Why the Mavs Can't Win the Finals

By Dan Rodgers

My sincerest apologies for the month delay in posts. I had final exams, projects, and moved out of my apartment. This post is going to be about the Dallas Mavericks inability to "win" the NBA Finals.

While some of you may be thinking I'm crazy because Dallas won game two and they are the only team this post-season to win a game at Miami. Also, Dirk Nowitzki outscored the Heat 9-3 in the final three minutes of the game.

These things might lead you to believe Dallas has a very realistic chance of winning the 2010-2011 NBA Finals. I would most definitely agree with you, and I'll go as far as saying that I would much prefer to see Dallas win the series. However, if you noticed above, win is in quotes. This is because no matter what happens in the series, the focus will be on how the Heat performed.

If Miami wins, everyone will remember that the "Big 3" were able to capture a championship in their first season, and who was that team they beat? If Miami loses, everyone will remember that LeBron James blew it once again and what seemed to be a lock to win the finals couldn't prevail. Who beat them though?

Unfortunately for the Mavs, Miami has stolen so much of the spotlight that it is likely they will be the focus no matter the result.

I think Miami will win at least one championship during the time they have D-Wade, LBJ, and Chris Bosh. Hopefully it won't be this season. Enjoy the rest of the series.

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

Wade, Bosh Heating up

By Dan Rodgers

ESPN reported that according to a source with knowledge of the situation, Dwayne Wade will resign with Miami and he will have a new playmate in former Toronto Raptor Chris Bosh.

This move isn't a surprise, or shouldn't be, to anyone. It was fairly anticipated that Wade wanted to resign in Miami with the assumption that the Heat would being in another big name to play along side him.

This will have a fairly large impact on LeBron James' decision because now we now he won't go to Miami and he may not stay in Cleveland. James was lobbying for the Cavs to sign Bosh which could have guaranteed him staying in Cleveland. Now, he may be inclined to head to Chicago or New York.

The Bulls already have a good supporting cast with Rose, Deng and Noah. The Knicks just signed Stoudemire and will give LeBron the Garden if that's what it takes to get him. Should be interesting; tune in tomorrow night to the LeBron James special on ESPN at 9 PM.

Rodgers That

Amar'e to the Big Apple

By Dan Rodgers

Today the Knicks agreed, in principle, with Amar'e Stoudemire to a five-year deal worth just under $100 million. The deal reunites the ex-Phoenix Sun with former coach, Mike D'Antoni. However, I'm not quite sure it puts the Knicks any further ahead of where they started before the free agency period.

PF/C David Lee is a free agent and they just signed a player older than him at the same position. If the Knicks can't resign Lee and also get LeBron/Wade, they might be scratching their head. New York did make sure that this would not impede their ability to go after Dwayne Wade or LeBron James in terms of . They are obviously looking for another big name player to fill-in the void.

Personally, I think Bosh is leaning towards teaming up with Wade in Miami. LeBron is probably going to want to go to Chicago if he doesn't resign with Cleveland.

I'm curious to see what the Knicks plan to do because they have a lot of old shooting guards and Gallinari/Chandler at SF...should be an interesting summer.

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