Thickness....Oh Wait...Wrong Email

1. Colts/Jets?
Ebizz: Im goin to stick with the Jets to upset. The Colts having defense that is good enough to put Manning in position to make great plays.  Yet, their defense is not the best in the NFL. So they are bound to give up some plays.  If you think Revis is the only threat the Jets have, apparently you have not watches any games. point blank.

DProfessor: This is too easy. The Colts are tough on D playing against a one-dimensional team. Sure the Jets play great defense, and run REALLY good. But you have to score more than 10 pts offensively to beat the Colts. Revis is great, but he can't guard 3 people at once. Colts 27 - Jets 13.

2. Saints/Vikes?

DProfessor: Ahhh.....one for the ages. This is like the USC/Texas game back with Vince Young and Reggie Bush. You know their are going to be some points put up in this one. AP has yet to get going, and who's to say that Brett wants him to do so? Brett wants to air that ball out and sling it all over the field. The problem is that the Saints do that better than any team in the league. The last team with the ball wins. Bottom line. Saints 41 Vikes 38.

Ebizz: Stop changing your mind. Im going with my Vikings in this one. Super Bowl winners............

3. Super Bowl Pick?

DProfessor: It's easy for me. The Colts. They have been the most consistent team all year....hence going 14-0 before shutting it down for the playoffs. Sure, call me a homer...but who else can win the tough games? All of the Vikes big wins have been blowouts, the losses, close. Same for the Aints. I'm taking the Colts and of course, MVP goes to the White QB...barring a 8 sack performance from Freeney.

Ebizz: So you must have not seen the Vikings vs the 49ers this year? or how about  when they played the Steelers when they were robbed of that game? Or how about the Ravens who was one of your favorite teams coming into the season?? Vikings have won tough games and I say they are still able to do so. Dont count them out.

4. Well, we found Marvin Harrison

DProfessor: My daddy always told me to watch for them quiet cats, they are usually the craziest ones. Marvin is showing his true colors IF these details become true.

Ebizz: If details become true?? they have a man that said he was shot by Marvin Harrison. Then he was killed after coming out and saying that? A hell of a story to make up out of no where. It is what it is.

5. Restructure of the NBA
DProfessor: I'll take a revision to All-Star Weekend. Ray Allen wants 25% fan voting. Billups echoed that. I agree. There is no way in hell T-Mac should be allowed to play, let alone start in the game. My D-League player on NBA2K is averaging better numbers than him and AI. AI should bow down and let Rondo or DRose start if he gets the nod. AI can at least play a little bit. T-Mac is done.

Ebizz: The playoff system needs some retooling because the east only has to barely win and make the playoffs, while in the East an impressive 50 win season does not even guarantee you a spot?  I say put teams with the best scores vs. each other and let the teams with garbage records watch the competition from the sideline..

6. Big Mac with a side of "roids"

Ebizz: really i say f*** baseball but I must say the way these circumstances are being handled puzzles me.  The black unemployment rate is steady on the rise but yet we still are over saturated with sports icons that are built like pro wrestlers finally admitting what we already knew.  Lets focus on something important out here, and by the way FREE BARRY BONDS and let him play!!!!!!!!!!

DProfessor: What has yet to be said from Cardinal Nation is that we "forgive" McGwire is because he is white. White people stick together. They don't cross alliances, like Pimp C said, "If you was a cartoon character on your first album, you better be a cartoon character on your last one." I don't know what that has to do with anything, but I miss some Pimp C. Let Barry Bonds come out with a lame azz apology. You might as well shut down all the comment sections because they will be overwhelmed with hate.

7. Where should Toby Gerhart Go?

DProfessor: Gerhart is a late 1st Rounder to me unless he dazzles at the combine. He has to show he is sub 4.5 in the 40 and must kill the other RBs in bench presses. Teams will me ready to gobble him up...let's face it, how many good legitimate white rbs are there in the league?

Ebizz: I agree with you. Late first round, but yet a real steal.  I want to see him aside a fast back to add some balance  (ex: Tennessee, or Minnesota)

8. Vick to the Rams?

DProfessor: In the words of 8-5, "Child please." The day Vick signs with the Rams and doesn't get shot on site by John Wilkes Booth III, is the day I buy season tickets to the Dome. This is STL.

Ebizz: All the stuff you talking goes out the window when teams want to sell tickets. The fans will come out to see Vick play and he would have my full support as well.  If he came here and won the Rams about 8 games, people would be more than willing to put that dog-stuff behind them....Hell look at my man Kobe.

9. What happened to Steven A Smith?

DProfessor: According to CBeans, ESPN has a pecking order and Stephen A wasn't playing ball. You can catch him on Fox Sports and on his own site....HERE.  The fact of the matter is Stephen A kept it real and called a lot of cats out on the air. He always gave Skip the business too. Big up, rather be owner, than be owned.

Ebizz: Steve Smith we miss you and shouts out to Bill Walton. please come back 

10. Fantasy NBA Slam Dunk Contest Contestants
DProfessor: Can we get Shaq to rally the troops? I'm not too excited with Shannon Brown, Nasty Nate, and Gerald Wallace. Nice lineup but I won't miss any sleep over this one if I miss the festivities.

Ebizz: Nasty Nate Dogg!   How about JR Smith, Jamario Moon, LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Vince Carter, and maybe Russell Westbrook. Can we get a little variety out here? But lets also take it back to the Jordan vs. Dominique rules, before the addition of the team crap.

Step your inteview game up before you get remixed too!!!!!

NFL 10spot

1. Pacman goes >Fishing
DProfessor - You telling me that Adam Jones is not better than 50% of the db's in the league and has to go to Canada to find a job? Not that I am a fan, but I can't even name the starting corners on the Rams. Can u? This is a travesty. A shammockery.
Ebizz - This is not a case of skill on the field, but stupidity off the field.....remember our last 10 spot??? No one wants to take another gamble on this guy and I cannot blame em.

2. Who's the next Cassel?
DProfessor - Not only did Tom the Great Brady get suplexed by Fat Albert and the Redskins, Matt Cassel goes down this week in KC. So the question is can Belicheck find the next Cassel and can Tyler Thigpen fill Cassel's shoes in KC? New England just cut their 2nd string qb and only Andrew Walter is left on the roster. My money is on Belicheck, not the Chiefs.
Ebizz - Simple...the great Belicheck. His track record is almost impeccable.

3. TV Blackouts and NFL Package
DProfessor - The NFL is about to make a tough stance on the blackout policy during this recession. As posted here, the Jax Jags are down to 25k in season ticket sales. I guess the fans don't like the Garrard era or post crack head Matt Jones era. I know I have been a beneficiary of Rams blackout games last year but I don't want to be forced to follow Brett Favre.
Ebizz - Well not to mention the guy who played for the "jackville" jags who was gunned down last year.... Maybe this is a sign in most areas that the times are too hard to think about a damn pigskin past time anymore???? I do not believe it myself.

4. Fantasy Update
DProfessor - Doesn't everybody usually feel good after they draft their team? Sure their are a few holes that you spot off the top, but generally a nice collection of guys. A few guys I need to come through are Ronnie Brown, Peyton Manning, Steve Smith, and Smash and Dash. If not, I'm screwed.
Ebizz - I like Kevin Boss to get some number for the Big Blue, Percy Harvin, Leon Washington, maybe Cribbs. DProfessor is running my team so he should have filled out my segment as well....damn.

Predictions
5. MVP
DProfessor - The easy choice is Tom Brady. I am going to go Aaron Rodgers. The Pack are going to put up some numbers. The one problem is that the defense is vastly improved. I am going to go Rodgers first, runner up of Manning/Brady.
Ebizz - All Day Adrian Peterson for MVP. His numbers should rise that much more higher with a presence of a descent qb handing off the ball. Who can stop him??????

6. Best Record
DProfessor - Baltimore Ravens. They play the NFC North and AFC West, only the NFC West would have been easier. Throw in a great defense, stellar running game and emerging qb in Flacco, I think the Ravens can claim a 13-3 or 12-4 season. I don't think anybody wins more than 13 games this year.
Ebizz - Best record will be wrapped up by one of four teams.....Patriots, Eagles, Colts, or Steelers.

7. Everyone's Favorite Loser
The team that is receiving the most love in the media and will fall on their face.
DProfessor - Philadelphia. I love the speed the Eagles have but they lost that 3rd corner, lost their MLB, lost their safety in Dawkins, and I don't trust Westbrook over the 16 games. McCoy seems like a great rook but I don't see that go to WR in the lineup yet.
Ebizz - I actually like the chances the Eagles have. Even though they lost some key defensive players, I still say they have enough to emerge to the playoffs and a great season. The team I pick to fail is America's own Dallas Cowboys. Now or never is the time for Romo to step up and play good more than half a season. He was pampered by the Cowboys removing all distractions so he can concentrate (wait isn't he a professional getting paid to do this already??), and lets not even talk about the new number one option Roy Williams.........

8. Surprise Team to make the Playoffs
DProfessor - San Francisco. 2 reasons - 1. They play in the NFC West. 2. Somebody has to win that division. IF, big if, they can sign Crabtree and get him up to speed by week 10, they could run the gammit with games versus STL, Philly, Detroit, Ariz, Seat, and Jax.
Ebizz - I see no surprises as far as teams in the playoffs.... I will say that I think New Orleans is ready to give a run for their division title.

9. Final Four
DProfessor - Baltimore, New England, Giants, Packers. My beloved Colts will not be able to compete without Bob Sanders.
Ebizz - Vikings, Giants, New England, Steelers.

10. Super Bowl Champ
DProfessor - New England. When all things are equal, go with good coaching and the long ball. Chicks dig the long ball.
Ebizz - Pittsburgh looks as dynamic as they did last year and they are going to do the impossible and win back to back....Hopefully those who still hate on Big Ben with silly reasoning can finally lay off if he gets a 3rd ring.

Bonus - Super Bowl prediction is a running bet. Loser has to either go Mr. T for a week or Army buzz. Pick your poison. If neither of the Super Bowl picks make it, the team with the most from the Final Four is the winner.

1st Down - AFC Review

Wow was I wrong on some parts. Let's review after the first quarter of the season.


AFC East
1. New England (3-2) - Ok, who knew Tom Brady would only play for 8 seconds this season? Not only that, but the defense is aging faster than Amy Winehouse. Things looked somewhat promising after the bye, but this secondary looks atrocious. Cassell better find Moss or this team is looking at .500.
2. Buffalo (4-1) - This team has looked good, but the wins were vs bad teams like the Seahawks, Rams, and Raiders, with one quality win vs Jax'ville. This team was embarrassed by the Cardinals, have injuries to special teams and their QB. They need to heal fast or risk running away from the division.
3. New York Jets (3-2) - The Jets are a team without an identity but have a good chance to steal some games soon. With the Chiefs, Rams, Raiders coming up, this team could really find a groove before facing more division foes.
4. Miami (2-3) - Ronnie Brown for Comeback Player of the Year. Most people forgot that he was the leading rusher (and fantasy person) last year before his injury. Sure he wasnt hanging 5tds on the Pats, but he was getting it done. Surprisingly, this defense is playing lights out after letting go of Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas.


AFC South
1. Indianapolis (3-2) - After escaping the preseason, the Colts came out of the bye week slow and then pulled out the miracle at Houston, only to demolish the Ravens. The schedule heats up, but the team appears to be getting healthy at the right time.
2. Jacksonville (3-3) - Another team that is getting better as the games go along, but still very much hitting their stride. With a bye, and some warm up games vs Cincy, Clev, and Detroit, circle your calendars for a clash with the Titans in Week 11.
3. Houston (1-4) - Houston has buried themselves in the toughest division in football. 0-3 in the division means you are out of it. Not all is lost, this team could regroup to make that 8-8 range and build on Schaub, Slaton, and Johnson (sounds like a law firm).
4. Tennessee (5-0) - No one exactly saw this team as undefeated right? I see them finishing in the 11/12 win range with a return from Vince Young. They haven't exactly played the cream of the crop but this defense is tenacioius, temultuous, nasty, and smells a lot like Baltimore 2000.


AFC West
1. San Diego (3-3) - This team is one Hockele away from being 5-1. Two last second let downs changes the landscape of the West. However, this team is learning to win through the air and not depend on LT.
2a. Oakland (1-4) - My prediction was made during the Lane Kiffin era. Enough said.
2b. Denver (4-2) - This team has turned into the Colts of 04, high-flying offense, good young qb, and absolutely zero defense. Still has the potential to have the highest record without making the playoffs.
4. Kansas City (1-4) - Rebuilding. Rebuilding. Rebuilding. A win versus the Raiders and potential sweep of Broncos would be their super bowl.


AFC North
1. Pittsburgh (4-1) - This is the best team in a bad division. They just find a way to win. The system has been in place and keeps going. Things should get interesting if Fast Willie comes back for the home stretch.
2. Cleveland (2-3) - It's true. Their offense has life. Was KWinslow holding them back? Or did they catch the Giants napping? A lot of tough games in a row to test them...Wash, Jax, Baltimore, Den, Buff and then it gets tough with Colts and Titans back to back.
3. Baltimore (2-3) - You ever hear that you can't win with a rookie QB? That is true for this team and the defense knows it. At best, this guy is Trent Dilfer's backup.
4. Cincinnati (0-6) - firemarvinlewis.com is still as a domain name. Any takers?

Playoffs
San Diego, New England, Indy, Pittsburgh, WC - Jacksonville, Buffalo

NFL 2008 Projections - AFC Edition

The AFC is supposed to be the Varsity team versus the NFC which is JV. Since 1998, the NFC wins the Super Bowl once every five years. The Giants ushered in what should be the once in this set of five years, but I think it is time for a new streak to form. In the same manner that most NFC teams beat up on each other all year and lose the big game, it is time for the AFC to hit the wall. The teams are getting better and all of the 'cupcake' games are out of the window. Here is how I see the AFC shaking out this year, underperforming.


AFC East
1. New England - How is it that the team that nearly went undefeated last year gets the easiest schedule in the world out of the gate? Granted, most of the opponents are division foes, but then to get the NFC West? The Pats however will be shot down to reality this year amassing at best 11 wins. The defense is not only getting old, but getting worse. The only bright spot is Mayo, the rookie from Tennessee. Brady's foot "injury" wont be a problem.
2. Buffalo - The Bills take the next step. No, not the playoffs. They will compete in the East and miss out with a winning record. There are a lot of key components that are one year away for the Bills. Young receivers Hardy, Evans, Parrish, and Reid are still learning. Hardy will be a TD machine with his 6-6 frame and Evans showed he can stretch the field when healthy. QB Edwards has been banged up but will be fine as long as Lynch is in the backfield. Bills peak at 9 wins.
3. New York Jets - J-E-T-S, Jets Jets Jets are better. Sure they have Brett Favre. Sure the Offensive line is better. Sure they can win some games. They play 2 different style teams their first 5 games - Air it out in Seattle and Cardinals versus Smashmouth - Oakland, Jax, and Rams. They are in fight with Bills for 2nd place in the division. My nod goes to Bills, not the Mangenius.
4. Miami - Can you smell upset potential? I can. The Fins have two pro-bowl caliber backs once Ronnie Brown returns to form. That probably wont be until October and by then Ricky Williams will be hurt. Ted Ginn Jr takes the sophmore leap to becoming a potential deep threat and Chad Pennington guides this team to 6-10. Not bad after losing Jason Taylor.

AFC South
1. Indianapolis - Tricked ya. Still got the Colts on top. Peyton Manning's knee will be the focal point on this team for the first 3 weeks or so until he hits his stride. Marvin Harrison is back, Anthony Gonzalez is the new Brandon Stokely, and Reggis Wayne is Reggie Wayne. Don't expect the Colts to cruise as this is probably the 2nd best division in football with the NFC East. Bob Sanders makes an impact when he is on the field, but he wont make it more than 3 more years in the league with his style of play.
2. Jacksonville - Still second fiddle in the South, Jacksonville is no slouch but at the same time, no surprise. Jacksonville was one tragedy away from overtaking the Colts this year. With Peyton Manning nursing a gimpy leg, the Jags could capitalize off their pass rush and ball control offense were set to overtake the division crown that lives in Indy. Jaguars still need a big play WR to keep the defenses guessing.
3. Houston - The Texans are coming. The Texans are coming. They are this year's Titans. They could possibly sneak into the playoff mix with a healthy Schaub to Johnson combo. Super Mario Williams is a sack artist and is getting help on defense with Okoye and Ryans. The problem with this team despite no running back, is the health of Schaub and Johnson, more importantly Johnson.
4. Tennessee - Titans fall into the same trap as the New York Giants this year. You can have a solid team and still fall to last in your division at 8-8 or 7-9. The only problem that Tennessee has is an inability to put anyone outside the hash marks at WR. They drafted a trailblazer in Chris Johnson, but unless he is going to line up at flanker on 3rd down, its going to be hard to keep the defense off of Vince Young.

AFC West
1. San Diego - When your best players on both sides of the ball are playing with bum knees, its hard to pick them as the division winner right? Fortunately for the Chargers, it seems like they caught the entire division retooling. LT will be back to form, he has 2-3 more years of dominance before he pulls a Barry Sanders and walks away. Merriman is going to attempt to play on one leg in a position where he plays on pure speed. That is like Usain Bolt trying to run the 100m with a walking boot on his foot. Good luck Lights Out, but you are making a big gamble.
2a. Oakland - I like the running game. Not too many people talk about Justin Fargas, but it will be his running that will be why McFadden wins Rookie of the Year if he does. Fargas is actually listed as the pseudo starter, somewhat like Julius Jones in Dallas the last few years over Marion Barber. Fargas was actually the leading act at USC before the Reggie Bush show arrived. This running game will be aided greatly by a great defense and also anything Jamarcus Russell can do in play action.
2b. Denver - This team is tricky to figure out. They have two of the best corners in the game, a good young QB, a great young WR, and a running scheme that has caught on like the Plague. Two questions still remain: Why can't they stop the run? Who is going to run through those zone blocks? The Broncos play in the wrong division to not be good against the run.
4. Kansas City - The Chiefs are rebuilding. But they are on the fast track. Brodie Croyle to Bowe is going to be a hot connection. Larry Johnson is going to show he is not a one trick pony. A midseason trade to dump Tony Gonzalez to a contender will prove good since Gonzalez will probably only play 2-3 more years.

AFC North
1. Pittsburgh - Omar Epps really has this team turning the corner, but not moving to far away from Pittsburgh Steelers brand of football. Running game - check, big play WR - check, possession WR - check, great defense - check. Throw in Big Ben and the Steelers appear to be a lock in this position for years to come. This will hold especially true if Polumalu returns to form and Mendenhall shows he was no one year wonder.
2. Cleveland - Speaking of going in the wrong direction, the Browns will be shocked back to reality. A lot of exposure and even more games on television than the Pats, the Browns will almost live up to the hype after a brutal first couple of weeks. It is still to early to hand over the keys to Brady Quinn even though he beat up on the JV team of Wisconsin Wesleyan College in the preseason.
3. Baltimore - The Ravens might be getting older faster than we think. Ed Reed is questionable and Ray Lewis is coming off his worse season as a pro. The Ravens still are scary. Willis McGahee is the focal point with two young QB's handing off to him, and soon handing off to Ray Rice once Willis is hurt again. Still nothing special at WR, and the special teams is coming back around to championship form in Figurs. Will compete, but 7-9 is on its way.
4. Cincinnati - Barring any massive reconstructions, this Bengals team will struggle. Carson Palmer was beat up by the Saints in preseason. Chad ***** (Since he might have changed his name again by now like the WR formerly known as Chad or something stupid) has a bum shoulder and even bigger mouth. They cut there "franchise" running back and even more importantly, their best known offensive lineman. I hope Marvin Lewis is working on his resume to take over Notre Dame after Charlie Weis is fired for losing to Applachian State.

Playoffs
San Diego, New England, Indy, Pittsburgh, WC - Jacksonville, Buffalo

NFL 2008 Projections - NFC Edition

Hate it or love it, the Boys are on top. No - this is not a 50 Cent remix with the former members of G-Unit, these are my predictions for the upcoming football season. I usually do pretty good in my head, so now it is time to put these projections on digital paper to revisit in the "I Told You" post sure to come in January after my dreams come true.

NFC East
1. Dallas - The Boys are truly the best team in the NFC on paper. They have had some let downs in the past 2 postseasons but don't let that fool you. This team is the real deal. They have sured up their pass coverage woes (yes I am talking about Roy Horse Collar Williams) by drafting Jenkins and getting Adam Jones. Throw in Zach Thomas and the defense should be able to repeat its performance from last year. On offense, Marion will be unleashed and Felix the Great will flash some of that 8ypc he showed at Arkansas. TO, is TO and Patrick Crayton has the best job as 3rd fiddle since Steve Kerr.
2. Philadelphia - McNabb despite not having anyone to throw to of Pro-Bowl status will have a great year. Letting Westbrook pace the team as usual, the Eagle are my surprise pick to win the Wild Card. The defense should be able to defend the spread better than any other with 3 Pro Bowl caliber CBs. Desean Jackson is the difference maker this team has yurned for.
3. Washington - Let's face it, this is an over achieving team. After Sean Taylor's murder, they really banned together and rode their emotions to the playoffs. This year, they will be right in the thick of things with a heavy dose of Portis and defense. Jason Taylor will be ready for the upcoming season, ready to prove he is more than just a dancer with great looks.
4. New York Giants - From 1st to worst is usually a horrible thing for a franchise. But when you play in the toughest division in football, worst could mean you are 8-8 or 7-9. The lost of Strahan (currently on Brett Favre's retirement plan) and now Osi have left a vital hole to fill in what essentially won the championship: dominating pass rush.

NFC South
1. New Orleans - New defense, healthy (somewhat) backfield and did I mention new defense? The Saints should return to the form that got them deep into the playoffs two years ago despite a banged up running game. Duece McCallister is coming back again from knee surgery and Reggie Bush is not an every down back just yet. Look out for Pierre Thomas to fill the main carries role if Duece can't get loose. On the defensive side of the ball, the additions of Jon Vilma, Randall Gay, Sedrick Ellis and a few others should give the Saints enough defense to get at least to the 2nd round of the playoffs.
2. Carolina - Despite losing Steve Smith for 2 games for going Tyson on his teammate, the Panthers are in a good position. For once, they wont have to worry about losing Smith to injury early. Add despite all of the woes they faced last year with QBs, the defense played lights out and the team finished 7-9.
3. Atlanta - Rebuilding is in full swing and so is the Matt Ryan era. He has been named the starter which equates to him trying not to mess up more than win games. This should be a clinic of Big Ben in Pitt his first year with a massive ground game. Michael Turner will try to prove he is worthy of starter money and Jerious Norwood will try to prove he is still relevant as a change of pace back.
4. Tampa Bay - Although they did not have any relevant personnel changes, I just think last year was a fluke. The Bucs played great defense, made plays when they had to, but mostly capitalized from a weak division and injuries. It seems like you just keep waiting on father time to finally catch up with this team (Garcia, Galloway, Brooks, Barber, etc.) and it seems it is this year. Everyone else in the division made significant moves, the Bucs dropped the buck.
NFC West

1. Seattle - It's not that the Seahawks are that good, but more of saying that this could be the weakest division in football. Despite the star power (Hasselbeck, Holt, Jackson, Warner/Leinart, Gore, Fitz/Bolden), this division has some of the weaker teams around. Seattle may struggle early with a number of receivers out, but it should be better after the return of Branch and Engram that should lead them to their 6th consecutive conference title.
2. St. Louis - Not that the Rams have made any key improvements, but again this division is lacking the key ingredients to knock them any lower. The Rams drafted a speed rush energy guy in Chris Long but didnt sure up the gaping holes they had at WR, DT, CB, S, or depth anywhere else. Long will be able to help get pressure on the pass happy West but these teams have superior talent at WR compared to the Rams Db's.
3. Arizona - Matt Leinart is about to lose his job to a busboy. Well not really, this busboy is Super Bowl MVP Kurt Warner. Leinart, overhyped but decent qb, has never really lived up to the hype. His lack of cannon arm has not been helped by his poor judgement or glaring accuracy problems. I liked Leinart coming into this year, he should have been able to hit a lot of quick hitters to his star combo of Fitzgerald/Bolden. However, after Kurt Warner gets hurt (its inevitable), the shine will be on Leinart, and if the light is too bright, he may become the next David Carr.
4. San Francisco - Mike Martz is a genius. He found a way to blow the biggest game and point spread in Super Bowl history (before the 18-1 Pats). What has that gotten him? Two more offensive coordinator positions. Will Martz finally run the ball in a WR deprived offense of the 49ers? Frank Gore will try to stay healthy, Ike Bruce will be a good role model and creep towards more HOF credentials, and the defense will be tough. But a team that is debating between JT O'Sullivan and Shaun Hill as the starting qb can not be serious about a playoff push, can they?

NFC North
1. Green Bay - Yes. Brett Favre is gone. Yes Aaron Rodgers is inexperienced and wide-eyed. But the Packers are going to prove the critics wrong and prosper post Favre. The defense is turning the corner, but needs some young blood in the secondary to help Woodson and Al Harris as they start to wind down. Otherwise, the defense is stout, Ryan Grant will see if he was a one-year wonder and the boo birds will be out early if Rodgers doesnt deliver. No fret, he will.
2. Minnesota - Despite all the hype surrounding the defense and running game, this team just doesn't seem to impress you. Of course, their is the traditional talk that Peterson and Taylor are enough to walk through the division, but your team can not be built solely on the ground. Tavaris Jackson will be good enough to lead them down the stretch, especially since they have one of the easiest schedules after week 9.
3. Detroit - Post Mike Martz Detroit will fair better on offense that with Martz. The arrogance that comes with Martz has rubbed off and the team is better for that, but even the genius needs a reality check sometimes. A more balanced attack will help this retooled defense keep a number of games close, but they still will fall under .500.
4. Chicago - The Bears are starting Kyle Orton at qb, Devin Hester at WR, and a rookie RB, Matt Forte. Yes they are rebuilding. A few years removed from a Super Bowl lost, the Bears seem to be getting long in the tooth on their staple, defense. Mike Brown doesn't look the same, Urlacher has chronic back pain, and the corners look very suspect.

Playoffs
Dallas, Green Bay, Seattle, New Orleans, WC - Philadelphia, Minnesota

Houston, We have a Problem?

The NBA is a copycat league. In the 80s, everyone got caught up in the run and gun of Showtime. The 90s, build your team around 2 superstars like Jordan/Pippen, Duncan/Robinson, Hakeem/Drexler, then fill your roster out with role players. Now, heading into the 2008 season, the 3 headed monster is the way to go. Dont get me wrong, teams still want the superstar that sells tickets, the classy superstar that doesnt cause any "image" problems, and the up-and-coming superstar that has a cult following. With the Celtics pummelling the Lakers in Game 6 of the Finals, the verdict was in: You can't win without the three headed monster. Ultimately, KG, Ray Allen, Pierce and Co. proved too much for the Lakers and Kobe. The key here it was Kobe, Gasol, and the third piece was Odom by default. Had they had the promising Bynum in the lineup, it is another ball game. So what has happened since then? Panic.

Teams are going after the new model of small ball and agile stars. The latest sucked into this fray are the Houston Rockets. The Rockets traded Bobby Jackson, a player to be named (Dontae Green), and a future 1st rounder to the Kings to rent Ron Artest. Yes, rent. Artest is in the last year of a contract that pay a modest $7.4 million. Yes, modest for a player that is arguably the Dennis Rodman of his era when its comes to defense, intensity, and plain old scary. But this experiment could over as just another Houston melee did with Scottie Pippen and Charles Barkley. One and done. Beyond that, where does Ron Ron fit in the lineup? Last years starters: Alston, T-Mac, Battier, Scola, Yao. So does Ron Ron play the 4 and Houston play somewhat small ball. (Sidenote: Can't play small ball when someone on your team is 7'5.) Projected Lineup A: Alston, T-Mac, Battier, Ron Ron, Yao. Good lineup if you are playing against the East but does Ron Ron guard Amare, Boozer, David West, Pau? Dont think so. Sure he has help over the top in Yao but that is a lot to ask a player that would rather promote his rap album next summer with DJ Drama.

I hope this is just trade bait to lure an actually need to Houston. With the stars on this team turning the corners in their careers, Houston is still in the playoffs, but they are not going anywhere fast.

NBA Free Agents: As of July 9

The Already Signed List
Gilbert "I Get Buckets" Arenas - Wizards - 6yrs $111 mill
Elton Brand - Philly - 5yrs $82 mill
Corey Maggette - Golden St - 5yrs $50 mill
Baron "Fear the Beard" Davis - 5yrs $65 mill
Beno Udrih (Yes, Beno Udrih) - 5yrs $33.5
Mickael Pietris - Multi year deal at mid level exception - $5.5 mill/yr

The Hot Short List
James "The New Horry" Posey

The Not Going Anywhere List
Andre Igoudala - With the signing of Brand, this team has a legitimate shot of making some noise in the playoffs. Not really, but they are a playoff team nonetheless. With the right draw and they are in the East, they can make it to the second round. The team still lacks outside shooting, cough, Kyle Korver.
Josh Smith - With the signing of Brand, all of the cap room for Smith just went out of the window. His bargaining chips now fall to the Clippers and some sign and trade options with Memphis and possibly the Bulls for Deng/Gordon.
Emeka Okafor - In the last year of his contract but is injury prone and still not an offensive threat. He is becoming his generations' Ben Wallace.
Monta Ellis - With Baron gone, it's his team to run and his time to shine. Can he prove that he is a point guard or will Stephen "Right Hook" Jackson play some point forward.

NBA Free Agents: As of July 1

Topping the list:
Gilbert "I Get Buckets" Arenas, Elton Brand, Corey Maggette, Baron "Fear the Beard" Davis, Beno Udrih (Yes, Beno Udrih), James "The New Horry" Posey, Andre Igoudala, Josh Smith, Emeka Okafor, Luol Deng, Ben Gordon, Monta Ellis

Ideally, Baron will be moved to create space to resign Monta and other young talent. How about sign-and-trade to Knicks for Starbury, take his contract hit, and dump him in offseason. That gives Monta time to develop at point while Starbury can play run and gun which he thrived in Phoenix (before Nash/Kidd).
Brand will probably get the best deal, he will slip and go to a good team like Detroit since he is coming off ACL surgery and teams might not be willing to dish out max money.
"I Get Buckets" will stay put. Having a "Small 3" like Butler, Jamison, and Agent Zero gives the Wizards a good core to compete in the East. Plus, the Wizards are the only team to beat the defending Champs 3-1 in the regular season this year and Agent Zero predicted it.
Posey to Heat. Why not have a starting five of Chalmers, Wade, Posey, Beasley, Haslem in the East? That is pretty nice if you ask me.
If Atlanta is stupid, they will let one of the best young talents slip through their hands for pennies on the dollar in Josh Smith.

Atlanta Hawks
Restricted: Josh Childress, Jeremy Richardson, Josh Smith, Salim Stoudamire, Mario West
Unrestricted: None
Limited Salary Protection: None
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Boston Celtics
Restricted: None
Unrestricted: Tony Allen, P.J. Brown, Sam Cassell, Eddie House, Scot Pollard, James Posey
Limited Salary Protection: Leon Powe (no salary protection if waived on or before 7/15/08, thereafter full)
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Charlotte Bobcats
Restricted: Ryan Hollins, Emeka Okafor
Unrestricted: Derek Anderson, Earl Boykins, Othella Harrington
Limited Salary Protection: None
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Chicago Bulls
Restricted: Luol Deng, Demetris Nichols, Ben Gordon
Unrestricted: Shannon Brown, Chris Duhon
Limited Salary Protection: JamesOn Curry (salary protection of $100,000 will increase to $250,000 if not waived on or before 7/31/08 and to full if not waived on or before 10/31/08)
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Cleveland Cavaliers
Restricted: Daniel Gibson, Delonte West
Unrestricted: Devin Brown, Dwayne Jones
Limited Salary Protection: Lance Allred (no salary protection), Billy Thomas (no salary protection)
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Dallas Mavericks
Restricted: Jose Juan Barea
Unrestricted: Malik Allen, Devean George, Juwan Howard, Tyronn Lue, Jamaal Magloire, Antoine Wright
Limited Salary Protection: Brandon Bass (no salary protection if waived on or before 10/1/08, thereafter full)
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Denver Nuggets
Restricted: J.R. Smith
Unrestricted: Anthony Carter, Yakhouba Diawara, Eduardo Najera
Limited Salary Protection: Bobby Jones (no salary protection if waived on or before 8/15/08, therafter full), Taurean Green (no salary protection if waived on or before 8/1/08, thereafter full)
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Detroit Pistons
Restricted: Alex Acker, Walter Herrmann
Unrestricted: Juan Dixon, Jarvis Hayes, Lindsey Hunter, Theo Ratliff
Limited Salary Protection: None
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Golden State Warriors
Restricted: Kelenna Azubuike, Andris Biedrins, Monta Ellis
Unrestricted: Matt Barnes, Austin Croshere, Baron Davis, Patrick O'Bryant, Mickael Pietrus
Limited Salary Protection: C.J. Watson (no salary protection if waived on or before 7/25/08, thereafter will increase to $100,000)
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Houston Rockets
Restricted: Carl Landry
Unrestricted: Dikembe Mutombo
Limited Salary Protection: Mike Harris (no salary protection), Loren Woods (no salary protection, but will increase to $166,400 if not waived prior to 8/15/08 and to $312,800 if not waived on or before 8/31/08)
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Indiana Pacers
Restricted: David Harrison, Andre Owens
Unrestricted: Flip Murray, Kareem Rush
Limited Salary Protection: None
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Los Angeles Clippers
Restricted: Nick Fazekas, Marcus Williams
Unrestricted: Elton Brand, Paul Davis, Dan Dickau, Shaun Livingston, Corey Maggette, Smush Parker, Quinton Ross,
Limited Salary Protection: Josh Powell (no salary protection if waived prior to 7/31/08, thereafter full)
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Los Angeles Lakers
Restricted: Ronny Turiaf, Sasha Vujacic
Unrestricted: DJ Mbenga, Ira Newble
Limited Salary Protection: Coby Karl (no salary protection, but will increase to $100,000 if not waived prior to the day before the first day of the 2008-09 season)
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Memphis Grizzlies
Restricted: Juan Carlos Navarro
Unrestricted: Andre Brown, Kwame Brown, Casey Jacobsen
Limited Salary Protection: None
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Miami Heat
Restricted: Chris Quinn, Kasib Powell, Dorell Wright
Unrestricted: Blake Ahearn, Earl Barron, Ricky Davis, Alonzo Mourning, Jason Williams
Limited Salary Protection: Joel Anthony (no salary protection if waived on or before 7/25/08, thereafter full), Stephane Lasme (salary protection of $100,000 will increase to $300,000 if not waived on or before 7/22/08, to $400,000 if not waived on or before 9/16/08 and to full if not waived on or before 10/26/08)
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Milwaukee Bucks
Restricted: Ersan Ilyasova, Awvee Storey (T)
Unrestricted: Royal Ivey, Michael Ruffin, Jake Voskuhl
Limited Salary Protection: None
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Minnesota Timberwolves
Restricted: Ryan Gomes, Craig Smith, Chris Richard
Unrestricted: Michael Doleac, Kirk Snyder, Sebastian Telfair
Limited Salary Protection: None
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New Jersey Nets
Restricted: Nenad Krstic
Unrestricted: Darrell Armstrong, DeSagana Diop, Bostjan Nachbar
Limited Salary Protection: Keith Van Horn (no salary protection)
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New Orleans Hornets
Restricted: None
Unrestricted: Chris Andersen, Ryan Bowen, Jannero Pargo, Bonzi Wells
Limited Salary Protection: None
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New York Knicks
Restricted: Randolph Morris
Unrestricted: Fred Jones
Limited Salary Protection: None
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Orlando Magic
Restricted: James Augustine
Unrestricted: Carlos Arroyo, Keyon Dooling, Maurice Evans, Adonal Foyle, Pat Garrity
Limited Salary Protection: Marcin Gortat (salary protection for $177,879 will increase to full if not waived on or before 7/31/08)
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Philadelphia 76ers
Restricted: Andre Iguodala, Louis Williams
Unrestricted: Louis Amundson, Herbert Hill, Kevin Ollie, Shavlik Randolph
Limited Salary Protection: None
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Phoenix Suns
Restricted: None
Unrestricted: Gordan Giricek, Linton Johnson, Sean Marks, Eric Piatkowski, Brian Skinner
Limited Salary Protection: D.J. Strawberry (no salary protection, but will increase to $200,000 if not waived on or before 10/31/08)
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Portland Trail Blazers
Restricted: Von Wafer
Unrestricted: James Jones
Limited Salary Protection: None
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Sacramento Kings
Restricted: None
Unrestricted: Beno Udrih, Anthony Johnson, Lorenzen Wright
Limited Salary Protection: None
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San Antonio Spurs
Restricted: None
Unrestricted: Brent Barry, Michael Finley, Robert Horry, DerMarr Johnson, Damon Stoudamire, Kurt Thomas
Limited Salary Protection: None
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Seattle SuperSonics
Restricted: Robert Swift
Unrestricted: Ronald Dupree, Francisco Elson, Mickael Gelabale
Limited Salary Protection: Adrian Griffin
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Toronto Raptors
Restricted: Jose Calderon, Carlos Delfino
Unrestricted: Primoz Brezec
Limited Salary Protection: None
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Utah Jazz
Restricted: C.J. Miles
Unrestricted: None
Limited Salary Protection: None
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Washington Wizards
Restricted: None
Unrestricted: Gilbert Arenas, Roger Mason
Limited Salary Protection: None

US Olympic Basketball 2008

And the roster is....

G - Chris Paul - Guaranteed 10/assists per game with this lineup. Can he be consistent from outside?
G - Michael Redd - Sharpshooter, hope he is on, if not defensive liability.
G - Deron Williams - Physical guard, can he be consistent from outside?
G - Kobe Bryant - MVP, best (only) on ball defender on team. Does he have Finals hangover?
G - Dwyane Wade - Is he going to hurt his chances of competing in the Regular season by playing this summer?
G - Jason Kidd - Floor general. Should make Paul/Williams more effective as change of pace.
F - LeBron James - Can play 1-5 vs international big men, but will he settle for too many jumpers?
F - Carmelo Anthony - Best International Style - No defense, fierce scorer and guaranteed 20pts on 55-60% fg.
F - Tayshaun Prince - Defensive MVP. Will guard all positions and hit the key corner jumpers after Redd is benched for poor defense.
F/C - Carlos Boozer - Will see a lot of him and Williams on the court at the same time.
F/C - Chris Bosh - He already plays on a Int'l team, Toronto Raptors, should fit right in.
C - Dwight Howard - I can smell hack-a-shaq tactics already.

The team has talent...but more like Silver talent if they run into a hot shooting Argentina (without Manu).

Ubuntu Prevails: Celtics Take Lakers in Game 6

I would first like to say that this is a saddest day of 2008 for me. Not only did I witness a public massacre on television, but now I am left with absolutely nothing to follow for about 60 days. Minus the fallout of the NBA season with meaningless trades, Kobe having a possible meltdown, and the USA Olympic team. Real football news doesn't matter until August when the teams start to actually play. Baseball is....well baseball. There is no way in hell I could sit through an entire game unless I am there or it is not the playoffs. I could endure watching the EURO 2008 before I watched 3 innings of baseball. At least their crowds are alive during the entire match. Not to mention when the guy yells "GGggoooooooooooaaaaallllll" for like 3 1/2 minutes.

Ok - The Celtics beat the Lakers like they owed them money last night. Like they cheated on their baby virgin sister. Like they stole your spot at the gas station in the middle of August and your air condition doesnt work and window doesnt roll down .(I've been there) Not only did LA need Jesus on their side, but they needed the Devil to cool down Boston's Jesus. How about Walter Ray Allen? He definitely had his assassin hat on for this game, 7-9 on 3's, 8-12 overall. He practically pulled a Robert Horry times 10 were he was absent the first half of the playoffs and then he found his mojo in Detroit and it was over from then. I had him as my MVP on the vote of consistency. He hit an NBA Finals record 22 3's in the series, including tying the record of 7 in one game. Without Allen's underrated defense on Kobe, part-time point guard duties, and bullseye shooting, the Celtics would be on the other end of the stick right now. Somebody must have told KG that he was in a twisted plot from Saw 5 where his family was being held hostage and his game performance depended on if they lived or died. Something twisted like every time he took a jumpshot, the plank holding his family above hot flaming magma got lowered each time. The second part of the plot must have involved Rondo. Rondo played the game of his career, everything from here on out is gravy on his career. Everybody came to play, the entire Goon Squad won the series for them (Posey 4-4fgs and lockdown defense, House 5 assists, Powe, Rondo 20pts, 6 steals, 8 assists). Posey might have just cashed in for the next few seasons with his 2 rings in 3 years and unccanny leadership and clutchness in big games.

The Lakers
Let's face it. It's not like the Lakers were supposed to make it this far and had the same expectations the Celtics had coming into the year. The story through November was the possibility of trading Kobe, not making it to the championship. The team grew a lot with Bynum emerging as one of the top 5 centers in the league, throw in the the acquisition of Gasol, Farmar and Vujacic playing great in stretches, this team is set for years to come. That is.....if Kobe doesn't die with this loss. It's not out of the question for him to not trust this cast of team members in the event they get off to a slow start in a very competitive Western conference. I guess we will re-visit this in December.

MVP - Paul Pierce - Series Averages 21 ppg, 6 assists
I guess it was inevitable that the team captain and highest scorer of the series and possibly the best actor, Pierce did enough to not lose the MVP. He was the leading scorer for 3 or the 6 games, 2nd leading scorer in another game. Sure he stuck out the place in Game 3, but that was probably the worst game of the series for the majority of the players on both teams in which four people reached double figures (KG, Allen, Kobe, Vujacic). More than anything, Pierce stepped in to guard Kobe in key stretches which not only helped get Ray Allen off but also had to make Kobe bang with a bigger frame for more extended portions of the game.

Best Post Game Ever
Besides KG yelling "I'm going to die" (1:23), followed by shout outs to the entire hood, his momma, South Carolina and Chicago, and then saying "I'm Certified Mother #*#*#*" (3:40) that got bleeped out. Throw in there that he was crying and happy and hyped up at the same time and vowing not to sleep for a week, someone needs to accompany this man at all times. Too bad he messed up his potential Adidas commercial by butchering the slogan. He followed this up with an interview at the podium where he referred to getting over the hump of winning to beating up the school bully. To paraphrase, it's like going to school, the bully is waiting on you at the door, he pats you down and takes your money. The next day, you say enough is enough, the bully pats you down and you Lay his AZZ out. Other Celtics interview

If you recall my prediction, I called Lakers 4-2.
I really would love to see the Celtics pull this off but in the end I just think LA is too deep. Add their depth with the most potent offensive player in the game (see point 2 above), I don't see how they could blow this one.
Pau/Odom can match up with KG, with a little Turiaf for a breather. They have a ton of wing players to throw at Allen and Pierce.
Plus Kobe is guaranteed 25 ppg. Don't forget Ray Allen always add a little fire under Kobe with the strange fued that they have. If Ray Allen carries his flame throwing jumper over to the next series and Kobe returns to 2006 status of "I'm not passing the ball to anybody unless 3 people are guarding me mode", then it will be a Celtics runaway. I don't see that happening, so Lakers will take it.
This was a total team effort though. And my if's came true. Ray Allen returned from hiatus and the Lakers star was not the star that made his team better in key moments. I thought Kobe was a little too passive, and by passive I mean passing too much. He fell into the Lebron James mode of making the "good" extra pass even if it means at the expense of his own offense. I think that took away from his killer instincts that we saw the first 8 minutes of game 6. Anyway it goes, my life is completely on hold after the draft.

It's Official: Lakers vs Celtics

Lakers Vs. Celtics
Thursday June 5, 2008 at 8:30pm

This will be a good series. Sweet Baby Ray has found his jumper. KG is yelling at himself and banging his chest like King Kong. Pierce is Pierce. And how about the Rondo Floater, that is the pass or the shot. Then there is first time MVP Kobe Bean Bryant and the FIBA allstars. With International connections Pau Gasol, Vujacic, Radmonivic, Ariza (he's gotta be from somewhere), Turiaf, and Mbenga, the Lakers are deeper than....well let's just say they are deep. Throw in Odom (can he guard KG?), Fisher, and Jordan "The Poor Man's Mike Bibby" Farmar and this should be a great series.

Things that could kill the series:
1. The refs. Let's face it, Kobe took 100 ft's vs the Jazz and maybe 20 vs the Spurs. Coincidence...maybe. Throw in the fact that this series has betters going wild from coast to coast, the tradition of the franchises, and the ratings sure to hit the roof, the refs gotta keep it interesting.
2. Kobe. He is either going to be great or god awful. He is a NBA Finals Virgin. Sure he has been there, but never was he driving. He has road shotgun for the first 3 and now he has the shiny new car. His first chance out on his own will he try to be a one-man wrecking crew or play consistently team friendly.
3. Doc Rivers. Enough said.

My prediction.
Lakers 4 Celtics 2.
I really would love to see the Celtics pull this off but in the end I just think LA is too deep. Add their depth with the most potent offensive player in the game (see point 2 above), I don't see how they could blow this one. Pau/Odom can match up with KG, with a little Turiaf for a breather. They have a ton of wing players to throw at Allen and Pierce. Plus Kobe is guaranteed 25 ppg. Don't forget Ray Allen always add a little fire under Kobe with the strange fued that they have. If Ray Allen carries his flame throwing jumper over to the next series and Kobe returns to 2006 status of "I'm not passing the ball to anybody unless 3 people are guarding me mode", then it will be a Celtics runaway. I don't see that happening, so Lakers will take it.

NBA Roundup

Celtics vs Pistons
Will the real Celtics please stand up? As you watch the game tonight, a few nuggets to take a look for:

1. Does Maxiell/McDyess win the battle? They have dominated this series, even though Maxiell seems to still be logging scrub minutes. They are killing the Perkins/PJ Brown "Expiring Contract" combo at both ends of the court.
2. Does the Boston Three Party show up? Not that the C's can't win if these three don't play great, but they have to play darn good. Ray Allen's good nowadays is solid defense and 12-16 pts and hitting timely free throws. Pierce looked like he was in a Hannibal Lector suit put on him from Tayshaun Prince. And KG, well he was KG.
3. Where's the bench? Eddie House can't pull a Lindsey Hunter on his best day, but he better start diving for loose balls Rodman style if they expect anything out of him. How big has Stuckey been for Detroit? Wow.

Lakers vs Spurs
It is officially over. No way the Spurs pull a RedSox and come back from 3-1. The Lakers are too big and too fast for a number of teams. The only chance the Lakers don't win the whole thing is if Mr. MVP returns to 2006 form and shoots them out of the game.
The Lakers have the best bench in the league, and more importantly a bench that knows their roles. Farmar, Walton, Vujacic, Turiaf, Ariza. That is tough to beat. Throw in Bynum next year, I would assume that Odom may become expendable.