Dwight Howard – Why sign with the Lakers? Houston is the better option

Has there ever been a team who had a more disappointing season than the Los Angeles Lakers, at the start of the season fans envisioned the return of the showtime Lakers all they got was a fistful of misfortune and injuries while Coach Mike Dantoni refused to budge or change his philosophy. The Lakers are at a crossroad and every roster spot on their bench is filled with uncertainty. Bogged down with aging players, huge salaries, and a disgruntled front office the future does not look too bright.

Although Dwight Howard can sign an extension with the Lakers, the questions pundits have failed to ask is why should he? Howard left the Orlando Magic in pursuit of a NBA Championship, and honestly, the Lakers do not have the coach, the financial flexibility or the talent to surround Howard with the pieces he needs to win a title. The Lakers core may be recognizable by name but the games of Steve Nash, Paul Gasol and Metta World Peace is completely unrecognizable.

Kobe Bryant, one of the greatest players of all time is recovering from a devastating injury and despite his efforts he will not be able to defeat father time. If Bryant is able to return and be his dominant self, he only intends to play for two more years.

These factors alone are reasons why Howard would be wise to ignore the lore and lights of Hollywood and think long term about the state of the Lakers franchise. Signing an extension with the Lakers would certainly earn hims loyalty and favor with the Lakernation but it may cost him a chance at winning a NBA Championship.

Last season Howard was victimized by his desire to want to be loved, has Howard finally grown up? And will he decide to do what’s best for him? Because their is a team in Houston with lots of money to spend, a young super star, and all they need is an intimidator down low. Will Howard answer the call, or succumb to the pressure of Laker-nation? Stay tuned… I know I will – A. Denmark

Anthony Denmark is a writer for eatdrnkslpsprtz.com. Follow him on Twitter@eatdrkslpsprtz2, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. Listen to eatdrnkslpsprtz radio Tues/Thurs 630 PM EST

Chicago Bulls win – Joakim Noah led, will Derrick Rose follow?

Last night the Chicago Bulls redeemed themselves in tying up their series with the Brooklyn Nets in the only way they knew how, with toughness, grit, and defense. Although the Bulls did not register many ESPN highlight worthy plays led by long-hair Frenchmen, Joakim Noah, the Bulls simply refused to lose.

Despite literally playing on one ankle Noah played inspired basketball that excited the masses but also raised questions about the $16 million dollar player Derrick Rose who was at the end of the bench in a suit and tie. Last year Rose suffered a devastating injury when he tore his ACL in last year’s playoffs, and many feared that the explosive guard would be lost for the season.

Distraught Bulls fans presumed that the season would be lost but his Adidas commercials that aired throughout the regular season gave many hope that his return this season was imminent. Unfortunately, it seems that the commercials were merely a marketing ploy as fans have been forced to settle for watching Rose warm-up and dunk during pre-game warm-ups.

Although it may be unfair to compare Rose to players who suffered the same injury, the fact that Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio, Indiana Pacers forward Danny Granger, and New York Knicks guard Iman Shumpert all have returned this season from the same debilitating injury which frustrated one fan so much that he is suing Rose for not playing.

Last night fans and pundits witnessed the value of effort as Noah wincing with each step fought through the pain and left it all on the floor. Rose has always been a fan favorite, praised for his humility and his selflessness, but after witnessing the effort of his teammate first-hand the time for Rose to overcome the mental hurdles of his injury is now. The Chicago-native is the captain of his hometown team and he must now take the lead, or at show chi that he is trying. Will Rose be in a suit or shorts in Game 3 at the United Center? Stay tuned… I know I will – A. Denmark

Anthony Denmark is a writer for eatdrnkslpsprtz.com. Follow him on Twitter@eatdrkslpsprtz2, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. Listen to eatdrnkslpsprtz radio Tues/Thurs 630 PM EST

NBA Playoffs: Previewing Sunday’s Match-ups

After 82 games of no defense and little effort on the court, effort returns with everything now on the line and with each team dreaming of hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy as NBA Champions. Although the Miami Heat are the prohibitive favorite the NBA Title will not be gift wrapped and handed to them with a bow on a silver platter.

The fortunate 16 teams who have made it to the postseason all are vulnerable and enter the playoffs not completely at full strength.

Miami Heat vs. Milwaukee Bucks

The Heat’s first round tussle with the Milwaukee Bucks may not be the cake walk that many expect. The Bucks led by scorers Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis will build a tent in the lane and fire from long-range with abandonment. The Heat will have several of their shots swatted by defensive player of the year candidate Larry Sanders who gave the Heat fits in the regular season. Although I do believe the Bucks have the talent to steal a game at home, many will not be surprised if the Heat use Jennings comments of beating the defending champions in six games as fuel to send a message to the rest of the teams in the playoffs.

Indiana Pacers vs. Atlanta Hawks

The Indiana Pacers limp into the playoffs on a three game losing streak without their full complement of players. With only two players under long-term contracts the Atlanta Hawks play each game trying to impress future suitors and also to change the mind of Hawks ownership to offer them a long-term contract. During the regular season the teams have split their match-ups but the Pacers were clearly the more talented team. Although the Hawks will not be swept the Pacer will be prime for an upset if their All-Star forward Paul George does not get out of his regular season scoring funk.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs

At the start of the 2012 season each of these teams were projected by many to be the prohibitive favorite to challenge the Oklahoma City Thunder for the Western Conference title. Both of these aging franchise have been riddled with the injury bug and enter the playoff a shell of the team that many expected them to be. Tony Parker is hobbling on one leg and Steve Nash continues to make fans forget that he collected two MVPs in his career. This game will ultimately be won or loss in the paint. Does Tim Duncan have enough spring in his legs to thwart the Kobe-less Lakers and their twin towers. Dwight Howard‘s inability to hit free throws in the clutch combined with Kawhi Leonard and their bench will be the Spurs saving grace .

Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

James Harden returns to him home stomping ground poised to remind the Thunder front office that they made a huge mistake in trading him. The Thunders duo of Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant should be enough to take down the Rockets lone star. Although the Houston Rockets are capable of scoring points in bunches their inability to make defensive stops will be their downfall. Expect Westbrook to do lay up drill against the Rockets and live at the free throw line when they decide to foul.

Anthony Denmark is a writer for eatdrnkslpsprtz.com. Follow him on Twitter@eatdrkslpsprtz2, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. Listen to eatdrnkslpsprtz radio Tues/Thurs 630 PM EST & Sat 1030 AM EST

New York Knicks beat Boston Celtics in Game 1

The New York Knicks preserved home court in defeating bitter rival the Boston Celtics in Game 1. Although Carmelo scored 36 points it was defense that ultimately made the biggest difference. Led by old man wonder Jason Kidd the Knicks forced the Celtics into turnover after turnover. There were times during the regular season that many pundits alleged that the Celtics were better off without Rajon Rondo, but after Game 1 that argument can officially be put to the rest

In order to be successful in the playoffs talent alone will not get you to the promised land, basketball IQ is essential. Kenyon Martin performed remarkable in the clutch filling in for the foul ridden reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Tyson Chandler. Although championships are not won or lost in Game 1, the Knicks scored a huge victory in securing home court in a series that may go the distance.

In a losing effort the Celtics can take a lot of positives from the game. The Celtics are unlikely to duplicate their turnover parade in Game 2 and it will be wishful thinking to presume to expect Kevin Garnett to frequently miss the jumper that has been automatic for so many years.

Many worried that Carmelo’s scoring alone would not be able to withstand the best coach in the NBA, Doc Rivers and two future Hall of Famers in Paul Pierce and Garnett. This series is far from over but it promises to be an entertainin one none the lease. Stay tuned… I know I will. – A. Denmark

Anthony Denmark is a writer for eatdrnkslpsprtz.com. Follow him on Twitter@eatdrkslpsprtz2, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. Listen to eatdrnkslpsprtz radio Tues/Thurs 630 PM EST & Sat 1030 AM EST

NCAA & NBA Hoops Hardwood Pulse 04/18 by eat drink sleep sportz | Blog Talk Radio

NCAA & NBA Hoops Hardwood Pulse 04/18 by eat drink sleep sportz | Blog Talk Radio.

On the latest episode of eatdrnkslpsprtz radio we willl be joined by Houston Texans beat writer on our state of the franchise segment. We are also gonna discuss the NBA regular season and questionable underclassmen declaration. And close with discussing the NFL schedule which will be announced at the close of the show.

Come one come all, join the conversation and subscribe to the podcast on itunes. Feel free to call-in and disagree and let your opinions known, 646-915-8023. Playoff Preview article is on the way. Stay tuned… I know I will

NFL Pigskin hot topics and head scratchers 04/16 by eat drink sleep sportz | Blog Talk Radio

NFL Pigskin hot topics and head scratchers 04/16 by eat drink sleep sportz | Blog Talk Radio.

Tune into eatdrnkslpsprtz radio we are talking NFL ‘State of the Franchise’ – Houston Texans & New York Giants beat writers will explain why their perspective franchise will hoist the Lombardi Trophy in 2014. Come one, come all. Join the conversation by calling in at 646.915.8023.

If you are unable to tune into the life podcast download the show on itunes, and let me give you the break you’ve been waiting for all day. Stay tuned… I know I will – A. Denmark

College basketball: Do I stay or do I go? The toughest decision of their careers

A National Champion has been crowned, a parade has been given in the Louisville Cardinals honor and several players have accomplished their life long dream of trending on twitter. But now underclassmen have two weeks to make the tough decision either to declare for the 2013 NBA Draft or return to school to improve their draft stock and take the Economics course that all students dread.

NBA benches are filled with can’t miss high school phenoms like New Orleans Hornets guard Austin Rivers, Houston Rockets forward Thomas Robinson, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Perry Jones III, and Phoenix Suns point guard Kendall Marshall who have failed to live up to their draft stock barely registering any significant minutes in the regular season. Each of the players mention would have been locks as First Team All-Americans and would have altered the college basketball landscape and we may have possibly had a different team celebrating winning a National Championship in Atlanta.

However, this is the tough decision that awaits a number of talent NBA prospects: Do I declare while I am still considered a first round pick? Do return to school to improve my stock and risk scouts souring or worst risk injury?

For talented underclassmen NBA prospects like Missouri point guard Phil Pressey and Louisville guard Russ Smith there is little chance of them improving their draft stock and due their teams losing talent to graduation and since there is no growth spurt in sight for each of them they are unlikely to shake the hand of NBA Commissioner David Stern as first round selections whether they declare for the draft now or wait a year.

Indiana forward Cody Zeller returned for his sophomore year and he was projected to be a lock to be a top five pick got exposed throughout the season for being soft, frequently being out-muscled and bullied out of the point forced to settle for jump shots. Although Zeller is still a lock to be selected in the first round his plummeting draft stock made declaring this year a virtual certainty because returning he may have risked dropping out of the first round all together.

Returning to school also has its benefits, last season Michigan point guard Trey Burke was considered a borderline first round pick at best. But with another year of seasoning leading the Wolverines to the National Championship game and collecting Player of the Year awards along the way Burke is now a lock to be the first point guard selected in the NBA Draft.

As promising prospects continue to weigh the pros and cons of this momentous decision the landscape of college basketball lays in the balance. A tough decision awaits  promising prospects: Miami guard Shane Larkin, Michigan State guard Gary Harris, Baylor forward Isaiah Austin, and Michigan’s talented trio guard Tim Hardaway Jr., forwards Mitch McCrary and Glenn Robinson III. Should they stay or should they go? Stay tuned… I know I will – A. Denmark

Anthony Denmark is a writer for eatdrnkslpsprtz.com. Follow him on Twitter@eatdrkslpsprtz2, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. Listen to eatdrnkslpsprtz radio Tues/Thurs 630 PM EST & Sat 1030 AM EST

NCAA & NBA Hoops Hardwood Pulse 04/04 by eat drink sleep sportz | Blog Talk Radio

NCAA & NBA Hoops Hardwood Pulse 04/04 by eat drink sleep sportz | Blog Talk Radio.

With football now all but a distant memory basketball now moves to the forefront. With the Lakers spiraling out of control to the one-and-done rule completely destroying the college game join me as I discuss anything from Lebron’s fake injuries;  Russell Westbrook’s fashion scents; the Final Four; and the state of NFL franchises. Come one, come all 

Tough Coaching or Abuse: Where do you draw the line?

When a high school prospect agrees to sign with a perspective college or university the parent is entrusting the head coach to look out for the best interest of their child, helping them make the transition to independence and adulthood. Once these kids arrive on campus they undergo hours of orientations to ensure that they adhere to the NCAA policies and do not violate the rules of the institution.

The consequence of violating school or NCAA policies can be costly to an amateur athlete. Former Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant was suspended for a year when it was found that he had lied about visiting Deion Sanders home during the summer of his junior year. Brigham Young University forward Brandon Davies lost a year of eligibility when it was discovered that he had pre-marital sex which was a violation of BYU’s code of conduct.

These penalties cost Oklahoma State a chance to contend for a National Championship and stripped BYU of the opportunity to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. However, the message that the NCAA and the institutions were sending was loud and clear: “No one is above the law.”

Even Hall-of-Fame Indiana Coach Bob Knight found himself in front of a coaching firing squad when he was caught on film choking one of his players. Although Knight had coached future NBA Hall-of-famers and won his fair share of conference titles and national championships he was not exempt. But where do we draw the line between tough coaching and abuse?

Who is looking out for the best interest of the college athlete? Rutgers University basketball coach Mike Rice actions warranted more than just a 3 game suspension and a 50,000 fine. Rice crossed the line when he threw balls at his player’s head, physically assaulted them, and called them obscene names. Rice’s firing will not wash away the stain that went overlooked for three years at Rutgers by athletic director Tim Pernetti who hired Rice.

In order for Rutgers to get a fresh start and regain the trust of the New Jersey community and basketball recruits Pernetti may need to be let go since he failed to look out for the best interest of the athletes who were the true victims in this scandal? Should Pernetti be let go for believing that since there not a line of players outside his door that Rice’s behavior was not grounds for immediate termination back in November? In time the answers to these questions and more will come to light. Stay tuned… I know I will.

Anthony Denmark is a writer for eatdrnkslpsprtz.com. Follow him on Twitter@eatdrkslpsprtz2, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. Listen to eatdrnkslpsprtz radio Tues/Thurs 630 PM EST & Sat 1030 AM EST