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The War Room Episode 51!
Friday, August 5th, 2011Breaking Down Eagles Free Agency 2011
Wednesday, July 27th, 2011
With a new CBA signed and in place, it’s time to start looking at possible free agent moves for the Philadelphia Eagles. First I will look at the Eagles own free agents and than explore the possible free agents to fill the Eagles various needs.
Eagles top 5 free agents are:
MLB Stewart Bradley – while the oft-injured Bradley has shown promise over the course of his short career, his inability to stay healthy over the course of a 16 game schedule is troublesome. However, with no clear replacement on the roster, Jamar Chaney still has a lot to learn. Re-signing Bradley is a must.
SS Quintin Mikell – I like Mikell a lot but he was obviously exposed the last two seasons not playing next to B. Dawk, and with the drafting of Temple safety Jarrett in the second round it looked like the writing was on the wall for Mikell. However with last years second round pick Nate Allen returning from a knee injury and with little experience on the roster besides Kurt Coleman, the Eagles will be wise to re-sign Mikell to have veteran leadership to the back part of their secondary.
G/C Nick Cole – Nick has been a variable sub and spot-starter for the Eagles the last few seasons, and what he lacks in ideal size for the position he makes up with heart and effort. However I think it’s time for the Eagles to start looking in a new direction, unless Cole is willing to return at a reasonable salary.
RB Jerome Harrison- During his time in Cleveland, Harrison has shown flashes of being a featured back and with McCoy clearly the no.1 here in Philly; I look for Harrison to explore his free agent options with the chances of battling for a starting spot on another team.
CB Ellis Hobbs – I doubt if Ellis will return as an Eagle next season. With the team using that money to sign an upgrade at the position.
Filling team needs:
Priority #1: Cornerback
All the rumor mills point to the Eagles trading Kevin Kolb to the Arizona Cardinals for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second round pick. However, if the Eagles are unable to acquire Rodgers-Cromartie or any other cornerback in a trade involving Kevin Kolb, I feel there are a few quality free agents still available for the Eagles to choose from. The Eagles could make waves this free agency and sign Oakland’s Nnamdi Asomugha, likely at a $17 million-a-season pop, but other options are available and at a more affordable price. The Bengals Jonathan Joseph is the best of the rest in my opinion, and would fit nicely into the Eagles defense, having played a similar style with the Bengals. However, Cincinnati has cap space to keep the 27-year-old Joseph. Antonio Cromartie has ideal size, 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, but the N.Y. Jets aren’t likely to let him walk without a fight, as he has proved to be a nice complement to Revis. The same could be said for the Falcons’ Brent Grimes, a local kid who played at Northeast High, and the Chiefs’ Brandon Carr. This leaves the Eagles with choosing from Pittsburgh’s Ike Taylor and Washington’s Carlos Rogers as the next best options, however both are in their 30s.
Priority # 2 Defensive end:
Under the reign of Head coach Andy Reid, the Eagles have always placed a high value on end. Since 2007, the Eagles have drafted four defensive ends in the first three rounds. The reason the Eagles need to address defensive end during free agency is because they haven’t drafted the position well. Brandon Graham’s (last years #1 pick) knee concerns make it all but certain the Eagles will sign a defensive end this free agency period. Minnesota’s Ray Edwards and Carolina’s Charles Johnson are at the top of the defensive end class and would likely be options for the Eagles because of their sack totals and age (both are 26). However, the Panthers are expected to re-sign Johnson but the Vikings more than likely won’t be able to afford Edwards. Cliff Avril of the Lions and Mathias Kiwanuka of the Giants are also options at defensive end, if they reach free agency and aren’t resigned by their current teams. Another hot name is former Eagle Jason Babin, who has been gaining buzz because of his success last season in Tennessee under the direction of new Eagles defensive line coach Jim Washburn. He’s 31 and probably looking to cash in, so the price tag may be too high for the Eagles.
Priority #3 Defensive tackle:
Seattle’s Brandon Mebane is probably the best defensive tackle available this free agency period. Mebane is 26 and the kind of gap-plugger the Eagles covet, however word is that new defensive coordinator Juan Castillo is supposedly looking for pass rushers inside. The Bears’ Tommie Harris used to fit the mold Castillo is looking for but his numbers have steadily decreased over the last few seasons. Albert Haynesworth isn’t a free agent yet, however many believe the Redskins will release the former all-pro, another of Washburn’s success stories, so that is also an option for the Eagles.
Priority #4 Linebacker:
This all depends on whether or not the Eagles choose or want to keep Stewart Bradley. If the Eagles choose to say farewell to their middle linebacker or are outbid for his services by another team, I feel there are few options out there for the Birds. First is Buffalo’s Paul Posluszny, followed by Tennessee’s Stephen Tulloch, Tampa Bay’s Barrett Ruud, or Jacksonville’s Kirk Morrison. Posluszny is interesting because he played outside at Penn State until his senior season and could also play outside in the Eagles scheme, allowing second year man Jamar Chaney to stay inside.
Priority #5 Running Back:
Personally I feel the easiest way for the Eagles to address their backup tailback need is to keep Jerome Harrison. However that’s easier said than done. Talks out of the Nova Care Center at the end of the season was that Harrison wants an opportunity to start. He won’t get that chance here with LeSean McCoy clearly in place as the number one back. Other options include Darren Sproles of the Chargers, who appears to be a match for the Eagles offense. He can run and catch and has never been the featured back. Ronnie Brown did a lot of the Wildcat in Miami and would give Andy a new toy for that formation. Also, Bucs tailback Cadillac Williams may be willing to play back-up after losing his starting job in Tampa.
Others:
Of course if Kevin Kolb is moved, a back up to Vick has to be found among a list of candidates. I’m not thrilled by Mark Bulger, Brett Farve, Matt Hassellback, Troy Smith, Trent Edwards, etc. Like I said in an earlier blog, that a deal to acquire Vince Young makes sense. Also, the state of Winston Justice’s knee could make right tackle a priority for the Eagles, just as Nate Allen’s ruptured patellar tendon could lead to a safety acquisition. The Eagles are stocked at wide receiver, but every armchair general manager has Plaxico Burress in midnight green, so that is also another free agent signing possibility.
Only time will tell.
Nairann Merceir, Philly Sports Correspondent for War Room Sports
The State of The Philadelphia Eagles
Monday, July 25th, 2011by Brandon Pemberton
Starting today , NFL teams will be able to re-sign their own free agents and talk to other free agents. The Philadelphia Eagles have plenty of issues at different positions they need to address, mostly on the defensive side of the ball, in my eyes. They already have a Super Bowl contender’s offense in my opinion, and while some believe picking up Plaxico Burress and or Reggie Bush are top priorites, the Eagles defense stunk last year in the red zone, they are weak at linebacker (as usual), they have one legit, healthy starter in the defensive backfield, and outside of Trent Cole, the defensive line can all go. If I were the General Manager of this team, here is what I would be thinking about and doing:
Defensive Line: It’s time to either break up the defensive tackle combination of Brodrick Bunkley and Mike Patterson or get rid of them both. The two of them have been big disappointments since being drafted in the first round of the draft in back to back years (2005 and 2006) and I’m tired of seeing them getting blown off of the ball and never making a play in the backfield. The two of them aren’t playmakers and have no impact on this team. I said it last year and I will say it again right here: Antonio Dixon should get a chance to be a starter on this team. He has great size (6’3”, 322 lbs), is strong at the point of attack, and makes plays in the backfield. He brings a different type of game and size compared to the other two.
Also, Albert Haynesworth will most likely be available after spending a season in D.C. with the Redskins, but he also might be facing a possible suspension from the NFL after his incident in the restaurant with the waitress in which he was charged with misdemeanor sexual assault. Eagles hired defensive line coach Jim Washburn and he has gotten the best out of Albert during his career in the NFL. When playing with motivation and something to prove, Haynesworth can be the most disruptive force on the interior line in all of football. Another player that is available is DE Charles Johnson from the Carolina Panthers, who had a breakout season after Julius Peppers left for Chicago, and I also like Ray Edwards from Minnesota as well. Bottom line is the Eagles need to help Trent Cole as far as rushing the passer is concerned. Brandon Graham is coming off of a bad knee injury and most likely will not be ready for the start of the season.
Linebackers: The Eagles have refused to put any stock in having tough, hard nosed, playmakers at the linebacker position over the years and it has killed them. Ernie Sims stinks and is comparable to a stray bullet. He has no idea who and what he’s going to and suppose to hit. It was a reason why a team like the Detroit Lions were ready to let him go and it’s time for him to receive his walking papers from the Eagles. Chad Greenway might become available depending on the agreement on years concerning free agency in the CBA and he is the kind of player the Birds need at linebacker. He has the speed, size, instincts, and tenacity that the Eagles have lacked at that position for years. At middle linebacker, Jamar Chaney came on at the end of the season, starting the last two regular season games as well as the playoff game against the Packers. He showed good instincts, speed, coverage ability, and sound tackling. Played well enough that the Eagles are giving him the chance to be the starter this season.
Stewart Bradley has been injured on and off the last two seasons and even when he was healthy and on the field, he was overrated and exposed in pass coverage against tight ends and making plays in open space. Moise Fokou saw time at all three linebacker positions and made no impact while on the field. That leaves the Eagles with another weak linebacker core that needs to be upgraded. There have been talks of playing Bradley at the “Sam” Linebacker, which was the position he played in college at Nebraska.
Defensive Backs: Besides Asante Samuel at the left corner, they have question marks at the three other positions in their defensive backfield. Offenses picked on the corner opposite of Samuel at an alarming rate last season. There have been talks heating up about the Eagles trading QB Kevin Kolb to the Arizona Cardinals for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and possibly a 2nd or 3rd round pick. This would instantly upgrade the Cornerback position and force more passes to the other side of the field. Nate Allen is coming off of a serious knee injury(ruptured right patella tendon) and was having an up and down rookie season before the injury. Quintin Mikell is a free agent, who has been exposed for the fraud he has always been as a player and it’s time for him to walk as well.
The Eagles drafted Temple safety Jaiquawan Jarrett in the second round, a selection that was a bit of a stretch in my eyes. I thought he would be available in the 3rd round or maybe fourth. While he is a big hitter and sound tackler, and is always in the right spots, he is sort of a tweener as a NFL saftey. He doesn’t have the top end speed and range to play free safety and isn’t big enough to play in the box constantly as a strong safety. The Eagles should look for help at safety from the likes of Roman Harper (Saints), Atari Bigby (Packers), or maybe Eric Weddle (Chargers).
The Eagles say they are all in and ready to win it all. If that’s the case, then fixing the defense and giving first year defensive coordinator Juan Castillo talent to work with will be key. Free agency will be moving fast, so we will see.
Brandon Pemberton of Brandon on Sports, for War Room Sports
If Kevin Kolb is Traded, Vince Young Makes Sense as Vick’s Backup
Friday, July 22nd, 2011
As a die-hard Eagles fan, I would love to see nothing more than Kevin Kolb traded once the lock-out is officially lifted, to the Arizona Cardinals for Rodgers-Cromartie (immediate upgrade at right corner) and a second round pick. However, once Kolb is traded, that leaves the Eagles with a huge void at back-up QB, leaving only second year man Mike Kafka as Michael Vick’s primary back-up. I don’t know about you, but I’m not comfortable with Mike Kafka having to start two to three games. Hence the reason the Eagles must seek out a veteran back-up to Vick. I’ve heard rumors of Brett Farve, Mark Bulger, etc. coming to Philly but I want Vince Young, and here is my argument now.
First, the offense that Andy Reid and the Eagles have installed for Vick fits the skill set of Vince Young. Plus we know Andy has a proven track record of developing QBs who were labeled as underachieving passers, such as McNabb and Vick, so why couldn’t he do the same for Young? Now let’s look at Vince Young the player. Last season, Young appeared in 9 games (8 starts), and had the 4th best third down passer rating in the league, only trailing Brady, Roethlisberger, and Kitna. At times in his short career, he has done pretty well, he’s had several come from behind victories, and he’s been effective in the short and long passing game. According to NFL Films, last season Vince was the most accurate passer of balls that were thrown in the air beyond 35 yards and we know how that plays into Desean Jackson’s game.
Looking at Young’s first 4 seasons in the NFL, 2006 through 2009, he has amassed a regular season record of 26-13 as a starter. That’s a .67 winning percentage for you math guys. He’s lead 11 come from behind victories in his career, including 9 come from behind or tied performances in 2009. That season, he started the final 10 games and led the Titans to an 8-2 record after they began season 0-6. So the leadership skills are there. He also made the Pro Bowl that season but we know that’s a bogus award/recognition.
His career numbers through the first 5 years of his career are: 54 games played, 8,098 yards passing, 42 tds and 42 ints, with a 57.9 percent completion rate, 264 rushes for 1,380 yds and 12 tds. If you compared that to Vick’s first 5 seasons, Mike played 58 games, threw for 9,031 yards, 51 tds and 39 ints, with a 52 percent completion rate. There’s no need to even add rushing numbers, as they are not even comparable. However, as a passer, Vince Young is on par with Michael Vick through the first 5 years of their respective careers, with Vince actually being a more accurate passer. So there is definitely something for the Eagles to develop here, and let’s not forget this guy was a top 3 talent when he came out of Texas in 2006. If anyone has a better option out there to back up Michael Vick for this Eagles season, who may be called upon to start two to three weeks in case Vick goes down, I would love to hear it.
Nairann Merceir, Philly Sports Correspondent, for War Room Sports
Top NFL Free Agents
Wednesday, July 20th, 2011
Well, from all the reports we are hearing, as soon as Friday, the NFL lockout could be over and the league back in business. Supposedly starting Friday and ending Sunday at 11:59 pm, teams will use that time period to re-sign their own free agents or decide to let them walk. Monday at 12-midnight will be the start of free agency and training camp would commence by mid-week. I have been going over the list of potential free agents and I have compiled my top ten available players:
1. Nnamdi Asomugha, CB Raiders, 30 years old ( 11 career Int’s, 4 time All-Pro)
Is right behind Darrelle Revis as the best cornerback in football. If you looked at his career interception numbers, you might be fooled and not realize how great of a player he has been over the last 5 years since becoming a starter. Is a shutdown corner, he has the size, footwork, and technique, while being a class-act off of the field. He’s asking for $19 million per and he’s 30 years old, so there is some risk of his play falling off in maybe 3 or 4 years, but as of now he cuts off one side of the football field.
2. Ray Edwards, DE Vikings, 26 years old ( 2010 stats 37 tackles, 8 sacks)
Played the left end position opposite of Jared Allen the past two seasons and has blossomed into a nice player. Is not only a good pass rusher, but plays the point well against the right tackle and tight ends against the run. Should receive a nice contract ASAP.
3. Charles Johnson, DE Panthers, 26 years old (2010 stats 62 tackles, 11.5 sacks)
After being a part time player his first three years in the league, Johnson had a breakout season as a starter when the Carolina Panthers let Julius Peppers leave via free agency. He showed the ability to get to the QB on a consistent basis and that will get you paid.
4. Johnathan Joseph, CB Bengals, 27 years old (14 career Int’s)
Is an underrated cover corner that would be a great fit for any team. Was part of one of the NFL’s best corner tandems the last few seasons. Is great in “Bump & Run” coverage and tackles as well.
5. Carl Nicks (restricted), G, 26 years old (made the 2010 pro bowl and 2nd team all-pro)
Is one of the best Guards in football and was part of the best Guard tandem in football. He is a pure mauler and uses his size (6’5” 345lbs) to his advantage as he pummels his opposition weekly. Is only 26 years old and has plenty of great football ahead of him. A team might give him an offer even though he is a restricted free agent. He is that good.
6. Santonio Holmes, WR, 27 years old (2010 stats 12 games, 52 catches 746 yards, 6 TD’s)
When he is not serving suspensions for off the field nonsense and actually playing, Holmes is one of the most dangerous receivers in the game. His ability to change direction at full speed and control his body while making spectacular receptions, are second to none. The only risk with giving him a long-term deal is the chance he gets in trouble off of the field again.
7. DeAngelo Williams, RB Panthers, 27 years old (2010 stats 6 games 87 carries, 361 yards, 4.1 ypc, 1 TD)
Williams went down with a right foot injury in the sixth game of the season and was placed on injured reserve with a right foot sprain. He was on pace for his 3rd straight 1000 yard season and had previously established himself as one of the league’s most explosive running backs. Since the Panthers have Jonathan Stewart under contract, it’s more than likely that Williams hits the free agent market. I could see him landing in Denver with his former coach John Fox.
8. Sidney Rice, WR Vikings, 25 years old (2010 stats 5 games, 17 receptions, 280 yards, 2 TD’s)
Had a career year in 2009 but had surgery on his hip and played in only 5 games in 2010. Is 25 years old and is in the prime of his career. As long as he is healthy, he is a legit number one receiving threat in this league.
9. Stephen Tulloch, MLB Titans, 26 years old (2010 stats, 111 solo tackles, 49 assists)
Has been the starter at middle linebacker for the Titans the last three seasons and has developed into a good player. He is a physical run stopper and is very good in pass coverage as well. Underrated player in my eyes due to the fact a lot of people haven’t seen too many Titans games. He is legit.
10. Zach Miller, TE Raiders, 25 years old (2010 stats, 6o receptions, 685 yards, 5 TD’s)
Has caught over 50 passes for over 650 yards each of the last three seasons on a dreadful Oakland Raiders team. He’s actually way better than most casual NFL fans might believe. Has deceptive speed, great hands, and catches the ball well in traffic. Made the Pro Bowl last season and I see many more in his future if he leaves the Raiders and plays for a franchise that’s ready to win now.
Clemens & Bonds: Let My People Go…Into The Hall of Fame
Tuesday, July 19th, 2011
Bonds & Clemens
Although the trial of Roger Clemens ended in a mistrial, (as of now it is unclear whether or not they will retry him) no one believes he DIDN’T use steroids. This puts his chances of going into the Hall of Fame in jeopardy, even though his numbers clearly make him a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
Growing up as a huge baseball fan, there were many great players that put up crazy numbers, but the best pitcher of my generation was clearly William Roger Clemens, and the best player was without a doubt, Barry Lamar Bonds. Now both of these athletes may never get the honor of going into the Baseball Hall of Fame because of their connection to steroids. To me this is unfathomable. I believe all of the great players and products of my era should be honored. Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Nike ‘95’ Air Max, Reversible Nautica Jackets, Issey Miyake Cologne, The “Illmatic” Album, Voltron Cartoons…you get the point.
I don’t know whether or not they will ever make it into the Hall of Fame, but I hope the Baseball Writers Association of America does not wait until they are damn-near ineligible to put them in the HOF. That would be equivalent to the writers of “Who’s The Boss” waiting until the last season of the show to make Tony and Angela hook up.
The steroid era has forever changed baseball. Any time anyone puts up any power numbers, people automatically start with the steroid talk. It’s sad what has happened to the game but what is more sad is how there is a cloud of suspicion over most of the great players of my era.
Derek Jeter’s 3000th Hit: Nobody’s Perfect
Monday, July 18th, 2011
So Derek Jeter has now hit for over 3,000 hits and has added to his legacy of being an all-time great baseball player. People are now arguing about where he stands in terms of Yankee greats. I don’t know where he stands historically as a Yankee because I haven’t put any thought into it, and unlike most people I have the ability to form my own opinion.
Over his career, Jeter has been a great player who has stayed out of trouble, and has done nothing but play the game the right way. He is also one of the most clutch athletes I have ever seen. I don’t believe in praising people for doing what they should do, like staying out of prison, but with athletes being arrested on what seems like a daily basis, I feel like those who stay out of trouble like Jeter has, deserve credit. This leads me to my problem with Derek Jeter. He is a Yankee. Being a Phillies fan, I cannot admire nor like a Yankee. Yet I have been having a hard time finding anything to dislike about Jeter. He recently sat out of the All-Star Game and I thought, “okay, here is my reason”. But honestly I had no problem with him doing this. All of the all-star games are a joke at this point but that is for a later discussion. It really is difficult to dislike a guy who plays the game extremely well, has just as many hits with models & actresses as he does on the diamond, has made a boat-load of money, and is philanthropic.
But after a couple days of pondering about what I can say bad about Jeter, I finally found something. Mr. Jeter…your cologne distributed through Avon STINKS! That’s right…it is horrible and cheap. It smells like a combination of polar bear urine and bone marrow from a dead alley cat. How could you associate yourself with a fragrance as repugnant as that? Your fragrance is called “Driven” but it smells more like an old Chevy driven by four homeless men and a dead, diabetic pig.
So now Mr. Jeter, I can throw you in the same boat as most Yankees I hate, like “A-Roid”, because you don’t have enough sense to smell a fragrance before you put your name on it. So there you have it. Although it sounds like I am dissing you in a weird way, I am actually giving you credit because that is the only thing I can find to make me dislike you. But you are a Yankee, so FOH and go play in traffic!!
I’m Nice!!!
Nike has once again signed Mike Vick
Sunday, July 17th, 2011Mike Jordan Will Be In The War Room!
Wednesday, July 6th, 2011
Former University of Pennsylvania standout Mike Jordan will be in The War Room this Thursday, July 7th to join our segment on “Overseas Ballers!
Tune in Thursday, July 7th at 6pm ET to hear our conversation with “MJ”! To tune in, go to www.WarRoomSports.com and click the “Listen Live” button…or dial 323-410-0012 to listen LIVE by phone.
In the meantime, check out and “Like” Mike’s Facebook page HERE! You can also follow him on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/emjayz23 (@emjayz23).
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What I Learned from the 2011 NBA Draft About the State of Basketball at the Highest Level
Tuesday, July 5th, 2011
Do you remember when the #1 through #10 players in the NBA draft where almost assured to have a 70% Thriller-Killer to Bust-Crème Puff Filler ratio? Do you remember when in the second round you could find guys who may be short on elite athleticism but LOOOOONG on collegiate resume and high on basketball skill and acumen? Do you remember when the matriculation from High School to college was largely unknown…but the bright lights, big cities, and making of one’s manhood on the hardwood (II) began in the toughest conferences of the NCAA’s Division 1? Do you remember when the only FIBA and Euro-ballers to make the jump were the Sarunas Marciulionis’, the Drazen Petrovics, the Arvydas Sabonis’, the Detlef Schrempfs, the Toni Kukocs and the Sarunas Jasikevicius (MD Terps dude) (yeah, some of those dudes came over without being drafted but you get my point where the talent level is concerned, on who and how international NBA players came about being a part of the “Greatest Show on Earth)…the crème de la crème of International players, the BEST the world had to offer was the second or third tier stars coming over. Yeah, occasionally the Spurs, who happen to have NBA scouts placed on Pluto, Jupiter, Mars, and every continent back here on Earth, would draft someone resembling Sergeant Shultz of Hogan’s Heros. Or, Abe Pollin would draft a brother from East Africa who was 7 foot 7 and could shoot 3’s and was more interested in the world cup than the NBA. But other than that, from top to bottom, the NBA Draft was teeming with tough morsels of talent raring to get at the vets in practice. Boys who had done all they could do with their amateur children’s collegiate career and were ready to swim in waters with no bottom, with sharks who had no consciences.Kyrie Irving is going to be a special point guard, Derrick Williams is more athletic than we give him credit for, and will be too skilled and quick for 4’s, and too strong and skilled for 3’s (If Jared Dudley can make it, why are we worried about Williams?). Enes Kanter reminds me of a combo of Pau and Marc, with some Kaman thrown in. Kemba is Kemba…a winner. Jimmer will teach you how to Jimmer, and Alec may be ok. And then there is Bismack…Bismack, Bismack, Bismack! It is not that I wish failure for Bismack, it’s not that I think he’s a bad guy. In fact, this isn’t REALLY about Bismack as much as he happens to be the poster child for what is wrong with the current trend in pro basketball. LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG on athleticism…I mean LONG! Dude’s vertical, his quickness, his potential, are all through the roof. His skill, his development, his IQ, is about as tall as a stacked pile of tissue paper containing 4 sheets. And Bismack wasn’t a 2nd rounder. No! Bismack Biyombo at 6’7” was the 7th overall pick. A lottery pick was used on a Ruben Patterson-like defensive specialist. Now, as you review the list of names drafted that night, beginning in the lottery, and juxtaposing it upon the draft’s storied history, you will ask yourself: “Self”, I say. “Where are the difference makers? Where are the stars? Where are the HOF’ers?”
As we left the lottery we had three types of player: 1) The athletic freak, minimal skill, 1 to maybe 2 collegiate seasons. 2) The highly skilled, underwhelming talent who played 3 to 4 years, headed towards a Duhon-ish career. 3) The EURO…the Euro players who have been playing professionally, a number of them since 15 and 16 years old, have a jumpstart on the other two types as they’ve (a) been playing with grown men in their 20s and 30s, (b) had coaching from professional eat-sleep-drink-feed-my-family coaches whose job is to make them a complete, well rounded, money generating, win-getting production center. But, they are largely unknown quantities to everyone but the Spurs and those that watch FIBA. Then you face the buyout clauses with their current clubs, the fact that they have no merchandising value, and a fan that came to see a built/born/bred in the US product.
The draft is just one more indication of the huge plunge into mediocrity and inferior product the league is facing. No longer is there a premium placed on honing skill, mastering craft, and marrying athletics to talent, skill, heart, and IQ. The premium is placed on what you can sell and/or market, how fast you can get to the marketplace (with a largely unfinished product), how much Sportscenter airtime you can get, and who you can copy-cat your moves and game from. And so…we have an inferior product. An entire generation enamored with high-flying and getting rich as opposed to winning and being the best. The uber-athletes have flawed games and low IQs, and to take a gamble on the draft, the weak athlete develops himself to the peak of his talent and pinnacle of ability. But alas, if the natural order of things were set right, he’d be a D-Leaguer, a CBA’er, or in Euro-League. Hell, if you want to be accurate about the situation, certain players wouldn’t be in major D1 programs if the attention to really teaching the game and developing talent was held to the proper standard. WE, the fans would see a better quality product, and every draft class would be filled with talent and not just top-heavy outliers.
And so this draft served to confirm what I already know. Basketball is dying much like Hip Hop. A carotid artery is constricting tighter and tighter. Oxygen and life’s blood is being restricted and growth has stopped. You have to look no further than the current labor issues as another indirect indicator. An inferior product loses money, an inferior player is a bum, and a bum shouldn’t be there. He shouldn’t have been in the draft and the fan shouldn’t have to pay to see a guy who can jump over a house but can’t shoot a 15-footer, dribble with his left, or hit over 75% from the line.
Tune back in as I explain how all of this plays into where the labor agreement is, and why only 8 teams out of 32 are profitable. Some say contraction is the answer. I say it goes way deeper than that. The system from 11 years ago and on needs revamped (why are we now ranking the top 7th graders? ).
Bradley “B. Austin” Anderson of The War Room, for War Room Sports
