Monday, January 30, 2012

Can't Spell Elite Without Eli

BY SHAWN KRAUSE
TWITTER:S_KRAUSE

 It's funny how in sports things just seem to work out. This season Super Bowl XLVI is going to be played in Indianapolis, where Peyton Manning has been playing for the last 13 seasons. His arch rival(at least from a media prospective) Tom Brady will be playing in the game, and will be opposing Peyton's little brother Eli Manning. All the while Peyton hasn't taken a snap all season due to a neck injury, and what appears is going to be a messy divorce from the Colts.

When Eli was drafted and demanded a trade to New York, everyone including me thought what a joke. He will never be as good as his brother, and demanding where he plays is a bush league move. I guess now after winning one Super Bowl and being the MVP, the joke is now on all of us. Eli was never supposed to be as successful as Peyton. Yes he doesn't have the NFL MVP awards, and doesn't always have the stat line as Peyton does, and he  sometimes appears to just throw the ball up for grabs. What he does have though is the same number of Super Bowl appearances now (2) and if he wins Sunday will have more Super Bowl wins than Peyton.

In the preseason Eli said, "Yes I believe I'm an elite quarterback", saying he's in the same category as Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, and Drew Brees. We all laughed and said sure you do little buddy. After a 6-2 start to the season Eli started to shut some of the doubters up. Then the Giants lose 4 straight including losses in which they lose to a backup QB, Vince Young ,and get blown out by New Orleans by 25.  The calender turns to December and that is where Eli shined. On a Sunday night in Dallas, Eli leads the giants to 2 scores in the final 3:17 of the game in route to the win, and keep their playoff hopes alive. Then on Christmas Eve with their playoff hopes dwindling, Eli throws a 99 yard touchdown pass to Victor Cruz to start the comeback win against the Jets. On the final week of the season in a winner take all game for the NFC East title Eli was nearly flawless as he goes 24-33 for 346 yards and 3 touchdowns in a 31-17 win against Dallas.  The postseason has been no different for Eli he has been continuing to play great and has his team one win away from another championship.

Eli is only one of 3 active qbs in the league with multiple super bowl starts Tom Brady(5) Ben Roethlisberger(3) and Peyton Manning(2). He would be 1 of 7 qbs to win his first 2 super bowl starts. That list includes Bradshaw, Montana, Aikman, Starr,Plunket,Brady and Roethlisberger 5 of those quarterbacks are Hall of Famers. One(Brady) is for sure going to be a Hall of Famer.

If Manning wins the Super Bowl next week, I guess not only will he say that he belongs in the elite class, but I guess we would have to say that he belongs right at the top of that class. He may not have all the flashy stats, or sometimes the brightest personality but all he does is win. If how we judge players especially quarterbacks is on wins and losses, and super bowl wins, you have to say Eli right now belongs in the top 5 if not the best in football.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Top 5 College Basketball Student Sections




BY RYAN K
In the college environment, anything goes. Crazy things happen, and what happens at the parties stay at the parties, but they are usually forgotten about the next day. No, I'm not writing off experience, simply because I haven't had the opportunity to attend college yet. There is one place where I can see how crazy these kids are however; all I have to do is turn on my television screen to ESPN on a Monday, Tuesday, or Saturday to watch college basketball. No matter how good the team, how big the school, there's always a student section going bonkers. So without further adieu, let me introduce you to my top five student sections to date. (Note: This is a biased opinion, as always.)
5. Michigan State

Nickname: The Izzone

Capacity: 4000

East Lansing has been a place of great tradition in basketball, but something that's a new tradition is the craziness of the student section, and has it been crazy. Michigan State's student section is funded by alumni, and lower bowl tickets are very difficult to get your hands on. Michigan State is a prime example in what college basketball represents today. 

4. Arizona

Nickname: ZonaZoo

Capacity: Student Section Unknown, 14,500 total

Arizona is known for its great basketball coming out West, and it's home crowd is second to none. Arizona has consistently had the highest capacity in the PAC 10 since 1987, and they have filled the McKale Center over that time as well. Arizona has won 240 of its last 261 home games, including 200 of the last 213, and has an overall record of 352-65 in McKale, for a winning percentage of .846. It's safe to say the Arizona's student section creates havoc for visiting teams. 

3. Utah State

Nickname: Aggie Nation

Capacity: 4000, including floor seats for students

Before you read the rest of this article, look up three things for me on YouTube. I Believe That We Will Win, Winning Team/Losing Team, and Wild Bill. Now after watching those videos, tell me that youre not intimidated to go play a game there. Utah State has posted a 194-13 record at home under their current coach, and many coaches have called it the craziest place to play in college basketball. 

2. Pitt

Nickname: The Oakland Zoo

Capacity:1500

Ahh, the Oakland Zoo. College basketball teams have long feared playing at a place like this. Mark Cuban and Bill Raftery have both promoted this place in being "one of the best in college basketball." It's true, the tradition in the Zoo is great, the fans are passionate, and of course loud. Before every game, the Pitt radio broadcast co-hosts a pregame show with the rowdy student section. There's truly nothing else like Pittsburgh in college basketball. 

1. Duke

Nickname: The Cameron Crazies

Capacity: 1200


While the Oakland Zoo is great, the Cameron Crazies are the best in college basketball. The Cameron Indoor is considered by most to be the best in college basketball. Many different happenings take place inside the Cameron Indoor, including the famous "Let's Go Duke" chant, the "Speedo" Man distracting shooters, and of course the crazy inbound play with all of the students waving their arms towards the opposing team. The infamous "Airball" chant also came courtesy of the Crazies. The Crazies have mystified opposing teams for years, and will continue to do so for a long time. There are few places that I've put on my Sports Bucket list, and visiting the Cameron Indoor is certainly one of them. 

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Mavs vs. Wolves: Live Chat

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

State of the Union

No, I do not like Barack Obama, thanks for asking. I despise of him. This isn't a political blog however, and I just thought that was a cliche name, so we're moving on.

What I wanted to address you on tonight, my fellow Americans (okay I'll stop), is the position of your seventh-place Dallas Mavericks. The season has been an interesting one, as it always is, with mediocrity as the special entree, with favors of Odom and Kidd, rumors as the desserts, with Howard and Williams as the specials,and bench roles for drink, with Beaubois as the restaurant favorite. Oh boy, I can't wait to dig into this dinner...



What should I choose first...oh, alright. How about the mediocrity? Lamar Odom has been an overrated, unwilling player to this point. Comparing his stats to last years, His minutes have decreased by about 10 minutes per game, his field goal percentage has decreased by about 20 percent, and his points per game has decreased by 50 percent. So what's to blame? The lockout? Kardashian distractions? Him wanting to make a movie? His brother passing? I believe it's all of those things combined, and that he never wanted to leave LA. He'd been in LA for 11 out of his 12 seasons prior to this season, so he'd basically made it home. This four game stretch where Dirk is sitting is when he needs to showcase his skills, or else they might as well cancel any Kardashian plans in Dallas for next year.

Second...hmmmm how about J Kidd? My dad pointed out to me before the game last night that Kidd had made only 4 of his last 25 shots. Kids, if your counting at home, thats 16 percent. 16. You think those old-ass legs are starting to catch up to him? Look, he makes this offense go, he pushes the ball, he's a leader, he makes wondrous passes. But honestly, it's time for a bench role from J Kidd. Rick Carlisle, if you're reading this, which I know you aren't, please take heed of my word, and do what's best for J Kidd and the Mavs.


Time for me to get some Roddy B. I think it's about damn time Roddy B's minutes need to increase. He's averaging less minutes played than last year, a year where he was injured for the majority of it. Carlisle owes something to this guy. He's done nothing but generate more points in the offensive end for Dallas, he's a hell of a lot harder to guard than Kidd, which makes his prescience on the court big. Look, I'm not trying to say J Kidd is a terrible player, or he's not as good as Roddy (which is totally true), but for the sake of the future of the Mavs, please play Roddy instead of Kidd. This is the year where Roddy needs to breakout, and it doesn't help if a 38 year old, white, slow point guard is standing in front of him.

So now it's time for my favorite part of dinner, the infamous dessert. And it's time to address the rumors surrounding Dwight Howard and Deron Williams, whom have both listed Dallas as top destinations they would like to be traded to/sign with in the offseason. I love Dwight, he arguably is this season's MVP so far, he's a defensive prescience down low, and he scares the absolute shit out of me when Dallas plays Orlando. I could see him thriving here. He would love Dallas, and Dallas would love him. Now on to the more interesting topic, Deron Williams. D-Will could really shake up things in Dallas, which could mean the departure of Marion, Beaubois, Kidd, Jet, Haywood, and Odom. Yeah, that's a lot. Is it worth it? In my opinion, no. I think you need to take advantage of the years that Dirk has left, which is obviously not a lot. D-Will is an awesome player in my opinion, but if Dallas wants to save themselves for the future, signing D-Will is not the way to go. Signing one or the other is great, just not both of them. 

I thank you for listening to my State of the Union, and plan on a great year ahead.


PS: Chris Broussard is a retard. 

Friday, January 20, 2012

NFC Championship Preview

The second part of the Championship weekend bundle, leeeetttttssssssss go!

New York -2.5 @ San Francisco




New York Difference Makers:
Eli Manning and Corey Webster

Yes I know, Eli is the quarterback and should always be seen as a difference maker. However, I think Eli contributes much more to this football team than people realize. He's won games when he's needed to, played big in all of them I should add, and has opened up a running game that has seemed to be absent in previous weeks.

Alex Smith statistically had his best season, leading the NFL in least-interceptions. Giveaway's are the stat I look at the most, especially in the playoffs because usually that tells the difference between winning and losing. Corey Webster will need to shutdown Michael Crabtree's side on Sunday, and possibly create a turnover. Webster will be vital if the Giants plan on winning in San Francisco.


San Francisco Difference Makers:
Frank Gore and Justin Smith

Frank Gore became the 49ers all-time leading rusher recently, and he's going to need to play like a leader. New York's rushing defense was ranked 13th in the NFC this season, only ahead of Carolina, Green Bay, and Tampa Bay. Gore does a really good job of opening up the passing game for Alex Smith.

Smith has broken out in 2011, and rumor has it that he'll win the 2011 NFL Defensive POTY award. One thing is for certain: Eli has only gotten sacked two times in the last two games. That stat isn't showing that Eli is great at evading the pressure, that just shows how well Eli (and every other quarterback) can do while under slim to no pressure.Smith needs to change that stat if he wants a San Fran win Sunday.



Computer Analysis PREDICTION:  San Francisco 24-23






FINAL PREDICTION: Giants 27-23




Betting Line: New York -2.5

AFC Championship Preview

The hot topic in sports right now is obviously the NFL. So let's preview the first game!

Baltimore @ New England -7.5


Baltimore Difference Makers:
Torrey Smith and Ed Reed

We already know how atrocious the Patriots secondary is. We already know how explosive Torrey Smith can be. He will make a huge catch down the stretch in my opinion, simply because he runs the deep route as good as anybody in the NFL.

Tom Brady is capable of dominating this game. Wow, when I said that, it sounded like me saying that humans can breathe. Anyways, someone in this secondary is going to have to step up. Ed has spoken a lot this week, mainly about his own team, and hes going to have to step up if the Ravens want to come out victorious. Remember two years ago in the playoffs, the Ravens picked off Brady 3 times. Reed had 1 INT.












New England Difference Makers:
Vince Wilfork and the Running Back's By Commission

Ray Rice has developed himself into one of the best backs in the league, simply because of his ability to break away and his ability to ground and pound and ice games away. If the Pats want to shutdown the Ravens offense, it starts with Vince Wilfork. Clogging up the middle will be key, and also turnovers would be nice in the Patriots favor.

I can't tell you how frustrated I was with BenJarvus Green-Ellis on my fantasy team this season. Yes, he scored 11 touchdowns, however he could barely reach 50 yards a week. This is mainly because of the other running-backs in New England, Steven Ridley and Danny Woodhead. I think New England needs to establish their run game in order to be successful, because this Baltimore secondary could go nuts Sunday.










Computer Analysis PREDICTION:  Patriots 25-17


FINAL PREDICTION: Patriots 31-24


Betting Line: Ravens +7.5

Tebow-Mania 2011: Review

(This was an article I wrote for my journalism class at school)

“Tebow back to throw, he’s got Thomas over the middle at the 45, 50, Thomas stiff arms to the Steelers 40, he’s breaking loose! Down to the 20, 15, 10, 5, TOUCHDOWN BRONCOS,” Denver Broncos radio announcer Dave Logan could barely catch his breath. Tebow-mania had reached its peak.

            Tim Tebow is regarded as one of the most talked about quarterbacks of all-time, and there certainly is much to talk about. His passion of Christianity, his passion of the quarterback position, and his passion to quiet the haters. Even defeating statistically one of the best defenses in the league, it wasn’t enough to have the hater’s zip-their-lips.

            “I was happy for him,” junior Luke Christner said. “I thought it was less of him, and more of (Demaryius) Thomas.”
           
            Tim was selected as the 24 pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, by the Broncos, whom moved up to receive Tim. He was projected to go in the second or third round, mainly because of his struggle to throw the ball. He won a National Championship at Florida two different times, and the always-coveted Heisman Trophy once.

            “I didn’t think he was going to be successful based on the history of running quarterbacks in the NFL,” junior Connor Collins said. “Tim has proved us all wrong.”
 
            Tim has become a topic of discussion among the entire nation, and somewhat around the world (Tim set a new record on Twitter for most tweets about person, per second with about 9,000). Expressing his faith is something he is definitely not shy about, and “Tebowing” became an Internet sensation around the world, where people bow down on one knee and put their head to their fist, usually in a mockery of Tim. There is even a website created about numerous amounts of people Tebowing around the world.

            “I think that any football player that expresses their faith on the football field is awesome,” Collins said. “It brings the NFL and other football organizations together.”

            “The Tebow Rule” was a ruling made by the NCAA in 2010 after Tim had left college, which players could no longer write messages on their eye-black. He often made a reference to the Bible verse John 3:16 when he wrote on his eye-black, something con-Tebow fans are not fussing over.

            “I think both sides have a contributing factor towards the ruling,” Christner said.

            While the Christianity brings the players together on the field, the fans always have something to bicker about his game off the field. Whether it’s the fact he can hardly complete more than 10 passes a game, or his turnovers are a problem, his record always is the deciding factor according to pro-Tebow fans, and they certainly have something to brag about.

            “He led his team against arguably the best defense in the league to a victory in the playoffs,” Collins said. “Shall I say more?”

            Tim was seen Tebowing, John Elway threw his arms up into the air and hugged a coach, and Demaryius Thomas was bombarded by offensive linemen, in a good way, after the Broncos beat the Steelers. Excitement is definitely brewing in Denver, and it is all thanks to the guy who has had his doubters his entire life.

            “Tim has shown me that no matter what people say about you, and how they think that you’re not going to be good in life, you can always prove them wrong,” Collins said.
            

Monday, January 16, 2012

The Rundown: January 16th

(My predictions were a little off yesterday, ya think?!)

The Expected and Unexpected Divisional Weekend


Wow. Simply Wow.


 The San Francisco 49ers shocked everybody in which arguably was one of the top postseason games in NFL history, beating Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints. Vernon Davis was a huge factor in the game, catching 7 passes for a tight end NFL playoff record 180 yards. Davis was seen crying on cameras after he scored the go-ahead touchdown with :09 seconds left.

"History...it was us against history," Vernon said. "It was a very emotional game, it was like a roller coaster."

The 49ers will be playing on their home turf next week.








Tebowmania Comes to an End


The game was a blowout from the very beginning. Tom Brady took matters into his own hands, and threw for 6 touchdowns, 5 in the first half, and 3 of them to tight end Rob Gronkowski. Tim Tebow had one of his worst games as a Denver Bronco, completing only 9 of 26 passes for 136 yards. The most intriguing quarterback in NFL history will have to wait till next fall.Skip Bayless can finally return to his normal life.

The Patriots will be playing on their home turf next week as well.



Too Much Defense


TJ Yates threw 3 interceptions, and the Baltimore Ravens were able to pull off a 20-13 victory over the Texans. Ed Reed had the biggest interception of the day, and Joe Flacco added on 2 touchdowns to give the Ravens the victory. The difference in the game was definitely the Ravens secondary, which held TJ to under 50% completion percentage for the day.

The Ravens will travel to Foxboro next Sunday.










15-1=Done


Eli Manning can finally be considered one of those elite quarterbacks I guess. Tom Coughlin's job is safe for one more year I guess. Two wins on the road in Lambeau in the playoffs will do it I guess. You can't give them two all of the credit however. The G-Men's defense has become a force to reckon, and it seems to get this team going.

The Giants will travel to San Francisco next Sunday.



March is on the Horizon


I never usually start watching college basketball till around MLK day, and seems to be very effective in me picking the National title winner (picked Duke and UConn last two years). From what I have seen, the Syracuse Orange have been dominant throughout. The Orangemen have been ranked number 1 for the 6th week in a row by the AP Poll this past Monday. That is tough to do alone, albeit in the best conference in college basketball, the Big East. This Orange team has battled through many headlines this season, including losing Bernie Fine do to sexual assault allegations. That hasn't stopped Jim Boeheim, whom after Monday's victory passes Adolph Rupp in most career victories in Division 1 basketball. Syracuse is the favorite right now.


I will get into more details of NCAA basketball when I can.



New post should come out later this week previewing conference championship games.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of Year (Cont.)

So, both home teams came out with victories yesterday, making home teams 6-0 this postseason. That streak will end today.

Houston @ Baltimore -9

Texans Difference Maker: TJ Yates
Look, when you ask for a difference maker, you're thinking an offensive support guy, a defensive some such. Well, TJ is going to have to step up big time. He's going to have to convert on a couple 3rd and longs, and he needs to execute in the red zone.

Ravens Difference Maker: Ray Lewis
Arian Foster ran all over the Bengals last week, 2 touchdowns and 150+ yards. In order to stop him, it's going to need to start with Ray. Foster will have a lesser ame than last week today, but it's the thing about completely shutting him down, making TJ beat you.


Texans Statistical Difference: Time of Possesion
Texans are 1st in the NFL
Ravens are 10th in the NFL

Ravens Statistical Difference:Returning
Ravens are 14th in the NFL
Texans are 30th in the NFL

Computer Analisys PREDICTION: Ravens 27-17

FINAL PREDICTION: Texans 20-17        

Betting Line Prediction: Texans +9.5










New York @ Green Bay -9




Giants Difference Maker: Hakeem Nicks
Yes, all year long the difference maker has been Victor Cruz, and arguably is the reason why the Giants are where they are. The only thing that makes Victor more effective is the other offensive weapon they have, Hakeem, and his gonna have to come up big today.

Packers Difference Maker: Charles Woodson
The Packers will have a difficult time stopping the Giants offensive motor, but one way they can stop it is with turnovers, and that is a huge pro in this Packers secondary. Not only can they be effective intercepting the ball, but they can be effective on the return as well.

Giants Statistical Difference Maker: Opponent Total YPG
Giants are 23rd in the NFL
Packers are 32nd in the NFL

Packers Statistical Difference Maker: Penalty YPG
Packers are 2nd in the NFL
Giants are 14th in the NFL

Computer Analysis Prediction: Packers 26-17

FINAL PREDICTION: Packers 38-27


Betting Line: Packers -9

Saturday, January 14, 2012

It's The Most Wonderful Time of Year

Yup, Divisional Weekend is finally upon us. Arguably the best weekend in the NFL. So without further adieu, let's preview these first two games.


New Orleans @ San Francisco +3.5

Saints Difference Maker: Darren Sproles
He's arguably been the best free agent acquisition this year, and his quick movements propel this offense with an offset running game and a great screen game. Without Sproles, Brees probably wouldn't have broken the passing record.


49ers Difference Maker: Michael Crabtree
Alex Smith is playing in his first playoff game Saturday, and nothing would help him more than getting Crab going. Crabtree always seems to step up in the spotlight, and this game will be no different.

Saints Statistical Difference Maker: 3rd down conversions
Saints are 1st in the NFL in 3rd down conversions at 57%
49ers are 30th in the NFL in 3rd down conversions at 29.4%


49ers Statistical Difference Maker: Takeaways 
49ers are 1st in the NFL in takeaways with 2.4 per game
Saints are 31st in the NFL in takeaways with 1.1 per game


Computer analysis PREDICTION: Saints 26-21

Final PREDICTION: Saints 27-23 

Betting Line Pick: Saints -3.5














Denver @ New England -14


Broncos Difference Maker: Von Miller 
This Broncos defense has long needed for a leader defensively ever since Brian Dawkins got injured, and Miller is a guy who needs to step up. The Broncos need Miller to create havoc in the backfield against Tom Brady.

Patriots Difference Maker: Kyle Arrington
Look, I could have taken anyone on the Patriots offense and explain why they'd be the difference maker. The truth is this defense lives on turnovers.Arrington led this team with 7 INT's. Tim Tebow's worst nightmare is turnovers, and that equals a recipe for success.


Broncos Statistical Difference Maker: Rushing Yards
Broncos are 1st in the NFL with 164.5 yards per game.
Patriots are 20th in the NFL with 110.3 yards per game.

Patriots Statistical Difference Maker: Passing Yards
Patriots are 2nd in the NFL with 317.8 yards per game. 
Broncos are 31st in the NFL with 152.1 yards per game.

Computer Analysis PREDICTION: Patriots 27-14

Final PREDICTION: Patriots 31- Broncos 20

Betting Line Pick: Broncos +14

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

The Rundown: January 11th


Rollin' To a Title

Alabama running back Trent Richardson ran in a 34 yard touchdown that put the nail in the coffin. 

LSU's offense was in the coffin from the beginning. 

Courtney Upshaw was a beast on the defensive side of the ball, creating havoc for Jordan Jefferson all night long. There were other people who stepped up of course, and one of those guys was Alabama wide receiver who replaced Marquis Maze.

Alabama seemed to have a reason to play for. They had a chip on their shoulder, and for obvious reasons. They were the better team on November 5th when they first played, and they were certainly the better team Monday night. 

The Honey Badger was a non-factor, Claiborne was no where to be seen, and Jordan Jefferson played his worst game ever. And somehow LSU was still in it at one point in the 4th quarter. It's nearly impossible to win a game however when your punter punts nine times.

Will the SEC reign continue into next year? Probably. Hey, I'm just glad we didn't have to hear SEC chants at the end of the game...

Doin' the Shuffle

Always at this time of year, NFL coaches are being hired and fired by teams that are usually struggling to get to .500. And this year didn't disappoint.

Tampa Bay fired Raheem Morris.

I could see this coming, I mean they were getting absolutely destroyed and ended the season on a ten game losing streak. Morris has potential still, but good god he needed to get the hell out of there.

St. Louis fired Steve Spagnuolo.

I honestly was kind of surprised by this one. Yes, they were 2-14, but injuries from quarterback Sam Bradford and Danny Amendola put a dagger through their year.


Miami fired Tony Sparano.

I was also surprised by this one. Miami rallied after starting the season 0-7, and seemed to have a fit with Matt Moore. Jeff Fisher would fit better in Miami.


Oakland fired Hue Jackson.

Still question marks going around my head on this one. Oakland finally had something going their way this season, why change? I mean I know Al Davis is gone and all, but still why change after a year?









WHAT I'M WATCHING TONIGHT

Dallas vs. Boston

Heat vs. Clippers

Sunday, January 8, 2012

The Rundown: January 9th

NFL Playoffs

So, having a good record in the regular season does mean something in the Wild Card weekend. All the home teams won their games this weekend. The most impressive one? Is that even a question? Tim Tebow. Yup, of course.

He is the most interesting quarterback in the world.

Tebow is probably the second worst passer currently in the league right now, ahead of Blain Gabbert. But in the words of Skip Bayless, all he does is win football games!

He makes plays when it matters, he gets fired up at the right time, and most importantly he inspires the defense to make plays, and they're statistically one of the worst in the league. And yet he somehow wins football games.

While I can't see him winning in New England at night, he will at least make it close. Hell he might beat em.



Afflux in Dallas


I honestly cannot get my head around what I think of this Mavericks team right now. I for sure know that this lockout has effected this team and many others in this case start to the season. This team is in a state of mediocrity. It especially doesn't help that Jason Kidd is injured for a couple games now.

Or does it?

I really noticed how much of a bigger role Roddy B, Vinsanity, and especially Lamar had on Saturday night. Lamar looked a lot more comfortable, he seemed a lot more confident since his arrival to Dallas, especially after he threw up the trademark Dirk three point hand gesture. He could possibly be this years Tyson Chandler.

Roddy B will eventually have to replace J-Kidd, whether that's this year or next. He has fresh legs, he's young, and ready. This could be a make or break year for Roddy, I mean it's his 3rd year, and if he can't find a role on this team then he will likely be traded for Dwight Howard.

Vince is kinda a one year man here in Big D. I can't see the Mavs giving him a deal after this year, no matter what Kind of a year he has. He's just trying to prove that he can be the type of support player who can possibly get his first NBA championship.

So are these Mavs going to under .500? No. Are they going to win the West? Probably not. Can they make a title run? Of course. But there's still many questions to be answered.