Five NBA Players Most Likely To Be Traded By Deadline

With the NBA trade deadline just ten days away (Feb. 24th) there will be rumors and possible scenarios flying around in abundance over the next week and for good reason. There are a lot of good players that can change a good team into a legitimate contender. Here's a lot at five players who I feel have the highest chances of being dealt before the deadline and why:

1. Tayshaun Prince, Detroit Pistons
The Tayshaun Prince trade talk has be relatively quiet but best believe he's a hot commodity. He can guard multiple positions, knock down shots and handle the basketball smoothly. The most attractive thing is his expiring contract and there is little chance he will resign with Detroit. The Pistons aren't contenders this season and have youth on the wing (Austin Daye, DaJuan Summers) so look for Prince to most likely be in a different uni soon.

2. Anthony Parker, Cleveland Cavs
The Cavs are the worst team in the NBA, so Parker shouldn't be too hard to acquire for a potential playoff team (the Bulls have shown the most interest). He's a big shooting guard that can spread the floor and hit 3's consistently. I think the only reason he is still in Cleveland to this point is because he's coming off a back injury and teams are waiting to see how he responds. Parker appears healthy now and should be on the move in the next week, freeing more playing time for Manny Harris to take over the 2-guard spot.

3. Anthony Randolph, New York Knicks
The question isn't if Randolph will be traded, it's when and to where. He is clearly out of the Knicks plans. Randolph does have a ton of potential and played well for Golden State last season before getting injured (11.6 ppg, 6.5 rpg in only 23 minutes) and can produce if given the right opportunity. Randolph is also only 21 years old. The biggest issue besides injury may be his contract which carries a $7 mil price tag on the books over the next 2 seasons.

4. O.J. Mayo, Memphis Grizzlies
Mayo is returning from his 10-game suspension this week and it will be interesting to see how the Grizzlies incorporate him into their game plan as the team went 8-2 in his absence. He'll most likely go back to his reserve role but with limited minutes. Mayo is still a quality starting shooting guard and only 23 so there will be many teams calling about taking him off of the Grizzlies hands. He's on the books for 2 more seasons as a reasonable salary so a team such as Dallas or Minnesota may be willing to take a flier on the talented 2-guard.

5. Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets
It would be a cardinal sin to talk NBA trade scenarios and not mention 'Melo, even more so since he has been playing lights out lately. As he has remained in Denver to this point and still has yet to sign that 3-year $65 mil extension that has been pending since last summer. Even though he says he would consider signing the extension, Melo also said if he was not dealt by the deadline. Reading between the lines it seems like a rush tactic to persuade a potential suitor to pull the trigger (looks over at the Knicks front office).

There can and will definitely be other deals in the works over the next ten days, but these are the five players who I can see being moved sooner than later. We will keep you on the up & up on any movement as the deadline approaches.

-ALR

LTSBlog Debate: Is Carmelo Anthony Or Andrew Bynum Better For The Lakers?

Amidst all the Carmelo Anthony drama ans trade rumors lately, the was a bizarre trade scenario reported by ESPN's Chris Broussard (figures) claiming that the Los Angeles Lakers were in talks with the Denver Nuggets regarding a Anthony for Andrew Bynum swap. Although the rumors were shot down by the Lakers players and management the rumors set the internet blogs and chat rooms going bonkers. So for the sake of debate LTSBlog's ALR & @lostherod had a debate regarding the pros and cons of a Anthony for Bynum swap. I (ALR) was against the deal while @lostherod was in favor. Enjoy.

@lostherod: After hearing all the speculation about the Lakers trading Andrew Bynum for Carmelo Anthony, what do you actually think about it?


ALR: I would pass on trading Bynum for Carmelo. Couldn't risk giving up a top 10 center just for a wing scorer. Your thoughts?

@lostherod: I would make the trade happen. I don't think Bynum has lived up to his potential billing because of his problems staying on the court, i.e injuries and foul trouble.

ALR: I can see that, but in the same regard Bynum is only 23 and is still getting better. The Lakers best asset is their size up front and trading Bynum away with no front court depth would be a huge blow to their chances at a 3-peat.

@lostherod: True... Statistically, there are 2 categories where Bynum has Carmelo beat, Blocks and Fouls. Carmelo is averaging the same amount of rebounds, more assists, and clearly more points. I think you can sacrafice that presence for 15-20pts above what Bynum is currently averaging, and you can preserve Kobe Bryant for when it truly matters, like say a Game 7 in Boston or Miami.

ALR: That is assuming that you get to the finals without Bynum. Carmelo definitely is an upgrade offensively. But trading him away with no big man in return means more minutes for Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom. Who else would they bring in to defend the basket, Derrick Caracter? He's undersized and nowhere near ready.

@lostherod: On defense, there would have to be a scheme, just like there was when Bynum was hurt during the playoffs I believe his first year. That's where the offensive perspective comes into play because defense would most definitely suffer. I don't see the Spurs or Mavericks have an answer for the threat of 2 elite scorers and whatever Pau and Lamar can contribute on the side. It would also take pressure of the Laker Bench, which has seemed to lose a step

ALR: When Bynum was hurt a couple seasons ago the Lakers had more depth up front with Kwame Brown (I know, I know). DJ Mbenga and Ronny Turiaf. This year, not so much. I don't think offense is the issue. Defense and having someone to protect the basket against the penetrating guards in the west is Bynum's best asset to the team.

@lostherod: That's actually where I have a problem with Bynum. He looks extra slow on defense, and he's not really protecting the basket like he should be. Granted, going through that many knee/leg issues would slow anyone down, but he is doing intangible things that are not characteristics of a person anchoring a defense. If the action isn't happening in front of him, he can't recover laterally. He looks like he is jogging during transition defense, or is that full speed? When guards do penetrate, he stands still, and if he jumps he gets whistled...

ALR: Good point but the playoffs are also a month away, giving Bynum time to get healthy. He played solid defense [Feb. 10th] against the Celtics and I think he will be in better shape come April. And Carmelo has never been an "interested" defender in any right.

@lostherod: I do agree with both of those and again, I see the potential. In his game [Feb. 10], Carmelo put up 42pts and Afflalo hit a game winner [against Dallas]. In a different jersey I can see that same situation happening, with a Kobe Bryant that has coasted throughout the game taking over when it matters most. It's all in the intangibles...

ALR: I like what Carmelo brings to the table but I just can't agree with trade potential for what is already a strength to the Lakers. They've won back to back rings with size and I think Carmelo would help them long term but hinder them this season.
 
Thoughts, comments or opinions to add to our debate? Leave a comment expressing your point of view. We're always game for a good debate.

Sports Guy Bill Simmons and Henry Abbott: 'Kobe Bryant Isn't Clutch'

"No country for stat geeks..."

That thought raced through my head while listening to the most recent B.S. Report from Bill "The Sports Guy" Simmons of espn.com. He and guest, Henry Abbott had crunched the numbers and deduced that despite what your lying eyes (and record books) may tell you, it isn't a great idea to have Kobe Bean Bryant take the reigns of the Los Angeles Lakers' offense down the stretch of a game.

"He's not good." Abbott said at around 2:50 into the podcast. "He's too selfish. He's too much of a ball hog, and the Lakers actually end up being an average crunch time team, even though they have the personnel to be the best offensive team."

Abbott, who presides over True Hoop Blog (also on espn.com), recently wrote that despite all the praise from his peers, opposing GMs, and even critics, Bryant is a bad option in the proverbial clutch.

"Ask me, though, (as Ryen Russillo did last week and Mike Trudell the other day)," Abbott wrote. "And I'll tell you I don't know who's the best, but with all due respect to Bryant's amazing abilities scoring the ball, there's zero chance he's the king of crunch time."

On the podcast, both Abbott and Simmons almost sounded mystified as to why anyone would believe Bryant would be considered a viable option in the final five minutes of a close NBA game. They cited PER statistics, that placed Bryant below average in the crunch time statistical category. In fact, they deduced that Carmelo Anthony and Dirk Nowitzki are both head and shoulders above Bryant in likelihood of coming through in clutch situations.

This despite, as Abbott surveyed, 79% of NBA's GMs saying they wouldn't want Bryant to have the ball against their team in a clutch situation. The ninth straight season that he's "won" that praise.

Abbott argues that Bryant takes a lot of tough shots, and dominates possessions, even going as far as to call him a "ball hog".

Simmons, a lifelong Boston Celtics fan, and an admitted detester of Bryant as a player and a person, says that the two are simply doing the sports world a service by "attacking a false narrative about their career."

Both Simmons and Abbott agreed Bryant was a great player, but "clutch" he was not.

My question: Do you really trust Carmelo or Dirk more in the clutch than you trust Kobe? Because I don't.

Bryant has a flair for the dramatic. Just last season, Bryant added six game-winning shots to his resume', further pushing the "narrative" that he is the NBA's premier clutch performer.

Abbott, an admitted stat geek, used a "Game on the Line" compilation that measured performances when "trailing by one or two points, or tied, in the final 24 seconds of regular season and playoff games since 1996-1997, with a minimum of 30 shots."

Anthony came out on the top of the list, connecting on 21 of 44 attempts, a 47 percent clip.

Bryant was 36 of 115, 31 percent. Case closed, right?

As Charlie Murphy would say, "Wrong!"

Bryant's stats by that particular measurement, aren't that impressive, until you realize that the total number of NBA titles won by the 26 players ahead of him is 5; four by Tim Duncan (23 of 62, 37 percent) and one by Glenn "Big Dog" Robinson (14 of 36, 38 percent). Throw Robinson's out since he didn't play in the clutch (or much at all) when the San Antonio Spurs won their last title, and all the titles are with two players who both shoot below 38 percent with the game on the line.

Another look at the list shows that aside from Anthony and Nowitzki, the list isn't exactly a sampling of the NBA's most elite players from 1997 to today. From 2-27 (Kobe) there is Chris Paul, Shawn Marion, Brandon Roy (decent start), Hedo Turkoglu, Rashard Lewis, Big Dog (WTF), Deron Williams (Okay again), Mike Bibby (Negro no), Dirk, Jalen Rose, Duncan, Eddie Jones (Really didn't see that coming), Karl Malone (Playoffs included? Really?), Ben Gordon, Chris Webber, Raymond Felton (Weirdest stretch), Lebron James (Hey, an elite player!), Ray Allen (No doubt), Gilbert Arenas, Vince Carter, Steve Francis, Damon Stoudamire, and Nick Van Exel.

Of those names, I would pull out four (Dirk, Ray, Lebron, and Duncan), maybe five (Vince Carter, because his 31 of 96, 32 percent is very close to Bryant's) can be included in an argument of being as clutch than Bryant. But none could be considered more clutch.

Much of Abbott and Simmons' criticisms of Bryant in crunch time centered around the degree of difficulty of the shots he takes.

"Kobe wins the 'who can take the most impossible crunch time shot and actually make it'," said Simmons. "He's the best guy since Larry Bird. One-point-eight seconds on the clock, double-teamed, falling out of bounds, he's the one you want taking (the shot)"

So what is your argument again? I thought you said he wasn't clutch.

Abbott was adamant that the Lakers high powered offense became below average down the stretch of close games, going from 109 points per 100 possessions, to 82 points per 100 possessions. He attributed the decline to Bryant's ball hogging and abandoning of the offense.

But what about the defense? Can it not be said that if a game is close, and a team is inclined to want the win, they step up the defensive effort? It's only logical that the offense won't operate as smoothly in that situation, but to a stat geek, I imagine it does not compute.

It has been said that you can get a statistic to prove whatever point it is you want to, and I find no truer NBA example than this argument. I love Simmons' work as a writer and a podcast pioneer. I know his passion for the NBA is genuine. I respect Abbott's tireless coverage of all things NBA. But we're all capable of being blinded by bias. Neither cares for Bryant's style of play, which is admittedly an acquired taste.

But it isn't dogma that leads people to believe Bryant is clutch. Clutch is subjective, and the subjective cannot be swayed by numbers alone. The times he's actually come through (36) are more than anyone else during his 15-year career. Add to that the fact that he's attempted more of those shots (115) than anyone else, and take for granted that people know what they're seeing when their seeing him play.

It's not about PER, or any saber mathematics, or being a ball hog. It's about getting the job done when all the chips are down, and Kobe Bryant has done it better than anyone else throughout his entire career.

Video: Carmelo Anthony Speaks On Trade Rumors

Will it be the New York Knicks or the New Jersey Nets? Madison Garden or Brooklyn in a couple years? Amidst the numorous trade rumors that have been swirling around Carmelo Anthony since July, he has surprising handled the media like a "pro"fessional. In this interview with ESPN's Coleen Dominguez, Carmelo speaks on the rumors and his "ultimate dream" to play at home in NY. Here's the video:



#6 should get 'Melo's PR people on the horn ASAP. I respect how Anthony says just enough to make you wonder without saying too much. Who wouldn't want to play professional sports in their home town? The latest trade rumor has Anthony going to NJ in a 15 player mega-deal, but we'll have to wait and see if anything actually happens before the February 24th NBA trade deadline. The Knicks have been playing well this season but another scorer of Carmelo's caliber would definitely improve their chances in the East, while a Anthony move to the Nets will make them better, but they would still be a season away from contention.

Either way, whoever ends up with Carmelo Anthony will land one of the top 5 scorers in the league, hands down. So far this season Anthony is averaging 23.8 ppg and a career high 8.2 rpg.

-ALR

Kobe to Carmelo "Do What Makes You Happy"

With all the latest buzz regarding Carmelo Anthony's future with the Denver Nuggets (there is a rumored 17 player blockbuster trade brewing) Kobe Brynat, one of 'Melo's best friends in the NBA, has some advice to lend the pending free agent superstar. Per this story on newsday.com, Kobe says he has told Carmelo to "do what makes you happy". Here is a little of the story:

Anthony has been extremely careful with what he says and does, mainly because he wants to avoid the firestorm of criticism and backlash that met LeBron James when he left Cleveland for Miami last summer. But Bryant said Carmelo shouldn't be concerned about pleasing everyone.

" LeBron did it, and obviously, the way he went about it -- a lot of people off," Bryant said. "But the core of the decision was that he wanted to do what made him happy. I think Carmelo should do the same thing."

Granted, Carmelo has taken the high road in the media and repeatedly said that he has never requested a trade, but EVERYONE knows the chances of him being a Nugget for the 2011-2012 season are slim and none. I for one can't blame him as the Nuggets just don't seem to be able to get past the top teams in the west and an opportunity to play for the Knicks might be too good to pass up. The NJ Nets have been the team most actively pursuing Anthony and with them moving to Brooklyn soon that may not be a bad choice for Melo either, but they don't have the flair or complimentary star power offered by the Knicks (Amar'e Stoudemire is kinda good).

Kobe took a lot of heat back when he made trade demands before deciding to stay with the Lakers, but if you remember all he was saying was that he wanted the Lakers to be committed to improving their chances of competing. I wouldn't doubt Melo feels the same way but just doesn't see it happening in Denver. Either way, whoever lands Carmelo Anthony would be getting one of the top scorers in the league, hands down.

And as long as Carmelo is happy with his decision that is all that really matters, right? Unless you're a Nuggets fan (but nobody really cares about them anyway)

-ALR

Mamba Tells Melo to Remain 'Mellow'

Kobe Bryant knows a few things about wanting to be traded. It wasn't that long ago that Bryant was pretty much signed, sealed and delivered to the Chicago Bulls, after being frustrated with the Los Angeles Lakers front office stagnation, and multiple years of watching Kwame Brown miss open looks. He famously ripped Mitch Kupchak for not pulling the trigger on a potential Andrew Bynum for Jason Kidd trade. He also went on every local LA radio station, pleaded his case for a change of scenery.

Of course, he never was traded, and that very next season he earned his first regular season MVP award, teamed with Pau Gasol, and proceeded to lead the Lakers to three consecutive Finals appearances, winning the last two.

The lesson here is probably something about patience and perseverance being greater than overreaction.

Bryant is apparently trying to get those lessons he learned conveyed to another NBA star at the center of a potential trade. Carmelo Anthony, in the process of possibly approving a four team trade that will send him and his wife to New Jersey, is currently getting advice from Bryant about thinking his situation through, and not jumping the gun. Yahoo's Marc J. Spears reports that Bryant has told Anthony, "Don't make a move just to get out of the situation (No 'Jersey Shore')... Make sure its a move you're very happy in, and you're comfortable with."

Is this just a friend giving another friend advice? Is this some kind of a mind game Bryant has picked up after years of tutelage under Phil Jackson? Is Kobe just trying to ensure the Denver Nuggets remain a dysfunctional on-court product under Carmelo Anthony's (lack of) leadership ability? We'll just have to wait and see.

Carmelo to the Nets, Done Deal?

Yahoo and the folks at blacksportsonline.com are reporting that Carmelo Anthony will be throwing up the R.O.C. with the New Jersey/soon-to-be-Brooklyn Nets next season. According to their sources, it'll be as many as four teams involved in a trade that will include No. 3 overall pick Derrick Favors, and more than a couple of future first round draft picks.

If it all goes down according to the report, the Nets would be receiving a nice compensation prize after missing out on "The Decision". Their biggest free-agent signings this summer were Travis Outlaw's last name, and Jordan Farmar's ears. Not sure how good this actually makes the team this year, but Carmelo is sure to get at least some people to travel from New York to the Garden State to check out a few games. What other options do NY basketball fans have? Do you really expect them to watch the Knicks?

Tradewinds: Carmelo Anthony Update

Just saw this on espn.com... Report says there is a possible four team trade being discussed between Denver, Charlotte, Utah & New Jersey involving a number of players including Anthony, #3 overall pick Derrick Favors, PG Devin Harris and some future first round picks. Click here for the details.

Will this trade make the Nets an immediate contender in the Eastern Conference? Tough to say, especially if they part with Harris and turn the starting point job duties over to Jordan Farmar (trouble...) but it definitely would guarantee they would win more than a measly twelve games.

We'll keep you updated as more information becomes available.

-ALR

Los Put Up Or Los STFU

Last week, via Twitter, Anthony Ramsey (@A_Ramsey) and I (@marcusjnorris) got into a debate over the Philadelphia Eagle starting QB situation. My position was Michael Vick should be the starter because he gives them the best chance to win. His argument was that Kevin Kolb is the future of the franchise, and shouldn't lose his job to injury after only one half of one game.

We both were right. Just ask us.

It was announced yesterday by head coach Andy Reid that Vick would remain the starter, but that was only hours after Reid said Kolb was the man. Amid the confusion, I was inspired to create a list of this weeks four "Los That Put Up, or STFU" sports storylines. These are the three stories where there is a lot of scuttlebutt about a particular situation, but there needs to be no more talking, just action.

(It could become a running theme, or my ADHD could kick in, and it will pass like bad gas. Either way...yeah...)

1.) Mike Vick is an NFL Starter Again, Now What?

We know (hope) he isn't fighting dogs anymore. We know (hope) he is studying and preparing better than he ever has in his career. But we also know (know) that he's still stuck behind a shaky line, and he leads the league in being sacked. Reid says that he's "Playing out of his mind" right now, but really, he's playing the same way he did when he was at an all-pro level with the Atlanta Falcons. Back then, he had great running games, good passing games, and the occasional 40 percent completion game. He's still a running QB, but he's shown that he's thinking at least a split second longer before deciding to run, and Reid is probably having visions of some Steve Young-in-his-prime type of performances.

Vick has always been a rallying source for every team he's ever played on, and the guys in the locker room seem to be his biggest fans (save Kolb). Ultimately, this is Vick's time to show and prove. He must win games, and he must win them now.

2.) Shed Not One Single Tear for Singletary

The San Francisco 49ers came into this season expecting to make the playoffs. They also apparently thought that once their opponents found out what they expected of themselves, that they'd just lie down, and let them reach their destiny. That's the only rationale I can use to explain their first 5 quarters of the 2010 season.

Now I admit, I'm a fan, so my views are skewed. I also know that head coach Mike Singletary is given the credit for his leadership ability, his motivation tactics, and his requirement that everyone hold himself accountable. Well, Mike, after watching the 49ers begin the season on such a flat note (against a division opponent, no less), and then the in-fighting about the play-calling, its best you carry the weight.

You lost to Pete Carroll, and his college-like enthusiasm. You decided to hire Old Man River (Jimmy Raye) to run your offense. You decided that Alex Smith was your best option at quarterback, when you could've pursued Donovan McNabb, Vick, or even kept Nate Davis. Your team almost completed an epic comeback against the New Orleans Saints on Monday night, but bonehead/untimely turnovers ultimately did you in, and now your team is 0-2, and a statistical longshot to make the playoffs. Bible quotes won't get you out of this one. Put up, or STFU.

3.) Carmelo Will Definitely, Maybe be Traded to Somebody or Nobody

I haven't heard the man himself, Carmelo Anthony, come out publicly and demand to be traded. But every two weeks or so, an un-named source speaks to reporters about a possible trade either being in the works, or totally out of the question. This is really infringing on my ability to focus entirely on the NFL start/MLB playoffs during the month of September, when the NBA should be in the further back recesses of my mind.

But Anthony is a top ten-to-fifteen NBA talent, and him switching addresses will have a definite impact on the landscape of the league. If he goes to New Jersey, as is rumored, then four- fifths of the NBA Futures (Lebron, D-Wade, Melo, Dwight Howard, and Kevin Durant) stock will reside in the Eastern Conference. If he moves to Los Angeles (Clippers), as is rumored, then he will be the first legit superstar NBA player to play for the Clippers while still in his prime. No, Elton Brand doesn't count.

Of course he could also just sign his max extension, stay in Denver, and the entire conversation is moot.

Either way, put up, or STFU so I can get my focus back to its proper place. Ya'll already got me for 82 games, plus playoffs, and an occaisional "Decision". I promise to DVR LaLa's new show if you wrap this situation up within the week.

Los That Links 8-30-10

You may have heard of this new internet thing called "Twitter". If you haven't, you can think of it as a global chatroom, only people can't hide in their mother's basement behind usernames like "SuperGangstaCuz" and expect people not to find out their true identity.

I'm on Twitter, so are the rest of the staff at Los That (@marcusjnorris, @A_Ramsey, and @lostherod, follow accordingly). It takes some getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, it can be pretty entertaining. People tend to speak freely, with less fear of being politically correct. Most "tweets" consist of people one of four categories:

A.) The Stand-up Comic Tweet

B.) The Inspirational Tweet

C.) The Breaking News Tweet

D.) The We're All Watching the Same Thing on Television Tweet

E.) The How to Lose Friends and Alienate People Tweet

The "Category E" tweets happen more times than you'd think, given the socially network'd time we live in. What happens is tweeterers forget that tweets don't always convey the proper tweeting context (also known as tweetext) and once one tweets a tweet that's a tad bit off-color, it stays in the tweetisphere forever, like a bad coffee fart in a room with no windows.

This weekend, the sports world was treated to a Category E Tweets. Carmelo Anthony's Twitter account posted an offer of $5,000 to anyone willing to "slap the s***" out of Kat Stacks "pigeon faced" self.

Now, you may be asking yourself, "What or who is Kat Stacks, and why would an NBA player want to slap the s*** out of one?". Andrea Herrera, aka "Kat Stacks", is a professional groupie, who sent Anthony some late night tweets that caught the attention of his wife, La La Vasquez. She responded the way any wife would, by putting the pressure on the husband (Anthony) to make Stacks stop...through Twitter. (Uh oh)

So Anthony does what he did, and ends up complicating more of his already fractured reputation. (Remember this, and that? He is still trying to make people forget this. And of course, there was that whole "brawl/sucker punch".)

He speaks of hitting a woman, publicly, and then follows that with showing a pic of the money. Of course he later came out and said his account was hacked, and it wasn't him, blah blah, yeah whatever.

Even worse news for Anthony, Stacks has stated, via Twitter, that she's filed a police report on him. So he may be the first million dollar athlete to go to jail for assault with a tweetly weapon.

The moral of the story is best said by Confucius, via Jay-Z in "The Takeover": "A wise man told me, don't argue with fools, because people from a distance can't tell who is who. So stop with that childish s---, n---- I'm grown..."

Melo, you're in the middle of a trade request, and you're trying to get a team to pay you $20 million a year. Stop Twitter beefing with groupies. Please.

Sincerely,

Management

As for the Los That Links

- Manny says "Two fangas, sideways!" to Los Angeles.

- The USA basketball team survives a scare against Brazil.

- Glenn Beck held a special rally at the Washington Monument for "Special Americans" (whatever that means), and Tony LaRussa showed up with Albert Pujols. Former LaRussa BFF, and "Friday Night Lights" author Buzz Bissinger was none too happy about it.

- Troy Polamalu has his luscious locks insured for $1 million (Pause).

- Chris Bosh is getting hitched.

- I'm amazed, and disappointed, at the restraint of the guy in the red shirt.

- And finally, who's mugshot is happier, Paris Hilton from her latest cocaine arrest, or Roger Clemens from his federal indictment?

Los That Links 8-18-10

Don't hate the player. Don't hate the game. Hate the fact that you aren't winning.

That's my advice to those who are truly, internally, bothered by the hoopla that is Brett Favre. Yes, he's coming back for one more year with the Vikings. Yes, the Vikings sent three players to go convince him to return. Yes, he's essentially held the franchise hostage from the time he threw the interception that ended the 2009-10 season, until now. Yes, he's being afforded far more leeway than any other player in the NFL could ever imagine asking for. Yes, its unfair.

And?

More directly, I feel the way Lil Wayne did at the end of an old Gangsta Grillz mixtape song. His mother warns him to tuck his chain in because it's dangerous among the hoodlums and thugs in the mean streets. His response:"I'll be d-mned, Mama. They know who I am, Mama. I'm still yo lil boy, but to them, I'm the man, mama."

Now Favre is in a totally different context, but the response still fits. He's the man. He isn't playing by the same rules as the rest of the guys out there BECAUSE HE CAN. Period. If he couldn't, he wouldn't. He's put 20 years as a professional into this here game. He's never missed a contest. He's re-written the record book for players at his position. If he doesn't want to report to camp until he's darn good and ready, so be it.

(Gangsta Grillz, you bastards!)

Los That Links

- Hardcore Sports Radio host (and this summer's rising media star) Bomani Jones was on "ESPN First Take" and expressed his opinion about Carmelo Anthony's value as a franchise player. Anthony responded by calling him a "hater" via Twitter. Probably wasn't a good idea.

- In another display of athlete sensitivity, rapper Joe Budden and Glen "Big Baby" Davis have Twitter beef. (via BlackSportsOnline)

- BYU is declaring their independence from the Mountain West. Meanwhile, the Mountain West is flirting with Fresno St. and Nevada.

- Rex Ryan: "I ain't gotta take that (bleep) from punk-(bleep) Tony (bleeping) Dungy. (Bleep) him!" Not really.

- The MLBPA will not let Francisco Rodriguez' money go without a fight. No pun intended.

- Shake Weight for women? I can dig it.

Hi Hater!!

There seems to be an epidemic going around and it's been affecting a few young star athletes these days. It has recently struck the likes of LeBron "Prince" James, Carmelo Anthony, and to a lesser extent the Cowboys Martellus Bennett (who?). It is the ability to distinguish an opinion or constructive critism from "hate". It's as if they consider anyone who disagrees with what they are doing as a "hater". Here's why I disagree...

I think what these young players fail to realize is that they are public figures. In today's technology age anything they do and/or say in public is accessible to fans and the media. Critism is part of being a high profile celebrity. People look up to these players and when they do things that people don't agree with the people have every right to express their opinions. Disagreeing with the way LeBron handled free agency doesn't make a person a hater, it makes someone a critic (granted, Dan Gilbert did go overboard). Bomani Jones' opinion of Carmelo on ESPN "First Take" this morning doesn't make him a hater, it makes him a sports journalist with an opinion. He's doing his job. The entire fotball world calling Martellus Bennett a bust doesn't make everyone a hater, it makes them correct (#shotsfired).

What these players should do is use all the critism and opinions as motivation to prove all the naysayers wrong. Maybe talk to some veterans and learn what it means to truly be a professional and stop acting like children. You don't have to go out and be saints because stars are still human, but learn how to be an adult.

There's an old saying that goes "talk is cheap". You want to hush the critics? Prove it with you play and not your tweets and interviews.

-ALR

Los That Links 8-16-10

How's it? Sorry for the continual delay on the Los That Links posts. I'm sure your entire day depends on us providing work distraction. Still on the island of Kauai (Mahalo), but will be returning stateside soon.

Big thanks to ALR and lostherod for helping out with technical issues. Them brothas is talented. On to Los That Links.

- And on the seventh day, God rested. He sat down in front of the big flatscreen in the sky and watched Tim Tebow make his NFL debut. He was pleased...but still skeptical.

- NBA rookie Lance Stephenson is keeping the Indiana Pacer arrested development tradition alive.

- Proven baseball veteran and Hall of Famer the day he retires, Stephen Strasburg, is tired of these unproven rookies holding out for higher pay.

- Brian Westbrook signs w/ the San Francisco 49ers, ensuring a Super Bowl season. Or not.

- Tony Dungy:"Roger Goddell should talk to Rex Ryan about his foul language."
Rex Ryan: "Go (bleep) yourself with your (bleeping) bible, you (bleepity-bleep), (bleep) sucker."

- Reports are Carmelo Anthony won't re-sign in Denver. It remains a total and complete mystery as to where he'll possibly sign. A complete unknown.(Concrete jungle where dreams are made of...)

- Aaron Schobel retires. Aaron, we hardly ever knew you. No, seriously, we don't know who you are.

- Finally, the Francisco Rodriguez locker room fight with his girlfriend's father resulted in a suspension, a torn hand ligament, and apparently, a loss of $30 million if the NY Mets get their way. And you though Manny Pacqiao vs. Floyd Mayweather was gonna cost some money.

No More Melo?

According to this ESPN report, Carmelo Anthony's days as the face of the Denver Nuggets are nearing an end. There has been speculation of the seperation since Anthony has yet to sign a 3-year, $65 mil extension offered by the team earlier this summer. Now it remains to be seen if the Nuggets will deal Carmelo before the season starts or if they will hold on until the trade deadline and see if he changes his mind. This has definitely been quite the summer in the NBA. Stay tuned...

-ALR

Los That Links 8-4-10 (UPDATE)

Good morning! Let's get right to it, shall we?

Brett Favre News

- BREAKING NEWS: Brett Favre apparently isn't as retired as we thought he was, according to ESPN's Ed Werder.

- Brett Favre retired yesterday, and America wept. But on the second day, has he arisen from the dead?

- Could the Favre retirement announcement really be a money play? Apparently he has 20 million reasons to reconsider.

- Steve Mariucci doesn't believe Favre is retiring.

- The Chicago Bears ain't buying the Favre retirement stories.

- How does all this Favre stuff impact Madden 11?

- How does all this Favre stuff impact Sidney Rice's fantasy numbers?

- How does all this Favre stuff impact the Viking stadium plans?

- Don't trip Viking fans, Tavaris Jackson got this.

Other news that Brett Favre gives you permission to discuss

- Detroit Lions sign their top pick, Ndamukong Suh, 5 years, $68 million, $40 million guaranteed.

- NBA releases 2010-11 schedule.

- Shaq to the Celtics.

- Alex Rodriguez will never hit a home-run again. Unless he does. (And he did)

- Slain former NBA player Lorenzen Wright's ex-wife isn't cooperating with police. Not a good look.

- Might Carmelo Anthony end up in New York? He's choosing free-agency over signing his extension.