Carmelo Anthony Is Overrated

No matter who you ask about who are the five best players in the league, their list almost always includes Carmelo Anthony.

Why?

Sure Carmelo is as talented as anyone on the planet at putting the ball in basket, but what does he do for his team beyond that?



His career high for assists in a season is 3.8 and averages just 3.1 for his career. Kobe Bryant even during his notorious ball hog year of 05-06 which included his 81 point game, averaged 4.5 assists a game that season. Whenever you watch his team play, when the ball is in his hands, it just becomes "lets all clear to the other side of the court and watch Carmelo do isos". Even if a double team comes, he routinely forces his shot as opposed to passing out of the double team. There is never any cohesion to a offense led by Carmelo.

Despite consistently being the second biggest player in size to LeBron at the SF/PF hybrid position. He has never been nothing more than an average rebounder, at best. Since joining the Knicks he has taken a complete disinterest in attacking the offensive glass. The only time he comes up with boards on the defensive side is when the ball literally falls in his lap. When have you ever seen Carmelo make a conscience effort to dominant the boards for just one game?



For years people criticized LeBron for shooting too many threes and jumpers, and said that if he would just go to the post, he would dominate. Which he has this season, putting together a season as efficient as the NBA has ever seen. Yet Carmelo continually flies under the radar when it comes to this criticism. His last full season in Denver he shot 2.5 threes a game. Since joining the Knicks his averages have risen 3.2 in the split season, 3.7 last year, and 6.8 this season (which is third most in the league this season). Carmelo is moving further and further away from the basket. He is a career .335 shooter from distance. He has shot .430 and .447 from the field in his two full seasons in New York. Carmelo will never sniff the .500 FG% bench mark of efficient scorers.

Defensively Carmelo has career averages of 0.5 BPG and 1.1 SPG, very minimal for a player of his stature that averages 36.3 MPG. He has never been in the top half of the league defensively, let alone All-Defensive team caliber that is should be expected of a top five player. He gives up 1.0 points per possession in one on one defensive situations, which is in the bottom 15% of the league. Despite having physical tools that rival any player in the league. He just never puts forth the consistent effort required to be a top tier defender.

Now don't get me wrong Carmelo is still a deserving All Star, due to his 28.6 PPG. He is certainly one of five best scorers in the league, but he isn't one of the five best players in the league. He is too one dimensional of a player to deserve that lofty status. Carmelo will never win a NBA title as the best player on his team. He could accomplish being champion as a team's second best player, but not the best. To me top five NBA player status is reserved for players who could lead their team's consistently deep in the playoffs (Carmelo has only ever advanced to the second round of the playoffs once). Top five status should be reserved for dynamic two way players, not one dimensional scorers. No matter how good that scorer is.

Top 25 player? Sure. Top 5? No Way!

Is the Paterno Family Joking?

So on the first Sunday in six months without football, the national attention still found its way to the sport. To a story that I had thought had finally been locked away in Greene State Prison outside of Harrisburg.

Yet, the Paterno family released its counter to the Freeh Report on Sunday. And if your curious about the theme of the Paterno report the title should give you an idea, "The Rush To Injustice Regarding Joe Paterno".

The main premise of the piece is that Joe Paterno gave his superiors the information regarding Jerry Sandusky in 2001. Thus was absolved of the blame of covering it up and allowing a pedophile another decade of terror. That since he passed the information up the line, then it wasn't his place to do anything about the fact that Sandusky was still around campus and running his own youth organization. That he told his AD of Sandusky's despicable behavior, and that was all that could be expected of Joe Pa in the situation.

Huh? What? Excuse Me?

Is that really what the Paterno family expects of the American public? To accept a line of rational like that? That the NCAA and the national consensus got it wrong when it vilified Joe Paterno?

It just makes me sick that a man that was revered for his qualities of integrity and leadership, could be expected to be absolved of criticism in this case. How does a great leader of men knowingly allow a villain to continue to have access to his football facilities? How does a man of built on moral fiber allow a child molester to continue to run a youth organization? How does any man just sit idly by and think that its ok that Jerry Sandusky was allowed to go on with his life as normal, after ruining a child's life? How?

Rush to injustice of Joe Paterno? Are you kidding me? What about the pathetic lethargic manner in which ten boys were giving justice.

To borrow a line from the great movie Boondock Saints, "Now, we must all fear evil men. But there is another kind of evil we must fear most, and that is indifference of good men."

The Paterno family may be right that Joe didn't participate in the conversation about the cover up, but they fact that he did nothing for TEN YEARS after knowledge of Sandusky's despicable action is why he is rightly ridiculed. That is why Paterno statue no longer deserves to stand. That is why he is no longer allowed his all times wins record. Paterno doesn't deserve to be remembered fondly. And for the Paterno family to feel that we as a society were unjustly harsh on Joe is selfish and asinine.

Joe Paterno isn't despicable because of his actions, it was his inaction.

Today once again I feel horrible for those ten boys. After a two years of news stories, questions and a trial they finally had some peace from it all. Finally there tormentor was behind bars where he should of been ten years prior. They had a little over three months since Sandusky was incarcerated to try move on and mend their broken souls.

Now all their emotions of shame and embarrassment have to drudge up again as the Paterno family makes the rounds of national television telling the American public their husband and father was unjustly vilified. The Paterno family is concerned about the legacy of a dead man. What about the ten boys who were robbed of ever having a normal life? Joe Paterno is just one man. One man who already lived a long life, and somehow I am suppose to feel bad for his name? I feel terrible for the ten boys that will probably never be able to rise to the level of success of Joe Paterno because of what was done. How can the Paterno family with clear consciences campaign for the Joe's credibility back and not think of the ten boys who are now once again forced to relive their nightmares.

Where do they think they are? Who do they think we are?

Karma Exists Just Ask The Cleveland Cavaliers and Kyrie Irving

In the summer of 2010, the city of Cleveland burned to ashes.

At least that is what Cleveland sports fans would lead you to believe.

They would tell you when LeBron made "The Decision" to take his talents to South Beach, he also damned the city to another 50 years of championship purgatory. The city has three professional sports teams in the Indians, Cavaliers and Browns. Yet, has been without a championship parade since 1964.

But karma does exist Cleveland, Kyrie Irving is evidence of that.

The city lost a superstar in the summer of 2010, but Cleveland won the NBA lottery just one summer later. In the NBA featuring perennial losers who lack a true superstar such as the Bucks, Bobcats, Raptors, and Kings the Cavs should consider themselves blessed Kyrie Irving fell into their lap so soon.

In just his second season in the league, he was selected for his first All Star appearance later this month. In his short time in the NBA he has already become one of the five most dynamic guards in the league. Due to his age and ability, he has arguably the highest trade value of any player in the league.

Irving leads all point guards this year with 24.0 PPG, which is also good for sixth in the league. He is in a four way tie for ninth in the league in player efficiency rating with 23.0. His dribble hesitation moves are only rivaled by that of Tony Parker and Chris Paul, pretty good company for a 20 year old kid. He also has hit five buzzer beating game wining shots in his brief time in the league. Showing a poise and calm in the late game pressure moments, a trait only seen in the brightest of superstars at his young age. No more was that evident then his 13 point outburst in the final three minutes in a win over Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder. 

Critics of Irving will point to his 5.4 assists which ranks a dismal 29th among starting point guards, and the fact that his defense can be lackadaisical at times, as reasons to temper the excitement surrounding Kyrie. Yet, his defense will improve as the team improves. Defense is about effort and its hard to be 100% committed at all times on the defensive side of the ball when your team is just 14-34 on the season. Also, the assists are a reflection of the talent surrounding Irving at the moment. The Cavaliers currently don't have another shooter on the level of Irving himself. And while Tristan Thompson and Dion Waiters are both top five draft picks, both are still extremely raw on the offensive side of the ball and are at least a year or two away from being significant scorers in the NBA.

Kyrie Irving is going to make numerous All Star games in his career. He will battle Derrick Rose for the next decade to be first team all NBA at point guard and also win an MVP and just maybe release the city from it's championship purgatory. Hey Cleveland stop feeling sorry for yourselves, you may have lost LeBron but karma does exist, you got Kyrie Irving.

Added 2/16/13: Did you see what he did to Brandon Knight in Fresh/Soph game??? WOW!!!

Mother Runs Off With Son's Letter Of Intent

University of Arkansas commit Alex Collins' mother ran off with his letter of intent today. Most will find this story humorous but it's not. It is a crying shame Collins' mother is putting her son through this ordeal.

She wants her son to stay close to home and attend the University of Miami. Collins attends South Plantation High School in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, which is just an hour north of UM's Coral Gables campus. Every parent worries and fears for their children when the embark on leaving home for the first time. And every parent would prefer to have their children an hour down the road, as opposed to half way across the country.

Still that trepidation, doesn't warrant Collins' mother decision to take his letter of intent. That on her son's biggest day of his life so far, she could only think about her feelings. While her son should be filled with great pride and excitement about the next step in his life. He is going to spend the day consumed in a feelings of shame and embarrassment.

Going to college for the first time is tough enough for 18 year old kid, and that pressure is magnified ten fold when that kid is going to school as a scholarship athlete. So for the mother to pile more pressure and stress on a kid to attend a school he doesn't want to is foolish. The experience of transforming from a young adult to a man is hard enough, to try to do it an environment that is uncomfortable is nearly impossible.

They say mother knows best. And I hope that Alex Collins' mother comes to the realization that what is in her son's heart is more important today then what is in her own.

The Super Bowl, Why the Referees Still Decided The Game

Who's got it better than fans? NOBODY!!!

As the Super Bowl came to a close, fans were treated to another fantastic game where the winner wasn't decided till the final drive.

Two hours prior to the end though, the Ravens looked like they were going to run away with the game and America's excitement. Jacoby Jones opened the second half with a Super Bowl record, 108 yard kick off return to push the score to 28-6. It felt that when he broke the goal line, he also broke the back of the 49ers' championship aspirations. 

Yet, with Beyonce's lip syncing to songs and extravagant production apparently too much for the Super Dome's electrical system to handle. The "black out" provided time to breath. It gave the 49ers' 34 extra minutes to compose themselves, and refocus on making a run at the dream of being a champion.

The 49ers scored 17 points in just over four minutes, and turned the Super Bowl back into the compelling competition we as fans desire and deserve. And with just about four minutes left to go the 49ers trailed by five points and had 80 yards between them and a Super Bowl title.

The 49ers would come up five yards and a no-call on Jimmy Smith for holding away from the Lombardi trophy. The no-call itself isn't the thing that sticks in my side, it's the explanation for the the no-call. That a game as big game as the Super Bowl, shouldn't be decided on a close call by a ref late in the game.

Even though the refs swallowed their whistles on the decided play, doesn't mean that the refs didn't decide the game. The no-call carries just as much weight as a call would. The decision to not blow the whistle is still cloaked in the same amount of doubt as blowing the whistle would.

If the refs decided to "let the players play", then why call pass interference on Chris Culliver on a Ravens incomplete pass on third down? (Culliver's contact on Torrey Smith is no more egregious than Smith's on Crabtree) A drive that would later result in the Ravens final three points of the game. A three points that would force the 49ers to try for a TD on fourth and goal, as apposed to kicking the game tying field goal. Ironically, if the Culliver pass interference is no-called just like the final play. Then there is no need for the Crabtree and Smith controversy. Because the 49ers kick the field goal to tie the game, and either Flacco drives the field for a Ravens win in regulation or the game is decided is the Super Bowl's first overtime game.

It's not the no-call that irritates me. It's the lack of consistency in the calls. Football is famously known as a "game of inches". And in a game of inches, the level of Chris Culliver and Jimmy Smith's transgressions were equal, it's just a shame the calls weren't.

5 NBA Trades That Could Change Contenders and Pretenders

As we approach the NBA trade deadline, there a few players that could be wearing different uniforms in a few weeks. General managers will have to evaluate their rosters and figure out a way to win the NBA Finals. Some teams will be looking for a player that could take them to the Finals this year. Other teams need to take a long hard look in the mirror and transition for the future. So I got to playing with ESPN NBA trade generator and this is what I came up with.


Boston Celtics trade Paul Pierce to Utah Jazz for Al Jefferson
This trade would be ironic, as it was Jefferson being traded to Minnesota for Kevin Garnett that made Boston's "Big Three" and eventual championship possible in the first place. With the news of Jared Sullinger now out for the year along with Rondo, the Celtics need to move toward the future.

Paul Pierce could fill two needs for the Jazz. One being the play maker on the wing the roster currently lacks. Secondly, Pierce would bring the most championship experience into Utah's locker room since Stockton and Malone.

The Celtics would be able to turn a 35 year old Paul Pierce into a 28 year old Al Jefferson. Jefferson could be the low post threat for the Rondo led Celtics for the next four to five years.



Utah Jazz trade Al Jefferson to Milwaukee Bucks for Brandon Jennings  
The Bucks could very well match a near max offer sheet this summer for Brandon Jennings. Making their four highest paid players Jennings, Monta Ellis, Ersan Ilyasova, and Drew Gooden. Does that seem like a championship contender? The clear answer is no, and the Bucks would be best served blowing the roster up and bottoming out. Taking the lead of the Thunder and find a true NBA star in the lottery and build young talent around that star. The Bucks need to find that star, and they won't find him being a middle of the road team as a seventh or eighth seed in the Eastern Conference.

So they should package Jennings with Beno Udrih's expiring deal. Also, make the Jazz take Gooden and the two years and 13 million left on his deal. In exchange for Al Jefferson, Earl Watson's expiring deal, and a first round pick. This would allow the Bucks to let Jefferson walk this summer. Then, Monta Ellis would more than likely then opt out of the last year in his deal to avoid being a one man show. Bucks could then bottom out and hope they find their star in the lottery.

Brandon Jennings would represent the best play making wing player the Jazz have had since Deron Williams. The acquisition of Jennings would improve the Utah's offensive spacing, and team defense. As either Favors or Kanter would be a dramatic improvement over the slow footed Jefferson. Also, Jennings along with Favors, Kanter, and Heyward would be a solid foundation for the Jazz's future.

         

Los Angeles Lakers trade Dwight Howard to Washington Wizards for Bradley Beal
The Lakers blew a 13 point lead in the fourth quarter to the Suns and more than likely blew a shot at the playoffs along with it. Lakers had a 34% of making the playoffs before Suns game, 23% after the loss. With only 36 games left the five games they trail the Jazz might be too large to overcome. If the Lakers don't make the playoffs Howard will surely leave this summer via free agency. So the Lakers should get what they can for him now.

The Wizards despite the promise shown by Bradley Beal can't afford not to take a chance on Dwight Howard. The have never had a player of Dwight ability in their franchise's history. And in a city run by RGIII and the Redskins it might give Dwight breathing room, the kind he lacks from the media scrutiny of playing in LA.

The Lakers would be able to acquire a two lottery talents in Beal and Jan Vesely. Important as seeing they won't have their lottery pick this year due to the Steve Nash trade. Also Emeka Okafor contract comes off the books next year and won't interfere with Jim Buss' plans of making a run at Lebron after 2014.




Los Angeles Lakers trade Dwight Howard to Atlanta Hawks for Al Horford
A popular trade rumor these last few weeks Howard for the Hawk's Al Horford and Kyle Korver. It would return Howard to his hometown of Atlanta, to play alongside long time buddy Josh Smith. The Lakers would be able to turn a disgruntled Howard into Horford a fringe All Star PF and Korver as good a shooter as there is in the NBA. Horford is also in a favorable deal with three years at 12 million per year left on his contract.



Chicago Bulls trade Rip Hamilton To Orlando Magic for JJ Reddick
The Bulls already like JJ Reddick, they signed to the offer sheet that the Magic match three years ago. Bringing in JJ Reddick would give them the elite outside shooter to help the offensive spacing when Derrick Rose returns. All the Bulls would have to give up is Rip Hamilton, bench warmers Nazr Mohammed and Vladamir Radmanovic for cap purposes and a first round pick for the Magic's troubles. The Magic get to turn JJ Reddick, a player they will almost certinitly let walk this summer, into a first round pick.

Super Bowl or Harbowl? Who Wins and Why?

Deer antler spray anyone?

Super Bowl week always brings unexpected stories such as this one, but what were the odds the most talked about story would be about deer antler spray? A billion to one? As the weekend approaches and the players spend their time in hotels and not in front of TV cameras, the attention becomes refocused on the game itself.



The Ravens rode the momentum of Ray Lewis' emotional final season and the big arm of Joe Flacco all the way to New Orleans. The defense has made key halftime adjustments each of their last two games vs. the Broncos and Patriots, that spurred the Ravens to come from behind victories. The offensive line has looked better in the playoffs than it has at any point during the regular season. Joe Flacco has had arguably the greatest three game stretch of his career. Flacco has passed for 853 yards, eight touchdowns, and zero interceptions during these playoffs. Validating his self assessment that he was one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL.

Prior to this season, most people if told the 49ers would make the Super Bowl, would be inclined to think that the 49ers defense would be the main reason for the 49ers Super Bowl appearance. Yet, most people didn't even know Colin Kaepernick existed, let alone be the second biggest star this week next to Ray Lewis. Kaepernick has shown in victories of the Packers and Falcons, why Jim Harbaugh gave him the starting job over Alex Smith who was leading the NFL in completion percentage at the time. Kaepernick provides a game changing quality at the quarterback position that can only be rivaled by Robert Griffin III.



As would be expected when two teams are coached by brothers, they become very similar in approach and identity. The deciding factor in this game will be 49ers offensive line vs the Ravens front seven. If the Ravens give up huge chunks of yardage in the running game like they have this season they will have no shot of beating the 49ers. The 49ers feature the best offensive line the Ravens will have seen this year, sometimes putting six and seven offensive lineman on the field at once. If the Ravens slide eight in the box to stop the run they leave one on one coverage on the outside, coverage that Kaepernick has shown he can shred. The Ravens must pick their poison with these Kaerpenick led 49ers. Problem for the Ravens is both choices are deadly.

Ray Lewis' last ride ends in New Orleans like he planned. It just ends with the 49ers going home with the Lombardi trophy.

THE PICK 49ers (-4) over Ravens: 31-20