Should the Celtics Blow it Up?

Just a week ago, the Celtics were riding a six game winning streak, and it seemed like they were back on track. Avery Bradley returned from two off-season shoulder surgeries, bringing life to a stagnant team, but that didn't last for long. The Celtics have now lost six straight, and it now seems evident that this team will not win as constructed. They have lost to some of the worst teams during this stretch, including New Orleans, Detroit and Cleveland.

A team as talented as the Celtics can slip up and lose to one of these teams now and again, but not in a row. They seem to have no chemistry, take bad shots and just cannot close games. Last night they blew a 20 point lead in a 2OT loss to Atlanta, which seems to be the low point of the season for the 20-23 C's. 

Coming into this season, many thought that the C's had reloaded and were built to make a run at a championship. It has become evident that isn't going to happen with this mix of players. What has been the biggest disappointment is the bench. Jason Terry was brought in here to replace Ray Allen, hit late game shots, and be the sixth man of the year that he was in Dallas. The 35-year-old is averaging only a touch under 10ppg and around 28mpg, but his minutes have diminished in the six game losing skid. Jeff Green has been the biggest bust, after getting handed a $40 million deal in the offseason, we all expected big things. After missing last season due to heart surgery, we all gave him a pass for his slow start. But, now it's time for him to get out of his funk and be the difference maker we all thought he would be. He seems to be nonexistent in most games, being passive and not playing with any toughness. 

One bright spot on this team has been Jared Sullinger. The 21st pick in the 2012 draft has been quite a surprise. No one expected him to play a big role, but he has been sprung into the rotation and is averaging 6ppg and 6rpg. He is the first big man off the bench, usually spelling Kevin Garnett. Other than Sullinger, the bench as a whole has been a major disappointment.

It seems like age has finally caught up with this squad. We all thought Danny Ainge would blow up this team a couple seasons ago, but he has stayed the course. After being one win away for the NBA Championship last year, Ainge believed this team had one more run in them. Re-signing Kevin Garnett to a three year deal, and replacing Ray Allen with Terry. The team doesn't have much youth besides Sullinger, Bradley and Rajon Rondo, which will ultimately be a problem if the Celtics look to trade. 

As the trade deadline comes closer teams will be calling asking about everyone on the Celtics roster, so Ainge is going to have a big decision to make. Am I going to try and shake up this team and make a run at Miami or am I going to blow it all up, trade Pierce, Rondo, Terry, Lee and maybe even Garnett and start all over? Scenario number one seems more likely  but I just don't see any trade out there that can make this team championship worthy. Rudy Gay is the only player that is on the block that could make a huge difference on this team, but to get him you're probably going to have to give up Sullinger and a draft pick. If Memphis is interested in that, which I don't believe they are, it may be worth it as Gay can guard LeBron James, who you ultimately will have to go through. 

Honestly I don't think Ainge has the guts to blow this team up, because ultimately I don't think he wants to go through a three to four year rebuilding period. If Ainge sells off that could also mean the end for Doc Rivers who does not want to go through another rebuilding period. So, as fans we are going to enjoy watching a mediocre, old team that will get into the playoffs and probably get ousted in the first round, and we will have this conversation again in the offseason. See you then!

Patriots Off-Season Priorities, Part II

The NFL trade deadline usually comes and goes with no GM's willing to pull the trigger on a deal. It's not like in other leagues, where the trade deadline is ferocious, stressful and full of activity. But, this year as the clock struck 4pm ET, low and behold the New England Patriots struck a deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for Aqib Talib. The Patriots had to relinquish a 4th round pick in this years draft, to acquire the 26-year-old.

Most considered the trade a gamble, but one that was worth taking, as Aqib Talib has shutdown corner skills, but he has had more than enough off the field problems. When acquired, Talib was serving a four game suspension for a failed drug test and has had multiple problems with teammates and the law in the past. After his suspension ended Talib was slotted right into the number corner spot and played spectacular down the stretch, that's why he is off-season priority number two for the Patriots.

Before the trade, this Patriots defense was reeling, fans were getting frustrated and Bill Belichick knew he needed to do something. Acquiring Talib allowed Devin McCourty to move to safety where he excelled for the rest of the season, and seemed much more comfortable there than playing corner. Kyle Arrington was able to push into the slot, where he is better suited. Rookie Alfonso Denard played along Talib, to form a formatable one-two punch.

Talib brought this defense a swagger that we haven't seen since 2004. With 5:00 left to go in 1st quarter of the AFC Championship, Talib left a game with a quad injury, and did not return. From that point on Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco had his way with the Patriots defense. The Patriots found out what it is like to have a number one corner, something they haven't had since Asante Samuel left in 2008.

Keeping Talib with this defensive unit is vital for this team to reach the Super Bowl next season. Players like Talib don't grow on trees, he has the size, (6'1) speed, and confidence to shut down any wide receiver in the league. What the Patriots need to be worried about, is the off the field problems that haunted him in Tampa Bay. He was a model citizen for the couple months that he was in New England, but was that because he realized this was his last chance? One more incident and Talib could be kicked out of the league.

The key for the Patriots is to keep the guaranteed money down, that way Talib still has to play hard week in and week out. Letting him hit the open market could be detrimental, as so many teams would love to get a shut down corner. But, as they know he comes with risk, so is one team going to take that risk and give him a muli-year deal and an good chunk of guaranteed money? Last off-season top corner back Brandon Carr got $26 million guaranteed, with the total contract reaching $50 million. I don't see Talib getting that money but I think and incentive laden one-year deal could get it done for New England, but they may be forced to go two to keep his services.

Final Prediction- Patriots re-sign Talib for: two-years at $16 million, with $12 million guaranteed.

Patriots Off-Season Priorities, Part I

Just a day after the demoralizing loss to the Baltimore Ravens, the New England Patriots now need to focus on their off-season, which is poised to be quite interesting. Over the next couple of days, I will be looking at the biggest priorities the Patriots have heading into the off-season. Number one on my list is Wes Welker, the impending free-agent has wanted a new contract for the past couple off-seasons, but the business savvy Patriots have been stingy with Welker.

Patriots fans have become accustomed to popular players being brought to the end of their contracts by Bill Belichick and owner Robert Craft. Most recent, Logan Mankins held out for part of the 2010 season trying to prove a point, but his wish of a new contract was not granted. Eventually, Mankins and the Patriots worked out a new contract and was paid handsomely. Same goes for Vince Wilfork, who is one of the best nose tackles in the league, and was worked to his last year of his rookie deal before the Patriots negotiated a new deal with him. So, Welker must of known a couple years ago this day would be coming.

This past off-season, the Patriots locked up star tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez to lucrative long-term contracts, which were team friendly. While they were signing their new deals, Welker was sitting at home on a one year franchise tag. Even though Gronkowski and Hernandez are both 23-years-old and are up and coming stars, Welker has been the most consistent wide receiver in football since he joined the Patriots. He has proved to be Tom Brady's security blanket, which means a lot in this system. But, Brady has had top targets before be let go due to the Patriots and their representatives not seeing eye to eye, i.e Deion Branch.

Hernandez and Gronkowski haven't been able to stay healthy for a full 16 game slate since entering the NFL. If one of them goes down, Welker picks up their slack. Only having Hernandez and Gronkowski could prove costly as one of them is likely to get hurt, and without Welker, teams can key in on the healthy tight end making the offense predictable.

Welker needs to be re-signed, it doesn't need to be long term, I'm thinking a two-year deal in the range of 20-23 million should get it done. The question is, do the Patriots want to give that much money to a 32-year-old to be, slot wide receiver. Welker cannot be worried about signing a team friendly deal, he needs to do what's best for himself and his family at this point in his career. He will be one of the most coveted wide reliever on the market, and in a pass happy league, guys like Welker are scarce. I just have a feeling the Patriots feel like they have another Wes Welker in Julian Edelman, and he can be had at a much lesser price. Welker is going to cash in this off-season, the question is where?

I will be putting up my second priority for the Patriots this off-season in the coming days.

Patriots Vs Ravens Prediction

There are only four teams left, two of them in the AFC, one of them is our hometown New England Patriots. New England fans have got accustomed to being in this situation with only one game left to win to reach the Super Bowl. Some say we are spoiled, I think to think of it as we are worthy. Boston fans are the best in sports, die hard fans that stick with their teams through thick and thin. The biggest reason that we have won three super bowls in 12 years and been to seven AFC Championships, Tom Brady and Bill Belichick

They have been the two constant's throughout it all, there has been so much turnover with the Patriots roster over those seasons. As we like to say in New England, in Bill we trust. Most fans are so used to winning that they think this game will be a blowout, I don't think that will be the case. Whenever the Pats and Ravens meet it is a dogfight, except for the 2009 AFC Championship, where we lost by more than ten points, but that was the game right after Wes Welker tore his ACL in the last game of the regular season and Gronk and Hernandez weren't Gronk and Hernandez. This might be the last chance for the Ravens, as their all-star defense is getting old, and has been injury prone throughout the past couple seasons. All-Pro Ray Lewis is retiring after this game, which has been a major storyline since he announced his decision before the wild card playoff game. Ed Reed is 35-years-old, but he is a still a play maker but not the "ballhawk" that he used to be. Terrell Suggs is playing with a torn tricep, which limits the pressure he can put on Brady, which is his biggest asset. So, as a Patriots fan you have to be aware of the Ravens knowing this might be their last stand. 

The Ravens have been one of the toughest teams in football over the past decade and that hasn't changed, they still have safety Bernard Pollard, who the Patriots wide receivers need to be aware of, because he likes to lay the lumber. Then you have Haloti Ngata, who is a major run suffer, but I feel Logan Mankins and Ryan Wendell can handle Ngata, who is playing with multiple injuries. 

Our offense should be able to take advantage of this slow and old Ravens team with the pass. Brady needs to take advantage the Ray Lewis in the middle of the field with running backs Danny Woodhead and the emerging Shane Vereen. Rob Gronkowski is out, so that puts even more pressure on Aaron Hernandez. I believe he could have his best game as a pro today. He proves to be a major mismatch for any linebacker, as he has speed and size, which most linebackers cannot handle. Ray Lewis five years ago could handle him, but not today.

The Patriots cannot abandon the run tho, they need to keep this Ravens defense honest, and not let them put five defensive backs on the field, and flood the middle of the field on Brady. Steven Ridley has proved he can handle the work load, so 10-15 carries for him should be perfect, and a mix of draws and stretches in the hurry-up for Woodhead and Vereen should be perfect.

Aqib Talib has been brought this defense swagger and confidence. Talib has shut down corner skills, which is tough to find in the NFL. He basically can shut down one side of the field, putting him on the opponents best wide-out relieving the pressure on the other defensive backs like Devin McCourty and rookie Alfonso Dennard. I would put him on Anquan Boldin, as he can move the chains easy, and speedster Torrey Smith may prove to be to fast for Talib. Stopping Ray Rice is also a main factor, but this Patriots run defense has been stout all season long, Vince Wilfork has been playing the best football of his career, along with Kyle Love. 

This will be a close game, if the Patriots can stop Ray Rice, and not let Joe Flacco throw the deep ball to Torrey Smith, the Patriots defense will be in good shape. Plus, there are reports that wind gusts may reach upwards of 40 miles per hour, which will work to be in the Patriots favor. As for the Patriots offense, Brady needs to run the no huddle offense, keep this old, slow defense on the field as much as possible and be unpredictable. Losing Gronk hurts, but Brady has enough weapons to survive. Should be one for the ages, people will be sitting on the edge of their seat starting at 6:30ET and will still be there when the clock hits 0:00.

Final Prediction: Patriots 27-- Ravens 23 

Can LeBron Catch Kareem?

Last night LeBron James was the youngest player ever to reach 20,000 points. In the prime of his career at only 28-years-old, does LeBron have a chance to catch Kareem? Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar is the all-time leading scorer at a touch over 38,000 points. James entered the league at the tender age of 18 and has been a force since he hit the NBA. Coming into the league with so much hype, becoming the number one pick, people wondered if he could live up to it all? I believe he has answered all those questions. Scoring in every which way, slashing, mid-range, dunking, free throws and three-pointers. While also winning one NBA championship in 2012. He has the total package that no one in the league can stop. So is the day inevitable when James is atop the all-time points list?

You have to think James can play at a high level for the next 6 to 7 years, just like Kobe Bryant is doing now, where he leads the league in scoring at the age of 34. If James can average around 2,000 points a season, that puts him around 14,000, leaving about 4,000 to go. But, this includes a full 82 game season, health and no work stoppage. In a shortened season last year, James still put up 1,683 points, but a couple seasons like that Kareem might not be reachable. In an age now where player unions and owners are not connecting, the NBA CBA deal ends in 2021 but both sides can opt out in 2017.

James has been very lucky and not had any serious injury's, but with the way he plays, it might be inescapable, when his body gets older and starts to wear down. Taking hits night in and night out, leaving James tossing up three pointers, which isn't his specialty.

James hasn't been a fan favorite since his "decision" to leave Cleveland in 2010. But, NBA fans have to admit we are seeing one of the greatest basketball players ever. Not only did he score his 20,000 point last night but he also got his 5,000 assist. We haven't seen a player that can do it all like James since Oscar Robinson. Do I think he will reach Kareem? Yes. But, that has a few conditions, health, which is always a major factor, and work stoppages. If he can average 75 games over the next 9 seasons he is there, which puts him at an elder 37 years of age. He is just to much of a freak to not do it, plus I believe he has a big enough ego that will push him when he gets close, even if he is losing his physical ability.

Check out the video below, which show LeBron reaching the milestone!

Bringing Back Some Old Patriots Memories

For all of you Patriot lovers out there, you remember beating the Rams in Super Bowl XXVI. The Rams were heavy favorites coming into the game, but the game ended up being close down the stretch. A young Tom Brady lead the Patriots down the field with two minutes left to go, eventually leading to a Adam Vinatieri field goal. With the Patriots in the AFC Championship this Sunday, lets hope they can reach the big game again. Check out that two minute drive, trust me you will get goosebumps.

Is the World Baseball Classic, Good or Bad for Baseball?

Whenever the USA gets a chance to show the world they're the best at something, we usually are all for it. But, is the World Baseball Classic the exception? Sending some of our best MLB baseball players off to face other countries even before the MLB season starts, just doesn't seem like a good idea. Sure, the players are all for it, but their teams, not so much.

With USA playing their first game on March 8th, that puts players leaving in the middle of spring training to go play Mexico. The game is in Phoenix, so they don't have to travel oversees, but the extra wear and tear on the players has been evident. Playing an extra 10 or so games, added on to the 162 they already play in the regular season, puts players in a strenuous position. Especially for pitchers more than hitters, during this time in spring training, pitchers are usually throwing three innings and just starting to throw off speed pitches. These games are intense, playoff like games happening in March. Luis Ayala had to have tommy john surgery after the first World Baseball Classic, and players like Daisuke Matsuzaka, performed poorly and had a tired arm mid-season after participating.

This year we have a all-star lineup yet again, including Ryan Braun, David Wright, Joe Mauer, Adam Jones and R.A. Dickey. Not to mention all of the MLB players playing for different countries. All of these players are the stars of their teams, and if one of them gets hurt, their teams season could go down the drain fast. So, if I was a team owner or general manager, there is no way I am letting my players go and play. There's to much risk and not enough reward for me as an owner, as I am paying them millions to go win me a Championship. 

The classic needs to happen at a different time, or needs to be discontinued. Its tough as the MLB season runs so long, but a perfect time would be right after the World Series, play the games in a warm country, it will just be like winter ball for some of these players. Get a good group of young players, and send them to go play for their country. You may not win, but it would be exciting, and give young players and opportunity to show what they got on the big stage. 

Who's Your Rookie of the Year?

Rookies dominated the NFL scene in 2012, and seem poised to do so in 2013, and there after. Number one pick, Andrew Luck took a 2-14 team to the wild card playoffs with minimal help around him. He didn't have the best statistical season with 23 TD's and 18 interceptions. But, he was poised late in games, coming back from many fourth quarter deficits. His legs were his biggest asset, besides his right arm. Keeping many plays alive with a weak offensive line in front of him rushing for five touchdowns. Luck seems on track to live up to the hype coming out of Stanford, being compared to Peyton Manning throughout the draft process.

There might not be a more entertaining player in the NFL right now than, Robert Griffin III (RGIII). The second overall pick, led the 9-7 Redskins to their first NFC East championship since 1999. Running the pistol offense, the speedy Griffin made the Redskins offense dynamic with fellow rookie Alfred Morris.  Making them almost unstoppable at times when Griffin wasn't injured. Griffin threw for 3,200, but only threw 5 interceptions to 20 touchdowns, much better than Luck. Also, Griffin rushed for over 800 yards, putting his body at risk many of times during a game. Which led to Kirk Cousins leading the Skins to two wins at the end of the season due to Griffin hurting himself running. Electrifying a somewhat somber fan base, Griffin goes up against a tough Seahawks defense on Sunday, trying to continue what has been a magical season.

Completing the trio of quarterbacks in consideration for ROY is Griffin's counterpart on Sunday, Russell Wilson. Not a first round pick like the other two, Wilson slipped all the way down to the third round, when Pete Carroll decide to take a chance on the 5'11" QB. Wilson was also a dual threat running and throwing the football. Compiling 29 total touchdowns with only 10 interceptions. Not many people knew what the Seahawks had when they took him, but quickly found out. As Wilson was tough inside the pocket and quickly became the Seahawks leader. A team that focus' on tough defense and running the football. Wilson's tremendous play didn't allow team to put eight guys in the box, and key in on running back Marshawn Lynch. 

This is a tight race between three great quarterbacks who have changed their respective franchises for ten plus years in the future. So, that being said, who's your rookie of the year? If I had a vote, it would go to Griffin. He was in a tough division and was more dynamic than people think. Sure, Cousins came in and won two games for the Skins. But, that shouldn't discredit Griffin at all who was basically playing on one leg in the last week of the season, in a winning effort versus the Cowboys to clinch the division  He had a great statistical season, along with becoming a face of a franchise and turning around what has been a laughing stock franchise over the past ten season. 

Future 1st Overall Pick?

We saw one of the most devastating hits in the Michigan-South Carolina game this past weekend. Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney cuts through the Michigan offensive line like a knife through butter and demolishes Vincent Smith, causing his helmet to fly off and more importantly fumble.
Check out the play!

Are the Celtics Turning Into the Red Sox?

The 2012-2013 Boston Celtics have gotten off to a troubling start, to say at the least. They haven't won back-to-back ball games all season. Let's see if they can end that Cleveland Cavalier like stat tomorrow night against the new look Hawks, after blowing out the Pacers tonight. But, there's something about this years team that just isn't right.

Last years team had you sitting on the edge of your seats every game. You would make sure to tune in whenever they were playing... or I know that was true for me. That team had heart, effort and grit about them. Besides Kevin Garnett, this years squad seems like they don't care if they win or lose, and are lackadaisical running up and down the hardwood. Doesn't this sound eerily familiar to the demise that the Boston Red Sox went on after players got paid, and stopped reacting to their coach in 2011?

Sure, that 2010 team was nothing to root for, but they went and played hard every night for the fans who packed Fenway Park. Fans loved the Red Sox's, they would spend the outrageous price to enjoy the team, and the historical park. Now in 2011 and 2012, tickets are cheap, and fans are not flocking to Boston to see Dustin Pedroia and others play. Its seems like this is slowly happening now with the Celtics.

They still have beloved players, but with whispers of a bad locker room and terrible attitudes, it doesn't sound promising. This offseason general manager Danny Ainge paid mid-level players like Jeff Green, Brandon Bass, and Courtney Lee. Have they become complacent? Garnett will still try and fire up the team every night but how much does the 36-year-old have left in the tank to give, night in and night out?

The only way this team is going to win on the court and in public opinion is if Rajon Rondo turns on the gas, dominates games, and takes this team to the promise land. Rondo had a spat with former teammate Ray Allen, who is one of the most beloved players in the game. Lets hope Rondo's ego and personality doesn't interfere with the Celtics title aspirations.