LeBron in the Twitter Universe

In case you've been under a log, PHSports is on Twitter.
Worry not, we're not in it for followers (clearly). Instead, it's a place to rant and rave and react to this ever-expanding medium.

Of course, the LeBron story (now somehow titled, "The Decision") has officially trumped anything else in the sporting world as of late.

Peak-a-boo! I'm going to...Miami. To dilute my brand and always be #2 in Wade County.
Credit: DrewLiftTV

Here are a few twitter highlights (aka "top tweets) you may have missed in the last 24 hours...

The Tweet That May Have Said it ALL:
Chris_Broussard Sources with knowledge of the situation indeed saying LeBron will join Wade and Bosh in Miami, barring a late change of heart

Funniest Tweet:
WaterWarren BREAKING NEWS! #Apple is releasing a special edition Lebron James iPhone. Problem is, it only vibrates b/c it doesn't have a RING.

More Desperate for Attention that even Tweeting can HELP:
chrisbosh Good morning. Waking up to more speculation. This makes tonight's show more interesting.

Seeking More and More Attention Tweet:
KingJames Good Morning! It's your chance to ask me a question about my decision, use #lebrondecision to submit and I'll answer them tonight.

Sense from the Seemingly Senseless Tweets:
OGOchoCinco I dont even know why the **** i am talking i dont have no d@mn rings myself,i am doing the best i can with the cards i was dealt #BENGALS

OGOchoCinco nickname is #KingJames, Kings lead with the help of an army (supporting cast on team) a lead dog doesn't join supastars to make it easy

OGOchoCinco Kobe-Magic-Jordan-Bird all created legacies on their own teams, they didn't join together to make winning a ring easy #Lebronwilldodasame

Average New York Fans Giving Up Tweets:
BrandonTierney when LBJ says "Miami" tonight, I will officially pray for a lifetime of 4th Q "back-rims" and "short" for the duration of his playoff life

NYSportzNut @KingJames if you sign with Miami tonight - you will forever become Scottie Pippen to Dwayne Wade's Jordan. Your (cont) http://tl.gd/2ci1bb

AnthonyMSG Can't he find a Boys and Girls club in Florida!

Brnyd15 @AnthonyMSG Lebron to Miami I guess. If true, I want us to be the 8th seed and them the #1 in the playoffs. The irony....

New Yorkers trying to Hold On:
knicksbuzztap Bleacher Report >> The King James Saga: Believe None Of What You See; Half Of What You Hear http://buzztap.com/-7APLbU

AnthonyMSG If LeBron comes into our backyard and says he's going to play For The Heat!!!!! Come on!!!

Living on a 3am Prayer Tweet:
jadande Part of me thinks LeBron's camp is just floating this Miami thing to gauge the reaction. And what I've seen has not been positive.

Ramblings of an Idiot Tweets:

PHSports Peak-a-boo. http://tiny.cc/lbjcry I'm going to...Miami. To dilute my brand and always be #2 in Miami-Wade County. Call him Prince Harry. #2.

PHSports @AnthonyMSG His "circle" hadn't let anything slip - to this degree potentially - until now. So why now? Seems somewhat likely it's a decoy. 10 minutes ago via web
PHSports @AnthonyMSG I guess the "hope" in Cleveland and NYC is that LeBron had one of his inner circle put out the Miami rumor to distract people.

Scenarios Galore

Do I keep any dignity if I beg???
Credit: TonySports

LeBron James is making his announcement on Thursday at 9pm on ESPN.
He's even selling advertisements (for charity, admittedly) for the hour potentially.
Wow. An entire hour. Ego, much?

Question is (okay, question #14 on my list), how long do they (James & ESPN's producers) draw it out? (over/under 9.5 minutes.)
How many people see their blood pressure spike by 150% in the opening 15 minutes?

So is that an hour focused on new beginnings (perhaps a conference call with Amar'e???) in New York or staying in Cleveland (can he bribe Bosh with extra $$$ or an endorsement???).

Man, how sappy could that be (Cleveland for an hour)???
Or how sweet (New York for a lifetime)!?!?!?

Seriously, why is this guy getting so much love right now? I may take Amar'e AND Boozer over him. Seriously.
Credit: Umbrohi

In the end, I think it's down to these two teams (NY & Cleveland, of course). I may be WAAAAY off, by I just can't see how LeBron is going to Chicago (w/ Bosh) any longer. Too many cooks in the Chicago stew. He isn't going to Miami with Wade and Bosh either. That money won't work one way or another. Not enough (basket)balls in Miami, either. Of course, if they (i.e. Bosh & Wade) showed up on-screen a mere 20 seconds after James opened his "press conference"...the world may stop spinning on its axis.

I would call for Miami to be removed from the Union, by the way.

I could speculate on and on and on (and on...), but following my Twitter feed is more fun.
And if you're a Knicks fan, this is a MANDATORY viewing every 6 1/2 minutes (or less, if you wish).

So instead of pulling out what little hair I CHOOSE to have left, I'm going hold tight to anything Knicks I can find (might be tough in this apartment in the 8-0-4) and hold out hope.

Funny thing is, I'll be in a car en route to Atlantic City this weekend when the announcement drops. I'll expect text messages and have several twitter feeds ready to update my phone (sad, right?).

All I know is, I'm currently doing something I didn't expect to do.
I'm allowing myself to have hope.
For better or worse.

New York...it's a hell of a town.

Saturday Night Live: NBA Free Agency Tweeting

If you aren't tweeting yet, this week was the week to be introduced to it. Sure, Chris Bosh needs a little more attention than your average MTV Jersey Shore cast member; however, it's fascinating to see the myriad of opinions - from the "experts" to the fan-fueled blogs - that have been absolutely flooding the web since July 1st (and obviously beforehand).

There hasn't been this much hype about a class since these kids took over Bayside back in '93.
Credit: 123People

Which got me to thinking, in between tweets of my own, about a few things, as we approach July 5th (which I consider to be the informal D-Day of the Summer of 2010):

1) Rudy Gay should be a Houston Rocket. Did you know that? Houston balked on keeping Gay, the 8th overall pick, and instead dealt him for Shane Battier (and picked up Stromile Swift's bad contract). It's true. While Houston has plenty of talent on its roster, isn't Gay everything they've been looking for the past few offseasons and trade deadlines? I hated that deal then and I still hate it now.

Think he's a future #1? Think again. A 1B? Think again. A solid #2. Okay, now I'm listening.
Credit: EpicMess

2) Chris Bosh wants to get paid first and foremost. So does Joe Johnson. You can't blame either for that. Neither has a sniff of the stature of a LeBron, Wade, or even a Boozer (yeah, I said it). Nevertheless, I think Johnson (who once said: "I'm playing for whomever pays Joe Johnson the most money") is a little more likely to forgo a few bucks (just a few, mind you) for a winning situation (i.e. being one of the 3 pieces to a free agent pie). Then again, neither guy is a #1 and neither deserves anything close to #1 money. Even you, Mr. Bosh...max contract or not.

3) I like (SARCASM!) how ridiculously confident the Miami-media and reports from Dwayne Wade (from everyone who wasn't Dwayne Wade) have been the past week. While I think Wade is staying in South Beach, wouldn't it be fun - especially as a Knick fan - to see them left totally empty handed? I think so.

Think he's going somewhere unexpectedly? Think again.
Credit: BettorsEdge

4) Carmelo Anthony (aka "my boy") isn't going anywhere. Not this summer, at least. Denver isn't going to trade him. They can blow everything up, and still will keep their centerpiece. Last night, I was trying to think of who'd I'd take over Melo right now to start up my franchise. The list is short, you know. Kobe, LeBron, Wade, Durant, and ???. To be honest, the list probably ends there. I just can't elevate CP3, Deron Williams, or any current young PG over Melo. Dwight Howard vs. Melo is an interesting study. One that likely deserves some debate. Or perhaps a poll question...

5) By the way, if you asked me a gunpoint who I would rather the Knicks have on their roster next season: LeBron or Carmelo...I'd have a tough time battling my head over my heart on that debate.

6) The NBA will have a work stoppage in 2011. It will likely cost them an entire season or a MAJOR chunk of it. Ditto for the NFL. Memo to baseball: use this to your advantage. If you speed up the game (big time), add a sophisticated replay system, and promote young talent properly (i.e. Strasburg and Heyward)...progress shall be made in recapturing the hearts of America. More than just Yanks and Sox-love, too.

Here is where I would LIKE to see the major free agents go (within the realm of reality):
Knicks sign LeBron, Amar'e, and trade David Lee (sign-and-trade) for Tony Parker.
Hawks retain Joe Johnson (and pay his ridiculous contract).
Heat re-sign Wade and pull a sign-and-trade for Chris Bosh. Beasley won't like Toronto, by the way.
Chicago signs Carlos Boozer and Mike Miller.
We all know already about Pierce, Dirk, and Gay staying put. Sorry Cleveland.

Here is what I think WILL happen.
Cleveland retains LeBron James. They sign Mike Miller, too. That's it, for now. Seriously.
Houston pulls off the sign-and-trade for Chris Bosh.
Knicks sign Amar'e and overpay Ray Allen for a 3-year deal.
Hawks keep Joe Johnson (and pay his ridiculous contract).
Heat keep Wade and sign Carlos Boozer. Wade regrets re-signing within 48 minutes, not hours.
Chicago has a MUCH quieter off-season than you think and starts developing packages for Carmelo in 2011.
David Lee takes too much money in Minnesota.
Al Jefferson gets dealt to Dallas for Dampier's expiring contract and Caron Butler.

Regardless of what happens , I'm taking LA to 3-peat (shudder) in 2011. Same old, same old.

InClement Weather: Frogurt!!!

Buyer beware in any free agent market. With a potentially uncapped 2010 and threats like, "If the players don't have a salary cap, they'll never give it (i.e. accept one) back again", it doesn't take a genius to realize a labor crisis is coming.

Seriously people. We may not have the NFL for an entire season in 2011. It might get that bad. Does Roger Goodell seem like somebody who will "back off" or submit to "peer pressure".

Not so much.

Nevertheless, I want to take an e-e-e-early look at some of the key free agents of the upcoming offseason.

Instead of savvy analysis, I want a hilariously memorable Simpsons clip, a picture of the player, and a simple statement. Okay, truth be told: I want YOU to react. Somebody!?!? Anybody!?!?

Brandon Marshall [WR, Denver]

Any chance the nickname "BM" sticks for #15?
Credit: NFLBlitzNews.com

One Liner: BM is more dangerous than a cup of frogurt, there is far more value and a lot less volatile-for-the-buck out there. (See: Vincent Jackson, Steve Breaston, & Kevin Walter)

InClement Weather: What (Good) Money Can Buy

Fresh off of some actual writing last week, I’ve decided to close out this week with a little more. Lucky you, right?

Instead of comparing contracts (both good and bad), I’ve decided to analyze four current NFL players, in contract years, that may garner quite a bit of interest next offseason (assuming they don’t re-up beforehand).

Let’s see if you can identify the player in question.

If not, highlight the box after their position to find out who they are. Cheater.

Player #1: The Quarterback [Chad Pennington]

In 2008, he led his team – in his first season with the team – to an 11-5 mark. He remained healthy throughout the season and had 19 TDs to only 7 INTs. He is incredibly accurate, highly rated, and had, by far, his worst game of the season in a playoff home opener. So there’s that. In the game, he was sacked 3 times, threw 4 picks, and had a fumble as well (with only 1 touchdown pass).

He’s 33, entering his 10^th season, and you have a young 2^nd-round pick waiting in the wings. But is he someone that excites you, your team, and your fans? Not yet, at least. Oddly enough, he was named the “starter in waiting” early last season, which just happened to coincide with the end of this current quarterback’s contract.

Given your current starter’s knowledge of your division, poise in the pocket, and incredibly successful ’09 campaign…are you willing to severe ties after this season, regardless of its outcome??? Note: The schedule is BRUTAL.

I'm not talking Jason Campbell, but that is an intriguing tale to say the very least.
Credit: HogWild.com

Other QBs of note: Washington’s Jason Campbell, New York’s Kellen Clemens, Denver’s Kyle Orton, and Phillip Rivers of San Diego.

Player #2: The Running Back [Willie Parker]

Entering his 6^th season, at age 28, he’s close to the dreaded “30-year old running back” label. Nevertheless, in his six seasons – all in one uniform – he’s provided plenty of fireworks.

Following three straight 1,000-yard campaigns from ’05 to ‘07, he struggled to stay on the field in ’08, missing 5 games in the regular season. His ypc dipped below 4 yards for the first time in his career and his reception total was an anemic 3 catches for 13 yards…total.

Meanwhile, you selected an RB in the first round in ’08, who promptly hurt himself before any significant playing time. You found talent in the free agency scrap heap, both in the passing game and on the goalline, and weathered the storm of injuries to the backfield to quite a bit of success. In fact, you more than weathered them.

An opening round playoff performance reminded you how great this guy can be (146 yards and 2 TDs); however, the “Super-performance” of 19 carries for only 53 yards was a little lacking to say the least. Question is: do you stray away from “company policy” and open up the checkbook for a running back entering his 30s? Hmmmmm.

I'm not talking Len Dale, but his physique is looking SHARP!

Credit: NashvilleScene.com

Other RBs of note: Tennessee’s LenDale "Tequila" White, New York’s Leon Washington, New Orleans’ Pierre Thomas, Daren Sproles of San Diego, Miami’s Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown, Baltimore’s Le’Ron McClain, and Jerious Norwood of Atlanta.

Player #3: The Wide Receiver [Kevin Walter]

You may already have arguably the best wide receiver in football on your roster and locked up for the future. Your quarterback situation is stable, but only when he’s healthy. Which hasn’t been too often the past two seasons. You have an up-and-coming running back and an offense that has the ability to put up points on the board in bunches. So how important is your #2 target? Hint: VERY!

Back-to-back seasons of 60+ catches and 800+ yards were definitely boosted by 8 TD receptions in ’08. 15 ypc and playmaking ability downfield from your #2 only strengthen the impact of your stud #1 and your emerging offense. Why rock the boat?

But are you willing to match an offer, potentially $3-4 million above market value, from another team seeking a #1? Are you willing to offer a contract to someone without a 1,000 yard season in the hopes that he’s on the verge? Someone still without double digit TDs in a season? Especially when the potential free agent market is quite enticing (see below).

If you are another team, do you believe this guy is capable of being your top receiver?

At 6’3 and 215 lbs., it’s a very intriguing option for all parties interested. But is this guy a #2 or might be much more?

White signed his deal during the "rough draft" stages of this article. He wasn't going to be the focus anyways.
The numbers in that contract do matter. A lot.
Credit: The Examiner.com

Other WRs of note: Chris Chambers of San Diego, Mark Clayton of Baltimore, Cleveland’s Braylon Edwards, San Diego’s Vincent Jackson, Denver’s Brandon Marshall, TO of Buffalo, Roddy White of Atlanta (just signed a 6-year, $50-million extension), and Domenik Hixon of New York.

Player #4: The Cornerback [Carlos Rogers]

The position has seen plenty of turnover, inconsistency, and injuries as of late on your roster. A familiar face (or mouth) has returned, seemingly at a discounted price. Meanwhile, you’re now staring at a former top 10 selection who has been quite good and, at other times, borderline benchable. He will command plenty of interest on his name alone; however, is he someone worth opening the pocket book for?

Entering his sixth season, is this guy close to becoming the shutdown All Pro corner you expected when you drafted him so highly? Is he someone who you can automatically ask to lock up with the top talent on the other side of the ball? Is he someone the opposition gameplans away from? It doesn’t appear that way. Or is this someone who was drafted, has performed reasonably well, but isn’t worthy of an expensive extension? Tough call when it’s sometimes the heart versus the head.

Nope, not talking about a certain Bears CB.
But I'm sorry, but how do you spell Daniel like Danieal???

Credit: Flickr.com

Other CBs of note: Nick Harper of Tennessee, Danieal Manning of Chicago, Buffalo’s Terrence McGee, Baltimore’s Fabian Washington, and Ellis Hobbs of Philadelphia.

There’s plenty more to say and ponder. But for now, these four will do.

InClement Weather: 5 NBA Free Agency Stories

While most of the talk has been about the soon-to-be-fabled free agent summer of 2010, there has been plenty of action in the summer of 2009.

A lot of talk about LeBron, Wade, Amare, Dirk, and Bosh in 2010.
Don't sleep on some of the other talent though, especially Joe Johnson (above).
Credit: NBA.com

Sure, a few of the 2010 names include: Joe Johnson, Ray Allen, Manu Ginobili, Marcus Camby, Tracey McGrady, Shaquille O'Neal, Yao Ming, Amare Stoudamire, LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, Dirk Nowitzki, Josh Howard, Mike Redd, Steve Nash, and Carlos Boozer...not to mention another name that might wait out a contract extension to the last second, CP3.

Fortunately, for the present, there's still plenty to speculate about this summer.

After a rather pedestrian draft-class (or so the hype seems to say), plenty of sparks have been flying.

Detroit made the earliest splash in free agency, but was it the wisest?
Credit: Sculu.com

I've already touched on a few issues via the blog and Twitter:
-San Antonio reviving their title candidacy by acquiring swingman Richard Jefferson for a box of Rasinets and a few veteran big men.
-Orlando all but giving up on re-inking the opted-out Turkoglu by trading Courtney Lee and Skip to my Lou (Alston) for Vinsanity. Seems like a mistake, doesn't it? Carter is often (truthfully) viewed as a black hole with the basketball, despite being able to put up 25 on a daily basis. Carter's often more than a liability towards a team's chemistry (or so it seems), which is an odd acquisition for a team who just made the NBA Finals.
-What happens to Detroit's backcourt with the addition of Ben Gordon? Is Rodney Stuckey the future point guard of this team? Is Rip Hamilton the odd man out? How will Joe Dumars handle rebuilding his storied franchise and its overloaded backcourt?

Now let's dive head-first into five of the biggest issues of the this off-season.

Story #1: The Shaqtus ships out to Cleveland
Shaquille O'Neal is seeking a 5th title, this time by protecting the King and his men. While it's far too soon to speculate on 2010 and Shaq v. Kobe (in fairness, it'd be LeBron v. Kobe), it is juicy stuff, right? My question is, with LeBron demanding open access to the paint, doesn't the Diesel hinder that a bit? Not to mention, can Shaq remain healthy away from the positive sunshine vibes of Phoenix? I suppose it's an even trade off to risk such problems with KG (supposedly) healthy next season and Superman the dominant big man in the Eastern Conference. Fortunately for the Cavs, Turkoglu offered more matchup nightmares than anyone on the Magic roster...and he's in Toronto now and not Orlando.

Story #2: Hedo heads out to Portland...whoops...I mean Toronto
You can't blame the Raptors if Chris Bosh bolts next season. Signing Turkoglu away from the Blazers was a huge coup for Brian Colangelo. He is the perfect compliment to Bosh on a roster than has talent at key positions (don't sleep on Calderon at the point) and perhaps the draft's biggest make-or-break superstar, USC's DeMar Derozan. The Eastern Conference could see a major power tilt after next season, especially with LeBron, Wade, and nearly the entire nucleus of the Celtics' roster up in the air. Well played north of the border. As for Portland, it might not be as terrible as it seems. Both Turkoglu and Brandon Roy demand the ball in their hands in the closing minutes. The Blazers have a talented young roster (trading Rodriguez for so little was a MIS-take) and have that money to spend still. They'll survive.

Story #3: Zach Randolph takes his 20 and 10 act to Memphis
Score 20 and board 10 for an entire season and team's can wait to get rid of you, if you're name is Zach Randolph anyways. Randolph has only himself to blame though, never considered a team-first guy and always one to find himself in trouble. Nevertheless, Memphis traded Q Richardson (recently acquired from New York for Darko) for the big man. What this move means in Memphis perplexes me just a bit. A lot of ball-hungry guys (Gay, Mayo, and now Randolph) on one roster is going to be a challenge. Especially considering just how young the nucleus of this team is. Not to mention what they're going to do at the point guard position (is Conley the answer?). Will they soon become the Clippers of the midwest? Wait and see, I suppose.

Story #4: Ron Artest heads to LaLa land, Ariza packs it up and heads off to Houston
This story has gotten plenty of pub, so I won't bludgeon any of you with details. Instead, I'm wondering if the Lakers think that Ariza's 2009 postseason was a bit of an aberration. Do they feel they know something that nobody else did? As for Houston, they had to make a move, especially since Artest didn't take Yao's recent medical diagnosis so well, and Ariza (all of 24 years old) might very well be part of the Rockets' nucleus of the future. How? T-Mac's health is never certain, ditto for Yao, and Aaron Brooks can only do so much. 2010 in Houston will be a potential search for a new superstar, but with Ariza in tow (a potential new-age Scottie Pippen?), it just got a little easier.

Story #5: The Plight of Allen Iverson
How the mighty seem to have fallen. Detroit imploded more due to the loss of Chauncey Billups than the addition of AI. Joe Dumars made the move in large part, in fact 100% of the reason, to free up cap space for moves in 2009 (and 2010 likely). Now rumors have AI contacting Memphis (not the right fit), ending back up with Larry Brown (now in Charlotte), or potentially joining D-Wade in South Beach for a season. Point is, one of the NBA's top talents and fan favorites has flown completely under the radar in an offseason where some felt he would've been a centerpiece. Question is: will AI rise back to prominence or continue to sink into relative obscurity?

Reunited and it feels so good?
Credit: Paperthoughts.com

All food for thought. The offseason is still quite young and plenty of moves will be made. Finding those gems (2010's Ariza perhaps?), role players off the bench, and dumping contracts for 2010 has just begun. Especially in New York.

Enjoy the ride...especially since it's not even practice time yet.

NBA Free Agency Primer

In a couple hours, the free agency period will open in the NBA. Instead of providing a laundry list of free agents and their possible destinations, I'll be offering a serious of useful resources.

It's important to know that the 2009-10 salary cap figure is $57.3M. This is a soft cap. I have been unable to find the numbers for the luxury tax threshold for the upcoming season. In past years, the luxury tax threshold has been approximately 125% of the salary cap figure. The significance is that teams exceeding the threshold must pay a dollar-for-dollar luxury tax.

• List of top free agents
• Updated NBA salaries
• Article by ESPN's Chris Sheridan about dead money and bad contracts. He must have read my article last year on the NBA's 10 worst contracts.
  

InClement Weather: Free Agency Countdown

With the clock ready to strike midnight and open up the free agency floodgates, I'd like to remind people that it was the J-E-T-S that outspent everyone last year. While they improved five games from the previous campaign, it wasn't enough as 9-7 was two games out of the AFC East. Yes, they were 8-3 before someone's arm went out, too. I remember.

Yeah, it still stings.

Let's take a brief glance at 13 Questions various teams across the league have to be asking themselves.

If the boy-wonder really wants Alby to come to D.C., how many salaries must this team purge to do it?
I'm talking about YOU Jason Taylor.
Credit: AllNFLTalk.com

1) Should Dan Snyder throw a $100-million contract at DT Albert Haynesworth that he can't refuse?
Redskins fans have heard more than a few sources suggesting quite favorably that Snyder is willing to break the bank - yet again - and do whatever it takes to get the soon-to-be 30-year old DT extraordinaire to the burgundy and gold. While the guy has MVP potential on the defensive side of the ball, once defenders get their mammoth contracts; it's impossible to play up to them. I'm just sayin...

2) Which linebacker - alongside recently franchised Terrell Suggs - is most valuable to the Ravens: Ray Lewis or Bart Scott?
With Suggs in check, the focus now remains whether the heart and soul of the defense (33-year old Lewis) or the up-and-coming superstar (28-year old Scott) is a sounder investment. While it remains a longshot both will remain with the team, the Ravens do have quite a quandry on their hands. Mainly due to Big D's fascination with Lewis, a guy named Rex Ryan now coaching out in the Meadowlands, and an ever-increasing market for Scott. Good luck, Ozzie Newsome.

3) Who will be this season's Jerry Porter/David Givens?
If you don't get the reference, check your "fandom" at the door. My prime candidate is none other than Pittsburgh's Nate Washington. While a nice deep threat, the key word I like to use is: threat.

4) Which former Raven defender is Rex Ryan most likely to poach for his New York Jets?
Truth be told, safety Jim Leonhard might be the only Raven - if any - who ends up playing for Gang Green. It's rumored the Jets will guarantee $25-million over 3 years to Lewis; however, the front office has been salivating over Scott for weeks now. Neither may be a legitimate option if a bidding war ensues, truth be told.

Many Jet fans - myself included - are more worried about the apparent impending (idiotic) release of RG Brandon Moore.
Credit: NYJetsCap.com

5) Is Dallas doing the right thing by keeping Mr. Owens?
The cap hit is obvious; however, with capologists working night and day...perhaps it is finally time to cut loose the primmadonna. It won't happen though. Not with a new stadium opening and a dellusional owner trying his best to have his team playing (at home, kinda) in Super Bowl XLIV.

6) Is there any remote chance the Bidwells don't resign Kurt Warner?
Nope. Numbers have been thrown around ($2 years, 22 million) for the past 48-72 hours and we all know Warner has his best thing going in the desert. Who would've thunk that a few years ago? Not me. The status of Anquan Boldin may deter Warner from signing immediately though.

7) What is to be made of Vince Young and the Tennessee Titans?
To be honest, my wanning support for Young has become tiresome. The Titan front office has claimed they'll match any offers for Collins (Kerry, that is), although I'm not sure if other teams are exactly clammoring for the near-40 year old. Tennessee is likely to have Collins starting in Week 1 and give Young one more year to impress them, even if it's holding a clipboard.

This almost seems like it happened twenty years ago. Doesn't it?
Credit: Chron.com

8) Which wideout acquisition would satisfy Donovan F. McNabb the most?
First off, it ain't Marvin Harrison. I also highly doubt the Cardinals are willing to move Boldin to an NFC rival (and conference championship opponent, no less) without asking for a ridiculously-loaded trade. That leaves TJ Houshamazilli and a few "wiley" veterans (perhaps a Lav Coles-type) front and center. Obviously Housh is the prized offensive skill player - outside of Warner - on the market. If Philly wants to make a statement to its coach, QB, and city...they'll make a concerted run at the talented former Bengal.

9) Which route would you take at OT: young and unproven or older and established?
Tra Thomas is entering his 12th season and could anchor a veteran group deep into the playoffs. Meanwhile, Khalif Barnes has been up-and-down; especially with the last season's disaster in Jacksonville. Which route do you prefer for a franchise-making position?

10) Is Jason Brown really going to become the highest paid interrior lineman in football?
Honestly, I barely know about the guy and he's likely to net a potential $50-million contract to call out blocks and assignments for another team. One thing I do know: he won't last in Baltimore at that kind of asking price.

11) Is Derrick Ward this offseason's equivalent of Michael Turner?
No. In fact, let me clarify that. NO! Ward is a very talented guy; however, I believe he's not the dynamic #1-back Turner proved he was clearly capable of being. While Ward won't likely stay with the G-Men, the market seems kinda quiet on him - outside of Mangini's man crush on him in Cleveland - for now. I suppose he'll get Dominic Rhodes-money. Let's hope his performance for his new team is much stronger though.

12) What's to be made of this year's under-the-radar cornerback crop?
Not much. Foxworth is gonna cash in and a few other #2s may sneak their way into #1 money. Once the Raiders locked up the best CB in all of football, the position took a real notieriety hit.

Harrison come to Philly and the state of Pennsylvania? It is where he registers his gun.
Props to Tony Kornheiser for that gem.
Credit: CNNSI.com

13) Is Marvin Harrison done?
No, but I'd take a flier on Torry Holt - who may or may not become available - before I would with Harrison. Word to the wise, Marvin: follow the example of Ike Bruce in San Francisco this upcoming season and restablish yourself as a valuable veteran on an up-and-coming team.

That's all I got. Good luck to your teams. Except for Patriot fans. But remember that's it's much more likely the draft - and not free agency - that will make or break your team's near-future.

By the way - just for fun - here's the funniest show on TV you're not watching.

The Declining Dollar and Its Effect on the NBA

There’s no secret. The American dollar has been in decline for nearly a decade. Consequently, the Euro, which was introduced in January 1999, and faltered in the early going before central banks in Europe, Japan and the US acted together to intervene, has risen from $1.1747 USD on January 4, 1999 to $1.5780 USD as of July 23, 2008. As a result, the Euro has elevated in excess of 34% since its inception. Moreover, the Euro has increased by nearly 92% since it reached its record low of $0.8225 USD on October 26, 2000.

If Carlos Delfino is getting $9M per season to play in Russia, just imagine what offers this guy would get.

Courtesy: LoveFilm

Naturally, there are many more things other than basketball that the downward spiral of the American dollar has affected. Nevertheless, we talk sports here; therefore, the conversation turns to the only American sport with a global marketing approach: basketball. Sorry, hockey fan. I ask that you not shoot pucks at my apartment. My landlord would not appreciate that.

So, that takes us to the research question: How has the dollar’s decline affected the NBA?

To me, the issue is two-fold. To those who are more intelligent and better versed in the economic realities of sport, it is manifold.

First, due to the increasing competitiveness of European basketball as well as the relative strength of currency, more and more American-based players are leaving the States. This is not a new development. It’s just built steam very quickly. Following valued role players such as Carlos Delfino and Bostjan Nachbar, Josh Childress had, according to a story first reported by Yahoo, received a three-year offer equivalent to $20M USD to sign with Greek side Olympiakos. After further reports by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Olympiakos offered three years and $32.5M, which after taxes paid by the club becomes a net salary about $6.7M per annum for Childress. That crushes the Hawks’ offer which was five years and $33M, which after taxes paid by Childress becomes a net salary of about $3.4M per year. That’s nearly twice the net salary, even when counting that the Hawks’ best and final offer started at the mid-level exception of $5.6M, which is in the ballpark of what many expected Childress would be offered when all was said and done. Did I mention that Childress can opt after each season without a buyout?

Childress: Now has 32.5 million reasons why he should finally get a hair cut.

Courtesy: HoopsVibe

In this sense, if the trend persists, benches can be thinned of talented assets (i.e. players who are 6th through 8th in a team’s respective rotation) who would earn at least 1.5 times more with a top European team compared to an NBA squad. That means younger players filling up the back end of rosters, which can be scary for teams who treasure continuity. Perhaps, this will heighten the importance the growing importance of the NBDL.

Second, as evidenced by recent NBA drafts, many European-based players are drafted and have guaranteed funds in place but never step foot in the NBA. Why? That’s because first-round picks are subject to a rigid salary structure that does not allow a number of players to experience free agency until their fifth season.

For the European-based players selected in the latter part of the first round, there is a real fear that they may never set foot on the NBA hardwood for a number of reasons – unpalatable contract, high buyout and cultural issues.

For the same players who eventually join the NBA teams that draft them, there is an expectation of immediate playing time, as many of Europe’s elite are sacrificing their pocket books for the NBA dream. As a result, some have decided to leave at season’s end and return to Europe for considerably more money.

At the end of the day, money and sports are joined at the hip. If the value of the American dollar plummets another 34% in comparison with the Euro over the next nine years, you had better believe that some proven starters may end their careers in Europe if they find it financially necessary.

What On Earth Is A Trade Exception?

Among all of the questions that I field with request to the NBA and the salary cap, the one I struggle with most is about trade exceptions. Why is this significant?

Minnesota will sends its $2.8M trade exception from a 2007 deal of Mark Blount to the Miami Heat to Philadelphia for forwards Rodney Carney, Calvin Booth and a future 1st-round pick. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports, this deal allows for the Sixers to offer a starting salary upwards of approximately$14M per season.

Trade Exceptions Explained by Larry Coon

The Traded Player exception is the primary means used by teams over the cap for completing trades. It allows teams to make trades that leave them over the cap, but it places several restrictions on those trades. Trades using the Traded Player exception are classified into two categories: simultaneous and non-simultaneous. As its name suggests, a simultaneous trade takes place all at once. Teams can acquire up to 125% plus $100,000 of the salaries they are trading in a simultaneous trade. For example, a team trading a $5 million player in a simultaneous trade can receive one or more players whose salary is no more than 125% of $5 million, plus $100,000, or $6.35 million in return.

Non-simultaneous trade may take up to a year to complete.

While the term "Traded Player exception" refers to the entire exception which allows teams to make trades above the salary cap (including simultaneous trades, non-simultaneous trades, and base year compensation), it is also commonly used to refer to the one-year monetary credit teams receive while a non-simultaneous trade is pending completion. Be aware of this potential ambiguity, which was made worse by the current CBA (earlier CBAs used the term "Assigned Player exception" to refer to the entire exception).

Example: If the salary cap is $50 million, a team has a team salary of $55 million, and they want to trade a $5 million player for a $4 million player, they still have to use an exception. Even though their team salary would be decreasing by $1 million, the fact that they would still be over the salary cap ($54 million) means that an exception is required.

Arenas Puts Money Where Mouth Is - What's Next for the Wizards?

So often, many of us who are accustomed to seeing professional athletes take the money and run. Call it cynicism. Call it being a realist. No matter how you shape the statement, the NBA is a multi-billion dollar business. And that's just counting player salaries.

What happened yesterday was refreshing. After having two maximum offers of $127M over 6 seasons on the table from both Washington and Golden State, Arenas followed Antawn Jamison's lead and signed for $16M less than was on the table from his hometown team. Why? Because Arenas knows that even with Jamison and Caron Butler, the Wizards are at least a piece away. This move should also allow for the Wizards to stay within the luxury tax threshold and keeps the DMV's (DC, Maryland, Virginia) single most marketable athlete in place.

At the end of the day, Arenas, who missed 69 games during a contract year, got his money, kept his word and did it all without the help of an agent. Also, plenty of credit goes to Wizards President of Basketball Operations Ernie Grunfeld as well as Wizards Owner Abe Pollin, who have all three of their best players locked up until at least 2010-2011. Now that management have completed this vital task in keeping the optimism high in Washington, the real work truly begins.

Looking ahead for the Wizards, here is their roster as I see it.

PG: Gilbert Arenas, Antonio Daniels
SG: DeShawn Stevenson, Nick Young
SF: Caron Butler, Dominic McGuire
PF: Antawn Jamison, Andray Blatche, Darius Songalia, Oleksiy Pecherov
C: Brendan Haywood, Etan Thomas

Drafted: JaVale McGee
Free Agent: Roger Mason Jr.
Possible Signee: Vladimir Veremeenko

As it stands, the Wizards are a much deeper team than anticipated after two years of heavy deputization by the bench. However, there is a glut of iffy talent backing up Butler and Jamison. Unfortunately, the Wizards do not have the flexibility that other teams have in terms of being able to trade away expiring contracts. In fact, the Wizards have no expiring veteran contracts with the pricy Thomas ($14.2M over two years) and Daniels ($12.8M over two years) coming off the books in 2010. Daniels represents good value given his ability to run a team and be a calming influence to young players. Thomas's health is a concern. Not to belabor the point, but how many teams will willingly get in line to claim the $8.7M owed to serviceable forward Darius Songalia over the next two years with a player option (which he will most definitely take) for $4.8M in 2010-11.

All of this accounted for, where does that leave the tenuous position of head coach Eddie Jordan? For three straight seasons, the Wizards have succumbed to the Traveling LeBrons and only in the first series did they have a realistic shot at winning the series. In the not-so-distant past, Jordan has criticized Arenas for poor shot selection and selfishness. Though Jordan has been an excellent regular season coach, his nearly non-existent playoff output may signify that he is soon to be on borrowed time if the Wizards struggle out of the gate like last season.

Day 1 of NBA Free Agency

Free agency has begun, and after less than one day, we have seen a mix of loyalty of deceit. Let's break it down!

Situation #1: Baron Davis opts out of his $17.8M contract with Golden State and will reportedly sign a 5-year, $65M contract with the LA Clippers.
Pay's Take: Wow. This is pure deceit. Does anyone else think that the Warriors could not do better than the offer from the Clippers? Whomever was unaware that B Diddy loves the LA lifestyle should have known better. With no chance of him playing for the Lakers, the Clips were the only destination outside of Golden State. If the Clippers are able to re-sign Elton Brand (that's an enormous 'IF' given Brand's desire to play in Miami), here's their starting lineup:

PG Baron Davis
SG Cuttino Mobley/Eric Gordon
SF Al Thornton
PF Elton Brand
C Chris Kaman

Situation #2: Antawn Jamison re-inks for 4 more years in Washington for $50M
Pay's Take: Jamison isn't getting any younger, but for a 20 and 10 guy who is a respected veteran in his locker room and across the Association, this is a steal of a deal. This begs the question: How does this affect Gilbert Arenas?

Situation #3: Big Game Gil reportedly receives two max offers - from Golden State and Washington
Pay's Take: Now, it's time for Agent Zero to determine where his heart is. As an aside, I'm absolutely shocked that not one, but two teams have made max offers (averaging $20M/year) to Arenas after he missed nearly the entire year. I really thought Arenas would garner offers of no more than $14M per year. I guess that shows how much I know. If Arenas takes the Washington offer, expect him to pull a Tom Brady and sign for less in order that the organization can add the necessary pieces for the Wiz kids to compete in the East. It's never that simple though.

Situation #4: Jose Calderon reaches preliminary agreement with the Toronto Raptors
Pay's Take: This was a priority for the Raptors and they did not waste any time. More impressively, the Raptors immediately shored up the backup point guard position by reaching agreement with Roko Ukic, who was taken in the second round of the 2005 NBA Draft. Ukic is one of Europe's top floor generals.

Situation #5: Beno Udrih re-signs in Sacramento for the full mid-level exception
Pay's Take: There's two ways to look at this. First, if Udrih replicates his 2007-08 output, then he will be of ridiculous value for the mid-level exception (rumored to be $5.5M per year). Second, Udrih was a career backup until he landed in the perfect situation. There are not many shades of gray with respect to Udrih's disposition.

Also on the radar:
- Will Corey Maggette get paid? If so, who's going to break the bank to pay him?
- What will the 76ers do with their $11M in cap space? With Jamison off the board, will they turn their attention to Josh Smith?
- Yesterday, Monta had his apprehensions about playing the point full-time. Today, with millions at stake, ... not so much.
- Can the Bobcats lock up Emeka?
- Is Brent Barry really a priority signing for the Rockets?
- LeBron James listed New York as his favorite city and noted that Brooklyn is his favorite borough. He then proceeded to travel and not get whistled for it.
- Some good team will go after Josh Childress with the full mid-level exception.

Free Agency: 5 Questions You Might Not Have Considered

There have been more than enough offseason moves since last Friday including:

-Derek Anderson inking a 3-year deal with the Browns.
-Asante Samuel bolting for the NFC and the Philadelphia Eagles for record-CB money.
-Pittsburgh’s former OG Alan Faneca signing the richest contract for an offensive lineman in history with the New York Jets.
-San Francisco making another big-money addition to their defense via DE Justin Smith.
-Randy Moss re-inking with the Patriots, apparently at a discounted price, for 3 years at $27 million.

Forget salary cap-crunching, franchise tags, restrictions on free agents and guaranteed money. As hard as that is, let’s dissect some of the not-so-obvious moves made this offseason.

And no, we don’t mean the ludicrous contract Oakland gave DE/DT Tommy Kelly (fresh off an ACL tear, no less).

Does Walker's departure give Oakland the AFC West's top wideout?
Credit: FootballForum.com

#5. The New York Jets sign FB Tony Richardson

Comment: Honestly, do even 50% of NFL teams utilize true fullbacks? Lacking any consistency in the position (and playing time for Darian Barnes at all this season), this 1-year pickup may speak to the Jets throwing the ball more. While the Jets have been ripped in the media for spending like the Skins of years past, it’s obvious the team wants to return to the 10-6 days, rather then slowly rebuild from 4-12 this past season.

Draft Implications: This signing also opens up questions as to what the Jets may do if faced with Darren McFadden being available at the 6^th pick. My advice: trade the pick, select Rashard Mendenhall and use the 2^nd- or 3^rd-rounders on help for the secondary.

#4. The Oakland Raiders sign WR Javon Walker

Comment: Mammoth contracts for Tommy Kelly (sorry, I had to mention it again) and former Giants safety Gibril Wilson may have gotten the majority of the coverage early; however, Walker’s massive 6-year deal raises just as many questions. No longer restrained by the malcontent duo of Randy Moss/Jerry Porter, the Oakland front office landed last year’s #1 pick JaMarcus Russell and a top-flight wideout (when healthy). The good news is that before Walker’s season-long injuries began in Week 3, he appeared as if he’d be productive in his second straight season in Denver. A season removed from the tragic death of Darrent Williams – as well as a change of location – may do Walker more than good.

Draft Implications: Six months ago, even I thought California WR DeSean Jackson was too good to be true in Oakland. Now, the Raiders may have to decide on passing up on Heisman-runner up Darren McFadden or adding to their interior pass rush with the 4^th overall selection. Walker’s addition to the offense may turn the front office to seek added protection for Russell…or perhaps a game-breaking RB to open up play-action passes downfield.

#3. The Jacksonville Jaguars acquire WR Troy Williamson and sign WR Jerry Porter

Comment: With WR Ernest Wilford in Miami and rumors abound surrounding a trade of Matt Jones on or near draft day, the Jags receiving corps is getting a complete makeover. Fortunately, redzone favorite Reggie Williams is around and Dennis Northcutt (costly drops in playoff games withstanding) is a savvy veteran every roster needs. After trading for former 7^th overall pick, a definitive bust to this point, Troy Williamson for one free music download on iTunes (okay, it was for a 6^th rounder), the Jags have almost nothing to lose on a player with blazing speed AND a bad case of the dropsies. As for Jerry Porter, he may be the biggest wild card in free agency this season. Carrying a back-loaded contract, Porter has All-Pro talent yet has lacked professionalism. While Porter isn’t likely to put up post-Raider Moss numbers, he might be talented enough to take this offense to the next level.

#2. The Washington Redskins re-sign backup QB Todd Collins

Comment: Jason Campbell should be 100% when mini-camp rolls around this June. That’s good news as new head coach Jim Zorn (never an offensive coordinator before being hired to do so in Washington for around 2 ½ weeks) has big plans for the big-armed QB. An even wiser move was locking up the 38 years young Collins as a backup for the next three seasons. Leading the Skins to four wins in their final four games, Collins proved he’s capable of making the throws necessary for this offense to move the ball downfield. What becomes most interesting is a scenario in which the Skins struggle out of the gates, does Campbell have a shorter leash than expected? Or, was Collins simply brought in to be one of the league’s best insurance policies.

#1. The New Orleans Saints sign CB Randall Gay and acquire ILB Jonathan Vilma

Comment: It’s too early to write off last year’s top acquisition CB Jason David from then-Super Bowl champion Indianapolis. If last year was any indication, David is much better suited in the nickel corner role. At inside linebacker, the Saints have tried their best to fill the position with good guy, overachiever types. Enter Vilma, who is recovering from a serious (and potentially lingering) knee injury, who will be ecstatic to prove the doubters in New York wrong as he returns to his forte 4-3 scheme. As for Gay, many feel he was simply a system-defender and many remember him being burned by a double-move from Super Bowl champion wideout Plaxico “Guarantee” Burress (I love saying that, by the way).

Draft Implications: Suddenly, the Saints are left with plenty of options with the 11^th pick in this year’s draft. Some might have thought their initial targets might have been at either linebacker (e.g. Keith Rivers) or cornerback (Aqib Talib, Mike Jenkins, or even Dominique Cromartie-Rodgers). Yet, they appear to be in the position to go after the “best player available” on their board. All in all, this is not a bad luxury to have with the 11^th pick overall.

Which moves are you most excited or disappointed about? Did any teams seriously drop the ball or move quietly through the first-week frenzy to your delight?

Until next time