How does Robert Griffin III compare to Andrew Luck?

• Andrew Luck is considered the best NFL quarterback prospect since John Elway.  However, is Andrew Luck really better than Robert Griffin III?
• In 2011, Andrew Luck had 404 pass attempts and Robert Griffin III had 402 pass attempts.
• Andrew Luck completed 71.3% of his passes.  Robert Griffin III completed 72.4% of his passes.
• Andrew Luck threw for 3517 yards for an average of 8.7 yards per completion.  Robert Griffin III threw for 4293 yards for an average of 10.7 yards per completion.
• Andrew Luck threw 37 touchdown passes and had 10 interceptions.  Robert Griffin III threw 37 touchdowns and had 6 interceptions.
• Andrew Luck rushed for 150 yards.  Robert Griffin III rushed for 699 yards.
• Andrew Luck led his team, Stanford, to an 11-2 record.  Stanford lost in the Fiesta Bowl to Oklahoma City 41-38.
• Robert Griffin III led his team, Baylor, to a 10-3 record.  Baylor beat Washington 67-56 in the Alamo Bowl.
• Andrew Luck is 6-4 and weighs 235 lbs.  Robert Griffin III is 6-2 and weighs 220 lbs.
• At the combine, both Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III placed in the top four in the 40 yard dash, vertical jump, and broad jump.
• Based on last season and their measurables, Robert Griffin III is just as great a prospect as Andrew Luck.

 

Why would the Philadelphia Eagles meet with Robert Griffin III?

• There has been report that the Philadelphia Eagles have met with Robert Griffin III.
• Now, the discussion is whether the Philadelphia Eagles will or should try to trade up and draft Robert Griffin III.
• The Philadelphia Eagles have the 15th pick in the draft and Robert Griffin III is expected to go second in the NFL draft.
• I would be shocked if the Philadelphia Eagles even tried to trade up to the 2nd pick in the Draft to draft Robert Griffin III.
• First, it would cost the Philadelphia Eagles a fortune in draft picks and players to move up to the 2nd pick and draft Robert Griffin III.
• Also, the Philadelphia Eagles still have Michael Vick under contract as their quarterback.  Drafting Robert Griffin III would only create a controversy for next season.
• Also, Andy Reid has only two years left on his contract and possibly could be fired if next year is a bad year.  Andy Reid needs players next year and does not have the time needed to make the Robert Griffin III investment payoff.
• Also, the Philadelphia Eagles made a big splash in the off-season last year.  I think the Philadelphia Eagles want to build on that investment and see how next year plays out.  Trading for and drafting Robert Griffin III would basically be bailing out on the plan they started last year.
• So why would the Philadelphia Eagles meet with Robert Griffin III?  Due Diligence.
• The NFL has a history of having quarterbacks fall in the draft.  Dan Marino and Aaron Rodgers are two examples of quarterbacks who were expected to go be drafted early in the first round and dropped later in the first round.
• Basically, I think that the Philadelphia Eagles met with Robert Griffin III on the off-chance that he fell to the 15th pick in the first round.  Then, maybe the Philadelphia Eagles would consider drafting him.  Maybe if Robert Griffin III fell past 10, the Philadelphia Eagles might consider moving up to get him.
• However, with at minimum Cleveland, Washington, Miami, and Seattle all drafting ahead of the Philadelphia Eagles and needing a quarterback, don’t expect to see Robert Griffin III playing quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles next year.

 

 

5 Trade Scenarios where the Los Angeles Lakers would trade Paul Gasol to the Eastern Conference

• The Los Angeles Lakers want to compete for an NBA title this year.  It also appears that the Los Angeles Lakers have decided that the best way to do this is trade Pau Gasol.
• The Los Angeles Lakers need perimeter athletes, depth, and 3 point shooting.  The Lakers could fill these needs by trading Pau Gasol.
• While I would not completely rule out a trade of Pau Gasol to the Western Conference, I assume that the Los Angeles Lakers would prefer to trade him to the Eastern Conference.
• Most likely, the team that would want to trade for Pau Gasol, would want to be in position either this year or next year to compete for an NBA title.  The Los Lakers probably do not want to increase their competition in their own conference.
• The Los Angeles Lakers could trade Pau Gasol to the Atlanta Hawks for Josh Smith, Marvin Williams, and Jeff Teague.  The Lakers would get much improved athleticism and depth with this trade.  Marvin Williams and Jeff Teague have been shooting the 3 point shot well this year.  Next year, the Atlanta Hawks would have Al Hortford, Pau Gasol, and Joe Johnson to compete for an NBA Championship.  They could bring back Kurt Heinrich as their point guard.
• The Los Angeles Lakers could trade Pau Gasol to the Boston Celtics for Rajon Rando, Jermaine O’Neal, and Mickael Pietrus.  Rando and O’Neal for Gasol is already a rumor that’s out there.  This trade would give the Los Angeles Lakes greater perimeter athletes with Rando and Pietrus and an adequate replacement for Gasol.  The Lakers depth would increase by moving their current starters to the bench.  It would not help the Lakers much in the area of 3 point shooting.  Next year, the Boston Celtics would have Pau Gasol, Paul Pierce, and cap space to build around and compete for an NBA Title.
• The Los Angeles Lakers could trade Pau Gasol to the Milwaukee Bucks for Brandon Jennings, Stephen Jackson, and Drew Gooden.  This trade would give the Lakers better perimeter athletes and a decent replacement for Pau Gasol.  By moving their starters to the bench, the Lakers depth increases.  The trade would not really help the Lakers with their 3 point shooting.  Next year, the Milwaukee Bucks would have a front court of Pau Gasol and Andrew Bogut to build around.
• The Los Angeles Lakers could trade Pau Gasol to the Orlando Magic for Jameer Nelson, JJ Redick, Quentin Richardson, and Ryan Anderson.  With Jameer Nelson and Quentin Richardson, the Lakers have better perimeter athletes.  With JJ Redick and Ryan Anderson, the Los Angeles Lakers would have two of the League’s better 3 point shooters and the trade would greatly increase the Lakers’ depth.   The Orlando Magic would have Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard to build around.  If they amnesty Hedo Turkoglu and maybe are able to dump some other contracts for expiring contracts, the Orlando Magic could bring in Deron Williams and compete for an NBA Championship.
• The Los Angeles Lakers could trade Pau Gasol to the Philadelphia 76ers for Andre Iguodala, True Holiday, and Lavoy Allen.  Andre Iguodala and True Holiday would greatly increase the Los Angeles Lakers’ perimeter athletes.  Lavoy Allen has shown he can compete at the NBA level and the Lakers would fill their Power Forward and back-up Center positions by committee.  Iguodala and Holiday have been decent 3 point shooters this year and by moving starters to the bench, the Lakers would improve their bench.  Next year, the Philadelphia 76ers would greatly increase their size and inside presence with a front court of Pau Gasol and Spencer Hawes.  Lou Williams would be their go to perimeter scorer.  Evan Turner would take over for Andre Iguodala and be the Sixers do everything type of player.  The 76ers could amnesty Elton Brand and bring in a point guard.  After this trade, the 76ers team would have a chance of being able to compete for an NBA Title.
• Although I like all of these trades from both the Los Angeles Lakers and the other teams’ perspectives, I think the Orlando Magic trade makes the most sense.  The Los Angeles Lakers would improve all their areas of weakness after the trade.  And if the Orlando Magic could bring in Deron Williams next year, the Magic would be set to make a title run.

The Los Angeles Lakers should trade Pau Gasol to the Orlando Magic even if they can’t get Dwight Howard

• Despite having Kobe Bryant, Paul Gasol, and Andrew Bynum, it’s clear that the Los Angeles Lakers are not good enough to win the NBA Championship.
• The Los Angeles Lakers’ biggest issue is that they lack athleticism on the perimeter.  Derek Fisher and Meta World Peace are past their prime.  Steve Blake has never been an athlete.
• While of course the Los Angeles Lakers would love to have Dwight Howard, it seems that the Orlando Magic are going to try to hold off on trading Dwight Howard as long as possible.
• The Los Angeles Lakers should in essence trade Pau Gasol and expiring contracts to the Orlando Magic for Jason Richardson, Jameer Nelson, Ryan Anderson, and Hedo Turkoglu.  The Los Angeles Lakers can take on more salary than they are giving up due to the trade exception they received in the Lamar Odom trade.
• Jameer Nelson and Jason Richardson would significantly increase the athleticism of the Los Angeles Lakers.
• Ryan Anderson would be an effective stretch four for the Los Angeles Lakers.  He would open things up for Andrew Bynum down low.  Ryan Anderson is also a good rebounder.
• The Los Angeles Lakers have one of the worst benches in the NBA.  Hedo Turkoglu would help significantly upgrade their bench.
• A starting five of Jameer Nelson, Kobe Bryant, Jason Richardson, Ryan Anderson, and Andrew Bynum would make the Los Angeles Lakers true contenders to come out of the West and play for the NBA Championship.
• After the trade, the Orlando Magic would have Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol.
• Then, the Orlando Magic would need to start clearing salary cap space.
• JJ Redick makes a little under 7 million and has one year remaining on his contract after this year.  JJ Redick is a good player and his contract is reasonable.  I have no doubt that someone would trade an expiring contract to the Orlando Magic for JJ Redick.  The Magic might even be able to get an additional draft pick.
• If the Orlando Magic are unable to trade Glen Davis for an expiring contract, they could always amnesty him.
• The only other non-expiring contacts that are left for the Orlando Magic are Chris Duhon, Quentin Richardson, and Daniel Orton.  None of them have big contracts.  Ideally, the Orlando Magic could trade them for expiring contracts.  If not, since these contracts are relatively small, I’m sure if the Orlando Magic offer draft picks, they could trade these contracts for expiring contacts.
• Whatever roster spots that the Orlando Magic have open for this year, the Magic could fill with D-League players whose contract expire.
• When the season is over, the Orlando Magic would basically have Pau Gasol under contract and that’s it.
• Then, the Orlando Magic could sign both Dwight Howard and Deron Williams.
• A big three of Dwight Howard, Pau Gasol, and Deron Williams would enable the Orlando Magic to challenge the Miami Heat over the next few years.
• In other words, after this trade, both the Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Lakers could compete for an NBA Championship.
• Only Mikhail Prokhorov, the owner of the NJ Nets, would say Nyet to this trade.

Realistic trades for the Philadelphia 76ers at the NBA tradeline

• The Philadelphia 76ers were the surprise team early in the NBA this season.
• Now, however, the Philadelphia 76ers have lost 5 in a row.
• Still, the Philadelphia 76ers are in first place.
• The Philadelphia 76ers are mostly a young team that is building for the future.
• At the same time, the Philadelphia 76ers want to be relevant right now; yet the Sixers do not want to sacrifice the future for the short-term.
• The Philadelphia 76ers main deficiency is that they do not have a consistent “go to” scorer, especially in the 4th quarter.
• The 76ers second biggest weakness is that they lack size on the inside for shot blocking and rebounding.
• Here are some realistic trade deadline options that can help the Philadelphia 76ers this season without significantly sacrificing the future:
• There are a couple of scorers who are on bad teams that I think that the Philadelphia 76ers could trade for a reasonable price.
• The Philadelphia 76ers could trade for Stephen Jackson of the Milwaukee Bucks, Corey Magette of the Charlotte Hornets, or Ben Gordon of the Detroit Pistons.
• I think Stephen Jackson might be the best trade option for the Philadelphia 76ers.  Stephen Jackson currently makes 9.2 million and is under contract for this year and next year.
• Stephen Jackson has a scorer mentality, but also plays defense.  This is exactly what the Philadelphia 76ers need.
• The Milwaukee Bucks are probably not going to make the playoffs this year, and if they snuck into the 7th or 8th spot, they will lose to either the Miami Heat or the Chicago Bulls.
• There is no reason to think that Stephen Jackson is part of the Milwaukee Bucks’ long term plans.
• The Philadelphia 76ers could trade Andres Nocioni’s expiring contract (the Sixers have a team option at the end of this year), a young player in Craig Brackins, and a second round draft pick (the Sixers acquired an extra 2nd round draft pick in the Mareese Speights trade).
• As far as a big man goes, if the cost is not too high, I would like the 76ers to trade for Houston’s Hasheen Thabeet.   Thabeet rarely plays of the Houston Rockets, yet he could, at least as a back-up, provide the rebounding and shot blocking that the 76ers need.
• If I were the 76ers, I would give up this year’s first round draft pick and take a flyer on Hasheem Thabeet.  Since Houston does not play Hasheem Thabeet, I do not see why they would not make the deal.  The challenge that the Philadelphia 76ers would have in making the trade is to come up with enough salary to trade without trading someone who is part of the 76ers long-term plans.

Does Kobe Bryant needs to adjust his game for the Los Angeles Lakers to win an NBA title?

• Yes.
• Kobe Bryant is still a great player; however, Kobe Bryant is no longer the best player in the NBA.
• The strength of the Los Angeles Lakers is their inside players, Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol.  Kobe Bryant needs to stop shooting so much.
• Kobe Bryant needs to start thinking more like a point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers if Kobe wants the Lakers to win an NBA title.
• Kobe Bryant needs to look for Andrew Bynum and Paul Gasol first before shooting.
• Kobe Bryant should be the Los Angeles Lakers’ third scoring option.
• The Los Angeles Lakers do not look like they can win an NBA title, however, If Kobe Bryant can adjust his mentality, a big three of Kobe Bryant, Paul Gasol, and Andrew Bynum should enable the Los Angeles Lakers to compete with anyone.

 

 

 

After reading Brady Quinn’s comments about Tim Tebow, I wonder whether Brady Quinn is smart enough to be an NFL quarterback

• Brady Quinn made comments that Tim Tebow’s success was basically due to luck.
• Football is a team sport and the quarterback is a team’s leader.  Does Brady Quinn think that speaking negatively about a teammate is going to help him look like a team leader?
• Also, Tim Tebow has had a fanatical following.  Doesn’t Brady Quinn realize that making negative comments about Tim Tebow makes Brady Quinn look jealous?
• Brady Quinn also made comments about Tim Tebow’s faith and the way he prayed.  Questioning someone else’s faith and how they express their faith is never a smart move.  Why would Brady Quinn think that making comments about Tim Tebow’s faith would make Brady Quinn look good?
• I understand why Brady Quinn feels the way he feels about Tim Tebow.
• However, an NFL quarterback is supposed to be the smartest guy on the field.  Brady Quinn’s public comments about Tim Tebow make me question his intelligence and therefore his ability to be an NFL starting quarterback.

Should Jeremy Lin be considered for MVP of the NBA?

• Before Jeremy Lin started playing for the New York Knicks, the Knicks season looked over.
• Now, with Jeremy Lin, the New York Knicks have won 8 out of their last 9.
• So how good is Jeremy Lin?
• According to the website 82games.com, Jeremy Lin’s Simple Rating is 9.6.  This would make Jeremy Lin the 14th best player in the NBA.
• The following players have higher Simple Rating’s than Jeremy Lin:  Paul Pierce, Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, Kobe Bryant, Marc Gasol, LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Kevin Love, Kevin Durant, Ryan Anderson, Dwight Howard, Steve Nash, and LaMarcus Alridge.
• According to 82games.com, LeBron James is clearly the best player in the NBA with a 19.3 Simple Rating.  Nearly 10 points higher than Jeremy Lin.    The second rated highest player is Chris Paul with a 14.5 rating.
• Of course, when voting for the NBA MVP, you cannot simply go by the 82games.com Simple Rating.  As of right now, Jeremy Lin’s 9.6 Simple Rating is higher than Derrick Rose’s 9.1 Simple Rating.  No one thinks that Jeremy Lin is a better player or more valuable player than Derrick Rose.
• Still, while it is a stretch to say that Jeremy Lin should seriously be considered for the NBA MVP, if the voting were today, I would not be surprised if Jeremy Lin would end up in the top 10 in NBA MVP voting.

Is the Jeremy Lin hype just because Jeremy Lin has an Asian American background?

• There have been several athletes and commentators who have commented that the main reason there is so much hype about Jeremy Lin is because of his Asian background.
• While everyone is entitled to their opinion, those opinions on Jeremy Lin are stupid.
• Here is a list of reasons why the Jeremy Lin story has gotten so much hype:
• Jeremy Lin was undrafted and basically unknown.
• Jeremy Lin played for Harvard.  Harvard does not give out athletic scholarships.
• Jeremy Lin was cut by two NBA teams.
• Supposedly, Jeremy Lin was just about to be cut by the New York Knicks.
• Jeremy Lin played in the D-League.
• Jeremy Lin is playing for the New York Knicks.  New York is the largest media market.
• The New York Knicks were losing before Jeremy Lin got his chance.  With Jeremy Lin, the New York Knicks are winning.
• Jeremy Lin has scored more points in his first few starts than anyone in NBA history.
• Jeremy Lin’s game has style.
• Jeremy Lin has been able to get the New York Knicks to win while Amare Stoudamire and Carmelo Anthony have been hurt.
• With Jeremy Lin and the return of Amare Stoudamire and Carmelo Anthony, there is a possibility that the New York Knicks could be relevant in the Eastern Conference.
• Jeremy Lin has been at his best during the fourth quarter including hitting game winning shots.
• Jeremy Lin’s game looks like he will have long-term success and not just be a short-term fluke.
• Jeremy Lin is Asian American.  There have not been too many Asian Americans who played in the NBA.
• Jeremy Lin’s heritage has been a source of pride to both Asian American’s and all Asians.
• Jeremy Lin is an underdog.  Everyone loves an underdog.

The Philadelphia 76ers should overwhelm the Orlando Magic and trade for Dwight Howard

• After getting off to a hot start, the Philadelphia 76ers have lost to the Miami Heat (twice), the Los Angeles Clippers, the Orlando Magic, the San Antonio Spurs, and the Dallas Mavericks.
• Despite Andre Igoudala being named to the All-Star team, the 76ers do not have any “real” all-star players and certainly do not have any franchise players.
• Virtually every team that has won an NBA Championship has had at least 1 franchise player and certainly has had “no-brainer”  all-stars.
• Right now, there is an opportunity to get a franchise player in Dwight Howard.  It does not appear that Dwight Howard is going to re-sign with the Orlando Magic.
• Also, it does not appear that the Orlando Magic have the stomach to lose Dwight Howard and get nothing in return.
• The Philadelphia 76ers, even without an agreement from Dwight Howard, should trade for Dwight Howard.
• The Philadelphia 76ers should offer the Orlando Magic in a trade for Dwight Howard all of their good, but not great young talent.
• The Philadelphia 76ers should trade True Holiday, Evan Turner, Lou Williams, Thad Young, Spencer Hawes, and Nikola Vucevic to the Orlando Magic for Dwight Howard and some low-cost, short-term commitment bodies in return.
• After the trade, the Philadelphia 76ers will still be competitive this year with a front court of Dwight Howard, Andre Igoudala, and Elton Brand, and they will lose in the first or second round of the playoffs, just like they were going to do anyway.
• After the trade, the Orlando Magic will be like the 76ers South.  With a bench of Lou Williams, Evan Turner, Thad Young, and True Holiday, they will have the best bench in basketball.  If Spencer Hawes is healthy, they will also have a decent center.  If not, at least they get a decent center prospect with Nikola Vucevic.  The Orlando Magic would lose in the first or second round of the playoffs, just like they were going to do with Dwight Howard.  But at least they will be competitive for the foreseeable future.
• The key for the Philadelphia 76ers trading for Dwight Howard is beyond this year.  In the off-season, the Sixers can amnesty Elton Brands’ salary and they can decline the option on Andres Nocioni.
• After the Dwight Howard trade, the 76ers will have the cap space to sign both Dwight Howard and Deron Williams.
• Then, the 76ers will have a big three of Dwight Howard, Deron Williams, and Andres Igoudala.
• Also, after the Dwight Howard trade, guys like Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett, may be attracted to play for the 76ers for the exception money.
• Then, the 76ers can compete for an NBA Championship.
• And if Dwight Howard refuses to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, the Sixers can trade Andre Igoudala for a draft pick and get another high draft after being terrible next season.  Then, they will have a chance to draft a franchise player to build towards an NBA Championship.