Chandler for Okafor? Really?

The New Orleans Hornets have just made a blockbuster trade for Emeka Okafor that sends Tyson Chandler to Charlotte. This isn't a good trade and this is kind of mistake on the Bobcats side.

Tyson Chandler: a 7'1'' athletic center with great athletic ability and pretty good defense. His true strength lies in being a really good pick-and-roll partner and he's probably top 5 in the league in that area. After he sets the pick he rolls to the hoop and catches the pass for an dunk and an easy 2 points.

Emeka Okafor: a 6'10" bulky center who is barely more polished offensively than Chandler and is not as versatile on defense as Chandler. Okafor though is a wide body who can absorb space in the paint and literally pave a way for Chris Paul to score.

This trade is really stupid for the Bobcats but not the Hornets because Okafor is going to fit into the Hornets system, the way he plays will actually improve a lot of the plays that worked so great when Tyson Chandler was still on the squad. Okafor will help out on defense with his career 1.8 blocks per game average but on offense he will be able to possibly wreak the most havoc offensively that he's ever done in his career.

He doesn't possess the athletic ability of Chandler but if coach Byron Scott can put him to work with Chris Paul right off the bat then maybe his offensive game can improve greatly and we could all be looking at an Emeka Okafor All-Star appearance. i know it sounds crazy but I think that it'll happen only if Okafor commits himself to the fullest because if he doesn't then thus trade will be the laughing stock of all the league.

Chandler on the other hand might be an okay fit for the Bobcats, he has that athletic ability that was brought up earlier and and he can help out a struggling Bobcats team under poor management and in dire need of some flexibility on defense. Chandler can guard both the center and power forward positions because he has quick feet an that long wingspan that has helped keep superstars like Dirk Nowitzki at bay during crucial games in the playoffs.

Also Chandler can provide flexibility on offense too because before Emeka Okafor would need the ball to move in the paint and try to score or he would get his points off of offensive putbacks.

The Bobcats can use Chandler to help Raymond Felton's passing game and use him like Chris Paul did, just throw him a couple of alley-oops and he can easily establish himself.

This trade was an B+ overall because the Hornets got away with a steal in Okafor while the Bobcats were duped into a dumb trade.

The NBA Draft Evaluation (Top 15 Picks)

1) LA Clippers- Blake Griffin

My Grade: A+

This was the obvious pick and it was a complete no- brainer. He has so much athleticism and potential. He is still raw as an offensive player but he is an absolute BEAST on the boards. He can average 13-14 rebounds in this league. His biggest impact will be on the offensive end because of his athletic ability and tremendous upside and if it all comes together, he could end up being a perennial all-star.


2) Memphis Grizzlies- Hasheem Thabeet

My Grade: A+

This pick was pretty close to inevitable. Thabeet is as raw an offensive player as you will find but his defense is what makes him the second overall pick. His length and height(7 feet, 3 inches) will change shots in the lane and help improve a Grizzlies defense that has been lacking in the past couple of years. He will get 7-8 rebounds a game but his defense will produce 2-3 blocks a game and help alter the opposing team's shots. His offense needs a lot of work but like Mutumbo, his defensive impact is what makes him so valuable.



3) James Harden

My Grade: A

This wasn't a hard one for me to grade because I predicted that the Thunder would make this move and I think it's a good move for them. I feel they could've drafted Stephen Curry here and have a true shooter to compliment Kevin Durant. But Harden is an awesome pick anyways because he's a scorer that that produce both inside and out. He will balance out the lineup and allow Russell Westbrook to focus on playing the point guard spot. He will hit shots and create points on the floor for others and take some pressure off Durant.


4) Sacramento Kings- Tyreke Evans

My Grade: C

WHAT? OH MY GOODNESS!!! What were the Kings thinking? Evans is a great player and all, but this isn't the right situation for him. I'd be much more excited for the Kings if they would've taken Ricky Rubio or Johnny Flynn or even Stephen Curry. But they took Evans and that wasn't a smart choice at all. Evans is a player with great length and versatility. He can score inside and outside and he can pass the ball. The only problem is that he's not a true point guard and that's what the Kings needed and he's not it. He will have problems with deciding whether to shoot or pass because of his scoring mentality. This is just a bad decision by the Kings management.


5) Minnesota Timberwolves- Ricky Rubio

My Grade: A+

With the T'Wolves trading away Randy Foye this opens up contention for the point guard position and by drafting Rubio the Timberwolves made it clear that Rubio's their guy for the future. Rubio is an amazing passer, a Steve Nash type. He needs to work on his jump shot and on his decision making but his upside is only outdone by Blake Griffin's. If he turns out to be what everyone thinks he can be, he'll be an All-Star by time he's 23.


6) Minnesota Timberwolves- Johnny Flynn

My Grade: A

Back-to-back picks by the T'Wolves, Good job. Flynn was a confusing pick for some but this was a great pick in my book because he's insurance just in case Rubio doesn't turn out to be everything we all think he can become. Flynn is a very strong point guard and he has plenty of athletic ability. He can lead the fast break and score or pass in these kind of situations. He's not a great shooter and he does play a little wild but if Rubio doesn't pan out he can be the man for Minnesota.


7) Golden State Warriors- Stephen Curry

My Grade: A+

This pick was an awesome pick for the Warriors who like the Knicks needed Curry, a flat-out shooter who can score and pass. His true strength would have to be shooting and he is the best one in the draft, hands down. He's perfect for this system and he will produce points immediately for the Warriors. He might average 20 points a game if takes and makes enough shots his rookie year.





8) New York Knicks( My Team!!)- Jordan Hill

My Grade: A

Aw man. Steph Curry's going to California. That sucks. Aw well, it's time to move past the Curry phase and on to the next one: the Hill Phase. Jordan Hill is a nice prospect and he's got a solid NBA body complete with a long wingspan and the mindset of a player who enjoys running the fast break. He can rebound and block shots at a great volume and he gives the Knicks a little breathing room in the free agent debacle between Nate Robinson and David Lee. He can replace Lee if Lee decides to go and also he can score the ball much better than Lee. Hill will be a stud in New York because their playing style will give him a chance to shine.



9) Toronto Raptors- Demar Derozan

My Grade: B+

Demar is good player who can score but he is a project and a star in the making. He has plenty of upside but he needs to mature but his skills are unmatched athletically. The Raptors also could've taken Chase Budinger or Gerald Henderson with this pick but Derozan could end being better than both of them. He must improve his shooting and defensive capabilities but he's a great pick for an ever-evolving Toronto Raptor team.



10) Milwaukee Bucks- Brandon Jennings

My Grade: B

Mr. Jennings is quite the case. He packs plenty of speed, athleticism and passing ability. I do believe that he's the biggest question mark in this draft and I think the Bucks would've done better to pick Dejuan Blair and re-sign Ramon Sessions. But with Jennings they could have their future or their demise. They must work on his shooting and his decision making. I also question his maturity and intelligence because of the whole no college decision. He won't start for 2 years and when he actually does start we'll see if the Bucks made the right choice.


11) New Jersey Nets- Terrence Williams

My Grade: C

Terrence Williams is a great defensive talent and a very athletic player but with Vince Carter gone who's going to help Devin Harris with point production? Gerald Henderson and Chase Budinger would have been much better picks here. But New Jersey still gets a solid player who can guard 3 positions and be a good defensive player in the NBA.



12) Charlotte Bobcats- Gerald Henderson

My Grade: A

Henderson provides the Bobcats with the wing player they've been searching for to play alongside Gerald Wallace. Henderson's finesse will compliment Wallace's power on the wing. Henderson can also shoot the ball well and is a capable defender. He'll start immediately and try to give Charlotte some the scoring they've been longing to obtain for a while.


13) Indiana Pacers- Tyler Hansbrough

My Grade: C

The former NCAA P.O.Y wasn't a good pick here for the Pacers. They are a team still in search of some sort of identity. Hansbrough is an energy guy, a hype-man like Flava Flav. He's not worth wasting a 13th overall pick on. He has a knack for scoring baskets that look impossible to make. He can pass well and provide solid role play in Indiana. But with players like Earl Clark, Dejuan Blair and Chase Budinger still available at this spot you have to question the decision making of the Pacers.


14) Phoneix Suns- Earl Clark

My Grade: B-

This was an okay pick for me. Between the Shaq trade and the potential Amare trade you've got to wonder, are the Suns trying to lose? Earl Clark is the most versatile player in this draft because of his ability to do everything there is to do on the court. His intensity has been questioned and while he can do everything he seems to only be able those things one way. He doesn't have a true gift for offense or defense but his size and never ending versatility make him valuable. I think Chase Budinger would've been perfect here but it is what it is and hopefully Clark can produce right away.


15) Detroit Pistons- Austin Daye

My Grade: B-

Austin Daye is an okay player who can shoot the ball quite effectively. He can knock down a jump shot with ease and with his length at the small forward position he can get his shot over defenders and disturb other players on defense. The biggest problem here is Austin's weight and lack of muscle. He's going to have to put in overtime at the weight room and add at the very least 20 pounds of muscle. But other than that he's a good pick for the Pistons and his shooting can definitely help them in the future.

Football: The Same Thing Everytime

Football, America's favorite pastime, is the same thing every time. The game hasn't changed since the '50s. The quarterback is predominately a white guy throwing to the the fast black guy. Why can't it be the other way around?

Don't get me wrong, the game has had it's share of black QBs but the ratio over the years of white QBs to black QBs is vastly lopsided. Sure there was Dante Culpepper, Donovan McNabb, Doug Williams, Michael Vick, Vince Young and Warren Moon but on the white side there's Peyton, Tom Brady, Johnny Unitas, Dan Fouts, Dan Marino, Drew Brees and Brett Farve, just to name a few. For some reason, the black QBs don't seem to fare as well as the white ones and that sucks. Because when the black receiver catches the touchdown, the white QB get the credit for making the great throw. but it was the receiver doesn't get love from the commentators.

Personally, I think that this is all just stupid because the black QBs in NFL history have barely won any Super Bowl rings and the white wide receivers were good in the 50s and 60s but now the only good white WR is Wes Welker. This isn't a travesty but it could be better, I just hope that one day a black QB can win multiple Super Bowls and that the world can see that black QBs can win just as much as white QBs. All I'm asking for is a little change.

Kobe the Magician

Orlando is supposed to have the magic on game night but it seems as if Kobe Bryant is the one with the magic every game. Ever since the playoffs began Kobe's been scorching the opposing defense with his shooting and ability to effortlessly get to the rim and draw fouls. The real reason he's been dominating can't really be explained. Why you ask? It's simple, Kobe is a magician and the best closer in the game.

Kobe Bryant has been killing the competition ever since he came to the league. He made the All-Star team in his second year in the league. He's been a scoring machine as shown with his 2 scoring titles. He's won 3 championships and he's currently working on title #4. He has shown us all in the past that he is the game's best player and best closer. This year in these playoffs he has risen to the occasion once again and has reminded us of his dominance.

He's been making sweet music on the court thanks to his quick 1st step and long shooting range. He has been an iron man too by averaging over 40 minutes a game in these playoffs. He has been shouldering the load of the Lakers organization and the dreams of all his teammates as he tries to lead them to a title. He is trying to do what eveyone said he couldn't do: win a title without Shaq.

Kobe's magic isn't like Houdini's magic or Earvin's magic. Kobe's magic is the kind of magic that would make you stop watching the season finale of your favorite TV show just to tune in to watch a Lakers game with only 20 seconds left. The reason you tuned in was because you wanted to see Kobe try to hit the game-winning shot. You don't even like the Lakers but you love Kobe and that's why you tuned in. That's the influence that Kobe has on people and his reputation is world renouned. He makes you want to see him do what he does best and when he hits the game winner you'll be happy you tuned in. That's just Kobe, he's a magician and if you're lucky you just might see him pull off his greatest trick ever, leading LA to a title, again.

My NBA Mock Draft

Everyone has got their own mock draft by now. So, I figured I should join the party. So here it is, my 2009 NBA Mock Draft:

1) LA Clippers- Blake Griffin

Why: This is pretty much the obvious pick because of Griffin's size, athleticism and potential. If he turns out to be what we all think he can be, he'll be averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds for the next decade.

2) Memphis Grizzlies- Hasheem Thabeet

Why: Most people think they'll take Rubio but I disagree. Mike Conley's a good point guard and their inside presence on the defensive end id terrible. Marc Gasol will have to move over to the 4 spot and Thabeet occupy the middle. With his length and defensive awareness he'll contribute defensively right away.

3) Oklahoma City Thunder- James Harden

Why: With Thabeet already drafted, the Thunder are kind of in a hole. They can't draft Rubio because they already got Russell Westbrook and it wouldn't work to switch Westbrook to the 2 guard. They can take Jordan Hill here and that would be a great pick but I feel that the Thunder will be tempted to take Harden because he's a true 2 guard who can drive to the rim and make it from 3 point range. He'll take pressure off Durant and help clear space for Westbrook to penetrate and convert.

4) Sacramento Kings- Jordan Hill

Why: He will bring the athleticism and length on offense the Kings have been missing since the days of Chris Webber. He won't be the next Chris Webber but he will give them a double-double season a couple of times but his real purpose is to be the second scoring option for the Kings because no one else other than Kevin Martin is reliable on the Kings in terms of their offensive attack.

5) Washington Wizards- Demar Derozan

Why: With James Harden gone to the Thunder, the Wizard who need a guard just in case Arenas gets injured again. So they should take Derozan because he'll be a change of pace with his athleticism and potential. He has a ways to go in term of his shooting ability but Flip Saunders will help him mature on the court and off it and help him develop into a pretty good player.

6) Minnesota Timberwolves- Ricky Rubio

Why: I know every one's wondering why I have Rubio drafted this low. I tell you why. The first five teams don't need point guards and Rubio's a risk anyway because Europeans don't usually don't grasp the NBA style of play for a couple of years. The Timberwolves have Randy Foye but more of a 2 guard so they need someone who'll be willing to pass the ball constantly. Rubio's jump shot is suspect but he has potential. He will have to mature quick but he can make an immediate impact.

7) Golden State Warriors- Brandon Jennings

Why: Jennings has been playing in Europe for the last year and that kind of makes him the most unreliable pick. He's been gone from the NBA system for a minute so he's a risk either way. But he's got great athleticism and quickness. Tends to shoot a lot but in this system it's necessary.

8) New York Knicks(My Team!!!)- Stephen Curry

Why: This is the only place Curry could truly shine because of the style the Knicks play. Mike D'Antoni will help develop as a point guard and help him learn how to run a team. But Curry's real talent has and always will be his shooting ability. In a system that'll call for fast breaks and 3 point shots, Curry will definitely make a statement early.

9) Toronto Raptors- Chase Budinger

Why: The Raptors are in dire need of some athleticism and scoring from the 2 guard position so Chase is the only real option here. They could look at Tyreke Evans but Budinger has a better shot and slightly better athletic skills. Not to mention he stayed in school for 3 years so his maturity is not in question which is good.

10) Milwaukee Bucks- Tyreke Evans

Why: Ramon Sessions and Charlie Villanueva are free agent and the Bucks only have one. If they take Sessions then I recommend they choose Dejuan Blair to give them bulk inside and to replace Villanueva. But I think they'll keep Villanueva so that means they need to pick Evans solely because he can replace Sessions at point guard or back up Michael Redd at shooting guard or even plug himself in at small forward even though he'll have to battle Richard Jefferson for that spot.

NBA Draft: One Man's Future is on the Line

The NBA Draft is the highlight of the summer for NBA fans. There are many great players and they all are expecting to be drafted and to be successful right off the bat. There's Blake Griffin, Ricky Rubio, Hasheem Thabeet and many others. Blake Griffin is a powerhouse, Rubio is a quick play maker at point guard and Thabeet is a very tall, lanky defender who has a lot of potential. But there are many others whose futures depend on this daft and how there careers will start in the NBA. A player in this situation is Stephen Curry. This guy has been praised for his feats on the NCAA level but criticized harshly from an NBA standpoint. This draft could make or break his NBA career even before it begins.

Curry, as seen above, is one of the best 3 point shooters probably in recent NCAA history. 2 seasons ago, he led his fairly unknown Gonzaga team to the Elite 8. This past year he converted into a point guard and he improved his passing skills thus making him more attractive to NBA teams. Even with all his talent, Curry's biggest obstacle has to be his size. He's 6'3'' and 180 lbs. Most scouts say he won't be able to withstand the rigors of the NBA at his size. Also, they believe that it'll be hard for him to make the transition from an unknown school to prime time games in the NBA where no matter how popular you're team is, everybody knows who you are.

On most boards, Curry is ranked as the #3 point guard available. He has the ability to develop at the point guard position and with his sweet stroke his role as 3 point specialist( kind of like Eddie House) is pretty much set in stone. If he goes #8 overall to the Knicks he will thrive in that situation and probably become 16-19 point per game guy. If he goes late to a team like Detroit or Atlanta his future will fade because he'll never make it in their system.

On June 25, Stephen Curry's career will either get a huge lift or take big hit. His career as an NBA player truly is on the line.

Who Saw This Coming?

Oh my goodness!!! The Cavaliers face elimination tonight in their hometown. The Magic took care of business in the first four games of this series. The only reason the Cavaliers didn' t get swept in he firs four games was because LeBron hit that incredible shot a the end of the game in Game 2. The Cavaliers are having a hard time accepting that they won't win this series because of 2 guys Rashard Lewis and Dwight Howard.



Dwight Howard is doing in his series what he does best. He's grabbing rebounds and finally he's scoring he points that he's capable of scoring. In the last game he played he dropped 10 of his team's 16 points. He is finally showing his worth as an offensive dynamo. I'm proud of him. He is going to to have to have another big game to close the Cavs out tonight. And I think he will.



Rashard Lewis is killing the Cavs with his trademark 3 point shot. In Game 1 he hit a clutch 3 point basket to seal the deal for the magic. In Game 2 once again he had a big game even though it was spoiled by LeBron's last second game winner. But in Game 5 it was Rashard Lewis who stole the show. He hit a 3 pointer with only a couple seconds left to put the Magic up by 1. Then in overtime the aforementioned Dwight Howard did his thing and won the Magic the game.

Who would've thought that after 4 games the Cavaliers would be down and close to elimination. Who would've thought that the Magic would execute their game plan to perfection and that even though LeBron is averaging 40 points a game they are 1 game away from the NBA Finals, the closet they've been since the days of Shaq in Orlando. Who saw this coming 'cause I know I didn't. DID YOU?