Real Deal

If people were giving James a pass back when he was in Cleveland, they better do the same with Howard in Orlando...because, quite frankly, the Magic are ranked dead last in defense without Howard, and a top five with him (which is astounding, and I'm not sure if I can name another player that has ever done that with a team before). And, he's super efficient with an improving offensive game, 20+ PPG on top of that, and the ability to completely tear into a defense and erupt for 40+ (and that's with 2-3 people on him). People give Shaq a lot of crap for not being able to score very many 50's in his career, but there's a reason for that. At least Shaq had arguably the best player in the NBA, at that time, as his teammate. Give Dwight Howard a superstar teammate (Durant), and suddenly, shit gets real in Orlando. Dwight would average 25-30 a night, easily, with Durant getting his 25-30, Howard starts racking up assists because he actually has someone to pass to, and Orlando goes to the Finals. I'll put it this way: Orlando was 16th in FG% last year (near/below average). They were a respectable 10th in 3PT%. Unfortunately, they were 27th in assists. The Magic didn't pass the ball, and that's partially because they didn't convert shots when they DID pass the ball. There was no strategy to play inside-out, because their opponents would allow them to launch threes all game long (ranked 1st in 3PT attempts, by the way), and as the old saying goes, "Live by the three, die by the three." Orlando is toxic for Dwight Howard. Despite everything he does for the team (basically everything), they are still an average NBA squad...and almost none of that rests on Howard's shoulders.

It's really up to you now (or, well, up to him). I'm done trying to keep him here.

I wouldn't leave LeBron out of my top five, but a great deal of what they are saying is true. Physical talent, LeBron is easily on top of the league. Factor in everything, and he's #4 on my list, behind Wade, Kobe, and Howard (mix the order however you want, I can make an argument for all three at #1). The one thing that's hurting LeBron is the fact that he can't adjust very well, because he has one speed. He still doesn't have that post game, something he would MURDER teams with if they weren't giving him the lane. He still doesn't hit free throws over 80%, which is bad for a guy that can get to the line 10-15 times any given night. He doesn't play off the ball, at all, unless he's going for an oop at the rim (and good defensive teams don't allow that every play). He's not a good enough three-point shooter to rely on his long range shot when the opponent is pushing him out to the three. Deep down, I was worried that, if the Lakers didn't stop the Heat in the Finals, nobody was going to. LeBron had Wade and Bosh, Haslem was back, and the Heat were clicking and obviously set as the best team in the East, once they found an identity on the offensive end. However, nothing came of it, and this is the result. I'm not going to put Durant or Melo over LeBron. Quite frankly, neither play defense or have the passing ability LeBron does. CP3 doesn't take over games like James, and while he's a good defensive player, he's only defending one position. LeBron is all over the court. So, in no particular order...Kobe, Howard, Wade...and then you can give me LeBron.

Currently, you're on nine members' block list. That's second among all members since the rebirth of OTR (don't have stats for the first run), first among active members. Only PointForwardGuy has appeared on more lists, with 11, and he's no longer with us. Third (who I won't name) is on just two block lists. I just think that would be vital information for you, since you absolutely love it when people read your posts. You're slowly losing respect as a credible poster here, and it's not really due to what you know or don't know, it's how you present it.

Patriots Ravens Chargers Raiders Bills Bengals Steelers Would you say the Raiders are a top five AFC team right now? Why or why not?

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Wow...this morning, it was even worse, when they were talking about the top 500 players. Smith and Bayless ripped into LeBron the worst I've ever heard on national TV. I seriously dropped my jaw.

http://blogmaverick.com/2011/10/14/my-soapbox-advice-to-the-ows-movement-and-then-some http://blogmaverick.com/2011/09/20/my-top-10-things-our-federal-government-should-do-and-more Pretty interesting.

But you have to admit, the timing is perfect if you want to see what Ponder is really made of. If the Vikings pull out a victory over the Pack (highly unlikely, but yeah), that will be HUGE. Game should be in Minny, also, if I recall correctly...so it'll be interesting to see just how pumped up the fans are.

Here's how they really ranked the players...

So let me get this straight: Kobe is bumped down because he failed in the playoffs. Gasol doesn't move, although he was a train wreck in the postseason. Dirk is bumped up to being a top five player in the NBA for winning it all, while LeBron stays #1 after his complete meltdown. Deron Williams doesn't seem to be in the same league as CP3 anymore, because he was nowhere to be seen in the playoffs, even though CP3 lost in the first round against Kobe (who, remember, is a disappointment). I have a hard time believing these rankings are serious. Remember, sportswriting is sometimes more about the reaction.

Just heard it on ESPN. Ha.

Hahahaaaaa...ESPN just said, "...and some good news for the Bengals, when we come back."