Sleepers for a Super Bowl Run

As we enter the final two weeks of the NFL season, the top four contenders in the league are clear. The New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos and Green Bay Packers have distanced themselves as the clear favorites to make it to Glendale. It would surprise no one at this point if those were the teams playing for a Super Bowl berth in late January. As for the sleepers there are a few in my book. The Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers stand out in AFC, because of the coaching and proven quarterback play. Both Joe Flacco and Ben Roethlisberger are former Super Bowl MVPs and quietly having career years for their teams. It would not surprise me if one of these teams made a run to the AFC title game as a wild card team. In the NFC, the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys are both teams I could see going to the Super Bowl. The Lions still have one of the best defenses in the league statistically, and the Matthew Stafford to Calvin Johnson connection can win games offensively. The Cowboys still have the great offensive players at every important position. One of the best offensive lines in the league leads the charge, while Tony Romo, Demarco Murray, Dez Bryant and Jason Witten is as good as it gets for a QB-RB-WR-TE combination. We'll see come 2015 if these sleepers take their game to the next level.

Rondo Trade Puts More Burden on James Harden

Now that Dallas has made a blockbuster move to acquire Rajon Rondo, the pressure is all on James Harden. The man has been playing like the MVP of late, especially with Dwight Howard out with injury. Harden has almost single handedly kept the Houston Rockets at the top of the Western Conference standings. His play has been great, but with the Grizzlies, Spurs and Mavs all in their division (not to mention the Pelicans, currently the eighth seed), it will be tough going forward for the Rockets to grab home court advantage. Perhaps this move will spark the Rockets to counter with a trade of their own. Rondo was the target but maybe Houston can grab a Goran Dragic from Phoenix. The Rockets need an upgrade if they want to compete for a title this year.

Rondo to the Mavs Equals Instant Contenders

The Boston Celtics have finally moved their All-Star point guard Rajon Rondo. He is being traded to the Dallas Mavericks for Brendan Wright, Jameer Nelson, Jae Crowder and 2 future draft picks. So, the move has finally been made. After the past couples years of trade speculation, Rondo is out of Boston. As a Celtics fan its sad to see the only player I really care about leave the team, but part of me is very excited. I will get to see more of Rondo now that he is playing for a contender. Rondo always used to play even better during nationally televised games, and more importantly...during the playoffs. Dallas was already a sleeper in the loaded west, but now that they have added Rondo, they immediately move into title contender status. No team in the league can say they have a more talented, yet well-rounded team following this move. The Mavericks love to push the ball and get quick hoops, so look for Rondo to be in heaven. It would not surprise me if he averaged close to 15 assists per game, nor would it surprise me if the Mavericks end up in the NBA finals.

Should the Lakers/Knicks Trade Kobe/Melo?

Not that any team would like the contract they would be picking up, but it is something to think about. Both teams are headed nowhere fast. The Knicks became the first team to 20 losses this season, and the Lakers have no hope in a loaded western conference (not to mention the team just stinks). Now I don't ever see Kobe going anywhere, and I think he wants to stay so that he can say he stayed in one place his whole career. Carmelo, however, would be very interesting. I think I'm not alone in saying I really wanted to see him go to Chicago this past summer. I do not think that is a possibility in regards to a potential trade, but if the two teams could figure it out it would be great for both Anthony and the Bulls. With Houston having such a good season thus far, maybe they would make a move to get Melo. I guess my point is that Carmelo is too good of an NBA player to spend the prime of his career on such a poor team. Who knows? The way it seems LeBron is losing a step physically, may be happening to Melo as well. The difference is James has Love and Kyrie, while Melo has an aging Stoudemire and Jose Calderon...

Why LeBron James Did Not Play Last Night

The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers last night 103-94, led by solid games from both Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant. Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving were strong as well for Cleveland, but the game lacked a little extra excitement. Something that would have been provided if a certain former MVP had decided to play. LeBron James sat out last nights affair in Oklahoma City due to "knee soreness". Now I have never been the biggest fan of LeBron James, but I have never lacked respect for him as a player. When I heard he was missing the game due to, again, "knee soreness", I could not help but think of why he really was not playing. Think about it this was a perfect game to play in. The Cavs had won eight straight games, and were really starting to find their groove. On the other side both Durant and Westbrook were returning from very recent injuries. This could have been an opportunity for LeBron to have a signature game on the road. Not to mention we are only guaranteed two Durant-James matchups every year (not including the All-Star game). Alas, I suppose we will have to wait for Sunday January 25th, when the game will be played in Cleveland. But then again, maybe Kevin Durant will be out with knee soreness.

Is It Too Early to Ask For An 8 Team Playoff?

After the final four teams were announced on Sunday, there was much outrage from fans of the Big 12 conference, because both #5 Baylor and #6 TCU were left out. Naturally many are saying that an eight team playoff would be better than the current four. Even though we have not yet seen this four team playoff through one full season, I tend to agree. To me, the difference between the forth best team in the country and the fifth best, is much less than the seventh and eighth best teams. Or perhaps a better way to put it, is that the difference between a potential 1-2 matchup (Alabama and Oregon), and a 5-6 (Baylor and TCU), is much less than the latter. That would be comparing a Baylor-TCU matchup to a 9-10 (Ole Miss and Arizona). Also, and eight team playoff is much like professional sports. Hockey has 16 (NHL), basketball has 16 (NBA), the NFL has 12, and baseball has 10 now (MLB). Even if you want to compare to college sports, basketball provides a field of 68. Point is, I don't think this system needs to be changed right away, I think it deserves at least three or four years. However, eight should be a goal before a decade passes, as it just seems right. If we are going to have a playoff format in college football, it should be more than just four teams.

Warriors Just Keep Winning

Golden State got another win last night over the Houston Rockets. That moves them to 19-2 on the young season, and still the best record in the NBA. The team is one of the best offensive and defensive teams in the league. Last nights win was especially impressive, because of the way they closed the game, leaving no doubt who was still the best team in the league. Now Houston did not have Dwight Howard, but Golden State did not have Bogut either. In the upcoming week the Warriors will be tested by some of the best in the west, including Oklahoma City, Dallas and Memphis. If the team is able to come out of this stretch will just two losses, I may be writing about how good this team could really be.

Important For Patriots to Win Out

New England plays host to Miami this weekend, and look to continue their dominance of the AFC East. The Pats finish the season with Buffalo and the Jets as well, all very winnable games. If they win out then home field advantage is theirs. However, with Denver looming, if the Pats drop even one of these games then home field could be lost. We saw last year just how important that home field advantage is, when the Pats went to Mile High and lost in the AFC championship game. The Patriots almost never lose at home, and with the team looking as well-rounded as they have in recent years, I would like their chances against Denver in the title game. Lets hope that the injury bug does not bite them for a second consecutive postseason, and that Brady and co. are back in the Super Bowl come February.

Why Does LeBron Look Old?

The Cavaliers are on a little winning streak. One that is in no small part due to LeBron James' play. In the teams most recent victory over Toronto, LeBron scored 24 points while dishing out 13 assists. LeBron has played well for the most part this season. He has not been posting his most impressive numbers to date, but has been doing what he always does. However, he seems to be a step slow and lacking the normal athleticism we are used to seeing from him. It is far too early to say LeBron is passed his prime, but its worth considering. Just on the eye test alone there is that "wow" factor missing from his game right now. Im not ready to say he is not the best player in the world anymore, but it will be interesting to see how he progresses this season. With players like Stephen Curry and Anthony Davis playing at MVP levels, the conversation is becoming more intriguing.

We Will Know The Final Four This Sunday

Big weekend in sports, and especially in college football. The conference championship games are this weekend, and the games will go a long way toward determining the final four in the first ever college football playoff. The first big game is tonight as number ranked Oregon takes on number seven Arizona. If Oregon wins they are almost certain to have either the one or two seed. On Saturday Alabama (1) plays Missouri (16) in the SEC championship, Florida State (4) plays Georgia Tech (11) in the ACC championship, Baylor (6) plays Kansas State (9) and Ohio State (5) plays Wisconsin (13) in the Big 10 championship. If the Crimson Tide win they should finish number one, and Florida State should clinch a spot with a win as well. Now if both Baylor and Ohio State win that will open up a very interesting discussion as to who should be that final team in the playoff. Right now TCU sits at number three, but impressive wins by both the Buckeyes and the Bears should cause a debate. It will be interesting to see if there are any upsets this weekend and what the final four look like. The reaction is for certain going to entertaining.

Where Do the Knicks Go From Here?

It was not expected that the New York Knicks would be a formidable team in the NBA this year, or even an okay team. After last nights game against the Cavaliers this can be confirmed. It wasn't the way the that they played as it was only a three point defeat. But, the Knicks are now off the the worst start in franchise history, and their star player Carmelo Anthony only put up nine points on 4-19 shooting in the most recent loss. The additions of both Phil Jackson, and coach Derek Fisher are still viewed as solid choices by the Knicks, but what do they do with the roster? Carmelo Anthony is not getting any younger, and New York needs to make big moves in the next six months if they intend on contending anytime soon.

Patriots Need to Bounce Back in San Diego

After New England's close defeat at the hands of the Packers last week, the Patriots head into the weekend tied with Denver for the best record in the AFC. Now they currently hold the tie breaker over the Broncos because they won the head to head matchup, but with four games left the Pats do not have a lot of wiggle room. Denver has a pretty weak schedule to finish out the year, making this weeks game for the Patriots very important. San Diego is coming off a huge come from behind road win in Baltimore, making them currently 8-4. Brady will lead the Pats to the win, and the corners will not let Rivers operate at the same level he is used to: 38-20 New England.

A Matchup of Pac-12 Minds

This weekend is full a huge football games. The Sunday slate is action packed, including an NFC battle between Seattle and Philadelphia. Pete Carroll leads his Seahawks into Philly to face another former Pac-12 coach in Chip Kelly. Another intriguing aspect of this game is that the Eagles starting quarterback used to play for Carroll at USC; Mark Sanchez. Seattle seems to be finding itself as the season moves towards the stretch run. The defense has been great the last two weeks in wins over Arizona and San Francisco. I have a feeling that Philly may come away with this one however. A combination of the home-field advantage, and the high-powered offense led by Kelly, has me feeling like the Eagles will come away with the win 27-23.

Warriors Seem To Be Legit

Last nights win for the Warriors proved to me that they are indeed legit title contenders. Winning in Charlotte last night against a team that is better than its terrible 4-13 record. Both Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry struggled, but still came away with the win. Klay shot a mere 7-22 from the field while Curry was just 1-10 from downtown. Speights had a huge night off the bench scoring 28 points, helping the Warriors to their eighth straight win. Winning a tough game on the road when the star players don't have their A game is a good sign that Golden State is headed for great things.

New Red Sox Signings Will Make Red Sox Exciting Again

With the Boston Red Sox signing both Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez earlier this week, Boston now has the makings of a very exciting lineup. With the consistent bats of Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz returning, to go along with the young talent of Xander Bogaerts and Mookie Betts the Red Sox should return to the formidable offense we are used to seeing. The new signings and Yoenis Cespedes with Allen Craig, Boston will be putting a dent in the green monster throughout the summer. Now if they can sign Jon Lester and add more pitching Boston should be back in the fall classic in no time.

Patriots-Packers is Potential Super Bowl Preview

When Tom Brady and New England play the Packers this Sunday in Lambeau, it will be the most anticipated NFL game to date. The two quarterbacks in this matchup are as on point as one could be at this point in the season. Brady has led the Pats to seven straight wins and Aaron Rodgers has the Packers offense on fire when they play at Lambeau. In what should be one of the more entertaining games of the year it will be interesting to see how well the two defenses play against the prolific offenses. One thing is certain, if this weeks matchup turns into a Super Bowl you will see no complaints from myself nor anyone who loves the NFL.

Russell Westbrook's Return Means Look Out Western Conference

Oklahoma City point guard Russell Westbrook returned last night, somewhat unexpectedly. It was believed that he would return more likely mid-way through December, but he played last night against the Knicks and was impressive. Not only the 32 points, seven rebounds and eight assists, but also the energy he provided for the home crowd. The Thunder were 4-12 going into last nights game and in need of a spark. Westbrook was that exact spark the team needed as they crushed the visiting New York Knicks with only 23 minutes from Westbrook. With their point guard back in the lineup the Thunder should be back to .500 in no time, and with a Kevin Durant return in the near future.......look out Golden State...Houston...Memphis...LA...San Antonio...the MVP is coming back.

LeBron James Deserves Some Blame for Cleveland's Early Struggles

Why do the Cleveland Cavaliers kind of suck right now?

The team dropped its fourth game in a row last night. The Cavs blew an early 18 point lead and ended up losing by 17 at home. There was no stopping the Toronto Raptors in the second half, as the team scored 110 points on Cleveland's home court. LeBron James was reasonably upset at the teams loss, and its second straight poor performance. Going into this season the Cavaliers had high expectations, and justifiably. The Cavs not only added the best basketball player in the world (4-time league MVP and 2-time champion), but also acquired another star in Kevin Love. Those two along with all-star point guard Kyrie Irving and a cast of well known role players, led many to believe that Cleveland would be in the title discussion at the end of the season. That very well may still be true, but it is not the case right now. Cavs fans have had to watch a not so impressive team to start the season.

There are a couple reasons the Cavs have gotten off to such a shaky start. One is the defensive play. Cleveland has been very poor defensively. On the eye test alone the Cavs have looked very bad on that end of the floor. Pick and roll defense has stood out, as it seems every time Kyrie and Love are asked to defend a pick and roll together they get burned.

Cleveland is no more impressive statistically. Allowing opponents to shoot almost 48% from the field and 35% from three. That puts them at 25th in the league in terms of opponents points per game. It does not help that they also allow 40 rebound per game landing them at 22nd in the league in that category.

So the defense is a huge problem, but another one is the lack of experience. The "other" two stars in Cleveland's new big three have zero playoff experience. This means both players have not played any meaningful NBA basketball games. This is an adjustment for a guy like LeBron, who just played with a core of guys that made it to four straight NBA Finals. However, not an excuse for the Cavs slow start.

The best player in the world should start acting like it and lead his team to some victories. While LeBron seems very comfortable taking shots out the court, he should focus on taking more on the court. James' passive play of late seems even more immature than his younger teammates. If he wants his team to succeed and have home court advantage come playoff time, he should step up his own play.

The man wanted to come home. Now he must display to his hometown exactly what they have been missing the pasts four years: the best basketball player on earth.

Besides San Antonio Who Are the Title Contenders in the NBA?

While it is still just 10 games into the season for most NBA teams, last nights Spurs-Cavs game was an early season signature game. San Antonio, of course, is coming off a season in which they led the league in wins and went on to win the championship. That championship run concluded by dispatching the then LeBron James-led Miami Heat. Cleveland, however, is a team yet to find itself. It of course has a star studded cast led by the return of LeBron, and the all-star play of both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love.

These two teams played an exciting game resulting in a close 92-90 Spurs win. The Spurs are still contenders to win the title, and should still be favorites. The rest of the league is sort of up for grabs at this point. Cleveland should definitely be in the discussion in the east, but the lack of a defense is concerning. You would be a fool to pick that defense against any Western conference opponent. Chicago is in a similar position as Cleveland, but for a completely different reason.

The Bulls have a great defense. Since Tom Thibodeau took over as head coach that has been the case. The concern in Chicago is the uncertainty of Derrick Rose's health. While he has played well, he has not been on the court enough. He has not suffered another terrible injury, but has missed plenty of time with nagging injuries. How much will that effect a potential deep playoff run? Will he need to sit a game in the Eastern conference finals?

The rest of the east consists of a couple more very good teams in the Raptors and the Wizards. However, I am not ready to call those two true title contenders.

The West is tricky. Houston has gotten off to such a great start, but I still find it difficult to see a team with only James Harden as a true dynamic offense threat as a contender. Houston's offense is potent when they are hitting the three ball, but at the end of games Harden is the only player they can go to. Memphis is a little higher on my list, because of the elite defense and post play. Mike Conley is still an underrated point guard in the loaded west.

Golden State has replaced Oklahoma City for now as that potentially great contender in the west. The star power of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson in backcourt, along with an elite front line of Bougt and the return of David Lee. The bench play is also elite. Led by players like Barnes, Iguodala, Livingston, Barbosa and Green. Now if Westbrook and Durant are able to return to top 5 form and lead the Thunder to the playoffs, the conference could be in for a huge shakeup.

Dallas, Portland and the Clippers round out the conference contenders, but as far as NBA title goes there is still much room for improvement. Mostly on the defensive end.

I guess the point I'm trying to make is that both conferences (especially the west) are wide open. No one should be doubting the Spurs at this point of the season though. This could be the last season for both Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, and what better way to end their careers than with another championship. If I had to put money on it today, it would be on the Spurs.

Kobe's Empty Season

The Lakers picked up just their second win of the early season tonight, defeating the Atlanta Hawks 114-109. Kobe Bryant scored 28 points to lead Los Angeles, maintaining his league leading average of 27.4 points per game. Bryant has been scoring plenty, but has been taking his fair share of shots. With his field goal percentage sitting at a mere 38.9%, Bryant has not been as efficient as one might hope. Being the only offensive threat has something to do with that, and so does the direction of the franchise.

At this point the Lakers are simply coasting through this season knowing they will not win many games, and Kobe is the only attraction. Bryant will fill seats so that fans can watch one of the greatest players of all-time try to put up 60 every night. However, even as he approaches more records in terms of scoring, and climbing the all-time scoring list, something is missing.

Watching the Lakers perform so terribly night in and night out is leaving myself and many others with a sick feeling. The second best shooting guard of all-time should not be going out like this. A man who has always been so driven and so competitive, should not be finishing his career scoring such meaningless baskets.

Kobe scored 44 points the other night in just three quarters. He took 34 shots. Not one of those shots felt at all significant. Bryant for the first time in his career had a completely empty 40 point game. It left me feeling nothing. As a fan of Kobe, and a fan of great basketball, it is truly a shame to have to watch one of the best player of the past 15 plus years fade away into an eventual retirement.

Who knows? Maybe Julius Randle comes back from injury and becomes the next great power forward in this game, and the Lakers draft the next Magic Johnson this summer. But for now I'm afraid the competitive Kobe Bryant teams are behind us, and these empty seasons are whats left for his final years.

New England Once Again the Class of the NFL

What a difference seven weeks make. Seems like a long time ago that the Patriots were being man handled on Monday Night Football at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs. The blowout loss on the road resulted in a week full of doubt provided by the media. Is Belichick done? Is Brady going to be traded? End of an era?A quick answer to all of those questions was and still is: No.

After last nights impressive 42-20 road victory in Indianapolis, the Patriots are sitting atop the AFC. Amazing that after so much scrutiny thrown the teams way, New England has to be considered the favorite. Much like many predicted at the start of the season.

Perhaps the most encouraging part about last nights win was the dominance of the run game. Led by little known running back Jonas Gray (38 carries for 199 yards and 4 touchdowns), the Patriots dominated the game on the ground. This spells great things for the team going forward, and with Denver losing a second game in a row, the Patriots are in the drivers seat looking to wrap up home field advantage.

It won't be easy. Upcoming road games in both Green Bay and San Diego should be tough, but would anyone be surprised if Brady and Belichick came out of this next stretch at either 14-2 or 13-3? I know I wouldn't.

It seems like every year we must all be reminded never to question the "Patriot way". Yet, every season whenever the Patriots face adversity they just prove the doubters wrong. So as we head towards Thanksgiving and the stretch run of the regular season, I advise all members of the media to not question the genius that is Bill Belichick. I know I won't.

Are the Dallas Cowboys For Real?

How could they not be? After a very impressive 30-23 road win in Seattle, the Dallas Cowboys are 5-1 and atop the NFC. This was not a close 30-23 mind you. The 'boys dominated Seattle. In fact if it were not for some terrible turnovers, this game would not have been close. The offense ran the ball efficiently, and Tony Romo made timely plays through the air en route to 250 yards and two touchdowns.
DeMarco Murray went for over 100 yards on the ground for the sixth straight week to start the season, establishing himself as the best back in the league. The defense did its part as well holding Russell Wilson to just 126 yards through the air, and a mere six on the ground. A late interception sealed the deal for Dallas, giving them a near impossible road win in Seattle.
Now this could be a perfect set up for the Cowboys to fail like they so often have during the Tony Romo era, however, the hype for this team is currently justified. A defense that looked so poor on paper before the season started, now looks solid. Romo is making fewer mistakes, while maintaining his elite play. Dez is a freak out wide, causing even the great Richard Sherman to pay his respects after the game. Lastly DeMarco Murray is having a breakout year. Murray has always been great in flashes, but never consistent, largely due to injury. Through six games he's having one of the better seasons ever for a running back. On pace to finish with an astounding 2,093 rushing yards. 12 yards shy of Eric Dickerson's all-time record, and just four short of Adrian Peterson's 2012 season.
I remind you all that it is still October, and the season is still relatively young. A big-time divisional matchup with the Giants this Sunday should give us even more material to write about these Cowboys. Coming off one of the biggest wins in recent memory, Dallas will play host to the ever inconsistent New York Giants. The Giants were smacked right in the face by the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night. Losing 27-0. Sunday afternoon should provide no shortage of drama, as the Cowboys look to build upon this very impressive start to the season.

Patriots Last Place in the AFC East?

As I look at the NFL standings, following the first Sunday of the season, there is something shocking about the AFC East. There are three teams tied for first in the division: the New York Jets (W 19-14 vs OAK), Buffalo Bills (W 23-20 vs CHI) and Miami Dolphins (W 33-20 vs NE). This leaves just one team sitting dead last, and that team, is the New England Patriots.

For the first time since 2003, a Tom Brady-led squad lost in week one of the season. The Patriots, as usual, are Super Bowl contenders this year. So, an opening week loss to an injury-plaugued Miami team comes as a bit of a shock to most fans, including myself. Now don't get me wrong, the Patriots and Dolphins always play great games in Florida, but never have I seen Miami's defense so dominant. After a strong first half from Brady and the offense, Miami ramped up the pressure. The Dolphins were able to get to Brady four times, twice forcing fumbles. Miami defensive end Cameron Wake forced both of the those fumbles, the last of which all but sealed the win.

New England was dominated in the second half of Sunday afternoons game, and were left as a last place team. However, the last two times the Patriots lost their opening week matchup, they went on to win the super bowl. That is not to understate how bad the Patriots looked in the second half, but it is interesting. Going into this year the Pats are once again favorites to compete for the Lombardi trophy. Most view them and the Broncos as a lock for a rematch of last years AFC championship game. One that saw the injury-riddled team come up short at Mile High.

This years team is revamped. Especially on the defensive side. The addition of shutdown corner Darrelle Revis is huge for the Pats, considering they let Aquib Talib go to the Broncos. It also gives gives Belichek one of the best corners in the game. Perhaps the biggest addition of all is simply the return of multiple players from injury. From tight end Rob Gronkowski, to middle linebacker Jerod Mayo, New England had many players finish last year on injured reserve.

So, the return of players like Vince Wilfork and Rob Gronkowski should make for a very successful regular season in Foxboro. Whether or not the offensive line holds up is another question. I'm not too concerned just yet, but if the Patriots have more performances like they did in South Beach, a trip to the AFC championship might not be so easy.

The Future of the Boston Celtics Could Be Bright

Wow, the Boston Celtics are very bad. I mean very bad. As I watch the Celtics play on national TV for the first time in a while (only because of the return of Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett), I realize there is no hope for this roster. One of the few bright spots is the return of Rajon Rondo, who does not look comfortable throwing lobs to Vitor Faverani where Garnett used to be. Nor does he feel confident starting a fast break with Kris Humphries and Gerald Wallace running the floor. Nothing against either of those two, but they're not quite two future hall of famers. I think there are some strengths in this roster, however, and they're just hard to see on such a terrible team.
First there is the coach, Brad Stevens. Stevens was signed to a six year deal in the offseason, meaning the Celtics are truly investing in this coach for a stretch. Danny Ainge clearly sees something in Stevens, and why not? There is only upside to the 37 year old coach who coached Butler to back-to-back National Championship appearances, losing to two major programs in Duke and UConn. Stevens has done relatively well to this point in the season, but it is evident that there is just not enough talent on this team to win. Hopefully he will get a chance soon in the next couple of seasons.
The coach is not the only solid part of this team, strong young players besides Rondo include Jeff Green, Avery Bradley and Jared Sullinger.
Bradley is an elite perimeter defender who has an improved jump shot especially in the corner three spot. Bradley at the very least is a solid guard who can come off the bench, and has shown that he can potentially be a nice complementary starting shooting guard (think Thabo Sefolosha in Oklahoma City). He is a player I think the Celtics should keep around at least for next year.
Jeff Green is a player who seemed to be coming into his own late last season as Rondo went out with an injury. Green had huge games last season including a 43 point performance against LeBron James and the Heat. He has struggled being consistent, however, and in a year that he could step up and become that all-star type of player, he has not. Still leading the team in scoring at 16.2 ppg, Green just does not seem to be a go-to-guy for a franchise, he is made to be the third or forth option on a team.
Jared Sullinger is a strong power forward who has shown signs of being a dominant rebounder this year. Grabbing 15+ rebounds on multiple occasions. He has also displayed a solid jump shot that can extend to behind the three point line once in a while.
Those three guys, along with Rajon Rondo and coach Brad Stevens, are the core that the Celtics should keep around if they look to be successful soon, and in the long-run.
Looking ahead to beyond this season, it starts with the upcoming draft. Many players would fit in nicely here in Boston. Jabari Parker could come to the North East, and become a featured player on the offensive end. Parker has a decent handle as well as the ability to knock down shots from deep, along with the ability to finish above the rim. Speaking of finishing above the rim, Andrew Wiggins may be the very best at that in college. His unquestioned athleticism is why so many rave about him. Wiggins is also, perhaps, the best defender in the nation because of his quick feet, long arms, and jumping ability.
Another possible player is Oklahoma States Marcus Smart; a 6'4" guard with great strength and athleticism. Smart also has more experience than many of these players, as he is currently a Sophomore in college. Smart could work well with Rondo in the backcourt.
My favorite player is Joell Embiid. He is a 7'0" 250 lb center from Cameroon, who has only been playing basketball for two years. His ability to run the floor and finish with both hands makes him a very attractive asset, not to mention his shear size and athleticism. The activity on the defensive end is even more impressive as he controls games at that end.
A center could be perfect for the Celtics to build around, but it is important to just select the best player available. As we saw in last years draft, the Cavaliers selected a solid undersized power forward instead of just going with the best available player, and that resulted in one of the worst number picks of all time to this point.
The point here is that there is a lot to look forward to potentially if you are a Celtics fan like myself. With strong leaders in Stevens and Rondo, and a solid group of role players, Boston could be back in the thick of things by next year, and a championship contender perhaps sooner than one might think.

Broncos Defense Shuts Down Brady, and Patriots Lack of Any Deep Ball Threat

As Peyton Manning took and knee and let the clock run out, the Broncos celebrated a trip to New York, and the Patriots were left to deal with the heartbreak of a second straight AFC Championship loss. For the Broncos this is their first Super Bowl berth since the late 90s when John Elway was riding Terrell Davis to his second straight Super Bowl win. For Peyton he is back. It has been a long road for Manning since throwing game clinching pick six right into the hands of the Saints defense, and leaving South Beach with the bitter taste of another playoff loss. Manning struggled through his last couple years in Indianapolis with neck injuries, and arrived in Denver looking to resurrect his Hall of Fame career. Well, Peyton did just that by leading the Broncos to back to back 13-3 regular seasons, and this year an AFC Championship win.
On the other side Brady suffered a frustrating loss as it was as clear as ever that something was missing from the Patriots. No it was not Aquib Talib's absence in the secondary, or Wilfork on the defensive line, not even the gaping hole in the middle of the field that Jerod Mayo and Brandon Spikes once filled, it was a player who has not been in New England all year. The Patriots did not have that 6'3"-6'4" strong receiver on the outside. Now I know Gronk is a huge target who was lost to injury this season, but he has been there in recent years. The Patriots fully healthy would be scary with a star receiver on the outside, Randy Moss proved it.
This may sound like a sorry Patriots fan going off and making excuses, because New England has been very successful in recent years, but they haven't been scary like Denver's offense, or New Orleans. I guess what I'm saying is that despite all of this New England still made it to the AFC Championship game, and lost to a team with one of the best offenses of all time, maybe even the best.  If the Patriots want to be back in the Super Bowl next year, they're going to have get a little lucky health wise, and pick up a star receiver. It could be through a trade, free agency, maybe even a rookie through the draft, but it got to come from somewhere.
The reality, however, is that the Broncos and Seahawks still have one game to play, and it should be a great one. I'm leaning towards Seattle as of now just because of the weather, and a stronger built defense, but that could change over the next couple weeks. Come next week I'll know my favorite, and the fact is I don't want Peyton to win, so don't be surprised if I give Seattle the edge.