some topics that I don't think should make that list:

1) Aaron Rodgers is Without a Doubt the best quarterback in the NFL. I may come across like a clown by saying this but the way Aaron Rodgers has been playing over the past 20 games or so might be the best quarterbacking I've ever seen. Ever! Now I'm not calling Rodgers the greatest ever, not even the greatest of all-time amongst active quarterbacks, but this guy is making plays I've never seen made before. It's almost as if you took Tom Brady's arm and IQ and mixed it with Steve Young's athleticism and creativity.

I don't want to get too caught up in what he's doing just this year (see Manning, Eli), but he leads the league with 39 touchdowns, and he's throwing for around 317 yards a game, with a completion percentage just shy of 70, and here's the kicker, he's doing it with a QB rating of 123.3! The only other quarterback in NFL history to have a QB rating above 120 for a full season was Peyton Manning in his (then) record setting season of 2004. We're witnessing something special not just this year (in five playoff games : 67.8 % Comp, 303.4 yds/gm, 13 TD 3 INT, 112.6 QB Rating), but for many years to come.

Rodgers already has as many rings as fellow elite quarterbacks Manning and Drew Brees, and with a very talented defense and an abundant amount of skilled receivers catching his crisp passes, Big Ben and Brady better watch their backs or they'll be looking up at Mr. Discount Double-Check too.

2) Speaking of elite quarterbacks, I'm Really Sick of Eli Manning being called Elite. People, especially Giants fans, are always so concerned with where Eli Manning ranks amongst other quarterbacks in the NFL. Whether it's the younger brother complex, or the fact that fellow 2004 draft class QBs Phillip Rivers and Ben Roethlisberger are both incredible, Eli Manning has probably been one of the more debated quarterback for the past few seasons, and this year shouldn't end that debate! If what you're really seeking is the classification of elite then how can you put Eli in that conversation? Because he has a Superbowl championship? Because the Giants seem to be in the mix every season? These are factors that definitely play into Eli being a "top" quarterback, but elite?

I don't mean to take anything away from Eli, who is having an absolute career year and is really one of the better quarterbacks in the game, but how many players can you really consider elite? Rodgers, Brady, Peyton Manning, Drew Bress...maybe Roethlisberger. Those are unarguably the five best quarterbacks in the league (lets give Peyton the benefit of the doubt and allow him to be innocent until proven guilty). If you want to say Eli's one of the elite quarterbacks this season, that's fine, he's having a monster season, but when he performs this way over a stretch of multiple seasons, not to mention starts winning more playoff games (all of his playoff wins are from 2007) then he'll undoubtedly be elite.

You don't become elite by winning in the middle of the season, and as great as Eli's playing, this season for him (and the Giants) will only be remembered by how it ends. Now we'll see how elite Eli really is.

3. Can we say it yet? Tim Tebow is Without a Doubt an NFL quarterback! What are the two most important things you're looking for out of your quarterback? Arm strength and accuracy or wins and leadership? Because yes, you're clearly not getting top notch pocket quarterbacking out of Tebow, but you clearly are getting leadership, and MOST importantly, wins. Yes, they're ugly wins, they're wins that the defense keeps the hopeless looking offense in for the majority of the games, but they're also wins that wouldn't happen if Tebow doesn't make multiple huge plays that end up being deciding factors.

This isn't a conversation that needs any stats other than 8-3. While an 8-3 record isn't necessarily enough to put on a resume and expect to land any open quarterback position, it should be enough to put confidence in an organization that saw its last quarterback go 12-21 over the past three seasons. If the Broncos win the AFC West this year, which is looking like a real strong possibility, John Fox absolutely deserves Coach of the Year for throwing out his old playbooks and drawing his offense up around Tebow, but how can Tebow not at least walk away from this season as a legitimate starting quarterback?

I'm not asking for him to be considered elite (let's see how many more games he can win before we even think about opening that can of worms), but I am completely sold that he can play the position, and do so with at least mild success, which he's proven he can over his 11 career starts. I can't lie, I'm intrigued by Tebowmania, in fact, I've gotten over the fact that my Jets got Tebowed when they shouldn't have lost to that team. I've gotten over it because despite the fact that the Jets allowed him to lead a game-winning 95-yard drive, they knew all he was going to do was run, and he still did it, successfully.

Real recognize real, this kid's been a successful quarterback. I'm not really sick of Tebow, just sick of the Tebow haters.

4) I'm already Really Sick of hearing about Colts quarterback Andrew Luck. Yup, I said it, get used to it, because it's clearly not going anywhere. You think you're sick of hearing about it during Week 14 of the 2011 season, wait until the season's over. Then wait until the NFL Draft. Then wait until Training Camp 2012, followed by the preseason where both Luck and Peyton Manning look great. Then it's going to get worse by the week, possibly by the day. Sports fans, we have entered our new Brett Favre is retiring saga.

If Andrew Luck is the LeBron James, Stephen Strasburg, Sidney Crosby can't miss talent that everyone's been saying he is for over a year now, then how can the Colts not take him? Idiot Owner Jim Irsay hasn't said one thing either pro Peyton for 2012, or anti Luck for 2012, and face it, this Colts team will be lucky to win a game, let alone two before the season ends. The Colts intentionally didn't place Manning on the injured reserve this season so he could receive his full contract, could they possibly be ready to move on?

If they are, I hope they trade Manning early enough so that we don't have to live with this annoying story, or at least I hope they commit to Luck spending a year on the bench so he can learn from the best. Just know that if the two are on the same team, every game will end with questions as to who could have done a better job, and with both Manning and Luck's fathers being former quarterbacks, expect an even uglier dimension of annoyingness added to this story. Get better soon Peyton.

5) Jim Harbaugh is Without a Doubt NFL Coach of the Year. Assuming John Fox won't get the recognition he deserves for getting a 9/10 win team into the playoffs, Harbaugh will get the recognition for taking a team that hasn't won more than 8 games since 2002 and winning 11-13 games. Harbaugh inherited pretty much the same team that Mike Singletary was showing his weiner to for the past couple of years, and has turned them into a smash mouth football team. The niners have given up the least amount of rushing yards, and boast one of the best o-lines in the league, and most importantly, know better than to ask more out of Alex Smith than he can deliver. It was never a secret that Frank Gore was a premier running back, nor that Patrick Willis was a top defensive player, but Harbaugh has gotten the guys around those two stars to play their roles and this team could be playing deep into the winter.

Alright if you read my writing you know I'm an NBA FREAK! Here are my 5 NBA "I'm Really Sick Of..." "Without a Doubt!" points:

1) I know that my team was the beneficiary of the "Melo Drama" that lasted literally from mid-summer of 2010 until February of 2011, but I'm Really Sick of this Chris Paul drama. Whether this is all happening now because Paul played hardball with David Stern and other NBA Owners during labor negotiations, or the owners really just don't want to see stars ganging up, this story is awful and may be with us for months to come. I think it's a really sensitive matter to trade Paul to a large market team seeing how the NBA owns and operates the New Orleans Hornets, but Hornets GM Dell Demps has agreed now to multiple trade offers, let me clear that up, he's agreed to multiple FAIR trade offers, and for a number of reasons the deals haven't been approved by the league.

This isn't the portion of my opinion where I provide a solution, rather where I continue to sulk over how sick this situation could potentially make me. While I was really hopeful that the Knicks would be able to land CP3, realistically I knew it would be difficult, and I was almost relieved when he was traded to the Lakers as I thought it would be the end of the rumors. This probably would have been the best move for the Hornets as they would've scored Luis Scola, Kevin Martin, Lamar Odom, and Goran Dragic, four very talented, diverse players who could really help fill out a roster that's been depleted by free-agency and a lack of time to acquire new players caused by the lockout. The Hornets would've landed several solid contributors, as well as a draft pick to help start over, but as you know the deal was vetoed. And if a Lakers trade was vetoed, why wouldn't a Clippers trade be vetoed? After all it would end up landing Chris Paul in one of the two biggest NBA markets on either team. With that said, Golden State, maybe spend your efforts looking for someone else to trade Monta Ellis for.

At this point I don't know how or if the Hornets will be able to get Paul traded, which is a shame as they could really start rebuilding their team by letting go of their star. It's understandable that the owners are against players using leverage and dictating where their teams trade them, but this almost seemed like the league cutting its nose off despite it's face. Believe me, I don't want to see the Lakers end up landing Paul and still having the potential to bring in Dwight Howard, and maybe this will create some way for the Knicks to get back in the CP3 mix, but I think these trades being vetoed is just the beginning of what will be a long, dragged out saga with Chris Paul and the Hornets.

2) While on the subject of potential Knicks (sort of), Tyson Chandler was Without a Doubt the guy for the Knicks to add this offseason. It would have been sweet if the Knicks were able to bring in Chandler, and still add a point guard, but Chandler will give the Knicks something they haven't had in close to 15 years. Chandler is a relentless rebounder and feared shot-blocker (see LeBron's passiveness in the Finals, yeah I'm giving Chandler partial credit for it!), and at the same time is the perfect athlete for Mike D'Antoni's tempo. Chandler is also a great pick-and-roll defender, and with the teams point guard still to be named (come on, anyone but Mike Bibby), it's good to know that they'll have big Tyson defending the paint and picking up the slack for his other frontcourt-mates.

The marriage of Chandler to the Knicks really works as Chandler will not only help Stat and Melo out on defense, his efforts will allow his star forwards to save more of their energy for the offensive end, where they'll both undoubtedly put in the majority of their energy. Chandler is without a doubt a top-five center in the league, and even higher if you're only talking about defense. Welcome to New York Tyson, now go clog the middle.

3) I'm Really Sick of Dwight Howard's inconsistency. I understand that Dwight's one of the game's nice guys, but you can't go around sending mixed messages day-in and day-out. One day Dwight wants to go wherever Chris Paul is, the next day he's illegally (NBA police are watching) being wined and dined by Nets brass, and then the next it's Orlando thats the place he wants to be for the rest of his career. What gives? Say what you want about Melo, but you knew all along where he wanted to be, and as much as Nuggets fans may dislike him for it, he kept it real. This is one of those situations where keeping it real, really can't go wrong.

Dwight will without a doubt give his all for whatever team he suits up for this season, but please, you know he's not resigning with the Magic. Whether he follows Shaqs suit and goes out West, or comes up North, he won't be with Stan Van Gundy's bickering ass or whatever underachieving wing players who are shying from the moment in Orlando come playoff time. When the long-standing president of the team steps down from his job after drunk-dialing you and begging you to stay, you know that he knows you're gone, and you too know that you're gone.

4) The Miami Heat will Without a Doubt win the NBA Championship in 2012. Who else? The Thunder? The Bulls? Come on, those teams were at least a year away come last spring/summer, and without a chance to really lure in free-agents or build team commodity this offseason, it's the perfect time for LeBron to come back and win his first championship. LeBron and Wade spent the whole summer together, Chris Bosh is ready for a bounce back season, the bench is filling out, they signed do-it-all Shane Battier, I'm not endorsing Eddy Curry at all, but he sounds motivated and definitely lost significant weight (we've heard this before), and they're just ready to start winning.

I'm going to stand by this statement all season, the NBA is without a doubt LeBron James' league. He's the best player in the league, and it's just not logical for the best player to be with another great player and not start winning championships. I think Kevin Durant and Derrick Rose are really giving everything they have to get on LeBron's level, but both are at least a season away. With several amnesties still to be applied, this Heat roster may not be final yet, but with LeBron and Wade, the Heat have enough. This is the year that they prove it.

5) I'm Really Sick of all of the rumors. This past weekend was overload! You just took months of free agency and crammed it into a weekend pretty much. I swear, I must've thought 20 different guys were going to be Knicks this weekend, maybe 2 of them are. I'm glad the NBA is back, but with that said, let's get the season started already!

Season Preview to follow soon...

What a night for Baseball!

Are You FREAKING Kidding Me???

Within fifteen minutes, both the Red Sox and Braves completed two of probably the five worst collapses in baseball history, and the Rays walked-off to put their stamp on the final Wild Card spot in the American League...after coming back from being down 7-0 in the bottom of the 8th inning!

If you were watching baseball on Wednesday night, night 162 of 162 games of the MLB season, you witnessed a night that won't be forgotten, truthfully until Friday night when the playoffs get underway, but in a historical sense for a really long time. Four teams competing for two playoff spots, two teams having blown tremendous leads throughout September, one night with the potential for two one-game playoff series if all four teams won.

Spoiler Alert! There won't be a 163rd night of the regular season.

We'll go chronological. The Cardinals took care of business as they should have, getting an 11 strike out complete game shutout out of their ace Chris Carpenter, the Cards smoked the wack-ass Astro's 8-0. Staying in the NL, the Braves, who led St. Louis by 10 games just a month ago, hosted the NL-best Phillies, and jumped out to a 3-1 lead through the first seven innings mainly thanks to Dan Uggla's 36th homerun of the season.

Jump over to the American League. You already know the story. The Red Sox held a nine game lead on the Wild Card earlier in the month! Well coming into today with wins in just 7 of their last 26 games, it's needless to say they had some problems on their hands, mainly the come-back kids, otherwise known as the Tampa Bay Rays. Both teams tied for the AL wild card, the Rays hosting the AL-best Yankees, and the Red Sox on the road against the lowly Orioles.

The Rays came hungry, going with hard-throwing ace David Price. Price got LIT-UP to the tune of two Tex-messages, translated into six runs in four innings, which led to a 7-0 deficit. With the Rays down early, the Red Sox failed to capitalize and fell behind 2-1 after three, until grabbing the lead back and ultimately taking a 3-2 lead through the middle of the game.

NL...the Braves held on to their 3-1 lead until the Phillies scrapped together runs in the seventh and the bottom of the ninth to send the game into extra's. AL...while things took a turn into latter innings in Atlanta, rain started falling in the seventh in Baltimore with the Sox up 3-2, and AJ Burnett came into the game for a relief appearance in the bottom of the eighth in Tampa. Burnett got a ground ball out and was taken out of the game, and that's when things got weird.

While it was strange to see Burnett in that situation, it was even stranger to see what followed. With a 7-0 lead, the Yankees loaded the bases, then walked two runs in, then gave up a GRAND SLAM to Evan Longoria! Baseball caps turned inside out, fairweather fans going nuts, smiles and celebration prevailing from a recently depressing looking dugout, and a seven run lead reduced to just a one run lead, yup, we were in the midst of a rally.

With the Braves and Phillies duking it out, the Yankees survived the eighth and got the ball to Cory Wade with one out in the bottom of the ninth. Then the unexpected happened. Joe Maddon had seen enough of Sam Fuld, who pinch-hit just the inning before, and needed a big stick with two outs in the ninth and his team basically dead to rights. Enter Dan Johnson. The back-up catchers last hit came on April 27th, last long-ball on April 8th, this is your guy Maddon?

There's a reason he's a former Manager of the Year and I'm...not. Dan Johnson goes yard, ties the game up, the Trop's freaking out, except for the 75% of the stadium that're Yankees fans, this is baseball! Speaking of baseball...the tarp comes off the field at Camden and the Red Sox know the pressure's on.

NL...The Braves finally get a runner to third in the bottom of the 12th on a wild pitch, but can't bring him in. Sadly for Atl-iens, Hunter Pence bloops one in front of Jason Heyward and brings Brian Schneider home, Phillies take the lead, force Freddie Freeman into a 3-6-4 double-play in the bottom half, and complete the Braves collapse. Sorry Atlanta.

Speaking of sorry...the Red Sox get their guy Jonathan Papelbon into the game for the bottom of the ninth and a chance to at worst play for a playoff spot on Thursday. Paps fans Adam Jones and Mark Reynolds, two down, 163 here we come!

Tampa...top 12, Jorge Posada on first and Eric Chavez on second with one out. Rookie Jake McGee gets a Chris Dickerson strikeout and a Brett Gardner ground out, the Rays live to see another day.

Baltimore...two outs in the bottom of the ninth and the Sox up one. Chris Davis hits a bullet to right on the first pitch, double. Uh-oh. Nolan Reimold up next to try and keep Baltimore alive in their World Series. Reimold goes 2-0, Papelbon gets him swinging at the next two, 2-2, Sox up one...not for long, tie game. Reimold goes to deep center, ground rule double, double uh-oh! Papelbon's pissed, Boston's scared, I'm going NUTS!

B.J. Upton's going to the on-deck circle as he leads off the bottom of the 12th back in Tampa. Upton sees four pitches, foul-ball, ball, swings and misses at the last two, Evan Longoria your move. But before the man who changed the game with one swing earlier in the night comes up, we have a runner on second with two outs in a tie game back in Baltimore.

The slumping Robert Andino comes to the plate, extra's would be fine as it would extend the O's season, but Andino's not looking for an extension, he's looking for...a hit? Andino rips one to left, Carl Crawford makes the shoe string slide, ball in his glove, ball OUT OF HIS GLOVE! Ball laying on grass, Reimold rounding third, throw coming in late, Orioles...Winning!

Minutes later Tropicana Field is shaking! Everyone in the stadium knows this won't be their "beloved" Rays final game of the 2011 season, especially Evan Longoria. Unfortunately for the Yankees, reliever Scott Proctor knew it as well. After six tough pitches came clarity, this will be the Rays final game of the regular season. This team is going to the PLAYOFFS! Longoria hits a laser just feet to the right of the left field foul line over the left field wall, Rays win, Red Sox lose, somewhere Dick Vitale is acting like he found the lost 92 Duke porno.

Within minutes we saw the Braves crumble, the Red Sox collapse, and the Rays surge. For the Braves it tied for the worst collapse in September in National League history, for the Red Sox it was the largest September collapse in Major League history, and for the Rays it was the largest deficit overcome in September to clinch a playoff spot in Major League history.

What will this mean for the postseason? I'm not sure. Are the Mets off the hook just yet? That I'm not sure about either. But I am sure that this was the most incredible night that Major League Baseball has seen in years. Wow!

June 22nd, 2011: A break in the clouds of the looming NBA Lockout

Last we checked, the Dallas Mavericks upset the Miami Heat and everyone was happy in the basketball world. The NBA is coming off of a monumental year with ratings and popularity, and star power is at an all-time high. However, as happy as basketball junkies have been with their sport of preference, there’s been a looming cloud over the NBA with a potential lockout on our hands.

On Wednesday there was a break in the clouds, only metaphorically speaking of course. Steve Nash held his fourth annual charity soccer game in New York City, and several household NBA names participated in the event. Aside from Nash and Tony Parker – who were mobbed with questions about recent trade rumors - former teammates Leandro Barbosa and Raja Bell, and current teammates Jared Dudley and Marcin Gortat showed off their agility on the pitch. But aside from seeing Gortat play a so-so goalie, and Jared Dudley flop on a chest dive after an impressive goal, IamaGM had the privilege of spending some time with a few significant basketball personalities.

Young Buck is Back and Ready to Win

We start with the new-school. Fresh off of a trip to India to help globalize not just the NBA, but the sport of basketball, Brandon Jennings put on a pair of cleats to show his love for Steve Nash. While Jennings looked a bit more impressive playing soccer than he did playing cricket in India, Jennings spoke highly of the week he spent on the real East Coast.

“Ah man, it was great. To be able to help the game grow globally is real cool.” Jennings said that Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson are the two most popular basketball players in India, with their more relatable size playing a key factor. “I went over there and showed them that you don’t have to be 7-feet tall to be a good basketball player.”

Jennings scoring average may have gone up this season, but he is coming off of a disappointing season for not just himself, but his team as well. “We really struggled this year, and me not being out there definitely played a part in that.” Jennings missed 19 games with a broken foot in his sophomore campaign, and the Bucks won 11 less games this past season than they did in 2009-2010. Jennings said that he likes playing in Milwaukee and that he and his team “expect to make the playoffs next season.”

Age and Adversity have nothing on Patience and Professionalism

While Brandon Jennings’ NBA stock is rising, Grant Hill’s sitting on a stock that was red hot, and then ice cold, but at the tender age of 38 is as solid as any role player in the NBA. Coming off of his third straight season of playing at least 80 games, Hill played in his teammates charity soccer game as well, and even admitted that soccer was his “first love.”

Hill, although a bit tall, looked like a natural on the soccer field, and spoke like a true professional off of it, even about the previously mentioned clouds. “I’ve been through a lockout…you know at some point it’ll get handled.” Hill, who serves as a mentor to plenty of his teammates, is just telling everyone to remain patient. “It’ll get done…it’ll happen.”

The lockout is approaching at a funny time for Hill as he’s an unrestricted free agent this summer. “When I came to Phoenix back in 2007 I thought maybe I had a couple of years left in me,” Hill said of how surprised he is by how good his body feels. He will be 39 before the start of the 2011-2012 season, but isn’t worried about his future. “I’m having a good time in Phoenix, I’m just focused on staying in shape and doing everything right.”

Hill addressed not just the lockout and his free agency, but reiterated his stance on tolerance towards homosexuality, and spoke further about his relationship with Doc Rivers. “You know his name is Doc, but he isn’t a Doctor,” Hill said jokingly. Grant spoke angrily about his tenure with the Magic, whom Rivers coached for four of Hill’s six seasons, just a couple of months ago. It was the first time that he had expressed anger over the fact that he spent so much time on the Injured Reserve, and felt he was completely mismanaged by the Magic. “I’m still really close with Doc, I’ve been working out with his son, Austin, who’s going to Duke.” Hill also works out with Rivers other son, Jeremiah, who completed his senior season at Indiana in the spring.

From Dominating the Court to Dominating the Camera

While one Duke great was able to overcome serious injury, current ESPN college basketball analyst and 2002 Naismith Award winner Jay Williams was watching the soccer game from the sidelines. “I almost went to Rutgers for soccer,” said the second overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft. Williams was at a loss for words when asked about Grant Hill’s durability, but cited Hill as the most intriguing player for him to watch out for during the game Wednesday.

Williams was in high spirits, and even spoke excitedly when asked if he ever thinks of making another run at the NBA. “You know, if it were two games a week I might have a chance,” Williams said with a sense that he was holding back emotion. “My body just can’t take the wear and tear of the season.” “Although,” Williams being the ultimate competitor ended the conversation by saying ,“I might’ve been able to offer the Heat more than Mike Bibby did.”

Despite the rain storm that came during the second half of the game, it was a good day for soccer, and an even better day for basketball. Hopefully those won’t be too hard to come by in the near future.

A Day in the Life

This isn't why I got into this field, but it was definitely an inspiration.

I had the pleasure today of covering the Showdown in Chinatown. For those of you who don't know, I'd imagine that number will be the majority, every year Steve Nash holds a charity soccer game in Chinatown (the Manhattan version) that features famous soccer players and famous basketball players. It's for the Steve Nash Foundation, which ultimately gives back to kids, which you could file me under thanks to this great opportunity.

While I was the recipient of Brandon Jennings "are you kidding me" faces about other reporters questions, and the journalist responsible for finding out that Marcin Gortat had aspirations of keeping goal, I was also the lone member of the media more in awe of a fellow person in a golf shirt with a press pass than of the NBA All-Stars around me. While I tried my hardest to get in interviews with Steve Nash, Grant Hill, Tony Parker, and Jennings, I found myself drawn almost like a magnet to one of my teenage idols, Jay Williams.

It's no secret that I'm a Duke fan, and as I always tell the story; it's because I really liked Chris Duhon coming out of High School. I was in need of a college team to root for as St. Johns had entered irrelevancy, and I wasn't going to watch a sport that I love without any rooting interest. So I thought the world of Duhon and really took notice of his backcourt mate, Williams. At the time he was Jason and there wasn't a thing he couldn't do, save for maybe hit the free throw to complete a four-point play.

Williams handled the rock, ran the offense, played tight defense and had a mean cross-over, those were the things he was good at. He was GREAT at shooting from deep, getting to the basket, and even throwing it down with force from time to time. Williams won a championship in 2001 and a Naismith Award in 2002. He was a prolific collegiate athlete, that had a terrible, you could even say dumb, injury ruin his career.

I worked at ESPN when Williams came on as a college basketball analyst, but I never had the fortune of meeting him. I had gotten in whatever interviews I could get in at the Showdown on Wednesday, and noticed him standing right near me looking almost lost, this was my opportunity.

"You're playing in this too," I asked the guy who I feel like I've known for the last decade. "Na man I'm on the other side of the fence today," responded Williams with a smile as if we had known each other. Jay clearly wasn't playing in the soccer game as he was sporting an ESPN Polo shirt with several other ESPN reporters and camera men in his vicinity. We went back and forth for a little bit about how the Knicks need a point guard and I think he'd be the perfect fit, as well as how he isn't fit to play in the NBA due to his past injury but wishes he could. He even cracked a joke that he would've given the Heat more than Mike Bibby did during the Playoffs, at least I think it was a joke.

The fact that I was able to have a personal conversation with a person whose jersey I'm sitting in as I type this, a man who is responsible for getting me to fathom the idea of rooting for the Bulls after killing my Knicks repeatedly throughout my childhood, and a personal inspiration to me, just blows my mind. I went into today drilling into my head that I have to be a consummate professional and not a fan, and here I am, talking to Jay Williams about his career and his thoughts on Grant Hill.

I love what I do because being a professional in this field is better than being a fan in it. I wasn't talking to Jay Williams as a fan to an idol, we were talking as professionals, and the aftermath feels hardly any different if not more gratifying. Beyond Williams, working on a field and trying to get Steve Nash's attention for a question and having him give me a respectable answer is way more memorable than being a kid and having Donyell Marshall give me an autograph so I would leave him alone. Having Jared Dudley tell me he's got me for an interview when he gets away from the cloud of reporters completely trumps the hope that maybe Anthony Mason will sign for me when he feels like it later. Standing next to Grant Hill with a voice recorder inches from his face has to beat floor seats.

While I'm not out on the court playing with them, getting their respect, and engaging conversations with them is as cool as it gets. Standing with Jay Williams I didn't feel like I was talking to a guy who was faking being nice to me because that's what he gets paid to do, I felt like I was conducting business in a friendly manner. I didn't want to overstep my boundaries so I thanked him for his time after about two minutes, and walked away after he gave me a familiar dap as if he were one of my friends that I regularly see.

An experience that I won't forget, but just a day in the life.

Just Can't Stick up for LeBron Anymore

I could still argue after Game 3 that LeBron was doing enough that he didn't need to dominate the game in a scoring aspect for the Heat to win, but when the offense looked desperate and LeBron had zero to offer in the third straight fourth quarter blown lead, it's enough sticking up for him. While I do believe that fans and the media will look for any reason to give LeBron James a hard time, scoring four combined points in the fourth quarter of three straight NBA Finals games is atrocious.

When LeBron was asked about shrinking from the moment after a Game 3 win that came on the base of Dwyane Wade's scoring, and LeBron helping distribute and set the tone for the defense, LeBron reacted as if he's been the beast mode LeBron that everyone's come to…hate. Even if he's playing great defense, which he didn't do in the fourth quarter of Game 4, LeBron has been hailed one of the leagues greats because he can dominate both ends, he hasn't done anything remotely close to dominate the offensive end this series. He's kicking the ball out with less than five seconds to go on the shot clock, he's bombing long range jumpers instead of taking the ball to the rack, he's only attempted 14 free throws all series…he got to the line 13 times in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals!

The Heat have had the Mavericks beat in every single game they've played in the Finals, and the only reason this series isn't over, sweet Dirk Nowitzki aside, is that LeBron hasn't put his stamp on the game and he's tinkering with his chances at winning a championship. I don't think the two blown games will effect the Heat in the long run during the Finals, but unless LeBron James can make a difference in these games offensively, the Mavs have a lot of guys who want to take and make big shots. I'm hearing excuses that LeBron's exhausted from playing big minutes, Dirk's played just about as many minutes and has made the fourth quarters Dirk time, fever or not.

LeBron can defer to Wade in the fourth all he wants, but when Wade's already scored high 20's, low 30's, and LeBron's passing the ball to Udonis Haslem and Chris Bosh of all people, he's not giving his team their best chance to win. Just like with Cleveland, LeBron's team wins when he takes games over…that's the whole point of being the best player in the NBA. Wade does it, Dirk does it, and up until these NBA Finals, LeBron did it too.

This isn't even about LeBron making the big shot anymore. LeBron has almost achieved a Jordan-like state in the NBA where he can win MVP every season and whatever team he's on will contend just because he's that good. This is hands down the biggest series of his controversial career and he's been that bad. LeBron has three games left to shut everyone up, if he doesn't, he won't get any more support from this apologist.

OyVey Posada and the Great NBA Playoffs

Jorge Posada Slump Gets Real Ugly

You usually don't see guys that hit .165 taking themselves out of the lineup when they're told they'll be batting last. I mean there are 43 pitchers, albeit some with just one at-bat on the season, hitting for a better average than Jorge Posada is! The division's getting away from his team, they, like he, are in the midst of a real hitting rut, and their arch rival is beating their butts at home...so Posada, the savvy vet takes himself out of the lineup after being told he'll be hitting last?

I don't want to rant like everyone else has over the last 12 hours or so, but what's going to happen from here? The only solution is Jorge's going to have to deal with some mean ice grills from his teammates and a few harsh words, while hitting his way back into the DH spot, where either Andruw Jones or Eric Chavez could provide more than he has this season. We saw Posada hit six homeruns in April, so we know he isn't finished quite yet. And if he's the consummate professional and team-first guy that Michael Kay and John Sterling have been selling us on through the last few pouting years of his career, he should be able to wear his pinstripes proudly and get in a groove with the rest of his slumping teammates.

I'm clearly writing this through the eyes of a Yankees fan, because if you look at this on paper, it just looks bad. Not just Posada, but the whole Yankees situation. A-Rod, Mark Teixeira, Robinson Cano, Russell Martin, and Posada are all slumping, Jeter's hitting is arbitrational. Obviously the Yankees pitching probably won't be as good as it's been to this point for the whole season, but the Yankees have led baseball in runs scored in three of the last four seasons. They have seven guys in their every-day lineup that have been All-Stars. As old as they may be, they've been to two straight ALCS, and baseball is a game of averages. I'd be willing to bet my life that Teixeira, A-Rod, and even this worthless bum Posada will finish well above the miserable clips they're currently sitting at.

I think being close to Jeter and having quality guys like CC Sabathia and former mentor Joe Girardi around will help Posada turn it around, if he's willing to finally accept his role with this team. I think more surprising than any Yankees move this past offseason was Posada "accepting" Girardi and GM Brian Cashman telling him he was going to be the team's every day designated hitter this season. Despite how everyone else in the world, especially opposing team's that ran all over him on a daily basis, knew Jorge was that hockey puck-esque hamburger beyond well done as a catcher, he never wanted to accept it. And after all of his clutch hits and big games behind the plate for the Yankees, at a certain point a team just has to do what's best for them.

Spectators like Buster Olney think this was the fuel to the fire that will be Posada's ugly break-up with the Yankees, I think he'll get it together and try to pick it up at the plate. He's never been a good DH, but he's always been a good hitter. I think his skills, and the embrace of a top-notch organization, will help the team turn this nasty, unprofessional instance around. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe CC won't be able to let go of the fact that Posada quit on not just the team, but on him Saturday night. Maybe Jeter's struggling enough himself and can't rationalize Posada's behavior. Needing a night to clear your head is unacceptable when you get paid almost $81,000 a night to get up to the plate four times and most likely be pinch-ran for if you get on base late in a game. Get it together Jorge.

NBA PLAYOFFS

The Miami Heat have been almost perfect during the playoffs, with their one blemish coming after they defeated the Celtics this week to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. The Mavs are the only team that's dominated their opponents the way Miami has, but this team really has a problem with their premature celebrations. First Chris Bosh went bonkers during the Big Three introduction (at about 1:08), and now they're acting like they've won the championship because they got past an aging, injured Celtics team. We know LeBron, you've never gotten past this team before...well that's because you went to battle them with Mo Williams and Anderson Varejao! Derrick Rose is winning with composure and taking over games while LeBron's acting like he just won the Royal Rumble. It's embarrassing.

I think the ECF showdown between the Bulls and Heat is going to be remarkable. I've sort of been hating on the Bulls, but I think their defensive intensity really makes them contenders on any given night. It isn't fair to say they've struggled in the first couple of rounds because they have made it this far, but Carlos Boozer's averaging just 12 points and 10 boards in the playoffs, Kyle Korver shootingt 32% from the field against the Hawks, and Derrick Rose, as phenomenal as he's been, is shooting below 42% from the field in the playoffs. Teams don't win championships in the NBA unless they're playing great basketball, and the Heat are playing great basketball on both ends of the court. As much as the Heat don't have an answer for D.Rose, the Bulls don't have answers for LeBron or Dwyane Wade.

It's an injustice to these NBA Playoffs mentioning the East before getting to the West. First, the Mavs clobbered the Lakers, sweeping them EASILY. I know, I too am shocked that Matt Barnes' blueprint to beating Dallas didn't work. The Mavs have been doing some serious work over the last few weeks and I think they'll run right through whoever they draw in the Western Conference Finals. Which leads to the best story of the playoffs so far...obviously other than the demise of the Lakers...the Memphis Grizzlies!

I've watched close to all of the Grizzlies' playoffs games and not once have I really thought to myself "this is an eighth seed." The Grizz are acting like this is the NFL Playoffs and are just bringing it to whoever has the task of playing them on that given night. Guys like O.J. Mayo, Greivis Vasquez, and Mike Conley have hit some big shots, and Zach Randolph has really declared this his team in absence of Rudy Gay. Not to mention they've really played into the "let Russell Westbrook keep the ball out of Kevin Durant's hands" strategy.

I think the best players in the league usually take their teams the deepest into the playoffs. We're seeing it with Dirk, LeBron, and Derrick Rose this season. Two of the Thunder's losses this series have come on games where Westbrook outshoots Durant, and the team is 4-0 in games this postseason where Westbrook takes less than 20 shots. Kevin Durant has led the league in scoring the past two seasons and is the unquestioned star of his team. The Grizzlies play as hard, especially defensively, as any team in the league and if the Thunder can't get their offense running through the right player, they're in some real trouble. I don't think they will and I think the Thunder are still at least a season away.

I'm going both Mavs over Grizzlies and Heat over Bulls in six.

Easter Sunday Thoughts...

Disappointing Knicks
After playing two down to the wire games in Boston, the results of Friday night's game three was an absolute nightmare for the Knicks. The first meaningful playoff game at Madison Square Garden in almost a decade, a game where the stars could own their court, and they got owned instead. There are enough excuses for why the Knicks didn't show up for game three, but after the effort that C-team gave on the road to open the series, it didn't seem impossible for the Knicks to still be in the series come Sunday...instead they couldn't be any further away.

Maybe the Knicks get lucky and squeeze out a win today, but with Amar'e talking about possibly not playing, and the real Knicks showing up Friday night, it just seems like the Knicks never really stood a shot in this series. For all of the hustle and effort and defense they gave in game two, they gave two times less effort and defense in game three. Ray Allen is unquestionably one of if not the greatest shooter in the history of the NBA, but for him to knock down eight of 11 from three, after going seven for nine in the first two games, shows a complete lack of attention to detail on the defensive end...and it really got them burned. Allen posted 32 points in the win, while Rajon Rondo notched a triple-double and Paul Pierce went for a game-high 38. The Knicks have shown that they can play defense and not just try to outscore another team to win games, and on a night when they were undermanned but playing with the home court behind them they really just didn't play the right game.

As disappointed as I am in guys like Landry Fields and Toney Douglas, this is why Mike D'Antoni makes the money he makes, to coach big games. With these being the first big games of his three year tenure I'm just so infuriated that he's not getting his team to come up bigger. Maybe my expectations are too high and I should be content with only losing by five combined points in the first two games, but the Knicks have shown that they can hang with the best teams in the league, with the talent they have they should really be finding ways to win some of these games. Celtics coach Doc Rivers is coaching the pants off of D'Antoni, who isn't a stranger to playoff basketball mind you. I'm not calling for D'Antoni's head yet, but he either needs a defensive minded assistant coach added to his staff for next season or the Knicks better go out and get Steve Nash or Stephen Curry so they can continue to try and outscore their opponents and play minimal defense.

Bottom line is the Knicks can't pick and choose when they're going to play defense against a team like the Celtics, especially if the Knicks are undermanned, which they very blatantly are. The Celtics still have four players who can have their way with the Knicks defense whenever they want to, and the Knicks seem to have one guy who can do the same if he doesn't shoot his team out of the game, which he at times does. It's hard to say this but this series looks over. Better luck next year Knicks.

Same ole Mavs
I don't mean to dig at the Mavericks as much as I want to celebrate Brandon Roy, but bylines digging at the Mavs sell more papers than Blazermania. Back to my agenda, B Roy has been one of my favorite players in the NBA the last few seasons, and to see him struggle with injuries and really seem to not be able to stay healthy has really been one of the sadder stories in the league. Well I'm not going to say he's back, but to see Roy go for 18 points in the fourth, bringing the Blazers back from down 23 points to win game four and tie the series at two was one of more amazing feats of the season. Roy dropped 24 points on 9-of-13 shooting from the field, his highest output since December 10th, 2010. Roy has been very emotional about his role in the playoffs, but if he can continue to play the one he did in game four the Blazers could have an extended trip in the playoffs. I'm rooting for the Blazers but get it together Mavs.

More Playoff Thoughts
Heat look good, Bulls look good, Thunder look good. What's the deal with the Magic? It's gotta be Stan Van...honestly. To have as much talent as they've had over the past couple of years and just never be able to pull it together? Rashard Lewis, Vince Carter, Gilbert Arenas, Jason Richardson...none of those guys can throw Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson a bone? I think there's a chance they don't rally and overcome the Hawks. The talents there Orlando. The Lakers don't look overly impressive but they'll probably pull this one out in five or six. Grizzlies are looking like the popular upset pick, but don't be fooled, the Spurs are one of these teams that can just flip a switch...right? Nuggets where you at? See, they're not any better than the Knicks! Pacers are playing the Bulls hard, Frank Vogel's doing a heck of a job in Indy, Tom Thibodeaux, slightly better one in Chicago. And lastly, it would be awesome if the MVP race was decided at the end of the playoffs....you have to figure your five finalists are Kobe, LeBron, D. Rose, Dwight Howard, and Chris Paul/Kevin Durant....oddly enough those are the guys that are absolutely dominating the first week of the playoffs. Semi-finals are going to be insane.

A Little Baseball, with even less Law of Average
Remember when the Red Sox started the season 2-10 (hell yea!)? Well they're now 9-11 and playing as well as just about any team in baseball not named the Yankees (and Rangers, Rockies, and Phillies to be fair). After giving up ten earned runs and striking out four in his first two starts, Daisuke Matsuzaka has come back to give up zero earned runs and strike out 12 in his last two. The Rays started the season 1-8 and are now 10-11...in the same respect the Orioles started the season 6-1 and are now plummeting down back to the bottom of the AL East at 8-11. My point is that baseball (not just the AL East) is a game of averages. That's why a young, provenly talented player needs a chance to slump before they're benched with the fear that they've lost it. Dice-K looked like the worst pitcher in baseball to start the season, he's clearly bounced back. As rocky as Phil Hughes and Madison Bumgarner have looked, you can't give up on them just yet, especially when you have a terrific bullpen and a pretty sturdy looking staff behind him. People get off to slow starts in baseball...but as the Red Sox and Rays have already proven this season, it's not how slow you start, it's how well you turn it on. The baseball season is the biggest example of a marathon not a sprint...be patient. Unless you're a Mets fan, then be pessimistic.

Thanks for reading and Happy Holidays...

What We've Seen Through Game One...

It's currently day three of the NBA Playoffs and here's what we know...

- Dwight Howard is unquestionably the most dominant big man in the NBA

- Chris Paul may still be the best point guard in the league

- The Heat are really good

- And so is Derrick Rose

Eight incredible games in two days, this is the NBA Playoffs people! Lakers and Spurs both lose home openers? The Bulls down ten with under four minutes to go in the game, and they come back to win? Dwight Howard drops 46 points and 19 boards and the Magic don't win? And how about a ticky-tack offensive foul called in the final minute of a neck-and-neck game to turn the tides in the Celtics favor? If this is just a glimpse into the first round of the playoffs then I'm sold, but I suspect the best is still in front of us.

With that said I just wanted to recap each series and share my thoughts on what kind of series we have in front of us.

Eastern Conference

1. Bulls vs 8. Pacers

How could the Pacers not have won Game 1? Derrick Rose's 39 points and 6 assists probably had a lot to do with it, but I think Chicago's sense of urgency really clicked in the final 4 minutes of the game. After Indiana pulled ahead 98-88 with 3:38 left in the game, the Bulls rallied to score 16 of the games final 17 points en route to a 104-99 victory. Rose got to the free throw line 21 times in game 1 proving his dominance on the offensive end. The Pacers played almost 45 minutes of fantastic basketball, and after their showing in game 1, you have to figure they have it in them to rattle off a couple of wins and possibly make this a series. The Bulls, and Rose's urgency really were impressive and this comeback victory was definitely a statement by the league's best team.

4. Magic vs 5. Hawks

I'm sorry to not break the trend of Hawks hate, but the Hawks really aren't overly impressive, which means the Magic are in some serious trouble if they can't even win a home game behind 46 and 19 from Dwight Howard. Atlanta committed less turnovers and shot at a higher field goal percentage than the Magic, who struggled to score getting only twenty points from the entire team outside of Howard and Jameer Nelson. It appears to be the case of the same old Magic (or lack thereof) in Orlando, Howard needs help from the likes of Jason Richardson and Hedo Turkoglu if the Magic plan on actually getting the Bulls in the second round. This series has full potential to go seven games.

3. Celtics vs 6. Knicks

It's called swallowing your whistle and letting the players play the damn game! Okay, now that I got that out of my system, it's also called learning how to close out a game. The Knicks went into halftime up twelve on the defending Eastern Conference champs, only for the Celtics to climb back into the game and take the lead back for good with 11.6 seconds to go in regulation. I'm not going to talk about officiating, I'm not going to talk about should've, would've, could've...I'm going to gloat in how well the Knicks played defensively as well as without Carmelo Anthony ever really getting involved, but I'm also going to express my disappointment in the fact that the Knicks couldn't hold on to win this game. This was the third game this season that the Knicks were very much in against the Celtics, and the third game that the Celtics ended up winning because ultimately...they are the better team. This game was incredibly close which makes me believe the series will either go 6 or 7 games, but as the Celtics have proven over and over again, they aren't losing any close ones to the Knicks.

2. Heat vs 7. Sixers

The Sixers jumped all over the Heat early on Saturday, going up 14 points in the first quarter even. Well, the Heat eventually caught up to them, and then began to pounce on them, and they may not look back again. LeBron James did his usual damage pouring in 21 points with 14 boards and 5 assists, while Chris Bosh added 25 and 12 of his own. Sixers star Andre Iguodala scored only four points in Game 1 (his lowest since scoring just 1 on January 11th this year), which as the leader of this Philadelphia team is just completely unacceptable. Miami stifled the Sixers with their zone defense and if Game 1 is any indicator of how the rest of this series will be, it'll be a quick one.

Western Conference

1. Spurs vs 8. Grizzlies

I think all hoops fans knew this Grizzlies team was for real, but I don't know that anyone expected them to give the Spurs a legit challenge. Keep in mind Manu Ginobili sat this one out, but Tim Duncan looked like he was in his prime still...unfortunately Timmy D couldn't handle Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol as the Grizzlies looked like a real force to be reckoned with. Controlling the post and connecting on 60% from beyond the arc gave the Grizz the advantage in Game 1, and unless the Spurs can get another body on either Gasol or Randolph, this series could very well result in an upset. Memphis didn't look rattled by the pressure of playing in the big game, and winning the first playoff game (first win in franchise history) is aways the hardest. This series is intriguing but I honestly can't pick against the Spurs (in 6).

4. Thunder vs 5. Nuggets

Another game with officiating controversy, this game was very back and forth (as I'm sure the series will be) but ultimately the team with more talent and the better players won. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook combined for 72 points for the Thunder, but unless the bench (I'm talking about YOU James Harden) can start to make up for the points the teams not getting from Jeff Green this one could go either way. The Nuggets had five guys in double figures and keep in mind, a lot of these guys (Knicks) have zero playoff experience. This series is a lot of athleticism, a lot of talent, and a lot of hungry players fighting tooth and nail every possession. I don't imagine Nene will have his way with the Thunder again like he did in Game 1, and I can't see Denver stretching this one past six games.

3. Mavericks vs 6. Blazers

Brandon oh Brandon, oh where art thou Brandon Roy? It kills me to see one of my favorite players of the last decade be reduced (diminished) to a bench player but I guess B. Roy just doesn't have the body to be an NBA superstar anymore, especially not at this point. I'm hoping he can regain his physical composure at some point again in his career, but it's so clear that the Blazers are a healthy Brandon Roy away from legitimately competing, not scrapping, but competing. Andre Miller's got a ton of heart and is one of the league's more underrated players, but having him and LaMarcus Aldridge as your two main scoring options just isn't going to cut it. With that said, Jason Kidd had a tremendous game and Dirk did what Dirk does as the Mavs took game one. I can see this series being a whoever's at home wins that night series, which ultimately will result in the Mavs moving on. I'm still pulling for you Portland.

2. Lakers vs 7. Hornets

I hate to admit that this is the one series out West that I thought had the potential to be a sweep...and no I wasn't thinking that the Hornets would be the ones with the brooms in their hands. Chris Paul made it seem as if the Lakers size wouldn't be an issue this series, or maybe that was Pau Gasol's 8 and 6 on 2-of-9 shooting that would make one arrive at that conclusion. The Hornets ran all over the Lakers as Paul went for 33 points, 14 assists and 7 boards...despite that ridiculous line, his performance can best be summed up in one number...three, the amount of turnovers his Hornets had on the day. When you don't turn the ball over it's hard to lose, even if it's against the two-time defending champs. While I very much do believe in Chris Paul, I personally believe this game was an aberration and that the Lakers will take this series in five, six games max.

I hope you all are enjoying the games (objectively at least) as I am and hopefully it only gets more exciting. Stay tuned...

NBA Season's Over! Awards Time! And Jared has a Rooting Interest in the Playoffs!

It seems like just yesterday that I came up with my NBA Preview...and while the Thunder took another step towards the elite, Carmelo Anthony got traded to the Knicks, and the Grizzlies found their way back to the playoffs...Gilbert Arenas didn't get a chance to revive the Wizards, Yao Ming went down (again), and the Bucks never got the ball rolling. Either way, it's now mid-April and the regular season is over.

If you're like me and six months of professional basketball is nowhere near enough, it looks like we have a very exciting post season ahead of us. While the Lakers, Celtics, and LeBron are still very much relevant in terms of top contenders for the chip, the Spurs won the West, the Bulls won the East, and the Knicks have STAT and Melo (STAT and Melo, STAT and Melo). What I'm trying to say is that the playoffs are absolutely wide open this Spring, but let me tell you who I think the regular season award-winners should be...

MVP: Chris Bosh, Miami Heat

When the Heat acquired Chris Bosh and LeBron James in July of 2010, NBA fans worldwide thought to themselves "how can anybody stop this trifecta of omnipotence?" But what they really thought was "uh-oh, Chris Bosh finally got the help he needs to be the greatest player in the world! His dominance in the post mixed with his deadly touch from outside will remind people of Wilt!"

Ok, so now that you know I'm totally kidding...I think the real MVP of the 2010-2011 NBA Season has to be...

Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls

Regardless of how far this team goes beyond this point, one thing will always be remembered about the 2010-2011 season: the Bulls finished the season with the best record in the league and nobody was even close to as responsible for their teams success as Derrick Rose was. LeBron may be the best player in the league, and the Lakers may very well three-peat come June, but the Bulls won 62 games with Carlos Boozer missing 23 games, and Joakim Noah missing 34 games.

Rose finished the season in the top-10 in points (25 ppg) and assists (7.7 apg), and was the fuel behind the league's hottest fire (no Dylan). With offseason controversy surrounding Derrick Rose possibly not wanting a LeBron or Dwyane Wade to play next to him, Rose showed that he has what it takes to be the man and lead a team that really lacks another go-to guy. The Bulls went 8-3 against Boston, Miami, and Orlando this season and Rose really took a huge step towards greatness as he deserves to take the LeBron James award home this season.

Next in line (In order): Dwight Howard, Magic, LeBron James, Heat, Kobe Bryant, Lakers

Coach of the Year: Tom Thibodeau

A ton of credit for the Bulls success has been given to Derrick Rose, but realistically, we already knew how good D. Rose was. We did not however know what kind of a head coach rookie Tom Thibodeau would be, and although we (and John Paxson) suspected that he had what it took to make it in the league, I don't think anyone expected his Bulls to post the best record in the league in his first season at the helm. The Bulls improved by 21 wins since last season, easily the best improvement in the league this season. And aside from the addition of Boozer, who we mentioned missed 23 games this season, this Bulls team wasn't all that different from last seasons team...just with a new coach. You add all of those factors up and I don't see how anyone other than Thibodeau is named Coach of the Year.

Next in Line: Nate McMillan, Blazers, Lionel Hollins, Grizzlies, George Karl, Nuggets

Rookie of the Year: Blake Griffin, Clippers

I can't remember the last time this award was as big of a runaway as it is with Blake Griffin. Keep in mind that most years a season like either John Wall or DeMarcus Cousins had would be good enough to win the award, but Blake Griffin may even be named to an All-NBA team this season. After missing the entire season after being drafted, The Blake Show played in all 82 games his rookie season and averaged 22.5 ppg (12th in NBA) and 12.1 rpg (4th). Griffin recorded 63 double-doubles, good for third in the NBA (just three shy of the league high), and is the first rookie since Elton Brand back in the 99-00 season to average 20 points and 10 rebounds in a season. Griffin was named to the All-Star team and won the Dunk Contest, and had the best rookie season since Tim Duncan back in 97-98. Griffin was one of the most entertaining aspects of the NBA this season and is one of professional sports most up-and-coming athletes.

Next in Line: John Wall, Wizards, DeMarcus Cousins, Kings, Landry Fields, Knicks (told you!)

Defensive Player of the Year: Dwight Howard, Magic

Come on, if the Magic and Bulls finished with the same record this might've been the year that Dwight Howard was named league's most valuable...however it was another year of less than greatness in Orlando despite Superman's attempts. Howard's nickname is fitting for the man is just an unbelievable specimen. Howard averaged 14.1 rebounds per game (2nd in the NBA) and 2.38 blocks per game (4th) this season and is probably the most dominant player in the league on the defensive end. He's one of maybe a handful of guys that deters opposing offenses from even thinking about entering the paint, and in today's offense heavy NBA, hardwood is deserved for that kind of ability on the effort end of the floor.

Next in Line: Rajon Rondo, Celtics, Chris Paul, Hornets, Tony Allen, Grizzlies

Most Improved Player of the Year: Kevin Love, Timberwolves

This one was tough, but some kind of recognition has to be given to Kevin Love for the incredible season he had. Love finished second in the league with 64 double-doubles, but first in the league in rebounds (a Rodman-esque 15.2!!!), while averaging over 20 points per game and shooting almost 42% from downtown. It's incredible how overlooked a remarkable season can be in Minnesota. While guys like Kris Humphries, Love's teammate Michael Beasley, and even D. Rose really stepped their games up this season, Love would probably be a First Team All-NBA'er if he would have put those stats up on a winning team. After starting only 22 games last season, Love's increase in playing time really worked out for the lowly Timberwolves (worst record in the league aside).

Next in Line: Kris Humphries, Nets, Eric Gordon, Clippers, Marcin Gortat, Suns

Comeback Player of the Year: Andrew Bogut, Bucks

Most of you probably saw (and cringed at) Andrew Bogut's season ending injury back in April of 2010, but in case you missed it, Bogut broke his his right hand, sprained his right wrist, and dislocated his right elbow...also if you didn't know, Bogut's a righty. The timetable for Bogut's return wasn't anywhere near the amount of time it actually took Bogut to heal up and get back into playing shape. Bogut played in 65 games this season, leading the league in blocked shots per game and finishing fifth in rebounds per game. There must be something in that Australian water, because not many guys would be able to return and be so efficient (not to mention physical) after an injury like that.

Next in Line: I got nothing. No one holds a candle to Bogut's feat.

Executive of the Year: Donnie Walsh

Ok, little bit of a homer pick, but the Knicks aren't the Thunder. They're not a team that has had some awesome pieces who have developed nicely with some other pretty good additions to that core. The Knicks have undergone a complete overhaul and have gone from the ugly chick with glasses and paint on her overalls to a legit contender for Prom Queen (Not Another Teen Movie reference). If you would have looked me in the eyes a year ago and told me "one year from now the Knicks will be in the playoffs being led by Chauncey Billups, Carmelo Anthony, and Amar'e Stoudemire" I probably would have been pissed off because I didn't hear you mention LeBron James name. Then I quickly would have gotten over that and been in disbelief. To go from Chris Duhon, Al Harrington and David Lee to the trio of stars currently rocking the orange and blue is like Extreme Makeover Home Edition meets NBA Trade Machine. Over the course of a few years Walsh has turned water into wine, and although the wine isn't fine yet, it's a lot better than the contaminated water Knicks fans were forced to drink for the last decade. Get the guy a new contract, a key to the city, and an NBA Executive of the Year award.

Next in Line: Sam Presti, Thunder, Pat Riley (he deserves the credit), Heat, Danny Ferry, Spurs

Sixth Man Award: Lamar Odom, Lakers

The NBA's Sixth Man Award usually goes to a player who gives his team a spark coming off of the bench and is probably good enough to start if given a chance with a different team. Enter Lamar Odom. Odom's good enough to start for the two-time defending champs, has almost as many double-doubles as he does games started (28-35), but plays his role off the bench probably better than any player in the league. Odom's versatile enough to run the point-forward or be a post presence on both sides of the court, and considering he's most comfortable scoring outside of the paint, Odom's career best 53% field goal shooting helped make up for the 28 games the Lakers were without Andrew Bynum. Bynum is such a unique player in today's NBA in the sense that he's a dinosaur amongst men, but the Lakers don't skip a beat without him as Odom (and obviously Pau Gasol) still give the Lake Show the size and efficiency it takes to be the powerhouse that they've been for almost four seasons now. No bench player has as big of an impact on his teams success as Odom, so he's my clear choice for this award.

Next in Line: Toney Douglas, Knicks, Jason Terry, Mavericks, Shawn Marion, Mavericks

First Team All-NBA

G - Derrick Rose

G - Kobe Bryant

F - LeBron James

F - Kevin Durant

C - Dwight Howard

Second Team All-NBA

G - Dwyane Wade

G - Chris Paul

F - Dirk Nowitzki

F - Blake Griffin

C - Pau Gasol

Third Team All-NBA

G - Rajon Rondo

G - Steve Nash

F - Carmelo Anthony

F - Kevin Love

C - Andrew Bogut

First Team All-Defense

G - Rajon Rondo

G - Chris Paul

F - Tony Allen

F - LeBron James

C - Dwight Howard

All-Rookie Team

G - John Wall

G - Landry Fields

F - Blake Griffin

F - Greg Monroe

C - DeMarcus Cousins

Those are my picks for the 2010-2011 season...let me know what you guys think and enjoy the playoffs!

Go New York Go New York Go!

The Big Men on Campus...According to Jared

It's that time of year again. The conference tournaments are already next week and selection Sunday's only 11 days away! You know, it's getting warmer outside and the sun's up later. If it looks like March and feels like March...it must be...March!

So with Spring and March Madness around the corner, I felt it was time to list my Sweet 16 of the nations best college basketball players. You've been hearing about Jimmer, Kemba and Jared Sullinger all year, here's how I've got em ranked.

16. John Henson, North Carolina, 11.1 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 3.2 bpg

I originally had this spot saved off for either Terrence Jones or Brandon Knight, but leaving John Henson off this list isn't fair to how well he and his team have played over the past two months. Henson and Harrison Barnes really have been the difference for this up-and-coming team, with Henson patrolling the defense (3rd in the ACC in rebounds per game, 1st in blocked shots per game), and Barnes and Tyler Zeller doing work on the offensive end. Someone deserves props for the resurrection of the Tar Heels and I'm giving them to Henson.

15. Marshon Brooks, Providence, 25.1 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 49% fg pct.

How can a guy average 25 points per game in the Big East and get zero recognition for it? The Friars may have the second worst record in the conference but Brooks has done his part going for 52 points against Notre Dame, 43 against Georgetown, 28 against Pitt, and 27 against Syracuse! Brooks is second in the nation in scoring and has also gone for seven double-doubles. Since he won't get any light any where else this postseason, he belongs on my list.

14. Klay Thompson, Washington State 21.4 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 4.0 apg/Norris Cole, Cleveland State, 21.8 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 5.4 apg

Putting two players is clearly cheating, but neither of these guys are considered elite players in the nation while both are having seriously impressive seasons, in two conferences that nobody knows exists. OK, now that I got my Pac-10 dig in, Klay Thompson has been one of the conferences best players the last couple of years and this year he's their leading scorer. Unfortunately his Cougars don't have much of a chance at the Tournament this year, but if they make the N.I.T. this is a guy to watch out for. Most of you probably heard Norris Cole's name mentioned for the first time a few weeks ago after he went off for 41 points, 18 rebounds and 9 assists against Youngstown State (not ringing any bellls?), but the soon-to-be Horizon Conference Player of the Year has posted five points-rebounds double-doubles this season, and he's 6'1! Cole has the Vikings tied for first place in their conference, and is working his butt off for the opportunity to show off his crazy abilities in the tournament.

13. Kenneth Faried, Morehead State, 17.6 ppg, 14.3 rpg, 2.1 bpg

This is Faried's third straight season averaging over 13 rebounds a game, so where's the love? He broke Tim Duncan's modern-era Division 1 career rebounding record in mid February and has led the nation in boards all season. Faried has five 20-rebound games this season and as a 6'8 hustle player has brought almost as many NBA scouts to Morehead, Kentucky as that team of blue chips over in Lexington (maybe I'm exaggerating).

12. Jacob Pullen, Kansas State, 19.7 ppg, 3.6 apg, 1.7 spg

He may have been suspended and his team may be the biggest bust in the NCAA this season, but Jacob Pullen's playing big when it matters and it may be enough to get his team to the Big Dance. After starting the season 9-1, KSU fell to 14-8 in the middle of the season, before coming out and winning seven of their last eight including upsets of #1 Kansas (Pullen dropped 38), #21 Missouri (24) and #8 Texas (20). He was a preseason player of the year candidate and although his team has had their ups-and-downs, he's a prime example of it's not how you start, it's how you finish.

11. Kawhi Leonard, San Diego State, 15.2 ppg, 10.8 rpg, 1.5 spg

Leonard is that guy that you played with in the school-yard growing up. The guy who seemed like he was probably older than you, who wasn't that big but really knew how to throw his weight around. He dominated the boards because he was the most physical kid out there, and you always downplayed his game because even though he got buckets he got them sort of ugly, lots of second chance points off of his weak first attempt. Now we're older and the kid that hustles and plays his heart out is the one leading a top-10 team in the nation. He's listed at 6'7 but really can't be any taller than 6'5, however his demeanor in the paint is that of a seven footer. Leonard has a nose for the ball that has him fourth in his conference in scoring and leading the Mountain West in rebounding. Leonard has 20 double-doubles this season and if you haven't seen him play, make sure you're watching (and taking his team to win a couple of games) later on in the month.

10. Dwight Hardy, St. Johns, 17.9 ppg, 2 apg, 86% ft pct

As I mentioned in the case of Jacob Pullen, it's not how you start it's how you finish. You remember the home loss to St. Bonaventure and the loss at Fordham, but after starting the season 11-8 and lost, St. Johns has come out and beat #3 Duke (26 points), #9 UConn (33), #4 Pitt (19), and #14 Villanova (34) and has climbed up to fourth in the Big East with games left against Seton Hall and South Florida. Tied with Texas with 6 wins against ranked opponents this season, St. Johns may be the hottest team in the country right now and Hardy, the teams point guard, is their unquestioned go-to guy. Hardy's averaging 25.1 ppg in the teams last 9 games and is leading the team in minutes, points, three point field goals made, and free-throws made. Maybe this is my home-town bias but Hardy's been as important to any competing team as anyone in the country.

9. Jordan Hamilton, Texas, 18.7 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 40% 3-pt fg pct

Tristan Thompson is a monster, but I think Hamilton is having the better season of the two. Hamilton has been a beast getting to the basket, but has also shown the ability to step outside and knock down the long ball. His game has been very similar to that of recent alum Damion James, not to mention he's been the best player on his team, possibly even in the Big 12. He's the only player in the conference in the top-5 in both scoring and rebounding, and keep in mind that the kid is only a second year player. Texas is definitely one of the countries scariest teams this season, and Hamilton is the biggest reason.

8. JaJuan Johnson, Purdue, 20.5 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 2.4 bpg

It's hard to look at that stat-line and not even put the guy in the top five, but I don't even think he'll win Big Ten player of the Year so I can't put him in front of the guys who I think may. With that said, Johnson has had to overcome the loss of team leader Robbie Hummel (as well as the large expectations of the team when Hummel was healthy), but still has Purdue in the top 10 heading into the most important stretch of the season. Just as the previously mentioned Hamilton has Thompson, Johnson has teammate E'Twaun Moore who's also having a fantastic season, but Johnson ranks first in the Big Ten in points and blocked shots, and is also in the top-5 in rebounds. Johnson has LaMarcus Aldridge ability where he's better a little further from the basket, but also knows how to impose his will down-low. Johnson's gone for at least 20 points, 19 times this season and may go down as Purdue's best player since Glenn Robinson (sorry Brad Miller and Carl Landry).

7. Kemba Walker, Connecticut, 22.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 4.5 apg, 1.9 spg

What? Why so low for Kemba? I must be a UConn hater right? Eh, sort of, and while I think Kemba Walker will probably crack the NCAA All-America First Team, these are my rankings and I don't love him as much as I love a couple of other guards in the country this year. Again, I'm sorry to start with negatives, but a big part of the Kemba Walker hoopla was due to UConn's success...which was mainly early on this season. Dropping 30 on Michigan State followed by 29 against Kentucky was very impressive, but as the Huskies have trailed off into ninth in the Big East, so has Kemba in the Player of the Year race. He takes too many bad shots for a point guard and his team has lost six of their last ten games. Well I guess a paragraph of hate paired with a number seven ranking doesn't make much sense, the kids had a terrific season. He's my money bet to win Big East Player of the Year.

6. Jordan Taylor, Wisconsin, 17.8 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 5.0 apg

There were times last season where the Wisconsin offense looked like they had no idea how they could score without Trevon Hughes, a year later they're sitting in third in the Big Ten with Jordan Taylor and Jon Leuer leading the way. Taylor is the general of a team that I feel has a deep tournament run in them, and after watching them battle back against Ohio State from being down 15 points with about 13 minutes to go, I saw how great he can be and how great he can make his teammates. The Badgers have won 18 of their last 22 games and Taylor is one of the most effective point guards in the country.

5. Ben Hansbrough, Notre Dame, 18.4 ppg, 4.2 apg, .44% 3-point fg pct

Before this season I would associate the name Hansbrough with hate. I'd associate the name with fade-away leaning to the side jump shots, bad hair-cuts, and getting over excited very easily. This year I think calm, composed, smooth, leader, smart, incredible player. Aside from my number one (yet to be revealed if you haven't cheated and read on to the bottom) player of the year, Hansbrough has been my favorite player to watch this season as he's willed his Fighting Irish to a great ranking at the right time of year. Notre Dame leads the Big East in Assist/Turnover ratio, as well as 3-point field goal percentage, and they play at the pace that Hansbrough sets for them. He controls the game better than any point guard in the Big East, can get to the basket, and when he gets hot he can't be stopped from long distance.

4. Derrick Williams, Arizona, 19.1 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 61% fg pct

Williams is the only player averaging double-figures on the nations #18 team (was more impressive last week when they were #10). Arizona sits tied with UCLA at the top of the Pac-10, but Williams has emerged as the Pac-10's best player (by a mile, sorry Klay but how's Wazoo doing?) and possibly the leading candidate for the number one pick in the NBA's draft this June. In my opinion, Williams doesn't necessarily have the size to be a dominant big on the next level, but much like a Michael Beasley, he uses what he has (great feel for the game and a ton of talent) to get the best of his current opponents. Williams is second in the Pac-10 in scoring, fifth in rebounding, and second in field goal percentage. The Sophomore also gets a lot of love for taking an undermanned team (name anyone else on that Wildcats team off the top of your head!) and getting to the top of a Big Six conference. Chances of winning Player of the Year? Not terrible, but not great.

3. Jared Sullinger, Ohio State, 17.1 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 56% fg pct

Freshman of the Year? Check. Big Ten Player of the Year? Most likely. National Player of the Year? I think Sullinger has been the most impactful big man in the country this season, and if he can lead his Buckeyes to a win against Wisconsin to close out the season the award stands a better chance of going to him. For Ohio State to be this good without Evan Turner has been a complete surprise, and without Sullinger, the likes of William Buford, David Lighty and Jon Deibler wouldn't be a top-5 (yes they're number one right now) team in the country. Sullinger has size and knows how to use it, but also has a great touch and surprising range. He isn't Kevin Durant, but he's comfortable with the ball wherever he gets it, and scores at a very effective rate. Chances of winning Player of the Year? Probably better than anyone I've previously mentioned.

2. Nolan Smith, Duke, 21.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 5.2 apg, 48% fg pct

Here's a guy who has just gotten better every year. How do you top a National Championship followed by a Summer playing against the top talent at your age internationally? If you're Nolan Smith it's by having the best season of your collegiate career and trying to win another championship. While the Blue Devils have shown their weaknesses since losing freshman point guard Kyrie Irving, their Senior guard and team leader (sorry Kyle Singler) hasn't. Smith has ran the offense at times and been the offense at times for one of the nations elite teams. Smith has scored in double-digits in all but one game this season, and helped Duke overcome a 14-point halftime deficit to North Carolina with 34 points of his own en route to a six point win. Smith leads the ACC in scoring, is second in assists, and in my opinion is the conference's runaway Player of the Year. Chances of winning Player of the Year? As good as anyone not named Jimmer.

1. Jimmer Fredette, BYU, 27.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 4.3 apg

My rationalization here is how could Adam Morrison win co-Player of the Year in 2006 and Jimmer Fredette not take home the hardwood this year? I'm not going to compare the two players statistically, but their teams had very similar seasons as each player took the country by storm, only Jimmer doesn't have a J.J. Redick to share the award with. Jimmer is what I love about college basketball. He's the guy you created in video games when you were a little kid. An undersized white guard with unlimited range, crazy handles, incredible offensive awareness, and a player who gets to the rack and finishes. He doesn't dunk the way your create-a-player does, but let's get back to real life and appreciate Jimmer for what he is. Nine games over 30 points, three games over 40 points, 2-0 against highly ranked San Diego State, and wins in two of the three games they played against big six opponents. He may not be able to play well at the next level, but with up-and-under scoop shots in traffic, 30-foot three point bombs and a name that has become a noun, verb and adjective, he's my 2011 NCAA Player of the Year. Actual Chances of winning Player of the Year? Probably slightly better than 50-50.

Obviously not everyone was able to make the cut, here are the guys I didn't want to but had to leave out: Marcus Morris, Kansas, Terrence Jones, Kentucky, Jordan Williams, Maryland, Rich Jackson, Syracuse, John Jenkins, Vanderbilt, and last but not least Tu Holloway, Xavier.

What Are You Waiting For?

I don't get it...I just don't. A team that started 22-15 is now 27-26 and in desperate need of someone to take the load off of MVP candidate Amar'e Stoudemire's shoulders, so what's the hold up?

Danilo Gallinari? This is season number three, not to say he's a bust but he's definitely no Carmelo Anthony. Landry Fields? Gee, where are we going to find someone else who hustles and has a nose for the ball in the second round? Wilson Chandler? Melo will average somewhere between 25 and 30 points per game as a Knick...Chandler's inconsistent scoring won't be missed. I get not wanting to gut the roster, but to be set on keeping two of the three previously mentioned players instead of going out and acquiring one of the leagues elite players is an absolute atrocity.

I hate being a Knicks fan that feels entitled to getting the best players and becoming one of the leagues new powerhouses, especially after the last decade, but this is a concept that's been fed to us yet taken out of our mouthes before we could eat it over the last two years. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Amar'e Stoudemire...all of the stars available for 2010 with New York set as the biggest stage for them. Donnie Walsh cleared almost $30 Million in cap space in anticipation of the star-studded class, hoping that the real Alpha Dogs would want to bring life back to the hoops Mecca. Of all of the stars only Amar'e was up for the challenge, but Melo's made it no secret that he wants in too.

I'm not saying that Melo and Amar'e are enough to get this team to the next level, but you start with those two SUPERSTARS and you attract more players to be a part of this up-and-coming powerhouse. Or you settle for a team that loses to the Kings and Clippers at home because they don't play defense and if either Gallinari (inconsistent) or Chandler (inconsistent) are off they have no chance of winning.

I understand that Donnie Walsh thinks he can get Melo for a cheaper price, but I don't think this potential acquisition is a move that can be treated like a guessing game. With all of the Collective Bargaining Agreement controversy, player salaries may go down and Melo probably doesn't want to take his chances that he can get the deal the Nuggets have put in front of him from somebody else next season. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if Melo takes the fat contract to stay in Denver, or if another team enters the hunt because the Knicks have allowed them time to put together a package to present a better situation for Melo. In order, he wants to get paid, win, and win on a big stage...while New York is the biggest stage, it's not the only stage and it definitely isn't the only place Carmelo can win.

With that said, I'm not necessarily worried about any other teams currently making a push for Carmelo, and quite frankly I don't know if Melo has any interest in playing another season (if not game) in Denver, but I don't think waiting this out is a risk worth taking for the Knicks. This current Knicks team has shown flashes, but the truth of the matter is they're not the team they were in December and January. They're a few pieces away as it is, but one of those pieces is another All-Star caliber player. Gallinari and Fields may get there one day, but Melo's there now, and puts the franchise in a better place for the future.

It would be great to sign Melo in the offseason and keep the aforementioned trade bait, but if Melo isn't available again after the trade deadline it's just another let down in the Knicks rebuilding process. If the Knicks end up empty handed their rebuilding slogan will go from Lebron in 2010, to Melo in 2011, to hopefully Deron Williams/Chris Paul in 2012...it's enough already! Getting Carmelo gives the Knicks the best chance to lure more talent in by making the Knicks the new fun project to be a part of. Besides, Chris Paul toasted to the new Big Three in New York at Carmelo's Wedding last summer...you don't think he'd break his word do you?

In all seriousness, Carmelo Anthony is another huge step in the right direction for Donnie Walsh's rebuilding conquest, and the talent that Walsh has in place right now really isn't worth the risk of missing out on him. Carmelo with Amar'e and Ray Felton (or Billups if they include a point guard swap) going into next season is a lot more enticing than Amar'e and any other two or three players on this current Knicks team. I know that Gallinari, Fields, and Chandler have potential to serve as career starters in the NBA, but they really are just high-end role players for a team that needs another go-to guy. Two big-time players and some role players acquired through free agency sounds a lot better to me than one go-to player with some talented guys who may or may not be able to get going in a big game.

Knock on wood, the Knicks are an Amar'e injury away from being irrelevant again. You add Carmelo Anthony to the mix and Amar'e has someone to pick him up on nights that he's off, as well as an exquisite talent who gives the defense something else to really have to focus on. I know the issue isn't Melo's talent, but really take the time to realize how much of a difference maker he is and how valuable he truly could be to this franchise. Is it worth having to part with two of the following: a budding European, second-round draft pick, and a very watered down version of the guy we want? I sure think so.

We'll see...

Packers Win, Jared Loses, Throwing the ball Wins, Running the ball is Dead!

The dust has settled, the confetti and champagne have been cleaned up. Aaron Rodgers is heading to Disney World, and Ben Roethlisberger's heading...I'll just leave that one up to your awful imaginations. Super Bowl XLV set the record for highest viewed television program in U.S. history, but incase you haven't heard, the Lombardi trophy came home to Green Bay as the Packers beat the Steelers 31-25.

Green Bay was in control from start to finish, save for a few moments where you looked at the score and said to yourself "how is the game possibly this close?" in the second half. Dropped passes and defensive lapses aside, the Packers made all of the big plays and wrapped up a special season with their 13th NFL championship. Aaron Rodgers was crowned WWE Champion, err, Super Bowl MVP and it was much deserved.

I don't want to talk about the game itself, rather the state of the NFL (potential lockout aside) and how this game was a reflection of what the National Football League really has become. The Packers, already playing the Super Bowl with a string of injuries, lost one of their top receivers (Donald Driver) and their top cornerback (Charles Woodson) in the first half of the game, but didn't skip a beat on either side of the ball. No Driver, no problem. Rodgers found his third and fourth receivers for a combined 14 completions, against the best defense in the NFL!

Rodgers is one of the league's best quarterbacks, it's no longer any sort of secret, but with the newer rules against making contact with a receiver, as well as the rules to protect the quarterback, the NFL has turned into a complete passing league. I know that I'm just stating the obvious with that last statement, but heading into the Super Bowl I was on the Steelers bandwagon just like a good portion of the experts. We loved the toughness, the determination to run the ball, the lack of mistakes, the punishing defense...that's not the team that showed up Sunday night, but it may not have even mattered if they did.

The Steelers were +17 on turnovers this past season, good for second in the NFL, they were -3 in Super Bowl XLV. Roethlisberger was picked off twice (one was returned for a touchdown), and Rashard Mendenhall lost a fumble, while the Packers offense played mistake free. The Steelers did run the ball 26 times, but the team that won was the team that had success throwing the ball, and that was the Packers. It's not like the Steelers didn't try to attack the 2009 Defensive Player of the Year-less Packers, they didn't have any choice as they were playing catch-up from the first quarter on, but the vertical game isn't what the 2010 Steelers success was based on and that was ultimately exposed.

Watching this game I sort of felt like I do when I watch good hitting overpower good pitching. It's one of these myths that I've been led to believe in all of my years of sports fandom, great defense always beats great offense. A healthy Celtics team stops the LeBrons and Kobes. The unstoppable pass rush of the Giants ultimately beats the bullying offense of the Patriots. Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling will pitch five times in a seven game series and you better believe it'll be enough to beat the unbeatable Yankees. The last couple of weeks I didn't want to buy into the idea of Aaron Rodgers carving up this historically brilliant Steelers D, well pour me a glass of Kool-Aid cause I see clearly now.

Let's look at the last few seasons/Super Bowls. In 2009 Drew Brees led the league in QB Rating and TD Passes, the Saints won and Brees was named SB MVP. In 2008, the Steelers opened up their passing game and won the Super Bowl on a perfectly executed bullet to the corner of the endzone, the receiver that caught that ball was named MVP and all of a sudden Roethlisberger is one of the leagues elite. In 2007 the Patriots stormed through the league as their quarterback and top receiver shattered NFL records, sure, they lost the big game, but it took a freak-helmet catch to put them under. 2006, Colts, Peyton Manning, enough said. To further prove my point, a quarterback threw for 4,000-plus yards in a season 15 times from the 2001-2005 seasons, we had 33 instances from 2006-2010.

Brees, Brady, Manning, even Roethlisberger, and now Rodgers. This is your list of NFL elite. Fantasy Football aside, you probably won't hear a running-backs name crack the top-five these days. Remember when your best players were Larry Johnson, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Shaun Alexander? Not anymore.

With the lifespan of your average running back decreasing every year, as well as the amount of RB's per team getting carries increasing, you can throw Jared Mintz in your backfield as long as you have an Aaron Rodgers taking the snaps. This Packers team is young and is staying in tact, with the Patriots rebuilt, Brees and Matt Ryan in the NFC South, the potential for the Chargers to find a real coach to win with Phil Rivers, and the existence of Peyton Manning, exceptional quarterbacks are dominating this league like it's the early 90's, and there really is no end in sight.

Is it exciting? Well, yes. Does it kind of stink that the NFL changed its rules to benefit a certain position in order to make the game more exciting? No, all of the professional sports leagues make changes to make their game more enjoyable and fan friendly. Would you rather have seen a 7-3 slugfest where James Starks was handed the ball 30 times? While I support the running game as it involves more offensive strategy and bigger, crunchier tackles, who doesn't love to see tight spiral after tight spiral aired out? Who doesn't grow up dreaming of making the big throw to get your team the big win?

I'm accepting the league for what it's worth (again, potential lockout aside) and am going to have to move forward with the passing equals winning trend. Your Super Bowl XLV champs ran the ball 13 times. R.I.P. smash mouth football, welcome to Aaron Rodgers shadow Mr. Brett Favre. Thanks for the memories NFL, let's make some new ones ASAP.