Those "other" teams

I'm not going to rant about people jumping on bandwagon teams, claiming they've always liked them, blah blah blah. At some point we've probably all liked a team for a little while then they become the hot ticket and you start getting called a bandwagon fan. I'm a fan of every Arizona pro sports team (minus the d-bags, but thats another post) and every ASU sports team. But the others?

College
Ohio State University
Since: 2006
Why: I lived in Columbus for 3 years, that was enough for it to grow on me. Sports in a big-time college sports town is a completely different sports scene.
Pros: Lots of drinking, cheese, and nudity. Pretty much everything involved drinking, cheese, and nudity.

Cincinnati Bear Cats
Since: I was a youngin'
Why: I really liked their colors when I was little and just kind of rooted for them in basketball. Weird that I moved there, I know a good deal of people that go there now.
Pros: Their student section's shirts say, "Cincinnati Beer Cats."

NFL
Jacksonville Jaguars
Since: 1996
Why: Their second year as a team they made the AFC championship game. This is coincidentally the first NFL football game that I can remember watching and probably the earliest game in any sport I can remember who won from watching it.
Pros: I loved their uniforms, I just thought they were very cool back in the day. They've had some interesting years after that but I still like Mark Brunell, Fred Taylor, and Keenan McCardell from them. Also MoJo Drew, BEAST!

Minnesota Vikings
Since: Early 2000s
Why: Culpepper to Moss. I was watching Jake Plummer's throws get dropped by Frank Sanders and tipped by Freddy Jones, not to mention a garden variety of running backs getting smashed weekly, the offense really appealed to me.
Pros: My interest in them were falling off after Culpepper and Moss moved on. The boat party was a step in the right direction, but drafting Adrian Peterson has made them solid again.

NBA
Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma Thunder
Since: Ever (minus 2006-2008)
Why: With my dad, and sports influence, being from Seattle, I've always rooted for their sports teams (the Seahawks would've made the list but being in the NFC West kind of ruined things). When the team got moved to OKC I was pretty pissed and said I wouldn't like them.
Pros: I really like Russell Westbrook (Deron Williams to Derrick Rose as Paul), Jeff Green is a beast on the boards and could average post-knee-explosion Elton Brand numbers despite being short, and Durant is one of the most fun people to watch. ESPN also projects them taking ASU's James Harden at the #2 spot. Are you freaking serious?! If that happens I might like them as much as I like the Suns right now.

Portland Trailblazers
Since: 2006
Why: When the above team was jettisoned I began searching for a second NBA team. I really liked Brandon Roy's game and then all of a sudden they just started getting really good.
Pros: They're blazing trails, whats not to like? Also my boy Oden ended up with them, which was fortunate... for him.

NHL
hahahaha, just kidding

MLB
Milwaukee Brewers
Since: 2007
Why: Craig Counsell, Damien Miller, Chris Capuano, Junior Spivey, etc. A ton of former d-back players who I liked but were pushed out for younger players have all been through the Brew Crew.
Pros: Much like the first team on this list, they enjoy drinking, nudity, and cheese. Maybe they can offer Brett Favre a position out of the bullpen.

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Listened to: A tribe called quest

Ramblings on the NFL, NBA trades, Suns

Good news coming from the desert... if you're a football fan. Rod Graves met Lex Luthor Drew Rosenhaus regarding the three of the six Cardinal players he represents (Boldin, Dockett, A.Smith). Graves called the conference positive and rumors emanating out of Indy is that Boldin is open to re-signing a new deal with the Cards. Very positive for the Red Birds, as are the reports that:

Franchised bone-breaker Karlos Dansby and his agent have had very positive contract talks with Mr. Graves and a deal is in the works for a long-term commitment. (Under the franchise tag, Dansby would earn $10.37M, or 125% of his salary last year, as he was already the third-highest paid LB, and the average of the top 5 salaries is $8.3M, hardly a raise from his $8.03M last season)

:: Breaking news as I was writing this :: Kurt Warner has announced that he will return for the 2009 season. As much as I hate putting confidence in Warner, losing him would be a blow to the team. This also could be a sign that Boldin will stay with the team.

With Dansby likely to be locked up, and Kurt returning, things seem to be progressing fast for the Cards. More recent news includes the hiring of up-and-comer Mike Miller to take over the "pass-game coordinator" position and Russ Grimm as "run-game coordinator." Whisenhunt will call the plays. Bill Davis has been promoted from LB coach to defensive coordinator. Maurice Carthon has left AZ for a spot on Todd Haley's coaching staff in KC. KC's RB coach leaves there to accept the same position with us. All solid moves in my opinion.

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Nothing too much of note happened at the NBA trade deadline. Several trades materialized and vanished faster than John Daley's long island iced teas at the turn.

I love Rafer Alston going to the Magic because he is one of my favorite players and seems like a more mature Jameer Nelson with that line-up. I expect to see a spike as he dishes to Howard down low and kicks it to Rashard "'Toine2" Lewis and Hedo "Stop calling me Peja" Turkoglu to bomb three's.

T3 (Turf-Toe-Ty) Chandler being returned for their cash back was priceless. head explodes from puns. The Thunder still managed to cast-off Wilcox however, who joins a star-starved cast of misfits on the New York 2010s.

None of this matters though as LeBron will win the NBA Championship as Ben Wallace cuts an out-route. zomg more double-puns

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Remember when the Suns dropped over 140 in consecutive nights, delivering a triumphant F-you to Terry Porter? They were loose, having fun, and kicking ass. Then it mysteriously vanished, like your eyesight when you get popped in the retina for the second time in a season. Amare went down and had season-ending surgery, resulting in a collective crap by Suns fans. Have we not been tortured enough? I'd rather be a team with no hope, than a team that constantly has that hope publicly shamed with hairy balls drawn on it's face in sharpie from the crazy night before.

The effects: Insert the Brazilian blurp at the 2, slide Father of the Year J-Rich to the 3, and slip all 120 pounds of deer-in-the-headlights Grant Hill in to the 4. You think Grant Hill looks surprised now? Wait until you tell him he's guarding Carlos Boozer, Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, or LaMarcus Aldridge. If Hill doesn't work, we're prepared to give all 125 pounds of Matt Barnes a shot at PF, super.

This also means an immediate boost in PT for Anderson Varejao's long lost cousin and Brook Lopez's long lost brother Robin, super. And let's not forget we also get to see more of Lightning Lou or whatever they decided on calling him. Let's hope he takes guarding the Western Confrence bigs as well as he took Zach Randolph's wussy punch.

Suns final record before going down: 53-29 (5th in the Western Confrence)
Suns final record after going down: 48-34 (7th in the Western Confrence)

I just don't see the Suns missing the playoffs with Shaqzilla, Nash, J-Rich, Barbosa, and Grant Hill's ankles. As far as making it deep in the playoffs, this seriously hurts their chances. However, Stat COULD return for the playoffs, but how effective he would be, remains to be seen.

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Listened to: Lots

Fantasy Basketball

I have concluded that fantasy basketball is just not as fun as fantasy football. This is the second time I have played fantasy basketball and I lost interest both years midway through. Fantasy football I have had teams 6 of the last 7 years and multiple teams a few of those. The decline of one-RB featured teams made fantasy football a little less appealing but there is still enough dimensions to make it fun. Having daily points and weekly games makes it much less anti-climactic. Being a league with 5 total teams probably also diminishes the effect. Losing 11 players over extensive periods of time during the season hurts, too. It also prompts you to write posts like this to your fellow leaguers:

AH MAH GAHD! TRADE DEADLINE APPROACHING! ALL PLAYERS MUST GO!

WE HAVE RECEIVED EXTRA SUPER STARS FROM THE FACTORY AND WE MUST SELL ALL PLAYERS AT WHOLESALE PRICES!

WE PASS THE SAVINGS ON TO YOU! ACT NOW AND YOU COULD SNAG A BRANDON ROY FOR ONLY A BARON DAVIS!!!! CHRIS PAUL? GERALD WALLACE? MORE LIKE CHRIS ANDERSON AND GERALD GREEN!!

IF YOU HAVE ANY PLAYERS YOU FEAR WILL SOON GO OUT WITH SEASON ENDING INJURIES SHIP THEM HERE!

HELL! PICK UP AMARE AND TRADE HIM TO ME! ZACH RANDOLPH WILL PUNCH HIS RETINA BACK IN TO PLACE!

HURRY HURRY HURRY! THIS MESSAGE WILL SELF-DESTRUCT AFTER THE TRADE DEADLINE (as will this team)

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FYI: Players losing significant time to injuries this season: Elton Brand, Jose Calderon, Baron Davis, Carmelo Anthony, Gerald Wallace, Zach Randolph, Carlos Boozer, Al Jefferson (the day after trading for him), Tracy McGrady (within a week of trading for him), Andris Biedrins, and Jameer Nelson... That I can think of off the top of my head.

A league with more people would be more fun, when every team has 3 super stars, if you lose 2 or potentially even 1 (see: Jefferson, Al) you're kind of SOL.

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Listened to: Talib Kweli, Busta Rhymes, Groove Armada, Ying Yang Twins

All-Star Pick'ummmm

Kevin and I are making predictions on various all-star events; lesssssss go!

Celebrity Game
Does anyone actually care? No. I'll take whoever has Master P and Jamel White (Steve Erkel) by 3.

Rookie/Sophomore Game
This one is kind of funny because of Greg Oden, Rudy Fernandez, and Marc Gasol. Has there ever been a rookie team with 3 sophomores by draft class? I'd make a few jokes about the rookies thinking Greg Oden was their coach and not a fellow rookie, but... I'm not creative.

This should be a more competitive rookie/sophomore game than usual because of the super star talent in the game. For the rooks, O.J. Mayonnaise, Eric "Gordy" Gordon, Westbrook and Derrick Rose create all sorts of havoc for a sophomore team that has no elite, let alone "decent" G's in Aaron Brooks, and Rodney Stuckey. Durant will most likely have to play a lot of 2 guard which also limits his ability to use his speed and size over smaller 3s, his scoring will drop as a result.

While the rookie's have an explosive guard class, where they're lacking is solid 3's and 4's. The sophs are dripping wet with talent at the forward position with the aforementioned Durant, Thaddeus Young, Jeff Green, and Al Thorton... Michael Beasley will have his hands full, and not full of some dank cali-bud, but with long athletic scorers who will torment him from the outside.

Luckily for Beasley, and the rooks, they have 2 future all-stars behind them in Greg Oden and Brook Lopez, and could even get a third with Gasol. If the sophomores want to win this game, they will need a dominating exhibition on the glass by Horford and Scola will have to step up at C as well.

I think the rookies led by Derrick Rose and the low post prowess of Greg Oden and Brook Lopez will lead the undersized Sophomore team to an upset win. I see 138-125 in favor of the rookies with Brook Lopez bringing home the MVP with a 14 point, 14 rebounds, 4 block performance. If the sophs step it up, Durant will bring home the MVP trophy.

Sleeper watch: Jeff Green, dude can play.

Three-point Shootout
I was inclinded to say Jason Kapono but then I remembered that just because my roommate goes 12/12 from downtown with Al Kapono in NBA 2k9, he isn't that great. I'm gonna go with Rashard Lewis here to steal the crown from all these guards.

Side note about Lewis: loved in Seattle, liked him at first in Orlando, however with the emergence of Jameer Nelson (before the carnage) and Dwight Howard taking the post work, it kind of puts Shard(t) in 'Toine Walker position. Surprisingly athletic big man who can hit the 3 and loves to jack 'em up. Just be careful Lewis, you're about a year and a bad break-up away from gaining 30 lbs of krispy kremes and becoming the new 'Toine.

Skills Challenge
I didn't know they let bitches into the skills challenge, why is Tony Longoria here? My vote is for either Devin Harris or Mo Williams. I don't really like Devin Harris so I'm choosing Mo Williams because anyone who leaves the "e" out of "Moe" clearly has shit to do... Like winning the skills challenge.

Dunk Contest
I wish this was more relevant. Dwight Howard can't even dunk, he throws it through. Do Europeans even practice cool dunks? Sorry Nate, but it shouldn't take you over 20 times to make a dunk. That leaves me with JR Smith. I'm a big fan of the big-lackadaze and even use him in NBA 2k9 dunk contest. Unfortunately, this is just a weak field. Howard will probably win but on the off-chance JR Smith shows up and tries... I'm picking the junior Smith.

All-Star Game
This game doesn't get interesting until the last 10 minutes... most years. Other years it just doesn't get interesting period. Without doing any previous research or even looking at the rosters, I'm leaning towards picking the West cause of their overall dominance. However, Bron Bron actually cares. He will be the only non-first time all-star out there trying. That might be enough to give the East a 15-20 point lead going in to the fourth, probably about what they need before the Mamba takes over. I'm gonna say the West in a barn burner with Bron Bron trying REALLY REALLY hard, 148-142. My west MVP is Mamba and my east MVP is Paul Pierce, he's playing right?

Harden Bringing A Lot

How far can James Harden take ASU in the tourney?

Stats
Height: 6'4", 212 lbs
Points: 19.7
Boards: 6.5
Dimes: 3.9
Shooting: 50% FG 33% 3-PT 75% FT
Steals: 2.3

Looks pretty impressive. They should, because those are Dwayne Wade's numbers in his 2 years in Marquette. Now lets take a look at James Harden's career averages with Dwayne Wade's numbers in (parentheses).

Height: Listed as 6'5" but Charles Barkley was listed at 6'7". (6'4")
Weight: 218 (212)
Points: 19.5 (19.7)
Boards: 5.3 (6.5)
Dimes: 3.5 (3.9)
Shooting: 52% (50) FG 39% (33) 3-PT 76% (75) FT

They were also viewed similarly in college. They said that Wade couldn't play the 2 because he was too small and the 1 because he wasn't fast enough. I think teams can see Harden playing in a Dwayne Wade style offense and could be an excellent compliment to a dominant low post scorer (see: Minnesota/Al Jeff's ACL). He doesn't need to shoot the ball every time but with the ball in his hands he is smart enough and athletic enough to drive or kick out and is killer in the clutch. He takes high percentage shots and could eventually hit 20-25 PPG in the NBA if given 15-18 shots a game. He takes a lot of contact but knows how to fall (see: Hill, Grant) and goes to the line often in games. It wouldn't hurt him to improve his FT%. He is a quiet leader but his teammates trust his abilities to make the crucial shot.

D-Wade's rookie stat line: 34.9 MPG, 47% FG, 30% 3-PT, 75% FT, 4.0 REB, 4.5 AST, 16.2 PTS.
These are numbers I could definitely see from Harden as a rookie. The key will be playing time. If he ends up a top 5 pick as he is currently projected, he will likely go somewhere where he will be needed to score.

Harden played well today in front of NBA scouts and GMs. An additional 50 seats were bought by teams in town for the all-star break to watch ASU-UCLA square off, but especially to get a firsthand look at Harden, Pendergraph, and Collison (maybe Ty Abbott and Josh Shipp). How does Harden respond? A thrilling sweep of UCLA, the Pac-10's first since 2005, while dishing out a career-high 11 assists (also Dwayne Wade's career high at Marquette). The kid can simply score, not to mention he is an underrated defender and could guard most 1's and smaller 2's in the NBA.

I think all of the above, combined with the Hyphy beard (see: Davis, Baron) James Harden is a legitimate top-5 pick. He can score on his man in one-on-one situations whether off the dribble or in the post, he can drain the 3, he nails the clutch shots, and he has a Hyphy beard, end of discussion.

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Playlist: TV on the Radio; Return to Cookie Mountain/Dear Science

Yuhhh

I just found myself thinking, I wonder if we could ship Barbosa to Houston for Ron Artest... Yuhhhh. That's not good.

NCAA First Team All-Name

Who doesn't like making fun of someone because of their name?

Da'Veed Dildy G Stanford
Why go with boring old David when you could go French and phonetically spell Da'Veed!? His older brother Da'Bomb Dildy is currently overseas with Russian Chumchatka RSK.

Haouna Mutombo G Western Carolina
His first name reminds me of a dangerous drug, now that's worthy of an all-name list. But throw in the lineage of a Mutombo and you're starting to elevate your game.

Pawel Kielbasa F Chicago State
Kielbasa sausage, your butt cheeks is warm!

Frank Ben-Eze F Davidson
Frank Ben-Eze since the day he was born. He's Ben-Eze all his life.

Chief Kickingstallionsims C Alabama State
... because Kickingstallion wasn't enough. I can't imagine having Chief as a first name, I imagine my life would be very sarcastic. Sure thing Chief!

The Cardinals Off-Season Pt. I

The Cardinals had their first promising season in a decade and this off-season will be key to their future success. They have several key free agents set for big pay raises, and the price tag for super bowl role players can sky rocket after a big game (remember Dexter Jackson? Rod Graves does...).

Over the course of a few posts I'll be commenting on Cardinal decisions, rumors, and other league happenings. I'm going to start with key free agents and make predictions on if they will return, and what kind of year we can expect from them.

Kurt Warner
What he did: Led the Cardinals to a Super Bowl while putting up MVP numbers for most of the season.

What he didn't do: Instill confidence. I still can't trust him. They went to the super bowl, but nine wins will not cut it next year. He gets a guilty look when he tries to look confident. Kind of like when my dog gets into the trash can and plays it off like nothing happened.

What will happen in the off-season: If Anquan Boldin commits to 2009 then Warner will be back. If not, it's a 50/50. He has a maturing offensive line that played great in the playoffs and emerging receivers in Steve Breaston and Early Doucet. I'm thinking he gets resigned and puts up high 60% completion percentage, about 2500 yards, 20 TDs, 8 INTs, and 6 fumbles in 12 games and 11 starts.

J.J. Arrington
What he did: Arrington has never succeeded at the level his 2nd round draft status projected since leaving Cal. He was inactive for the first 4 games of the season before earning some playing time from Whisenhunt. He was effective in the return game (including a game-breaker against Dallas for 6) and proved valuable in 3rd and long situations with screens and flat routes.

What he didn't do: Provide stability. His average yd/att was much improved thanks to some long runs but he was never the feature of the offense.

What will happen in the off-season: J.J.'s vision and patience has shown much improvement under RBs coach Maurice Carthon. With the projected departure of Edgerrin James as a cap casualty, Arrington will most likely be resigned to a smaller deal with incentives for production. He should end up on the kickoff squad and continue to get some more reps as Whisenhunt finds more ways to employ his speed and shiftiness. 400 yards rushing, 400 yards receiving, and 5 TDs (2 rushing, 2 receiving, 1 return) is what I see for J.J. in 2009.

Bertrand Berry
What he did: Berry took a restructured deal for less money to stay on an Arizona team he felt had potential, and for that he gets my vote as a fan favorite. Berry does not have the speed he once had but he uses solid technique with good football instincts to make plays.

What he didn't do: Stop the run. Berry is not longer a starter on a good football team but he is a solid backup and can still play series as a down line backer or upright end based on personnel needs.

What will happen in the off-season: Bertrand is the kind of guy Whisenhunt likes on his teams and will definitely want him back. Look for him to sign another one or two year contract around his pay from last year. For production, I can see similar 30 tackle and 4-5 sack kind of season.

Karlos Dansby
What he did: He played Pro Bowl caliber defense and led a blitzing linebacking core that surprised teams in the playoffs with their tough short-yardage defense.

What he didn't do: The Cardinals missed too many tackles and Dansby was another culprit. Like Antrel Rolle and Adrian Wilson, Dansby gets jacked on the big hit. Sometimes that means strong runners can bounce of his shoulder tackles and get extra yardage in the second level. There isn't much negative in his game though. He is an emotional leader and a key player to the Cardinals D.

What will happen in the off-season: Dansby scares me because of his potential. He is still a young player and flashes brilliance. He has the speed, size, and determination to become a perannieal Pro Bowler in the right system. He can play in a 3-4 or 4-3 which also helps his market value. There has been rumors over him going to Jersey A, but I feel this is just promotion to drive his price up. There is a chance he could recieve an offer like Calvin Pace got from Jersey B, and the Cardinals might not want to commit that much money. If a long-term deal can't be worked out, I expect Dansby to be franchised. Either way I think he will be back. Look for 100 tackles, 6 sacks, 2 INTS, 3-4 forced fumbles and a reel of big hits from Dansby in 2009.

Antonio Smith
What he did: Antonio has always been a favorite player of mine and with the move to the starting unit full time in 2009 we see the potential from this 5th round pick out of OK State. He is average in run stopping and above-average in pass rush because of his ability to give a second effort and beat his man on a busted play. He was another Cardinal who really stepped it up in the playoffs and if he can play with that intensity game in-game out he could be a force for this team.

What he didn't do: His first full year as a starter was good, not great. He didn't always make his presence known and his production varied game to game. His play recognition could use some work but if he continues to improve as he has so far, he will be a solid player for years.

What will happen in the off-season: Antonio Smith has the bad fortune of being low in line. The Cards first priorities will be Dansby and Warner while trying to get new deals for Boldin and Dockett. There is a chance free agency could start before Smith gets a deal and a team might swoop in with a little more money than the Cardinals would like to pay. Unfortunately, I think Smith will get a better deal from another team while the Cardinals are still trying to figure out their own cap configuration. Starting on his new team, he will have 50 tackles, 8 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles.

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More to come later. Some posts will be funny, some more like this one. Some will involve irrelevant stats that I found. Some will be long, some will be a few sentences.

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Playlist: Ludacris - Release Therapy