Aren't Guys with the Initials AI Supposed to DO the Ankle Breaking?

If your initials are AI, you are supposed to be the one crossing people over.  I guess Andre Iguodala missed the memo.

If You Aren't Drinking the KD Kool-Aid Yet, Now Is a Good Time to Start

Team USA narrowly escaped a last-second disaster in Turkey on Monday, defeating Brazil 70-68.  The Americans (3-0) found themselves trading baskets with their Pool B rivals throughout the game,  encountering trouble with the Brazilians' onslaught of pick and rolls.  They also looked out of sync offensively, relying many times on their one-on-one scoring abilities rather than buying into the team mentality and moving the ball.  However, when the US looked as if they had their backs against the wall, there was one player who stepped up and made something happen.

Enter Kevin Durant.  KD had another phenomenal performance, leading the Americans with 27 points and 10 rebounds.

When Team USA had made it public that Durant was going to be the saving grace of Team USA, many people wondered if he had the star power to fuel such a team.  Sure, he can score with the best of them.  Yeah, he had a great year with the Thunder and finished second in MVP voting.  But can he take over a game and make his teammates around him better?  Let me give you one statistic.
 
Team USA is now 3-0.

The former collegiate Player of the Year, has stepped up in each game of the World Basketball Championship, quietly becoming the leader that Coach K and Jerry Colangelo had hoped for.  At a mere 21-years-old,  Durant carries himself both on and off the court with a composure that stretches well beyond his years.  He is by no means flashy or arrogant, but rather has a very laid back demeanor and fundamental smoothness to his game.  His lanky, 6'10" makes him an absolute nightmare to match up with defensively, especially when you consider his athleticism at such a size.

Oh and the kid D's up too.  Just as Leandro Barbosa how light his pockets are, after his feeble crossover attempt was picked by Durant.  Don't worry, if you missed the game against Brazil, just watch highlights  of the exhibition game against Spain, when KD came up with not one, but two, game saving blocks.

 At 21, the sky is the limit for the Thunders' All-Star.  Durant will continue develop both mentally and physically as he matures in the league.  With that being said, I have some predictions for No. 35.  First off, he will be the greatest player to ever wear that number (if he already isn't).  He will also win his second scoring title and first MVP trophy this season (he finishes his career with at least 5 scoring titles and 3 MVPs).  He will also lead to the Thunder to the Western Conference Finals this season, in route to his second All-Star game along with his teammate Russell Westbrook.  Most importantly (at least at this point in time), he will lead Team USA to FIBA Gold in 2010.

The All-Time Worst Football Play

Remember the scene from "Little Giants" when the ball is handed off to "Rad Tad" and he runs in circles from the defenders, pleading with the referee to blow the whistle?   Well, this high schooler makes "Rad Tad" look like Barry Sanders.

This high school debacle, whose exact location is unknown, could possibly be the worst display of football I have ever seen in my 22 years of existence.  Not only does the "star" of our video run 20-yards towards his own end zone (rather than just going down and taking the loss of yards), but he then proceeds to make the worst football play in the history of the sport.  This makes Leon Lett's mental lapse against the Dolphins  almost forgivable (and I'm a Cowboys fan).

I'm not sure who the player is or where he's from, but I can assure you one thing about his future -- it doesn't involve football.

Impressive First Impression

The "B" Team, as some have coined them. They aren't big enough. They can't shoot. They have no star power. Team USA has been facing this type of adversity for weeks heading into the World Basketball Championship. On Saturday, the American team used these critiques to fuel their dismantling of Croatia, 106-78.

Team USA had an impressive debut in the World Basketball Championship, trying to reclaim the gold medal for the first time in 16 years. The American squad played fluid throughout the game, shooting 55% from the field and distributing the ball well finishing with 22 assists as a team. Eric Gordon, a player who I thought would fail to make the final 12-man roster, led Team USA with 16 points on 6-8 shooting, including 4-6 from downtown.

The Americans seemed to overmatch the Croatians with explosive, dynamic moves to the basket, showing their offensive prowess. The USA's combination of youth and athleticism is conducive with the style of play that is typically seen on the international level. If the Americans are able to spread the floor and get out and run, their athleticism will be overpowering for any opponent that they may face.

Now, I'm not getting ahead of myself and crowning Team USA champions just yet, but I think that Coach K and the rest of USA's supporters have to feel good after today's performance. Granted, they played against Croatia. The last good basketball entity to come out of Croatia was No.7, the "sensation" himself -- Toni Kukoc.

Even "The Glove" had trouble shutting down "The Croatian Sensation."

Congratulations Albert

At 30 years, 222 days-old, the St. Louis Cardinals' Albert Pujols has become the third youngest player to join the 400 home run club. Pujols is preceded only by Alex Rodriguez and Ken Griffey Jr., impressive company for any player, even if you are the best in the world. The All-Star first baseman has not only been the most dominant hitter in baseball, since he burst onto the scene in 2001, but in an era dominated by steroids, Pujols has remained clean. Pujols is tied for 47th on the all-time home run list and will continue to ascend those ranks at a furious pace. By the time Albert is ready to retire, he will more than likely be the all-time home run leader (maybe second to A-Rod).

I don't care what you say Albert, you are a machine.

Cable Needs to Come Out With a Japanese Baseball Channel

I used to think that Japanese game shows were the only place you could witness the truly outrageous from the far East, but it turns out I have been mistaken.  You want to see truly outrageous?  Check out the Hiroshima Toyo Carp, a professional baseball team in Japan's Central League.

What is so special about Japanese baseball?  I'll tell you.  Masato Akamatsu and Amaya Souichirou.

Akamatsu and Soichirou are the respective center fielders for the Toyo Carp.  The significance of these two gentleman, you may be asking yourself?  They are the owners of quite possibly the two most impressive catches that the game of baseball has ever witnessed.  When I first encountered the tandem's highlights, I immediately researched if it was a viral video that had been modified, similar to that of the infamous ball girl.  However, after seeing both players featured on Sportscenter, I knew it had to be real.  Akamatsu and Soichirou make Torii Hunter and Carl Crawford look like minor leaguers when it comes to pulling home runs back into the ball park.

I would love to describe the majesty of both catches, but words cannot put this type of greatness into perspective.  Instead, I leave you with the videos.  Prepare to replay it five or six times.  Yeah, it's that good.

Is Favre Now Regretting a Comeback?

Since Brett Favre decided to return to the Minnesota Vikings for another season, things have not exactly gone according to plan.  The gunslinging Favre lost two bullets that played a pivotal role in the Vikings success last season. Percy Harvin and Sidney Rice have both been sidelined with ailments this off-season and may be unable to return to the elite form that Favre was so accustomed to last season.  This has left the Vikings organization scrambling for answers -- receivers that Favre can throw to.  So what have they come up with?  Javon Walker, once-elite receiver who has fallen harder than that reporter who was smashing grapes on Youtube, and the ex-Miami Dolphins' third option at receiver, Greg Camarillo.

So now onto the lingering question.  Is Brett Favre regretting a comeback?

Absolutely not.

In the spectacle that was Brett Favre's press conference, Favre mentioned that he decided to come back for one more season because he felt he owed it to the Vikings' organization.  Really Brett?  You played one season in Minnesota and now you owe them?  How about the fans in Green Bay?  Don't you think you owe them something after all the years that they supported you?  You were the face of Green Bay, something like a real-life Rocky Balboa for the city, and then you slapped them in the face, signing with a division rival (his stint on the Jets is irrelevant).

So let's be honest Brett, the real reason you came back is the same reason you do this whole I'm retiring/I'm not retiring thing season after season.  There is one reason Brett, just one -- you.  Despite what proponents of Favre may say, he is a person that has to be in the spotlight.  So how does one remain in the spotlight even after they have retired?  Records.  It's as simple as holding records.

Favre currently holds seven NFL passing records, including two of the most coveted in passing yards and passing touchdowns.  One more season in the NFL gives Favre one more year to pad those stats and keep his name amongst the top of the record books.  Favre needs to create as much leverage as possible because his records will undoubtedly fall to Peyton Manning.

Don't believe me?  Here are some numbers to put things in perspective.

Brett Favre currently has 497 career passing TDs and 69, 329 passing yards.  Peyton Manning has 366 TDs and 50, 128 passing yards.  Hypothetically speaking, if Favre can manage another 3,800 yards/30 TD season, he will have 527 TDs and 73,129 yards.  Assuming Manning can average 4,000 yards and 30 TDs over the next six seasons, Favre will relinquish his records to the Colts' All-Pro quarterback.

You don't have to believe me, but the numbers don't lie.

UWB Has Undergone a Makeover

When I set out on the venture that has become United We Ball, I had planned to create a buzz around the sport of basketball by going beyond the reporting and giving my readers an interesting perspective that they are not used to reading.  However, over the past few days I have been mulling over a facelift for the site.  So here it is.  United We Ball will no longer be dedicated to just one sport, because sports do not show preference.  Sports are the one remaining entity in today's world that is unbiased.  Things such as race and social standing have no bearing on its outcome.  So from here on out, UWB will comment on trending topics involving basketball, baseball and football.  From the hardwood to the diamond to the gridiron, we all ball.  United We Ball.

Again Mike?

Former first-overall pick, Kwame Brown, has reunited with owner Michael Jordan, signing the $1.3 million veteran minimum to play with the Charlotte Bobcats.  Jordan drafted Brown with the No. 1 overall pick in 2001 when he president of basketball operations for the Washington Wizards.  The move comes as a surprise to many NBA minds, including myself.

Since being drafted out of high school, Brown has averaged a mere 6.7 points and 5.4 rebounds per game for his career. These numbers are mediocre for any nine-year NBA veteran, let alone a former No. 1 pick.  The main problem with Brown was his inability to develop in the NBA.  Unlike other big men who made the jump from high school like Bynum, Garnett and Howard, Brown failed to mature in the league and his performance is indicative of this.  The former Georgia high school standout would have benefited from at least a few seasons at the college level to promote his progression rather than impeding his skills.

I do respect Brown's determination, however.  He wanted to play in Charlotte under the regime of a tough coach like Larry Brown, and under an even tougher owner and probably the toughest competitor in Michael Jordan.  Although his desire to make an impact is there, I can not foresee Brown having any role in the team's success.  To be honest, Brown seems more like an insurance policy to the Bobcats more than a contributor.

Their depth at the center position is currently filled with a group of veterans in  their mid-thirties, consisting of Nazr Mohammed, Erick Dampier and DeSagana Diop.  Injuries and conditioning over an 82-game season and possibly even playoffs seems to be a concern of both Jordan and Brown with their current center situation.  The signing of Brown alleviates the stress of losing one or possibly two of those afforementioned players to hampering injuries that sometimes plague older players over the course of the season.  Brown could be inserted as a body to do nothing more than lean on the other centers of the East, commit some fouls and grab some rebounds.

Don't get too excited Bobcat fans, that includes you too, Kwame.

The Catch and Shoot: Starks Never Dunked on Jordan

It is time to dispel all of the misconceptions and settle the great debate once and for all. John Starks never dunked on Michael Jordan. This has been a topic of conversation ever since the play took place during the 1993 NBA Playoffs. Anytime there is a mention of Michael Jordan or the topic of players being posterized is the focus of a conversation, you can almost always safely bet that there is one Knicks fan in the room that will reference "the dunk." Now, I remember this play as a child, sitting watching the game with my brother and father. I have also reviewed the archived footage several times. I am more than familiar with both the play and the circumstances surrounding it. So here's what happens: Starks brings the ball up the court, blows by the lackluster defense of B.J. Armstrong, drives baseline and dunks on Horace Grant (even this can be considered generous). Jordan, who is obstructed by Grant, jumps and extends his hand as if to swat the ball. However, realizing he will be unable to impede Starks' trajectory towards the rim due to the obstruction that is Grant's body, Jordan pulls back his hand, lands safely on the ground and goes on to beat the Knicks in not only this playoff series, but every single one he ever plays against them. So, there you have it folks, Starks never dunked on Jordan. This fallacy was conjured by New Yorkers who wanted Starks to be more than a one-time NBA All-Star who never won a championship and was ultimately mediocre at best. I have decided to post the video as proof of my conclusions. If you truly want to see someone getting dunked on, please reference the Kevin Johnson/Hakeem Olajuwon video (below the Starks video) or browse further down my blog and check McGrady/Okur.

The Catch and Shoot

Ex New Jersey Nets' center, Jayson Williams, pleaded guilty to a drunk driving charge in court this Friday and was handed down a one-year prison sentence that will be served concurrent to his five-year sentence for accidentally killing his limo driver. When asked about the situation, Williams responded, "It seems excessive,but it's a small price to pay if it helps deter drunk driving."

Say what? Excessive?

Jayson, last time I checked, you killed a man with a shotgun, tried to manipulate the evidence and somehow got off with a five-year prison sentence. You actually have the audacity to call your DWI charge excessive? How about your murder sentence being too lenient? Let's ask the Christofi family if five-years is reasonable for the life of a loved one. I doubt you'll have anything to say regarding that matter.

SMH, Jayson. That's all I can say.

Rude-y Fernandez

The NBA has fined Portland Trailblazers forward Rudy Fernandez $25,000 for making "public statements detrimental to the NBA." This coming after Fernandez reportedly ignored several phone calls made to him by head coach Nate McMillan. Fernandez's agent, Andy Miller, has said that Fernandez has no intention of reporting to training camp in October and plans to sit out the remaining two years of his contract unless the Blazers intend to trade him.

Congratulations Rudy. Not only have you made yourself look juvenile and unprofessional amidst this entire spectacle, but you will almost undoubtedly be hit with more fines from the NBA for violating league rules about publicly demanding a trade.

As a major proponent for professional athletes and their rights, this is one time in which I have trouble doing so. If I was to disregard phone calls from my employer about matters pertaining to my job, I would probably not have one the following day. Not only would I be unemployed, but collecting a salary would be out of the question. However, this is exactly what Fernandez plans to do. He will neglect the Blazers and collect on his salary that is due to him for the next two years without suiting for a single game.

News flash Rudy, although you are a dynamic role player who comes off the bench and provides a spark, you are just that. A role player. Sit out two seasons and see how willing teams are going to be to sign a guy to a long term deal after he refused to play for a team because he felt he was under utilized. My guess is you better sign with a team back in Spain, because any self respecting owner wouldn't give you the satisfaction of suiting up for another NBA squad.

Not only should the Portland Trailblazers not trade Fernandez, but a precedent should be set for his inauspicious behavior. The Blazers, along with David Stern and the NBA, should be able to void Fernandez's contract for being physically unable to perform. Take the NFL for example. Guys play their hearts out in the during the pre-season games, vying for a roster spot only to be injured and released from the team the following day. The players aren't paid as they are unable to meet the physical requirements necessary for their respective employment. The same should apply to the NBA. If Fernandez wants his money, he should have to play for it. If he wants to sit out the season he is more than welcome to do so without pay. The Blazers should also be given the right to cut him, if they see fit.

I usually admire the commissioner's "sternness" when it comes to challenging issues regarding the league. However, if he fails to address this debacle with Fernandez and the Blazers, he will be condoning a behavior that is not only bad for owners, teams, and organizations, but for the NBA as a whole.

Hey Fernandez, it looks like the name "Rudy" fits you to a tee.

Final Cut for Team USA May Have Taken an Unexpected "Twist"

Stephen Curry, last year's Rookie of the Year runner up, sprained his left ankle during an intra-squad scrimmage at practice in Madrid on Wednesday. Curry's injury is the latest among a laundry list of detrimental setbacks that has plagued Team USA heading into the World Basketball Championships this year. David Lee was forced to withdraw from action due to a dislocated finger, Brooke Lopez dropped out after a bout with mononucleosis and A'Mare Stoudemire decided to sit out after the Knicks couldn't provide insurance on his contract if he were to injure himself during competition.

The unfortunate injury couldn't have come at a worse time for the Golden State guard. With the World Basketball Championships set to take place on the 28th, Team USA has just ten days to make its final cut, trimming its 13-man roster to 12. Curry is in a battle for the final guard position with fellow USA teammates, Eric Gordon and Russell Westbrook. Based on his performance in the two preliminary games, it seemed as if Curry was safe from the final cut leaving the decision between Gordon and Westbrook, but this adds a whole new "twist" on the situation.

If Curry is physically unable to perform at his highest competitive level, Coach K and Jerry Colangelo will have no choice but to send the budding youngster back to the States. The former Davidson standout had an impressive showing at the World Basketball Festival in NYC. His ball handling skills have become extremely fluid and effective, he has added ten pounds of muscle to his lanky frame and his genetic jump shot has been something of an art form, reminiscent of his father, ex-NBA sharpshooter Dell Curry.

The one positive of this entire debacle is the fact that Team USA will not make its final cut until 48 hours before its first game in Turkey. With the proper rest and therapy, it seems extremely possible for Curry to be physically ready for the WBC.

If I had to assume that one of the aforementioned three players was to be cut, I would assume it to be Gordon. He is the one guy that seems to fall in between Westbrook and Curry as far as skills are concerned. Westbrook is a much more physical guard who can create shots for others, although he has his days where he looks like he couldn't throw a ball in the ocean. As for Curry, his shooting ability is far superior to that of the other two guards which leads me to believe that if he can run on that ankle, he will be part of Team USA along with Westbrook, leaving Gordon as the odd man out.

This is one of the very few times I can honestly say I'm happy not to be in Coach K's shoes.

The Catch and Shoot

The Catch and Shoot is a deviation of my standard blogging style, usually featuring a video, photo or short excerpt about a certain situation.  Today's Catch and Shoot is dedicated to Magic, Larry and the greatest basketball team ever assembled - the 1992 Dream Team.  Everyone expected Jordan to take the podium and talk about the graces of the Dream Team, however, it was the two men who saved the NBA and set the stage for Michael to become the player he was.  So here's to you Magic and Larry.  Thanks for saving the league and here is to two speeches well done.

Motown Revival?

Despite playing just 65 games over the past three seasons, veteran swingman Tracy McGrady doesn't consider himself to be damaged goods.  McGrady recently stated, "It's not like I'm 41 or even 35.  I just turned 31.  I still have a lot in the tank."  An appropriate analogy considering the one-year, $1.3 million dollar deal he signed to play in the Motor City with the Pistons this season. 

Once a back to back scoring champion, McGrady was plagued by chronic back problems for years before suffering a microfracture of the knee.  He quickly became an unwanted risk to many organizations.  His name still had allure, but his injury proneness was avoided by several NBA front offices.  Last year, McGrady appeared in 25 mediocre games for the New York Knicks.  However, there were instances when McGrady was a flash in the pan, taking over games for short stints.

I know that many people aren't buying into McGrady's claims, however, I can't help but be enticed by his statements.  People were skeptical of Antonio McDyess and Grant Hill as well, both of whom faced nearly identical situations to that of McGrady.  I'm not insinuating that Hill or McDyess are the players that they once were in their heyday, but both have revived their careers in an extremely positive way.  They have accepted that their superstar days are long gone and have become the productive role players that teams need to win championships.

McGrady seems to have come to this realization as well.  He even joked, "I probably can't dunk on guys like I did against Memo Okur here in 2003.  I hope that's not still a bad memory for Pistons fans - but I can still put the ball in the hole." 

T-Mac does have a valid point.  I'm sure many of you forgot about the game against San Antonio in which McGrady led to Rockets to an 81-80 victory by scoring an unprecedented 13 points in a mere 35 seconds.  We all know that he has lost a few steps over the years, but the bottom line is that when a guy can put the ball in the hole, he has the ability to go off at any time.

Believe what you may, but I think Detroit will get some good mileage out of T-Mac.

I decided to give those of you who forgot the absurdity, that once was Tracy McGrady, a little reminder.

Absolutely Brilliant

I wonder if Lebron is going to use the person who photoshopped this one as "motivation."

Team USA Gives Fans that Golden Feeling

With the World Basketball Championship set to tip off in Turkey in just under two weeks, there are a plethora of skeptics scrutinizing Team USA.  How will they match up with the reigning champs from Spain?  No Lebron.  No Kobe.  This team has no star power.  No Howard.  No Bosh.  This team lacks size.

You know what else Team USA doesn't have?  An ego.

Watching Team USA dismantle both China and France in their two preliminary games in New York City this past weekend, I couldn't help but notice a cohesion amongst a group of talented young players.  This group boasts a brand of basketball that has become a lost art by today's standards - team play.  It is understood that Kevin Durant has become the face of this USA team, however, the All-Star forward's humble attitude seems to be contagious.  The ball movement has been crisp, the shot selection has been mindful and the defense has been tenacious.  This group has a true pride for both the game of basketball and for the country and their play is indicative of that.

As for the aforementioned issues that certain naysayers have manufactured as a hindrance for Team USA, the answers are quite simple.

Let's start with the size issue.  Granted, Team USA only boasts one true center in Tyson Chandler, but they are far from undersized.  Aside from Chandler's seven-foot stature, USA has five players that are at least six foot eight or taller.  Not only do they possess length, but players like Kevin Durant, Rudy Gay and Danny Granger present certifiable matchup problems for opposing teams based on their combination of size and athleticism.  As far as rebounding is concerned, there should be no issue.  If all five guys put a body on someone and box out, as the fundamentals of basketball indicate, rebounding will take care of itself.

Well, what about their lack of superstars?

Team USA has two budding superstars on their roster, whom in a few years time will be ranked amongst the likes of Wade, James, Bryant and Anthony.  Kevin Durant, or KD as the kids nowadays call him, is the reigning scoring champ and can already be considered one of the top ten players in the NBA in what will only be his fourth year of service.  And then there is Derrick Rose.  Rose is the best all-around guard on this USA roster, his combination of size, quickness and ball-handling skills easily put him in the conversation with Deron Williams and Chris Paul as the elite point guards in the league.

So, how does America plan to match up with Spain?  Guard play.

The strength of this USA team lies in their depth at the guard position.  The NBA has transitioned from the dominant big man to the crafty guard.  Gone are the days when the offense was run through guys like Ewing, Olajuwon, Robinson and O'Neal.  Guards have the ability to take over games and allow for the entire offense to run through their creation of shots not only for themselves, but for their teammates as well.  Just ask the Cleveland Cavaliers about Rajon Rondo during last year's Eastern Conference Finals. After such a performance, it is no coincidence that Jerry Colangelo reserved a spot on the roster for the Celtics' All-Star.

Although Spain has a good core of guards in Rubio, Fernandez and Calderon, they are not nearly as deep as this American team.  Team USA will be able to keep constant pressure on the Spanish ball handlers, disrupting the flow of their offense and therefore creating turnovers that can lead to easy points.  Players like Rose, Rondo and Westbrook will be able to get out and run, spreading the floor and creating easy jump shots for shooters like Curry, Granger and Durant.  I also like Colangelo's pick in Mr. Big Shot himself, Chauncey Billups.  Aside from being one of the most clutch shooters in the game today, Billups will bring a veteran leadership that will help guide the younger guards on this team.

We may just have to start referring to Colangelo as King Midas, because Team USA is looking like the golden standard.

Looks Like I'm Not the Only One Endorsing Melo to NY

Number 15 jersey on Spike Lee?!  Coincidence? Looks more like a statement to me.

AnthoNY Bound?

It's been nine long years since playoff basketball graced Madison Square Garden.  Now, I know that 2010 was supposed to be the year that made Knicks' fans stand up and cheer, however, some ill-advised "decisions" left them in their seats, dejected and in what has become and all too familiar frame of mind.  Well, fear not New Yorkers because redemption seems to be upon the horizon.

With A'mare Stoudemire being the Knicks only maximum acquisition this off-season, New York has enough salary cap space to sign another maximum free agent in 2011.  Not only are Knicks' front office associates and fans mindful of this, but Carmelo Anthony seems to be mindful as well.  The Nuggets' franchise forward has recently stated that he has no timetable when it comes to signing the $65 million, 3-year extension that Denver has on the table for him.

So how does this have any bearing on the New York Knicks?  Melo hasn't come out and officially said anything about playing in New York.  Or has he?

Carmelo said that he will make his decision based on his family's best interests.  So what exactly do we know about Anthony's family and personal life?  He was born in Brooklyn, played his college ball at Syracuse and was recently married to his fiance, LaLa Vasquez, this summer.  Anyone notice a common denominator?  I'll help you out - New York City.  

At Anthony's star-studded wedding this summer, in which many top pros were in attendance, Hornets' guard Chris Paul stated that Anthony, Stoudemire and himself were in the position to form a "Big Three" of their own in New York.  We now know that it seems that Paul was just blowing smoke, but Melo may have taken that scenario into careful consideration.  And why shouldn't he?  New York has been yearning for a perennial all-star, something they haven't had since Patrick Ewing.  Anthony could not only step in and fill this void but may even be able to win that ring that eluded Ewing for all those years.  That is of course if Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni can surround both Melo and A'mare with the proper supporting cast.

Detract what you may, skeptics and proponents alike, but I think it will be just one more year Knicks' fans.  One more year.

 

What's in the Water Down in South Beach?

As if there wasn't enough buzz around Miami basketball over the past month, there is yet another development in the Soap Opera that has become South Beach this summer.  Miami Dolphins All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Marshall stated that in the event of a league lockout in 2011, he will hand in his cleats, lace up his high-tops and play professional basketball in the NBA.

Huh?

Adam Schefter seemed to have that exact reaction when Marshall made such a statement in an interview during ESPN's NFL Training Camp bus tour.  Even Dolphins' quarterback Chad Henne couldn't help but snicker at Marshall's outlandish claim.  When Schefter asked Marshall to clarify such a pursuance, Marshall responded by stating that his claims were factual rather than ones of hopeful pursuit.

Not only did Marshall say that he will be in the NBA in a lockout scenario, but has even narrowed down his options to just two teams.  The Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat. The Nuggets being his preferred of the two.

Let's take a second to think about this logically Brandon, cause you seem to have overlooked some key concepts.

First of all, Bill Parcells is not going to be thrilled that his All-Pro, newly acquired, wide receiver is contemplating a basketball career.  Lockout or no lockout, the chances of something like that flying with the Tuna are slim to none.  But let's give you the benefit of the doubt and say that in his older days, Parcells benevolence is at an all-time high and he gives you the nod for such an endeavor.  How thrilled and welcoming do you think the fans of Denver really are?  I highly doubt they will welcome you back with open arms after leaving such a sour taste in their mouth.  Not to mention the anxiety that will be plaguing them with the possibility of losing Carmelo Anthony to free agency.  Nuggets fans will be looking for someone to fill the void of a franchise player and Brandon Marshall isn't exactly the answer.  Put that all together and it seems like the only trips Marshall will be making to Denver are to visit family members.

Although I find it very unlikely to happen, there is one scenario in which I could possibly see Marshall playing in the NBA.  And for all of those playing at home, can you guess what that is?  If you said the Miami Heat, you are today's top winner.  Have you looked at the Heat's roster lately?  Aside from Lebron, D-Wade and Bosh, the Heat's roster is filled with inexperienced rookies and over the hill veterans.  An athletic, guard who can get out and run might fit well in the scenario that James or Wade get into foul trouble or need to catch a breather.  However, the Miami Heat certainly cannot match the Dolphins' salary due to Marshall.  I mean let's be real, the Heat can only offer Marshall a $1-2 million a year at best.  How's he supposed to feed his family with that type of money, right Latrell?  That is roughly one-fifth of what he's scheduled to make with the Dolphins in 2011.  Now although this seems like the scenario with the higher possibility of the two, it is still very unlikely.

The fact of the matter is Marshall is not the first guy in the NFL to think that he is cut out to play in the NBA.  Tony Gonzalez made the Miami Heat summer league team back in 2001, but was quickly brought back to reality after appearing in only two games.  There is no doubt that Marshall is a phenomenal athlete and arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL.  He may even be able to hold his own in some pick-up games featuring some NBA players.  However, when it comes to playing a full 82 game season in the NBA, I find it hard to believe he has the chops.

On a side note, I just got off the phone with Marshall's agent and he has informed me that any money Marshall could possibly make if he were to play for the Miami Heat would be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of America. (You asked for it Lebron)