Reppin' 716

By Dan Rodgers

The New York Knicks have been busy in this brief time since the agreement of the new CBA. They pulled a deal with the defending champion Dallas Mavericks to get Tyson Chandler. One new clause in the CBA is called the "Amnesty Clause." Over the length of the deal (10 years), every team can cut one player without any of the usual financial repercussions to the salary cap, etc. The Knicks already used their amnesty on point guard Chauncey Billups (who has since been claimed by the Los Angeles Clippers). Billups was due over $14 million this season.

The New Orleans Hornets have been attempting to deal Chris Paul to any Los Angeles team, but the league (David Stern) apparently doesn't want Paul to go to L.A. There have been rumors linking Paul to the Knicks but nothing as of recent.

The Knicks made another temporary fix by signing Mike Bibby, who will likely split time with Toney Douglas. Second-year shooting guard Landry Fields will try to build off of successful first half last season, and the Knicks brought in more youth at guard by drafting former Georgia Tech shooting guard Iman Shumpert.

Of course, all of these signings are to complement superstars Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire. If you haven't gotten the title yet: Melo is No. 7, Amar'e is No. 1 and TC is No. 6.

The Knicks made the playoffs last season but were swept by the Celtics. Now, with a revamped frontcourt, and a good mix of youth and experience at guard, the Knicks are hoping to battle it out with the Heat, Celtics, and Bulls to represent the Eastern Conference. The Hawks usually compete but they just aren't good enough. However, if the soon-to-be Brooklyn Nets keep Deron Williams and can workout a deal for Dwight Howard, they will more than likely contend.

It should be a crazy 66-game season, and I can't wait.

Rodgers That

NBA trades shake up league

By Dan Rodgers

A few notable trades, other than Melo to the Knicks, took place before the deadline. The most notable of those other trades was probably former-Jazz PG Deron Williams being traded to the New Jersey Nets. In return, the Jazz received PG Devin Harris, rookie forward Derrick Favors, a 2011 first-round pick, a 2012 first-round pick (via Golden State) and cash considerations.

I think the Jazz absolutely destroyed in this trade. The Nets needed a star because they didn't win the Melo sweepstakes so they settled for Williams. The Jazz were smart enough to realize that Williams probably wouldn't have re-signed with them when his contract is up in 2012.

Devin Harris is a solid guard and Favors is a rookie so it can't hurt to take a chance on him. The draft picks are always good to pile up because you have to replenish the talent pool and there is nothing wrong with cash.

Other trades include Charlotte sending Gerald Wallace to the Blazers for bench players and draft picks. Boston also sent Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson to Oklahoma City for Jeff Green, Nenad Krstis and a draft pick.

Melo and Deron Williams were the high-profile players to change teams but players like Harris, Wallace and Perkins can be important to a teams success. We'll see how much of an impact they have on their teams since all are playoff bound.

Rodgers That

Around the league

By Dan Rodgers

Today was a good day for a sports fan:

• NHL all-star game, Team Lidstrom 11 Team Staal 10
• NFL Pro Bowl game, NFC 55 AFC 41
• St. John's 93 Duke 78
• Heat 108 Thunder 103
• Celtics 109 Lakers 96

As you can tell (above), there were a ton of points (or goals) scored today. I don't really have much to say about the NHL game because I think the captains drafting their teams is a complete joke and the league not taking the game seriously.

I thought the AFC was gonna win the Pro Bowl but it's a game where the players just go through the motions and have fun. St. John's shocked me and the rest of the world by completely owning Duke the entire game. The Big East is ridiculous.

The Heat edged the Thunder is a great game. Kevin Durant looked great as usual but it wasn't enough to get past Wade/LeBron/Bosh.

Kobe is amazingly normal I guess. 16-29 for 42 points. However, he was basically the only offense for the Lakers as Pierce, Allen, Rondo and Garnett were all in double figures for the Celts.

THIS JUST IN:

http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=310130019

Go to that site and look at Gilbert Arenas' line. He DNP (Did Not Play) for his apparent 'Left Knee CONFUSION'.

They will probably change this as soon as they notice, but I love when things like this get messed up. It's probably from a semester in a news editing class.

Rodgers That

New vs. Old, NBA tips off

By Dan Rodgers

Tonight the NBA season goes underway as the Miami Heat take on the Boston Celtics. This is an obvious case of new vs. old. The Celtics started the "big 3" trend by adding Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to go along with Paul Pierce. They won a championship.

The Heat are now following suit by bringing LeBron James and Chris Bosh (on my fantasy team) to D-Wade County.

I think that the Heat lack depth. That's kind of an obvious statement, but in this case it goes to the extreme. Miami is weak at center because Bosh wants to play forward. They have Joel Anthony and Big Z. Kansas savior Mario Chalmers looks to be the starting point guard, but if the Heat choose to run a big lineup, Wade can start at the point.

Boston signed Jermaine and Shaq O'Neal (not related). That should allow KG to dominate at forward and give both big men a much needed rest throughout the game. Rajon Rondo (on my fantasy team) is coming into his own and should be a force at the point this season.

I like Boston to take this one from Miami due to their depth and team chemistry. D-Wade missed nearly the entire preseason and the Heat lack what the Celtics have. While the Heat will bully the bad teams just because they're better, it will be tough against top conference opponents. They could get off to a slow start. We'll see.

My Prediction: Celtics (+3) 91 Heat 90

Rodgers That

Lakers are champs

The L.A. Lakers embarrassed the Boston Celtics in one of the ugliest basketball games I've ever seen. I'm glad the Lakers won, but it was just terrible basketball. I'm not even sure I want to continue this...just glad L.A. won and Kobe is MVP.

Nothing greater than a game seven

By Dan Rodgers

So, I was wrong about the end of the Lakers game on Tuesday night. I said L.A. would win by 9-14 points...they won by 22 points. Haha...nothing really to say about that.

I am 100 percent convinced that the Lakers will once again dominate on their home court; probably not to the extent of a 22 point victory though. I see the Lakers flirting with a double digit victory and depending if Boston decides to hit a couple last second three-pointers.

Kobe is almost a lock to win MVP, and a Lakers win will obviously cement that. He will also be only one championship away from MJ which would further the talk about who is the greatest of all time. However, that talk is for after the Lakers win tonight.

L.A. X-factor: Lamar Odom - Odom either shows up and adds to the Lakers success, or he doesn't show up and he is a primary factor for the Lakers struggles. He is a big player that can shoot from the outside, so any contribution he can make will be a big help to Kobe and the Lakers.
Boston X-factor: Big Baby (Glen) Davis/Rasheed Wallace - This combo is filling in for the injured Kendrick Perkins. Perkins was a big reason for Boston's rebounding success, and struggled in game six without him. Look for this duo to split time and play a deciding factor in the outcome of the game.

Predictions:

Rodgers - Lakers 91 Celtics 82

Leatherworld - Lakers 88 Celtics 80

Rodgers That

Kobe politely declines a game six loss

By Dan Rodgers

I wish I would have gotten this post out before the game started, so you could have heard me say that I would bet my house on the Lakers to cover the 6.5 spread... if I were a betting man that is.

If it's any consolation I talked to my friends about it?

Regardless, I'm pretty sure the whole world knew the Lakers wouldn't lay down in game six at home. Kobe put on a very impressive first half performance, but he got a ton of help from his teammates.

Kobe - 6/12 FG 15 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals

Artest - 4/8 FG 10 points, 2 rebounds, 1 block

Gasol - 3/6 FG 7 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks

My favorite Uncle Ray is the only Celtic to do anything impressive in the first half (13 points). Unfortunately for the Celtics, Kendrick Perkins injured his knee in the beginning of the first quarter and will not return.

Look for Boston to have a better second half (couldn't be any worse I guess), but don't expect the Lakers to give in. However, one thing that might be a problem for L.A. is the fact that Derek Fisher just picked up his fourth foul at the start of the third quarter.

Watch for the Lakers to win from 9-14 points, and for Gasol and Kobe to each put up double digit points and rebounds. Also, the Celtics will probably have a poor 3pt shooting percentage because they will force them and Uncle Ray has been struggling.

Can't wait for game seven, go Lakers!

Rodgers That

(Not so) rapid reactions

By Dr. Jekyll

Apologies for the hiatus, but when life gives you Stanley cup and NBA finals and a world cup, sometimes forget to share opinions. With that being said, here are some (not so) rapid reactions to the past few weeks in sports:

The Los Angeles Lakers remind me that every sport constantly needs a bad guy. I’m not an NBA fan by any stretch of the imagination, but I tune in to watch them lose… Andrew Bynum makes me feel like a failure at life for doing what he does at my age. Originally, I ate cake while watching the game for enjoyment, now it’s eating feelings…

Strasmus came early this year in DC, as the resurrection of the franchise is in the hands of ohmygodthiskidcanpitch… For how awful it is that Baltimore has more opponent fans in the stadium than O’s fans, it really makes me more likely to make the trip up to “Fenway South” a few times each year… MASN2 had coverage of the Strasburg start, MASN covered the O’s vs. Yankees. That’s like having the Super Bowl on ESPN2 and the “Puppy Bowl” on ESPN…

I really hate Chris Pronger, and Duncan Keith was robbed of a playoff MVP trophy in the only sport where the playoff MVP trophy is just about pointless…

I watch soccer games on mute, thank you vuvuzela. Also, ESPN should have Spanish announcers do the World Cup as well; they’re much more active…

Speaking of active, Rajon Rondo is the reason the Celtics will win this NBA finals, as opposed to ’08 where they won in spite of him…Kobe Bryant is still “the next Michael Jordan”. No knock on LeBron, but when Kobe takes over, it’s a beautiful thing to watch…

Everyone throwing no-hitters every week is getting annoying. Want to make an anniversary less special? Have one every other day. See what I mean…?

Soccer won’t make it big in the states for one reason: that all of our best athletes play football or basketball. And the moment they’re good enough to play at an international level for soccer, they’re shipped to England (not that I particularly care)…

The realignment of the conferences will be the death of age old rivalries, but will eventually lead to the playoff system over the BCS that we all desperately want…USC is doomed, Lane Kiffin will miss Oakland, if such a thing is possible…

Tied at two, the pressure builds

By Dan Rodgers

Today I worked outside, in the 90+ degree heat...and the NBA Finals are on tonight? It has never made sense to me why basketball is still being played in the summer, but I don't make the rules.

The Lakers and Celtics have alternated wins so far this series, L.A. winning games one and three and Boston taking two and four. The series stays in Boston for game five (currently in progress: L.A. - 22 Boston - 30 Q2), and then heads back to Los Angeles for the final two games.

This has been a fairly heated series between the NBA's two most historic franchises; however, the smallest margin of victory for either team has been seven. That is definitely surprising if you ask me. Many people thought the series was definitely in Boston's favor once they took a game in L.A., but the Lakers answered right back winning the first game in Boston.

I think game five is a must win for Boston because even though they already won one game in L.A. I don't think they can.

*Ron Artest just kind of hard foul on KG. Rondo nudged Artest who then flopped onto the ground to draw a technical foul. Smart play by Artest even though he looked stupid flopping. The announcers said it best, "That's a 112-pound guy (Rondo) putting his hand on a 280-pound guy (Artest)...he couldn't even pick him up if he tried!"

You've got to love that. L.A. battled back to take a one point lead, but then Pierce hit a three followed by a tip in by Gasol (he was fighting for a board and tipped it in for Boston) to give the Celtics a 41-37 lead with 2:42 left in the second.

This is just a quick shoutout to my boys from the U.S.A. who are fighting in South Africa in the FIFA World Cup. I'm not a soccer fan by any means, but I will always root for the the U.S. no matter the "sport".

World Cup: U.S.A. vs. Slovenia Friday 9:30 am

NBA Finals: Boston @ L.A. Tuesday 9:00 pm

**Game seven: Boston @ L.A. Thursday Thursday 9:00 pm

**If necessary

Game five update: Celtics 45 Lakers 39 HALF

Rodgers That

NBA Finals, just as I suspected

By Dan Rodgers

I told you so. Kobe is so far beyond anyone it amazes me. Well, maybe not considering it is something I am getting used to seeing. I'm writing this post during game two, so I'll include parts of that as well.

Let us keep track during the post. I'm starting and it's Lakers 21 Celtics 20.

Game one went exactly how I suspected Kobe owned; and Pau Gasol showed that he can play with the big boys (i.e. Garnett). Like I said in the previous post, the Lakers x-factor Gasol, would be the key to the Lakers dominating in the paint on both sides of the ball. He had 23 points and 14 rebounds, eight of them on the offensive end. He also added three blocks while managing to stay out of foul trouble.

Kobe added another 30-point performance, which he achieved on a three-pointer with three seconds left in the game. Kind of funny but understandable because the shot clock expired so he had to take a shot.

The Celtics shot a measely 1-10 from three-point land and got out rebounded by 11. Paul Pierce had a respectable game with 24 points and nine rebounds. No one else on the Celtics had a notable game. I know what you're thinking, not even Rajon Rondo did (13 pts 8 assists).

Update: Lakers 22 Celtics 29 End Q1

As for my other x-factor, clearly since above I said Kobe had 30, they didn't do their job. So, we'll see if anyone can do a better job covering number 24 tonight. I don't think they will, but hey...what do I know?

Rodgers That

Celtics @ Lakers...Need I Say More?

By Dan Rodgers

I know you're probably upset that no one wrote anything about the worst call in sports history last night, but I'm sure Dr. Jekyll will include it in his segment of Rounding the bases.

This is a quickie as I am going to see Get Him to the Greek. (Don't worry, it's free)

Game One:

Celtics @ Lakers 9:00 PM on ABC

This is a ridiculous rematch of the greatest player of my era (Kobe) against a franchise that owns the Lakers in the finals (Celtics hold 9-2 edge).

I don't think it will matter because Kobe is a hoss and wants payback after losing in 2008. I will review this game and go into more depth before game two. Enjoy watching Kobe, KG, and Uncle Ray.

L.A. X-Factor: Pau Gasol

Boston X-Factor: Whoever defends Kobe

All I know is that if I were a gambling man, I'd bet on the Lakers...

Rodgers That

A Memorable Memorial Day Weekend

By Dan Rodgers

This weekend there have been all kinds of exciting things happening in the NHL, NBA, and MLB. We'll start with hockey and work our way down the list.

NHL:

The Stanley Cup series is underway as the Chicago Blackhawks return to the Cup finals for the first time since '91-'92 and look for their first Stanley Cup championship in franchise history. The Flyers return to the Cup finals for the first time since '96-'97 and look for their first championship since '73-'74.

The Flyers have been a big surprise as they first upset the number two-seeded New Jersey Devils four games to one. Then, shocked everyone again and made history by coming down from being down three games to none against the Bruins and winning the series. The Flyers then only needed six games to cool down the very hot eight-seeded Montreal Canadiens in order to advance to the Cup.

The Blackhawks have been on fire and have just cruised through the playoffs as they have improved each series. They won the first series in six games, the second in five, before sweeping the number one-seeded Sharks. Game one took place on Saturday night and it was a fun one for the fans as it was full of offense. The Blackhawks gave the home team fans something to cheer about as they kept pace with the Flyers and won the always important game one 6-5.

NBA:

On Friday night, which is the weekend in my book, the Boston Celtics unfortunately closed out their series against the second-seeded Orlando Magic. The Celtics won the first three games before dropping the following two. They definitely didn't want to be the second Boston team in the past month to blow a three games to none lead so they just went ahead and won game six. They now advance to their second NBA Finals appearance in three years.

On Saturday night, which is most obviously the weekend, the L.A. Lakers went into Phoenix and beat the Suns with yet another 30+ point performance by Kobe Bryant. The L.A. Lakers advance to their third consecutive finals appearance and for a chance to defend their title. We will be witnessing a rematch of the 2008 NBA Finals when the Celtics defeated the Lakers in six games.

This Finals should be even better than 2008 as Kobe has been on a 30-point tear this post-season and is as hungry as ever for another ring. I have been watching more basketball than usual because I find the things Kobe does to be absolutely ridiculous. The guy makes some of the most amazing shots I've ever seen; ones LeBron couldn't make if he had 10 chances. Kobe is clearly the best basketball player of our era, and so far above LeBron it doesn't even seem fair. I understand they play different positions and I don't want to get into this right now, but Kobe is such a better offensive player and is a solid defender. He will win NBA Finals MVP...

MLB:

Ah, baseball...my first love. I know that most people don't give baseball any credit, but the people from Philadelphia got to see something very special on Saturday. Personally, I don't think they deserve it considering they way they have acted this season and in previous seasons.

Okay, I have beat around the bush long enough...if you didn't catch any ESPN this weekend, you didn't hear that Doc Halladay threw a perfect game against the Florida Marlins. That's right...absolute perfection (sounds like a good name for a brand of vodka). For me, there is no prettier thing in baseball...I mean just the sound of it...PERFECTION. It is impossible to acheive anything close in any other sport. A shutout in hockey? 20/20 in save chances...impressive but nothing out of the ordinary. Shooting 10/10 from the field in a basketball game...damn impressive, but still nothing too special. A perfect 158.3 QB rating in football...not too likely but still...just doesn't sound as good.

The reason I say that Phillies fans might not deserve it is because they have acted as bad this year as any other year. It is unbelieveable how they act, just click the link above. For them to behave the way they do, and then have the pleasure of watching a perfect game doesn't seem fair. I will speak for Yankee Nation, our fans might be obnoxious but we certainly don't act that bad. In fact, I will go as far as to lightly speak for Red Sox fans, or the few I know at least...

Not to mention, they have the pleasure of being graced by one of the greatest pitchers of our era... Harry Leroy Halladay III. Doc, as many call him, has been incredibly dominant this season...nothing out of the norm for him. The guy definitely deserves it more than anybody I can remember. He has owned the Yankees for as long as I can remember, formerly being a member of the Blue Jays, and I was more than overjoyed for him the leave not only my division but the American League all together. Regardless...this guy is incredible, a Hall of Famer if he retired tomorrow, and a classy guy. I hate him because he's so good but you've got to love him.

Rodgers That

Magic fight back, Lakers stumble back to L.A.

By Dan Rodgers

The Orlando Magic have made the Eastern Conference finals a bit more interesting now that they've won two in a row. The series heads back to Boston with the Celtics looking to close out the series up three games to two. The Magic seemed to have found their way offensively, after struggling in the first three games and only breaking 90 points just once. They have since scored 96 points in their game four win and exploded last night with 113 points in their game five win.

I don't really have much to say until the Magic win game six. However, I do want to bring to everyone's attention that we in the sports world have already experienced a historic 3-0 comeback involving a Boston team. As a New York fan, it would be sweet revenge to witness two Boston collapses in one year. All that would make it even better, is if the Red Sox participated in it as well in October.

Boston/Orlando Game 6: Tomorrow

Okay, now on to the Western Conference finals. The Lakers seemed to dominate to the first two games, winning by 21 points in the first and 12 points in the second. However, the Suns have recorded back-to-back nine point victories to tie the series at two games apiece. The series heads back to L.A. and the Lakers all of the sudden don't seem to have an answer for Amar'e Stoudemire. Pau Gasol seems to be way too soft to take care of Amar'e, and since Andrew Bynum is still not 100% it should be interesting to see what the Lakers try to do to neutralize Stoudemire.

L.A./Phoenix Game 5: Tonight

Rodgers That

The King of where?

By Dan Rodgers

This is just an introductory post to what is going to happen this summer. What many are saying is the most impressive free agent class in NBA history.

The Cleveland Cavaliers lost last night in the conference semi-finals to the Boston Celtics. That means that LeBron James, along with the rest of the Cavs player's, season is over. Which means that in a month and a half, LBJ will become a free agent along with players: Ray Allen, Joe Johnson, D-Wade, and Chris Bosh to name a few.

Now, since this is an intro post, all I'm going to say is that by rule the Cavaliers can only offer a maximum deal of six years worth around $125 million. Any other team is only allowed to go as high as five years worth around $95 million. So the Cavs to have the edge, or do they?

Other teams mentioned to be interested are the Knicks, Bulls, Nets, and Clippers. All of those teams have some reason that would be good for LBJ, but we are just going to leave it at that for now. Check back later in the summer for more on this historic free agent class.

Rodgers That

Upset...Saturday?

By Dan Rodgers

This Saturday was just absolutely filled with upsets...and I'm not just talking about one sport.

NCAAB:

(1) Kansas 77 - 85 Oklahoma State
(2) Kentucky 65 - 74 (17) Tennessee
(11) BYU 81 - 83 (12) New Mexico
(13) Georgetown 64 - 78 Notre Dame
(21) Texas 58 - 74 (23) Texas A&M

NBA:

Celtics 96 - 104 Nets
Heat 71 - 94 Bucks
Bulls 90 - 100 Pacers

Just thought I would comment because there was a ton of upsets today and I love them. Even though I am a big Kansas supporter...I like to see parody in sports so people will stop thinking that games are rigged or officials are paid off etc...

Rodgers That

Miami Heat (4-1) at Washington Wizards (2-3)

By Dan Rodgers

It is a Wednesday night in early November and the Washington Wizards are hoping for a better season than last (19-63). Gilbert Arenas is back and healthy; however, the Wizards can’t help but get bit by the injury bug as Antawn Jamison is out for the first 10 or so games of the season. Andray Blatche is one of the temporary replacements. While Jamison is clearly the better offensive player, Blatche brings a strong defensive presence to the floor that the Wizards lack with Jamison in the lineup. Blatche is receiving starter’s minutes with Jamison out and does have some potential on the offensive side of the ball. He averages 16.0 points-per-game, setting his career high on Halloween against New Jersey putting up 30 points in a 19 point Wizards victory.

Now that we have a bit of background on the Wizards we’ll talk about the Heat game. Upon Mike and mine’s arrival in D.C. we get to out seats about 15 minutes before game time. A girl and her camera man approach us and ask to put us on the JumboTron before the game. Obviously we agree and at the conclusion of the interview the girl offers us FLOOR SEATS! Unreal, yes I know. However, after we get down to the floor with a bunch of fans cheering for us, we are lead to our seats which are located in the 100-level section. Unfortunate, yes I am aware. Well, 100-level seats are good enough and we were damn close to the action.

The Wiz got off to an extremely slow start and the Heat most definitely capitalized. Miami was up 27-8 with 3:30 left in the first quarter, but the Wizards were able to cut the 19 Miami lead to 14 at the end of the first. The second quarter was all about Washington climbing back from the early deficit. Washington showed some signs of life as the cut the lead to nine and trail by single digits at the half. The Wizards owned the third quarter as they rallied behind Arenas’ 11 points in the quarter. Somehow, the Wizards started playing defense and outscored the Heat by nine in the quarter to tie the game going into the forth.

Even though Washington showed a lot of heart coming from a large first quarter deficit, the story of this game was Dwayne Wade and not capitalizing on Miami’s mistakes. The crucial momentum shift in this game was actually with :44 remaining in the game. It was tied at 89-89 and Stevenson steals the ball and drives to the hoop. He is unable to convert but does draw a foul. He missed both free throws and then Wade went right down the court to hit the go-ahead jumper with 24.9 seconds to go. Washington is unable to tie the game on their opportunity and has to foul. That was all she wrote as Miami stole one on the road, 93-89.

Washington Stat Line:

Arenas: 32 points, 3 assists

Haywood: 16 points, 11 rebounds

Butler: 13 points, 10 rebounds

Miami Stat Line:

Wade: 40 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds

Richardson: 19 points, 9 rebounds

Haslem: 13 points, 7 rebounds

The Wizards have no chance at the playoffs this season, especially considering Mike Miller went down with a shoulder injury in the fourth quarter, if they can’t consistently produce points. Arenas can’t be the whole offense and the team is lacking in the assist department (15). This team better get their act together if they want to fight in an Eastern Conference that lacks in quality depth once you get past the big three (Orlando, Boston, Cleveland). Best of luck to them. Who knows, maybe the Wiz can get through this season without a devastating injury, oh wait, Jamison and Miller. My bad.

Rodgers That