Imagine being Jordan Morgan. It's 2012 and you're the starting center for the Michigan Wolverines. This season you have talented sophomores in Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr returning, and three talented incoming freshmen in Nick Stauskus, Glen Robinson III, and Mitch McGary. This is by far the most talent you've ever had around you at Michigan...and things get off to a great start.
Then it happens.
At the start of the 2012-13 NCAA tournament, Morgan was replaced by the highly touted freshman Mitch McGary. To his credit, McGary did not disappoint. In fact, he was down right spectacular in his six tournament games. So much so, most believe that he, and not Trey Burke, would have been the MVP of that tournament had the Wolverines pulled it out. Michigan lost in the title game.
Back to Morgan.
As happy as he may have been for the team, it had to have bothered Morgan to not have been a contributor during that magical tournament run. After all, he was there through coach Beilein's lean years...before the big name recruits started rolling in. So when Morgan said that he would return for his final year of eligibility, folks in Ann Arbor were surprised. Myself included. After all, Morgan had just earned his degree, and seemed to have no shot of reclaiming his old job. Not only was McGary now a pre season All American heading into the 2013-14 campaign, Jon Horford would also steal what little minutes remained at that position. There were absolutely no guarantees for Morgan.
Then it happened.
In a twist of fate, McGary was lost for the season...early in the season. Morgan was thrust back into the lineup, and once again must have felt slighted when the Wolverines' stocked dropped in the eyes of most national pundits as a result.
Morgan went on to have an outstanding season, upping his game in points, rebounds, and assists. He also helped lead Michigan to it's first outright Big Ten Title since...well...since he's been alive.
28 years to be exact.
Morgan also delivered in this year's Big Ten and NCAA tournaments, often making the crucial play late in the game to either earn the win...or save the win. He played with confidence, and a physicality that I've never witnessed from him...and I've literally watched every game that he's played in.
I guess sometimes you have to roll the dice...and bet on yourself. Morgan did, and as a result, he got to walk off the court for the last time from mid court...and not the bench.
Good job by you Mr. Morgan.
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Monday, March 31, 2014
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Don't let Madness "upsets" upset you
The NCAA's Championship Week has been must see TV, delivering several nail biters...and even more upsets. In the last two days alone, 8 of the top 25 (#3 Villanova, #10 Kansas, #11 Syracuse, #13 Cincinnati, #15 North Carolina, #18 Memphis, #19 St. Louis, and #25 SMU) were all bounced out of their conference tournaments by lower seeds. #7 Duke, #8 Michigan, and #24 Ohio State should have all lost yesterday as well, but managed to survive by the skin of their collective teeth.
For the casual fan...with rankings in hand, channel surfing the various games and observing all these upsets...I know it must be maddening.
No pun intended.
After all, your office pool tournament bracket is due by Wednesday...and you had every intention on playing it safe (advancing the higher seeds throughout your tournament bracket...selecting very few upsets along the way). Now you're all confused, and wondering if you should blow up that strategy.....
Don't.
If you are tempted to bounce one of the above mentioned teams out of the first round of this year's national tournament, based on what you saw the last few days, hold your horses. There are factors involved in what you just witnessed.
For one, desperation, and a lack thereof. All of the teams in the top 25 came into their conference tournament knowing they were in the field of 68. Most already knew that a conference tourney championship could not catapult them to a number 1 seed. On the other end, they are facing a team that is either on the bubble...needing a quality win to increase their chances, or a completely desperate team that needs to win the whole thing to make it in.
That in itself can lead to a disparity in effort, leading to some of the upsets you've been witnessing. Most of those ranked teams, right or wrong, are looking forward to Selection Sunday, their destination, and their opening round opponent.
Now...Villanova and Michigan still have everything to play for, so they have no excuse for their performance.
What does all of this mean to your bracket casual fan? It means that, of course, there will be upsets every year, but you should be fine using your "play it safe" strategy. The next time the above mentioned schools suit up, it will be for a shot at a national title...so match ups should trump any thought of that team's conference tournament results.
But don't be so quick to jump to Sunday young grasshopper. Championship week has been outstanding so far, and the dust is starting to settle...leaving us with Big Boy match ups leading into the Selection Show. Do yourself a favor, and check out a game or two.
Oh, and good luck with your bracket! follow @plcolter
For the casual fan...with rankings in hand, channel surfing the various games and observing all these upsets...I know it must be maddening.
No pun intended.
After all, your office pool tournament bracket is due by Wednesday...and you had every intention on playing it safe (advancing the higher seeds throughout your tournament bracket...selecting very few upsets along the way). Now you're all confused, and wondering if you should blow up that strategy.....
Don't.
If you are tempted to bounce one of the above mentioned teams out of the first round of this year's national tournament, based on what you saw the last few days, hold your horses. There are factors involved in what you just witnessed.
For one, desperation, and a lack thereof. All of the teams in the top 25 came into their conference tournament knowing they were in the field of 68. Most already knew that a conference tourney championship could not catapult them to a number 1 seed. On the other end, they are facing a team that is either on the bubble...needing a quality win to increase their chances, or a completely desperate team that needs to win the whole thing to make it in.
That in itself can lead to a disparity in effort, leading to some of the upsets you've been witnessing. Most of those ranked teams, right or wrong, are looking forward to Selection Sunday, their destination, and their opening round opponent.
Now...Villanova and Michigan still have everything to play for, so they have no excuse for their performance.
What does all of this mean to your bracket casual fan? It means that, of course, there will be upsets every year, but you should be fine using your "play it safe" strategy. The next time the above mentioned schools suit up, it will be for a shot at a national title...so match ups should trump any thought of that team's conference tournament results.
But don't be so quick to jump to Sunday young grasshopper. Championship week has been outstanding so far, and the dust is starting to settle...leaving us with Big Boy match ups leading into the Selection Show. Do yourself a favor, and check out a game or two.
Oh, and good luck with your bracket! follow @plcolter
Saturday, March 8, 2014
The NBA has it's own Final Four brewing
March is here ladies and gentlemen! That can only mean one thing for sports fans...the annual bonanza known as March Madness is rapidly approaching. As the NCAA college basketball regular season comes to a close this weekend, casual fans will start to check out the conference tournaments...in hopes of getting a head start on this year's tourney bracket. Which...by the way...I can't wait for.
But in between tournament games, keep an eye on the NBA's Western Conference playoff race...specifically the final four teams looking to grab the last three spots in this year's playoffs.
Golden State (6th), Phoenix (7th), Dallas (8th), and Memphis (9th) are all within three games of each other with approximately 20 games to go. The race for the final two spots in even tighter, with one game separating the Suns, Mavs, and Grizzlies. A quick look at the current standings.
Golden State 39-24
Phoenix 36-25
Dallas 37-26
Memphis 35-26
What's so great about this playoff race, is that all four teams are playing lights out...and show no signs of conceding a thing. In the last week or so...Golden State went into Indiana and won, Phoenix beat OKC, Dallas beat Portland, and Memphis beat the Clippers...all of those teams have all but secured playoff births.
Since Marc Gasol's return in mid January, the Memphis Grizzlies have the second best record in the entire league...and have still been unable to leapfrog the Warriors, Suns, or Mavs. That's how strong the West is...again. Case in point, a good friend of mine sent me a text during the Grizz Bulls game last night...telling me that Memphis (currently 9th at 35-26) would be the 3rd seed in the East. I shook my head...and as a Grizz fan I should move on in a hurry.
So I digress.
With no one giving an inch...head to head match ups coming down the stretch could determine this year's playoff participants. Some notable upcoming games....
March 9th: Phoenix at Golden State
March 11th: Dallas at Golden State
March 28th Memphis at Golden State
Two things we should know by the time this playoff race is over.
1.One of the best 16 teams in the league will not be in this year's playoffs.
2. Whoever takes those last three slots would have played their way in...translation..the top 3 seeds in the West are officially on upset alert.
follow @plcolter
But in between tournament games, keep an eye on the NBA's Western Conference playoff race...specifically the final four teams looking to grab the last three spots in this year's playoffs.
Golden State (6th), Phoenix (7th), Dallas (8th), and Memphis (9th) are all within three games of each other with approximately 20 games to go. The race for the final two spots in even tighter, with one game separating the Suns, Mavs, and Grizzlies. A quick look at the current standings.
Golden State 39-24
Phoenix 36-25
Dallas 37-26
Memphis 35-26
What's so great about this playoff race, is that all four teams are playing lights out...and show no signs of conceding a thing. In the last week or so...Golden State went into Indiana and won, Phoenix beat OKC, Dallas beat Portland, and Memphis beat the Clippers...all of those teams have all but secured playoff births.
Since Marc Gasol's return in mid January, the Memphis Grizzlies have the second best record in the entire league...and have still been unable to leapfrog the Warriors, Suns, or Mavs. That's how strong the West is...again. Case in point, a good friend of mine sent me a text during the Grizz Bulls game last night...telling me that Memphis (currently 9th at 35-26) would be the 3rd seed in the East. I shook my head...and as a Grizz fan I should move on in a hurry.
So I digress.
With no one giving an inch...head to head match ups coming down the stretch could determine this year's playoff participants. Some notable upcoming games....
March 9th: Phoenix at Golden State
March 11th: Dallas at Golden State
March 28th Memphis at Golden State
Two things we should know by the time this playoff race is over.
1.One of the best 16 teams in the league will not be in this year's playoffs.
2. Whoever takes those last three slots would have played their way in...translation..the top 3 seeds in the West are officially on upset alert.
follow @plcolter
Thursday, February 27, 2014
GR III: Great moment...crowning achievement?
Wednesday was a great day to be Glen Robinson III. Michigan's sophomore forward sank six of his last eight shots, including a game winning kiss off the glass in overtime to beat Purdue. GR III, an Indiana native, not only balled out and won the game, he did it at the Mackey Arena. You know, the place that his father...Glen "Big Dog" Robinson built as a Boilermaker in the early 90's? The number one overall pick in the NBA draft. The one that was in attendance...looking as proud as can be. It must have seemed like a fairy tale as his peers sprang from the bench to mob him on the court....in his home state...with his family in attendance.
But folks in Ann Arbor are quietly asking....is this the best moment we'll ever see from GR III?
There's no question that Glen Robinson III is talented. He is naturally gifted and can do things on the court with so much ease...it almost looks as if he's not trying. Sometimes that same demeanor comes across on the court during games. To say that he lacks passion is unfair, but it is fair to suggest that he seems uninterested on the court at times, and at other times can look completely dominant. GR III has to understand the high expectations that are placed on him, whether it's the name he carries..or the tools that he brings to the table...or both. He also must understand how fans can become frustrated when he seems ok with being a ghost on the court. Fair or unfair, that's life in B1G big time basketball.
GR III's inconsistencies have gone largely unnoticed by the masses...and that's because Michigan continues to find a way to get it done. Let's not forget, with the departure of Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr, coupled with the season ending injury to pre season All American Mitch McGary, Robinson III was expected to lead this young and inexperienced team this year.
Instead, we've watched the emergence of Nick Stauskus and Caris LaVert. Those two have primarily carried the team offensively this year. Folks in Ann Arbor have been screaming for GR III to use his athleticism and become more aggressive. To slash to the paint and get easy points from the line. And that's just it...he can do it every game..just like this last one...he just doesn't...for some reason.
The most optimistic Wolverine fan will see this as a coming out party for GR III. I'm sure the team hopes that it was. For others that decide to take a wait and see approach, their stance is valid as well.
We won't have to wait long to find out. Michigan's next game is in the prime time Saturday evening slot. And all eyes will be on GR III. Will he use this new found fame as an opportunity to re-write his legacy? Or was Wednesday night GR III's legacy moment?
follow @plcolter
But folks in Ann Arbor are quietly asking....is this the best moment we'll ever see from GR III?
There's no question that Glen Robinson III is talented. He is naturally gifted and can do things on the court with so much ease...it almost looks as if he's not trying. Sometimes that same demeanor comes across on the court during games. To say that he lacks passion is unfair, but it is fair to suggest that he seems uninterested on the court at times, and at other times can look completely dominant. GR III has to understand the high expectations that are placed on him, whether it's the name he carries..or the tools that he brings to the table...or both. He also must understand how fans can become frustrated when he seems ok with being a ghost on the court. Fair or unfair, that's life in B1G big time basketball.
GR III's inconsistencies have gone largely unnoticed by the masses...and that's because Michigan continues to find a way to get it done. Let's not forget, with the departure of Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr, coupled with the season ending injury to pre season All American Mitch McGary, Robinson III was expected to lead this young and inexperienced team this year.
Instead, we've watched the emergence of Nick Stauskus and Caris LaVert. Those two have primarily carried the team offensively this year. Folks in Ann Arbor have been screaming for GR III to use his athleticism and become more aggressive. To slash to the paint and get easy points from the line. And that's just it...he can do it every game..just like this last one...he just doesn't...for some reason.
The most optimistic Wolverine fan will see this as a coming out party for GR III. I'm sure the team hopes that it was. For others that decide to take a wait and see approach, their stance is valid as well.
We won't have to wait long to find out. Michigan's next game is in the prime time Saturday evening slot. And all eyes will be on GR III. Will he use this new found fame as an opportunity to re-write his legacy? Or was Wednesday night GR III's legacy moment?
follow @plcolter
Monday, February 24, 2014
The NFL...and the other N Word
Every year the NFL's Competition Committee meets to discuss the various rules that players and organizations must abide by. The past few years the committee has introduced a controversial new wrinkle to the country's most popular sport. But this year's proposed penalty for using the n-word has me scratching my head. In fact, the only n word the NFL should be uttering right now, as it relates to this topic, is NO!
With the recently concluded Richie Incognito /Jonathan Martin / Miami Dolphins investigation, there is a heightened sensitivity to the use of the word, and more specifically....bullying. If you are unfamiliar with this topic, Google it. You should be caught up within the first few lines.
The NFL is proposing that a 15 yard penalty be assessed to the team who's player uses the word. A second infraction would lead to a fine. While I am all for cleaning up the game, I wonder what the ramifications of this rule change would be....from a public relations stand point. I just don't know if the NFL is ready to be the face of the word, because let's face it, it's going to happen.
You can almost feel the nervous tension from local bar owners, when the first game is stopped and the referee says something to the point of..."personal foul on the defense....the nose tackle just called Cam Newton the n-word!" Now picture that same bar owner scanning the tables and watching some fans (of all races) squirm in their seat, while other fans (of all races) take the n-word topic away from the world of sports. By the way, they're all drinking. That bar owner is praying that somebody...anybody scores on the next play.
Or even worse, a fan of the visiting team is sitting in the stadium, and a player on their team commits the n-word infraction. Taunting, and everything that comes along with that, is sure to ensue....and will escalate....eventually. Is the NFL ready to bear the brunt if something, God forbid, tragic happened specifically related to this topic at one of their venues?
And what about the teams? Will there be a human resources seminar to the most fined team? And will the players have to complete sensitivity training before returning to the field? If I'm making this sound like a joke, it's because it is. People (of all races) looking for an easy outlet to voice their political beliefs will be all over this like ants at a picnic. And is the fine worse if it's said to a black player...from a white player? You laugh now but someone will ask that, in front of millions of people.
If the NFL wants to police the use of the n-word I'm all for it. But I would suggest for it to be handled privately, and internally...like other fines that teams give their players. Making it public to prove a point is cutting off your nose to spite your face. The weekly talk shows, for the foreseeable future, would be running a weekly n-word report before the injuries. The topic would never go away. And you just wait until this rule costs someone a game...no, a playoff game. You just wait. I hope the NFL really considers this rule change before ultimately implementing it. Because a change of this magnitude can never be undone.
Even if it turns out to be a public relations nightmare. follow @plcolter
With the recently concluded Richie Incognito /Jonathan Martin / Miami Dolphins investigation, there is a heightened sensitivity to the use of the word, and more specifically....bullying. If you are unfamiliar with this topic, Google it. You should be caught up within the first few lines.
The NFL is proposing that a 15 yard penalty be assessed to the team who's player uses the word. A second infraction would lead to a fine. While I am all for cleaning up the game, I wonder what the ramifications of this rule change would be....from a public relations stand point. I just don't know if the NFL is ready to be the face of the word, because let's face it, it's going to happen.
You can almost feel the nervous tension from local bar owners, when the first game is stopped and the referee says something to the point of..."personal foul on the defense....the nose tackle just called Cam Newton the n-word!" Now picture that same bar owner scanning the tables and watching some fans (of all races) squirm in their seat, while other fans (of all races) take the n-word topic away from the world of sports. By the way, they're all drinking. That bar owner is praying that somebody...anybody scores on the next play.
Or even worse, a fan of the visiting team is sitting in the stadium, and a player on their team commits the n-word infraction. Taunting, and everything that comes along with that, is sure to ensue....and will escalate....eventually. Is the NFL ready to bear the brunt if something, God forbid, tragic happened specifically related to this topic at one of their venues?
And what about the teams? Will there be a human resources seminar to the most fined team? And will the players have to complete sensitivity training before returning to the field? If I'm making this sound like a joke, it's because it is. People (of all races) looking for an easy outlet to voice their political beliefs will be all over this like ants at a picnic. And is the fine worse if it's said to a black player...from a white player? You laugh now but someone will ask that, in front of millions of people.
If the NFL wants to police the use of the n-word I'm all for it. But I would suggest for it to be handled privately, and internally...like other fines that teams give their players. Making it public to prove a point is cutting off your nose to spite your face. The weekly talk shows, for the foreseeable future, would be running a weekly n-word report before the injuries. The topic would never go away. And you just wait until this rule costs someone a game...no, a playoff game. You just wait. I hope the NFL really considers this rule change before ultimately implementing it. Because a change of this magnitude can never be undone.
Even if it turns out to be a public relations nightmare. follow @plcolter
Saturday, February 15, 2014
From Black Quarterback to Quarterback
Enrique Robles, a friend and colleague of mine, sent me a very interesting piece on the late Steve McNair, and the evolution of the black quarterback. The article, which is a great read by the way, depicted the HBCU's (Historically Black College University) diminishing role in developing black quarterbacks for the professional level. Steve McNair, the last great HBCU qb to excel on the professional level, only played at Alcorn State because the powerhouse programs wanted him to play defense. Today, the black quarterback is given the chance to play qb at the best programs in the country, thus leading to the gift and the curse of the HBCU's quandry. Black qb's no longer have to attend those schools to play qb.
Reading that article made me think of Russell Wilson, and his Super Bowl victory. But not of him being only the second qb of African American decent to win a Super Bowl, but that...to my knowledge...was not dubbed a "black" qb...even with hours and hours of non stop news coverage leading up to the game.
As an African American coming up during the rise of the "black" qb, I can vividly remember those players...most notably Warren Moon, wanting to be known as just a "qb". As a born and raised Nashvillian, I vividly remember Steve McNair's Super Bowl run in 99, and the topic of his race at the position becoming draining to him as the game approached.
In this messy media savy world that we live in, it was refreshing to see the topic of the "black" qb become old and boring. Credit sports fans of all races for not "pitting" Manning vs Wilson, but embracing the game as just that...a game where players of all races are 60 minutes away from reaching a life long goal.
If, as a society, we are quick to point out when the media get's it wrong, then we should also give credit where credit is due.
follow @plcolter.
Reading that article made me think of Russell Wilson, and his Super Bowl victory. But not of him being only the second qb of African American decent to win a Super Bowl, but that...to my knowledge...was not dubbed a "black" qb...even with hours and hours of non stop news coverage leading up to the game.
As an African American coming up during the rise of the "black" qb, I can vividly remember those players...most notably Warren Moon, wanting to be known as just a "qb". As a born and raised Nashvillian, I vividly remember Steve McNair's Super Bowl run in 99, and the topic of his race at the position becoming draining to him as the game approached.
In this messy media savy world that we live in, it was refreshing to see the topic of the "black" qb become old and boring. Credit sports fans of all races for not "pitting" Manning vs Wilson, but embracing the game as just that...a game where players of all races are 60 minutes away from reaching a life long goal.
If, as a society, we are quick to point out when the media get's it wrong, then we should also give credit where credit is due.
follow @plcolter.
NBA All Star Break Review.....
With the NFL just getting out of our veins, sports fans are lukewarmly turning their attention to the NBA. Sundays that were filled with grid iron greatness will now be replaced by the nationally televised NBA double header. To kick off their reintroduction to the world, the NBA will host it's annual All Star event this weekend in the Big Easy, culminating with the game itself Sunday night. Whether you are a passer by...looking to keep your basketball pulse until March Madness, or a casual fan that prefers football, but will tune in when it's over...we'll get you caught up on the first half of 2013-14 NBA season.
The Miami Heat:
Outside of the first place Indiana Pacers, there is virtually no threat to the Heat and their quest for a fourth straight Eastern Conference Title. Indiana and Miami have separated themselves, and...barring a catastrophic injury...should finish 1 and 2 in the standings....setting up another epic Eastern Conference finals showdown.
The Wild Wild West:
The Western Conference is it's usual dog fight, with Oklahoma City and San Antonio leading the pack. The West can be summed up by three playoff races....as the conference is divided into three clear tiers....The seed contenders, the playoff contenders, and the lottery contenders. OKC and San Antonio...barring any more injuries, should secure a top 4 seed and home court advantage in the first round of this year's playoffs. The race for the other two spots is fierce...and wide open. Houston, The LA Clippers, and Portland (currently 3rd, 4th, and 5th,) have started to separate themselves, and are all basically tied record wise. One thing's for sure, whoever finishes 4th will have a tough opponent in the first round. The second tier of teams have also started to separate themselves from the third, and are in a fierce dog fight for the final three playoff spots. Dallas, Phoenix, Golden State, and Memphis (currently 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th) are all playing well, and are all within two games of each other with approximately 30 or so to go. The third tier of teams are fighting for lottery ping pong balls...and a stud college freshman.
So I'll digress.
Big Market Meltdown:
If last week is any indication, the NBA is in a real tough spot this spring. It's biggest markets (New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia) boasts some of the worst teams in the league this year. These games were scheduled way in advance, and with no flex scheduling that I can think of, we may be forced to watch a 20 win team get throttled Sunday after Sunday.
Point Well Taken:
This has been, by far, the year of the point guard....and for all the wrong reasons. Several high profile point guards (Derrick Rose, Steve Nash, Russell Westbrook, Rajon Rondo, Mike Conley, Deron Williams) have all missed considerable time due to injury. And that's not even counting Kobe, who can technically be listed because he runs his team's offense. With the exception of Rose, all should be back at some point to finish the season.
Trade Deadline:
With so many bad teams, and so much projected first round talent coming up in the draft, look for cellar dwellers to maybe ship off a veteran or two to a contender to position themselves. More importantly, we all know this is the year LeBron can opt out of his deal. What teams will do what to position themselves for a crack at King James? Something to look out for.
Enjoy the All Star festivities, and the rest of the season. follow @plcolter
The Miami Heat:
Outside of the first place Indiana Pacers, there is virtually no threat to the Heat and their quest for a fourth straight Eastern Conference Title. Indiana and Miami have separated themselves, and...barring a catastrophic injury...should finish 1 and 2 in the standings....setting up another epic Eastern Conference finals showdown.
The Wild Wild West:
The Western Conference is it's usual dog fight, with Oklahoma City and San Antonio leading the pack. The West can be summed up by three playoff races....as the conference is divided into three clear tiers....The seed contenders, the playoff contenders, and the lottery contenders. OKC and San Antonio...barring any more injuries, should secure a top 4 seed and home court advantage in the first round of this year's playoffs. The race for the other two spots is fierce...and wide open. Houston, The LA Clippers, and Portland (currently 3rd, 4th, and 5th,) have started to separate themselves, and are all basically tied record wise. One thing's for sure, whoever finishes 4th will have a tough opponent in the first round. The second tier of teams have also started to separate themselves from the third, and are in a fierce dog fight for the final three playoff spots. Dallas, Phoenix, Golden State, and Memphis (currently 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th) are all playing well, and are all within two games of each other with approximately 30 or so to go. The third tier of teams are fighting for lottery ping pong balls...and a stud college freshman.
So I'll digress.
Big Market Meltdown:
If last week is any indication, the NBA is in a real tough spot this spring. It's biggest markets (New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia) boasts some of the worst teams in the league this year. These games were scheduled way in advance, and with no flex scheduling that I can think of, we may be forced to watch a 20 win team get throttled Sunday after Sunday.
Point Well Taken:
This has been, by far, the year of the point guard....and for all the wrong reasons. Several high profile point guards (Derrick Rose, Steve Nash, Russell Westbrook, Rajon Rondo, Mike Conley, Deron Williams) have all missed considerable time due to injury. And that's not even counting Kobe, who can technically be listed because he runs his team's offense. With the exception of Rose, all should be back at some point to finish the season.
Trade Deadline:
With so many bad teams, and so much projected first round talent coming up in the draft, look for cellar dwellers to maybe ship off a veteran or two to a contender to position themselves. More importantly, we all know this is the year LeBron can opt out of his deal. What teams will do what to position themselves for a crack at King James? Something to look out for.
Enjoy the All Star festivities, and the rest of the season. follow @plcolter
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