The Lakers Can’t be Done Just Yet

First, I have to address the addition of Steve Nash to my admittedly beloved Lakers.  It’s a seismic improvement, in Nash the Lakers get the game’s best passer, perhaps it’s best shooter, and pair together (with Kobe Bryant) the most experienced and intelligent backcourt perhaps in league history .

No Nash cannot defend Russell Westbrook, Tony Parker, Chris Paul and the like, but aside from LeBron James there isn’t a player in the league that can shut down another true star.  The point is that while Nash has his defensive deficiencies, the NBA is much more about team defense.  With so much individual talent in the league, teams must work together to defend opposing stars. 

Nash is one of the single most efficient offensive players in NBA history and is a consistent 90-50-40 guy (90% free throws, 50% field goals, 40% from three).  This also means that in addition to given the clunky Lakers offense rhythm and more open looks, Nash also provides the outside shooting this team has been sorely missing for years. 

If the Lakers don’t  make another move maybe they could get the West Finals and give the Thunder a tough time, but I don’t think they win that series, or beat a team like the Heat, but I do think Nash makes the Lakers clearly in the top three of best teams in the league. 

Now enough about Nash and on to what the Lakers still need to do. 

Dwight Howard is clearly the next item on everyone’ s agenda, and in terms of a sexy rumor this is about as good as it gets.  And to be honest, while strong cases can be made for either dealing Bynum or keeping him, I think the Lakers have to acquire Dwight Howard even if he won’t sing a long-term extension immediately. 

Sure, Howard had a back injury, a result of a kind of freak accident on the court, and has now had surgery and is recovering.  Bynum is completely healthy at the moment, and just had the best year of his career going for 19 points and 12 rebounds per game.  So why give up the younger Bynum for Dwight? 

First, because Howard has had one injury in his career, and it was simply a herniated disk in his back.  Bynum has dislocated his knee, torn his meniscus, and torn his MCL.  He has an awkward gait and may always be injury prone.  Howard meanwhile carries his 6’11” frame fluidly, with the stride of a much smaller athlete. 

Since his rookie year Howard has played in all 82 regular season games 5 times, 79 games once and 78 games the other year.  Bynum , since 2007 when he really started to see large amounts of time on the court has played in order: 35 games, 50, 65, 54 and then finally played in every game except for 6 this year (four of which came via suspension). 

So in Howard you get a player that can safely be relied on to be and stay healthy the duration of the season.  Bynum, for all of his tantalizing potential just experienced his first full healthy year in his 7^th season, and his numbers still didn’t quite match Howard’s. 

Additionally Howard has proven that he is a dominant enough force to take his team to the NBA Finals and on numerous deep playoff runs as the only star on his squad.  Do you really believe Bynum could do the same?

Coming full circle, Howard is a better fit with Nash and Gasol.  Bynum and Gasol are a plodding duo of big men that have good length but can’t get to the weakside of the floor and defend the rim at anywhere near the level of Howard.  In addition, Bynum needs the ball to be effective because, admittedly, he is more skilled and polished than Howard in the post.  For a Lakers team that has Nash, Bryant, and a post move artist in Gasol, another big that must have the ball might not be the best fit.

Howard gets a lot of his touches via lobs (hello Nash) and offensive rebounds while the set offense could still be run predominantly through Kobe, and Nash/Gasol pick and rolls.  Howard is also probably the best athlete in the league along with LeBron, which would be a huge boost for the long in the tooth Lakers. 

Whether or not the Lakers can nab Dwight is still in question, but even if they do, one more thing must be done.  The Lakers must add an athletic swingman that can defend and hopefully shoot the three.

 LA  only has their mini mid-level exception to play with (around $3 million per year) so a great player is not going to be signed.  Perhaps a guy like Ronnie Brewer could be had for around that Salary- he would add a tremendous athlete to the Lakers which would take the defensive burden off Kobe, and add speed and length to the Lakers lineup. It wouldn't add a tremendous outside shooter but hey, you can’t have it all. 

If somehow Howard and Brewer could be added and Ramon Sessions and Jordan Hill re-signed for depth the Lakers would vault past the Thunder as the favorite in the west, and perhaps equal or surpass the Heat as title favorites.  

Purists Never Fear, the Spurs Bring Back Team Basketball

In an era of the NBA where Closers are en vogue, big threes are the new model, and announcers preview games by saying “Kobe and the Lakers come to Miami to take on LeBron and the Heat,” The San Antonio Spurs are going off script.  They share the ball, the credit, and are winning every single time they take the court.  Apparently they didn’t get the memo. 

Sure each team in the NBA has a method, but the Spurs have a science, or if you prefer an artistry about them.  

The Heat alternately hand the ball to LeBron or D-Wade and say “go score” while  the other mega-star watches with mild interest waiting for his turn to shoot.   The Thunder fall prey to Russell Westbrook’s hot and cold temperament where he may in fact shoot the ball 5 times in a row no matter the degree of difficulty or how open his teammates may be.  It’s no surprise Westbrook’s idol is Kobe Bryant, because anyone watching the Lakers this year saw Kobe play his share of hero ball as Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum tripped over each other in the paint. 

The Spurs meanwhile are simply a machine, every cog with its purpose, and no mechanism goes unused.  Tony Parker comes off of a Tim Duncan pick, sambas into the lane, and finds Matt Bonner in the corner to knock down a wide open three.  Ginobli Euro Steps into the paint only to pause and scoop the ball to Danny Green for an open layup.  Duncan studies the defense from the high post, only to laser a pass to a cutting Tiago Splitter for an easy two points. 

Now Bonner, Splitter, and Green are not household names, nor are Kawhi Leonard, Gary Neal, or Boris Diaw- but these are precisely the players that make the Spurs the best team in the NBA.  Sure Duncan, Parker, and Ginobli set the table, there can be no disputing that, but the unselfishness of the Spurs great players allows their role players to flourish. 

Watching any Laker, Thunder, or Heat game you can see a look of shock on respective role players’ faces when they get the ball late in the shot clock as they try to hot potato the ball back to one of the stars that “should be shooting.”  Ramon Sessions throws an errant pass desperately looking for Kobe who is double teamed, Kendrick Perkins hurls a panicked hook shot at the hoop, Mike Miller stumbles into the lane and travels, none ready for their moment because they weren’t supposed to get that ball at that time.

This is why the Spurs are great.  There is no “supposed to” with them.  The open man is the most dangerous one for San Antonio and he is the man expected to punish the defense.   Paraphrasing the late great Bruce Lee, the greatest style is no style, and the Spurs seem to follow this axiom to the letter. 

Watching San Antonio is as close to a spiritual experience as basketball can be.  No agendas, no ego, just pure beautiful basketball, a team of individuals united moving together toward a common goal unencumbered by the limits of stardom, status, or roles.  

Eric Asks, Adam Answers

I was itching for the perverse, expansive and deep dark thoughts that emanate from the mind of Eric LeJeune, and I got it.  Here are the questions that are burning Eric's loins, and my corresponding answers.

1. Who wins the AFC West?

Really this is such a tough one.  If Peyton Manning is his old self, they are at least even favorites to win the division.    Still, whose to say that Phillip Rivers isn't the best passer in the division even if Manning is healthy.  I'll rule out the Raiders and save us all the time of an explanation.  They're the Raiders for God's sake.  In the end I'll take the Chiefs.  Matt Cassel doesn't make my heart skip a beat, but he's solid, and the cast around him is hands down the most talented roster in the division.  Dexter Mccluster, Dwayne Bowe, Tony Moeaki, Jonathan Baldwin, Jamal Charles, and Peyton Hillis is a skill group that can rival any in the league.  The Chiefs also probably have the most defensive talent in the division with newly acquired Dontari Poe joing stars Tamba Hali (pass rusher) Derrick Johnson (middle linebacker) Brandon Flowers (cornerback) and Eric Berry (safety).  The defense legitimately has four pro bowl level players, and if Poe can live up to his monstrous potential that number will soon be five.  I think KC's roster is so far superior to any other team in the West, that Cassel's mediocrity can be overcome.

2. What is the Saints' season going to be like?

Probably a lot like the off-season. Which is to say, I have no idea.  Sean Payton is gone for the year, GM Mickey Loomis is gone for half the year, Drew Brees is mad about his contract, defensive leader Jonathan Vilma is gone for the season.  Robert Meachem also left via free agency as did all-pro Carl Nicks.  I think the Saints have enough offense and enough leadership with Brees to still win a handful of games, but I don't expect them to compete for a championship like last year.  I would think with the Panthers, Bucs, and Falcons either improving or already a tough out, the Saints would be lucky to win the division.  

3. Which team flying under the radar is going to surprise some people this year?

I have to pick between Washington, Carolina, and Tampa Bay because they all intrigue me.  I'll go with Tampa.  I think they have a really good offensive line with the addition of Carl Nicks.  LeGarrette Blount is a good but not great running back that can carry the load.  Vincent Jackson gives them a legitimate number 1 receiver to complement the promising Mike Williams and the pro bowl level tight end Kellen Winslow.  They also hit big time on their first three picks in the draft: Mark Barron will start immediately at safety, Doug Martin comes in to complement Blount at the easiest position to transition to (running back) and Lavonte David (OLB) continues to add to the young talent in the Bucs Front 7.  With the Saints down, the Falcons status quo, and the Panthers rising Tampa and Carolina could easily be battling for the division crown.

4. Who's going to underwhelm most?

Again it's a race: The Ravens, Jets, and Broncos.  I'll go Ravens because I think people still expect them to be a title contending team while a lot of people are unsure about Manning's health, and have lost faith in the Jets.  For the Ravens, Ray Lewis and Ed Reed are just not elite players anymore.  Reed is too injury prone and Lewis has lost a lot of range.  They are still quality starters but they aren't the game changers they once were.  Haloti Ngata is a monster, and Terrell Suggs was the other stud in his prime on this defense, but he's now out with an achilles tear.  The offense has never been able to turn the corner.  Joe Flacco has Matt Ryan disease- we saw how good he could be in his first year and then he never got much better.  Anquan Boldin is quickly turning into Hines Ward (slow, tough, good blocker, but not a game breaker).  Torrey Smith is good at running a straight line, but he needs a lot more polish.  Stud guard Ben Grubbs also left via free agency.  I like the way the Bengals are stockpiling talent, I think the Steelers offense could be lethal, and the Browns at least have life with Trent Richardson coming in.  I could see Baltimore as a 8-9 win team when a lot of people probably still see them as 10-12 wins.

5. With two rings, where does Eli Manning rank among the league's top quarterbacks?

Eli was not a great player in his first Super Bowl run.  His regular season QB rating that year was a 73.9, or 16 points lower than Alex Smith's rating this year.  No doubt he turned it on in the playoffs, but four games does not an elite player make.  Timmy Smith ran for 204 yards for the Redskins in Super Bowl XXII but he's not up there on the Mount Rushmore of running backs.  The following year in the playoffs Eli was bounced by the Eagles in the divisional round of the playoffs posting a 40.7 rating with 0 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.  In 2009 the Giants didn't even make the playoffs though Eli's rating was very good at 93.1. Again no playoffs in 2010, and then the Giants narrowly got in this past year and just like 2007 happened to get hot.  The Giants have two prolific Super Bowl runs and three first game exits during Eli's reign, not elite in my opinion.  Here are the Quarterbacks I would want as of right now before Manning: Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, Drew Brees, Phillip Rivers, Matt Stafford.  I put Eli in the second group with Tony Romo, Cam Newton, Matt Ryan, and Michael Vick.  

6. Can the 49ers win a Super Bowl with Alex Smith at quarterback?

Yes.  They won 13 games last year, then beat a team with a far superior quarterback in Drew Brees, and were two muffed fumbles away from playing and probably winning the Super Bowl.  Now Smith has another year in a good offensive system, a stable of running backs (Frank Gore, Brandon Jacobs, Kendall Hunter, LaMichael James) and a ton of options at wide receiver (Randy Moss, Mario Manningham, Michael Crabtree, 1st round pick AJ Jenkins, and star right end Vernon Davis.  In addition everyone from the leagues best defense was resigned as were all the key components of the league's best special teams units.  With four explosive weapons added to the offense, a full off-season to integrate the system, and the confidence from last year's run Smith could certainly win this team a Super Bowl.

7. Who's your favorite player going today?  Ever?

Well, let's break this up a little bit.  Of course a 49er has to be my favorite current player- and that is a split decision between Patrick Willis and Vernon Davis, love em' both, can't choose.  My favorite non-Niner is without a doubt the people's champ Aaron Rodgers- cool, calm, has every tool in the kit, and dare I say handsome.  All time favorite is again a split.  In terms of 49ers it has to be a three way tie between Steve Young, Jerry Rice, and Bryant Young.  All were such professionals, such warriors, such masters of their craft, and none of them bitched off the field.  Outside the Niner organization my favorite players of all time are Deion Sanders, Barry Sanders, and Reggie White.  Deion was simply electric, Barry was a human video game, and Reggie made me fall in love with football when I saw him throwing Patriot lineman into Drew Bledsoe during the Packers 1996 Super Bowl.  Kevin Greene's insanity at outside linebacker also has a special place in my heart.  Apologies to Ronnie Lott and Joe Montana, I just wasn't old enough to appreciate your greatness.  

8. Who makes the bigger impact Year One, Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III?

hmm...I would Say RG3 because I think he has a better team around him, but I think Griffin has a tough road playing against the Eagles, Giants, and Cowboys.  Luck will get 4 games against the Titans and Jaguars.  I also think Luck is so damn polished that he will find a way to be pretty good right away and not get his head knocked off.  Neither team is going to the playoffs, but I'll give the edge to Luck.  

9. Which team improved itself the most this off-season?

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Vincent Jackson, Carl Nicks, and three draft picks that could make an immediate impact.  

 2. St. Louis Rams- long term this will be a much improved team, they turned the #2 overall pick this year into the 14th pick this year, two second rounders this year, and first rounders in the 2013 and 2014 drafts...not bad.  

10. How long will it be until the Browns can compete with their AFC North big brothers in Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Cincinnati?

If Brandon Weeden can be a good NFL player then they can compete not this year but next.  They have the running back, a solid offensive line, and some good players on defense.  They need talent on the perimeter offensively, and to continue to fill out the defense with talent.  In all likelihood this is at least two more years of good drafting and free agent signings before this team can compete for a playoff spot.  

Utterly premature but fun 2012-2013 NFL Power Rankings

1. San Francisco 49ers

The best defense in the NFL is back with some possible depth added in the draft, and a little health at the corner position bolstering that spot.  Aldon Smith should bloom into a superstar alongside Navorro Bowman and Patrick Willis.  The real story is the offense, which added Randy Moss, Mario Manningham and high picks AJ Jenkins and LaMichael James to complement incumbent studs Frank Gore, Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis.  If Alex Smith can build on his progress from last year, this is the team to beat.

2. Green Bay Packers

Adding the pass rusher Nick Perry and defensive tackle Jerel Worthy should add depth and explosiveness to the front 7 that so struggled last year.  If Perry can emerge as a consistent threat opposite Clay Matthews this defense could go from one of the worst in the league to at least middle of the pack.  Aaron Rodgers is the best player in football.


3.  Houston Texans

Matt Schaub, Arian Foster, Andre Johnson, Ben Tate, and Owen Daniels represent one of the most talented groups of skill players in the league.  Yes the losses of tackle Eric Winston and pass rusher Mario Williams will hurt.  Williams however was aptly replaced by another pass rushing demon in Connor Barwin, and last year's rookie Brooks Reed can bring the heat as well.  Add in first round pick, DE Whitney Mercilus, the relentless JJ Watt, and the terrific Brian Cushing and the Texans still have arguably the best front 7 in football.  Jonathan Joseph also has completely turned around their secondary.


4. New England Patriots

First round picks Chandler Jones and Donta Hightower should really boost the Patriots depth and talent in the front 7.  New England continued to add to the defense all draft long after adding Brandon Lloyd to be the perimeter threat that compliments Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez, and Wes Welker.  If Lloyd can play at a near pro bowl level the offense should be historically good, and I expect the defense to be significantly better.

5. Pittsburgh Steelers

The drafting of David DeCastro (especially) and Mike Adams completely revamp what was a big weakness into a potential strength.  I believe DeCastro will be a good starter right away in the league, and Adams has the size to play right tackle immediately without getting pushed around.  Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown, Emanuelle Sanders and Heath Miller provide as good a set of targets as Ben Roethlisberger could ask for.  Rashard Mendenhall may not be back to begin the season, but they should survive without him and maybe he returns mid-season for a boost.  The defense is undeniably old, but still has great players, and youngsters Cameron Heyward, Lawrence Timmons, Lamar Woodley, and Ziggy Hood provide a solid foundation of youth.

6. Detroit Lions

Matt Stafford and Calvin Johnson alone are enough to put this team in the top ten.  Add in star tight end Brandon Pettigrew, explosive Jhavid Best, and the return of last year's second round bruising running back Mikel LeShoure and this offense should be ready to explode.  Detroit also added impressive and polished tackle Riley Reiff in the first round, who as most Iowa lineman should be ready to play from day one.  In the second round receiver Ryan Broyles is a nice slot complement to Megatron.  He's quick, smart and productive.  after the first two rounds the Lions went exclusively defense which was smart.  If they can find one starter and another solid contributor out of those picks the defense should be improved.

7. Philadelphia Eagles

Mike Vick staying healthy is obviously the huge asterisk with this ranking.  Talent is all over this offense with LeSean McCoy turning into a star, DeSean Jackson having unparalleled explosiveness, and Jeremy Maclin blossoming into a star.  Demetrius Bell will be adequate at left tackle but losing Jason Peters really hurts.  Most of all, Philly filled the atrocious middle of their defense with solid signee Demeco Ryan, draftee Fletcher Cox (1st round) and second round linebacker Mychal Kendricks.  With Trent Cole and Jason Babin rushing the passer, and talent in the secondary, the Eagles could be a dominant defense if the new pieces fit.

8. Chicago Bears

The Bears were an excellent team until Matt Forte and Jay Cutler went down with injuries.  With those two back in the fold and finally a premier receiver in Brandon Marshall the Bear's offense could really turn into a threat.  Rookie Shea McClellin should add pas rush, and if Alshon Jeffrey can live up to his potential he was a steal in the second round.

9.  Cincinatti Bengals

With Leon Hall coming back from injury, and being joined by the 17th overall pick Dre Kirkpatrick the secondary should be much improved from last year.  Cincy also got plug and play guard Kevin Zeitler who should help solidify the line for young Andy Dalton.  DT Devon Still should join a talented defensive line rotation, and Mohamed Sanu had a 1-2 round grade from a lot of scouts.  AJ Green, Jermaine Gresham, and Sanu make up a promising young trio for Dalton.  I think the Ravens are aging, and take a step back with the achilles injury to Terrell Suggs and the Bengals slide in.

10. Dallas Cowboys

They fool me every year, but I think this team has the talent to win 10-11 games.  Romo is a very good quarterback.  Dez Bryant, Miles Austin, and Jason Witten are star caliber targets in the passing game.  DeMarco Murray and Felix Jones are a nice running back duo.  The offensive line is in better shape with the emergence of Tyron Smith at tackle last year.  Morris Claiborne was a huge pickup for Dallas, they now have a legitimate cover corner who will surely have his ups and downs in his rookie season but should also develop into a star.  With Claiborne solidifying the secondary, and the front 7 still boasting Jay Ratliff and Demarcus Ware, the Boys could field a better defense than most people think.



11. Kansas City Chiefs

Jamal Charles, Eric Berry, and Tony Moeaki all missed the entire season last year, and will all be back this year.  Those are three star level players coming back into the fold.  Matt Cassel is not a great player, but handing of to Charles and Peyton Hillis while throwing to Dwayne Bowe, Moeaki, and last year's first rounder Jonathan Baldwin should make him look more than competent.  The signing of all-pro right tackle Eric Winston is another huge move.  Defensively Tamba Hali, Brandon Flowers and Eric Berry are pro-bowl caliber and if Dontari Poe pans out this defense could be special.


12. San Diego Chargers

The loss of Vincent Jackson undoubtedly hurts, but Malcolm Floyd and Antonio Gates are still in the fold, and Phillip Rivers should bounce back to have his usual terrific season.  Ryan Matthews is turning into a stud back as well.  The defense will be helped tremendously by top pick Melvin Ingram who was drafted way too low.  They then snatched Kendell Reyes, a defensive tackle a lot of people had in the top 25 picks, but he slid to the second round.

13. New York Giants

You might think I'm being unfair simply because I hate the freaking Giants, but in all honesty I think they are due for a slide.  They scraped to 9-7 last year and then got hot but this team has holes.  Their linebacking group is unathletic and their secondary doesn't scare anyone.  Jason Pierre-Paul is a superstar, and Eli Manning is one dangerous man.  Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz are dynamic at receiver and Ahmad Bradshaw should do well splitting carries with talented rookie David Wilson.  Still, lots of holes on this team and I won't be surprised if they miss the playoffs.

14. New Orleans Saints

I know they have talent all over the offense but they lost all pro guard Carl Nicks and quality receiver Robert Meachem, not to mention Jonathan Vilma for the year.  And oh yeah Sean Payton is suspended for the year as well.  Too much turmoil and turnover for this team to be a title contender again.



15. Baltimore Ravens

This seems like a drastic fall, but I think every year a team finally reaches the point where it gets too old.  I could be way off, but Ray Lewis and Ed Reed are both on their last legs, and Terrell Suggs won't even play this year.  The secondary is still a little green at corner as well.  The offense has never been inspiring and Ray Rice is now holding out.  Anquan Boldin is also really slowing down.  This is a team in transition and Joe Flacco is not good enough to put this team on his back.


16. Atlanta Falcons

I just don't believe in the Atlanta defense.  I also think that Michael Turner is due to slow down, and the offensive line can be shaky at times.  Matt Ryan has plateaued, though Julio Jones and Roddy White make this team dangerous.

17. Denver Broncos

I just don't know what Peyton Manning will be, but even if he's back to his old tricks he doesn't have many weapons on this offense, and the defense struggled through many games last year.  The Broncos failed to give Manning to much help in this year's draft.

18. Carolina Panthers

If Cam Newton can take another step in his progression he can be one of the very best players in the league and win games by himself.  Steve Smith showed he still has a lot of prime left, and the duo of Jon Stewart and Deangelo Williams is still very good in the backfield.  The defense was the issue last year, but the return of star linebacker Jon Beason who will be flanked by 9th overall pick Luke Kuechly should improve this defense dramatically.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Josh Freeman was a rising super-star two years ago, and had an off year last season like the whole Bucs team.  Enter pro-bowl level wide receiver Vincent Jackson, and all-pro guard Carl Nicks and Freeman will have plenty of help to get back to his previous level of play.  Rookie running back Doug Martin should provide a strong 1-2 punch with LeGarette Blount in the backfield.  This offense really has some talent now and could take off.  Defensively this team just needs to grow- Gerald McCoy, Adrian Clayborn, Brian Price, and Da'Quan Bowers are all 2nd and 3rd year players with talent that has the potential to blossom into a strong unit.  Safety first round pick Mark Barron is regarded as an immediate impact player, and Lavonte David was a steal in the second round at linebacker.

20. St. Louis Rams

They were awful last year, but when healthy Sam Bradford is the best passer in the NFC West.  Stephen Jackson is still an elite back.  They also added athletic stud Brian Quick at receiver with the top pick in the second round, not to mention they bolstered their defense with two other second round picks.  Scat-back Isaiah Pead and receiver Chris Givens could also be fast contributors on offense.  Jeff Fisher will make this a smart fundamental team that has an incredibly bright future.

21.  New York Jets

The Jets just aren't very good.  Their offensive line is pretty good, their quarterback is average, they don't have a feature running back, and their best receiver is a complete headcase (Santonio Holmes). Their top two picks Quinton Coples (pass rusher) and Stephen Hill (WR) are two of the most physically gifted players in the draft, but who knows how that will translate to the field and the Jets unusual culture.

22. Buffalo Bills

Hard team to read here.  They lost Demetrius Bell who was an important part of their offensive line, and Ryan Fitzpatrick is decent at managing the game but lacks any of the elite physical skills you would want in your quarterback.  Fred Jackson, CJ Spiller, and Stevie Johnson are a nice trio of skill players, but they could use more talent on the perimeter.  Stephen Gilmore was a great pick at #10, he will be a very good player just like last year's top pick Marcel Dareus.  The Bills are slowly building an impressive core on defense.  Adding super-star pass rusher Mario Williams doesn't hurt either.  Give the Bills 1-2 more good drafts and they could be competing for the playoffs.

23.  Washington Redskins

I think RG3 will be able to make plays right away and Pierre Garcon, Josh Morgan, and Chris Cooley give him some viable targets.  The defense has promise with edge rushers Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan forming a frightening duo.

24.  Seattle Seahawks

If Matt Flynn can prove to be a good NFL starter this ranking could go up substantially.  Marshawn Lynch is a very good running back, and the offensive line is young and improving.  Seattle had a strange draft but they do have a lot of defensive talent.

25. Cleveland Browns

I don't really like the pick of Brandon Weeden, but I know Trent Richardson can play and make a big impact immediately.  I think his running will keep the Browns close in a lot of games.

26.  Minnesota Vikings

Matt Kalil solves the left tackle issues, and hopefully Adrian Peterson will be back near the beginning of next year.  Percy Harvin and newly signed Jerome Simpson represent a talented if temperamental receiving duo and the tight end combo of Kyle Rudolph and John Carlson could be Christian Ponder's best friend.  If Ponder has what it takes, this team could turn around fast.  Getting Harrison Smith (safety Notre Dame) was a really important pick for this defense.

27.  Arizona Cardinals

Kevin Kolb, you are out of excuses.  Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd are very nice targets to throw to.

28. Indianapolis Colts

I think Andrew Luck will be good right away.  Reggie Wayne and Coby Fleener should provide nice targets to throw to.

29. Tennessee Titans

Maybe this is way too low but I just don't see a quarterback, a great defense, or skill players that really scare me unless Chris Johnson can regain his old form.

30.  Jacksonville Jaguars

The defense has some young talent, and Maurice Jones Drew, Marcedes Lewis  and Justin Blackmon surround Blaine Gabbert with some really nice talent.

31. Oakland Raiders

Sorry Raider fans, Carson Palmer is done, you don't have a good offensive line, the receivers are raw and the defense is unspectacular.

32.  Miami Dolphins

The Ryan Tannehill-Reggie Bush combo doesn't really scare anyone.

A Video Treat

For all those that love the NBA playoffs and the Mamba that has come to define post-season greatness, The Hill gives you a piece of video heaven:

Reviewing the 49ers Draft

Why review only one team?  Because it's my blog, this is the team I love, and looking at 32 teams picking about 7 players each is too much work.  I'm also calling it a review rather than a grade because we really won't know how well teams drafted until these rookie hit the field.

49ers Draft

Round 1: A.J. Jenkins WR, Illinois

I liked Jenkins as a prospect watching him in pre-draft footage.  He was productive at Illinois notching over 90 catches last year as opposed to the 29 catches the more flashy prospect Stephen Hill compiled.  Jenkins was also a bit of a combine freak, running a 4.37 40 yard dash.  Jenkins is a sudden athlete with good size just over 6 foot.  The only gripe I have about this pick is that perhaps the Niners could have moved back 5-10 spots and still gotten him, though this is the man they wanted all along.

Round 2: LaMichael James RB, Oregon

James is a good pick from the standpoint that he can help what was a plodding offense get some explosive plays, but I'm not sure he meets much of a need.  In a backfield with Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter, and Brandon Jacobs, a second round pick seems high for James.  Maybe the writing is on the wall for older backs Gore and Jacobs, or maybe Harbaugh and GM Trent Balke simply think they can get James the ball 7-10 times a game and he will make an impact.

Round 4: Joe Looney OG, Wake Forest

Looney fits a major need with guard Adam Snyder leaving for the Cardinals.  Looney should provide competition for last year's late round pick Daniel Kilgore for the starting right guard spot, though I think perhaps the Niners could have addressed this position earlier.  Looney is known as a technician with good strength who has the intelligence to assimilate quickly to the NFL.

Round 5: Darius Flemming OLB, Notre Dame

Flemming is a pure pass rusher, and he's good at it.  Parys Haralson, Aldon Smith, and Ahmad Brooks are still going to be the main rotational guys at outside linebacker, but Flemming will come in when there is no doubt it's a passing situation.  He adds versatility to the Niners, and should be deployed on the 49ers tremendous special teams unit as a new weapon.

Round 6: Trent Robinson S, Michigan State

Robinson is a good overall athlete who started for three years at a big-time program and he fits a position of need.  Dashon Goldson and Donte Whitner are an excellent duo of starters but there isn't much in the way of depth behind them, hopefully Robinson can win the third safety spot.

Round 6: Jason Slowey C, Western Oregon

The Niners under Trent Balke have continually stockpiled young offensive lineman and built that unit through the draft.  Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati have turned into starters (Iupati is exceptional, Davis is growing).  Daniel Kilgore is going to battle for a guard spot with Looney, and Slowey may prove to be an eventual replacement for Jonathan Goodwin.  Slowey is not a very good athlete, but he's strong and can move people in the run game.

Round 7: Cam Johnson DE, Virginia

Johnson had a fourth round grade from a lot of scouts because he is a good athlete with strength, who moves well for being 270 pounds.  I think he projects as a situational pass rusher and might just be big enough to play a little defensive end in the 49ers 3-4.

Summary:

I Liked: Because of some of the maneuvering the 49ers did in this draft they have a whopping 13 picks in next year's draft, which can't be overlooked.  I liked how San Fran focused on continuing to add playmakers to an offense that sorely lacked them last year.  The receiving group now consists of Michael Crabtree, Randy Moss, Mario Manningham, and A.J. Jenkins, along with star tight end Vernon Davis.  The Backfield boasts pro-bowler Gore, the promising Hunter, the bruiser Jacobs, and the potentially electrifying LaMichael James.  Alex Smith should logically be able to build on the best season of his career with another year under a great offensive system, and the talent around him growing exponentially.  Looney is a key to this draft class, if he can come in and push Kilgore or even steal the starting spot, then the 49ers offensive line could really gel into an elite unit.  Iupati and Joe Staley are stars are there positions, and Anthony Davis could grow into one.  Darius Fleming and Cam Johnson add some athleticism, depth, and potentially some pass rush to the front 7 which is already vicious, and Robinson may help shore up secondary depth.  Slowey is a solid pick if he can be a good backup for Goodwin.

I Didn't Like: Jenkins might have been had later in the draft, and the Niners could have accrued more picks by moving back.  James is an explosive player, and the offense needs help, but not really at the running back spot. I think picking a guard in the second or even first round would have addressed the biggest need. The 49ers defensive front 3 is excellent with Justin Smith, Isaac Sopoaga, and Ray McDonald but there is very little depth behind those players and not much was added in this draft.  Carlos Rogers was re-signed, Tarell Brown and Chris Culliver are promising corners and Tramaine Brock and Parrish Cox are good athletes who can compete over the 4th corner spot.  Still, another good cover man was a need in my opinion, and the Niners got nobody to compete for playing time at that position.

Overall:  The 49ers are going to have a much more talented offense that's hitting its groove in year number two of the Harbaugh regime.  The best defense in the league is all back from last year, and some potential depth was added in the draft.  Special Teams is still in tact with David Akers, Andy Lee, and Ted Ginn all back, and I expect a lot of these rookies to become contributors to the dynamic special teams unit for San Francisco.

Don't Be a Menace in the NBA While Refs Screw up the Game

Rajon Rondo has just been suspended for excessive passion, and caring about the outcome of an NBA game.  If you didn't see The Celtics Game 1 against Atlanta, toward the end of the 4th quarter referee Marc Davis awarded a questionable foul call in the Hawks favor when it seemed that a jump ball might have been the better call.

I don't really want to debate the merit of the specific call, as much as the NBA's reaction to Rondo.  The call was close, could have gone either way, thus the anger and heat of the moment reaction from Rondo.  First he got in Davis' face, presumably using some naughty language which earned him technical foul number one.  Upon receiving the first technical Rondo's mood escalated leading him to lightly chest bump into Davis, at which point Davis did every refs favorite move, the over enthusiastic "you're out of here" point/maneuver.

Davis was in the heat of the moment just like Rondo, so I blame him a little less than the NBA in this whole scenario, but all the same I think the job of the ref is to have a cool head especially when the players don't.  In a league where lack of passion, effort, and enthusiasm is the main gripe from detractors, why are we punishing a competitor like Rondo for losing it a little bit during a big time playoff game? Shouldn't we want this, don't we all long for the golden days of the bad-boy pistons, or Jordan's relentless intensity, or the hate fueled Celtics-Lakers rivalries of the 80's?

Davis may have been obligated to toss Rondo for making contact with him, so really this comes down to the way the league deals with such issues.  Not only did Rondo get tossed from a big game, but now the league punishes him, his team, and all NBA fans by suspending him for game 2.  And for what?  I know the league feels a necessity to protect officials, but unless Davis is secretly a Faberge Egg, he wasn't in too much danger from Rondo's chest graze.  

Adding to the insult here is the indignation the league acts with as if refs are absolutely beyond question, and forever without fault.  This is the same league that not long ago had an official betting on games that he was reffing.  Ref Joey Crawford once ejected Tim Duncan from a game for smiling and laughing at a bad call from the sideline. Excuse Rondo and the rest of us for daring to challenge the holy brotherhood of NBA officiating.

The larger point here is that a little common sense would go a long way.  If Rondo reared backed and Metta World Peace'd Davis in the back of the head then of course a suspension would be warranted.  But a snap reaction that resulted in nothing more than some profanity and minimal chest bump does not a suspension warrant.  There's a pretty obvious line between a guy getting excited over a call, and losing his mind and becoming a danger to others.

In other Words, David Stern, passion is good, violence is bad, and the difference is fairly obvious.

Quick and Dirty NBA First Round Predictions

I'm in a time crunch folks, I'm going to get my marriage license this morning, but that doesn't mean I've forgotten the most important thing, the NBA Playoffs:

(1) Chicago Bulls V. (8) Philadelphia 76ers

The Sixers are athletic and deep, but they just don't have enough offensive punch to last in this series.  They'll compete and these games will be basketball played the right way: team defense, sharing the ball, good effort.  The Bulls just play that style better.  Chicago in 5.

(2) Miami Heat V. (7) New York Knicks

This should be a lot of fun.  Talent all over the court.  Carmelo Anthony has been arguably the best player in the league over the second half of the season, and Tyson Chandler should really dominate the boards and challenge Lebron and DWade at the hoop.  Still, There's nobody that impacts the game as profoundly as James, and I think he's on a mission this year.  Heat in 6.

(3) Indiana Pacers V. (6) Orlando Magic

It's simple, there's just no way Orlando does anything without Dwight Howard.  Indiana gets a free pass into the second round.  Pacers in 4.

(4) Boston Celtics V. (5) Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks did it again! Piled up wins in the regular season only to be bounced by a poised, smarter team in the postseason.  The Celtics defense has been stifling since the all star break and the emergence of Avery Bradley has made a big impact.  Celtics in 6.

(1) San Antonio Spurs V. (8) Utah Jazz

Things didn't turn out well for the Spurs last year when they achieved the top seed, but I don't see that happening again.  With Paul Milsap and Al Jefferson the Jazz have the size to bother the Spurs, and should steal a game or two at home, but they won't win the series.  Spurs in 5. 

(2) Oklahoma City Thunder V. (7) Dallas Mavericks

The Thunder are no longer an inexperienced playoff team, and I think Dallas is on its last legs for this year.  The Thunder will run them out of the gym and the series early.  Thunder in 5.

(3) LA Lakers V. (6) Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets are the type of team that could bother LA.  Their young, deep, and athletic, but they don't have a go to scorer which matters in the playoffs, and they will struggle in the more half-court style of the postseason.  Denver also has no match for Bynum and Gasol, but who does?  Kobe is rested and the Lakers finally have speed at point guard to counteract the likes of Ty Lawson.  It will be a struggle but the Lakers win.  Lakers in 6.  

(4) Memphis Grizzlies V. (5) LA Clippers

This is the best series of the first round maybe along with the Heat-Knicks.  The Grizzlies are really tough inside with Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol, but the Clips counter with Deandre Jordan and Blake Griffin.  Rudy Gay has no match on the Clippers, but Chris Paul is the best player in the series.  Then there are countless good role players on both sides: Nick Young, Caron Butler, Mo Williams and Randy Foye for LA.  OJ Mayo, Mike Conley, Tony Allen, and Marreese Speights for the Grizzlies.  I Might be nuts here but I think Super-Stars are the difference in the playoffs, so I'll take Chris Paul to find a way.  Clippers in 6. 

Who Each Team Should Take in 2012 NFL Draft

1.       Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB Stanford

There’s no doubt about this pick, and I do subscribe to the theory that this many scouts and personnel experts can’t be wrong.  The kid might not walk on water, but he’s going to be a hell of a player.  Indy fans might want another Peyton Manning, I think what they’re getting in Luck is the next Aaron Rodgers.  He’s mobile (his combine numbers were identical to Cam Newton’s) he’s the most accurate thrower in the draft, played in a pro system, has a very strong arm, and he’s the smartest football player to come out in years.

2.       Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB Baylor

The Skins have to take RG3 not only because they gave up a king’s ransom to get him, but also because he’s the first potential franchise changing player they’ve had an opportunity to draft in years.  Washington has some nice pieces on defense, and they added Josh Morgan and Pierre Garcon to complement Chris Cooley in the passing game.  Griffin has Mike Vick speed, with better accuracy, and an infinitely better head on his shoulders.  Both Luck and Griffin will be stars, and either would be great #1 overall picks. 

3.       Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, LT USC

The Vikings are trying to screw this up as only they could, attempting to trade back and stockpile picks when they have a chance to draft a franchise player at a true position of need.  Kalil is athletic, strong, smart, durable, and fills a huge void on the Vikings offense.  He plugs in immediately and protects last year’s investment, Christian Ponder.  Kalil’s brother, Ryan, is an all-pro center for the Panthers, Matt might turn out to be even better. 

4.       Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB Alabama

Don’t tell me they have to give Colt McCoy a receiver unless you believe Colt McCoy is the answer at quarterback.  Getting Richardson gives you a franchise back that can run behind studs Joe Thomas and Alex Mack for the next 5-7 years.  Yes running backs have a short life span in the league, but a truly impactful one can make you relevant fast.  Richardson like Luck is the best runner to come out in a while, since Adrian Peterson. 

5.       Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Justin Blackmon, WR Oklahoma St.

My Draft Philosophy is that unless you have a glaring need; take an opportunity to make yourself really good at something.  Adding Blackmon to newly signed Vincent Jackson and incumbents Mike Williams and Kellen Winslow would give the Buccaneers one of the best receiving corps in football.  With the addition of all-pro guard Carl Nicks to an already strong offensive line, bringing Blackmon into the fold sets up Josh Freeman with everything he should need to return to his form of two seasons ago.

6.       St. Louis: Morris Claiborne, CB LSU

St. Louis is mad if this is the way things go, but really they shouldn’t be.  Claiborne is an elite prospect and would form a formidable duo with newly signed Cortland Finnegan.  The Rams defense has some promise with Chris Long and James Laurinitis, and Claiborne would represent the next building block of something truly special.  I know Sam Bradford needs weapons, but the worst thing to do is reach to get him a weapon, when you could have gotten a similar player in a later round.  Besides, sometimes a good defense is a quarterbacks best friend (ahem Alex Smith).

7.       Jacksonville Jaguars: David DeCastro, OG Stanford

Yes all conventional wisdom will say this is too high to select a guard.  People will say Jacksonville needs some sex appeal, something to draw people to the games etc.  Well, ultimately what draws people to games is winning teams.  And the Jaguars have missed on a whole lot of picks lately.  DeCastro is maybe the best lineman in the draft and he will help be the glue to a young and struggling line in Jacksonville.  Not to mention, he will help protect Blaine Gabbert, who showed some bad tendencies last year, but it’s way too early to bail on him after selecting him in the first round.  Maurice Jones Drew would also probably like this pick.

8.       Miami Dolphins: Melvin Ingram, DE South Carolina

Don’t reach for the wrong guy; I just can’t say it enough.  Ryan Tannehill is talented, but he was a wide receiver for two years, and then played in the wide open big 12 where the game is very different from the NFL.  Pair Ingram with Cameron Wake and you’ve built on an already impressive defense.  Draft a passer in round two or three where you get a good value for them, and don’t have to reach.  The draft is about improving your team, not taking chances or making panic boom or bust moves. 

9.       Carolina Panthers: Fletcher Cox DT, Mississippi State

Jon Beason will be back for the Panthers at linebacker so as tempted as I am to put Luke Kuechly here, I think Cox fits a bigger need.  Cox is a good pass rusher from the inside, an active and disruptive player that excelled in a man’s league, the SEC.  Pair him with Beason and add some defensive backs later in the draft and the Panthers begin to rebuild what was a really bad defense last year. 

10.   Buffalo Bills: Luke Kuechly LB, Boston College

Kuechly is just a good all-around player.  He’s smart; runs well, can cover, and is a sure tackler.  I think he’s the type of guy that makes a few pro-bowls and is always a positive contributor to your team.  Marcel Dareus is going to be a star, and putting Kuechly behind him along with the return of a healthy Kyle Williams is an exciting thought for the Buffalo defense.

11.   Kansas City Chiefs: Stephen Gilmore CB, South Carolina

The Chiefs have some really nice pieces coming back to the offense- Jamal Charles, Tony Moeaki, and last year’s top pick Jonathan Baldwin will hopefully develop to complement Dwayne Bowe.  I don’t love Matt Cassel or Kyle Orton, but this is a team with enough weapons to make those players serviceable.  Gilmore would make a really nice complement to budding star Brandon Flowers at the other corner and Tamba Hali rushing the passer will make Gilmore’s transition easier. 

12.   Seattle Seahawks: Quinton Coples DE, North Carolina

In terms of size and ability Coples is very reminiscent of another former Tarheel, Julius Peppers.  Seattle has some nice pieces on defense, and adding premier pass rusher could take them to the next level. 

13.   Arizona Cardinals: Michael Floyd,  WR Notre Dame

I like Floyd, I don’t know that he’s a star but he’s a big physical talented player that will be trouble if you try to single cover him.  Alongside Larry Fitzgerald Floyd should flourish as a second receiver.  If Kevin Kolb can’t make it work with those two wide receivers than he’s just not the guy. 

14.   Dallas Cowboys: Mark Barron, S Alabama

The offense is loaded with talent, the front 7 is strong, and it’s the secondary that really needs help.  Dallas needs corners as well, but Barron is the best defensive back on the board at this point.  He hits like a linebacker and covers a lot of ground.  He should start immediately and develop into a good starter. 

15.   Philadelphia Eagles:  Michael Brockers, DT LSU

Brockers is a huge man with great talent who produced at a big time program.  He also fits a need as the Eagles were terrible up the middle of their defense last year.  New middle linebacker Demeco Ryans and Brockers should be a true shot in the arm for this defense. 

16.   New York Jets: Dontari Poe, DT Memphis

The Jets defense is starting to age and the defensive front could use an influx of youth and talent.  Poe is a big time risk with big time upside, sounds just like Rex Ryan’s type of player. 

17.   Cincinnati Bengals: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB Alabama

Kirkpatrick is a big time talent and fits the zone scheme the Bengals tend to use in coverage.  Jonathan Joseph’s departure hurt last year and Kirkpatrick can help fill the void opposite Leon Hall.

18.   San Diego Chargers: Kendall Wright, WR Baylor

Some might see this as a reach but Phillip Rivers too often is expected to just carry the team.  Wright is an explosive player that catches the ball well, is good after the catch, and seems the perfect weapon in the slot.  Wright, Antonio Gates, and Ryan Matthews are pretty nice Weapons to put around Rivers.

19.   Chicago Bears: Riley Reiff, OT Iowa

The Bears could use a solid, smart player that can come in and hold his own on the offensive line immediately.  That’s Reiff.  He may never be spectacular, but he should be solid right away and will turn into a good tackle opposite Gabe Carimi.   

20.   Tennessee Titans: Whitney Mercilus, DE Illinois

Mercilus is a pure pass rusher, and has a ton of talent.  It’s a position of need and if Mercilus is on the board, this is a no brainer. 

21.   Cincinnati Bengals: Cordy Glenn, G Georgia

They could probably use a complement to AJ Green, some help in the defensive front 7, and a running back to take Cedric Benson’s place since his wheels are about to fall off.  But, they also need to replace Bobbie Williams at guard, and Glenn is the best value above any wideout, d-lineman or running back left in my draft. 

22.   Cleveland Browns: Ryan Tannehill, QB  Texas A & M

I don’t love Tannehill but at pick 22, and needing a quarterback this is too good of a scenario for Cleveland to pass up.  In all reality there’s no way he lasts this long, but in a world where logic prevails (my draft world) Tannehill is a Brown with the 22^nd pick.

23.   Detroit Lions: Jonathan Martin, OT Stanford

The Lions have needed line help for a long time, and Martin is an above average athlete with solid technique and good intelligence.  Matt Stafford and Calvin Johnson are true superstars, give them time to operate and they will win a lot of games.  Running back is also a need as is secondary help, but the line I think has to come first. 

24.   Pittsburgh Steelers: Don’t’a Hightower, ILB Alabama

Hightower is really a Steeler type of player.  He’s physical, strong, bruising and fits well as a replacement for James Farrior. 

25.   Denver Broncos: Coby Fleener, TE Stanford

Everyone gets better when Peyton Manning is on their team.  That means a Denver defense with some holes will get better just by virtue of Manning holding the ball longer and putting up more points.  So I say give Peyton the weapons he’s going to need.  Fleener is a good athlete, he’s big, will be great in the red zone and can contribute immediately. 

26.   Houston Texans: Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB Alabama

Is it me, or could you basically field a team with just Alabama and Stanford’s draft class this year?  Upshaw is a big strong player that can both rush the passer from the outside linebacker spot, and occupy blockers as a 3-4 end.  I think he continues to build the Texans defense into one of the best units in the league. 

27.   New England Patriots: Janoris Jenkins, CB North Alabama

You’d be correct in saying that this guy doesn’t really epitomize the “Patriot Way” but Bill Belichick also relishes reclamation projects, and loves to mold talent.  Jenkins is a top 15 player in this draft in terms of talent, and if put in the right environment like New England, maybe he flourishes.  New England needs corner help, and Jenkins has the raw talent to be a star. 

28.   Green Bay Packers: Jerel Worthy, DT Michigan State

I’m convinced the Packers defensive backfield has enough talent to regroup and play much better, and the offense is historically good.  They need help in the trenches and Worthy can probably play any spot along the defensive front.  He represents depth, versatility, and an upgrade in talent.

29.   Baltimore Ravens: Peter Konz, C Wisconsin

Matt Birk is as old as time and Konz could probably play guard until Birk retires and then slide over.  Ben Grubbs left via free agency so the interior line is a must to address.  Stephen Hill might be another thought at wide receiver, but they already drafted their burner last year in Torrey Smith.

30.   San Francisco 49ers: Stephen Hill, WR Georgia Tech

Yes they need a guard and they stocked up on wide receivers in free agency, but if Moss doesn’t work out, then they’re down to Mario Manningham and Michael Crabtree.  I think Hill represents a good value because of his rare size and speed, but I won’t be mad if the Niners go with Kevin Zeitler (guard, Wisconsin) here. 

31.   New England Patriots: Chandler Jones, DE/OLB Syracuse

So the Patriots get a cover corner and a pure pass rusher, this would be a good day for New England fans. 

32.   New York Giants: Doug Martin, RB Boise State

I don’t love taking a running back in the first round unless it’s a rare breed like Richardson, but it’s at the back end of the first round, Brandon Jacobs is gone, and Ahmad Bradshaw can’t carry the load by himself.  I think Martin will help right away, and reminds me of Mark Ingram coming out.  A balanced, solid runner who will go over 1,000 yards a time or two in his career. 

The Bruins are Back

Accuse me of hyperbole, being a homer, whatever your choice of words, you’re probably right.  But I’m not wrong when I say the UCLA Bruins basketball program is back in a big way.  Weeks after a Sports Illustrated article came out exposing the seedy underbelly of the Ben Howland era, somehow the Bruins shook off the PR nightmare to land the best recruiting class in the country.

It used to be that getting a great recruiting class meant good things were coming in 2-3 years.  These days in college hoops the best players depart for the NBA as soon as possible, meaning many times the best players in the country are freshman.  And UCLA brought in a slew of “diaper dandies” culminating on Monday with the signing of big man Tony Parker. 

Parker joins other top recruits Shabazz Muhammad, Kyle Anderson, and Jordan Adams giving UCLA 4 of the top 40 rated freshman in this year’s crop.  Muhammad is the true gem of the class, rated as either the number 1 or 2 high school player in the country depending on whether you believe more in rivals.com or ESPN’s rankings.

Either way Muhammad brings athleticism, skill, and most importantly, creativity on offense.  He has the ability to take over the scoring load by himself.  Howland’s teams have historically been predictable and sluggish offensively, and Muhammad is the rare wing scorer that can take a game on his shoulders even if the offensive system is sputtering.

Anderson is the other true blue chip recruit in this class, though Adams and Parker should both compete for heavy amounts of playing time right away.  Along with Muhammad, Anderson was considered at least a top 5 player in the nation.

If Muhammad is the slasher and scorer, Anderson is the table setter.  A silky if methodical athlete, Anderson is a 6’7” point-forward with elite court vision and passing skills, not to mention a good mid-range offensive game, rare amongst today’s young players.

These fab freshmen would be enough by themselves to elevate UCLA back to the NCAA tournament and even greater heights it would seem, though they won’t be filling up a bare cupboard.  Still remaining on the Bruins roster is the talented but forever out of shape Josh Smith- a behemoth of a man for the college game.  If his conditioning ever matches up with his ability he can dominate college basketball. 

The brothers Travis and David Wear proved to be solid post players that should improve in their second year with the school after transferring from North Carolina.  With the Freshman Parker, Smith, and the Wears UCLA will possess a rare amount of size and versatility in the post that should make them a nightmare to matchup with. 

Then slide over to the wing where Muhammad should be an instant star, and will be accompanied there by the talented guard/forward Tyler Lamb.  Anderson will likely play a lot of point guard, and perhaps Norman Powell will be able to build on his decent freshman campaign of a year ago to provide depth at the guard position.  Adams will also slide between guard and forward providing great athleticism and scoring punch. 

What success is really going to boil down to in Westwood is Coaching and expectations.  Given the talent on this team there’s no reason to think they aren’t capable of making a run at the elite 8 and maybe even beyond.  We’ve seen the importance of freshmen in changing the landscape of college hoops and maybe UCLA has enough young talent to continue that trend.  But after all the dysfunction that has plagued this program over the past 2-3 years, can we as fans really expect this team to reach its potential?

That’s where the coaching comes in.  At one point Howland seemed to be one of the truly elite coaches in America.  He made Pittsburgh into a power, and then swiftly rebuilt UCLA into a juggernaut that reached 3 consecutive final fours producing NBA stars (and a slew of other solid NBA players) like Russell Westbrook and Kevin Love along the way.  

You would think that type of success would buy a little leeway and some more time to get things right when they go astray.  But the expectations at UCLA are always sky high, and things certainly have veered off course recently. 

Howland’s recruiting haul is both a blessing and a curse.  It should, if things go according to plan and potential, once again restore the luster to the Bruins program.  If, however, UCLA underachieves it could cost the man that so recently restored Bruin Pride his job in Westwood.  

The Sneaky Lakers?

Is it possible for the Los Angeles Lakers to fly under the radar?  In the dramatic sense no.  Andrew Bynum’s behavior, Kobe’s latest injury, the Pau Gasol trade drama where all headline stories at some point this season, but to what end?  These stories were more empty calories, fun for the sports world to snack on, but not really substantive issues as it relates to whether this team can win a championship.  In the respect that the Lakers are a legitimate threat to win another title, yes they can and are flying under the radar.

No, they are not the prohibitive favorites to win a ring, or even favorite’s period.  Their bench is thinner than Tony Kornheiser’s hair, and not quite as entertaining to watch.  They still lack overall athleticism, they don’t have great outside shooters, and Mike Brown despite piloting the team to the West’s three seed doesn’t seem to have the respect of many in Laker nation. 

Still, when looking at LA’s roster, how many teams can really compare to their talent level?  Andrew Bynum may have been the best center in the league before Dwight Howard was lost for the season with a back injury, and certainly Bynum is now the most dominant center in the league.  He continues to grow and get stronger seemingly by the quarter.  Over the last ten games, most of which Kobe missed with an injury Bynum has posted averages of 23 points and 12 rebounds (he’s at 19 and 12 over the course of the season).  Complement Bynum with the most skilled post-up player in the league, Pau Gasol, and the Lakers have the preeminent duo of big men in the league. 

Typically, when you combine 2 of the best 5 big men in the game, with a guard that is the league’s leading scorer, and will end his career as a consensus top ten player of all time you have a pretty good formula.  Yet the Lakers weren’t complete until a couple of things happened. 

The first vital change was the addition of Ramon Sessions at point guard, and the subsequent jettisoning of father time Derek Fisher.  Sessions is not a super-star, but at 25 years old he is one of the quickest players in the league and has tremendous open court speed.  He brings an ability to slice into the lane and create opportunities for the rest of the team, an element the Lakers have been lacking for years.

 

Sessions is not a great defender, but he at least has the speed to stay with the likes of Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul, Mike Conley, Tony Parker, and Ty Lawson.  He also will make the opposing point guard work on defense, whereas Fisher was nothing more than a spot up shooter.  Sessions has averaged 13 points and 6 assists with the Lakers, more than double the production D-Fish chipped in.

The other important development for LA was the addition by subtraction that occurred when Kobe went out with a shin injury.  With Bryant sidelined LA went 5-2, Bynum and Gasol became the focal points that many Laker fans have been screaming for them to be even with a healthy Bryant, and Ron Artest had his best offensive stretch as a Laker.  Artest has poured in 15 points per game over the last ten contests, more than double his season average.  He seems to be in better shape, more confident, and more willing to take smaller defenders into the post and use his strength to get to the bucket.

 

Add the improved play of Matt Barnes, the steady play of Steve Blake, and the little bit of run that Devin Ebanks received in Bryant’s absence, and the Lakers showed they are more than just the Mamba and two big men.

In fact, the Lakers will only have a shot to win a championship if Bryant was taking close notes of what he saw from the sideline these past two weeks.  Kobe is having his worst shooting season percentage wise since his rookie campaign, despite the fact that he leads the league in scoring.  Kobe will always take a lot of shots, but he has to be smart enough, and check his ego enough to realize that Bynum (shooting 56%) and Gasol (shooting 50%) need to get more attempts. 

Once a team that looked old, slow, injury prone, and lacking any depth now seems to be growing increasingly formidable.  What other team can boast three players that might all be the best in the league at their respective position?  The Heat might be close in that respect, but Sessions and Artest aren’t the dead weight that rounds out the Heat starting five; in fact both are above average NBA players. 

The final piece to the possible puzzle for a Lakers championship is the fact that every other contender in the league has major flaws. 

The Heat lack depth, and rely on a mega-star whose talent is matched only by his own sense of self-doubt in clutch situations. 

The Bulls again look to be a great defensive team that will struggle to score and will increasingly rely on the terrific but overburdened and banged up Derrick Rose. 

The Celtics have gotten hot lately, but will struggle against bigger teams, Rajon Rondo doesn’t have to be guarded from 15 feet and out, and they will have to beat the Bulls and the Heat to make the Finals.

The Pacers just aren’t ready to beat the big boys, but their regular season success at least merits their mention in the contender discussion.

On the Western side of things the top teams similarly possess conspicuous flaws.  The Thunder has virtually no inside scoring.  Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins are impressive post defenders, but relying on Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook to make enough jump shots to win a championship is not an easy formula.

The Spurs did this act last year, having a wonderful regular season and then disappearing in the playoffs.  Tony Parker is a super-star, but Ginobli has lost a step, and Duncan has lost a step and a half. 

The Clippers are incredibly impressive athletically, and the Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, Deandre Jordan lob city trio is as fun as NBA basketball gets, but this team lacks wing scoring, great depth, and playoff experience. 

The Grizzlies are everybody’s chic pick right now, but I don’t see enough in the way of a true go to guy to carry them through four best of seven series. 

So no, the Lakers aren’t the favorites, but I don’t know that there is a team that you can point to this year as one that “should” win if they stay healthy and play their best ball.  We could be in for the best, most competitive playoffs in years, just don’t be surprised if the Purple and Gold sneak their way to yet another championship.  

Tennis Top-10: #2 Margaret Court and #1 Steffi Graf

2) Margaret Court

Between both men and women, Margaret Court holds the most Grand Slam singles titles all-time with 24.  From 1969-1971 Court won 6 consecutive Grand Slam singles titles, a Calendar Slam-and-a-half.  A native Australian, Court owned her homeland Australian Open, winning it a record 11 times.  She claimed the French Open 5 times, the US Open 5 times, and Wimbledon 3 times.  Also a winner of what is called the “box set,” meaning to win the singles, doubles, and mixed doubles championships at every single grand slam, Court is one of three players in history to do so.

Overall combining singles, doubles, and mixed doubles Court claimed a flabbergasting 62 Grand Slam titles in her career, giving her not only the most accomplished career of any singles player ever, but the most combined Grand Slams of any player in history.

By any measure, Court was the most consistently and statistically proficient player of all-time. I simply feel she was never quite as purely dominant as my number one, nor did she play in as competitive of an era.

#2 Margaret Court

1) Steffi Graf

This is a unisex list, and at the top a woman reigns supreme.  Though Steffi Graf’s overall numbers may not be as aw- inspiring as Court’s, her sheer dominance over her career makes her the clear choice as the best tennis player of all time.

Graf claimed 22 grand slam singles titles—7 Wimbledons, 6 French Opens, 5 US Opens, and 4 Australians—from 1987-1999, doing most of her damage in a nine-year window from ‘87-‘96.  That Graf was equally brilliant on grass and clay, the two most drastically different surfaces in tennis, is proof of her versatility, immense talent, and extreme will to win.

In 1988 Graf won all four Grand Slam singles titles, plus the Olympic Gold Medal in singles—referred to as the Golden Slam—and is the only player man or woman to  ever have done so.  Perhaps the punctuation on her year of absolute brilliance in 1988 was her demolition of Natalia Zvereva: 6-0, 6-0 in the French Open Final.

From 1987-1990 Graf made thirteen-consecutive Grand Slam finals, again a mark that is unequaled by any man or woman in tennis history.  In terms of her career ranking, she holds the following records for both men and women: Most consecutive weeks ranked # 1 (186), most times finishing the year ranked #1 in the world (8), and most total weeks ranked #1 over her career (377).   She is also the only player to win every Grand Slam singles title at least four times.

With the main weapons in her arsenal being a devastating forehand, tremendous athleticism, and a deadly serve, Graf is certainly an easy choice as the greatest tennis player of all time.

Of course arguments can be made for nearly anyone on my list to take the top spot, but Graf’s dominance over her career and especially in her prime where so overwhelming that she is my pick.  When she was at her best, no person ever played a better brand of tennis, and the numbers bear that out.

#1 Steffi Graf

--from @AdamHocking

(first image, second image)