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Jason's Blog
Jason's February 20, 2009
You heard it hear first...Sources tell me Powers star forward Patrick O'Brien has verbally committed to play college basketball at SVSU. I think it's a really good fit for both O'Brien and SVSU.
He will be a Draymond Green-like player, meaning he will do whatever it takes to win (score, rebound, defend, get steals, blocks, most importantly...he'll be a LEADER on the floor). I've said it a bunch on the air this year...he's the most underrated player in the state in terms of high school hoops.
Jason's December 28, 2009
First off...sorry it's been so long since I last blogged. I'll try to make up for it over the next few paragraphs.
I've been rough on the Detroit Lions this year, and I think it's 100% fair, due to their history of ineptitude. However, I do acknowledge that they are on track to turn things around, with a solid coach, and what looks to be a very good draft in 2009. Now they need another good draft in 2010.
With one week left in the regular season, the Lions currently own the 2nd pick in next year's draft (it could become #1 if the Rams win and Detroit loses this week). Owning the 2nd pick should excite Lions fans, especially with the Rams having to pick first. Everyone assumes Nebraska's Ndamakong Suh will be the first overall pick, and rightfully so. But the Rams desperately need a franchise QB, and most of us around here (due to last year's situation with Stafford) understand that it's easier to justify spending #1 overall money on a franchise QB, given that a quarterback is the most important position in football.
You won't hear it from so-called draft experts, but I think there's a chance the Rams draft a QB with the 1st pick. Maybe they go with Notre Dame's Jimmy Clausen or Oklahoma's Sam Bradford. Remember, they did draft a Tackle #2 overall last year in Jason Smith.
A QB this year seems like the next logical step. I wouldn't do it, because I think Suh was the best player in college football this past season and will be great in the pro's, but it could happen.
As for the Lions, if the Rams do take a QB #1, then Detroit should take Suh, which would be another big boost to the future of the franchise. However, if the Rams take Suh, then all is not lost, especially if Detroit gets the #2 overall pick. Then they can choose between Oklahoma State offensive tackle Russell Okung, widely considered by many to be the best O-lineman in the draft, and Oklahoma defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, who is thought to be a tick behind Suh.
Either way, the Lions would address a team need, and build their lines, which Lions fans have been wishing for quite some time.
Another good draft in addition to a few more free agent signings and the Lions should win at least 4 games next year, possibly more. Hey, it's a start.
Jason's April 14, 2009
Some general sports musings…
Have you seen the latest Sports Illustrated cover? (click here to: view cover) Does it really look like Draymond Green is getting “manhandled” by Tyler Hansbrough?
I don’t mean to sound like a homer, but to me, that caption should be changed to something like, “UNC’s Tyler Hansbrough gets away with a forearm shiver to the neck while shooting over MSU’s Draymond Green.” Manhandled?? You gotta be kidding me, SI.
I don’t think the Red Wings will even make it to the Stanley Cup Finals this season.
While I’d love to see it happen, I just don’t think the team defense and goaltending is good enough to get it done.
Case in point: goals allowed. Last season - 184 GA (best in NHL). This season - 244 GA (6th worst in Western Conference).
Also, I don’t understand why Babcock is starting Ozzie over Conklin – in nearly the same amount of starts, Conklin’s proven to be better this season:
Conklin – 2.51 GAA, .909 Save %, 6 SHO
Osgood – 3.09 GAA, .887 Save %, 2 SHO
8 games into the season, the Tigers are exactly what I thought they’d be…a .500 team.
Don’t get me wrong, the AL Central isn’t very good this season, and 85 wins could take it, but I don’t see the Tigers winning more than that…and they’d have to stay healthy and get an MVP season from Cabrera to reach 85 wins.
I just don’t think the Lions will draft Matthew Stafford.
I know all the draft experts think he’s goin’ to Detroit, but I just don’t see it happening.
Yes, the Lions know they need a QB. But I think the front office won’t do it.
Martin Mayhew is new to the GM job and I just don’t think he’s going to pin his job on Stafford being the real deal.
Mayhew wants to stick around more than just a few seasons, and he can buy himself more time if he plays it safe, builds a decent team, and then figures out the QB situation later (i.e. pick up a veteran once Culpepper fails).
Michigan fans listen up. You got the real deal in Tate Forcier. I covered the spring football game on Saturday and he already looks better than Nick Sheridan ever was and Steven Threet will ever be.
Yes, he will make freshman mistakes this season…but he is accurate, can run out of the pocket, and already is taking on the role of the leader of the UM offense. I’m not saying Michigan’s gonna win the Big Ten (they won’t come close). But I think they’ll go 6-6 or 7-5 thanks in large part to Forcier. By the way…the defense didn’t look very good.
I’m heading to the Wings playoff game Thursday night and the SVSU spring game on Saturday. I’ll try to blog about that next week.
Jason's December 3, 2008
The New Year is a time of reflection and my mind is on the NFL Playoffs.
My preseason picks (before exhibition games began) didn’t turn out so well, as I got only 4 of the 12 playoff teams correct (you can read my preseason picks by scrolling down), but at least my preseason pick to win the Super Bowl is still alive!
Without further ado, my updated picks for the playoffs:
AFC Wild Card Round: San Diego over Indy Baltimore over Miami
AFC Divisional Round: Tennessee over Baltimore Pittsburgh over San Diego
AFC Championship: Tennessee over Pittsburgh
NFC Wild Card Round: Philly over Minnesota Atlanta over Arizona
NFC Divisional Round: Carolina over Atlanta Philly over New York Giants
NFC Championship: Carolina over Philly
Super Bowl: Carolina over Tennessee
Super Bowl MVP: Steve Smith
Jason's December 3, 2008
Hello, all! Sorry it's been a while since I've wrote on here, but I wanted to talk about the Detroit Lions (yes, THOSE lovable losers). So many in the sports media are giving us their two cents as to how to fix the Lions. Now it's my turn.
1) Make sure one person isn't hired to be the general manager AND head coach.
Look, it's just too much responsibility for one person, and it's proven over the years that there's more failure than success when one person does both jobs...Mike Holmgren in Seattle, Mike Sherman in Green Bay are two that come to mind. The first thing the Lions need to do is find the right guy to be GM and then have him hire his guy as head coach. Which brings me to my next suggestion.
2) Make sure the GM you hire is an excellent talent evaluator who values team building through the draft and NOT free agency.
Look at around the league at the teams who are good year in and year out...what do they have in common? They build through the draft and rarely overpay free agents (even if that means losing their own good players from time-to-time). As a Packers fan (sorry), I've grown accustomed to the way Ted Thompson does things, and I must say it does work (the Patriots like to do things this way as well): Build through the draft. Value your draft picks and if you have the chance to move down and acquire more picks, do it. When Thompson took over the Packers, they were coming off back to back 10-6 seasons, but were way over the salary cap and had to make major decisions involving veteran Pro Bowl players. Rather than overpay for guards Mike Wahle, Marco Rivera, and safety Darren Sharper (just to name a few), Thompson decided he'd revamp his veteran roster by injecting youth into the lineup.
The next season, they went 4-12, but 2 years later, they were in the NFC Championship game. It helped having Brett Favre, but the team around him was built largely by Thompson through the draft, trades, and sound free agent signings (examples are Greg Jennings (draft), Ryan Grant (trade), and Charles Woodson (free agency). Now the Packers are one of the youngest teams in the league, but they have emerging talent and have a solid core to build around for years to come (Jennings, Rodgers, Barnett, Kampman just to name a few).
3) Since this team has no real talent outside of Calvin Johnson, make sure you value the offensive and defensive line when drafting in 2009 and '10.
The Giants have written the blueprint for success in this regard. How have they won 14 of their last 15 games, including the Super Bowl? Great defensive and offensive lines! Yeah, Eli Manning is a solid QB, but upfront the Giants are the best in the league. They own the line of scrimmage and get after the quarterback, and those are the things you must do to win in the league. The Lions will have the 5 picks in the Top 100 in the 2009 draft. They must try to utilize those picks to a) get more picks, and b) get lineman. I'd love to see Michael Oher, the tackle from Mississippi be the #1 overall pick. Kevin Smith is a decent, young back. CJ is a young, outstanding receiver. Now, they just need to protect whoever it is that plays QB. Kerry Collins has shown us you don't need to be great or a big name to lead a good team, you just need talent around you and Defense..which brings us to...
4) Get better on defense
The draft will go a long way in doing this. 3-4 of the 5 picks from the Top 100 should be starters next season. It'd be nice to have 4 of those picks be on the defensive side of the ball. Cory Redding is a decent lineman (although way overpaid). Cliff Avril has shown promise. Now get them some help. Ernie Sims is decent. He needs some help. The corners are all bad and the only safety worth keeping is Daniel Bullocks, although he's getting over a big injury. The Lions defense is awful and needs to be gutted by getting rid of the Tampa Two and all of Marinelli's guys. A sound draft with a few key low to middle of the road free agent pickups should help.
If all of these things happen, then don't be surprised if the Lions of '09 become a team like the Dolphins of '08.
Jason's Blog November 3, 2008
Iverson-Billups trade: Fully Endorsed
Give Joe Dumars credit. He’s a man of his word. Back in June, after the Pistons lost in the Eastern Conference Finals for the 3rd straight season, Dumars said he would “shake up” the Pistons roster. After a summer of working on deals, he finally found a taker in Denver, getting A-I in exchange for Chauncey, Dyess, and Cheikh Samb. Now, I know many Piston fans are upset in losing Billups, the captain, ’04 Finals MVP, and consummate professional for the high-scoring but high-baggaged Iverson.
Who could forget: “Practice? You talkin’ ‘bout practice? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGDBR2L5kzI
But the more I think about this deal, the more it makes sense for the Pistons.
Argument 1: It makes the Pistons better THIS SEASON.
Chauncey Billups is a floor leader…a big, strong point guard who can post up, shoot the 3, hit a high percentage of free throws (especially in the clutch), and can play decent defense, although he’s slipped a little on that end over the last few seasons. But, let’s face it, he’s getting older, AND he hasn’t been the difference maker in the playoffs over the last few seasons, especially last year when he hurt his hamstring, the Pistons won without him, then he came back and got tore up by Rajon Rondo in the Celtics series. Iverson is a year older, better scorer, wants the ball in the clutch, gives 110% on the floor, he’s not really a point guard, not as good on defense, but is HUNGRY FOR A CHAMPIONSHIP. He’s never won one. And he wants to make sure his future hall of fame career has that NBA title on his resume. He will do whatever it takes to win. He realizes that this could be his last best chance to win one. The Pistons probably won’t get it done, but know that Iverson will do whatever he can to win it all.
Argument 2: It potentially saves a lot of salary cap money.
Billups (32 years old) was on the books for 40 million over the next 3 seasons. Iverson’s owed 20 million through this season, then will be a free agent. McDyess (34 years old) was owed 6.8 million this season, and about that much in ’09. Even if he’s brought back it’d be for the veteran’s minimum of $650,000…a substantial savings. Also, 34-year-old Rasheed Wallace’s $13 million contract expires at the end of ’08. That means the Pistons will have between 20-30 million in extra cap space for ’09. They can go after YOUNGER PLAYERS. Potential Free Agent Class of ’09: Kobe Bryant, Carlos Boozer, Shawn Marion, Mehmet Okur, Lamar Odom, Andrew Bynum, Al Harrington. Potential Free Agent Class of ’10: Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, Dirk Nowitzki, Amare Stoudamire, Josh Howard, Joe Johnson, Michael Redd, Tracy McGrady, Tyson Chandler. You telling me that ONE or TWO of these players wouldn’t want to play with Tayshaun, Maxiell, Stuckey, Amir, and Rip? Think about the possibilities.
Argument 3: It frees up playing time for Rodney Stuckey
Everybody knows the future point guard of this team is Stuckey. But after the way Stuck played in the playoffs last year, Dumars must’ve figured the future is now. Stuckey will play more point guard this season, and if the team decides not to bring back Iverson next season, Stuckey will certainly be a starter in 2009-2010. And at a cheaper rate than both Billups and Iverson. Stuckey reminds you of a younger, quicker version of Billups. He just needs to work on his outside shot a little more. But he’s ready. And he hasn’t even reached his peak yet.
Bottom Line: Trust in Joe Dumars. Check out his track record in personnel decisions. The only mistake is drafting Darko. Outside of that, he’s been right in almost every move he makes….including this one.
You’ll see.
Jason's Blog August 12, 2008
THE NFL SEASON IS UPON US! WITHOUT FURTHER ADO, MY OPINION ON HOW THE SEASON WILL PLAY OUT.
NFC NORTH
MINNESOTA 10-6
GREEN BAY 9-7
DETROIT 6-10
CHICAGO 4-12
NFC EAST
WASHINGTON 11-5
DALLAS 11-5
NY GIANTS 10-6
PHILLY 9-7
NFC WEST
SEATTLE 8-8
ARIZONA 6-10
ST. LOUIS 6-10
SAN FRANCISCO 3-13
NFC SOUTH
NEW ORLEANS 11-5
TAMPA BAY 9-7
CAROLINA 9-7
ATLANTA 2-14
NFC PLAYOFFS - WILD CARD ROUND
MINNESOTA OVER SEATTLE
DALLAS OVER NY GIANTS
NFC PLAYOFFS - DIVISIONAL ROUND
WASHINGTON OVER DALLAS
MINNESOTA OVER NEW ORLEANS
NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
WASHINGTON OVER MINNESOTA
AFC NORTH
PITTSBURGH 10-6
CINCINNATI 7-9
CLEVELAND 7-9
BALTIMORE 5-11
AFC EAST
NEW ENGLAND 14-2
NY JETS 10-6
BUFFALO 8-8
MIAMI 4-12
AFC WEST
SAN DIEGO 14-2
DENVER 8-8
OAKLAND 4-12
KANSAS CITY 4-12
AFC SOUTH
JACKSONVILLE 12-4
INDIANAPOLIS 12-4
HOUSTON 8-8
TENNESSEE 7-9
AFC PLAYOFFS - WILD CARD ROUND
JACKSONVILLE OVER NY JETS
PITTSBURGH OVER INDIANAPOLIS
AFC PLAYOFFS - DIVISIONAL ROUND
SAN DIEGO OVER PITTSBURGH
NEW ENGLAND OVER JACKSONVILLE
AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
SAN DIEGO OVER NEW ENGLAND
SUPER BOWL
SAN DIEGO OVER WASHINGTON
I'M NOT GOING INTO TOO MUCH DETAIL AS TO WHY I MADE THESE PICKS. JUST GO CHECK OUT EACH TEAM'S SCHEDULE, CHECK OUT THEIR DEPTH CHARTS, AND THEN YOU'LL UNDERSTAND. BASICALLY, IT'S GONNA BOIL DOWN TO SAN DIEGO OR NEW ENGLAND TO WIN THE SUPER BOWL, AND I JUST THINK IT'S SAN DIEGO'S YEAR. WASHINGTON WILL EMERGE AS THE BEST TEAM FROM THE MEDIOCRE NFC. I WOULDN'T BE SURPRISED TO SEE DALLAS MAKE THE SUPER BOWL EITHER.
ONE THING'S FOR SURE...IT'S GONNA BE A GREAT SEASON!!
Jason's Blog July 30, 2008
Wow! This latest Fielder's Choice was a good one!
I visited the Flint Bowmen's Archery Club in Grand Blanc, and shot bow and arrow on a 3-D range and a target range against Cora Spangler, an 8 year old girl from Grand Blanc who is a state record holder and recently took 2nd place at Nationals in Louisville.
Believe me when I say, if this young lady keeps practicing and stays dedicated, she will be an Olympian one day (which is her goal), and she will win a medal! I haven't shot a bow and arrow since my Cub Scout days way back in the day, so you can imagine, I didn't fare too well against Cora. But, it was still a good time learning a new sport that doesn't get much media attention, but many, many people participate in doing it.
A big thanks to Cora for challenging me, and a huge thank you to the Club's President, Mike Alexander, for putting it all together. If you are interested in the Club, or if you want to watch me take on Cora, head to our website, wnem.com/sports. There you can find a link to the Flint Archery Club's website and watch video of my latest Fielder's Choice.
You heard it hear first...Sources tell me Powers star forward Patrick O'Brien has verbally committed to play college basketball at SVSU. I think it's a really good fit for both O'Brien and SVSU.
He will be a Draymond Green-like player, meaning he will do whatever it takes to win (score, rebound, defend, get steals, blocks, most importantly...he'll be a LEADER on the floor). I've said it a bunch on the air this year...he's the most underrated player in the state in terms of high school hoops.
Jason's December 28, 2009
First off...sorry it's been so long since I last blogged. I'll try to make up for it over the next few paragraphs.
I've been rough on the Detroit Lions this year, and I think it's 100% fair, due to their history of ineptitude. However, I do acknowledge that they are on track to turn things around, with a solid coach, and what looks to be a very good draft in 2009. Now they need another good draft in 2010.
With one week left in the regular season, the Lions currently own the 2nd pick in next year's draft (it could become #1 if the Rams win and Detroit loses this week). Owning the 2nd pick should excite Lions fans, especially with the Rams having to pick first. Everyone assumes Nebraska's Ndamakong Suh will be the first overall pick, and rightfully so. But the Rams desperately need a franchise QB, and most of us around here (due to last year's situation with Stafford) understand that it's easier to justify spending #1 overall money on a franchise QB, given that a quarterback is the most important position in football.
You won't hear it from so-called draft experts, but I think there's a chance the Rams draft a QB with the 1st pick. Maybe they go with Notre Dame's Jimmy Clausen or Oklahoma's Sam Bradford. Remember, they did draft a Tackle #2 overall last year in Jason Smith.
A QB this year seems like the next logical step. I wouldn't do it, because I think Suh was the best player in college football this past season and will be great in the pro's, but it could happen.
As for the Lions, if the Rams do take a QB #1, then Detroit should take Suh, which would be another big boost to the future of the franchise. However, if the Rams take Suh, then all is not lost, especially if Detroit gets the #2 overall pick. Then they can choose between Oklahoma State offensive tackle Russell Okung, widely considered by many to be the best O-lineman in the draft, and Oklahoma defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, who is thought to be a tick behind Suh.
Either way, the Lions would address a team need, and build their lines, which Lions fans have been wishing for quite some time.
Another good draft in addition to a few more free agent signings and the Lions should win at least 4 games next year, possibly more. Hey, it's a start.
Jason's April 14, 2009
Some general sports musings…
Have you seen the latest Sports Illustrated cover? (click here to: view cover) Does it really look like Draymond Green is getting “manhandled” by Tyler Hansbrough?
I don’t mean to sound like a homer, but to me, that caption should be changed to something like, “UNC’s Tyler Hansbrough gets away with a forearm shiver to the neck while shooting over MSU’s Draymond Green.” Manhandled?? You gotta be kidding me, SI.
I don’t think the Red Wings will even make it to the Stanley Cup Finals this season.
While I’d love to see it happen, I just don’t think the team defense and goaltending is good enough to get it done.
Case in point: goals allowed. Last season - 184 GA (best in NHL). This season - 244 GA (6th worst in Western Conference).
Also, I don’t understand why Babcock is starting Ozzie over Conklin – in nearly the same amount of starts, Conklin’s proven to be better this season:
Conklin – 2.51 GAA, .909 Save %, 6 SHO
Osgood – 3.09 GAA, .887 Save %, 2 SHO
8 games into the season, the Tigers are exactly what I thought they’d be…a .500 team.
Don’t get me wrong, the AL Central isn’t very good this season, and 85 wins could take it, but I don’t see the Tigers winning more than that…and they’d have to stay healthy and get an MVP season from Cabrera to reach 85 wins.
I just don’t think the Lions will draft Matthew Stafford.
I know all the draft experts think he’s goin’ to Detroit, but I just don’t see it happening.
Yes, the Lions know they need a QB. But I think the front office won’t do it.
Martin Mayhew is new to the GM job and I just don’t think he’s going to pin his job on Stafford being the real deal.
Mayhew wants to stick around more than just a few seasons, and he can buy himself more time if he plays it safe, builds a decent team, and then figures out the QB situation later (i.e. pick up a veteran once Culpepper fails).
Michigan fans listen up. You got the real deal in Tate Forcier. I covered the spring football game on Saturday and he already looks better than Nick Sheridan ever was and Steven Threet will ever be.
Yes, he will make freshman mistakes this season…but he is accurate, can run out of the pocket, and already is taking on the role of the leader of the UM offense. I’m not saying Michigan’s gonna win the Big Ten (they won’t come close). But I think they’ll go 6-6 or 7-5 thanks in large part to Forcier. By the way…the defense didn’t look very good.
I’m heading to the Wings playoff game Thursday night and the SVSU spring game on Saturday. I’ll try to blog about that next week.
Jason's December 3, 2008
The New Year is a time of reflection and my mind is on the NFL Playoffs.
My preseason picks (before exhibition games began) didn’t turn out so well, as I got only 4 of the 12 playoff teams correct (you can read my preseason picks by scrolling down), but at least my preseason pick to win the Super Bowl is still alive!
Without further ado, my updated picks for the playoffs:
AFC Wild Card Round: San Diego over Indy Baltimore over Miami
AFC Divisional Round: Tennessee over Baltimore Pittsburgh over San Diego
AFC Championship: Tennessee over Pittsburgh
NFC Wild Card Round: Philly over Minnesota Atlanta over Arizona
NFC Divisional Round: Carolina over Atlanta Philly over New York Giants
NFC Championship: Carolina over Philly
Super Bowl: Carolina over Tennessee
Super Bowl MVP: Steve Smith
Jason's December 3, 2008
Hello, all! Sorry it's been a while since I've wrote on here, but I wanted to talk about the Detroit Lions (yes, THOSE lovable losers). So many in the sports media are giving us their two cents as to how to fix the Lions. Now it's my turn.
1) Make sure one person isn't hired to be the general manager AND head coach.
Look, it's just too much responsibility for one person, and it's proven over the years that there's more failure than success when one person does both jobs...Mike Holmgren in Seattle, Mike Sherman in Green Bay are two that come to mind. The first thing the Lions need to do is find the right guy to be GM and then have him hire his guy as head coach. Which brings me to my next suggestion.
2) Make sure the GM you hire is an excellent talent evaluator who values team building through the draft and NOT free agency.
Look at around the league at the teams who are good year in and year out...what do they have in common? They build through the draft and rarely overpay free agents (even if that means losing their own good players from time-to-time). As a Packers fan (sorry), I've grown accustomed to the way Ted Thompson does things, and I must say it does work (the Patriots like to do things this way as well): Build through the draft. Value your draft picks and if you have the chance to move down and acquire more picks, do it. When Thompson took over the Packers, they were coming off back to back 10-6 seasons, but were way over the salary cap and had to make major decisions involving veteran Pro Bowl players. Rather than overpay for guards Mike Wahle, Marco Rivera, and safety Darren Sharper (just to name a few), Thompson decided he'd revamp his veteran roster by injecting youth into the lineup.
The next season, they went 4-12, but 2 years later, they were in the NFC Championship game. It helped having Brett Favre, but the team around him was built largely by Thompson through the draft, trades, and sound free agent signings (examples are Greg Jennings (draft), Ryan Grant (trade), and Charles Woodson (free agency). Now the Packers are one of the youngest teams in the league, but they have emerging talent and have a solid core to build around for years to come (Jennings, Rodgers, Barnett, Kampman just to name a few).
3) Since this team has no real talent outside of Calvin Johnson, make sure you value the offensive and defensive line when drafting in 2009 and '10.
The Giants have written the blueprint for success in this regard. How have they won 14 of their last 15 games, including the Super Bowl? Great defensive and offensive lines! Yeah, Eli Manning is a solid QB, but upfront the Giants are the best in the league. They own the line of scrimmage and get after the quarterback, and those are the things you must do to win in the league. The Lions will have the 5 picks in the Top 100 in the 2009 draft. They must try to utilize those picks to a) get more picks, and b) get lineman. I'd love to see Michael Oher, the tackle from Mississippi be the #1 overall pick. Kevin Smith is a decent, young back. CJ is a young, outstanding receiver. Now, they just need to protect whoever it is that plays QB. Kerry Collins has shown us you don't need to be great or a big name to lead a good team, you just need talent around you and Defense..which brings us to...
4) Get better on defense
The draft will go a long way in doing this. 3-4 of the 5 picks from the Top 100 should be starters next season. It'd be nice to have 4 of those picks be on the defensive side of the ball. Cory Redding is a decent lineman (although way overpaid). Cliff Avril has shown promise. Now get them some help. Ernie Sims is decent. He needs some help. The corners are all bad and the only safety worth keeping is Daniel Bullocks, although he's getting over a big injury. The Lions defense is awful and needs to be gutted by getting rid of the Tampa Two and all of Marinelli's guys. A sound draft with a few key low to middle of the road free agent pickups should help.
If all of these things happen, then don't be surprised if the Lions of '09 become a team like the Dolphins of '08.
Jason's Blog November 3, 2008
Iverson-Billups trade: Fully Endorsed
Give Joe Dumars credit. He’s a man of his word. Back in June, after the Pistons lost in the Eastern Conference Finals for the 3rd straight season, Dumars said he would “shake up” the Pistons roster. After a summer of working on deals, he finally found a taker in Denver, getting A-I in exchange for Chauncey, Dyess, and Cheikh Samb. Now, I know many Piston fans are upset in losing Billups, the captain, ’04 Finals MVP, and consummate professional for the high-scoring but high-baggaged Iverson.
Who could forget: “Practice? You talkin’ ‘bout practice? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGDBR2L5kzI
But the more I think about this deal, the more it makes sense for the Pistons.
Argument 1: It makes the Pistons better THIS SEASON.
Chauncey Billups is a floor leader…a big, strong point guard who can post up, shoot the 3, hit a high percentage of free throws (especially in the clutch), and can play decent defense, although he’s slipped a little on that end over the last few seasons. But, let’s face it, he’s getting older, AND he hasn’t been the difference maker in the playoffs over the last few seasons, especially last year when he hurt his hamstring, the Pistons won without him, then he came back and got tore up by Rajon Rondo in the Celtics series. Iverson is a year older, better scorer, wants the ball in the clutch, gives 110% on the floor, he’s not really a point guard, not as good on defense, but is HUNGRY FOR A CHAMPIONSHIP. He’s never won one. And he wants to make sure his future hall of fame career has that NBA title on his resume. He will do whatever it takes to win. He realizes that this could be his last best chance to win one. The Pistons probably won’t get it done, but know that Iverson will do whatever he can to win it all.
Argument 2: It potentially saves a lot of salary cap money.
Billups (32 years old) was on the books for 40 million over the next 3 seasons. Iverson’s owed 20 million through this season, then will be a free agent. McDyess (34 years old) was owed 6.8 million this season, and about that much in ’09. Even if he’s brought back it’d be for the veteran’s minimum of $650,000…a substantial savings. Also, 34-year-old Rasheed Wallace’s $13 million contract expires at the end of ’08. That means the Pistons will have between 20-30 million in extra cap space for ’09. They can go after YOUNGER PLAYERS. Potential Free Agent Class of ’09: Kobe Bryant, Carlos Boozer, Shawn Marion, Mehmet Okur, Lamar Odom, Andrew Bynum, Al Harrington. Potential Free Agent Class of ’10: Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, Dirk Nowitzki, Amare Stoudamire, Josh Howard, Joe Johnson, Michael Redd, Tracy McGrady, Tyson Chandler. You telling me that ONE or TWO of these players wouldn’t want to play with Tayshaun, Maxiell, Stuckey, Amir, and Rip? Think about the possibilities.
Argument 3: It frees up playing time for Rodney Stuckey
Everybody knows the future point guard of this team is Stuckey. But after the way Stuck played in the playoffs last year, Dumars must’ve figured the future is now. Stuckey will play more point guard this season, and if the team decides not to bring back Iverson next season, Stuckey will certainly be a starter in 2009-2010. And at a cheaper rate than both Billups and Iverson. Stuckey reminds you of a younger, quicker version of Billups. He just needs to work on his outside shot a little more. But he’s ready. And he hasn’t even reached his peak yet.
Bottom Line: Trust in Joe Dumars. Check out his track record in personnel decisions. The only mistake is drafting Darko. Outside of that, he’s been right in almost every move he makes….including this one.
You’ll see.
Jason's Blog August 12, 2008
THE NFL SEASON IS UPON US! WITHOUT FURTHER ADO, MY OPINION ON HOW THE SEASON WILL PLAY OUT.
NFC NORTH
MINNESOTA 10-6
GREEN BAY 9-7
DETROIT 6-10
CHICAGO 4-12
NFC EAST
WASHINGTON 11-5
DALLAS 11-5
NY GIANTS 10-6
PHILLY 9-7
NFC WEST
SEATTLE 8-8
ARIZONA 6-10
ST. LOUIS 6-10
SAN FRANCISCO 3-13
NFC SOUTH
NEW ORLEANS 11-5
TAMPA BAY 9-7
CAROLINA 9-7
ATLANTA 2-14
NFC PLAYOFFS - WILD CARD ROUND
MINNESOTA OVER SEATTLE
DALLAS OVER NY GIANTS
NFC PLAYOFFS - DIVISIONAL ROUND
WASHINGTON OVER DALLAS
MINNESOTA OVER NEW ORLEANS
NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
WASHINGTON OVER MINNESOTA
AFC NORTH
PITTSBURGH 10-6
CINCINNATI 7-9
CLEVELAND 7-9
BALTIMORE 5-11
AFC EAST
NEW ENGLAND 14-2
NY JETS 10-6
BUFFALO 8-8
MIAMI 4-12
AFC WEST
SAN DIEGO 14-2
DENVER 8-8
OAKLAND 4-12
KANSAS CITY 4-12
AFC SOUTH
JACKSONVILLE 12-4
INDIANAPOLIS 12-4
HOUSTON 8-8
TENNESSEE 7-9
AFC PLAYOFFS - WILD CARD ROUND
JACKSONVILLE OVER NY JETS
PITTSBURGH OVER INDIANAPOLIS
AFC PLAYOFFS - DIVISIONAL ROUND
SAN DIEGO OVER PITTSBURGH
NEW ENGLAND OVER JACKSONVILLE
AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
SAN DIEGO OVER NEW ENGLAND
SUPER BOWL
SAN DIEGO OVER WASHINGTON
I'M NOT GOING INTO TOO MUCH DETAIL AS TO WHY I MADE THESE PICKS. JUST GO CHECK OUT EACH TEAM'S SCHEDULE, CHECK OUT THEIR DEPTH CHARTS, AND THEN YOU'LL UNDERSTAND. BASICALLY, IT'S GONNA BOIL DOWN TO SAN DIEGO OR NEW ENGLAND TO WIN THE SUPER BOWL, AND I JUST THINK IT'S SAN DIEGO'S YEAR. WASHINGTON WILL EMERGE AS THE BEST TEAM FROM THE MEDIOCRE NFC. I WOULDN'T BE SURPRISED TO SEE DALLAS MAKE THE SUPER BOWL EITHER.
ONE THING'S FOR SURE...IT'S GONNA BE A GREAT SEASON!!
Jason's Blog July 30, 2008
Wow! This latest Fielder's Choice was a good one!
I visited the Flint Bowmen's Archery Club in Grand Blanc, and shot bow and arrow on a 3-D range and a target range against Cora Spangler, an 8 year old girl from Grand Blanc who is a state record holder and recently took 2nd place at Nationals in Louisville.
Believe me when I say, if this young lady keeps practicing and stays dedicated, she will be an Olympian one day (which is her goal), and she will win a medal! I haven't shot a bow and arrow since my Cub Scout days way back in the day, so you can imagine, I didn't fare too well against Cora. But, it was still a good time learning a new sport that doesn't get much media attention, but many, many people participate in doing it.
A big thanks to Cora for challenging me, and a huge thank you to the Club's President, Mike Alexander, for putting it all together. If you are interested in the Club, or if you want to watch me take on Cora, head to our website, wnem.com/sports. There you can find a link to the Flint Archery Club's website and watch video of my latest Fielder's Choice.
