With the NBA trading deadline only days away, the Cavaliers are very close to completing a deal that would send Zydrunas Illgauskas and J.J. Hickson to Phoenix for the Suns Amar'e Stoudemire.
Talk here in Cleveland is that the pieces for a championship are already in place and no moves are necessary, furthermore, an aquisition of a high profile player such as Stoudemire may actually be counter productive.
I understand the concerns. Team chemistry is important, no doubt. However, my opinion is that adding more talent is generally a good thing and the folks here should reconsider.
In the 2007-2008 season the Boston Celtics brought in Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to go along with Paul Pierce and second year point guard Rajon Rondo. There was not a whole lot of time for chemistry building there and they barreled their way to an NBA title.
The showtime era in Los Angeles, featured Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy and Byron Scott. That quartet led the Lakers to multiple titles in the 80's. Too much talent, I think not.
The other factor that people are not considering here is the effect of this move going forward. Illgauskas and Shaquille O'Neal are at the end of the line. The Cavs have no big men ready to fill those shoes at this point. If the opportunity to solidify that need presents itself now, you have to take it. Secondly, if there was ever a player to make this situation work it is LeBron James. His team oriented attitude and unselfish play give this potential trade the best chance to ultimately succeed. Finally, and probably most important, LeBron James wants Stoudemire. Acquiring a player of this caliber may be the nudge that LeBron needs to sign that long term deal with the Cavs.
At long last we here in Cleveland have an owner with deep pockets, if he is willing to dish out the cash to secure James and Stoudemire to long term deals I am more than willing to take the short term risk that this deal would present.
Oh, by the way, 'Z' fans need not fret. Any deal with the Suns would almost assure Illguaskas' return to the Cavs after the standard 30 day waiting period after Phoenix releases him, which they will most certainly do.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Saints Go Marching In
Congratulations to all are friends down in the Bayou! This was one occassion in which The Handicapper was not all that upset he missed on his pick. The Saints, who lived off turnovers all year, only came up with one but it was the biggest one in team history dare I say. WHO DAT Super Bowl Champ? The New Orleans Saints!
Saturday, February 6, 2010
The Handicapper Looks At Super Bowl XLIV
Super Bowl XLIV has the potential to be one of the more entertaining Super Bowls of all time. Both teams have the ability to make big plays offensively at the drop of a hat, add to that, the ability to make big plays defensively and on special teams (slight edge to the Saints here) and you have the makings of one exciting football game.
There is not doubt that the ability of the Brees to spread the ball around to no less than five different targets and the big play ability of Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas can wreak havoc on any defense. Meanwhile defensively, the Saints have created turnovers all year led veteran defensive back Darren Sharper.
The big question for the Saints is, will they be able to extract the ball from Peyton Manning and the methodical Colts offense at the same clip they have all year? I'm not so sure.
Honestly, I have been concerned about the Saints for several weeks now, especially offensively, as they seemed to have bogged down a bit. They did explode against a very troubled Cardinals defense, but struggled for most of the second half against the Vikes despite being handed the ball consistently by their defense.
Ultimately, I think experience prevails Sunday in Miami. "WHO DAT"? "DAT BE" Peyton Manning and the Colts.
There is not doubt that the ability of the Brees to spread the ball around to no less than five different targets and the big play ability of Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas can wreak havoc on any defense. Meanwhile defensively, the Saints have created turnovers all year led veteran defensive back Darren Sharper.
The big question for the Saints is, will they be able to extract the ball from Peyton Manning and the methodical Colts offense at the same clip they have all year? I'm not so sure.
Honestly, I have been concerned about the Saints for several weeks now, especially offensively, as they seemed to have bogged down a bit. They did explode against a very troubled Cardinals defense, but struggled for most of the second half against the Vikes despite being handed the ball consistently by their defense.
Ultimately, I think experience prevails Sunday in Miami. "WHO DAT"? "DAT BE" Peyton Manning and the Colts.
Friday, February 5, 2010
LeBron/Kobe Playoff Comparison
Let's shed some more light on the LeBron/Kobe "clutch shot" situation. Our research here at M.Y.O.S. has been hard at work. We have found that LeBron James in the last four seasons has five game winning shots in the playoffs.
Here they are:
2006 game3 vs. Washington w/5seconds left
2006 game5 vs. Washington w/0.9 seconds left
2007 game5 vs. Detroit w/ 2.2 seconds left
2008 East Finals vs. Washington 2 seconds left
2009 East Finals vs. Orlando buzzer beater
Some here have tried to make the point that LeBron has made only one "clutch shot" (vs. Orlando, 2009). As we have shown, he has won five playoff games in the closing seconds. According to a Kobe Bryant devoted website (we are currently working to confirm this) Bryant has made a total of five playoff game winners in his career.
Now, if you still want Kobe to take "the shot" for you it is understandable, however, to say that James has not been up to par with him in this department is just not accurate.
Here they are:
2006 game3 vs. Washington w/5seconds left
2006 game5 vs. Washington w/0.9 seconds left
2007 game5 vs. Detroit w/ 2.2 seconds left
2008 East Finals vs. Washington 2 seconds left
2009 East Finals vs. Orlando buzzer beater
Some here have tried to make the point that LeBron has made only one "clutch shot" (vs. Orlando, 2009). As we have shown, he has won five playoff games in the closing seconds. According to a Kobe Bryant devoted website (we are currently working to confirm this) Bryant has made a total of five playoff game winners in his career.
Now, if you still want Kobe to take "the shot" for you it is understandable, however, to say that James has not been up to par with him in this department is just not accurate.
More LeBron and Kobe
We seem to have opened a can of worms here at MYOS regarding the clutch play comparison of LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. Some readers have taken offense that I dare mention LBJ in the same sentence with Kobe as far as clutch play or "killer instinct". I really don't like reciting statistics over and over, but in a difference of opinion such as this it gives us something concrete to refer to in order to back up our arguments. So at the risk of sounding like a walking encyclopedia I will now list the players with the most game winning shots since LBJ has come into the NBA(this goes back to February of last season, or approximately one year ago. I apologize that I couldn't find a more updated list.) These shots are defined as shots taken with less than 24 seconds left in the game and your team tied or trailing by 1 or 2 points.
1- LeBron James 17-50 .340 percent
2- Vince Carter 16-51 .313 percent
3- Ray Allen 15-39 .385 percent
4-Kobe Bryant 14-56 .250 percent
5- Carmelo Anthony 13-27 .481 percent
I know statistics aren't everything in sports, but we need them at times to put our opinions into context. Although Kobe is a good finisher we can see LBJ at the top of this list once again. Interestingly enough Kobe's .250 FG percentage was below the league average of .290 percent. Opinions can be argued, and that's exactly why we are here at MYOS. But the numbers are what they are and you can take from them whatever you would like. One thing you can't take are Kobe's 4 championships, and I bet LBJ would like to be at the top of that list most of all.
1- LeBron James 17-50 .340 percent
2- Vince Carter 16-51 .313 percent
3- Ray Allen 15-39 .385 percent
4-Kobe Bryant 14-56 .250 percent
5- Carmelo Anthony 13-27 .481 percent
I know statistics aren't everything in sports, but we need them at times to put our opinions into context. Although Kobe is a good finisher we can see LBJ at the top of this list once again. Interestingly enough Kobe's .250 FG percentage was below the league average of .290 percent. Opinions can be argued, and that's exactly why we are here at MYOS. But the numbers are what they are and you can take from them whatever you would like. One thing you can't take are Kobe's 4 championships, and I bet LBJ would like to be at the top of that list most of all.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
LeBron vs. Kobe
There is a lot of debate these days as to who the best player in the NBA currently is. Most often the conversation boils down to 2 players- LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. Let's take a look at how these basketball legends match up.
A quick look at their stats shows a clear edge to James as a rebounder and passer. James has out assisted Bryant every year he has been in the NBA, and has out rebounded him every year as well with the exception of his rookie season when they tied at 5.5 per game. James bigger, stronger frame gives him an advantage playing in traffic and scoring in the paint . James gets to the basket as easily and as often as any player I can remember watching. He has a higher career scoring average and is on pace to outscore Bryant for the 3rd year in a row. The knock on James has been his inability to make perimiter shots consistently, and shooting is where Bryant is perceived to have a big edge. This is where the numbers get a little surprising.
LeBron James' career shooting percentage of 47.3 is actually higher than Bryant's career 45.5. As a matter of fact James has had a higher FG % than Bryant every year with the exception, once again, of his rookie season when James shot only41.7%. Coincidentally that is the same % that Bryant shot as a rookie. James has been criticized for his poor 3 pt. shooting during his career, but Bryant's 34 % career mark is only a fraction better than James 33.2 %. James has improved his long range shooting greatly over the years, and with a few good seasons may just surpass Kobe in that department too. (he is currently out shooting Kobe from 3 point range 36% to 32%.) A look at this season's "clutch stats" ( 4th quarter or overtime with less than 5 minutes and neither team ahead by more than 5 points) shows that James has decided statistical advantages in FG% , 3PT % , rebounds, assists, blocks and steals.
As far as the stats go we can erase the myth of Bryant being a vastly better shooter or clutch player than LeBron. I hope the Kobe fans don't misunderstand me. If someone told me that I could have Bryant on my team tomorrow I would be happy to have him. He is one of the best players I have ever watched play the game, and if you would have asked me 3 years ago who the best player was I might have answered Kobe Bryant. He is a champion and a Hall Of Famer, but right now James is King.
A quick look at their stats shows a clear edge to James as a rebounder and passer. James has out assisted Bryant every year he has been in the NBA, and has out rebounded him every year as well with the exception of his rookie season when they tied at 5.5 per game. James bigger, stronger frame gives him an advantage playing in traffic and scoring in the paint . James gets to the basket as easily and as often as any player I can remember watching. He has a higher career scoring average and is on pace to outscore Bryant for the 3rd year in a row. The knock on James has been his inability to make perimiter shots consistently, and shooting is where Bryant is perceived to have a big edge. This is where the numbers get a little surprising.
LeBron James' career shooting percentage of 47.3 is actually higher than Bryant's career 45.5. As a matter of fact James has had a higher FG % than Bryant every year with the exception, once again, of his rookie season when James shot only41.7%. Coincidentally that is the same % that Bryant shot as a rookie. James has been criticized for his poor 3 pt. shooting during his career, but Bryant's 34 % career mark is only a fraction better than James 33.2 %. James has improved his long range shooting greatly over the years, and with a few good seasons may just surpass Kobe in that department too. (he is currently out shooting Kobe from 3 point range 36% to 32%.) A look at this season's "clutch stats" ( 4th quarter or overtime with less than 5 minutes and neither team ahead by more than 5 points) shows that James has decided statistical advantages in FG% , 3PT % , rebounds, assists, blocks and steals.
As far as the stats go we can erase the myth of Bryant being a vastly better shooter or clutch player than LeBron. I hope the Kobe fans don't misunderstand me. If someone told me that I could have Bryant on my team tomorrow I would be happy to have him. He is one of the best players I have ever watched play the game, and if you would have asked me 3 years ago who the best player was I might have answered Kobe Bryant. He is a champion and a Hall Of Famer, but right now James is King.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Stern Drops The Ball On Arenas
By now everyone that has visited this blog should realize I have a great passion for sports, but sometimes I feel like I would be better off spending my spare time bird watching. Having to deal with some of the disturbing behavior exhibited by today's athletes is bad enough, however, the real head scratcher is how these things are being dealt with by the folks in charge.
The latest police blotter involving the Washington Wizards Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton is very bothersome. Apparently, NBA commissioner David Stern, just isn't as sensitive as me. Stern, in what amounts to a slap on the wrist as far as I am concerned, suspended Arenas and Crittendon for the remainder of the year.
Let me ask you, would your boss have been so kind as to say 'see ya next year' had you brought your artillery collection to the workplace? I think not. This is not the first time that commissioner Stern has had to deal with gun related issues. Not too long ago, Stephen Jackson played shoot 'em up outside an Indianapolis night club and this past year Delonte West was stopped on his motorcycle packing some serious heat. Bad enough, right?
What is worse here, is that Arenas and Crittenton brought there transgressions to the workplace. Stern had an opportunity, with justification, to make an extreme example of these two guys and failed to do so. Stern should thank his lucky stars that no shots were fired and nobody was harmed in this incident. That would have been something that the NBA could have ever recovered from.
Wake up Mr. Stern!
The latest police blotter involving the Washington Wizards Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton is very bothersome. Apparently, NBA commissioner David Stern, just isn't as sensitive as me. Stern, in what amounts to a slap on the wrist as far as I am concerned, suspended Arenas and Crittendon for the remainder of the year.
Let me ask you, would your boss have been so kind as to say 'see ya next year' had you brought your artillery collection to the workplace? I think not. This is not the first time that commissioner Stern has had to deal with gun related issues. Not too long ago, Stephen Jackson played shoot 'em up outside an Indianapolis night club and this past year Delonte West was stopped on his motorcycle packing some serious heat. Bad enough, right?
What is worse here, is that Arenas and Crittenton brought there transgressions to the workplace. Stern had an opportunity, with justification, to make an extreme example of these two guys and failed to do so. Stern should thank his lucky stars that no shots were fired and nobody was harmed in this incident. That would have been something that the NBA could have ever recovered from.
Wake up Mr. Stern!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Brees Runs Away With Our MVP Poll
We will close our National Football League M.V.P poll today and hand the "trophy" to New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees. Brees ran away with the prize due in large part to our cajun following in the deep south.
We here at M.Y.O.S would like to congratulate our friends in New Orleans on thier NFC Championship, yet giving us Clevelanders another reason to be jealous of you aside from the weather. Good luck in Miami!
We here at M.Y.O.S would like to congratulate our friends in New Orleans on thier NFC Championship, yet giving us Clevelanders another reason to be jealous of you aside from the weather. Good luck in Miami!
Monday, January 25, 2010
More Of The Same From Favre; Saints Advance
The Saints dream season will continue, as they head to Miami to take on the Colts in Super Bowl XLIV, thanks to an ill advised throw by Brett Favre.
With 19 second remaining, the Vikings needed only a handful of yards to put 13 year veteran kicker Ryan Longwell in position to send them to Miami. Instead, Favre decided to play superman and force a throw back across the field that was intercepted by the Saints Tracy Porter.
In my opinion, it has been plays like that, that have limited Favre to one Super Bowl ring in 19 seasons. Brett is a Hall of Fame QB without question and may be the toughest man on the planet to play the way he has at 40 years old, however, sometimes he simply tries to do too much.
If this was indeed Favre's last game, maybe it is fitting that it ended as it did.
With 19 second remaining, the Vikings needed only a handful of yards to put 13 year veteran kicker Ryan Longwell in position to send them to Miami. Instead, Favre decided to play superman and force a throw back across the field that was intercepted by the Saints Tracy Porter.
In my opinion, it has been plays like that, that have limited Favre to one Super Bowl ring in 19 seasons. Brett is a Hall of Fame QB without question and may be the toughest man on the planet to play the way he has at 40 years old, however, sometimes he simply tries to do too much.
If this was indeed Favre's last game, maybe it is fitting that it ended as it did.
Favre Doesn't Deliver For Vikings
Brett Favre's effort to take the Minnesota Vikings to the Super Bowl came up short yesterday mostly due to Favre's inability to avoid costly turnovers. All the elements seemed to be in place for the Vikings to win on the road in a noisy Superdome.
The Viking defense slowed down the high powered Saint offense limiting them to 257 yards of total offense. New Orleans averaged 380 yards of offense during the regular season and rolled up 418 in their previous playoff game against Arizona.The Saints could only muster 68 yards on the ground and converted on only 3 of 12 third downs. Add to that a strong running game led by Adrian Peterson who had 122 yards and 3 touchdowns and all the elements of a win seemed to be in place.
The only piece of the puzzle missing for Minnesota was their quarterback taking care of the football in clutch situations. Instead Favre turned the ball over 3 times. He fumbled an exchange with Peterson late in the 1st half inside the Saints 5 yard line taking sure points off the board. He was also picked off twice. The second interception cost the Vikings a chance to try a possible game winning field goal. Favre was lucky to avoid a third interception when Saints defender Jabari Greer droppped a Favre throw that hit him right between the numbers.
Favre's unspectacular performance wasn't all that surprising when considering his recent playoff history. It wasn't the first time he has under performed in the post season. Since the 1998 season Favre is only 4-7 in playoff games. In those 11 games he has thrown 20 interceptions, not to mention some fumbles along the way. He had a 6 interception game against St. Louis in 2001 and a 4 interception game against his own Vikings in 2004, so his 3 turnover game yesterday should come as no shock.
Teams have put up with Favre's prima donna act for the last several years on the premise that he can deliver the goods that other QBs can't when it matters the most. For the most part he has been unable to hold up his end of that bargain. When Favre retires( for good) he will quickly take his place in the Hall Of Fame where he rightfully belongs. He has done more than enough throughout his career to put him in that class. He has accomplished feats few QBs in this game ever have. Unfortunately for Brett and his team mates he hasn't accomplished them in the post season often enough.
The Viking defense slowed down the high powered Saint offense limiting them to 257 yards of total offense. New Orleans averaged 380 yards of offense during the regular season and rolled up 418 in their previous playoff game against Arizona.The Saints could only muster 68 yards on the ground and converted on only 3 of 12 third downs. Add to that a strong running game led by Adrian Peterson who had 122 yards and 3 touchdowns and all the elements of a win seemed to be in place.
The only piece of the puzzle missing for Minnesota was their quarterback taking care of the football in clutch situations. Instead Favre turned the ball over 3 times. He fumbled an exchange with Peterson late in the 1st half inside the Saints 5 yard line taking sure points off the board. He was also picked off twice. The second interception cost the Vikings a chance to try a possible game winning field goal. Favre was lucky to avoid a third interception when Saints defender Jabari Greer droppped a Favre throw that hit him right between the numbers.
Favre's unspectacular performance wasn't all that surprising when considering his recent playoff history. It wasn't the first time he has under performed in the post season. Since the 1998 season Favre is only 4-7 in playoff games. In those 11 games he has thrown 20 interceptions, not to mention some fumbles along the way. He had a 6 interception game against St. Louis in 2001 and a 4 interception game against his own Vikings in 2004, so his 3 turnover game yesterday should come as no shock.
Teams have put up with Favre's prima donna act for the last several years on the premise that he can deliver the goods that other QBs can't when it matters the most. For the most part he has been unable to hold up his end of that bargain. When Favre retires( for good) he will quickly take his place in the Hall Of Fame where he rightfully belongs. He has done more than enough throughout his career to put him in that class. He has accomplished feats few QBs in this game ever have. Unfortunately for Brett and his team mates he hasn't accomplished them in the post season often enough.
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