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Mike Perry
E-Mail: mperry_77@hotmail.com
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Fantasy Football: ESPN league invites have been sent
July 5th, 2008
I sent out a link to everyone who said they were going to play in the OTR fantasy league. I selected to use ESPN’s format. If we get two more teams we will make it a 12-man league. If we continue to get more people to sign up, we will have two leagues. The Micah Warren league & The Michael Perry league. Hit the ‘League Messages’ for any suggestions/questions on the rules.
We will be having the draft in mid/late-August on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, so our friend in Germany (IceYde) can draft at a decent time. Please let me know if there are any weekends you won’t be available.
John Guilfoil, shoot me an email at mperry_77@hotmail.com with your email, so I can send you an invite.
Kearse Family keeps it going
July 5th, 2008
OTR Legend Micah Warren once posted, “It is sllloooooowww in the NFL right now in terms of news. Hopefully, some player will put a gun to their girlfriend’s head while driving drunk and then assault the arresting officer with the business end of a hammer. We need conversation pieces.”
Well, do nephews count?
Jevon Kearse’s nephew, Jayron Kearse, 17, was arrested and charged with robbery/residential home invasion.
“According to the report, the victims said they were standing in front of their home on Pebble Beach Way in Fort Myers when they were approached by “four or five young, black males.”
“One of the young men allegedly told the two female victims to “give it up” and pointed a grey colored handgun at them, according to the report.”
“The victims state that a pink iPhone, a black cell phone, a white iPod, $25.00 in cash and two house phones were taken.”
PHOTO CAPTION: The Kearse’s should be very proud of their family name this off-season.
The only difference between Jayron and Uncle Jevon is that Jevon never got charged with robbery or stealing during his four-year career with the Philadelphia Eagles. Eagles’ GM Jeffrey Lurie never pressed charges on Jevon for the $16 million signing bonus plus the money they paid him during his tenure that was supposed to result in Jevon playing football. Jevon never did, but nothing has ever been submitted to the courts.
Fantasy Football: Did you sign up yet?
July 5th, 2008
Due to numerous emails from our readers, OTR will be hosting a fantasy football league for the 2008 season.
The site of the league has yet to be determined, but we are familiar with Yahoo. Willing to take suggestions.
We are looking to do a 10-person league. If more than 10, we will shoot for two 10-person leagues.
Rules will be set by yours truly. There will be a live on-line draft that might be blogged, so we can indicate bad picks and good sleeper picks.
Obviously this will be free and for bragging rights only.
This is not for casual fans, this is for diehard football fans.
Please sign up in comments if you are interested. And if you have any ideas/rules to make the league the best ever, feel free to educate.
PHOTO CAPTION: Early Times Whiskey is awesome.
On second thought, winner will receive a huge bottle of Early Times Whiskey. Must be 21 years or older to play, unless you live in Germany.
Current League Roster
1. Perry
2. Micah
3. Dan
4. Neetz
5. IceYde
6. The Sports Idiot
7. Scott
8. Pavlovic
9. Chad
10. John Guilfoil
When we get at least 10 or 12 people an invitation to the league (yahoo) will be sent out to your email listed in comments (only we can view).
New York Knicks agree with Chris Duhon
July 5th, 2008
According to Chris Duhon and his agent, Kevin Bradbury, the New York Knicks have agreed to a two-year contract with Duhon for the full mid-level exception. The details of the contract have not been released, but Duhon is expected to make around $5.8 million next year and a a total of $12 million for the full two years.
“I am just excited, I am ready to get to work for the Knicks,” Duhon said. “It’s a big stage, playing in New York. It’s something every player in the NBA wants.”
The New York Knicks haven’t been over .500 since 2001, so maybe it’s every ‘bad’ player that wants to play in New York?
PHOTO CAPTION: Chris Duhon might be putting some of his new money into an ING savings account.
Jaromir Jagr says ‘good-bye’ to the NHL
July 5th, 2008
Former New York Ranger, Washington Capital and Pittsburgh Penguin Jaromir Jagr signed a two-year contract with an option to play for Avangard Omsk, a Russian team that is part of the new Continental Hockey League.
“It was the toughest decision in my life, hockeywise,” Jagr said Friday.
In Jagr’s 18-year career he has accumulated 646 goals, 953 assists, and 907 penalty minutes. He won the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Mario Lemieux in 1991 and 1992, and won the League MVP (Hart Trophy) in 1999. Definitely, an amazing talent, ‘hockeywise.’
PHOTO CAPTION: Jaromir Jagr is seen here laughing after Mario Lemieux says something funny.
Phillies replace Myers with Pat Burrell
July 3rd, 2008
A person that is not close to any situation involving the Philadelphia Phillies or their pitching decisions has informed OTR that Pat Burrell will become their number-one starter.
After sending Brett “Milk was a bad choice” Myers to some ‘A’ or ‘AA’ team or whatever, the Phillies were left with the decision on who would replace Myers in the rotation. In steps Pat Burrell, who is already the best-hitting/fielding baseball player on this planet, to fill that void.
PHOTO CAPTION: The game will continue when Pat Burrell says it will continue.
Pat Burrell has a 0.00 ERA, 0.00 WHIP, and has actually never given up a hit during his nine-year career.
When asked if he thought he could handle the pressure of being the pitcher and the left fielder at the same time, he wasn’t quoted saying, “I’m Pat Burrell, they call me ‘Pat the Bat.’ That nickname might quickly change to ‘Pat the Back-Door-Breaking Ball.’ To be quite honest with you, I’m the best.”
Indeed you are Pat, indeed you are.
Furthermore, the Phillies swept a horrible Atlanta Braves team for the second time this season. Pat Burrell had five hits and two homeruns in the series, which was a little off his pace.
Gilbert Arenas loses $16 million because he’s a good guy
July 3rd, 2008
The Washington Wizards finally re-signed Gilbert Arenas to a six-year, $111 million less-that-max deal. The max deal would have been $127 million, but Gilbert saved his employer the difference to spend on other players.
PHOTO CAPTION: The deal is done. Gilbert can sleep.
Gilbert stated, “What can I do for my family with $127 million that I can’t do with $111 million?” He continued, “This is in line with what I’ve been saying the whole time. You see players take max deals and they financially bind their teams. I don’t wanna be one of those players and three years down the road your team is strapped and can’t do anything about it.”
I guess you have to respect this move by Gilbert. I hope he can stay healthy and be a force in the NBA, because when he is at the top of his game he is one of the best.
The $16 million he saved for the Zards will allow them to sign a player like Tyronn Lue, rather than Speedy Claxton. Just kidding, we like you Gilbert. May others learn from you.
Chris Paul gets money extension
July 3rd, 2008
The New Orleans Hornets inked (assuming the contract was signed in pen not pencil) Chris Paul to a four-year, $68 million deal. This kid deserves all of that money and then some. He is spectacular to watch. Paul led the NBA with 11.6 assists and 2.7 steals. He was the Hornets’ second-leading scorer, averaging 21.1 points per game, and took his team to the Conference Semifinals. Look for him to dominate the NBA for years to come.
PHOTO CAPTION: Chris Paul gives the thumbs-up and dribbles the ball at the same time, which is also called multi-tasking.
Oklahoma City Supersonics?
July 3rd, 2008
Blah blah blah $75 million to terminate lease…blah blah blah owner Clay Bennett…blah blah blah the Supersonics will be in Oklahoma City for the 2008-09 season. You can read about it here.
If we lived in Seattle or Oklahoma City this story would be interesting, but quite frankly (Stephen A. Smith?) we really don’t care. Well, Micah might, but I don’t.
All I really remember about Seattle is that Shawn Kemp sure did a lot of cocaine up there.
PHOTO CAPTION: Kemp is bugg’n.
Mavericks re-acquire DeSagana Diop
July 3rd, 2008
DeSagana Diop was part of the trade that sent him to the New Jersey Nets for Jason Kidd. NBA sources confirmed Wednesday that the 7-foot center and the Dallas Mavericks have agreed in principle on a five-year contract starting at $5.5 million for the first year that will bring him back to Dallas. This signing cost the Mavericks their entire mid-level exception.
Perry, what do you mean when you say ‘mid-level exception?’ Good question. Mid-level exception or MLE allows a team to sign one player to a contract equal to the average NBA salary (2008-09 MLE is $5.8 million), even if the team is over the salary cap already, or if the signing would put them over the cap. Furthermore, only teams that are over the salary cap can use the mid-level exception to sign free agents.
PHOTO CAPTION: DeSagana Diop is in this picture, but it’s hard to find him because he is a Ninja.
Clippers offer Elton Brand max contract
July 3rd, 2008
A day after former Golden State Warrior Baron Davis signed with the Los Angeles Clippers, current Los Angeles Clipper Elton Brand was offered a five-year deal around $90 million from the Golden State Warriors.
PHOTO CAPTION: Carlton Banks has not been offered any max contracts during free agency.
The Philadelphia 76ers who entertained Atlanta Hawk Josh Smith yesterday is another team that is supposed to get into the Elton Brand sweepstakes. The Sixers are currently around $11.5 million under the cap.
Elton Brand missed almost the whole season last year recovering from a ruptured Achilles’ tendon.
Dallas Stars land Sean Avery
July 2nd, 2008
Sean Avery signed a four-year, $15.5M deal with the Stars.
Also, Marion Hossa signed with the Detroit Red Wings. No need to check main mag.
Philadelphia 76ers target Josh Smith
July 2nd, 2008
PHOTO CAPTION: Antoine Walker defends Josh Smith.
Joe Juliano at phillynews.com is reporting, “Smith, a restricted free agent, was contacted by the Sixers almost immediately (after free agency started). A team spokesman said Smith and his representatives planned to meet today with president and general manager Ed Stefanski.”
A restricted free agent is subject to his current team’s Right of First Refusal, meaning that the player can be signed to an offer sheet by another team, but his current club reserves the right to match the offer and keep the player.
So, if Philly really wants this guy, which they do, they will have to make an offer that Atlanta can’t match, which they can do. The Hawks are a little tight with the salary cap because of big contracts they are paying to Mike Bibby ($15.2 million next season) and Joe Johnson ($14.2 million). Furthermore, they also are trying to resign Josh Childress.
Spurs to make offer to Corey Maggette
July 2nd, 2008
More sources have come forward to people who write for internet newspapers to spread their NBA knowledge. Jeff McDonald and Mike Monroe from MYSA.com are reporting, ” According to two NBA sources, one from each conference, the Spurs are preparing to make an offer to Maggette, who became an unrestricted free agent Tuesday when he opted out of the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Clippers.”
PHOTO CAPTION: “Perry, two straight posts on me? This wasn’t big-picture worthy?”
Boston Celtics make offer to Corey Maggette
July 1st, 2008
The Boston Globe is reporting that sources told the Boston Globe, “The Celtics have made contract offers to two forwards: Their own free agent, James Posey, and Clippers free agent Corey Maggette. The most the Celtics could offer is the mid-level exception (about $5.8 million), and it’s doubtful that they could sign both players. The terms of the offers were not disclosed.”
The Boston Globe would not have been able to report this story if it wasn’t for the sources. The sources may have actually done the initial reporting to the Boston Globe, but the Boston Globe was the source who was able to report the sources’ report. I think.
PHOTO CAPTION: “Perry, what are you talking about?”
Baron Davis headed to the Los Angeles Clippers
July 1st, 2008
Ken Berger from Newsday.com is reporting that Baron Davis has reached a verbal agreement to become an employee of the Los Angeles Clippers.
“Baron Davis, who surprisingly opted out of his $17.8 million contract with Golden State, is on his way to signing with the Los Angeles Clippers, a person with knowledge of the situation told Newsday.”
“(UPDATED 9:45 p.m.) Now the L.A. Times reports that Davis’ agent, Todd Ramasar, says there is a verbal agreement in place with the Clips.”
“Though the person cautioned that the deal was not completed and that Davis’ camp had not yet closed the door on returning to the Warriors, there are strong indications that he’ll be returning to his native Los Angeles.”
“If the deal goes through, the question shifts to whether Elton Brand will see the addition of Davis as reason enough to re-sign with the Clippers. Brand also opted out last night on the eve of NBA free agency, but his camp told the Clippers he intended to re-sign with L.A.”
OTR finds this interesting to very quite interesting.
Super good news for Chris Henry, finally
July 1st, 2008
The judge that declared a mistrial today told Henry that he could remove the electronic monitoring device he’s been wearing. Congrats, Chris!
OTR thought the device was being used to simulate his moves off the field for the making of a video game. We thought Henry was going to be the main character who punched people in the face, assaulted people with firearms, drove under the influence, abused substances, and bought minors alcohol. I guess the monitoring device was for tracking Henry, and not capturing his moves for a Playstation game.
PHOTO CAPTION: “Are you sick of my mug yet?”
Anyway, there was a hung jury (couldn’t reach a verdict) in his trial so the judge set a new pre-trial hearing for Henry for next Tuesday, July 8th.
I wonder if Tennessee Titan runningback Chris Henry is considering changing his name?
Gilbert Arenas offered two max contracts
July 1st, 2008
According to the Washington Times, “Wizards team president Ernie Grunfeld early Tuesday morning offered Arenas a six-year deal for $127 million, one of two offers extended to Arenas just after the free agency period began. The Golden State Warriors also offered Gilbert Arenas a max deal, according to a source. The Warriors offered Arenas five years for $101 million. The Wizards, because Arenas was under contract with them, are permitted to offer six years while other teams can offer only five.”
Waaaaaaaaaaaaay too risky here. Gilbert has been hurt the past two years. He’s a good player, but is not worth this much money. Actually, he’s a ball-hog that shoots too much.
Are the Zards satisfied with their current team that can’t get past the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA playoffs? And now they are locking up that team (Jamison, Arenas), so they can continue losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA playoffs? This team will be nothing better than a five or six seed in the East.
Randy Moss is all about hugs
July 1st, 2008
Over the weekend, Randy Moss hosted the Links for Learning/Randy Moss Foundation Golf Tournament at Sleepy Hollow Golf Club in Hurricane, West Virginia. He hosted with Miami Heat guard Jason Williams and New York Jet quarterback Chad “Rotator Cuff” Pennington. The event was the fund-raising kickoff for a foundation that will provide learning centers for children in southern West Virginia.
These centers are very similar to the Derek Zoolander Center For Kids Who Can’t Read Good And Wanna Learn To Do Other Stuff Good Too?
PHOTO CAPTION: Wait a minute. I might just have an idea. They’ll be looking for us at Maury’s right? But they won’t be looking for… not us.
The Boston Herald had this story to tell , “According to Tim DiPiero, who represents Moss, the wide receiver handed out 200 pairs of athletic shoes from Pony, which Moss has an endorsement deal with. He also spoke to the kids, urging them to hug their parents and grandparents.”
“DiPiero relayed one anecdote about a 6-year-old boy who didn’t think it was cool to hug his dad.”
“He told Randy he thought hugging his dad was gay,” DiPiero said. “Then Randy pulled up a chair and sat the kid alongside him. He had a little talk with him. He assured him hugging your daddy is OK. Then he got him to pinkie-promise he’d hug his dad. Then he gave him his shoes. That was a cool moment.”
Then Randy pulled his pants down, mooned the kids, and wiped his bum on the flag on the 18th green?
Antawn Jamison remains with the Zards
July 1st, 2008
ESPN is reporting, “forward Antawn Jamison was kept off the free-agent market with a four-year extension worth $50 million. The deal comes before Jamison was to become an unrestricted free agent.”
The Washington Wizards needed to get the deal done before 12:01am today or they would have had to wait till July 9th to resign him because of a neat little moratorium the league has in place.
PHOTO CAPTION: Jameson is seen here.
Baron Davis and Elton Brand Opt out
July 1st, 2008
Golden State Warrior Baron Davis decided to opt out of his contract that would have paid him $17.8 million. It’s being reported that Baron Davis is unhappy playing in Golden State with Don Nelson and will be looking to play for another team next season. One of the teams that Baron Davis would like to play for is the New York Knicks. Memphis and Philadelphia have the most cap room available, but probably not enough to bring in Davis (nor have they expressed interest), so a sign-and-trade is most likely.
In similar-situation-related-news, Los Angeles Clipper Elton Brand opted out of his contract forgoing $16.4 million. Unlike Davis, Brand has indicated that he would like to resign with his team, “We’re opting out,” Brand said. “It definitely doesn’t mean I’m leaving the Clippers. We’re trying to work it out. My intention is to stay.”
Brand will be looking for a deal in the 4 years, $60 million area.
The Miami Heat have expressed interest in Brand and also the Philadelphia 76ers.
Corey Maggette also opted out of his contract with the Clippers.
NBA & NHL free agency to start tomorrow
June 30th, 2008
Indeed it does.
PHOTO CAPTION: Beer is good.
NBA: Teams can reach verbal agreements with free agents starting Tuesday, but can’t sign players until July 7. A look at the top free agents, by position:
The next best thing, OJ Mayo
June 27th, 2008
PHOTO: David Bergman/SI
Hop on board the OJ Mayo-OTR bandwagon.
Darrell Arthur traded, then traded, then traded
June 27th, 2008
Former Kansas Jayhawk Darrell Arthur was drafted last night by the New Orleans Hornets with the 27th pick in the NBA draft. Then he was traded to the Portland Trailblazers. Then he was traded to the Houston Rockets. Then he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies where he will join OJ Mayo.
Darrell Arthur was the last player selected out of the group that was invited to attend the NBA draft in New York. As the night turned into…well…more night, Arthur’s face had looks of annoyance, depression, and loneliness. It was hard to watch, but he finally found a team.
McHale gets drunk and trades OJ Mayo
June 27th, 2008
Remember when I said this, “Kevin McHale is one of the worst GMs in this league. Common sense is to take OJ Mayo with the third pick, but McHale does not have common sense. This is the GM that cost his team $3.5 million and five draft picks by trying to sign Joe Smith to a max contract under the table. Part of me believes McHale thinks he is still employed with Boston after he hand-delivered Kevin Garnett to the Celtics in exchange for Al Jefferson and a 20% off coupon to Bed Bath & Beyond. My point? Some other team is getting OJ Mayo tomorrow night.”
PHOTO CAPTION: Kevin McHale poses for the cameras in the Minnesota Timberwolves draft room.
Well, The Wolves dealt Mayo’s draft rights along with Marko Jaric, Antoine Walker, Greg Buckner and their contracts to Memphis for the rights to Kevin Love, swingman shooter Mike Miller, forward Brian Cardinal and center Jason Collins. McHale did get rid of Marko Jaric’s horrible contract, which is good, but he’s the GM that did that horrible contract (it was a sign and trade).
OJ Mayo is going to be a stud in this league. McHale is still the worst GM in the NBA.
2008 NBA Draft Live Blog
June 26th, 2008I have no clue what happened, but everything was deleted?
Join Perry tonight for live NBA draft blog
June 26th, 2008To make tonight interesting, grab a bottle of whiskey and a six pack. We’re gonna play a little drinking game tonight. Everytime Bilas, Jackson, Van Gundy, and that other guy say certain buzz words, you’re gonna have to drink. Here are the buzz words & what you need to do:
“Tremendous upside” = sip of beer
“Great length” = sip of beer
“Larry Brown guy” = shot of whiskey
I’ll be logging on right before 7:00pm EST. I will also have a lot of valuable insider information. For example, I have heard from someone close to the situation that if Michael Beasley somehow falls to Portland at the 13th spot they will not hesitate to take him.
I encourage everyone to participate if you are over 21 and have no reason to drive a car (you listening Jevon?). Let’s make this interactive and have discussions in comments. Feel free to ask questions or drop knowledge.
Ed Wade gets choke slammed, seriously
June 26th, 2008
Former Philadelphia Phillie and current Houston Astro GM was choke slammed by one of his pitchers, Shawn Chacon.
Chacon informed the Houston Chronical on what happened:
“‘What do you want to speak to me about?’” Chacon said. “He said, ‘we just want to talk to you.’ I said, ‘anything you can say you can say to me right here. I don’t want to go to the office. He looked at me and I said there’s nothing for me to say to you guys.’ And I don’t think whatever they had to say to me they were going to make me happy. I didn’t want to get in a closed-room conversation. I just wanted to be left alone.”
“I sat down to eat and Ed Wade came to me and very sternly said, ‘you need to come with me to the office.’ I said ‘for what?’ I said ‘I don’t want to go to the office with you and Cooper.’ And I said ‘You can tell me whatever you got to tell me right here.’ He’s like, ‘oh, you want me to tell you right here?’ And I said, ‘yeah.’ I’m not yelling. I’m calm.”
“He started yelling and cussing,” Chacon said of Wade. “I’m sitting there and I said to him very calmly, ‘Ed, you need to stop yelling at me. Then I stood up and said ‘you better stop yelling at me.’ I stood up. He continued and was basically yelling and stuff and was like, ‘You need to (expletive) look in the mirror.’ So at that point I lost my cool and I grabbed him by the neck and threw him to the ground. I jumped on top of him because at that point I wanted to beat his (butt). Words were exchanged.”
PHOTO CAPTION: A teammate of Shawn Chacon captured a photo of Shawn choke slamming Ed Wade.
So, Philadelphia Phillie fans, is Shawn Chacon one of your favorite baseball players ever?
Jermaine O’Neal traded to Toronto for TJ Ford
June 25th, 2008
Adrian Wojnarowski from Yahoo! Sports is reporting “the Indiana Pacers have agreed in principle to send six-time All-Star Jermaine O’Neal to the Toronto Raptors for point guard T.J. Ford and the 17th pick in Thursday’s NBA draft, a league executive said Wednesday.”
Toronto also will send Rasho Nesterovic and another role player to match up with O’Neal’s salary.
Toronto will be a very exciting team to watch next season with Jermaine O’Neal (if he can stay healthy) and Chris Bosh in the front court. However, one has to wonder whether Chris Bosh will stay in Toronto after next season. He will have the opportunity to opt out of his contract after the season is over and test free agency. Which, in my opinion, will happen.
For Indiana, they pick up a solid point guard (if he can stay healthy) in TJ Ford…and some contracts.
Sixers extend offer to Iguodala and Williams
June 25th, 2008
The Philadelphia 76ers have extended qualifying offers to Andre Iguodala and Louis Williams in hopes to keep their core together.
“Since both players are restricted free agents, the Sixers had to tender both Iguodala and Williams a contract by June 30. They are allowed to sign with any team, but are subject to a right of first refusal with the Sixers.”
There really hasn’t been any rumors circulating about the 76ers this week about any draft day moves, but maybe GM Ed Stefanski likes working under the radar. This will be his first NBA draft with the 76ers.
All that’s left is just a turd
June 25th, 2008
Chris Henry used to play football in the NFL, but Cincinnati cut his sorry ass. He used to own a house, but the bank took that back. He used to own an SUV, but the repo police took that back as well. All that’s left is just a turd.
All you can do is shake your head and wonder how someone can completely let their talents waste away. Lindsay Lohan might do coke and get smashed at night clubs, but she doesn’t let her talents waste away. She lets her talents be viewed in NY Mag from a Marilyn Monroe photo shoot.
Chris Henry, what is your problem?
Detroit Pistons eyeing up Baron Davis
June 25th, 2008
Baron Davis can opt out of his contract, but most likely will not. He is scheduled to receive $17.8 million next year and there is no way any team will sign him for that kind of cash.
The Contra Costal Times is reporting that a source is reporting “Detroit is willing to divest itself of long-time stars Rasheed Wallace and Chauncey Billups” for Baron Davis.
Al Harrington’s contract would also be involved so Golden State could match the combined $25 million that Sheed and Bah-Bah-Billups will make.
My opinion? This won’t happen. It sounds too rumorish. Chauncey Billups is expendable because of Rodney Stuckey’s emergence. Detroit plans to have Stuckey play the point, so why would they trade Sheed for another point guard? It doesn’t make sense.
That would be like if Bob Saget had a TV show and they used soon-to-be billionaire twin baby girls to play one role. It doesn’t make any sense and it just doesn’t happen
NBA Mock Draft: First Round
June 24th, 2008
1. Chicago Bulls select Derrick Rose, Memphis
Derrick Rose’s nickname is ‘Pooh,’ given to him by his grandmother because she thought he looked like Winnie-the-Pooh. He attended Simeon Career Academy where he led his team to back-to-back titles in the Chicago Public League and compiled a 120-12 career high school record. This guy is a leader, a winner, and the only no-brainer pick in this year’s draft. Chicago has found their man.
2. Miami Heat select Michael Beasley, Kansas State
Don’t get sucked into the rumors of the Heat trading this pick. It’s not gonna happen. However, he’ll have to work on his defense if he wants to live up to being the number two pick of the draft. His offense is not a question. This kid can flat-out score. Update: The talks of them trading this pick continue to Heat up. And the possibility of them taking OJ Mayo has resurfaced again. I’m sticking with Beasley though.
Kevin McHale is one of the worst GMs in this league. Common sense is to take OJ Mayo with the third pick, but McHale does not have common sense. This is the GM that cost his team $3.5 million and five draft picks by trying to sign Joe Smith to a max contract under the table. Part of me believes McHale thinks he is still employed with Boston after he hand-delivered Kevin Garnett to the Celtics in exchange for Al Jefferson and a 20% off coupon to Bed Bath & Beyond. My point? Some other team is getting OJ Mayo tomorrow night.
3. New York Knicks select OJ Mayo, USC (assuming a trade, but not predicting the details)
If the Knicks don’t get him here then someone will. The intriguing story here is that OJ Mayo and Lebron James are friends. In a perfect world, OJ Mayo lands in New York Thursday night, the Knicks somehow clear cap space for next year, and Lebron James becomes a Knickerbocker for 2009-10 season.
4. Seattle Sonics select Brook Lopez, Stanford
Tons of rumors about Seattle moving up to the two-spot in a trade with Miami, but really don’t see that happening. Seattle doesn’t have anyone to trade other than Chris Wilcox. If Seattle does trade, it will be down, but I see them drafting Brook Lopez.
5. Memphis Grizzlies select Kevin Love, UCLA
I liked him in college and I think he will be a solid pro. Memphis needs a big man, so why not take the best available? Update: If Kevin Love is not available at this pick look for Memphis to trade it to the New York Knicks.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves select Eric Gordon, Indiana (moving down from the three-spot)
Worst case scenario for Kevin McHale. He’ll trade his third pick hoping to get Lopez or Love with the sixth pick, but has to settle for his third option, Eric Gordon, who I like. I don’t like this mock draft right now. Kevin McHale is screwing this up for me. This is very similar to how Minnesota had to buyout Troy Hudson’s contract ($12.3 million), because GM McHale signed him to a six-year, $37 million contract. Yeah, Troy Hudson.
7. LA Clippers select Jarryd Bayless, Arizona
The Clippers have a lot of off-seasoning to do this summer. What is Elton Brand gonna do, are we trading Corey Maggette, is Shaun Livingston ever going to be good? Lots of questions. So, with two of those questions at the guard position, why not take the best guard available? Jarryd Bayless has tremendous upside. The only reason I say this is to prepare you for how many times ‘upside’ will be used tomorrow night. Last year it was used 2,381 times with 152 different words used before it.
8. Milwaukee Bucks select Joe Alexander, West Virginia
All the talk has Milwaukee taking Joe. In the top ten picks, there seems to be two definites. Rose at number one and Alexander at number eight. Joe was predicted to be taken in the middle to end of the first round a couple months ago, but GMs/coaches/scouts have been falling in love with his athleticism, work ethic, and size. I’ve been saying this for awhile now.
9. Charlotte Bobcats select Russell Westbrook, UCLA
This is a Larry Brown guy. I’m preparing you again. Whoever is taken at this spot, whether its Love or B. Lopez dropping to this pick or they take a reach on Augustin, you will hear the announcers say, “This is a Larry Brown guy” numerous times. You will also hear this during the 38th pick or if Charlotte acquires another first round pick in attempt to get Roy Hibbert, because Hibbert is a Larry Brown guy!
10. New Jersey Nets select Danilo Gallinari, Italy
Alright, this guy shouldn’t have dropped this far. I don’t know how this happened. He worked out really well with the Knicks, twice. So, if my fun little trade doesn’t happen then Danilo probably won’t be here. At this point of the draft there will be at least two significant trades that will shake this whole mock draft up. I see the Clippers and the Bobcats making some movement.
11. Indiana Pacers select DJ Augustin, Texas
If Toronto and Indiana somehow can agree to exchange TJ Ford and Jermaine O’Neal and ‘players with contracts’ then maybe this won’t be the pick. However, I don’t see that happening, so DJ is the pick here. What does Perry mean when he says ‘players with contracts?’ Don’t they all have contracts? Thanks for asking. Yes, they do, but some aren’t viewed as players anymore, just contracts. For example, Keith Van Horn is just a contract. Theo Ratliff is an expiring contract. And thanks to Isiah Thomas, everyone on the Knicks is a ridiculous contract. These are the players you need to include in trades so the salary numbers are close to being equal.
12. Sacramento Kings select Mario Chalmers, Kansas
Mike Bibby was one heck of a point guard for Sacramento and now he plays in Atlanta. Nobody better to fill that void than Mario Chalmers. Also look for the Kings to take Anthony Randolph or Roy Hibbert. Update: DeAndre Jordan has really impressed a lot of teams including the Kings who he privately worked out for. The Kings or Phoenix at 15 could draft Jordan.
13. Portland Trailblazers select Brandon Rush, Kansas
I’m a big fan of Brandon Rush. Not as an NBA star, but a solid NBA player. Put him with Greg Oden, Lamarcus Aldridge, and Brandon Roy, and you have yourself a team that will dominate in a couple years. Update: It seems that every team from here on out is very high on Brandon Rush which tells me he won’t drop too far in the draft.
14. Golden State Warriors select Darrell Arthur, Kansas
I have no clue if the Warriors are even looking at this guy, but I thought it would be a good idea to have three straight Kansas players selected.
The lottery portion of the draft is over. Picks 16 thru 30 will now be listed without explanation due to the fact this it taking way too long.
15. Phoenix Suns select Anthony Randolph, LSU
(look for Leandro Barbosa to be dealt to Toronto)
16. Philadelphia 76ers select Kosta Koufos, Ohio State
Update: I’m gonna get tricky here. The Sixers will draft Koufos and then trade his rights to acquire the rights of DeAndre Jordan or Alexis Ajinca. If Darrell Arthur is available at this pick, the Sixers grab him.
17. Toronto Raptors select Robin Lopez, Stanford
(look for TJ Ford to be dealt to Phoenix)
Update: The Indiana Pacers have acquired the rights to this pick, TJ Ford, Rasho Nesterovic, and a player-to-be-named-later Maceo Baston for Jermaine O’Neal. Very interesting.
17. Indiana Pacers select Robin Lopez, Stanford
18. Washington Wizards select DeAndre Jordan, Texas A&M
Update: Donte’ Greene and Roy Hibbert are possibilities at this pick for the Zards.
19. Cleveland Cavaliers select Jason Thompson, Rider
20. Denver Nuggets select Marreese Speights, Florida
Update: The New York Knicks have acquired the rights to this pick from Denver for a future, protected first round pick. Did they acquire this pick for leverage? Are they targeting someone? Stay tuned.
20. New York Knicks select Marreese Speights, Florida
21. New Jersey Nets select JJ Hickson, NC State
22. Orlando Magic select Roy Hibbert, Georgetown
23. Utah Jazz select Donte’ Greene, Syracuse
24. Seattle Sonics select Alexis Ajinca, France
25. Houston Rockets select Ante Tomic, Croatia
26. San Antonio Spurs select Chris Douglas-Roberts, Memphis
27. New Orleans Hornets select JaVale McGee, Nevada
Update: The Portland Trailblazers have acquired the rights to this pick for cash considerations. The most common name heard who Portland is eyeing up is Ante Tomic. However, I don’t have him available in this mock for the Trailblazers to select, so they are screwed.
27. Portland Trailblazers select Nicolas Batum, France
28. Memphis Grizzlies select Courtney Lee, Western Kentucky
29. Detroit Pistons select DJ White, Indiana
30. Boston Celtics select Jamont Gordon, Mississippi State
I will be doing a live blog of the draft on Thursday starting at 7:00pm. I will dish out my thoughts on the picks and make sure I put in writing every ridiculous thing that comes out of the mouths of Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy.
I’ll be updating this article as I hear rumors that make me switch (flip flop) opinions and second guess myself. Plus, I’ll do more research on the later picks.
OTR to host fantasy football league
June 24th, 2008Due to numerous emails from our readers, OTR will be hosting a fantasy football league for the 2008 season.
The site of the league has yet to be determined, but we are familiar with Yahoo. Willing to take suggestions.
We are looking to do a 10-person league. If more than 10, we will shoot for two 10-person leagues.
Rules will be set by yours truly. There will be a live on-line draft that might be blogged, so we can indicate bad picks and good sleeper picks.
Obviously this will be free and for bragging rights only.
This is not for casual fans, this is for diehard football fans.
Please sign up in comments if you are interested. And if you have any ideas/rules to make the league the best ever, feel free to educate.
PHOTO CAPTION: Early Times Whiskey is awesome.
On second thought, winner will receive a huge bottle of Early Times Whiskey. Must be 21 years or older to play, unless you live in Germany.
Current League Roster
1. Perry
2. Micah
3. Dan
4. Neetz
5. IceYde
6. The Sports Idiot
7. Scott
8. Pavlovic
9. Chad
Aaron McKie loves to buy guns
June 24th, 2008
Straight from the AP horses mouth, “Former NBA player Aaron McKie was charged Monday with trying to buy two guns despite being under a protection-from-abuse order that bars such purchases.”
“The 35-year-old McKie denied being the subject of such an order when he applied to buy the guns in April, authorities said. The purchase was denied when the information surfaced in a background check, but his request was forwarded to state police.”
“McKie was charged Monday with a felony gun violation and a misdemeanor charge of lying to authorities.”
“His lawyer, Brian McMonagle, said McKie, a Narberth resident, sought the guns to protect himself from the violence in his old Philadelphia neighborhood.”
OTR believes that Aaron McKie should have been allowed to purchase the guns to protect himself from that crazy gun-shooting wide receiver, Marvin Harrison.
PHOTO CAPTION: “It’s obvious from this picture that Aaron McKie does indeed like to shoot.”
Should Perry live blog the NBA draft?
June 24th, 2008
I don’t know, should I?
PHOTO CAPTION: Will Philadelphia offer Lito and draft picks to move up in the NBA draft?
I’ve been doing my research. I will not do a mock draft because almost every single team in the top ten has been rumored to be trading up or down.
Something is really really wrong
June 23rd, 2008
This is why having clueless fans vote for the all-star team is completely ridiculous. Are you trying to tell me there are eight outfielders better than Pat Burrell in the National League?
RANK PLAYER NAME NL TEAM TOTAL VOTES
1. Soriano, A. Cubs 1,088,866
2. Fukudome, K. Cubs 918,262
3. Griffey, K. Reds 775,759
4. Lee, C. Astros 587,027
5. Beltran, C. Mets 518,838
6. Braun, R. Brewers 514,913
7. Holliday, M. Rockies 507,628
8. Pence, H. Astros 500,857
9. Burrell, P. Phillies 487,131
Honestly, what the eff? Speaking of eff, Fukudome (number two on the list)? Is that seriously a name of a baseball player? I’m positive I’m the last to know about this guy since I don’t watch baseball, but this is hilarious. We’ve had the Carrier Dome, the Astro Dome, Placido Polanco’s huge, misshaped dome, and now the Fuk U Dome? This is great. However, Pat Burrell being ninth on the all-star ballot is not great.
PHOTO CAPTION: “Pat Burrell says Fukudome to everyone not voting for him.”
Disclosure: Despite my hatred toward the Philadelphia Phillies (mainly ownership) and baseball (mainly the sport), I still think Pat Burrell is one of the best things to ever happen to this world.
Go here, to vote for Pat Burrell.
2008 USA Basketball Team is set
June 23rd, 2008
Kobe Bryant
LeBron James
Dwyane Wade
Carmelo Anthony
Jason Kidd
Tayshaun Prince
Carlos Boozer
Chris Bosh
Dwight Howard
Chris Paul
Michael Redd
Deron Williams
PHOTO CAPTION: Joba Chamberlain is not on the team.
Let’s see…what line-up do I like best? I will go with Deron Williams at point guard, because he is the best shooter of all the point guards. The obvious is Dwight Howard at center. That’s the easiest choice. Tough decision at power forward, but I’ll go with Carlos Boozer over Chris Bosh. They really lack size on this team. Then I think you have to go with Kobe at the two and Lebron at the three.
Which lineup do I think will be the most fun to watch? Chris Paul at the point bringing his organized playground-style with D-Wade, Lebron, Melo, and Kobe. I would absolutely love that. I would like to see some alley-oops to Dwight Howard as well, so we’ll take out D-Wade for a bit to rest his knee.
Kid named after stadium
June 23rd, 2008
Jeff and Shawnta Kemerer of Lancaster, Ohio, are idiots. I love being blunt right off the bat. These two parental douches named their son after Three Rivers Stadium, former home of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Pirates.
Fortunately, they didn’t name him Three Rivers Stadium or Cement Crap Park. The 10-month-old boy was named Tre Rivers. Jeff and Shawnta got all creative and did the Spanish thing. Maybe this was payback to Shawnta’s parents because she was named Shawnta?
An Astro fan should consider naming their daughter after Minute Maid Park.
PHOTO CAPTION: Ms. Minute Maid Robinson had no choice of her occupation as her parents declared that at birth. I hear she’s quick?”
Philadelphia Phillies aren’t that good
June 23rd, 2008
After getting beat two out of three times against the Boston Red Sox, the Philadelphia Phillies finished off an embarrassing week of baseball by getting swept in a three-game series by the Los Angeles Angels.
I made the mistake of jumping on this bandwagon a couple weeks ago, right here. I’m officially jumping off again. I really do hate this team, not the players (well some), but the organization. For the 15th year in a row the Phillies didn’t address starting pitching and ultimately this will be their downfall again if nothing is done. And nothing will be done, because nothing is ever done.
PHOTO CAPTION: “Sorry Phillies’ fans, your team just ain’t that good.”
The Philadelphia Phillies organization knows they will sell tickets to their gullible fans that think they are watching a winner. However, this team is always many bottles short of a case. Ironically, these bottles were found in Jevon Kearse’s automobile this weekend.
It’s one thing to rip through a very weak National League that probably only has one legitimate contender, the Chicago Cubs. But when facing off against the elite American League, the Phillies (2-7) are as exposed as Lindsay Lohan’s panties as she tries to get out of a car. That was the first time I used three as’s in a sentence since the time I explained why I watch Destiny’s Child videos.
In conclusion, I’m done with the Phillies. I’m jumping ship before I get too deep again. They always disappoint, they always lose, and they always aren’t good enough. If you don’t agree with me, try to remember 2007 (swept from playoffs), 2006 (not good enough), 2005 (not good enough), 2004 (not good enough), 2003 (not good enough), and 1994-2002 (absolute filth).
Philadelphia 76ers Rumors
June 22nd, 2008
The 76er free agent wish list includes Elton Brand, Josh Smith or Antawn Jamison. Rumors out of Atlanta are that the Hawks don’t want to go above $11 million per year to sign restricted free agent Josh Smith. If that’s the case, look for Smith to end up in Philadelphia (I don’t see this being the case. In my opinion, Atlanta will do their best in keeping Smith).
The 76ers first choice would be Elton Brand, but rumors out of Clipperland are that he doesn’t want to take a pay cut from the $16 million-plus he’s due next season, except to go to Miami (I don’t see Elton leaving LA).
If the 76ers can’t score Brand or Smith look for them to go after Washington Wizard Antawn Jamison.
The Sixers can start Smith or Jamison at $11 million with 8 percent annual increases.
Jevon Kearse likes to rock the party….then drive cars?
June 22nd, 2008
Former Tennessee Titan and former Philadelphia Eagle and current Tennessee Titan Jevon Kearse was arrested for DUI.
WTVF-TV is reporting, “Kearse was seen speeding and swerving several times.” During his last few seasons with Philadelphia, Jevon was never seen speeding, but definitely swerving several times. Moreover, swerving around offensive lineman, taking himself completely out of the play.
PHOTO CAPTION: Jevon Kearse was seen in this position after the majority of plays during his Philadelphia career.
“The officer who pulled the Titan over said Kearse exhibited slurred speech, red eyes, and smelled of alcohol. He reportedly refused a breath test.” If anyone has ever heard Jevon speak, slurred speech is a common element in his every-day English. Therefore, this will probably not be held against him. However, his red eyes and booze breath most likely will.
Carmelo Anthony and Denver Nuggets to meet
June 22nd, 2008
Carmelo Anthony has been the subject of many trade rumors and on Monday Anthony hopes to put these rumors to rest.
ESPN is reporting, “The meeting is being initiated by Anthony, who has grown tired of hearing his name mentioned in trade rumors. His desire is to stay in Denver and he wants assurances from the Nuggets that they will not trade him. Anthony’s party expects to get those assurances on Monday, according to the sources. If the Nuggets don’t commit to building around Anthony — and instead demonstrate a willingness to trade him — he will ask to be moved. Believing he will remain with the Nuggets, Anthony has not put together a list of teams he wants to be traded to.”
The team that has been mentioned the most involving Melo is the Detroit Pistons who were rumored to have offered Chauncey Billups and Tayshaun Prince. Tayshaun is from Compton.
Update: ESPN reported that their own Chris Broussard was wrong, and that the meeting is about the DUI.
William Murderface loves booze?
June 21st, 2008This is not sports related, but needs to be discussed?
Brilliant idea
June 20th, 2008
I love DVR. It’s great. This is what I did…I DVR’ed (DVR language for recorded) a baseball game, so I could fast forward through all of the ‘down-time.’ You know, the actionless part of the game. When all was said and done, I was able to watch the baseball game in fifteen minutes. I saved myself two hours and forty-five minutes.
I would recommend all of you trying this. Or just don’t bother, because the fifteen minutes that I did watch was really boring, too.
Godzirra?
June 19th, 2008We all love beer pong, but these guys play some good ping pong.
Dwayne Wade to play for Olympic Team
June 19th, 2008
I think we all realize I’m a huge NBA fan. I love basketball. I love it at it’s highest level. This is why I want Dwayne Wade to come back to his 2006 form. D-Wade was the best 2-guard in the game two years ago (not ever, two years ago). I am convinced after watching Lebron and Kobe lose in the NBA Finals in back-to-back years following the Heat championship.
This might be a little unfair, because D-Wade had Shaq, Zo, the Glove, and Antoine Walker. I mean Lebron had nobody times one which equals…well…nobody. And I think we just witnessed Kobe failing to beat three great basketball players by himself, because his team was relying on him too much. But D-Wade’s final appearance in 2006 completely out-shined anything Lebron and Kobe had on display.
Dwayne Wade will be playing in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing for USA Basketball. Let’s pray that he has gotten over his surgically repaired left knee. D-Wade is a phenomenal basketball player. If he can get back to his 2006 form, I will quickly put him in my top-three players in this league. And I leave you with this, some D-Wade highlights.
Big Time News…Sports News…Big Time…News!!!
June 19th, 2008
The best team in major league baseball is located in a little town of Chicago. That team is the Cubs. The Cubs have a pitcher named Carlos Zambrano. Pronounced zam-BRAH-no. You guys ever use that tool? The pronunciation tool on ESPN? Yeah, go to ESPN and search for Darko Milicic. Right there, see? It shows you how to pronounce his last name. DAR-ko MILL-a-chich. That’s pretty convenient.
Anyway, Cub pitcher Carlos Zambrano will miss his next scheduled start because of shoulder trouble and will undergo an MRI exam Friday. I mean seriously, that’s huge news. I mean, the pronunciation tool, thing.
PHOTO CAPTION: As Carlos swings his right punch, his body fat rolls up his chest into his FACE!
Highest-earning athletes in the U.S.
June 19th, 2008
In case you missed it a couple weeks ago, SI.com came out with a list of the top 50 highest-earning athletes in the U.S. I’m gonna take it a step further and out of those top 50 see what sport comes out on top. Let’s do this:
NBA: $584,570,587 (Highest-earning, Lebron James $40,455,000)
MLB: $210,650,000 (Highest-earning, Alex Rodriguez $35,000,000)
PGA: $206,029,437 (Highest-earning, Tiger Woods $127,902,706)
NFL: $143,775,069 (Highest-earning, Peyton Manning $30,500,000)
NASCAR: $71,812,577 (Highest-earning, Dale Earnhardt Jr $27,221,970)
Boxing: $40,250,000 (Highest-earning, Floyd Mayweather Jr $40,250,000)
Wow, the NBA likes to rock the party?
Tiger’s season is over
June 18th, 2008
Golf is going to be pretty boring from here on out. Tiger will undergo reconstructive knee surgery that will keep him out for the rest of the season.
So, that’s about it. Wanna talk about something else? Howa bout we come up with a new nickname for Philadelphia Phillie Pat Burrell? Maybe, The Ultimate Package of Glory? TUP-G for short?
