ESPN.com reports that Lamar Odom has decided to take the Los Angeles Lakers offer of a presumed four-year, $33 million dollar deal, the fourth year being the option year.
Sources close to the situation say the deal is more close to the $27 million dollar deal that was previously offered.
The Lakers will give $25 million over three years, but will owe Odom $2 million if they elect not to pick up his option for a fourth year.
With Odom coming back to the Lakers, the Lakers have their top five scorers from their 2009 championship team. Their only loss is the departure of small forward Trevor Ariza who signed with the Houston Rockets.
I believe without the Lakers re-signing Odom, they wouldn't be able to defend and repeat as NBA champions. With this move, the Lakers are still the team to beat in the NBA because of the fact that they have a formidable starting lineup and Odom coming off the bench as a versitile point-forward who can create match-up problems with his ball-handling and his offensive game.
Don't forget that he can hold his own against the big men in the NBA. The whole nation witnessed how he handled Cavalier-killer Rashard Lewis and frustrated the 2008-2009 Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard; constantly slapping the ball away from Howard every time he barrelled into the paint.
It's too early to predict an NBA Finals match-up or champion, but don't be surprised if the Los Angeles Lakers are back in the finals.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Brett Favre to stay retired
The Minneapolis Star Tribune has reported that Brett Favre has decided to not sign with the Minnesota Vikings and stay retired.
Here is an excerpt from the Star Tribune and the link: http://blogs.startribune.com/vikingsblog/?p=3077
"Childress cited the daily grind both mentally and physically as part of the reason why Favre remained retired."
Now the question is, who will the Minnesota Vikings go after now? Could Michael Vick be a possibility? I think so, what do you think?
Here is an excerpt from the Star Tribune and the link: http://blogs.startribune.com/vikingsblog/?p=3077
"Childress cited the daily grind both mentally and physically as part of the reason why Favre remained retired."
Now the question is, who will the Minnesota Vikings go after now? Could Michael Vick be a possibility? I think so, what do you think?
Comment on my posts!
My fellow patients! Please feel free to comment on my posts as you read them. If you decide to comment, please write your first name and what city you're from and feel free to comment right after. I would like to communicate with those who comment on my posts via the comment box. I look forward to reading and responding to your comments!
NBA Free Agency: Lamar Odom and Lebron James
The NBA free agency period is slowing down as of late, but that doesn't mean that rumors are afloat.
According to ESPN.com senior writer Marc Stein, the Lamar Odom sweepstakes should be resolved by week's end.
He stated that Lamar Odom wants the Los Angeles Lakers to improve their three-year, $27 million dollar deal with a fourth year added to the contract. Since Odom's rejection, the Lakers have reportedly made a contract of a three-year deal but have offered less money.
Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat has been vigorously recruiting Odom back to Miami where he once played. While it's not clear whether Heat general manager Pat Riley will meet with Odom to talk about a contract, Wade has been doing his best to persuade Odom to play in South Beach.
Lebron James continues to make headlines but this involves his impending free agency in the summer of 2010.
Stein states the Cleveland Cavaliers front office has been working on a three-year extention to keep James in Cleveland.
But chances are that James will not take the extention mainly because he would lose all leverage when it comes to getting the lucrative contract that he desires. He would also lose leverage on the organization to get James the players necessary to compete for a championship.
It's clear to me that Lebron James sees the opportunity to receive the money he has always wanted. He also sees names like Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and Amar'e Stoudamire and the possiblity of playing along side one of them in 2010.
My diagnosis: Lamar Odom goes to the Miami Heat for at least five years because I don't see the Los Angeles Lakers matching or even giving Odom the money he wants. And when it comes to Lebron James, I believe he will be leaving the Cleveland Caveliers, but he won't go to New York, but possibly Los Angeles, and I don't mean the Lakers.
According to ESPN.com senior writer Marc Stein, the Lamar Odom sweepstakes should be resolved by week's end.
He stated that Lamar Odom wants the Los Angeles Lakers to improve their three-year, $27 million dollar deal with a fourth year added to the contract. Since Odom's rejection, the Lakers have reportedly made a contract of a three-year deal but have offered less money.
Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat has been vigorously recruiting Odom back to Miami where he once played. While it's not clear whether Heat general manager Pat Riley will meet with Odom to talk about a contract, Wade has been doing his best to persuade Odom to play in South Beach.
Lebron James continues to make headlines but this involves his impending free agency in the summer of 2010.
Stein states the Cleveland Cavaliers front office has been working on a three-year extention to keep James in Cleveland.
But chances are that James will not take the extention mainly because he would lose all leverage when it comes to getting the lucrative contract that he desires. He would also lose leverage on the organization to get James the players necessary to compete for a championship.
It's clear to me that Lebron James sees the opportunity to receive the money he has always wanted. He also sees names like Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and Amar'e Stoudamire and the possiblity of playing along side one of them in 2010.
My diagnosis: Lamar Odom goes to the Miami Heat for at least five years because I don't see the Los Angeles Lakers matching or even giving Odom the money he wants. And when it comes to Lebron James, I believe he will be leaving the Cleveland Caveliers, but he won't go to New York, but possibly Los Angeles, and I don't mean the Lakers.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Selig considering lifting Rose ban
Cooperstown recently inducted two more players into baseball's Hall of Fame in Rickey Henderson and Jim Rice.
These two players symbolize how to play the game right. Pete Rose also played the game right, but gambling while he was the manager of the Cincinnati Reds cost him his baseball life and a chance to be inducted into baseball's Hall of Fame.
A couple decades later, MLB commissioner Bud Selig is considering reinstating Rose back into the MLB.
Why is he even thinking about bringing back a guy who made the game look dirty and corrupt? The simple answer: Rose was arguably the greatest hitter of all time with a record 4,256 hits.
Many Hall of Famers are calling for the reinstatement of Pete Rose, stating that what he did was while he was out of the game and those who took steroids are continuing to put up stats that will affect how they are perceived after their careers are over.
I agree with the Hall of Famers that bringing back Rose is finally due. He should be back into the MLB because he has obeyed the laws of the MLB since his ban, staying away from the game as much as possible, only showing up to baseball parks when requested. He hasn't tried to force his way back in the game.
I do agree with most fans that say that had Rose admitted his mistake the first time, he would already be in the Hall of Fame and we as fans wouldn't consider this an issue.
Pete Rose has been waiting patiently for his name to be called for induction into baseball's Hall of Fame. It may not happen for a while, but when the time comes, baseball should welcome Rose with open arms.
These two players symbolize how to play the game right. Pete Rose also played the game right, but gambling while he was the manager of the Cincinnati Reds cost him his baseball life and a chance to be inducted into baseball's Hall of Fame.
A couple decades later, MLB commissioner Bud Selig is considering reinstating Rose back into the MLB.
Why is he even thinking about bringing back a guy who made the game look dirty and corrupt? The simple answer: Rose was arguably the greatest hitter of all time with a record 4,256 hits.
Many Hall of Famers are calling for the reinstatement of Pete Rose, stating that what he did was while he was out of the game and those who took steroids are continuing to put up stats that will affect how they are perceived after their careers are over.
I agree with the Hall of Famers that bringing back Rose is finally due. He should be back into the MLB because he has obeyed the laws of the MLB since his ban, staying away from the game as much as possible, only showing up to baseball parks when requested. He hasn't tried to force his way back in the game.
I do agree with most fans that say that had Rose admitted his mistake the first time, he would already be in the Hall of Fame and we as fans wouldn't consider this an issue.
Pete Rose has been waiting patiently for his name to be called for induction into baseball's Hall of Fame. It may not happen for a while, but when the time comes, baseball should welcome Rose with open arms.
Michael Vick Reinstated
The main headline in today's sports world is Michael Vick being reinstated by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
However, Vick isn't fully reinstated as he needs to show remorse and change in his lifestyle off the field.
As part of the reinstatement, Vick is allowed to start working out during the preseason and possibly take part in the final two preseason games. When the season starts, he can participate in voluntary practices but not games, until possibly October; that is if he can sign with an NFL team in the foreseeable future.
As reported by several media outlets, many NFL teams aren't willing to give Vick the second chance as they fear that he may not be a changed man. Another possible reason for teams not giving Vick a second chance could be the fans asking for refunds for season tickets if their team happens to acquire Michael Vick.
After reading most of the comments by fans in various newspaper and sports websites, a majority of fans believe teams should give Vick that second chance.
Many fans bring up the fact that he has paid his debt to society and that there shouldn't be any added punishment.
I completely agree with Goodell's assessment on what should be done about Vick. He should be allowed to work out and get back into shape, and try to resurrect his career as an NFL quarterback. What many fans don't realize is that Vick lied to Goodell about his dog-fighting activities, vehemently denying that he had any part in those heinous activities.
In essence, this is the appropriate way of bringing back one of the most electrifying players in NFL history. It will take time for him to get back to his flashy self, but once he gets his legs under him, watch out.
However, Vick isn't fully reinstated as he needs to show remorse and change in his lifestyle off the field.
As part of the reinstatement, Vick is allowed to start working out during the preseason and possibly take part in the final two preseason games. When the season starts, he can participate in voluntary practices but not games, until possibly October; that is if he can sign with an NFL team in the foreseeable future.
As reported by several media outlets, many NFL teams aren't willing to give Vick the second chance as they fear that he may not be a changed man. Another possible reason for teams not giving Vick a second chance could be the fans asking for refunds for season tickets if their team happens to acquire Michael Vick.
After reading most of the comments by fans in various newspaper and sports websites, a majority of fans believe teams should give Vick that second chance.
Many fans bring up the fact that he has paid his debt to society and that there shouldn't be any added punishment.
I completely agree with Goodell's assessment on what should be done about Vick. He should be allowed to work out and get back into shape, and try to resurrect his career as an NFL quarterback. What many fans don't realize is that Vick lied to Goodell about his dog-fighting activities, vehemently denying that he had any part in those heinous activities.
In essence, this is the appropriate way of bringing back one of the most electrifying players in NFL history. It will take time for him to get back to his flashy self, but once he gets his legs under him, watch out.
Sorry for the long wait!
My fellow patients of the sports world, have no fear, the doctor is back in! I had to take some time off due to illness, but I am back and ready to deliver the most intriguing sports news and give my diagnosis. There will be new posts shortly.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Should Michael Vick be reinstated?
As many of you know, Michael Vick has been released of his dog-fighting sentence. He served most of the 23-month sentence in the federal prison in Leavenworth, KS. He served the final two months of his sentence under home-confinement.
Vick was recently released by the Atlanta Falcons and NFL teams are allowed to talk to Vick and his representatives about a possible comeback. But the comeback wont be official until NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reinstates Vick and takes away the indefinite suspension.
As of today, Goodell isn't saying much about whether he will reinstate Vick.
Here is a little excerpt of the article on ESPN.com about Goodell and Vick:
"'The process is ongoing, and I hope to make a decision sometime in the near future,' Goodell said Tuesday, a day after Vick's home confinement ended."
The article goes on the explain that even if Goodell reinstates Vick, he would still have to try to show other teams he has learned from his mistakes.
I believe that Michael Vick has paid his debt to society and should be given a chance to resurrect his career.
I also believe that Vick needs to show remorse for what he did. Adam "Pacman" Jones said he was remorseful for his off-the-field troubles, but during his only season with the Dallas Cowboys, he had some off-the-field issues, including getting into a fight with the bodyguard that owner Jerry Jones hired for Pacman.
Vick is different from Pacman in that sense. He sounds and looks remorseful and wants to resume his career as an NFL quarterback.
I hate using cliches, but the cliche "actions speak louder than words" definitely apply to Vick. He needs to show not only Roger Goodell, but also the rest of the league that he is sorry for his mistakes and he must guarantee to every organization that this will not happen again. Otherwise, this might be the end of Michael Vick's career in the NFL.
Vick was recently released by the Atlanta Falcons and NFL teams are allowed to talk to Vick and his representatives about a possible comeback. But the comeback wont be official until NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reinstates Vick and takes away the indefinite suspension.
As of today, Goodell isn't saying much about whether he will reinstate Vick.
Here is a little excerpt of the article on ESPN.com about Goodell and Vick:
"'The process is ongoing, and I hope to make a decision sometime in the near future,' Goodell said Tuesday, a day after Vick's home confinement ended."
The article goes on the explain that even if Goodell reinstates Vick, he would still have to try to show other teams he has learned from his mistakes.
I believe that Michael Vick has paid his debt to society and should be given a chance to resurrect his career.
I also believe that Vick needs to show remorse for what he did. Adam "Pacman" Jones said he was remorseful for his off-the-field troubles, but during his only season with the Dallas Cowboys, he had some off-the-field issues, including getting into a fight with the bodyguard that owner Jerry Jones hired for Pacman.
Vick is different from Pacman in that sense. He sounds and looks remorseful and wants to resume his career as an NFL quarterback.
I hate using cliches, but the cliche "actions speak louder than words" definitely apply to Vick. He needs to show not only Roger Goodell, but also the rest of the league that he is sorry for his mistakes and he must guarantee to every organization that this will not happen again. Otherwise, this might be the end of Michael Vick's career in the NFL.
NBA officials meet with Congress
Recently, the NBA defended their minimum age requirement policy to Congress. Even though both sides talked, nothing was exactly resolved.
The NBA requires players to at least play one year of college before they can enter their names in the NBA draft.
The NFL requires its draft entrants to be out of high school for a minimum of three years before entering their names in the NFL draft.
I believe the NFL's purpose for this rule is to make sure the players are fit enough to compete at the highest level. The only exception I found to the NFL's rule is if a player is red-shirted in his college career, he can enter the NFL draft "early". Meaning, if a college player was red-shirted his freshman year, he doesn't play that entire first season. Once he isn't a red-shirt player anymore, he is considered a red-shirt freshman. Academically, he is a sophomore.
I believe the NBA needs to address the NFL-style rule to their policies. Fans who watch the NBA see how some of the players who thought they were good enough to compete at the highest level, end up becoming draft busts.
The solution should be that if a high school player wants to make the jump to the NBA, they should let him. But, if that player chooses college, he must play for at least two years to develop his skill so he could play at the highest level.
I understand that these professional leagues are also businesses. But if the business doesn't put out a product that fans want to see time and time again, they are essentially losing money by not placing the best players in their league.
There is a reason why football is the most popular sport in America. The NBA needs to take lessons from the NFL if they want to fight for supremacy as the most popular sport in America.
The NBA requires players to at least play one year of college before they can enter their names in the NBA draft.
The NFL requires its draft entrants to be out of high school for a minimum of three years before entering their names in the NFL draft.
I believe the NFL's purpose for this rule is to make sure the players are fit enough to compete at the highest level. The only exception I found to the NFL's rule is if a player is red-shirted in his college career, he can enter the NFL draft "early". Meaning, if a college player was red-shirted his freshman year, he doesn't play that entire first season. Once he isn't a red-shirt player anymore, he is considered a red-shirt freshman. Academically, he is a sophomore.
I believe the NBA needs to address the NFL-style rule to their policies. Fans who watch the NBA see how some of the players who thought they were good enough to compete at the highest level, end up becoming draft busts.
The solution should be that if a high school player wants to make the jump to the NBA, they should let him. But, if that player chooses college, he must play for at least two years to develop his skill so he could play at the highest level.
I understand that these professional leagues are also businesses. But if the business doesn't put out a product that fans want to see time and time again, they are essentially losing money by not placing the best players in their league.
There is a reason why football is the most popular sport in America. The NBA needs to take lessons from the NFL if they want to fight for supremacy as the most popular sport in America.
Magic, Barnes agree to deal
ESPN.com senior writer Marc Stein reported today the Orlando Magic and Matt Barnes have agreed to a 2-year deal. Details of the contract weren't disclosed.
Barnes averaged 10.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists last season with the Phoenix Suns. He is known for his length on defense and providing a spark off the bench with his electric dunks and timely three-pointers.
I believe Barnes will help the Magic with their depth at the small forward position as Rashard Lewis looks like he will be moving back to his old position with the additions of ex-Mavs power forward Brandon Bass and ex-Nets power forward Ryan Anderson.
It is clear the defending Eastern Conference champions will have a different look than last year's team, but that doesn't necessarily mean that's a bad thing. Sometimes, change is good. For the Magic and its organization, they hope this change will bring them their elusive first NBA championship.
Barnes averaged 10.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists last season with the Phoenix Suns. He is known for his length on defense and providing a spark off the bench with his electric dunks and timely three-pointers.
I believe Barnes will help the Magic with their depth at the small forward position as Rashard Lewis looks like he will be moving back to his old position with the additions of ex-Mavs power forward Brandon Bass and ex-Nets power forward Ryan Anderson.
It is clear the defending Eastern Conference champions will have a different look than last year's team, but that doesn't necessarily mean that's a bad thing. Sometimes, change is good. For the Magic and its organization, they hope this change will bring them their elusive first NBA championship.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Nash Staying with the Suns
For all the Phoenix Suns fans worrying about whether Steve Nash is leaving your fair city, have no fear: Steve Nash is staying, I repeat, staying in Phoenix.
According to Marc Stein of ESPN the Magazine and ESPN.com, Nash and the Suns front office agreed to a two-year extension worth $22 million dollars.
Nash's Agent, Bill Duffy, confirmed the deal saying that Nash expects to sign the contract extension early Tuesday after the deal went down late Monday.
Nash, who is 35 years old, has never been questioned about his health until this year. But as statistics show, he is a valuable scorer and a durable player.
As much as Phoenix is ecstatic about retaining Nash, they must get a point guard that will replace Nash when he retires.
They do have Jared Dudley as Nash's back-up, but he hasn't had much of an opportunity to prove to the Suns organization that he is the future starter. The Suns either need to develop Dudley to be Nash's back-up or acquire a future point guard in the remaining time in free agency.
Either way, the Suns need to prepare for life without Nash. If they don't, they will be in for years of "what if's" or "what could have been's."
According to Marc Stein of ESPN the Magazine and ESPN.com, Nash and the Suns front office agreed to a two-year extension worth $22 million dollars.
Nash's Agent, Bill Duffy, confirmed the deal saying that Nash expects to sign the contract extension early Tuesday after the deal went down late Monday.
Nash, who is 35 years old, has never been questioned about his health until this year. But as statistics show, he is a valuable scorer and a durable player.
As much as Phoenix is ecstatic about retaining Nash, they must get a point guard that will replace Nash when he retires.
They do have Jared Dudley as Nash's back-up, but he hasn't had much of an opportunity to prove to the Suns organization that he is the future starter. The Suns either need to develop Dudley to be Nash's back-up or acquire a future point guard in the remaining time in free agency.
Either way, the Suns need to prepare for life without Nash. If they don't, they will be in for years of "what if's" or "what could have been's."
Orlando Magic to get Matt Barnes
According to senior writer Marc Stein of ESPN the Magazine and ESPN.com, the Orlando Magic are close to a two-year deal with versatile Suns forward Matt Barnes.
The 6-7, 226-pound forward brings an added need to the small forward position. He is known for bringing energy off the bench on both ends of the court and will knock down three-pointers when needed.
It is rumored that the July 13 signing of Brandon Bass would move current PF Rashard Lewis back to his old position at small forward. The Magic, needing depth at the point guard and small forward position, fills this need with the signing of Matt Barnes.
This acquisition, if completed, will give the Magic another perimeter scorer and lengthy defender.
The Orlando Magic are clearly making moves that need to be done this off-season if they want to compete for their first NBA Championship.
Clearly I am in the minority, but I do believe that the Orlando Magic are a better team on paper with the acquisitions they have made this off-season. But as many analysts and fans say repeatedly, "Championships aren't won in the off-season". But I believe this is a start.
The 6-7, 226-pound forward brings an added need to the small forward position. He is known for bringing energy off the bench on both ends of the court and will knock down three-pointers when needed.
It is rumored that the July 13 signing of Brandon Bass would move current PF Rashard Lewis back to his old position at small forward. The Magic, needing depth at the point guard and small forward position, fills this need with the signing of Matt Barnes.
This acquisition, if completed, will give the Magic another perimeter scorer and lengthy defender.
The Orlando Magic are clearly making moves that need to be done this off-season if they want to compete for their first NBA Championship.
Clearly I am in the minority, but I do believe that the Orlando Magic are a better team on paper with the acquisitions they have made this off-season. But as many analysts and fans say repeatedly, "Championships aren't won in the off-season". But I believe this is a start.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
The Doctor is in!
Hello, fellow sports fans!
I am Dr. Doop and I will be bringing you the latest sports updates and stories as well as my personal diagnosis for all sports issues that I bring up or you, the avid sports fan bring up. Please suggest any sports issue for me to diagnose as I will do my best to give you the best solution for your team's problems as well as my own take on what is happening with your local and national sports.
The Doctor is out!
I am Dr. Doop and I will be bringing you the latest sports updates and stories as well as my personal diagnosis for all sports issues that I bring up or you, the avid sports fan bring up. Please suggest any sports issue for me to diagnose as I will do my best to give you the best solution for your team's problems as well as my own take on what is happening with your local and national sports.
The Doctor is out!
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