Normally, the NFL draft isn’t very interesting to watch. The first round on Thursday night was an exception. I watched about two thirds of the first round — breaking between picks 10 and 22 to shoot at some foul-mouthed 12-year-olds in Modern Warfare 2 on the PS3 — and found a few developments particularly intriguing.
Did anyone seriously think Tim Tebow was going in the first round? One of the best college football players of all time, the Heisman Trophy winner was projected by many as a third- or fourth-round NFL talent. The Broncos disagreed and took him at No. 25, creating some confusion in the process.
If the Broncos feel Kyle Orton is not the answer at quarterback, I respect that. But why take Tebow, who won’t be ready to start under center in the NFL for at least a couple years, if ever?
It’s especially odd considering Jimmy Clausen of Notre Dame and Colt McCoy of Texas both were still available. Certainly there are questions surrounding Clausen (jerk) and McCoy (weak arm), but many more will accompany Tebow to Denver.
Speaking of questions, am I the only one that would have a few for Bill Belichick about the Patriots’ top pick? Clearly the Pats need help on defense, but they passed on two potentially good pass rushers, who would serve a greater need than an undersized cornerback. But, Scott Barrett’s text to me after the pick probably sums up the way most New England fans feel: “In Bill we trust.”
Patriots fans might trust Bill more than Tebow trusts Jesus.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Stop mocking
The first step toward recovery is admitting you have a problem. Unfortunately, it’s not also the last step.
I have a mock draft addiction. Come springtime, the Internet is littered with predictions about which players teams will select in the NFL draft. As the actual draft draws nearer, I can’t help but scour sports Web sites for any insight into who the Green Bay Packers might pick.
I can’t help it. I realize mock drafts are ridiculous on many levels. They don’t, and can’t, take into account the numerous trades that are likely to occur. For the most part, the so-called experts constructing them have no clues as to which direction a team might be leaning.
But now, mock draft season officially comes to an end, because the real draft will reveal the actual picks, complete with trades, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. What’s a little strange is, I probably won’t watch more than a few minutes of draft coverage. As much as I love mock drafts, I find the actual draft almost unwatchable.
It takes too damn long, and all the down time (and there will be plenty of it) is filled with Mel Kiper and Todd McShay arguing about the picks that have happened and will happen. They never agree, which is a little entertaining, but not enough to watch for 17 hours.
Perhaps the appeal of mock drafts is that they’re finished as quickly as you can read them. Which is why I’ll get the bulk of my draft knowledge the morning after in the paper.
I have a mock draft addiction. Come springtime, the Internet is littered with predictions about which players teams will select in the NFL draft. As the actual draft draws nearer, I can’t help but scour sports Web sites for any insight into who the Green Bay Packers might pick.
I can’t help it. I realize mock drafts are ridiculous on many levels. They don’t, and can’t, take into account the numerous trades that are likely to occur. For the most part, the so-called experts constructing them have no clues as to which direction a team might be leaning.
But now, mock draft season officially comes to an end, because the real draft will reveal the actual picks, complete with trades, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. What’s a little strange is, I probably won’t watch more than a few minutes of draft coverage. As much as I love mock drafts, I find the actual draft almost unwatchable.
It takes too damn long, and all the down time (and there will be plenty of it) is filled with Mel Kiper and Todd McShay arguing about the picks that have happened and will happen. They never agree, which is a little entertaining, but not enough to watch for 17 hours.
Perhaps the appeal of mock drafts is that they’re finished as quickly as you can read them. Which is why I’ll get the bulk of my draft knowledge the morning after in the paper.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Garnett suspended for Game 3
OK, not really.
But after Boston's 106-77 victory over the Miami Heat in Game 2 on Tuesday night, a game in which Celtics forward Kevin Garnett served a one-game suspension, you almost wish he was.
Glen 'Big Baby' Davis stood in for Garnett and played his tail off, scoring 23 points and grabbing eight rebounds. He was out to prove a point, and clearly were the Celtics, who led by as many as 33 in the second half.
Entering the playoffs, detractors said the Celtics, who stumbled mightily down the stretch, were too old and couldn't just 'turn it on' when the playoffs came around. I wonder what they're saying now. Yes, it's only a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven, first-round series, but judging by Tuesday night's performance, it's obvious that these Celtics are putting their best foot forward.
As far as Davis, it's been a whirlwind year. After rumors were swirling during the offseason about the third-year forward signing with the Spurs, he was suspended early after getting into a fight with a friend in a car (breaking his hand in the process). He played in only 54 regular season games.
But when needed, he came through, much like he did last season when Garnett missed the playoffs with a knee injury. Minutes are tough to get during the playoffs, but perhaps Doc Rivers should consider giving Baby more if he's going to put forth an inspired effort like this every night.
Or he could just suspend Garnett for another game.
But after Boston's 106-77 victory over the Miami Heat in Game 2 on Tuesday night, a game in which Celtics forward Kevin Garnett served a one-game suspension, you almost wish he was.
Glen 'Big Baby' Davis stood in for Garnett and played his tail off, scoring 23 points and grabbing eight rebounds. He was out to prove a point, and clearly were the Celtics, who led by as many as 33 in the second half.
Entering the playoffs, detractors said the Celtics, who stumbled mightily down the stretch, were too old and couldn't just 'turn it on' when the playoffs came around. I wonder what they're saying now. Yes, it's only a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven, first-round series, but judging by Tuesday night's performance, it's obvious that these Celtics are putting their best foot forward.
As far as Davis, it's been a whirlwind year. After rumors were swirling during the offseason about the third-year forward signing with the Spurs, he was suspended early after getting into a fight with a friend in a car (breaking his hand in the process). He played in only 54 regular season games.
But when needed, he came through, much like he did last season when Garnett missed the playoffs with a knee injury. Minutes are tough to get during the playoffs, but perhaps Doc Rivers should consider giving Baby more if he's going to put forth an inspired effort like this every night.
Or he could just suspend Garnett for another game.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Another reason to hate Duke
As if their fourth national championship, won a few weeks ago with a band of well-mannered, upstanding student-athletes, wasn't enough, Monday gave us another reason to hate the Duke University basketball team.
One of the no-good punks on the team, Final Four Most Outstanding Player Kyle Singler, decided he's staying at Duke for his senior season. That's Duke for you. Another four-and-done player.
For years, all Mike Krzyzewski has done is recruit player after player who doesn't look or act like a thug, stays academically eligible and doesn't jump ship after one season for the bright lights and big paychecks of the NBA.
Granted, there have been exceptions at Duke, from the successful (Carlos Boozer, Shane Battier) to the not-so-successful (William Avery). But by and large, Coach K seems to prefer good kids who also are good basketball players.
Perhaps Singler realizes that his NBA stock is not high, despite his recent performance in the NCAA tournament. That's the case for a lot of Dukies: great college players, mediocre, at best, pros. But still, there's something gratifying about a top college player deciding to stay in school.
Players who leave school early have their reasons. Few Duke recruits, however, see the school as a means to an NBA end. These kids are Blue Devils for life.
You think John Wall will even remember where he went to college in a few years? Actually, he probably will when he opens his mail and, along with his check from the Nets, are letters from Kentucky asking for donations. But he never did, and never will bleed UK blue.
One of the no-good punks on the team, Final Four Most Outstanding Player Kyle Singler, decided he's staying at Duke for his senior season. That's Duke for you. Another four-and-done player.
For years, all Mike Krzyzewski has done is recruit player after player who doesn't look or act like a thug, stays academically eligible and doesn't jump ship after one season for the bright lights and big paychecks of the NBA.
Granted, there have been exceptions at Duke, from the successful (Carlos Boozer, Shane Battier) to the not-so-successful (William Avery). But by and large, Coach K seems to prefer good kids who also are good basketball players.
Perhaps Singler realizes that his NBA stock is not high, despite his recent performance in the NCAA tournament. That's the case for a lot of Dukies: great college players, mediocre, at best, pros. But still, there's something gratifying about a top college player deciding to stay in school.
Players who leave school early have their reasons. Few Duke recruits, however, see the school as a means to an NBA end. These kids are Blue Devils for life.
You think John Wall will even remember where he went to college in a few years? Actually, he probably will when he opens his mail and, along with his check from the Nets, are letters from Kentucky asking for donations. But he never did, and never will bleed UK blue.
Monday, April 19, 2010
KG needs to keep cool
Kevin Garnett is an intense guy. Anyone who saw him at Celtics training camp in Newport the past two years can attest to that. But sometimes, that intensity gets him into trouble.
Case in point: Saturday night in Boston's playoff opener against the Miami Heat.
Garnett was checking on teammate Paul Pierce, after The Truth was knocked off the court. Miami's Quentin Richardson came over for reasons unknown and KG took offense. Then, in the words of Ron Burgundy, "That escalated quickly. I mean, that really got out of hand fast."
Garnett found himself in the middle of a minor shoving match, he threw a couple of elbows and, as a result, is suspended for Tuesday's Game 2.
A suspension seems like a somewhat unfair penalty, but at the same time, Garnett should know better. He's been in the league a long time and has to keep his emotions in check, especially during the playoffs.
And ever since the Pistons-Pacers brawl in 2004 (Ron Artest's legacy), the NBA clearly has no tolerance for violence. I'm as aware as anyone how hard it is to stay cool in the heat of the moment on a basketball court, or any other playing surface. But Garnett is a professional, and his team needs him to stay focused. He lost his focus for a few seconds Saturday night, and it could cost the Celtics come Tuesday.
Case in point: Saturday night in Boston's playoff opener against the Miami Heat.
Garnett was checking on teammate Paul Pierce, after The Truth was knocked off the court. Miami's Quentin Richardson came over for reasons unknown and KG took offense. Then, in the words of Ron Burgundy, "That escalated quickly. I mean, that really got out of hand fast."
Garnett found himself in the middle of a minor shoving match, he threw a couple of elbows and, as a result, is suspended for Tuesday's Game 2.
A suspension seems like a somewhat unfair penalty, but at the same time, Garnett should know better. He's been in the league a long time and has to keep his emotions in check, especially during the playoffs.
And ever since the Pistons-Pacers brawl in 2004 (Ron Artest's legacy), the NBA clearly has no tolerance for violence. I'm as aware as anyone how hard it is to stay cool in the heat of the moment on a basketball court, or any other playing surface. But Garnett is a professional, and his team needs him to stay focused. He lost his focus for a few seconds Saturday night, and it could cost the Celtics come Tuesday.
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