Stephen Curry vs Kyrie Irving: Mid Season Performance

During the All Star game last Sunday, Kyrie Irving and Stephen Curry went at it. Both statistically identical throughout the season battled it out on the court at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, home of Anthony Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans. It seemed as though high milestone records were set that night, including the most points combined in one All Star Game. The league's top two performers, Kevin Durant and LeBron James battled it out on the hardwood. King James was 11-22 from the field with 22 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. The Slim Reaper who has had stellar performance throughout the first half of the season and sits atop the entire league averaging 31 points per game was 14-27 from the field, 6 of 17 from 3 point range, 38 points, 6 assists and 10 rebounds. What a game he had! We can discuss the difference between these two tough competitors all day long, but that is not the purpose of writing this piece...at all.

Other than King James and The Slim Reaper going at it in Sunday's All Star game, you had two of the most prominent and promising point guards in the NBA going at it as well. Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry, and Cleveland Cavaliers' leading scorer and NBA All Star MVP, Kyrie Irving. Now, those were the ones to look out for during that game. I knew that the spotlight would be on those two once they were confirmed and announced to be on their respective conference's All Star teams on Jan. 23rd. I would be the first to admit that Curry was relatively quiet that game. Irving blew up in the second half of the highest scoring All Star game in history and earned the MVP by scoring a double-double with 31 points and 14 rebounds. Curry, the lesser made 12 points that night. He was more of a supportive kind of player that game. However, his point game does not take away from him being one of the best offensive minded players in the game. Everybody in Oakland, including Mark Jackson knows that the Warriors need Curry to survive. Same story for the Cleveland fan base and subpar head coach, Mike Brown.

So, the question is: Who's been better this season? Who would you give the ball to in the first half of the season if you were down by one point with 3.6 seconds left in regulation? Well, lets break this down in something I love....STATISTICS.

According to espn.com, Kyrie Irving leads the Cleveland Cavaliers who is coming into tonight's game against the Philadelphia 76ers  with a 4 game winning streak in points per game (21.5), assists (6.2) and steals (1.3).  I guess you can say that he's the LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Both he and King James are leading in most team categories. Anyway, Irving is a solid player. Quick on his feet. Fast hands. Has been known to cross over and break the ankles of his competitors despite a not so good first half of the season. The Cavaliers are currently 11th in the league in rebounds which Irving has contributed 3 of those per game. In the former Duke University player's past 5 games, he has scored an average of 23 points, 8 assists and 4 rebounds per game. From 3 point range, he has a percentage of .571. He was a perfect 4-4 against the Memphis Grizzlies on Feb. 9th.

Irving is assisting the Cavaliers in adding numbers to the Win column. Going back even further, he scored an average of 21 points or more in his last 7 of 8 games. Can you say CONSISTENCY? This guy is far from stingy and it shows in his assists during his past few games. He is a team player. Nobody could tell that at the beginning of the season where the Cavaliers were losing games, Anthony Bennett was averaging 2.1 points per game, and Mike Brown was losing his mind. Now, the Cavaliers are rolling in the Eastern Conference and are 3 games out of having possession of the 8th seed in which the 23-30 Charlotte Bobcats currently own. They are definitely going to need Irving to step up...and that he will do! I can see him being better in the first half of the season. The Cavaliers are Irving's team. I am sorry Mike Brown, but that is not your team. You may manage the team, but Irving runs the team.

Irving's field goal percentage as gone up since November. True enough, he sat out a couple of games this year, and I believe that is what contributed to his monthly field goal percentage coming down. The 21 year old was great in December and shot a surprising .461 from the field which was a big step up from shooting .406 in November (his lowest this season.) 21, 24, 19, and 20. Those are his averages from November to right now. With a lot of hard work and more consistency, Irving can be better than he thinks he can.

On the flip side is Steph Curry. The Golden State Warriors most prized possession. I have seen Kyrie's ball movement and handling...its a lot better than Curry's. However, Steph Curry has the ability to make his own shot and take chances. Not only is he solid like Irving, but he is consistent like Irving. The son of former NBA player, Dell Curry has averaged 24 points, 9 assists and 4 rebounds per game in the first half of the season. He has been in the league for 4 years and has proved himself this year in  more than one category. Excellent ball movement he has. Smart moves he makes. In his last five games, he has been superior to Irving in with an average of .958 in free throw percentage. However, Irving takes the credit for a distinctively higher 3 point percentage.

In the All Star game, Curry was 2 for 11 from 3 point range. Certainly not the Stephen Curry we are used to seeing. He has been struggling as well as Irving, but Curry always makes up for it. Mark Jackson makes him on the court, and oftentimes, he does not disappoint.

I see Curry doing a lot more than he has done in the first half of the season. Look out for the 25 year old to make headlines in the second half of the season. Bet on it!

The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors will meet again on Friday, March 14th at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. The last time these two teams met were on December 29th when the Warriors pulled away with a victory 104-108. Curry had 29 points and 11 assists. In the first half of that game, Irving was perfect from 3 point range. Irving's crossovers were grand that game! Despite losing, Irving battled with Curry and earned himself 27 points and 9 assists.

If you look at these two...closely...you will see that whether they are going head to head or competing against other teams...they are almost completely identical. (Except for as I have said before...Irving has a mean crossover and can break ankles)

Looking and considering everything, again, I give you the scenario: Who would you give the ball to in the first half of the season if you were down by one point with 3.6 seconds left in regulation?

Sports Kings Pass The Pill Contributor, Briyant Hines

@CST_SportSnitch

www.twitter.com/cst_sportsnitch

www.thesportsnitch.blogspot.com

Kevin Durant Sues Attorney, Scandal With IRS

Basketball phenom and NBA MVP candidate, Kevin Durant has more going on than his hot streak. The NBA's leading scorer is suing his former tax attorney Joel Elliot with a claim that he had written a personal expense off as a business expense. Durant stated that "Fees paid to a personal chef would not be regarded by a reasonably prudent accountant as qualifying for a business expense deduction." In other words, Durant is saying that a tax attorney who actually knows what he's doing would not claim that a personal chef is a business expense. Does not take a rocket scientist to know that one, eh? However, it seems as though there is more to it than Elliot regarding the personal expense of a chef as a business expense.

This cannot be all that he has done, and apparently, the infamous IRS wasn't buying it. Literally. After discovering this, Durant fired Elliot and hired another tax firm to handle his business. It is clear that Durant wants no trouble with the IRS. Because of Elliot's carelessness, the 25 year old has had to pay $200,000. Now, it is Elliot's turn to fix the situation...in court. I imagine that Durant will make Elliot pay the $200,000 back and then some. Currently, Durant has made no comment about this situation.

I commend the NBA All Star for doing the right thing and taking care of this before it had gotten out of hand. That is a very intellectual move on his end. Apparently, he does not want to end up like celebrities and sports  stars who have had bouts with the IRS.

Durant will have a chance to take his quiet frustrations out on the court when the Oklahoma City Thunder (43-12) take on the Miami Heat (37-14) this Thursday.

This should be one interesting game as Durant and LeBron James battle for the NBA MVP title.

@CST_SportSnitch

www.thesportsnitch.blogspot.com

www.twitter.com/cst_sportsnitch

Jerseys Soon To Change IN NBA?

New NBA commissioner Adam Silver has some very interesting plans to put his league on top. However, those plans may not be very agreeable with the current fan base. There have been talks of expanding the NBA season, and even to shorten the NBA season. Other talks include television contracts with various networks. Whatever else Silver's plans are for the NBA, everyone knows that he plans to make the league more popular than the NFL. Is that even possible? Well, the commissioner's plan may work off of one idea.

What is that idea, you might ask.  Well, that idea is to put commercial logos on NBA jerseys? That's right. In 2011, Silver mentioned that placing ads on NBA jerseys will attract a revenue of over $100 million dollars. That alone will make his dream at beating out the NFL in popularity, a real one. Right now, the NBA is 3rd in professional sports revenue and sales. Roger Goodell's NFL is at first place, and Bud Selig's MLB is at second place. Currently, the NBA is worth an estimated $5 billion dollars. Now, it is to my understanding that adding the commercial logos onto the jerseys of our famous NBA stars will generate a much larger revenue for the league. But what do the fans think? How do the players feel? Does anybody even like the sleeved jerseys that were worn at the All Star game?

One thing for sure, two for certain, Adam Silver does not need the fans permission to put the ads on the jerseys. I know that's pretty tough to take in, but it's the truth. Silver has the authority to do almost anything he wants with the league if he can get it pass the NBA Board of Governors, which most likely he will. But not to worry NBA fans, Silver told ESPN.com that "The sense was that we were a little premature on the program and we needed to think it through systematically a little bit more." Therefore, no decision will be final for a while on whether the NBA jerseys will have commercial ads or not.

I do not believe that Silver is acting in the best interest of the fans nor the players in regards to the changes in team apparel on the court. Most players even dislike that jerseys with sleeves. They believe it to be interfering with their performance on the court. However, there was a split between the fans on whether they liked the sleeves or not. This NBA season, players were allowed the opportunity to wear their nicknames on the back of their jerseys. Personally, I did not agree with that. It took away from the seriousness and the competitiveness of the game. It was as though they were amateurs playing street ball at Rucker Park. Of course, they did not perform as amateurs, but judging by the names on the backs of the jerseys, it seemed like I was observing a game played by amateurs. That is not what the NBA is all about.

I am all for Adam Silver attempting to compete with the NFL for popularity, but I do not believe that placing ads on the jerseys is the way to go. Certainly, it would generate sales and bring in a larger amount of revenue for the league, yet there are pros and cons to any and everything. In this case, the cons outweigh the pros. That is just my personal opinion. I know that most fans do not want to see their favorite players in jerseys that sponsor McDonald's for instance with their team logo at the bottom or center. What are they? Billboards? Walking, shooting, passing, stealing, dunking billboards. This is a bad idea. Not only is it a bad idea, but I imagine it to be extremely tacky and useless. Can you imagine Wilt Chamberlain wearing a Soul Glo ad on his Los Angeles Lakers jersey? Ridiculous!

More things such as the officials should be discussed and open for change. That of all things need to change. The officiating today is horrible. The calls are an utter travesty. Cut out the touch fouls, the charging fouls, etc. Let the players play! Get rid of the technical fouls. Only use them when they are necessary. It is as though the officials are controlling the players emotions and keeping them on leash.  This is basketball!

In contrast to Adam Silver, I do not believe that wearing ads on  jerseys will be the future of the NBA. Beat out the NFL in another way.

Sports-Kings Pass The Pill Contributor, Briyant Hines @CST_SportSnitch 

www.thesportsnitch.blogspot.com

Changes in Browns Front Office

Exciting news in Cleveland this morning! Cleveland Browns owner, Jimmy Haslam has terminated General Manager, Mike Lombardi and CEO Joe Banner. This may not seem like good news to the normal human mind that somebody just lost their job especially in today's society. But this particular termination was key for the Cleveland Browns organization. Its future success as a football team, A winning football team, A playoff football team. Maybe even a Super Bowl football team, (You can stop laughing now.) In order for that to happen, Lombardi had to go and Banner had to go. Period,

Let's get one thing straight. The Browns fans whom are ever so loyal, are not disappointed in this termination. Not by any means. They have been known for their impatience from the Head Coaching search that took place after the firing of the Rob Chudzinski after he had gone 4-12. Not to mention the team had more Pro Bowl players than wins. That alone is mind boggling. So, as I said before, the Browns fans are ecstatic about this. They could not stand Lombardi, and they could not stand Banner, The jury is still out on new head coach, Mike Pettine . He seems to be a tough and motivated guy. He even has billboards across Cleveland with his face and a quote saying that they will be the toughest on the field. Convincing?

The day after the firing of Chud, the media, after referring to Haslam, Banner, and Lombardi as "The Three Stooges" asked Joe Banner if he had ever thought about why general manager, Mike Lombardi never attended press conferences. Banner stated that he "never really thought about it." Really? You don't know why Lombardi never attends press conferences. Why was he even hired? To me, it was an unnecessary hire. I cannot tell you what possessed Joe Banner and Jimmy Haslam to hire him. But the fans are glad that he's gone. I know I am,

Joe Banner loves to brag upon his success in Philadelphia. About how he and former Eagles head coach Andy Reid had won games and had great players. Apparently that success did not accompany him during his tenure in Cleveland. Since he and Lombardi arrived in Cleveland, the Browns have not been any better. In fact, they have been worse. They have gone through players as well as coaches, assistant coaches, coordinators, etc. It has been one muck of a circus since they have been there. Joe Banner was actually part of a group that wanted to purchase the Cleveland Browns. Browns fans are grateful that that did not happen.Banner was even hated after his 18 year tenure in Philadelphia. Apparently the man did not know how to run a football team,

Mike Lombardi will be replaced by president Ray Farmer who turned down the Miami Dolphins general manager job to stay in Cleveland. I believe Farmer is well deserving of this promotion because of his dedication to the organization, He left a lot of fans with their eyebrows raised when he turned down the job because of the horrid position the Browns were in.

Ever since Browns were purchased by owner, Jimmy Haslam, he has been dedicated to finding the right guy to steer them in the right direction and turn them into a winning team. Hopefully, for Browns fans, this is a start to WINNING GAMES!

Professional Sports Homophobia

Sports is widely accepted, embraced and loved by mostly everybody. In  today's day and age, you have sports paraphernalia almost everywhere you go especially the downtown area of major cities with sports teams such as Cleveland, Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles, and so on. Even as little boys, fathers dream of their sons being football players, basketball and baseball players. That, of course is to be expected.

However, what happens when the sports world meets with homosexuals who are basketball, baseball, and football players? How do you accept that? Why must people despise what they do not understand? Why must they shun what they do not know? How do you bring the sports world to cope with the idea of a homosexual being on a college, and professional sports team?

Well, speaking as an openly gay African American male, I believe that my sexuality has nothing to do with me being a sports writer. My sexuality does not effect my skills as a writer nor my credibility in knowing what I know about sports which just happens to be my first love. The point I am attempting to make is that I am not any different than any other writer because of my sexuality. I can write just as good and my credibility can be just as good. There is nothing extra special about me.

When I applied for this job with Sports Blog New York, I had sent a total of about six or seven articles that I had previously written. Gratefully, I was given the job. My writing skills were. My ability to capture the reader's attention was important. My credibility was important. My essential characteristics as a writer was important. My ability to get articles done in a timely and orderly fashion was important. My sexuality was not important and had nothing to do with the job that I was given. Why would it be?

I commend University of Missouri defensive lineman Michael Sam for openly admitting the truth about his sexuality. What makes me very proud is the fact that this man will be entering the NFL and will very well possibly the first openly gay player in the NFL. He was part of a team that had gone 12-2 and had won the Cotton Bowl. His other accolades include being named the Associated Press defensive player of the year and voted him MVP. He has now opened the door for many gay males, black, white, Asian, Native American athletes who have been struggling being open about their sexuality and playing sports whether professional or college or high school or middle school. This is an amazing milestone. Personally, I know that a huge burden was lifted up off of him.

For those of you that are heterosexual and are homophobic, I have a question. Did Michael Sam's sexuality have anything to do with him having 60 solo tackles, 51 assisted tackles, 32.5 yards lost for tackles, 18.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 62 yard returns after interception, 1 touchdown, and 5 forced fumbles in his 4 years with Missouri? Why should his sexuality matter on the field or even off? He has feelings like everybody else. Gay or Straight. Color does not matter. Sexual preference does not matter.

I have reason to believe that he will be a great fit in the NFL. If he is already a powerhouse now, can you imagine how he is going to be in the NFL?

It is not our job to judge anybody. Especially in the sports world where we would rather accept a professional football, basketball, baseball, softball, hockey, soccer player who fits the stereotypical characteristics of a straight male who could be a very bad role model for children, and teens all over the world than a very positive gay man who has a stellar performance when it is time to work.

The only difference between a gay male and a straight male, is that the gay male would rather be with and love a man. The straight male would rather be with and love a woman. People are different. God made everybody differently. No one is the same. In sports, you have all kinds of people that grace us with their presence in the sports world.

" I think he would not be accepted as much as he thinks he would be accepted." New Orleans Saints Linebacker, Jonathan Vilma said regarding Michael Sams. He also mentioned his reluctance to having a gay teammate. Even Vikings punter, Chris Kluwe was subjected to ridicule when he openly supported gay marriage by teammates and coaches. Just those two reasons there show you that the sports world is divided in this. Some straight professional sports players support it because they believe in human rights. Some do not support because they knock, tear down, and avoid what they do not understand.

By Vilma stating that he did not want a gay teammate, that sort of stunned me because I really thought, "How homophobic can this guy be?" Immediately, my mind had gone back to the Jim Crow era. It was just like players not wanting Jackie Robinson to play in the major leagues because he was a "Negro." I couldn't really believe the words that came out of Vilma's mouth, This is completely unacceptable.What if someone said, "I do not want a black teammate?" Then, the player would be reprimanded and probably kicked out of the league. His career would be over. He would be labeled as a racist and a scum. That comes to show you how screwed up society is. This is unacceptable and it must change.

I do not understand how people can be so close minded in something that has nothing to do with them. His sexuality should not be a factor in wining games. Ignorance is bliss in the sports world. It poisons the mind of some of the most talented people in the world, not excluding politicians. If Vilma does not like it, he should leave the league or team. He seems to be the only one with the issue. An issue that is broadly ignored because people choose to avoid it like it does not exist. It does exist, and Michael Sams is given proof!

Do yourselves a favor and do not shun what you do not understand. Do not make a comment about something you know nothing about. Do not be ignorant and small minded. It is not a good look. America is supposed to be "land of the free" and "home of the brave." How must a person be free if they are afraid to reveal who they really are because of fear of not being accepted?

Do we not live in the same country? Have the same president? Have the same laws? Eat the same food? Drive the same roads? Celebrate the same holiday? Love our sports teams? Love our significant others? Want love? Need love? Buy single game and season tickets? We have too much in common...for some to be so foolish.

Michael Sams, my brother, my friend, OUR hero.

Top 10 Small Forwards in the NBA

In the sports world of today, there is always competition. It's always who's the best quarterback, center, guard, shooting guard, strong safety, wide receiver, running back, etc. In the NBA, there is always someone that is on top. Then there are some of the best players that are overlooked and underrated. It is my personal objective to bring those players to light. I'm not just talking about any players. Thanks to me, you all will be exposed to the Top 10 BEST Small Forwards in the NBA. (In that particular order.) Get ready to face facts.

10. Paul Pierce, Brooklyn Nets

Yes, the Brooklyn Nets have a losing record right now and are actually in the playoffs. (Please, let that soak in.) Despite the Nets having a losing record, the 15 year veteran has really pulled through for the Nets when they needed it the most. In his last ten games, he is shooting almost .494% from FG range. True enough he isn't as good as he was in Boston, but he is getting the job done without a doubt. Making plays, and stepping up to the plate. I am not saying by any means that Pierce is the best player on the Nets squad, but he definitely earns being in the starting line up and at the bottom of my Top 10. The 36 year old former Kansas Jayhawk is averaging 13 points, 2 assists and 4 rebounds per game.

9. Luol Deng, Cleveland Cavaliers

The 6 foot 9, 220 pound Cleveland Cavalier has show nothing but success since his arrival in Cleveland. Deng is averaging 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists per game since joining Kyrie Irving and company. This guy is never afraid of getting his hands dirty. Since his arrival, he has had a total of 75 rebounds in which 49 comes from his stellar performance on defense.His three pointers are a bit off though. Nothing a little more practice wouldn't do. He scores, he defends and it is too bad that he wont be in Cleveland next year.

8. Nicolas Batum

Nicolas Batum is a great performer. Halfway through the season, Batum is averaging 12.8 points, 5 assists and 6 rebounds. In the French native's last 5 games, he has scored more than 15 points. His lowest points scored was 4 against the Indiana Pacers. He was shooting a perfect .500 from the field in four of his last five games. Not only is he a great scorer, but he's a fantastic rebounder. That is his forte. The 5 year veteran is in his 5th year with the Portland Trail Blazers who rest comfortably in the 3rd seed of the Western Conference with a record of 36-15.

7. Chandler Parsons, Houston Rockets

If there is anybody in the NBA that is overlooked right now, it would definitely be this guy. I hear so much talk about people dominating in the NBA, and it's as if the Houston Rockets were not blessed with the presence of this guy. In his last 5 games, the 25 year old Cassellberry, Florida native has been shooting .473% from the field. He shot a perfect 3 for 3 from beyond the arc against the 6 seed Phoenix Suns. He had 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 19 points that game. He definitely showed out against Rick Carlisle's 8 seed Dallas Mavericks on January 29. He was 9 for 17 and scored 26 points.He struggled against the San Antonio Spurs where he only scored 6 points. Nevertheless, the Rockets pulled out of that one. On the season, Parsons is averaging 17 points, 3 assists and 5 rebounds.  Chandler Parsons is an amazing individual and one heck of a competitor. He is never talked about. I advise you all to take a look at this guy. Matter of fact, the Houston Rockets take on the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight at 8. He's worth a look. Trust me. I have seen the man PLAY.

6. Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs

Okay, I know Kawhi Leonard has not played and I know that I will be judged about putting him in the top 10, but that is why I am writing and you're reading. Give it about a year or two, and Pop will mold Kawhi Leonard into a real threat. Take my word for it. Please do. Kawhi Leonard is a threat on the court. On the average of 11 points and 6 rebounds per game, the Los Angeles native is a playmaker. He is solid, quiet, and gets the job done. The guy has big hands and can steal! As Charles Barkley said, Leonard is the key to the Spurs success. If he is not used, the Spurs will regret it. Big time.

5.Rudy Gay, Sacramento Kings

I personally think that Rudy Gay is in a class all by himself. I really do. If you want to talk about talent, Rudy Gay's name will definitely be up for discussion unless you have not been watching this season. On average, Gay is scoring 19 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists per game. True enough, the guy needs to work on his assists and passing the ball more, but what I love about him is his quiet and humble ambition. The former Connecticut Huskies small forward has been in the league for 7 years. He has had two out of five games where he has scored 23 and 24 points. Tonight, the Sacramento Kings will take on the Cleveland Cavaliers. Gay and company will look to redeem themselves after coming off of a loss against the Washington Wizards. Gay was a disappointing 2 of 11 from the field and had a total of 5 points. Everybody is entitled to a bad game. Make no doubt about it, Rudy Gay will continue to shine. Bet on it,

4. Paul George

Now, I would be crazy not to include this guy. Paul. George. Need I say more? Game after game, the 6 foot 9 Californian has been putting up numbers. I'm not only talking about points, but i'm talking about rebounding too. In his past few games, he is averaging at least 6 rebounds. and 19 points. His regular statistics for each game this year has to be at least 22 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. The Indiana Pacers have been blessed by the basketball gods to have such a player. What I see in this guy is consistency. Stellar consistency.

3. LeBron James, Miami Heat

For all of you King James lovers that I look forward to hating me, I'm sorry to say, but he is NOT the best Small Forward not player in the NBA. In the words of TLC, "that's actual and factual." Period. This year, LeBron James is starting to feel the pressure he felt in Cleveland. Everything and everyone is on his back. Dwayne Wade's knees are making his game inconsistent. Please do not let me get started on Chris Bosh. King James is doing his best to put the Miami Heat on top which has not been a problem considering the Miami Heat being the #2 seed in the Eastern Conference behind the Indiana Pacers. He leads the entire team in points (26), rebounds (6.9) and assists (6). What does that tell you? Here is another ticker here, neither Wade nor Bosh are leading the team in anything. Mario Chalmers leads in steals, and Chris "Birdman" Andersen leads in blocks. Despite not having any help, I still believe that LeBron James can perform. How long will that hold up if he is carrying an entire team? Look to see King James and the Heat miss the NBA Championship this year. They will be ousted by the 1st or 2nd round. Oh, and by the way, after this season, the King will leave South Beach. Will they burn his jerseys too?

2.Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks

Although his future with the New York Knicks is uncertain and bleak, (So is Mike Woodson's.) that has not stopped the 29 year old 10 year veteran from performing above and beyond expectations. As of now, Anthony leads the New York Knicks team in points. He is averaging 27 points per game, 3 assists and 8 rebounds. Whether Spike Lee and the Knicks admit it or not, they need Carmelo Anthony. Maybe by him being born in New York, he will stay? His wife, tv personality star, Lala Anthony said that he may stay with the team. Carmelo has not said anything about staying. Now, I do know that Nolan had a meeting with Woodson and Anthony about the team. But, that is definitely another story. The fact remains that Carmelo Anthony is above average this year and is doing his best to keep the New York Knicks attempted playoff run alive.

1. Kevin "Slim Reaper" Durant

The Slim Reaper has been turning opponents into victims here lately and has not stopped. He's the best Small Forward in the NBA as well as the best player in the NBA. Sorry, King James fans, but the Slim Reaper has this one all tied up. Not only does he lead his team in scoring, but he leads the entire NBA in scoring. He's standing at 6 foot 9 with long Stretch Armstrong arms and a dominant presence on the floor. He blocks your shot, dots your eyes from three point range, bullies you in the paint, and is absolutely sensational when it comes to rebounding the ball. 26, 31, 26, 29, 41. Those are the Slim Reaper's points in his last five games. He has only been in the league 6 years and the way things are looking, he's getting a lot better. For teams in the East and West...this is scary. 7-12 assists per game. He has shot over .500 in two of his last five games when shooting from 3 point land. Free throws are of no difficulty for the Washington D.C. native. Triple doubles are going to be so easy for him. Just watch. This man is the BEST PLAYER IN THE NBA.

What's Should Be On Adam Silver's Agenda?

Let's face it. NBA's new commissioner, Adam Silver has some big shoes to fill. David Stern has to be one of the best NBA commissioners that ever graced the league with his presence. I have never heard anybody speak a bad word about him. This was the man that stood up to the ever so rude (when it comes to interviews) and bullheaded San Antonio Spurs head coach, Greg Poppovich when he had decided to rest his starters.

David Stern was known for many things during his 30 year tenure in the NBA. Wow! 30 years! (Most people don't even stay married that long.) During those 30 years, he has managed to relocate the Kings, Clippers, Nets, Grizzlies, Hornets, and Sonics. Not only that, but he was responsible for creating new NBA teams including the Hornets, Heat, Timberwolves, Magic, Grizzlies, Raptors and Bobcats. He even named the NBA Finals MVP trophy from the Larry O'Brien trophy to the Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP Award.

In my opinion, one of the most successful things that Stern was able to accomplish during his 30 year stint was ratifying the NBA Dress Code. I admire former commissioner Stern for this! It prevented NBA players from dressing in street attire that wasn't very professional. He wanted his players to have an image to attain. He wanted them to look like professionals, not high school hoop stars. He and Allen Iverson had very different opinions about this matter. The new dress code banned players from wearing headphones, chains, sunglasses, jerseys, headgear, etc. This dress was not accepted before or during NBA events.

Although he was a great guy, Stern had been known to be tough as nails. He seemed to have bewildered everybody when he asked Jim Rome on nationally televised show "Rome Is Burning", if Rome was still beating his wife. That was classic!

Commissioner Silver seems to want what is best for the NBA, the players, and the fans. He appears to be dedicated, and bold. Recently, he mentioned that he wants the NBA to be rival the NFL in popularity. Good luck with that. I mean, I am not saying that it cannot be done. What I am saying is that he is going to have to change a lot. It could be getting rid of back to back games and extending the NBA season, or it could be getting rid of the conferences. Who knows?

One thing I love about Adam Silver is that he has been under the tutelage of former commissioner Stern as Deputy Commissioner for some time. He has learned from the best. No doubt that Silver will be using some methods that Stern has used. I cannot wait until he is given his first trying situation as commissioner because you know that there is going to be something that needs to be addressed.

If Silver wants changed, he has to do something about the referees. Everybody has been complaining about those guys. Joey Crawford leads the pack. The man is arrogant and believes he is the law on the court. It is not necessary. I have always believed that the referees had too much power. He should assign an overseer or something of the sort to every game. The overseer would be over the referees and the entire game. In critical decisions, the overseer would be sure that the refs are officiating correctly. I don't care if my idea sounds loony. The fact remains that something needs to be done about the refs. Period.

Another thing would be that horrid NBA League Pass. The fans deserve a broader range of games on ESPN, TNT, and NBC. I find this completely redundant because almost every single good game is broadcast on NBA League Pass while the broader range of NBA fans get to see crummy games that feature two teams that are completely subpar. The fans deserve more. You want to beat out the NFL, start with making key decisions such as this. Adam Silver, this will increase revenue!

Two words: LIVE LOTTERY!

I would not change the regular season. The regular season is fine. Some fans want back to back games eliminated. Some say eliminate timeouts to speed up the game. Some believe the people should be penalized for flopping. Some believe it messes up the game due to extreme embellishment.

Adam Silver is a really good guy and the NBA seems to be in good hands. I see major changes coming.

*Oh, and I have decided to include the clip of the ex commissioner, David Stern asking Jim Rome if he still beats his wife. Rome accused the NBA of rigging the lottery. You can thank me later. *

Stern vs Jim Rome

Anthony Davis To Replace Kobe Bryant In All Star Game

Thanks to Kobe Bryant's injury, New Orleans Pelicans Forward, Anthony Davis will be playing in his first NBA All Star Game in New Orleans, Louisiana. How convenient? The 6 foot 10 Chicago, Illinois native is averaging 20 points per game, 10 rebounds and 3 blocks. If you have not seen him play, you are really missing out on one of the best players in the game today.

It was not by luck that Anthony Davis ended up in the All Star Game, he simply deserves to be amongst the NBA's elite. Since when did you hear of a rookie taking the place of Kobe Bryant? I haven't. The spot didn't even go to Damian Lillard, the guy who Black Mamba wanted the fans to vote for instead of himself. It does not take a genius to see that Davis and Lillard are both almost neck and neck when you discuss the two statistically.

The Portland Blazers 6 foot 3 point guard who is averaging 20 points per game, 5 assists and 3 rebounds per game will be participating in the Slam Dunk Contest this year. He will be up against Toronto Raptors Terrance Ross, Sacramento Kings Bill McLemore, Washington Wizards John Wall, Golden State Warriors Harrison Barnes, and Indiana Pacers Paul George.

This is Anthony Davis' time to shine. He is in his rookie year. He manhandles his opponents and crushes them in the paint, and when he can, he will send your shot to the sidelines. This guy has nothing but a promising future ahead of him.

And it all starts with the NBA All Star Game. Look for him to come up big. Don't be surprised if he ends up winning NBA All Star MVP.

The Weak East

Is it me or does anybody else believe that the Eastern Conference is getting better? Nah. Can't be true.

The Eastern Conference Standings currently look like this:

1. Indiana Pacers (38-10)

2. Miami Heat (35-13)

3. Toronto Raptors (26-23)

4. Atlanta Hawks (25-23)

5. Washington Wizards (24-24)

6. Chicago Bulls (24-24)

7. Brooklyn Nets (21-25)

8. Charlotte Bobcats (22-28)

If you ask me, teams 5-8 should not even have a playoff spot. Why? Well, simply because they have losing records. Let's face it. No one in the Eastern Conference besides the Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers offer any real competition. As long as there is no competition in the East, Miami and Indiana will meet in the conference finals. It will never fail. 

Look at the teams that are in playoff position in the Eastern Conference. Take a good look. Now, lets compare them to the 1-8 seeds in the grueling and competitive Western Conference. 

1. Oklahoma City Thunder (40-11)

2. San Antonio Spurs (36-13)

3. Portland Trail Blazers (35-13)

4. Los Angeles Clippers (34-18)

5. Houston Rockets (33-17)

6. Golden State Warriors (29-20)

7. Phoenix Suns (29-20)

8. Dallas Mavericks (29-21)

Do you see how immaculate the 1-8 seeds look compared to the 1-8 seeds in the east? The east poses no kind of threat to the West. If we match up the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers, due to the Pacers lukewarm defense, they will unsurprisingly fall to the Slim Reaper and company. Coach Pop can out-coach Eric Spoelstra any day this season. Although these two have met in the NBA Finals where the Heat won, that wont be the case this year. King James is overwhelmed and the Miami Heat are not as dominant as they used to be. 

I dont even have to tell you that Western Conference teams 3-8 will annihilate Eastern Conference teams 3-8. There is certainly no competition coming from the East. Right now, any seed in the Eastern Conference is up for grabs. Even if you are at the bottom of the barrell like the 16-33 Cleveland Cavaliers...you have to be hungry and aggressive enough to grasp one of the 8 seeds. 

Just as I said before, the NBA Championship belongs to the Oklahoma City Thunder. 

Cincinnati Cinderella

Ladies and Gentlemen, it has been a wild year so far in College Basketball. Upsets. Triumphs. Tribulations. Victory. I for one cannot wait for the Man Holiday (MARCH MADNESS) that will be coming up in a few weeks. Not to mention, the inevitable billion dollar bet that was put on the table by the 83 year old billionaire, Warren Buffett. What? You didn't hear? Well, the guy with the net worth of 60 billion (thats billion with a B) is offering ONE BILLION DOLLARS to anyone with the correct bracket for March Madness!

I'm just going to go ahead and name my Final Four. Syracuse. Duke. Michigan State. And of course I have to pick one Cinderella team....Cincinnati. I am also choosing them to win the NCAA Tournament. Before you all start stoning me, let me tell you why the Cincinnati Bearcats will surprisingly end up in the Final Four, and win the Championship.

Cincinnati has the second best record in College Basketball (21-2). Not only that, but they have dominated in the American Athletic Conference (10-0). They are averaging 70 points per game which earns them a spot in the Top 10 scoring teams in the AAC. Defense is definitely a factor for this team. Their opponents are averaging 56 points per game. That's a 14 point differential! Speaking of their opponents points per game, they are 4th in Division 1. Can you say "AMAZING?"

In January, the Bearcats have been gone 10-0. They rest upon the shoulders of the Louisville Cardinals who are in second place of the ACC Conference with a record of 19-4. They beat Louisville by score of 66-69 in their meeting on January 30th. Cardinals are now 8-2 in their conference. These two teams will meet again on the 22nd of February. Cincinnati currently ranks 7th in the AP and Coaches Poll with the Syracuse Orange at number 1 in both polls.

The team's leading scorer is Sean Kilpatrick who averages 19.4 points per game. Titus Rubles is crashing the boards and grabbing offensive and defensive rebounds. (Maybe he can teach Dwight Howard how to post.) This guy can box out, and get rebounds. On the season, he has 199 rebounds. 141 defensive rebounds, and 58 offensive rebounds. This guy is not afraid to get his hands dirty and get aggressive on both sides of the ball. Especially when it comes to defense.

Mick Cronin is doing a wonderful job with these young guys and if they keep this up...I sense utter success from here on out!

Cincinnati at Louisville Highlights