A Disappearing Act

      To call the Amare Stoudemire-Carmelo Anthony experiment a bust would be an understatement. This offensively dynamic duo, tagged with defensive player of the year Tyson Chandler, should be disgusted with their position as the seventh seed in the east. Not only is Chandler clogging the middle for this star-led team, but young talent also compliments the two so-called leaders. The Knicks have a great young nucleus which should spark some vigor into the team.
     Underrated J.R. Smith is among the best one on one players in the league. The emergence of Jeremy Lin (when healthy) gives them an energizing set up man and floor general. Steve Novak is arguably the best pure shooter in the world. Shumpert (before he got injured) was athletic and capable enough of locking up the league's best at three different positions. Baron Davis and Mike Bibby, two guys who have been there before, give the young guns of the team mentors to learn from. Such combinations seemingly should lead to success. This makes me wonder why the  production is nowhere to be seen.
     Carmelo has heated up recently, so he should not bear the blame all to himself. This leads me to question the other "superstar." What ever happened to Amar'e Stoudemire? I myself am a big Amar'e fan, and am probably as disappointed as anyone (outside of loyal Knickerbocker fans) with his performance all season long. After an impressive first season with New York, he's been missing in action this year.
     The 29 year old native of Lake Wales, Florida is averaging career lows in points, rebounds, and blocks. His 13.5 points per game in two playoff games are not even enough for second best on the team (Smith). Stars are supposed to rise to the occasion come playoff time. One might argue Carmelo Anthony is at fault for Amare's struggles, because he is hogging the shots and making it hard for the power forward to find any sort of rhythm. I argue no such transfer of the blame should be necessary. It's on Amar'e.
     He has a proven track record. He doesn't need to be second fiddle to anyone. Sure, Carmelo is option one. But Amar'e is not option two. He's option one-B. If Amar'e wants the ball, he has the right to demand it. In fact, it is his job to demand it. Since he's been doing nothing of that sort, the blame rests solely on his shoulders. He needs to find the fire inside of him. By fire, I do not mean showing emotion by punching the glass case to a fire extinguisher.
     What a complete lack of composure he displayed. When his team needed him most, he choked. When his coaches needed him most, he let his anger get the best of him. When his city needed him the most, he panicked. When he needed to find himself the most, he let himself down. Amar'e has been a disappointment from game one of this condensed, but captivating 2011-2012 season. The playoffs are his chance to turn it around but he's not seizing the opportunity.
     As an Amar'e fan, I truly hope his team will rally around him through these rough times. I fully expect New York to give the Miami Heat a run for their money on Thursday. If they do manage to pull out the upset in game three, I fully expect Amar'e to take no prisoners in game four (if healthy enough to play). I believe we will see the Amar'e of old, with a chip larger than life on his shoulder. If nothing changes then shame on him. He has one last chance to make amends for his lack of toughness this season. If he fails, watch out; the hasty, impetuous fans of New York will be out for blood.

(Not) The Chosen One

     Once again LeBron James shied away from an opportune moment toward the end of a game. In Sunday's NBA All-Star game, LeBron backed down from the chance to hit a game winner. After last year's NBA finals debacle by James in multiple fourth quarters against the Mavericks, you would think the so called "Chosen One" would at least attempt to be clutch. Whether he makes it or not is another story, but I would at least have liked to see LeBron shoot the ball. Instead, he got bashful. After multiple opportunities to come up big at the end of games, LeBron continues to prove his doubters right. He is not clutch. The potential is there, but his refusal to take chances is hindering that possibility considerably.
      It appears as if LBJ is fearful of failure. Maybe he needs to read Michael Jordan's book. I hope nobody ever compares him to the great MJ. His killer instinct is non-existent, and his clutch gene has never been born. Therefore, he does not belong in the same sentence as. Michael Jordan. Yes I had to make that two sentences. I don't want to disrespect the greatest of all time by categorizing him with Queen James. In no way am I saying his game doesn't belong. Talent wise, Lebron is second to none.
      There is no denying his strength, athleticism, versatility, power, feel for the game, and overall skill set. The man can flat out play. But as far as his performance in the clutch, forget about it. It makes no sense why he would pass the ball and turn it over on the last play of the all-star game, when he clearly had an opportunity to rise up for a shot (after he had been feeling it from distance) with time winding down. The man had 36 points and had the hot hand from three point range. I guess it never occurred to him that he could have shot the ball, made it, won the All-Star game MVP, and won the game for the East. Maybe he just never thought of that. But I am going to guess that he is smart enough to recognize such laudable possibilities. I think LeBron just froze in the moment, like usual.
      Don't tell me he is still maturing. He entered the league in 2003. It has almost been a decade since he graced NBA fans with his presence. Let's be honest, LeBron James fears failure. It's the same reason he won't participate in the dunk contest. LeBron is perhaps the greatest talent in the league, but he fears failure and has no clutch gene. It's that simple.

Time to Kill the Hype

      I apologize in advance, because I am about to be the buzz-kill to "Tebowmania." Therefore, if you are a Tim Tebow worshiper, turn your head if you must, because you might not want to read what is on my mind. However, I will start by admitting I have the utmost respect for Timothy Richard Tebow. I truly admire his work ethic, and even find inspiration from his mentality. His drive and ability to push his body beyond the point of exhaustion motivate me to strengthen my own vigor in athletics. Even more so, I appreciate Tebow's stimulating faith, and his openness to share it with others. It takes a real man to stick to his beliefs while dealing with the constant down-poring of criticism from both peers and outsiders. With all of this being said, nevertheless, Tebow's prolific character traits do not make him a prolific quarterback. This is the rub.
     Sure, Tim Tebow is a great guy. That doesn't make him a great quarterback. In fact, he is far from a great quarterback. Sure, he's completed some nice fourth quarter drives to win a couple low scoring regular season games. The truth is he would not have won those games without the Broncos much improved defense led by Von Miller and Brian Dawkins. When you think of the great quarterbacks, you think of Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Aaron Rodgers (who threw 45  touchdowns and only 6 interceptions in 2011). Tebow, who has thrown one interception for every two touchdowns this season, is not worthy of making that list. If Denver had one of these other three leaders under center, there would be no need for fourth quarter comebacks. If Brady, Brees, or Rodgers had the Broncos defense, an undefeated season might be the result. Instead, Denver has Tim Tebow. Some love him, some hate him.
     He may be a stand out football player capable of being physical, running the ball, and making plays, but he is not a stand out quarterback. He does have the ability to run the football, but lets not blow that out of proportion. Throughout his career, he has had more fumbles than rushing touchdowns. In addition, his continuous attempts to escape sacks often backfire on him, as he loses yards, makes it hard on his offensive line, and still has gotten sacked 33 times this season. He can run, but he cannot run like Cam Newton or Michael Vick can. In fact, he cannot even throw as well as Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick, an athlete known for his speed rather than his arm. For his career, Tebow has sadly completed only 47% of his passes, earning him a quarterback rating of 75.1. Tebow won a game this year throwing 2-8. Obviously, the Broncos did not win the contest because of great quarterback play, but because of an outstanding defensive performance. Quarterbacks are supposed to be able to throw the ball. Tebow, with his awkward mechanics, has not been throwing the ball with confidence. The Broncos are 31st in the NFL in passing yards with just under 153 per game. This number is far from impressive. In fact, it is atrocious. Denver's opponents have nearly 1,300 more yards through the air than Tebow's offense has. Lets be honest, the man cannot consistently throw the ball. At times, he misses wide open targets as if he were trying to put it in any place but his receiver's hands. Maybe I am being too hard on him because he is young. But maybe he needs to switch positions.
     With his 6'3, 236 pound frame, he should seriously consider a position change to fullback, where he could throw his weight around. Tim could even be used in wildcat formations and occasional trick plays to throw the ball. But as a quarterback, he has one of the worst arms in the league. Lets not sugar coat it. We should all pray for his mechanics. He is a man of faith, I'm sure he is praying for the help as well. I love how passionate he is about his spirituality, as well as his leadership, positivity, and work ethic on and off the field. Tim Tebow is definitely a noble man. Is he worthy of being mentioned as a great quarterback? That, however, is a whole different subject matter. The answer is, without a doubt, no. Tim Tebow's name will never be mentioned among the game's greats as long as he remains under center.

Oh the Anticipation!

The NBA season is two weeks away from tipping off, and this off-season, which has been far from the usual, has basketball fans around the world anxiously waiting. Like 50 Cent once said, I'm impatiently waiting. I, like most fans, want to know who will play where and how each team will come together. I want to know now. Are the Lakers done? After missing out on the Chris Paul sweepstakes and shockingly dealing 6th man of the year Lamar Odom to the defending champs, it appears they are doomed if Dwight Howard does not come to their rescue. Will Pau Gasol be a sensitive baby after absorbing trade talks consisting of his name or will he prove to be a champion and bring it everyday knowing the league is a business? Will Dallas continue to play like the world's greatest with the addition of Odom or will they suffer from losing Chandler to the Knicks? How will New York fair with superstars but no one relevant playing point guard (the most important position of the floor)? Will the Big Three in Miami gel instantaneously now that they have a year under their belt? Will Battier be the difference maker, or will they be punished for not signing a marquee point or center. How will Rip Hamilton fair alongside Derek Rose? Will the Celtics add anyone to furnish them with staying power? I wonder the same question of Rondo as I do of Gasol. Will missing out on David West end up hurting the C's? Will West alongside Collison and Granger make the Pacers a team worth mentioning? Will the Pistons win a game? Who will the Clippers and Warriors (who are involved in talks daily) acquire to improve their squads? Could CP3 and Blake Griffin really end up forming a dynamic duo? Will Westbrook and Durant get Oklahoma City over the hump this year? How will the abbreviated season affect each team? What town will Nene venture off to? More importantly, what city will Superman soon call his home? Will he team up with Deron Williams in New Jersey (soon to be Brooklyn?) Will he join the champs in Dallas? Will he follow in the footsteps of most noble big men like Wilt, Kareem, and Shaq by becoming a Hollywood superstar in L.A.?
Only God knows what is to be unveiled in the next couple of weeks. I just wish I too could be in the know. As intrigued human beings engrossed in our love for basketball, us NBA fans are becoming impatient. We are galvanized by the ever changing news and events taking place in David Stern's kingdom known as the National Basketball Association. We can do nothing more than sit back and wait. This year's NBA season is among the most appealing in recent memory. It promises to entertain. How everything will pan out is still unknown. Our job is simply to wait, watch, and see.

No Deal Hurts Black Mamba

     Kobe Bryant has five championship rings, one NBA MVP, two NBA Finals MVP's, thirteen all-star appearances, two scoring titles, nine first team ALL-NBA selections, nine all-defensive first team selections, four NBA all-star game MVP's, one NBA slam dunk contest championship, the second highest single game scoring record (81 points), and was the Naismith Prep Player of the Year in 1996. The Black Mamba is one of few to draw comparisons to Michael Jordan, the greatest ever. In my opinion, he is the second most prolific guard ever to play the game next to M.J. He is still the best closer the National Basketball Association has to offer. With all that being said, however, the clock is ticking on the world's greatest ball player.
     Number 24 is aging, as is his knee. Kobe has now played fifteen seasons in the league. He needs that sixteenth season to commence as soon as possible. If the lockout does not come to an end, Kobe will suffer the consequences. He will miss a full 82 game schedule and continue to both age and migrate from his prime simultaneously.
     Now, Mr. Bryant is ready to play overseas if David Stern's owners don't chill and his players don't sacrifice. Having personally seen professionals play in Italy, I know for a fact that European ball is not NBA ball. It is far from the same. As Lil Wayne says, it is far from the usual. It will not benefit Kobe much like another season in his comfort zone (the NBA) would. That comfort zone is beginning to dwindle, and if the Black Mamba wants a shot to at least match Jordan's six rings, he needs to find himself in the NBA playoffs pronto before his knee decides to retire.
     The Los Angeles Lakers are built to win now. The Lakers are not Hollywood's team. They are Kobe's team, and until he retires, will always have a shot at winning some bling (regardless of who the coach is). The superstar claims he has had more time this off-season to get in the weight room and get his body stronger  than he has in years past. If there is no season, then it has been nearly a wasted off-season for a man who doesn't believe in off-seasons. It removes one more year of Kobe eligibility and makes the culmination of the decline of his career more evident.
     I believe Kobe can pull out one more championship from his bag of tricks. He has a few years left of superstardom within. He just needs the NBA to return to form sooner than later so he can perform while he still has some sort of youth. If David Stern announces the cancellation of the season, it will be a sad day for Kobe Bryant.

Can it get any worse??

     The Indianapolis Colts need our prayers! It is as bad as it has ever been in Colts country. The Manning-less Colts are 0-9. They are on pace to match the win-less record of the 2008 Detroit Lions. Without future Hall-Of-Fame quarterback Peyton Manning running the show, the Colts are looking dazed and confused. Their best solution to Manning's injury, Curtis Painter, has thrown as many interceptions as touchdowns. If they choose to divert from that plan, they could go with the 72 year-old Kerry Collins, or Dan Orlovsky, the same guy who ran out of the back of the end zone while dropping back for the Lions a few years ago. The Colts' best offensive statistic might be that they are 10 for 13 on field goals for the season. Their opponents have 20 more touchdowns, nearly 70 more first downs, and over 1,100 total yards than they do. In nine games, the offense has only seven receiving touchdowns. Reggie Wayne, who was supposed to become the big kahuna once Marvin Harrison departed, has only one touchdown to his record this season. The offense is not the only side of the ball in disarray, however.
     Indy's defense is ranked 32nd in the league. There are 32 teams in the National Football League. Yes, this means they are dead last, and have shown very few signs of improving. What might be the team's best defensive statistic is that they have more tackles than their opponents. This, however, is because the offense cannot move the ball, so the defense is constantly on the field (getting more opportunities to make tackles). Their defense is undersized and is being outperformed by opponents each week.
     Only time will tell if Indianapolis can gut out a victory like the previous win-less Miami Dolphins did yesterday. There have been reports that Peyton Manning may make a return toward the season's conclusion. Many loyal Colts fans are hoping this is true in order to receive reassurance that the former MVP is still their franchise player. Others, moreover, are ready for the Andrew Luck sweepstakes. These are the Colts fans who want Peyton to stay comfortable in the press box so the team can continue losing in order to obtain the first overall draft pick for next season.
     As an unbiased football fan on the matter, I simply hope the Colts continue to look like a respectable football team (out of respect for the sport, and the dignity of the organization). For the sake of no other reason but feeling bad for them, I hope the Indianapolis Colts can find it in them to win a game this year. I may have been wrong in my last post about the Wisconsin Badgers rolling through the Big Ten, but I don't thing I'm wrong when I say the Colts are flat out awful.

Can anybody stop the Badgers???

     Bret Bielema's team has created a buzz in the Badger State. His team is 6-0, ranked 4th in the country, and looking like a legitimate national championship contender. The Wisconsin football team is looking close to unstoppable right now. I don't see any team in the Big Ten beating them. The Badgers should go through the regular season unblemished.
     As a die-hard Michigan State fan, however, I hope I am wrong...because the Badgers head into what will be a hostile environment for their first road test in East Lansing this Saturday night. The Spartans will be looking to build on the momentum from their 28-14 victory over their intra-state rival wearing the maize and blue. Though Michigan State has high expectations for themselves, I would be surprised if the Badgers lost to the green and white, or any other Big Ten team for that matter. The closest game for Bielema's troops has been a 48-17 come-from-behind whomping of the traditional powerhouse Nebraska Cornhuskers. Somehow the team is only 6th in the BCS ratings. If they manage to win at Michigan State, I would expect them to jump Boise State, who plays a much weaker schedule. 
     The Badgers have six straight dominating performances. Russell Wilson is looking like a Heisman candidate while his offensive line is looking like an NFL caliber front. The transfer quarterback is completing more than 74% of his passes behind that wall up front, and has thrown for an impressive 14 touchdowns and only one lonely interception. He reminds me of the young Donovan McNabb of the Philadelphia Eagles. Not only can the big man throw the ball, but he also averages 7.6 yards a rush. It almost seems unnecessary that Wilson is a good runner because he has two All-Big Ten caliber backs in James White and Montee Ball on his side. The two have already combined for twenty touchdowns. The weapons don't stop there, however.
     This pro-style offense has receivers who will soon be playing on Sundays. Nick Toon, Jared Abbrederis, and tight end Jacob Pedersen are all extremely talented and impressive pass-catchers. Toon is making a name for himself in a hurry, and is one of my top five receivers in the country. The athletic wideout is averaging almost 18 yards per catch, making him one of the game's most elite deep threats. The Badgers' offense is ranked 1st in the nation averaging more than 50 points a contest.
     Not only are Toon, Wilson, and the offense clicking on all cylinders, but the defense has been on its A-game as well. In six games, no team has scored over 17 points on the Badgers defense, which is ranked 3rd nationally. They are holding their opponents to only 9.7 points per game.
     The Badgers are rolling through every team that gets in their path. They play ferociously on both sides of the ball. These men in red and white are the Big Ten front runners and are optimistic they can not only win the conference, but also compete for a national title. Don't be surprised if it happens. Their upcoming road meeting with conference opponent Michigan State will reveal a lot about the Badgers. Time keeps us from knowing if they are a great team or an elite team. We will just have to wait and see.