How to Tell Accurate Drillmaster Handbags From Affected Drillmaster Purses

Online arcade has brought abundant opportunities to us to be able to buy the items we wish and charge at a abundant prices. It is too bad that with all acceptable things humans acquisition a way to yield advantage of others. If you are searching to acquirement a Drillmaster arte fact online, you charge to do your appointment afore authoritative your purchase. Here are some tips to advice you buy the absolute deal.

Tip 1: C Arrangement Design. If your purse is the 'c' or 'cc' appearance bond you will be able to use this arrangement to audit for authenticity. Attending at the purse to analysis for the following. a. The c arrangement should go beeline up and down. b. The arrangement will be centered on the foreground and aback console of the purse.

Tip 2: Covering Characterization with Consecutive Number There is a consecutive amount that exists in the majority of the absolute Drillmaster purses that begins with 'No' that is amid on the central sewn in covering label. On some of the abate accurate purse sizes there is not a covering tag. These styles would cover the clutch, swingback, and the mini. I accept aswell apparent fakes that accept the sewn in characterization starting with a No followed by a consecutive number. However, if you analyze the affected characterization to the absolute one the superior of covering and imprinting is accessible which is real.

Tip 3: Know the Absolute Deal. I would advance you appointment retailers of absolute Drillmaster food to activate to advise yourself what an accurate Drillmaster purse looks and feels like. Pay absorption to the attending and feel of the leather, lining.

Is Father Time Knocking at His Door?

After playing, 37 minuets against the Houston Rockets, Kobe finished with a respectable 27 points also adding to the field five rebounds, and seven assists. All in all, it was a good start for a recovering Kobe.

Kobe's knee hasn't healed yet. And his timing is a little off due to his minum preseason time. But I think he will be ok. He had surgery to correct his knee issues in the off-season. It's taking longer to heal due to "Father Time." But when it's healed, it'll be fine for the Lake Show.

I'm not talking fine as in high flyer/Kobe of yester-years. His game has evolved into more than that. You'll start seeing his FG% improve a bit once he gets his lift back when taking jumpers. It was obvious the 1st game his jumpers had no lift to them. Once he gets that going the Lakers will be rollin'.

I'm just glad that the role players have improved this year. Blake even played all of DFish's minutes in the 4th. Which is fine because Dfish will need his rest for the deep championship run this year. Shannon Brown impressed me the most. I knew he was working on his deep jumpers this off-season, but still that game he had was amazing.

It looked as though Bryant was playing more as a facilitator, than a scorer, and honestly that usually works out for the better of the team.

Kobe asked the media, "Do you really have to worry about me finding my shot?"

It almost seems silly to begin questioning arguably the best player of all-time, but reality is slowly showing us that father-time is starting to knock on Kobe's door.

The 32-year-old superstar is beginning to feel the natural effects of aging. During the off season, Kobe had surgery on one of his knees, but it hasn't seemed to bother him on a dramatic level...yet.

The obvious keyword is yet. It's hard to believe that Kobe is already 32 years old, but it's starting to become more visible in his game. Kobe doesn't seem to have the same lift on his shot as he used to have and his style of play is becoming more and more like that of Jordan's, towards the end of his career.

Kobe's knee is forcing him to rely more heavily on his I.Q. and less on his athleticism. This is what makes Kobe a great player. He has adjusted more and more each year and it's showing.

Only a couple of seasons ago, Kobe told the media that he had been working on his bank-shots and now, it has become one of his many diverse moves.

What about this season? Like I said before, he is coming off knee surgery, and for someone like him, a knee injury can't come at a more worse time in his career.

Kobe's game has relied on his athletic ability, mixed in with a whole lot of skills. No one is going to question his work ethic and I guarantee Kobe worked harder than any other player in the league during the off season, but will his body be able to hold up until late June?

"It doesn't matter, it depends what happens at the end of June. That's the only thing that's real important."

Ron Artest couldn't be any more correct. Who cares if Kobe isn't "Kobe," the whole season. We all know Kobe will always flip that switch and will hit that next gear when it comes playoff time.

Bryant just needs to stay healthy, "enough." If he can manage to play at his usual high-level and also continue to motivate and lead this Laker' team to the final once more, there is no reason to question his health.

As a die hard Laker' fan, I will stubbornly deny that Kobe has a knee problem, and I will continue to view Kobe as if he was still in his mid 20's.

But Charles is right, "There are two things you cannot beat, father time and Las Vegas Casinos."

The bottom line is, only time will give us a true indication of whether Kobe really is on his way down the hill, or if Kobe still has a couple years up his sleeve. The question is, do you believe in Kobe?

Kobe score 27 points. Yes it was 40% shooting but Kobe took two shots at the end of the 3rd quarter. He was trying to get a two for one and the other was a buzzer beater. If you subtract those tow shots he would of shot 50% from the field.

But the point is he had 27 points, 7 assist and 5 rebounds. If that is old and washed up then Kobe is greater than I thought. Why do dumb ass people confuse injury with age. Is Arenas old? Is D Wade old? They both had injuries and have not played well during the preseason. Ironically Kobe played better than Wade and was more efficient than Lebron in the season opener. Wade looked horrible and Lebron also shot 40% and had 9 turnovers.

I think that the inevitability of time is catching up to Kobe but the fact of the matter is Kobe is still going to be great,now i do believe he is now in a situation with this team where he is going to be more of a Defensive/Facilitator type of guy and when he is scoring shot after shot after shot it is going to be in the 4th quarter when he has to get in to "BLACK MAMBA MODE" see i know what kobe is thinking he's thinking hey i'll let Lebron,Durant,Rose,and Dwight and the rest of these young cats go out and kill them selves for the MVP title,but me i am going to ride this knee out till finals time then i will do all the other stuff....but for now in the regular season i see Kobe just taking it easy i think his regular season stats this year will look something like this 22ppg,8apg,6.5rpg..you see the points are lacking but the other stats are beefed up like i said he is now in a position where he does not have to score 30-35 ppg for the team to win he just has to close for them and play really well off the ball,thus the increase in assist and rebounds...But tell me what you think about my prediction Hayden...

A Tale of Two Coaches

One has been a manager for 30 years. The other has been a manager for two years. The one with the 30-year career has won very little. The one with the 2-year career has won everything.

Pep is a class manager, no doubt about it...A throwback to the classy way of conducting himself, both on & off the pitch...A great representative of the club, on top of everything else.

If there are legitimate criticisms it's probably the issue with respect to managing egos on what is an otherwise ego-less squad...His tenure may be marked by great sporting successes but the questions over Ibra & Samu will always be brought up

I can't decide on that part if he is guilty of any wrongdoing here but it's likely important to remember that he remains a very young manager...These are issues that I am sure, even he recognizes need to be worked on...Which, again, is what makes Pep such a class act and the perfect manager for the club

The one who has been managing for 30 years will be forgotten as soon as he retires. The one who has been managing for two years could retire today and his historic acievements would never be forgotten.

This could be the story of the donkey who worked his entire life but never quite became... a horse.

Two seasons ago, a young (37-year-old) Pep Guardiola was appointed as the new Barcelona manager. Barcelona had been trophy-less for two seasons, and the motivation levels were at their lowest.

Guardiola's appointment seemed too risky a bet, and the general opinion was that under such an unexperienced manager, Barcelona's trophy drought would continue and Real Madrid would three-peat easily.

To make Guardiola's job even harder, Ronaldinho and Deco, two of the club's stars, left and no direct replacements were brought.

The doubters seemed to be right as Guardiola's team lost their match of the season to a Numancia side that would end up being relegated.

After a slow start, Barcelona started winning and scoring freely, playing some of the most beautiful football the world has ever seen. By the end of the first half of league play, Barcelona had a record 50 points out of 57, with 59 goals scored in only 19 matches, trouncing such worthy sides as Valencia, Sevilla and Real Madrid on the way.

The blaugrana were widely recognized as the most entertaining side on the planet. Under Guardiola, they were playing better than ever, but was Guardiola just a poser? Was he one of those coaches, who, despite their attractive football philosophy couldn't lead his teams to major silverware?

Quite the contrary.

As the season progressed, Barcelona got better and better as Guardiola steadily perfected his Dream Team. In one of the best days in Barcelona's history, the Guardiola juggernaut won 6-2 at the Santiago Bernabeu and put an end to the title race.

The critics were silenced once again and many were forced to recognize Guardiola's excellence. Some detractors said that "anyone could win with a squad like that", a squad that had actually finished third in the previous league under Frank Rijkaard.

A month later, Barcelona became the first Spanish team ever to win the treble, by winning the Copa Del Rey and the Champions League final against Manchester United.

Still, no big deal—according to the critics. They said anyone could have won the treble with that squad, and it's not like it had never been done before.

Come December 2009, Guardiola made even more history by leading Barcelona to an unprecedented sextuple (six trophies in the same year). Never had it been done before by any club! At this point, only jealous, bitter rivals supporters dared deny Guardiola's brilliance.

In his first year as a manager, Pep won the sextuple. But the most impressive part is that he did it by always sticking to his football philosophy and principles.

Even against teams that just parked the bus, Guardiola didn't change a thing in his approach to the match, and he was rightfully rewarded. When Iniesta scored at the last minute at Stamford Bridge, many neutrals all over the world celebrated as if it were their own team.

Beautiful football! Pep's brand of football had triumphed!

Some managers do the same (always keep faithful to their philosophy and principles), but Pep has the trophies to back it up. In one year, he turned an unmotivated squad into one of the best club teams ever to grace the football pitch.

He took the best out of Xavi, Iniesta and Messi, among others, and launched youngsters like Piqué, Pedro and Sergio Busquets. In one year, the younger three went from total unknowns to the majority of the football world—except Piqué—to undisputed starters for the Spanish team that won the World Cup.

His first season couldn't have been more successful. He won trophies (Champions League) that some pursue for, say, 30 years, and never win.

The world was at Pep's feet.

If one sextuple is a great achievement, two in a row is almost impossible, but Pep accepted the challenge.

In La Liga, Barcelona won again, with a record of 99 points (only 15 points lost), winning both El Classicos once again.

In the Copa Del Rey and the Champions League, however, luck wasn't on Guardiola's side this time. Barcelona was knocked out in both competitions by only one goal. In the Champions League, some very dubious referee calls kept Barcelona from reaching the final again.

Still, it must be considered a very good season. A new treble would just be asking too much and it was not that far away.

Overall, Guardiola has been involved in ten competitions as a manager, winning eight (!) of them, and losing the other two by a single goal! He has always stuck to his principles, but he's constantly been re-inventing the team in order to make it even more difficult for the opponents to stop them.

Saying Pep Guardiola is not a good coach would be a sophomiric thing to say on my path. His achievements during this his relatively short tenure as barcelona coach speak for themselves.
However, it can be argued that the sextuple he won two years ago were only procurable because of some inept refereeing on the path of the officials. As we all know, it was a "FUKCING DESGRACE" according to my Ivorien friend but even without the six trophies he won, I think Barca is lucky to have him as a coach.
I like Pep Guardiola. He doesn't run his mouth like some of his players do, and calling him classy is an understatement. His devout personality is something I don't usually relate to barca.

Good quality frame--Oakley glass

Nowadays, the short sighted is becoming more and more .We all know, eyes are key part in our life. So keep eyes health is very important. Choose right glasses for yourselves or not is related to your eyes’health.

How to choose suitable glasses for yourself.First of all,the brand of the glasses. Brand of glass is related to the quality, good brand has good quality. But many kind of good brand should pay too much, this is not suit for many people, especial students. So in this occasion, the best choice is Oakley glass—good brand, excellent quality and cheap price. Moreover, the degree of eye glasses must the same to your eyes. If not, the glasses are bad for your eyes.

Oakley glass is the best choice of the youth. If your friends or classmates are don’t know buy which glasses, just tell them to buy the brand of Oakley glasses.


Copyright 2010 by Kennygirl, who work at government branch and always sharing fashion about juicy couture outlet and the hot topic.

Miami Heat Reveal Problems in Opener

It ended up being a lot less close than the scoreboard dictated.

The NBA season arrived with one of the most anticipated openers in years, with the majority of the focus concentrated on how the star-studded Heat would mesh in their coming out party.

The answer is, not well.

This is there first game together we are missing our starting point guard mario chalmers who is a good outside shooter missing mike miller who is our best outside shooter did you see how many turnovers we had cause of the guys not used to playing with eachother and this was wades first game back from an injury he was rusty this isnt the same wade you will be seeing all season if i were you i wouldnt feel too good about what i saw yes the celtics played good but wade went 4-16 and bosh went 3-11 and we still almost came back to win the game despite 2 of our stars playing terrible and no cohesiveness we still almost came back to win now i know you cant expect them to keep playing like that i see we will be able to beat boston with just 2 of the 3 playing good in the future and in the postseason forget about your little double teams when mike miller comes back so be happy the nba gave the eastern conference champs who have been playing together for years their first game against a team with more than half of its roster consisting of new players who need time to gel we will see later on in the season when our team is on the same page.

The Heat went 4-17 in a nine-point first quarter that was marked by confusion and incompetence.

The Heat looked a lot like LeBron's Cavaliers; relatively one-dimensional. LeBron took over in the third quarter, but it was not enough to prevent the loss. Dwyane Wade was 4-16, Chris Bosh was 3-11, but those stats do not sum up the Heat's problems.

It goes without saying that soon the Heat will look better. Their chemistry will improve and they will begin to play together.

The lack of inside presence for the Heat is something that will be no more apparent than against teams like the Celtics. The Celtics were tenacious on the boards, revealing the possibility that the acquisitions of the two O'Neal's could be the solution to the Celtics rebounding woes; a weakness that ultimately cost them the title last year.

The t-e-a-m aspect of the Celtics that has led them to the NBA Finals two of the last three years (would have been three if not for the Garnett injury), was their ticket to victory against the Heat, and it will be their greatest strength all year long.

The loss cannot be completely blamed on Miami's lack of time together as a unit, as their defense looked fairly capable, particularly in the second half. How do three players that were once the focal point of their teams, that have never known anything else than being the number one guy, learn to play together? It certainly won't be easy.

Regardless of the Heat defense, the Celtics ball movement was tremendous throughout. The presence of Shaq and Jermaine O'Neal demonstrated an anticipated improvement in an inside-out playing style.

Glen Davis looks like he might live up to his off-season claims of a “defining season.” Davis was consistently strong to the hoop and seemed more aware of his surroundings in finding the open man. He will continue to be a huge asset off the bench, particularly while Kendrick Perkins is gone.

The Heat had extensive difficulties getting in the paint, and so will the rest of Boston's opponents. Along with the new inside presence, the Celtics look as healthy as ever.

Kevin Garnett looked back to form, defending pick and rolls and staying tight on defenders. Marquis Daniels went 4-5 and seems to finally have his quickness back.

Jermaine O'neal would have made such a difference. Plus we had more valuable role players missing. Playing together will make how they play together different idiot. Is that concept to hard to grasp? Wade and Lebron got all of those turnovers because they have yet to learn each other tendencies.

No one has discredited the celtics defense who had Wade and Bosh at times feeling uncomfortable making them settle for jumpshots. Wade a bit more because he wasn't in regular season shape (mentally) Lebron was at least knocking most of them down.

Paul Pierce looks leaner, quicker, and more assertive going to the rack (I won't go on an extensive rant regarding the block call against LeBron). It wouldn't be surprising if Pierce has re-ignited the athletic capabilities he had a few years ago.

Bench players like Daniels and Nate Robinson are progressively finding their place in the Celtics' plans.

Granted, it is only the beginning of the year; there are sure to be some injuries down the road, but Doc Rivers will keep the veteran squad in constant check. The fact that Boston is not starting the season off with any significant injuries is the best case scenario.

The Celtics have an improved depth that will likely make them a much better team than in recent years. Opponents may be amazed that Boston's defensive intensity could possibly be better that it was in 2007-08, but after holding the supposedly “extremely dynamic” Heat to 80 points, that may be just what the future holds.

The Celtics looked even better than their wide skill-set and depth indicated going into Tuesday's contest; it's hard to believe that Kendrick Perkins will re-join the team early next year, and that in only ten games Delonte West will be added to the mix.

The Heat are going to have to rely on guys like Jones, Chalmers and Miller knocking down 3s...that isn't the reciepe for elite success.

I think a lot of people are looking at this like a video game - the truth is neither Wade or LeBron are very good shooters. They are tremendous players and scorers, but knocking down 20 footers isn't their strength, and all of their playmaking ability is based on driving and kicking out, so yes, I can expect them to struggle offensively when they are just shooting jump shots. I really don't know what kind of offense everyone expectst them to run, if its just a straight isolate, drive and kick then Bosh isn't going to ever get into good spots or rhythm and 3-11 is going to be common.

The stars didn't play terrible, I just don't think they are going to be able to set up a offense where James, Wade and Bosh all utilize their skills and strengths.

How to maintain Michael Jordan sneakers

As we know, Michael Jordan is a famous brand. The product’s quality of this brand is very good, but also its price is rather expense. So, when we bought the Michael Jordan product, we should learn how to maintain it. Here are some knowledge of how to maintain Michael Jordan sneakers.

First of all, after wearing you should clean them usually. Do not often wash them with water. Besides, do not exposure. If so, the shoes are easy to fade, and change the old. Moreover, when shoes do not wear, do not put the paper mold into them to support. If so, it is easy to change the shape!

The above is something knowledge about maintain Michael Jordan sneakers. If you have Michael Jordan sneakers, this passage is good for you, just read it. Also, if you have more about Michael Jordan shoes maintenance knowledge, just share with us!

Stockholm Title Is Launch Pad for Final 2010 Targets

Tennis fans in Sweden must have thought they had died and gone to heaven. Held in the week after the conclusion of the intense Asian swing at the Shanghai Masters, it is a time of rest for the top men on the tour. Ahead lays the final push through Europe to the last Masters in Paris and, ultimately, the year-end jamboree in London.

It's a good win for Roger, but he didn't face any top 10 player in the process. For me his performance in Shanghai was of more importance. His win over Novak, who was in form and had lots of momentum from his win in Beijing, was very encouraging. However his poor showing against Murray, especially how he played in key moments, was a bit worrying. Now it's really how he plays against the other big guns that matters the most. The key for Roger to regain the No. 1 ranking is to finish the year strong and also perform well in Australia next year. If he can gain much more points during that strech than Rafa, then when the clay season comes next May, he will be in good position. There are still two big Sampras records for him to tie or surpass, the total number of weeks at No. 1 and year-end No. 1 finishes. Roger is one shy in each category. And it seems Roger will hang around for the next few years, so I think he will pass McEnroe's mark of 77 tour titles, but the Masters title record will be Rafa's to keep.

Yet the beautiful, chilly city of Stockholm had not one but three of the men who expect to contest the World Tour Finals next month: home hero and world No. 5 Robin Soderling, Czech No. 6 Tomas Berdych and, cream of the crop, No. 2 Roger Federer.

Soderling was aiming to win his home title for the first time in eight attempts—his best finishes were as runner-up in 2003 and 2008. So his heart must have sunk when Federer announced, only a couple of months earlier, that he was adding Stockholm to his schedule.

In the event, Soderling’s chances of the title came to an abrupt end well before the expected final with Federer, in a quarterfinal loss to the unseeded German Florian Mayer.

Berdych also fell in the first round, so it was down to Federer to make the tennis headlines. Playing in Stockholm for the first time in 10 years, he appeared to be on a mission: to tick off as many new landmarks in his career as possible.

By winning his first match, he became the only active player on the tour to reach 900 ATP matches. The first of those matches was played, as 16-year-old, the week after he was crowned Wimbledon Junior Champion 12 years ago. He lost that one, but sailed through Taylor Dent in his 900th.

In his second match, Federer won his 50th match of the year to become only the fifth man in the Open era to win 50 matches in at least nine straight years.

If he went on to win the Stockholm title, he would reach 64, and tie with Pete Sampras in fourth place on the Open era titles list. It would also mark the 18th different country in which he had won. From the United States to Europe, from Japan to Canada, from the Middle East to China: Federer is, literally, a worldwide champion.

The final turned out to be a royal occasion in more ways than one. Played to a capacity 5,000-plus crowd in Sweden’s Royal Tennis Hall, it was attended by Crown Princess Victoria, and it was she who would present the silver globe of a trophy to the winner.

The closest to royalty on the current tennis tour, Federer himself, had made far from faultless progress in the tournament. He was a set and a break down to Stanislas Wawrinka in the quarterfinals, in a match riddled with unforced errors, before finding his attacking game to take the win.

Against Ivan Ljubicic in the semis, he also went a break down early on, and trailed right up to the moment Ljubicic served for the set. Federer assaulted the net, forced errors from his opponent, and broke back. Federer won the tiebreaker and then a more straightforward second set, 6-2.

And the same pattern seemed to unfold in the final. Mayer, in only his third tour final, had played one of his best ever weeks in taking out Soderling and Feliciano Lopez.

There’s a still bigger prize up for grabs the week after Basel: the final Masters of the year in Paris.

Federer has already overhauled Andre Agassi’s record number of Masters match wins, which now stands at 221. However, he still equals Agassi’s tally of 17 Masters titles and needs one more to equal Rafael Nadal’s leading 18.

Paris would be a good place to do it, as that is the only Masters on the tour where Federer has yet to reach the final. To add a little more spice to the occasion, Djokovic is the title-holder there, too. So there are incentives aplenty to keep Federer’s engine in turbo drive.

But judging from his words in recent days, his desire to play and to win is undiminished. Not only did he cheerfully consider a 1,000 matches to be well within his reach in the next two years, he also confirmed that the No. 1 ranking was also an itch that needed scratching: “It’s not that important to be two, three or four. For me, it’s either number one in the world or everything else.”

Actually, I think that's an interesting proposition. That if Federer goes all out for Paris, he is jeopardising the WTFs, and therefore accepting a second-best place. It is intriguing, because Basel means a great deal to him and he will certainly want to win that back. He was crest-fallen when he lost last year. But Paris would throw down a marker ahead of London, and pass another couple of landmarks. Does he have the stamina to win all three? It's a very big ask, and as you say, Rafa will hold enough in reserve to get that year-end title he's not yet won, esp after such a rough ride there last year.
And then there's Djokovic and Murray. I think either has the ability to win Paris or the WTFs and, again as you say, they both like the predictable hard indoors. Just when the season feels like it's winding down, it really isn't.

The Masters tally will probably end up as Rafa's: that run of clay Masters events almost seals the deal on its own, and he's now just as capable of winning a hard-court Masters as well. But Paris would enable Federer to equal Rafa at the top until next spring.

I believe the weeks at No1 is an important target for Federer, as you do, but he's really got his work cut out to get that back, and it will probably be impossible if he doesn't do well in Australia and Wimbledon. Australia is also a possible for Murray and Djokovic if they hold their form through the winter, making the job even harder for Federer.

One longer term ambition for Federer that is a little further off, of course, is that Olympic gold, and I reckon he'll schedule most of 2012 around peaking for that - ie Wimbledon in June/July and then keep his focus on the grass until August. Just hope I'm able to get a ticket to see it!

2010 the popular wearing--juicy couture dresses

Everybody wants to have fashionable dress, especially the women. They regard good dressing appears their image, so choose the dressing is very important. When they are in business, when they are in a party, when they are in a ball or when they are in a conference, they must dress the formal cloth. Juicy couture dress is a kind of newly wearing in 2010.

There are all kinds of juicy couture dresses. First, in a business occasion, neatly dressed reflects your culture, manners and the importance of this business. Juicy couture dresses can give the effect. Second, in a party, unique dressing can catch the eyes in the party. Third, in a meeting, formal dressing is necessary. If you wear a pair cloth in the meeting , it will give anybody a surprise.

All in all, juicy couture dresses is the newly popular clothes in 2010. Catch the juicy couture dresses, catch the fashion in 2010.

Miami Heat Must Cut Two Players Before Monday Night

Its really going to be a tough choice for miami. I wouldnt think that they would cut a veterern like howard or magolore because then what was really the point of signing him in the first place to just only go through training camp. If anyone knows if miami releases butler, do they still keep his rights( like sending him to miami d league team for a year) or does he become a free agent? Butler has amazing upside and I think he could really contribute as the back up, he played well at west virginia last year. So I dont think they cut butler, cut beverly and either howard/magolore. I just looking at the roster again looks like one veteren has to go, but if they can cut butler and still keep his rights, butler and beverly for sure.

The final two cuts the Heat have to make before tomorrow night are going to be the hardest. After signing Jerry Stackhouse as a veteran presence to replace the injured Mike Miller, Miami needs to bring its current roster of 17 players down to the NBA-mandated 15 by Monday’s end.

There’s no doubt about the status of many players, but there are a few who should be sweating bullets about whether they’ll be with the team come the beginning of the season.

The Heat’s starters have nothing to fear, if you ask me, with Mario Chalmers, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Joel Anthony penciled into those slots. I know some may believe Chalmers and Anthony’s place on the team isn’t certain, but I would wholeheartedly disagree.

Likewise, among the backups I don’t believe there’s any doubt Udonis Haslem, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Eddie House and Jamaal Magloire will be on the opening-day roster. Magloire not so much for his talent but simply because he’s an experienced big body, and the Heat need that.

James Jones seems to have solidified his spot as a backup to LeBron James and Jerry Stackhouse, not to mention Miller when he returns in January. Da’Sean Butler, however, looks like he may get the cut.

That’s not because of his play, though, as he’s still nursing and rehabbing his knee, and hasn’t seen any action. However, there just doesn’t seem to be enough room on the squad to accommodate the potential he represents.

And make no mistake about it, Butler represents loads of potential at the small forward position, but if I’m Pat Riley or Erik Spoelstra, a known factor beats something that won’t be known for quite a while every time.

The players I believe who have to be wondering about now are Carlos Arroyo, Patrick Beverley, Juwan Howard and Dexter Pittman.

Arroyo has to be facing that doubt precisely because of Beverley’s play, and Patrick, conversely, is facing the same anxiety because of Carlos’ experience and history with the team.

Juwan has to be a little anxious knowing the Heat don’t really need him all that much, and probably won’t ever play him that much. However, he might take solace in the fact Riley is reluctant to get rid of veteran big men who have multiple talents, which he does.

Pittman is a quandary for me, as his contract seems to indicate Riley sees all kinds of potential in the kid. However, he’s never really shown it completely all summer or during the preseason; not that he’s had a great deal of opportunity, mind you.

If I had to make a bet, my wager would be on Butler and Beverley getting the boot, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Riley decided to stick with Patrick and let Howard find other employment.

It’ll be interesting to find out exactly which way Riley and Spoelstra are leaning tomorrow, but whatever they decide I’m still firmly of the belief the Heat have enough to beat any team in the NBA, and will prove just that when they dismantle the Boston Celtics Tuesday night.Carlos Arroyo isn't going anywhere. I think he's actually done better in the preseason than Chamlers. Probably Beverly will get cut. Da'Sean Butler is a future star though. It's a tough call with him. Magloire is a maybe, but yeah his size is very important. Pittman's got potential too.

Chamlers -he isnt consistent at all he had his chance and he will get injured in midseason.Miami in the past championship had guys like payton and J-will55 .he isnt near that caliber.

Arroyo: Arroyo cant play defense nor shoot wide open threes. watch replays of him in preseason and you will see how he hesistate when Lebron pases him the ball wide open and he doesnt shoot it in which leads to turnover.

Joel Anthony- He sucks. RILEY knows centers are important , think ZO, Shaq, and even Ewing in NY. Riley needs to find a solution. I think HEat rushed into signing Joel, they should have waited till summercamp to give him that fat contract.he is worthless.

we need : Guards who can shoot, threes and pass
centers who can score when lebron is double teamed.
Big Z is too old for the job, but can fufill the role for now but we NEDD DAMPIER.

LeBron James, Media and Race: Do African-Americans Play the Race Card Too Often?

I find that MANY blacks use the racism card when they simply are looking for an excuse.I also find that MANY whites use the "They are using the racism card when they shouldn't" line when angry at something that they are at fault for and need an excuse.

Ben was not proven innocent. Missing evidence and dropped charges are not declarations of innocence. Moreover, has anyone ever been falsely accused of rape multiple times by multiple victims? Seriously. No other athlete, even with all their money, has been plagued by such serious allegations. But if you want to use the false standard that dropped charges equals innocence, then you need to remove Kobe from your list. Because the same thing happened to him. The fact that that hasn't ocurred to you proves the author's point. You have one standard for Kobe and yet another standard for Ben. Why? That just goes to show the way people are willing to gloss over shortcomings based on the way media covers a story, or worse, based on how they identify with the accused. The question is why. Why is Tiger vilified when he "only" cheated on his wife? He has in no way been accused of illegal activity. Why is the animosity towards him so much greater? Adultery vs. Rape. Which is the greater social wrong? Something tells me that people aren't honestly observing the situation, or they're blindly buying the media's narrative.

With that said, the point is not which crime is worse. That is a distraction from the central issue of this article which is this: What leads to the double standard, real or perceived, in the way Americans view athletes that have disappointed them? Why is Kobe a rapist if Ben isn't? They've both been accused and had their charges dropped, though, like I said, Ben was accused multiple times? So he should be even more guilty in your mind. Right? You need to ask yourself that question because you have contradicted yourself and revealed a sad flaw in your thinking. Your writing gives voice to that double standard.

Several weeks ago James suggested that race played a factor in some of the negative press he’s been receiving. Now James is receiving racist Tweets to demonstrate his claim of race is real.

James issued the following after he released the Tweets, "I just want you guys to see it also," James said after the Heat's practice Wednesday afternoon. "To see what type of words that are said toward me and towards us as professional athletes. Everybody thinks it is a bed of roses and it's not."

One of the Tweets characterized James as, "a big nosed big lipped bug eyed (racial slur). Ur greedy, u try to hide ur ghettoness."

Another Tweet stated, "Why don't u speak by laying ur head under a moving car."

Now do you believe LeBron James is unfairly playing the race card?

Much of the negative scrutiny James is getting surfaced a result of the interview he and his manager Maverick Carter conducted with CNN's Soledad O'Brien.

Let’s analyze the reaction along racial lines. African-Americans didn’t abandon or dislike James for taking his “talents to South Beach.” Some were merely disappointed in how he orchestrated the handling of “The Decision.”

For whites, “The Decision” took on greater significance. Many, particularly in Cleveland, felt duped. They felt James turned his back on a city that did so much for him.Gilbert issued what some considered a rant showered with racial undertones. Gilbert was visibly upset because his most prized possession bolted for what he deemed better working conditions.

Gilbert issued the following: “This shocking act of disloyalty from our home grown 'chosen one' sends the exact opposite lesson of what we would want our children to learn. And 'who' we would want them to grow-up to become. But the good news is that this heartless and callous action can only serve as the antidote to the so-called 'curse' on Cleveland, Ohio.”From the time Gilbert’s rant hit the airwaves, when activists like Jackson and journalists like yours truly weighed in, race became a factor in how James was being bashed in the media.

Next the Q-Score was released. It is a poll that demonstrates to what degree athletes are liked or disliked. The poll revealed the most hated athletes were all African-American.

I was very vocal in print and on the radio airwaves about my disapproval of the poll.

The vast majority of those people who lined those highways were white. They supported OJ to the hilt without knowing all of the facts as to whether he committed a double-murder.

For many African-Americans, it was about whether he actually committed a double-murder crime. Furthermore, O.J. had long since abandoned the African-American community. He wasn’t really a celebrated figure like a Jim Brown. O.J.’s stature in the African-American community wasn’t that great.

As time progressed O.J. was taken into custody, a jury was selected, both sides argued their cases, and it was time for a verdict. An interesting phenomenon would take place.

When O.J. was first taken into custody in summer of 1994, many whites cheered O.J., while African-Americans were largely on the fence. When the verdict was read in Oct. of 1995, African-Americans around the country rejoiced, while many whites were outraged O.J. “got off”.

There is an inherent sense within the African-American community to protect our own when attacked by whites in the mainstream. Based on the historical development of America, African-Americans are acutely aware that the criminal justice system has been more criminal that it has been just.

In essence, their loyalty to O.J. as a potential African-American victim in the system, trumped his abandoning their race. Even if some felt he committed murder, they wanted him to go free, while many of those whites who once supported O.J., wanted him convicted for killing two white people.

The latter is merely a manifestation of the concept of social-engineering.

With respect to James being liked in the media by whites, to now being largely disliked, is similar to what O.J. went through. When he orchestrated “The Decision”, African-Americans were not irate, but rather, disappointed he left Cleveland.

Once Gilbert issued his rant and began burning James’ jersey, the media began crucifying him. This ensured African-Americans would firmly support James while many whites turned on him.

It’s a tactic utilized to dilute the legitimacy claims of race. Hence, a segment of whites embrace most claims of race lack substance. They assert African-Americans cry race in efforts of not staking their claim, implying they’d rather embrace mediocrity.

White America will never admit racism exists in sport and society. The combination of silence and ignorance helps to mask legitimate claims of race.

Some whites will suggest the mere fact I’m writing about race makes me a racist.

When African-American historians lecture about the historical development of this country and the rise of American slavery, they are depicted as racist.

When African-American athletes like LeBron James assert race is a factor in his mainstream mistreatment, he is unfairly playing the race card.

Let’s look at this situation from a historical perspective: Did people who look like LeBron James write the statement declared in the Constitution "all people are created equal", yet simultaneously allow slavery to pervade in its society?

Did people who look like LeBron James lynch people for over 100 years because of the color of their skin?

Did people who look LeBron James sick dogs on innocents because they wanted their Civil Rights?

Did people who look like LeBron James purposely infect people of color here and abroad with STD's, letting them persist for decades?

Do people who look like LeBron James own and control the mainstream media in America?

The answer is no. White males are responsible for the latter.

How can telling the truth about what’s transpired in the past, and what’s happening now, be considered playing the race card?

African-American athletes like James who speak the truth unfairly get labeled as racists or playing the race card. This is due to a segment of white America living in a collective denial about racism.

During slavery, if a slave tried to run away from the plantation to secure freedom, the act of running would be considered racist, yet nothing would be said about the how slavery was a barbaric institution that restricted freedom.

During the late 1800’s up until the Civil Rights Movement, if an African-American citizen was being lynched and they fought to evade being killed, the victims would be considered racist, yet the act of lynching another human being would not be considered inhumane.

When Jim Brown would score touchdowns for the Cleveland Browns in the 1950’s, he’d be applauded for his athleticism, yet as a man he was expected to adhere segregation. When Brown would speak out against racial injustice, he would be characterized as racist, but Jim Crow was not denounced.

Whites created the race-card. Whites have defined its meaning through their actions. It’s a tool utilized to continue racism and not diminish it; as way to keep from facing the past; as a way of controlling the future.

The African-American athletes and journalists with platforms should utilize them to bring about change. Opting for silence ensures, rather then aiding in, sweeping viable issues that need to be addressed under the rug.

Any person with a level of consciousness about the historical development of this country owes it to that society to making it a better place, whether the truth hurts or not.

In closing, LeBron James wasn’t playing the race card unfairly. He was expressing exactly how he believed all along.

To compare Cleveland fans disappointment with James to the OJ case makes zero sense. Let's face it; initially most whites wanted to believe Simpson was innocent,but as the evidence mounted, it became more of a common sense issue than a racial one. Is it fair to say that the race card was highly played in Simpsons favor? Of course it was, isn't that why he was set free? The majority of the jury was black. Now compare his case to Scott Petersons. No real evidence existed, yet the all white jury convicted him of murder in the first degree, and sentenced him to death. There is frustration, because many are asking when we have to stop paying for the sins of our fathers. I wasn't born 200 years ago, and grew up in an evolving society. But my god, I can say that I'm disappointed in a black athlete if I feel they have done wrong. Just as I will say I am disappointed in a white athlete if he has done wrong.

As a white male, I agree with most of these points and agree that racism does exist in sports. However, I disagree with there being any racial hatred in Dan Gilbert's letter.

Gilbert is going to see something he owns decrease by a couple million dollars because of LeBron leaving. He unlike other Cleveland sports owners threw his checkbook at making the team better. He had LeBron's people on his payroll. He went above and beyond what most owners would do for there players and felt betrayed by James's decision. It had nothing to do with race.

I see it as kind of like dating a nice girl. You take her out to some nice dinners and spend a lot of money on her only to have her dump you. Of course your instinct is to lash out and badmouth her, there's nothing racial about it. She could be Black, White, Asian or Latino, it doesn't matter it's still going to hurt the same regardless. The letter may have been immature, but it wasn't racist.

As for the Q score, people like Brett Favre and Ben Roethlisberger probably should be on it. But you can't say that LeBron made the list because of his race. He was black last year and he wasn't on it was he? Same with the six years he was a pro before that. His skin didn't change, but the way he handled himself and his decisions off the court did. That's why he made the list, period.

Rooney Signs New 5-Year Contract

After a tumultuous 10 days, Manchester United have been able to resolve Wayne Rooney's contract situation by signing the 24-year-old to a five-year extension to extend his contract to 2015.To be honest Sir Alex has done a fantastic job of keeping him and getting him to sign that new contract. I would have been really happy to have seen Rooney gone.

Though these days contracts don't really count for much and a mere handing in of a transfer request from Rooney will get his value to drop significantly. That added to the fact that the club is in a huge pile of debt will force the club to sell for less.

It's something that we have seen happen at Liverpool and with Barca trying to force Arsenal into selling Fabregas.Its time we all realised that player power these days is indeed too much and something needs to be done about it.

Throughout the last several days, we have seen Sir Alex Ferguson read out a statement saying that Rooney wanted to leave Old Trafford over concern for his future.

Rooney later confirmed that message, and it seemed extremely unlikely that Rooney was going to be a Red Devil past January 2011.

But now, Ferguson was able to work his magic once again, as he was able to convince the Glazers to get the money to keep his superstar at Old Trafford.

Out of all these actions, Fergie truly is the winner here, not Rooney, but now the Scot has another major task that he will need to accomplish.

That task is to make Manchester United truly competitive again in the next year in order to keep Rooney and the fans happy.

This next year will be extremely important for Rooney and the development of Manchester United, as Rooney felt that Man United were not going to be competitive in the next couple of years.

For the last couple of years, many have been speculating when Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville would retire. Even though Giggs and Scholes both can produce today, they are not going to be nearly as powerful in 2012 or 2013.

However, United have never been able to secure any player to effectively replace Scholes and Giggs, something that can be a major problem.

Plus, Man United will need to find an effective goalkeeper to replace the retiring Edwin Van der Sar.

In the next year, United will need to find players that really could effectively replace these two former greats.

Due to the need of change at Old Trafford, young players with tremendous upside must be implemented into the squad in order to win the league by 2015.

Whoever these players might be, they will need to play like superstars and will need to be signed within the next year in order to overcome the learning curve of being a member of Manchester United.

Sir Alex must have persuaded him maybe the only reason Rooney said that was to get extra money. Youre right United need to rebuild now but as United are crippled with debts they are going to have to buy young upcoming players. I saw in the paper today that fergie wants to get rid of a couple of players. But he has to bring players that are better than the current players. SO to replace Gigg's a fellow welsh man bale. Spur's probably wont sell but they have to try and get him. To replace Scholes the little croatian Modric and Henderson. Again Spur's wont probably sell but United have to enqiure about him. Sneidjer would obviously be the first choice but he wont leave Inter unless he fall's out with Benitez. To replace Neivile a man from Ajax Van Der Wiel. He is an up and coming player and probably woudnt cost that much. To replace VDS a fellow dutchman Steklenburg. He is about 30 so he is experienced and i think he would be ready. Maybe a striker as well maybe Suarez, The glazers have to get there head around that if they want more money coming in from trophies they have to give ferguson big money to spend.

Does Steve Blake's Game Really Match the Hype?

I saw clip of a conversation a couple of weeks ago between Blake and Ron Artest at training camp. Ron was amazed at how fast Blake had learned the triangle in such detail.

I think Blake is going to bring a lot of stability to the Lakers second unit.

Last year the starters had to win quite a few games twice because the 2nd unit couldn't hold leads. Honestly, I don't see that happening as often this year.I think Blake will definitely impress.I think he makes the team scarier. he is the key to the improvement of the Lakers second unit. the injuries to Kobe and Bynum are pretty serious so a second unit of Blake-Brown-Barnes-Odom-Ratliff, and the rookies makes the team deeper. if the bench can take more minutes from Kobe and Bynum in games against the weaker teams, the Lakers will benefit from resting those two.

The Los Angeles Lakers are expecting big things from their new back-up point guard, Steve Blake, but is he ready to step up to the challenge of leading the Lakers' second unit?

It's no secret that point guard defense has been one of the Lakers' biggest weaknesses the past two seasons and many people see Blake as the answer to that question.

There is even some hope that Blake will eventually replace veteran point guard Derek Fisher in the Lakers' backcourt, but has Blake ever proven in his career that he is ready for that responsibility?

Blake has averaged 7.5 points, 4.3 assists, shot 41 percent from the field and 39 percent from the three-point line for his career.

Those are decent numbers, but they don't exactly instill a large measure of confidence in Blake as the Lakers' lead guard either.

However, Blake's ability to score is not what made him the Lakers' number one priority during the free agency signing period, at least in the eyes of general manager Mitch Kupchak.

Blake has good size at 6'3 and he has a reputation as a steady, if not spectacular, defensive player. Blake is also an above average ball-handler, who seems to have quickly grasped the intricacies of the triangle offense.

The triangle lessens the need for a true point guard, since any player is capable of playing the part of distributor. Even though Blake fits the mold of a true point guard, his outside shot will be more valuable than his distribution skills.

Blake's career three-point percentage of 39, was better than anyone else on the Lakers' roster last year. If he can shoot with accuracy from distance, then he will add a different element to the team.

Ron Artest, Jordan Farmar, Shannon Brown, Derek Fisher and even Kobe Bryant had their moments from behind the arc last season, but Blake has the potential to do it on a consistent basis.

Blake is often credited with his spirited defensive performances against Bryant while he was a member of the Portland Trail Blazers, but will that translate to stellar defense against point guards who have hurt the Lakers in the past?

Blake has the size to defend the bigger point guards in the Western Conference, but he lacks the foot speed to stay in front of quicker guards, such as Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook and Houston's Aaron Brooks.

But, even though opposing guards are capable of hurting the Lakers on the perimeter, there are few, if any, who possess the talent to single-handedly beat the team.

In order for an opposing point guard to truly hurt the Lakers, another player must also inflict similar damage on the offensive end, which is a tall task considering the Lakers are one of the NBA's top defensive units.

Blake's last two preseason games against the Utah Jazz are perhaps the clearest illustrations of best-case/worst-case scenarios, when it comes to his performance as a reserve guard.

In the first game against the Jazz, Blake played 19 minutes, while scoring no points and going 0-7 from the floor, including 0-4 from three point range.

The next game Blake seemed to be much more involved and he tallied 10 points in 22 minutes, while going 4-7 from the floor and 2-3 from three point range.

Hopefully, the majority of Blake's games in the regular season will resemble his second effort because his consistency, steady hand and outside jump shot will be critical, if the Lakers hope to repeat.

Blake may never wrest the starting position away from Fisher regardless of how well he plays, since Fisher has earned the trust of coach Phil Jackson and it's hard to envision Blake eclipsing that.

Therefore, Blake may never be able to live up to the hype over his free agency signing, but if he is able to perform in the manner the Lakers hope he can, that sentiment may only be a matter of perception.

The Lakers haven't had a mature dependable backup point guard since Brian Shaw. Jordan Farmar was well liked but he wasn't really trusted. He was explosive, but careless.

Steve Blake is never going to be a superstar, but I really like what I've seen from him so far in the preseason. He has picked up the triangle really fast, he's as tough as nails, and can hit the open jumper.

I don't think he will be expected to create his own shots the way Farmar could, but he can run the offense, play solid D, and won't turn the ball over.

I'm sure there isn't a lot of national hype surrounding Blake, but in LA we're welcoming him with open arms because the bench really struggled last year after they got past Lamar Odom and Shannon Brown.

Who Are the Surprise Teams of the East and West?

The thing about teams like the Bulls and Orlando is they are strong precisely where the Heat is weak: at the point guard and center positions. They are better balanced and deeper into the bench. Rose can abuse any lousy Heat point guard, Noah can destroy the likes of Anthony on the boards, and Boozer can force his way through the much softer Bosh. Thibodeau will find ways to at least contain Wade and Lebron to some extent with defensive studs like Brewer. We'll have to wait and see if Miami is really that big of a deal, with only 3 great players, 3 decent benchers and a bunch of absolute scrubs. Chicago and others like Boston and of course LA might prove to be more solid overall.

The NBA’s biggest surprise team this season for both the Western and Eastern conference, brought to you byNBAPrimetime’s Brandon Ribak.

Western Conference

Utah Jazz

Although Jerry Sloan has yet to intake a big whiff of an NBA trophy in over a decade, his team has consistently made the postseason for the last four years in a row (winning at least 48 games during the regular season in that span).

This off-season the Utah Jazz obtained center Al Jefferson via trade, providing the team with a much more dominate inside threat on the defensive end as opposed to Carlos Boozer (career average of 1.2 BPG compared to Carlos Boozers’ 0.5 BPG).

Center Mehmet Okur is currently sidelined with an injury and has no timetable for a return. With Okur out, 25-year-old Paul Millsap will once again step into the starting power-forward role.

During the 08′-09′ regular season, Millsap averaged an impressive 18 points and 11 rebounds per game in 19 starts (with Boozer sidelined), achieving a double-double in each game.

The duo of Jefferson and Millsap should uplift the Jazz’s regular season win total up a few notches, but for a deep playoff run the team will look for the league’s top point-guard, Deron Williams, to quarterback the offense (Williams has posted at least 18.8PPG and 10.5 APG in each of his last three seasons).

Eastern Conference

Chicago Bulls

Even though the Chicago Bulls were never able to obtain Dwyane Wade, LeBron James or Chris Bosh this off-season, they were able to sign key players that should help make the team one of the top in the Eastern Conference this season.

Carlos Boozer (out until December) was a huge signing and will assume the power-forward duties for Chicago once he returns to the court.

Boozer gives the Bulls a stretch four forward who can knock down perimeter jumpers and rebound with the best of them.

Chicago also signed shooting-guards Ronnie Brewer and Kyle Korver this off-season.

Brewer is known for his perimeter defense and will match up against the top stars in the league for the Bulls.

Korver is one of the best sharp-shooters in the NBA and has the ability to absolutely light it up from downtown at virtually any moment during a game. Last season Korver shot an absurd 53.6 percent from three-point territory and the guard will look to shoot the same for Chicago this season.

Add Chicago’s off-season additions (along with their new head coach Tom Thibodeau) to a team composed of point-guard Derrick Rose, center Joakim Noah, and small-forward Luol Deng, and you’ve got yourself a roster destined to make a splash this season.

I am surprised how many people think that Utah will stay at their high level of play. They lost 2 quality shooting guards this offseason and replaced them with old washed up Raja Bell. That is a pretty huge drop off at the sg position.

Looking at last season Jefferson hasn't even shown us that he is as good as Boozer, let alone better. The only way he can be seen as an improvement is if he goes back 2 years and plays like he did for his half a breakout year. I think their is a chance this might happen, but its not exactly likely.

Also, Okur is missing for who knows how long. With Okur out I think this bench will probably be the worst in the league and in the western conference it just won't due. Utah should be hoping to just hold onto a playoff spot before we even think about anything more.

Does His Playing Style Risk Too Much Injury?

Injuries are part of the game regardless of how fit you you are, or how careful you are. I think its great to have a player like Blake Griffin, literally giving his all. In a league filled with whiners, complainers, playing for a paycheck, ego's, and over all lack of commitment to the game there are players like Griffin who just want to play, who just want to win regardless of the situation.

What to do with Blake Griffin?

The Los Angeles Clippers and their precocious young forward are in a bit of quandary. At first glance, though, it's not apparent why.Playing in that style is what makes him special. He knows no other way to play, and that's admirable.

In terms of a parallel player from history, how about Larry Bird? Obviously different skill-sets, but Larry too played with a reckless abandon that eventually shortened his career.

You had the best player in the game diving into the stands, crashing his head into the floor...basically doing anything required to win the game.

Larry wouldn't be legend if he was a guy who knew how to play at 85% effort.

Griffin is meant to be the Clippers' future, based largely on his possession of two superior qualities that cannot be taught: athleticism and work rate. He has unique explosiveness, agility, strength and quickness coupled with unmatched heart, desire, effort, focus, intensity and hustle.

This combination of physical, mental and emotional tools has grown men across America drooling over his potential. He has both the ability and attitude to become a superstar.

"He could be Amar'e who tries on defense! Rodman who scores! RODMAR'E!"

And to quiet those who doubted whether he could return from last season's knee injury, he has been posting beastly double-doubles this preseason, replete with steals and blocks.

Should be an unquestionable formula for success, right? But there are concerns.

They say you have to be fearless to be great, and Griffin has certainly got that down. Still, he plays with such utter reckless abandon, throwing his body all over the court to corral rebounds, save loose balls, block shots and attack the rim, that he is a walking (or sprinting/leaping/flying) injury risk.

Everything he does on the court makes you gasp, simultaneously in awe and fear. He is unbelievably impressive, although sometimes he crosses the line to foolhardiness.

If the injury possibility had yet remained merely that, a possibility, then I wouldn't be suggesting Griffin consider altering his style. However, he has a laundry list of injuries and close calls, several of them coming quite recently.

Just a few examples: Griffin tweaked an ankle on Saturday, though it is apparently very minor. Last week against the Spurs, he attempted a soaring weakside block on Tim Duncan, came crashing to floor and landed hard on his back. He briefly stayed down in pain before dusting himself off. Moreover, he is known to dive over the scorer's table, which isn't exactly the safest maneuver.

Then there is last year's broken kneecap, which Griffin suffered after finishing a thunderous preseason dunk. You could dismiss it as a freak injury, but isn't Griffin more likely to endure such damage?

This brings us to some tough questions. How much more risk does Griffin really undertake compared to the average player? Will tempering his aggressiveness significantly reduce his effectiveness? Is it worth being more careful to extend Griffin's career? Could he even play any other way?

I have been searching for historical parallels—examples of players like Griffin—to see if we could learn anything about their career paths and apply it to Blake. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find anyone who accurately fits Griffin's mold. He really is distinctive with his aforementioned combination of skills.

Most uber-athletic big men, such as Stoudemire and Dwight Howard, don't put their bodies in danger nearly as much as Griffin. Most hustle guys, such as Jerome "Junkyard Dog" Williams and Anderson Varejao, lack Griffin's elite athleticism.

So I don't know if there are any specific answers; it seems like this might just be a guessing game.

I'm going to take a page out of my investment banker friends' books and analyze Griffin's prospective future on a risk-reward basis.

If Griffin doesn't change and maintains his characteristic reckless abandon, he theoretically could become a Hall of Famer. Michael Jordan is the GOAT more due to his intangibles than his talent. While Griffin's intangibles may not be exactly the same as Jordan's—for example Blake's endless hustle vs Mike's killer instinct—he radiates similar drive to win every moment of every play.

That type of singular resolve separates the true great ones. On the other hand, Griffin could see injuries add up, miss significant court time, and lose his athleticism.

If Griffin plays more cautiously he could still be an All-Star, but his ceiling would be lowered dramatically. He's not offensively talented enough to be a superstar without his rare work rate. While he would still be as susceptible to random injuries as anyone, they would be less of a threat.

We could also get into which scenario is better for the Clippers. Do they hope Griffin develops into that once-in-a-generation guy? Or do they simply settle for a solid starter who stays on the floor?


I watched Griffin for the couple of years he was at Oklahoma and many times felt he was over risking his body for the sake of the team.

One thing that saved him at times was his gymnastic flexibility. He's able to bend and contort like a 5'8 Bart Conner and seems to know how to take a fall like a stunt man. At other times, I've seen him land splay legged and always ask myself why he's doing so.

He was the most beaten on guy I'd ever seen in college ball. Everyone remembers the body slam he took in NCAAs but many forgot the dirty shots, the groin punches and the knees he got in college. He never retaliated, never got thrown out but he certainly endured a lot of punishment. In my opinion, Griffin should not relinquish the aspect of his game that makes him special. He is a joy to watch, and the Clippers finally boast a player that fans can actually get excited about. Furthermore, he will spend a career igniting his teammates and intimidating opponents.

Do have interesting in juicy,you can visite juicy couture outlet.

Better Than Michael Jordan? James, Wade or Kobe Will Rise to Be the G.O.A.T

Kobe does have the best shot at this point. I'm a Heat fan, but if Kobe and the Lakers somehow defeat the Heat in the Finals (I'm about 99% we'll make it to the Finals) then Kobe has every right to be called the greatest of all time. Never did Jordan slay a monster in the Finals like the Miami Heat's current roster.

After Kobe, Wade has a great shot. Wade is 28, and has one more title than Jordan did at this time. Still, Wade needs a regular season MVP. I think you're exaggerating a bit when you say Wade needs three MVPs and 4 scoring titles. One MVP and one more scoring title should do. As long as Wade keeps putting up stellar numbers and starts racking in the championships (and Finals MVPs) he'll be on the road to the title of Greatest Ever.

Lebron definitely has hope for the title of Greatest Ever, but not as much as Kobe or Wade. Of course, when he's thirty and his contract ends he can either a) take over the Heat from Wade (unlikely) or b) re-sign with another team to lead it to some championships (I'd bet it would be Cleveland). If Lebron does have 5 or 6 rings when he finishes up his tenure in Miami, he'll likely move on to Cleveland and lead them to a championship. When he finally obtains a championship by himself, combined with the ones he's won in Miami and the MVPs and scoring titles he has, he'll have a strong case for greatest ever.

Durant is young and has a lot to improve on before we can predict that he can shadow Jordan.

Rose, at this point, looks like he can be the GOAT of the future after the Kobe-Wade-Lebron era. His game is more complete than Rose. Basically, he can do more, but not at as high of a level. Give a season or two and I bet he can become a better player than Durant.


A week away from the most anticipated NBA season in years, the basketball world stands at a crossroads.

This summer has created a vast amount of hype and attention, as the Miami Heat dramatically altered the balance of power in the East. At the same time the reigning two-time champion Lakers added to an already stellar lineup. Toss in the Celtics' ability to improve a championship-caliber team and we have a "Perfect Storm" of sorts, rapidly gaining strength, as it prepares to unleash itself across the basketball landscape.

David Stern and league executives have to be giddy over the constant spotlight they received this offseason. Unlike any time before in its history, the NBA dominated all sports news leading into the NFL's opening week. The entire summer it seemed as if football and baseball took a back seat to the LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony rumors.

This is music to the NBA's ears, as the league has yet to rebound form the Michael Jordan years, in regards to TV ratings and all-time following.

This season will surely garner more worldwide attention than any since Jordan's last. After all you have both a team looking to three-peat as champions, with a leader who seeks to match his Airness' ring total. You then have the new "Super Friends" alliance in South Beach and the return of the veteran, savvy Celtics who added two former All-Star centers.

This leads one to ask the question, "Seven years from now, will someone be considered better than Jordan?"

The thought while preposterous to many is one that deserves merit. After all history has shown us that no matter how great the athlete, within 10 years of their retirement someone else seems to take hold of the "Greatest of All Time" label.

It's about to be eight years since MJ hung up his Air Jordans for a final time and he is still undoubtedly considered to be the "G.O.A.T." Still given time memories fade and new ones are created. In the next couple seasons either Wade, Bryant or James is going to have their own highlight moment such as Jordan's final shot as a Bull. When such a career-defining moment occurs Jordan's fall from atop the perch will commence.

Since the NBA's inception this theory has proven to be true. Bill Russell was the best in the '60s but 10 years after his retirement many felt Kareem Abdul Jabbar or Wilt Chamberlain was better. Then the early '80s made the debate between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird but before they could retire as "G.O.A.T." there was Michael ascending to the top spot. Ten years after Kareem's retirement the debate had become over Bird, Jordan and Magic.

It's natural for this to occur, although it pains many. My grandfather argued until his last breath that Babe Ruth was the best baseball player of all time even though many felt that players who came after were superior. You hold onto your legends but can't prevent others from finding new ones.

Kobe Bryant is the player best poised to accomplish this.

If not for his awful choices/actions between 2002-2004, Kobe would already be gaining much more support for the distinction. Despite Bryant's troubles, it should be remembered that Jordan too had his share of discrepancies.

Therefore time has begun to shade the mistakes Kobe made and it's allowing for his play and on-court accomplishments to shine through. If Kobe can win titles in the next two years there will be fans nationwide, not just in Los Angeles, that will argue on his behalf.

Dwyane Wade and LeBron James can also be brought into this equation.

Wade already has one NBA championship ring, a Finals MVP award and a league scoring title under his belt. While often regarded as the third-best player currently in the league Wade has a window in the next six years to change that.

He, more than Kobe or James, seems to mirror Jordan's game. His ability to make eye-dazzling plays at the rim, glide through the air and his on-court competitiveness are all very Jordan-esque. He has even begun to develop a solid mid and long-range shot the way Michael did as he progressed in his career. Lastly, unlike Kobe and James, Wade has managed to steer clear of huge negative fan backlash. This is something MJ seemed to do as well despite all his gambling problems.

For Wade to become the greatest he will need to win at least three league MVPs, four scoring titles and six more championship rings in the next eight years. It's an outside shot but if healthy Wade will have a great chance to get started on this list by leading the NBA in scoring and guiding Miami to a title.

Then there's LeBron James. He is still somewhat of an enigma. Even though we've see him on TV every week since he was 18, no one truly knows what his ceiling can be.

The guy is only 25 years old and has already won two league MVP awards. Jordan also had two league MVP's through seven years but he had one thing LeBron doesn't. That of course being his first championship trophy.

Here's the catch though, Jordan was 28 when he first hoisted that title. Depending on how the next three years unfold James could very well be claiming his third title and fifth league MVP at 28. Despite the fan/media reaction to his "Decision," in time if James shows he is clearly the best player in Miami and manages to win big then his legacy will be completely different than it is now.

No matter how great the shadow which has been cast, the torch must always be passed.

While it may be hard to see now, in time, any one of these three scenarios may become clear. When it does you will see the unthinkable as many will begin to clamor that someone other than Jordan is the "G.O.A.T." When that happens, as hard as it may be, acknowledge it even if you don't embrace it and then argue till your last breath that no one was better than MJ.

Kobe, Lebron, and Wade have all been compared and held to Jordan and the standard he set, but none of them will likely match it. Kobe hasn't and really won't at this point. He hasn't been that close at all. Wade and Lebron have outside shots. There is no shame in that. Jordan is the undisputed GOAT. Wade, Lebron, and Kobe will likely top 5/ top 10

Only 5 players in NBA history have led the league in scoring and won the title in the same season. Jordan is the only one to do it more than twice. Wade won't do it, especially when James will score too.

Nothing you say here will make them better than MJ. Jordan was winning NBA championships, Finals MVPs, league MVPs, scoring titles, steal titles, All-NBA and All-Defensive first team selections at the same time. Let's see if these players you mentioned here can do that MULTIPLE times. James won't win 5 MVPs by the time he's 28, lol. Bryant is old. It's too late for him to catch Jordan. Same thing will soon happen to Wade and James unless they make some kind of miracle, which won't happen since they are on the same team. What Jordan did at their age is something they can't touch.

5 Reasons Why Kobe Is Headed For Breakout Season

Kobe had a great season last year especially with those type of injuries. I strained a joints in my foot and I could barely drive or get a consistent jumpshot going. Kobe is amazing and I think as he ages, he will continually suprise. Not saying this becasue I am a Laker fan, but as someone who has watched this mans game evovle and he has never let me down except for those nights where he jacks up a thousand pointless shots...cough cough GAME 7 cough cough.

To say Kobe's headed for a great season is kind of a strange thing to say. On one hand, he's had so many great seasons that it makes you question my attentiveness, assuming he could have a relatively better one. And on the other, Kobe will be entering his 15th season, which is longer than the average career. Physical decline is expected.

But every year Kobe surprises me by sharpening another aspect of his game. Whether it's learning to trust his teammates more, polishing his post game or finding a way to nail seven game-winners in a season, Kobe is continually padding his resume and repertoire.

He won't likely missing night and he has looked bad, but that's only because he's not even practicing most of the time and the only practice he gets is in games. Phil Jackson even said that what he's doing is unusual for a player in his position (someone coming back from a knee injury), but they're trying to get him some minutes under his belt before the season begins.

So I decided to come up with some reasons why Kobe will come out with a better version of himself this season. In no particular order:



1. Steve Blake

I know that adding another player isn't a reason why Kobe will improve, but Blake should be a great complement for him. He's faster than Derek Fisher, which allows him to maneuver through defenses better and run in the open court, creating more opportunities for Kobe to score.

Blake will spread defenses because of his long-range shooting prowess, which clears out more room for the Mamba and help get him more assists. Plus, he's a willing passer, which is something Kobe certainly isn't opposed to.

2. Tough and Cautious

It's a slightly ironic combination, I'm aware, but Kobe has earned recognition for these particular traits in his last couple seasons. After taking a beating playing through so many injuries and still managing great success, Kobe has amassed a lot of confidence in his ability to prevail against adversity.

Kobe will also be more careful with his health because he knows he needs to be at full strength when facing a team like the Heat to give the Lakers a chance to win.



3. New Knee

His knee is better! Kobe's back to his old, athletic self! Well, maybe not, but after undergoing knee surgery last summer he'll be able to get more leg into his shots and take the ball to the basket more when he gets to full strength. An improvement over last season.

A season without injuries. Imagine the possibilities!



4. Fire Fueled By Heat

No one is buying it when Kobe says the Miami Heat don't give him extra motivation. In almost every situation when some roadblock is in Kobe's path, he puts everything into overcoming the hurdle. With the window closing even further on his career, I don't think he'll just go through the motions with a team like that looming ahead in a possible Finals matchup.

5. More Rest

The Lakers are a lock for the playoffs; we already know that. They're also the favorite to make it back to the Finals. Kobe's going to need to be fresh when he gets there, and adding more depth with the additions of Matt Barnes and Steve Blake are exactly what the doctor ordered. Less minutes for Kobe = more success for the team.

Now Kobe could have a breakout season and the Lakers still might not capture the three-peat. His teammates might get injured, or the Heat might be too good. But this is a player that's tough to bet against when he wants something.

Had I not seen the second preseason game I would have said you were crazy in saying Kobe's knee is better. I don't know if it has anything to do with the knee or not, but I saw Kobe glide that game like I hadn't seen all of last season. He was so quick, so explosive to the basket, he looked 5 years younger.

Kobe will have a better season if the team plays to it's potential and doesn't require Kobe to bail them out of games and risk injury like pretty much all of the last regular season. Same goes for Fisher. Steve blake might and is great, but don't ever doubt that Kobe has a 15 year rapport with Fish and trusts him more than anyone.

LeBron James vs. Kevin Durant: Who is Better?

I don't think you can even compare KD to LBJ at this point. Don't get me wrong, I know Kevin is a great player but he has not accomplished that much yet.

And I don't agree with what you say that LeBron is not even the second-best player. I know most GMs voted against him but that don't take anything from LBJ. LBJ is a two time MVP and that alone is a manifest how great LeBron is. Moreover, LeBron is way more versatile than KD. LeBron can play from from 1-4 better than KD can.



The LeBron James versus Kevin Durant debate has been a hot topic lately and it is one that will never be truly settled. It is simply a matter of opinion; therefore, we will never come to a definitive conclusion for one side or the other.

LeBron fans are always going to say LeBron is better, and Durant fans will say he is better. However, according to recent statements by players and a survey of the league’s general managers, Kevin Durant is the better player.

That is hard for a lot of people to come to grips with. There are two types of people who won’t even consider Durant as a better player than James: die-hard LeBron fans and those who have not had a lot of exposure to Durant. Anyone else realizes that Durant versus James is a legitimate argument, despite which player they feel is actually better.

Most recently, Ron Artest said, “He’s the second best player in the league,” speaking of Durant. Granted, Artest, one of the league’s premier defenders, is only sane about 50 percent of the time, but he has spent an ample amount of time guarding both players.

When Dwight Howard was asked who is better, he simply responded, “I’m gonna go with Kevin.” Another NBA All-Star is giving the nod to Durant.

For whatever reasons, both Artest and Howard believe that Durant is better than James. They’ve both watched and played against both guys, so you have to give some credit to their opinion on the subject.

In a recent survey of the NBA general managers, we learn a bit more about what the front office personnel think about the debate. When asked who would win the 2010-11 NBA MVP, Durant received 66.7 percent of the votes, while LeBron earned under five percent.

This could be a little deceiving, because on LeBron’s new team, it will be a bit more difficult for him to be the MVP. Maybe that’s what they’re considering?

The next question is the most telling. When asked if they could sign any player to start a new franchise, 55.6 percent chose Durant, while 25.9 percent chose LeBron.

Now this is the one thing that stuck out to me the most. These men are paid big bucks to put together the best players to make the best teams. For the most part, they know what they’re doing.

If over 50 percent of GMs would prefer to start a franchise with Kevin Durant as their centerpiece over LeBron or any other player, doesn’t that point to Durant being the better player? It definitely shows that he is a more important player.

Another interesting part of this survey was the individual position rankings. LeBron received 67.9 percent of the votes as the best small forward, while Durant came in second with 28.6 percent.

At first glance, that appears to contradict the previous survey questions. However, the GMs also voted Durant as the third-best shooting guard and third-best power forward.

LeBron received no votes in any position outside of small forward. This shows that the GMs consider Durant a much more versatile player, rather than being confined to one position.

Most of the time, individual opinions are presented in defense of LeBron or Durant, but the statements and numbers above are facts. When truly looking at who is the better player, you have to check all of your biases at the door.

It doesn’t matter which player you like more. If you hate LeBron because of his offseason antics, you can’t automatically say Durant is better. If you’re a Miami Heat fan, you can’t immediately come to LeBron’s defense and choose him as the better player simply because he’s the newest toy in town.

Watch both players play and think about the things that make a player better. Which one makes his teammates better? Which player is more versatile? Which is the better scorer? Which is the better defender?

The hype that has surrounded James since he was a freshman in high school has conditioned a lot of people to believe that he is “out of this world” good. This conditioned mentality has caused some people to consider LeBron on a different level than anyone else. Well, it’s time for a wake-up call.

Ron Artest and Dwight Howard will confirm my next statement, but more importantly, the NBA general managers will. You cannot discount the opinions of the men who are in charge of deciphering the league’s best talent.

LeBron James is not the best player in the NBA, and he’s not the second-best player in the NBA.GMs said Durant would win the mvp because he's going to carry most of the load for his team, not because he's the best player. It's not necessarily the best player that wins the mvp. If that was the case, MJ would have won mvp every single year, but he didn't.

Lebron won the mvp the last couple of years because he carried the biggest load and was the main reason the Cavs won so many games. However, this doesn't mean that Lebron is better than Kobe, does it??

And finally, the opinions of Ron Artest and Dwight Howard are just that - opinions. Because they said so doesn't make it so.

Finally, in terms of who you would start a team with, youth plays a huge part in that decision. Durant is only 4 years younger, but that's 4 more years that I would probably have his services over Lebron.

Chicago Bulls Could Win Central Without Carlos Boozer

cj watson is a solid backup for rose and one i have my eye on this year...they could make a dynamic tandem when playing together on the floor...i also liked the play of kyle

weaver although with all the guards we have now it could be difficult for him to make the roster...even james johnson has shown promise over the last 2 preseason games...the

bulls appear to be running a flex-style offense and ball movement has been very good...boozer will be paramount though to really make the offense come alive i think...

I keep telling myself not to get excited. It's just the preseason. It's just the Washington Wizards and Toronto Raptors. Those are teams the Chicago Bulls are supposed to beat.

Yet I can't help but marvel at the depth and versatility of this Bulls team and ask myself: Just how good is this team without Carlos Boozer? How far could Chicago go if their

second option never played this season?

Good enough to beat out the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers for the Central Division crown? Definitely.

Good enough to beat the Miami Heat, Orlando Magic or Boston Celtics for the Eastern Conference title? No chance.

Don't get me wrong—I want Boozer back as much as anyone. Replacing 20 points and 10 rebounds per game is a tall order for any squad.

This is not a knock on Boozer, but rather a testament to the quality of the group Gar Forman and John Paxson built this offseason. Only the truly elite teams could lose one of

their stars and still play at a near-equal level. The Bulls are doing just that.

Against the Raptors, Derrick Rose had a solid showing with 23 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Joakim Noah nearly finished with a triple-double, as he had 16 points, 14

rebounds, eight assists and a whopping +23 in the plus-minus column.

Yet what goes unnoticed is C.J. Watson dropping 12 points in 19 minutes and shooting 5-for-7 from the field, including 2-for-2 on treys.

And then there's Omer Asik, who scored nine points and grabbed eight rebounds in 20 minutes of action. The game before that against the Wizards he notched nine points and 10

rebounds.

These two guys are not starters. They're not the sixth or seventh men. But when they're asked to contribute, they're up for the task.

These two preseason wins improved the Bulls' record to 2-2, but more importantly reassured the players, management and fans that even in the absence of their prime offseason

acquisition, the Bulls will be fine. They'll struggle against the elite teams in the West, but they would with Boozer in the lineup anyway.

I wrote in an earlier article that I can't see the Bulls coming out of November with a record better than .500. While I still believe that will be the case, I'd be less

surprised if Chicago scores some major upset victories.

Blame my previous pessimism on my Murphy's Law mentality when it comes to Chicago sports.

The Bulls may have a new coach and several new players, but one attribute of the previous squads is still with this team: resiliency.

And as long as Chicago has that fighting spirit, I like the Bulls' chances. With or without Boozer in the lineup.



On the other hand,I say that because there seems to be this perception that the Miami Heat and Orlando are more talented than the Chicago Bulls. With Miami that is only the case

if you look at their top three players, after that the entire rest of the team does not compare favorably to the Bulls. That is more significant than people realize. The Bulls

team of the 1990’s could not win a championship until they had a talented bench. Looking at the Heat’s bench play against New Orleans recently should be a red flag. They

struggled to score 30 points in the first half of the game…and New Orleans is not exactly a “defensive power” in the league. Orlando probably is as talented as the Bulls, but

they have no perimeter defense. A team that can excel at shooting from the perimeter as the Bulls are showing they have (and to a greater extent than I thought) can beat

Orlando. The Magic allowed their best perimeter defender in Matt Barnes to walk away, so I don’t believe they are even as good as they were last year. While I think the Bulls

will do very well without Boozer, I hope to goodness we do not have to find out. Boston is a team that is more talented than the Bulls (even with Boozer) and still seems to have

a really tough defense. They are the team I fear the most. The Bulls will have to win using their quickness and athleticism and whether Boozer is playing or not, I think it will

be a long and rough haul for the Bulls.

Manny Harris Making a Name for Himself as a Member of the Cavaliers

I think Manny was a great selection and if he reminds you of J Crawford then the best is yet to come for the Cavs. I am of the opinion that things workout for the good most of the time when you do the right thing, and since the LBJ debacle the Cavs have a chance to build there program one block at a time. I really want the team practice patience and bring in good players that want to be there. Just giving Manny a chance is a great step in the right direction and he will give his all in the long run because he has something to prove to a lot of GM's who passed on him.

I have this feeling that the Cavs are going to be really good in the near future and it might not be this year, but with the ownership being soldout on getting to the mountain top they will not be stopped. While watching U of M vs the Buckeyes last year, I was worried at times we would lose because Manny brought his A game to the arena especially since Mr. All World (Evan Turner) was the showcase. I think this kid might have that killer instinct it takes to be good in the league. I now live in the Rio Grande Valley and I watched the Cavs versus the Mavs. Bob also Time Warner has Fox Ohio Sports in Texas so I have seen Cleveland area high school football. Man has times changed. Who would of ever thought you could watch Maple Heights or Elyria in Texas.

When University of Michigan standout Manny Harris declared for the 2010 NBA Draft, going undrafted wasn't in his mind.

Many NBA projections had him as a early to mid second round pick, which was good enough for the junior to leave college early.

Harris knew that he was leaving college with what some scouts refer to as a "red flag," but he was determined to prove these scouts and many NBA executives wrong.

After being suspended by Michigan head coach John Beilein for "using poor judgement" during the season, Harris added more reason for concern by injuring his ankle.

Outside of the negatives, Manny Harris had shown an amazing ability to score at the University of Michigan, becoming one of just three players in their history to score 1,600 points in his career, which he did in just three seasons.

But the NBA scouts must have seen the red flags as too much of a problem to draft the talented Manny Harris, as he went undrafted.

While that was a bad thing for Harris, it might have just been a blessing in disguise for the Cleveland Cavaliers who quickly invited Harris to become a member of their summer team in Las Vegas.

Harris saw little action in the summer league due to that injured ankle, but the Cavaliers liked him enough to invite him to the team as a non-guaranteed contract invite.

When the preseason rosters first came out, Harris' name popped out to me.

He plays a position, shooting guard, that has lacked offensive production throughout the years for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The team has a large amount of back court players on the roster, but none who have proven to be very effective in the scoring aspect of their game.

Current starter Anthony Parker was brought over through free agency last season to provide a scoring spark and defensive presence on the wing for the Cavaliers.

Not only did Parker fail to provide an offensive bpark, but he also averaged a career low as a starter, 7.3 points per game.

The other players at the shooting guard position are Danny Green, a second year player from the University of North Carolina, and 2009 first round pick Christian Eyenga.

Eyenga seems better suited for the small forward position in the NBA due to his long wing span that reminds people of Luol Deng, but for now he is competing for the shooting guard position.

All of these players have received a solid distribution of the minutes at the shooting guard position through four preseason games, but it is Manny Harris who has shown the ability to have the largest amount of production.

Cavaliers coach Byron Scott was quoted after last night's win over Dallas saying that "Manny has a lot of upside. He just turned 21-years old a couple of weeks ago. At 6-4, 6-5 he's very athletic, a very good defender, hounds the ball pretty well, makes pretty good decisions."

Scott also said, "He did a heck of a job, made some plays for us down the stretch, did a really good job defensively of just locking people down and doing some things we talked about doing, getting some big-time steals, very active and aggressive on that end of the floor."

Those are pretty strong comments from a coach who normally isn't too high on rookie players, especially those who have gone undrafted.

Through four preseason games these are the numbers for the four prospective shooting guard players:

Parker: 87 min, 18 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 5 turnovers, 4 personal fouls

Eyenga: 42 min, 17 points, 2 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 4 personal fouls

Harris: 54 min, 31 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists, 6 steals, 4 turnovers, 3 personal fouls

Green: 42 min, 5 points, 5 rebounds, 3 blocks, 3 steals, 6 turnovers, 5 personal fouls

As you can see, Harris has completely dominated the other three players in points scored, assists and steals.

In a head to head match-up with current starter Anthony Parker, there is really not a comparison between the two players' statistics: Harris has the upper hand.

Many people will claim it is the quality of players that the two are playing against, but in last night's game Harris was inserted in the game early and had to go up against the likes of Dirk, Jason Kidd, Jason Terry and Caron Butler.

From undrafted rookie free agent to preseason and training camp standout, Manny Harris is really making a name for himself as No. 6 for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

With just four preseason games left to prove that he should received a guaranteed contract for the 2010-11 season, Harris is grabbing every opportunity that Coach Scott is giving him and turning it into another reason to keep him.

After watching Manny Harris' emergence as a productive part of the team this preseason, there is only one ending for this situation.

And that is giving Manny Harris a roster spot and making him a member of the 2010-11 Cleveland Cavaliers team.


I have been surprised by Eyenga's development of his jump shot that everyone said he didn't have. As for Manny Harris, I am a die-hard Ohio State fan and I knew this kid was special at Michigan. I didn't understand why he came out this year with only a second round rating, which led to him not getting drafted for some reason, but I'm glad he fell to us. Harris reminds me of Jamal Crawford of the Hawks (a guy we spent the No. 6 pick on and traded for Chris Mihm) with better defensive skills. I think Harris needs to bulk up a little bit to withstand the hits inside, but he isn't afraid to shoot or take the ball to the hole, and has shown a defensive toughness so far. I am not only expecting him to make the roster, but to be a rotation player as well.I have to admit I absolutely love this kid. I think he should be a rotational player behind Anthony Parker for now. If he proves worthy throughout the season, make him your starter next season when AP is gone.

Our team seems to get more ready for the future every second. I keep hearing that JJ Hickson and Ramon Sessions are ready for breakout seasons. Mo Williams and Antawn Jamison are proven at their positions.

Varejao is Varejao. Not many teams have players like him and if they do, they aren't as good. AP and Daniel Gibson are solid outside shooters and defenders.

Throw in a young nucleas of players in Ryan Hollins, Christain Eyenga, Daniel Green, and Manny Harris and this team seems less than a few years away from contention.