Real Deal

I'm still jogging. Slowly but surely. I was 12th.

Alright, my picks: MVP: Durant Breakout: Mayo Center: Howard PF: Love SF: LeBron SG: Kobe PG: Rondo Rookie: Davis This has to be the year Rondo takes over Boston. He found out he could drop 40 in a big game, realized how important he was to the Celtics last year, and as this team approaches the age classification of ancient, it's closing in on his time to shine.

Don't get too excited over what Eyenga could have done for you...because I'm here to tell you it would have been little to nothing. Also, I'd be shocked if McRoberts steps his game up and plays well. As far as Q-Rich goes, I don't know...he has been pretty bad over the last couple years, and you were only going to get about 15 minutes out of him every game (and any more than that, you're really making a mistake). Honestly, I'd rather see Harkless getting all of those minutes, and more. Even E'Twaun Moore. Orlando has no reason to try and make the playoffs (just don't see that happening), and I'm not one to say they should tank, either...so just try and get your young players some burn, evaluate your talent, and see where that gets you in June (in the draft, of course, lol).

Of course, I want LA to win...but I want to see OJ Mayo go OFF without Kobe there (if he misses the game). I'd love to see Mayo drop 30.

Even if he didn't want to defend the PG position, I would think Wade would do what's best for the team, whenever they needed it. Even if it's for small stretches of each game...he should consider it. If the Heat meet LA in the Finals, their best bet is to have Bosh and Haslem in their frontcourt. I realize LeBron can hold his own against Gasol, but I don't think he should attempt that when we're running the Princeton offense, because James will be needed to roam, and it's better to leave Artest open over anyone else on the court. Gasol isn't a superstar, but he is still VERY skilled, and he will hurt a team that doesn't recognize that.

Kobe is still a gametime decision, I believe. Haven't heard anything yet.

NEVERRRRMMMINNND. Guess I'm catching all of Boston/Miami. Sorry Umair. Hang in there, bro. I'll flip over a few times, though, just to see how Irving is doing.

I wonder if the Heat will go with a lineup that sticks Wade at the point, for limited minutes, in this first game? C - Bosh PF - Haslem SF - LeBron SG - Allen PG - Wade That would be interesting to see, if Bass is at the four. You can move LeBron up to the four when Jeff Green is out there, stick Battier at the three (defending Pierce), and have Chalmers back in the game if Jason Terry is on the floor (so Wade can defend Terry). No idea how Miami will want to approach Boston's multiple options at guard. I know they'll start Chalmers and possibly Battier, but it would be intriguing to see them go with that five in small stretches, just to test it out.

Battle of the young PG's. I know few will want to watch this one over Boston/Miami, but I'll have to DVR this. I want to see how Irving and Wall attack each other, given that they will be the two best players on the court...and not only that, but how Wall adjusts to his new team. Word is that Wall has been working on that jumper, so that'll be interesting to see, also.

Oh, and... http://gifsoup.com/webroot/animatedgifs/140478_o.gif

Alex Smith's side profile reminded me of Steve Blake after that interview.

You know what to do.

I'm giving the Warriors my vote, as long as Curry and Bogut stay healthy. They have too much talent. I just don't believe in Harden as a primary scoring option, not really sure how well Jeremy Lin will play (still expect many turnovers), and I'm not banking on Donatas Motiejunas to do too much in this first season. Never really thought Omer Asik was a starter-level player, either...at least not yet.

I really wish that TD by Dez Bryant would have counted, because that catch was sick. Don't like the Cowboys, though, so it wasn't that big of a deal to me, haha. Raiders beat the Chiefs, as I was watching football with five others rooting for Kansas City. Feels fantastic.

We have Chris Duhon, if you want a PG. We'll take a second rounder for him. But yeah, I read somewhere on Twitter that they were worried about Calderon. Didn't read ANYTHING about Lucas, but then again, it's John Lucas. I always put Calderon on blast, but the fact of the matter is, you don't want him injured. Lucas just doesn't do enough with the ball, and while Calderon is a train wreck defensively, he still has the ability to run an offense, and the second unit will need that type of player.

Anyone see that return by Brown during the Steelers/Redskins game? He flipped around and back-peddled from about 20-30 yards out, into the endzone, and then he got an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty AND the return was brought back because of a block in the back, lol. What an idiot.

My girl was pissed when she heard the news, haha. I'm not going to say this is a huge step down for OKC, though. Kevin Martin could be more efficient in a limited role. When was the last time you saw Martin deferring to a couple of all-stars (one being a superstar)? It could help him focus on the defensive end as well, but you're not going to see THAT big of an improvement on that end of the court (by him). Still, his poor shooting may not carry over, and both Durant and Westbrook will help him get easy buckets. Meanwhile, Lamb's game may fit in perfectly. We all know what he can do, at least in college, so whether he's out there scoring on his own, or feeding off of Durant and Westbrook...it could still work out well, doesn't matter if he's a starter OR playing behind Martin. Thing is, you're putting everyone on the table in hopes that Martin will accept such a role AND Lamb will pan out to be the player we all expect him to be...and this is coming from a team that was in the NBA Finals just months ago, with a very young core. Presti knew Harden was gone, though...and if you're going to trade him by February, you do it now. The later you keep him, the bigger risk of injury AND the lower the value. Teams would rather bring him in now and play him 82 games. Otherwise, you let him walk in July...and go into the playoffs with the same team that, actually, may not have a chance against the Heat OR Lakers to begin with (don't think they did anything to show they can beat the Heat one year later). It would be nice to see Durant reach into his skillset and pull out improved passing abilities. That will benefit both Lamb and Martin greatly, and will help make up for what is lost with Harden, who was HUGE coming off the bench and facilitating for that second unit. ---------- For Houston, it makes sense. You get rid of Martin's $13 million, even if it's an expiring deal, and in the process, you deal a rookie for a proven borderline all-star in Harden. Now, whether or not Harden deserves that max deal...or if he's a primary option...that's not the point. Right now, you know that Harden is more qualified for it than Jeremy Lamb, and Martin just isn't going to get it done in that large role (never really has). So, with all things considered, the trade was good for both teams...for the Rockets right now, and for the Thunder in the near future (and, possibly, right now...you never know).

It's time to start Tebow, honestly. And wow, the Redskins have been dropping passes like CRAZY today. Even Moss dropped one at the end of that last drive.

Yessssssss! I told my girl I called this, somewhat, back in July. I wasn't sure if they would include Motiejunas in the deal, but the main thing we talked about was Harden for Lamb, to save OKC money. I figured maybe this would happen if February, if there was a chance of it going down at all...but whatever, lol.

Haha, thanks. How did you remember this? I have a list somewhere, and also the images. The only bad thing is, everyone may have to re-select their college teams once I add more.

Haha. I say it all the time off the site. Most everyone around knows I run a website, and there are a lot of people that view it (just don't sign up, probably because they don't want to risk getting into a debate with me and, being in the same town, it would be odd, haha). I had someone about a month ago, over at the park I play ball at, ask me if I still run OTR, lol.

I'm not so sure why most graphics point to all of welfare being bad. I realize some cheat the system and are just lazy asses, but many rich people cheat the system and avoid taxes, also. Romney claims he doesn't want to eliminate the welfare program, regardless of what his plans are to help some off of it...so that tells you right there that it's not something to tip over and drain. Also, I'm not really sure if anyone is saying that the rich don't pay their fair share (generally...although, again, many dodge taxes). Our economy is in shambles, and Romney's $7 trillion plan can't be made up in small cuts here and there. It's basically about the country asking for a little help, from those that make a lot of money (many that make TOO much money).

The good thing about it was not only that he still has that ability, but he's willing to do it. I mean, he's not 290 pounds, so this may not be THAT big of a deal, but he still beat everyone down the court AND finished. The Hornets will have options on the offensive end, with Gordon, Anderson, and maybe Rivers, but they will need all the help they can get.

I loved him pushing the ball 94 feet, coast to coast, for that layup...was hoping he'd dunk, but I think he was a bit intimidated by the possibility of a foul. He had someone on his hip (might have been Chalmers, can't remember) so who knows.

That second style is horrific. Not sure how I feel about the pinstripes.