NBA Underway

Opening night has come and gone. However, it was hardly without many headlines. The biggest which comes from the very first game of the season, Boston vs. Miami. The much anticipated season for the Heat got off to bad start. The "Big 3" never seemed to be able to get into sync, D-Wade finished with just 13 points, and it would have been easy to forget that Chris Bosh was even on the team. On a positive note, the veteran Celtics looked very good.

In my opinion, the most impressive performance of the night was by Brandon Roy and the Portland TrailBlazers. Even though it was just the first night of action, the Blazers looked to be in midseason form, and that is with them playing without a bonefide center. Once they get Oden and Pryzbilla back, look for them to contend for a Western Conference title.

If you went to bed at halftime of the Lakers game, like I did, you missed a great second half. Kobe and Co. mounted a comeback, culminating with a Steve Blake 3-pointer with 8 seconds left. The Rockets gave the defending champs a scare, but the Lakers just had too many weapons down the stretch.

Tonight is the first night of full slate NBA action, headlined by Chicago vs. OKC. The Celtics will, tonight, take on Lebron's former team, and his new team, the 0-1 Heat, will take on the up and coming 76ers. Another great night of NBA basketball!

NBA Tip-Off

Well the most anticipated NBA season in recent memory is finally here. What better way to start it all of than a game between the original "Big 3" in Boston versus the new "Big 3" in Miami. There are lots of story lines attached to opening nights 3 games...

Will Lebron, D-Wade, and Chris Bosh get the season off on the right foot with a victory of the veteran Celtics?

Can Boston's Big 3, along with Shaq, Jermain, and Rondo go into South Beach and set the Heat off with a 0-1 start?

Even with all of the talk about Miami, the Lakers are still the 2-time defending NBA champs, how will Kobe and company play on opening night? Will Kobe be improved from a poor preseason?

Oh, and don't forget about a high scoring affair out west between Portland and Phoenix!

Should be a great night of basketball, just sit back and enjoy opening night of a great NBA season!!

FIBA Championships

Its my third day on campus as a freshman at Hanover College. Everything has been great so far, and I am having lots of fun. That being said, what can be better than sitting on my laptop and watching Canada vs. France and China vs. Puerto Rico on www.espn3.com, which by the way, is a college students best friend. The United States was able to withstand a scare from the Brazilian team. I know that in international play lower scores are the norm, but I will say that the U.S. is going to need to score more than 70 points if they want a chance to win the title. I am sure that every team in the tourney is hoping they can hold the athletic Americans to 70 points, because if that is the case, it will always be close at the end. Anyway, just wanted to give a shout out to www.espn3.com.

Team USA vs. Greece

The final roster has been set, and the final exhibition game has been played. Team USA is ready to take on the World Championships which begin on Saturday. The roster was completed after Rajon Rondo decided not to continue playing with the team citing family reasons. Eric Gordon, Chauncey Billups, Kevin Love, Tyson Chandler, Derrick Rose, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Stephen Curry, Rudy Gay, Danny Granger, Lamar Odom, and Andre Iguodala will be competing for the United States team.

In today's game game against Greece, a 87-59 win for the U.S., a couple of things stood out in my eyes. For one, the international competition cannot keep up with our quickness and athletic ability. Guards like Derrick Rose and Russell Westbrook are able to just run around their defenders. However, the physicality of the international big men does not lend well for our small interior. Tyson Chandler is our only true center, leaving Lamar Odom and Kevin Love to guard guys who are bigger than them. Overall, this group of "B-List" NBA players seems to be coming together very nicely. Eric Gordon, who lead the way with 18 points, continues to be very impressive. The combination of strength and quickness that Gordon and Rose have, along with the length and lightening speed of Westbrook will simply over match the competition.

The U.S. has not won a FIBA World Championship since 1994. This year they will play in Group B alongside Brazil, Croatia, Iran, Slovenia, and Tunisia. With the talent that we have, I look for a strong run from the Americans.

4 Team, 5 Player Swap in the NBA

In this deal, Trevor Ariza has been sent from the Houston Rockets to New Orleans. New Orleans gave up Darren Collison to the Indiana Pacers, the Pacers also received James Posey from the Hornets. The Pacers sent Troy Murphy to the Nets, while the Nets shipped Courtney Lee to Houston. Most notably, this gets rid of Chris Paul's backup in New Orleans, is this a sign that he is staying put? Only time will tell. So to recap...

Houston Rockets:Received-Courtney Lee. Traded-Trevor Ariza.

Indiana Pacers:Received-Darren Collison, James Posey. Traded-Troy Murphy.

New Orleans Hornets:Received-Trevor Ariza. Traded-Darren Collison.

New Jersey Nets:Received:Troy Murphy. Traded: Courtney Lee.

Reds vs. Cardinals

The Reds need to win today's game for many reasons, the most obvious being to retain 1st place in the NL Central. However, losing today's game could mean much more than looking up in the standings to the rival Cardinals. After Reds 2nd Baseman Brandon Phillips expressed his hatred of the division rival, today's winner-take-first match up becomes all the more interesting. Losing 3 straight games to any team can set a you back, but 3 games that you were so emotionally involved in will hurt even more. I am afraid that a sweep could start a snowball affect for Cincinnati. If the Reds can right the ship, however, that will give them a major confidence boost, knowing they only have 3 more games with St. Louis before the season is over. Today's game may go a long way to answering the question of who will come out on top in the NL Central.

Reds Continue to Hold on, Closer is a Question Mark

Being a Reds fan, nothing makes me happier than being able to look at the standings in August and see my team in 1st place. For the first time in quiet some time, Reds fans have hope of making the playoffs going into the stretch run of the season. However, even after taking the last 2 games from the division rival Cubs, I am worried about one role, closer. He hasn't pitched well in many of his outings last year, and his control is what scares me the most. In his last 2 outings, he has pitched 1 and 1/3 innings, walking 5 and hitting one batter. To make matters worse, he entered each of those games with a 3 run lead! It is so sickening to watch a professional pitcher walk into a game with his team leading by 3 runs and have him walk the very first batter like Cordero managed to do today. When you have a lead like that just throw fastballs down the middle until the opponent atleast gets the tying run to the plate. When nobody is on base, if somebody goes yard, who cares? Just throw strikes!!! Most of the time, especially when you have the velocity Co-Co Cordero has, if you just throw smoke you will get outs. The scary part is, I honestly don't think he can throw the ball over the plate when he wants to. As a fan of the team, I certainly hope he can turn it around because without him I don't know if we can hold of the Cardinals, but at some point the organization just needs to turn the page.

MLB Update, Trade Deadline Winners

This season's most surprising team, the Texas Rangers, decided to make even more of a splash by completely dominating the market at the trade deadline. Not only did they pick up a legitimate ace in lefty Cliff Lee, they also added a solid catcher in Bengie Molina, a good bat in Jorge Cantu, and a good utility guy in Christian Guzman. It looks like the Rangers should have the Al West locked up.

As usual, the Yankees made a big move at the deadline, adding a big bat in Lance Berkman who will contribute mostly as a DH in New York. They also bolstered the bullpen with the addition of Kerry Wood. Austin Kearns also was moved to New York.

As a Reds fan I hate to admit it, but the Cardinals ended up making out pretty well. Even after missing out on Roy Oswalt, they managed to add Jake Westbrook to their already solid starting rotation. The Cardinals did have to give up Ryan Ludwig, but now they have possibly the deepest rotation in the National League, and the ability to match up with the Reds as far as pitching goes.

Obviously, the defending National League Champion, Philadelphia Phillies were winners as well by adding Roy Oswalt. Even though he did lose his first start in the new uniform, with Oswalt added to a rotation already consisting of Roy Halladay and Cole Hamels, the Phillies will be a threat to make a run into the post season once again.

Team USA Scrimmage

The White squad road to victory on the back Kevin Durant's 28 points in a 114-96 win over the Blue team. Durant, who has taken over a leadership role on this USA team was very impressive in the game, shooting 10-17 from the field, while adding 6 rebounds. Also logging solid performances for Team USA where Andre Iguodala, Eric Gordon, and Tyson Chandler.

In international play the physical nature of Iguodala would help raise him to elite status. For the White team Andre added 17 points, including perfect shooting from beyond the arc, on the way to victory. He will cause many match up problems at playing either the 2 or the 3 spot because he will be able to hold his own with the physical play overseas.

Perhaps the player who may have played his way onto the final roster after last night's performance is Eric Gordon. The lights out shooter notched 16 points, along with one eye-popping 26 footer that he launched after nobody came out to cover him. Another physical guard, Gordon would help in spreading the floor for play-makers such as Durant and Derrick Rose.

Tyson Chandler will most likely make the final roster, if for no other reason, because he is one of the only true big men available. He played well, contributing 13 points and 9 rebounds. At 7'1'', Chandler will look to add some much needed strength down low for the USA on both ends of the court.

The 19 man roster will be cut down to 14 or 15 names by Monday.

Chris Paul's Wish List

Could another "Big 3" be in the works? According to sources close to New Orleans point guard Chris Paul, he is asking to be traded to the New York Knicks to join Amare Stoudemire and perhaps Carmelo Anthony after his contract is up this coming season. Paul said he wants to compete against the "Big 3" in Miami. There is a 3 year, $65 million extention on the table for Carmelo, which he has until June 30th to sign. Otherwise, he would become a free agent after the 2011 season and would look to join the Knicks. Whatever happens, the NBA looks to have a very exciting season ahead of them.

2nd Half MLB Predictions

Here are my picks...
AL East Winner: Tampa Bay Rays
AL Central Winner: Chicago White Sox
AL West Winner: Texas Rangers
AL Wild Card Winner: New York Yankees
NL East Winner: Atlanta Braves
NL Central Winner: Cincinnati Reds
NL West Winner: San Diego Padres
NL Wild Card Winner: Colorado Rockies

If Tampa makes a move at the trade deadline, there are rumors of them making a move for Prince Fielder, I think the Rays could over take the defending World Champions. The Yankees bullpen is way too shaky for me to feel comfortable picking them to hold on to the division lead. Of the Yankees top 4 relievers not named Mariano, the lowest ERA is above 4. The other 3 relievers ERA's are above 5. In the East, I believe the Rockies will make a run at the Padres, but the starting pitching in San Diego will help them hold on to the division title. As far as a post-season prediction, I think the Yankees will get hot, and add some relief pitching at the deadline, and get back to the World Series. From the East, I see the Atlanta Braves making it through to the Series. In the end, the New York Yankees will repeate as champions.

NBA News and Notes

Zydrunas Ilgauskas will join the new "Big 3" down in South Beach. The veteran big man is expected to sign a 2-year deal.
Al Jefferson will be sent from Minnesota to the Utah Jazz in exchange for 2 future 1st round picks.
The Dallas Mavericks traded Eduaro Najera, Matt Carroll, and Erick Dampier to the Bobcats for Tyson Chandler and Alexis Ajinea.
Tony Allen agreed to a 2-year, $9.7 million deal with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Quentin Richardson has signed a 3-year, $7.5 million deal with Orlando.

Decision Done!!! Lebron to South Beach

The waiting, speculating, and rumors are over. Lebron James will become of a member of the Miami Heat.  He will be joining Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh with his new team.  This will bring together 3 of last season's top 9 scorers.  The summers biggest question has finally been answered.  My personal opinion on this move, and the free agency period as a whole will be posted tomorrow.  

Lebron Leaning Towards Miami

Accourding to NBA Insider Chris Broussard, Lebron James will become a member of the Miami Heat. His press conference is set for 9 p.m. ET this evening. If Lebron does join the Heat, he will be teaming up with Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade who made their decision to go to Miami earlier this week. If this new "Big 3" join forces, the Heat will have 3 of the 9 top scorers from the year before.

Also, Ray Allen will rejoin the Boston Celtics after agreeing to a 2-year, $20 million deal.

Boozer to Bulls, 2010-2011 Salary Cap Set

Carlos Boozer and the Chicago Bulls have agreed to a 5-year deal worth $80 million.
Kevin Durant has agreed to an extension worth $86 million over 5 years.
The NBA salary cap for 2010-2011 has been set at $58 million. This is about $2 million higher than teams expected it to be.
Lebron James will declare where he will be playing within the first 10 min. of his 9 p.m. ET interview Thursday on ESPN accourding to espn.com. The rest of the interview will consist of an extensive interview with Michael Wilbon and other ESPN personalities.

D-Wade, Bosh going to Miami

Accourding to Chris Broussard and a source close to the situation, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh will sign with the Miami Heat. Both are expected to sign a maximum contract. If Bosh signs with the Raptors and they work out a sign and trade, he could make $125 million over 6 years. However, if he signs directly with the Heat he could earn only $96 million over 5 years. This looks to set up the Heat as contenders in the East. With many of the pieces starting to fall into place, the NBA is now just waiting on Lebron.

Lebron James is set to make his decision at 9 p.m. tomorrow night.

Amare will Join the Knicks

It is a happy evening for basketball fans in New York.  After a decade of being the worst team in basketball, Knicks fans finally have something to cheer about.  Amare Stoudemire has reached a maximum contract deal worth $100 million over 5 years.  Adding a big presence down low may help New York add another big name free agent such as Dwayne Wade or Lebron James.  

Joe Johnson to resign with Atlanta

According to his agent, Joe Johnson will be resign with his current team, the Atlanta Hawks. This would be the 2nd big name free agent to stay at home, after Dirk decided to stay in Dallas yesterday. Johnson's maxiumum contract will be worth $119 million over 6 years. This is $27 million more than he could have gotten from any other team. The question remains, will more free agents follow in the footsteps of Johnson and Dirk by staying put? The answer should come within the next week as free agents declare their futures, and begin signing contracts come Thursday.

Dirk Staying in Dallas

According to espn.com, Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki has verbally agreed to a 4 year deal worth at least $80 million.  The deal also includes a no-trade clause. 

Lebron James met with the two final teams in part of his free agent meetings...the Chicago Bulls and his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers.  The decision is now up to The King, does he stay home and play with the Cavs, or does he move on to try and win a championship with another franchise.  Look for a decision within the next couple of days.  

Free Agent Update

I am sitting in the lobby of the historic Drake Hotel in downtown Chicago, yet I have yet to run into either D-Wade or Chris Bosh, both of whom had meetings today in Chicago.  However, I did have one celebrity encounter, I sat a table away from Bronson Arroyo at Ditka's Steakhouse.  My Cincinnati Reds are winners of 9 of there last 11 games!!! Go Reds.  

Now to free agent news...

After meeting with members of the Bulls front office in Chicago today, prized free agent Dwayne Wade appears to be leaning towards signing with them.  This would throw a possible monkey wrench in the plans of Lebron coming to Chicago.

An offer has been put on the table between the parties of the Dallas Mavericks and Dirk Nowitzki.  The offer could be worth up to $96 million over 4 years.  

Lebron James appears to have two different options on the table from the New York Knicks.  He can either sign a max contract deal, which would leave the Knicks the ability to sign 1 more max contract free agent, OR, James could agree to a 5 year deal worth $11.5 million per season.

Amare Stoudemire is closing in on a deal with the New York Knicks worth $100 million over 5 years.  This would be the third maximum contract offered during this free agent period (the first from Atlanta to Joe Johnson, the second being from NY to Lebron.)  

John Salmons has agreed to a 5 year deal worth $39 million with the Milwaukee Bucks.  

Paul Pierce

The Boston Celtics are set to resign one member of the "Big 3."  Just before 10:00 this morning, Paul Pierce agreed to a 4 year deal worth $61 million.  The 4th year is full of team and player options.  The Celtics have also been in communication with the agents for Brad Miller and David Lee.  With Rasheed retiring, and the health of Kendrick Perkins up in the air, the Celtics look to beef up their front line during the free agent period.

In other free agent news...Amir Johnson has agreed to a 5 year deal worth $34 million.  Also, Channing Frye will stay in Phoenix after agreeing to a 5 year deal worth $30 million.

Free Agent Update

Day 1 of the most anticipated summer in NBA history has shook out with a couple of deals already being offered, including one maximum contract already on the table.  Here are some of the new developments from today according to sources at espn.com.

Joe Johnson was the first big name free agent to meet with teams, starting with a 12:01 a.m. meeting with the Knicks.  However, his only offer on the table at the end of the day ended up being a maximum contract offer from his current team, the Atlanta Hawks, worth $119 million over 6 years.  He can not officially sign until July 8th, but most sources believe that he will resign with the Hawks.

Drew Gooden was offered, and plans to accept, a 5 year deal worth $32 million from the Milwaukee Bucks.  

Rudy Gay, a restricted free agent, is expected to accept a 5 year, $80 million deal from the Grizzlies.

Carmelo Anthony has been offered a 3 year $65 million contract extension by the Nuggets.

Darko Milicic has agreed to a 4 year deal worth $20 million deal with the Timberwolves.

Paul Pierce has begun contract negotiations with Boston.  The maximum Pierce can be offered is a 4 year deal worth $93 million due to the NBA's over-36 rule.  I believe that the Celtics will be able to resign Pierce.  

According to many sources, Amare Stoudemire will not return to Phoenix.  He has meetings with the Heat and Knicks coming up soon.  

As I gather more information I will continue to keep everyone updated!

Notable Free Agents

This years NBA free agent class has been a big topic of discussion in many basketball circles for a few years now. However, the question still remains...where will this years top unrescrited free agents end up? Here is a look at the possibilities for 8 of the biggest names.

Lebron James: Front-Runners-Chicago, Cleveland. Outsiders-New Jersey, New York, Miami. Lebron is the man who will shape how the rest of this class shakes out. Each possibility hinges on where James ends up. I believe that the team with the best chance of landing him is Chicago. With pieces already in place, Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah, along with the acquistion of Chris Bosh or Carlos Boozer, the Bulls would look to be the best in the East for years to come.
Dwyane Wade: Front-Runners-Miami, New York, Chicago. Outsiders-New Jersey
I see D-Wade staying in Miami. If Lebron doesn't get signed by the Bulls, then Wade could go there, or the Knicks could make a hard run at him once they realize they are going to miss on Lebron. Quick note: The much talked about trio of James, Wade, and Bosh all signing in Miami WILL NOT HAPPEN. It is totally impracticale. Having 3 max contracts leaves no room for other quality guys. I think D-Wade is going to pretty much have to wait and see where Lebron lands before he can find a home.
Chris Bosh: Front-Runners-Chicago, Miami. Outsiders- New York, New Jersey
Bosh will end up being the key to this free agent class. Whichever team can lock up him along side of James, Wade, or even Joe Johnson becomes and immediate title contender. I see him landing wherever Lebron lands, probably in Chicago.
Amare Stoudemire: Front-Runners-Miami, New York. Outsiders-Chicago
If Miami would decide to do a sign and trade deal with Michael Beasley, Amare could slip in and play along side D-Wade. However, I think New York will finally be able to pull through and lure a big name free agent to their franchise.
Dirk Nowitzki: Dirk will be staying in Dallas, its as simple as that. It is his best fit, and that is where the money will be the best for him as well.
Joe Johnson: Front-Runners-New York, New Jersey. Outsiders-Chicago
New York may very well pick up another key piece to building a contender with the addition of Joe Johnson. The Knicks are looking move Eddy Curry to make cap room for Johnson alongside of Amare, or another big man.
Carlos Boozer: Front-Runners-Miami. Outsiders-Chicago, Utah.
If the Bulls miss on Bosh then Boozer becomes their top option. I see Boozer end up as D-Wade's new running mate in Miami.
David Lee: New Jersey will almost certainly end up with Lee. He is the last guy left, and the new ownership in Jersey will not want to come out "empty handed." However, just because the Nets only landed 1 of the top 8 free agents, we need to remember there are 117 other guys out there on the market. They still may add a few guys that will turn them into a contender.

Starting Up

With this blog I plan to cover any and all sporting events that I feel the need to share with the world. I am most interested in covering basketball, but also will follow lots of baseball and football. As my first order of business, I look to try to relay as much information as I can gather about the much anticipated free agency period starting on July 1st. I hope that everyone enjoys "The Hoosier Stats Guy" as I try to get my name into the mainstream for my opinions on basketball, and all sports.