All-NBA, NFL Roster

A couple of my friends told me about how they took a look at NBA rosters, and selected the best players for each position on a football team. Here's what I came up with: 

Offense:

Quarterback: Russell Westbrook

Running Back: Derrick Rose

Full Back: Jameer Nelson

WR 1: Lebron James

WR 2: Kevin Durant

Tight End: Carmelo Anthony

Slot: Dwayne Wade

Guard: Zach Randolph

Guard: Demarcus Cousins

Left Tackle: Kurt Thomas

Tackle: Paul Millsap

Center: Tyler Hansbrough

Defense:

DL: Marc Gasol

DL: Kenneth Faried

DE: Jared Sullinger

DE: Dwight Howard

CB: Chris Paul

CB: Mike Conley

LB: Jae Crowder

LB: Brandon Bass

LB: Tony Allen

SS: Kyrie Irving

FS: Rajon Rondo

Chris Wallace/Wayne Ellington Quotes

Chris Wallace Quotes:
Wallace on the move for Wayne Ellington: “We had to trade Dante Cunningham, who was a big factor on our team last year. There was a log jam at Dante’s position (power forward).”

Wallace on free agency moves: “We said prior to free agency that we wanted to bring in more 3 point shooting.”

On Ellington's overall game: “That (3 point shooting) was his calling card in college, shooting over 40 percent at North Carolina. He’s young enough to get his shooting eye back. He is almost strictly a 2 guard. He will compete with guys for time there.”

Biggest obstacle for the Grizzlies: “Its tough to keep winning games when you have the disparity at the 3 point line that we often face."

Wallace on free agency and the trading market: “Trading is very difficult to predict. A trading partner could walk into our position at any time. There are probably very few more signings we are going to have in free agency. The biggest hole is at back up center.”

Any word on the team being sold?: “I can’t comment on that. That’s above my pay grade. Go to the top on that."

Jeremy Pargo departing: “We wish Jeremy the best up in Cleveland, and he will likely have more of an opportunity there."

Thoughts on Summer League: “The summer league as good as we get in the NBA. We just need to get used to these young players and exposing them to the NBA”

Wayne Ellington Quotes:

On the trade to Memphis: “I was really excited. They have a great thing going on here in Memphis. Playoffs, winning are the most important. I’m happy to get to work and ready to go.”

Ellington on playing in Minnesota: “ It was a tough situation in Minnesota. We had a lot of young guys and a lot of people at the same position. Unfortunately, I didn’t get my best opportunity in Minnesota, but I have a fresh start here in Memphis.”

On what he likes about the Grizzlies: “You see a lot of opportunity for open shots from the perimeter, which is one of my strengths.  I am a guy that can knock down shots from the perimeter, and continue to get better defensively. I think I can be a piece that can fit in well.”

On meeting some of the guys:  “I know TA from playing against him. I know Rudy, and also Darrell, Mike, Quincy because we all came out the same year of high school.”

Jersey number for next season: “Still trying to decide which number to get. I was actually talking to the coaches. They were trying to help me. Maybe 21 since its close to 22, maybe 4 (2+2), maybe 23 because of my connection at UNC.”

On his shooting woes last season: “Its tough to get into rhythm when your playing time is up and down. I can get a lot more open looks here. Teams won’t focus on 3 point shooting when you have guys that are killing you inside.”

---GM

Draft of 2012 Team USA/ Dream Team

This morning on the U92 Sports Desk, Ben Rainwater and I drafted 10 players each from the 1992 Dream Team and the 2012 Team USA. The players are listed in the order they were drafted. I had the first pick:

Grant's Team                                                                                     Ben's Team  

1. Michael Jordan                                                                            1. Lebron James
2. Kevin Durant                                                                               2. David Robinson
3. Patrick Ewing                                                                              3. Charles Barkley
4. Kobe Bryant                                                                               4. Larry Bird
5. Karl Malone                                                                                5. Magic Johnson
6. Deron Williams                                                                            6. Chris Paul
7. Carmelo Anthony                                                                        7. Scottie Pippen
8. Tyson Chandler                                                                           8. Kevin Love
9. Russell Westbrook                                                                      9. James Harden
10. Anthony Davis                                                                            10. Clyde Drexler

Team Grant Starters: Deron Williams, Michael Jordan, Kevin Durant, Karl Malone, Patrick Ewing

Team Ben Starters: Magic Johnson, James Harden, Lebron James, Larry Bird, David Robinson

I think it's funny that I ended up with seven players from the current Team USA. I considered drafting John Stockton, but just don't think he belongs in this game of speed and size. He was one of the greatest of all time at the point guard position, but I don't see him matching up with Magic or Chris Paul. I do find it interesting that we each start three players from the 1992 team, and two from the 2012 team.

Follow Ben on Twitter @BenRainwaterMR

Follow me on Twitter @milnergolf

--GM

Shaq Goodwin Presser Notes/Quotes

A small amount of media members positioned themselves around the lobby of the Finch Center, anticipating the arrival of Shaq Goodwin. Across the lobby were another set of doors. I noticed a tall, burly looking figure trying to get in. It was Shaq. He looked at me laughing when I opened the doors and said, "I don't have any codes or nothin man." It was a nice way to break the ice right before his first appearance with the Memphis media.

Josh Pastner spoke before Goodwin did, but wanted to guarantee that the attention stay on his new star power forward. Pastner confirmed that the schedule is done for next year, but that they are just waiting to release it. He also said that former Tiger Charles Carmouche will likely land at LSU next season.


Here are some of the memorable quotes from today's presser with Shaq Goodwin.



On playing with Team USA in Brazil: "I learned that I didn't like to lose and that I'm a team player. I  knew I could make the sacrifice to not be selfish."


What it will be like working out with Frank: "There is no shape quite like Frank shape. All I hear is that he is a tough guy who will push you to your limit and that's what we need."


Shaq on the food in Brazil: "We were expecting to stop at McDonald's and get a couple of burgers and go back to the hotel. We got there and all they had, I kid you not, were beans, chicken, and rice."


On rumors of him playing football in 2013: "I'm still going to play football next year and I'm looking forward to it."


The transition from AAU to college hoops: "If you come in with the mature approach that you need to get better and better you will be successful. I grew up with five sisters. They always told me confidence kills."


On how much different college hoops will be: "Everyone is good, and will come to win every single game. This will be the biggest challenge of my life."


His fluctuation in weight: "When I first got to Colorado to train for Team USA, I was at 268. When we got back from Brazil, I was at 255. I'm sure when Frank gets done with me I'll be like 240."




Overall, I liked what I heard from Goodwin. He is a very well spoken, confident guy that will play a huge role for the Tigers next season. Pastner blatantly said that there is no way Shaq will be playing football, so there is obviously some confusion there. My guess? He never sees the football field. Shaq awaits a physical before he can be cleared to work with the team/coaches. Pastner said that once the physical is completed, Shaq will undergo a five week plan to get him ready for the season. Goodwin even admitted he is not in the best shape, but no need to worry about that as long as Frank is running his conditioning.


--GM

NBA Draft Winners and Losers

Boo's were raining down from the rafters of the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ on Thursday evening throughout the NBA draft. However, the fans weren't booing the players. They were booing David Stern, commissioner of the NBA. I don't think I have ever seen someone enjoy getting booed as much as Stern did last night.

There are always going to be teams that draft better than others. Whether it be in the NFL draft, the MLB draft, or in this case, the NBA draft, some teams always come out better than others. I'll start with the positives from last night.

--The New Orleans Hornets had no problem at the top of the pecking order, selecting Anthony Davis with the overall number one pick, and then getting a dynamic guard in Austin Rivers at the tenth pick. I'm not quite sure where Rivers fits in on this roster, but I believe this was a situation where they drafted talent, not a need. Eric Gordon will likely resign with New Orleans this offseason, which is why I somewhat question where Rivers will play, but overall a fantastic draft for the Hornets. Throw in Darius Miller in the second round and things are looking up for this troubled franchise. Anthony Davis is the kind of player that can change a franchise with his defensive intensity and his improving offensive skillset.

--I absolutely LOVED the Raptors taking Terrence Ross at number eight. He will fill an opening that this team truly needs. He is extremely athletic, and improved his rebounding tremendously last season averaging over six boards a night. Watch out for this Raptors team next season. They will likey throw the kitchen sink at Steve Nash in free agency, and will pick up Jonas Valanciunas, their 5th overall selection from last year's draft. A healthy Andrea Bargnani will move to the power forward position, a spot he is more comfortable in. I could see the Raptors contending for a playoff spot next season. 

There were a host of other teams that succeed in last night's draft, but now on to the less fortunate teams.

--Let's start with the Memphis Grizzlies, who only had one selection in last night's draft. This team needs help in a couple of places: shooting guard, and at point guard. They decide to draft Tony Wroten Jr, the PAC-12 freshman of the year. I'm not a big fan of this pick. Wroten has a lot of talent, don't get me wrong, but he just doesn't fit in with this team. Wroten shot SIXTEEN percent from behind the arc last season. He is the kind of player that likes to drive to the basket, with the opportunity to kick it out to a shooter. After all, Wroten shot only 44 percent from the field overall last season. If the Grizzlies had shooters, he could be a nice backup guard that could come in and find the open guy on the wing for a shot. However, the Grizzlies don't have shooters, which makes this selection irrelevant to me. Wroten will join the other young, inexperienced point guards on the Grizzlies roster that Lionel Hollins refuses to trust or even play.

--I also thought Portland wasted a couple of top eleven picks. They drafted Damian Lillard in the sixth spot, and Meyers Leonard at number eleven. Generally, if you have two picks this high in the draft, you would like to get a couple of players that are franchise defining players. To me, they are taking a major chance on both of these players turning out to be stars. Lillard played in a weak conference and faced no top 25 teams last season, but put up incredible numbers at the point guard position. Leonard is a true center that has a lot of upside, but isn't a great scorer. He improved dramatically at Illinois over two seasons, and rebounds the basketball pretty well. I just don't trust either of these picks by Portland, which is why I view their draft as a poor one. Throw in Will Barton and Tyshawn Taylor in the second round and you now will have nine guards on that roster next year. Yikes.

It was an amazing night for the SEC, as we saw the top three selections come out of their conference. It was also a big night for Kentucky and North Carolina, who each had four players selected in the first round. That will be a pretty decent recruiting tool for John Calipari and Roy Williams.

The NBA draft provides optimism for many teams headed into next season. It is always nice to pick up players that can make an immediate impact in the win/loss category. There were many teams that added crucial pieces to their rosters. Most teams are just hoping that their guys don't bust. There will be players that fan out, which is unfortunate, but this is a business. It is pretty simple: perform and get paid, or flop and you'll be looking for another job.

--GM

Lebron James is the King

“This fall, I'm going to take my talents to South Beach and join the Miami Heat. I feel like this is going to be the best opportunity to win, and not just this season, but in multiple years." -- LeBron James on "The Decision," 2010.
That seems like a long time ago. I remember sitting at my parent's house watching "the decision" unfold. I wasn't happy. I loved Lebron James in Cleveland. I loved the fact that he was playing in his home state of Ohio, and that he was going to be the savior of that franchise.

When he left, I was disappointed. I now shifted my focus toward cheering against the Heat, especially after the celebration in Miami, before training camp had even started. I didn't care about how many titles that they believed they were going to win, but how many they could actually win. The Heat opened up the 2010-11 season 9-8 through 17 games. I was loving it. Building a super team seemed wrong to me. I lost respect for Lebron because he took the easy way out of Cleveland. He went to the players, the players didn't come to him.

When Miami made the Finals after surviving the most scrutinized season any team has ever played through, I thought they would win it. Dirk and the Mavs stole the show. Lebron and company went home without a ring, and more questions than answers. The mockery was on.

This season was different. Sure, the scrutiny still existed, but the Heat played their role as villains differently. Lebron went back to the basics, and played the game with joy and passion, not out of spite like the previous season.

I guess it paid off. Lebron is now a champion. The Heat were on the brink of elimination long before the Finals, trailing 2-1 to the Indiana Pacers, and 3-2 to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals. However, nothing was going to stop this team. Lebron put up one of the more classic performances in playoff history in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals scoring 45 points, along with 15 rebounds and 5 assists. This was his time to shine.

Still, most had doubts heading into the Finals. Questions surrounded the bench of the Heat, as well as their inferior frontcourt in comparison to the Thunder. The Heat slammed the door prety easily on those questions as their bench put up an impressive 80 points over the five game stretch in the NBA Finals. They also out-rebounded the Thunder in the final three games of the series. Not bad eh?

I'm happy for Lebron. My opinion has changed on putting a team together to win a title. Every great player has had help. Magic had Kareem and Worthy, Jordan had Pippen, Kobe had Shaq, and now Lebron has Wade and Bosh. That's just the way the game goes. You can't win a title by yourself. It takes a complete team effort to take home the hardware.

I said it before the Finals, but I'll reiterate once again. We are on the precipous of history in the NBA. As long as these two teams stay together, we could see Heat-Thunder in the Finals for a while. This could be our modern day Bulls-Jazz rivalry. How special would that be?

The pressure now shifts to Kevin Durant to win that elusive title. However, I don't think we will hassle him to win quite as much as we have Lebron. After all, it took Lebron eight seasons to finally get a ring. Durant has only been in the NBA for five. He still has plenty of time to get it done.

The Miami Heat have accomplished the most difficult thing: getting the first title. The NBA should beware, because the flood gates may have opened for Lebron James and company. The Heat will now try to match some of the NBA's greatest teams and win a handful of titles together. Shaq and Kobe won three together, Magic and the showtime Lakers won three, Jordan and the Bulls won six, and now the Heat will try to make their mark on the NBA forever.

Can this team continue to win titles? Of course. Does it get harder from here? Most likely. Lebron has established himself as the greatest player on the planet. He averaged 30.9 PPG in the postseason, as well as 9.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists. Those kind of numbers are staggering.

We can longer question if Lebron is going to win a championship. We now must wonder, how many more will he deliver? I can't wait to find out.


--GM

"Major" Change

Tiger Woods took the 36 hole lead at the Olympic Club in the 112th United States Open last week. He fired scores of 75 and 73 on the weekend to finish six shots back. Wait, what? Tiger Woods? Yep, that wasn't a misprint.

Golf is in a transition stage. We have now seen fifteen different players win the last fifteen majors, including the last nine by first time winners. Those kind of things just don't happen. It began with Graeme McDowell at Pebble Beach in 2010, as he stole the title from a headline of players including Ernie Els, Tiger Woods, and Phil Mickelson. Most recently, Webb Simpson took the title at the Olympic Club, beating out McDowell and a host of other great players.

The era that I have grown up in has been dominated by one player: Tiger Woods. This "balance of power" is just not something we are used to seeing. Even the players at the top of the World Golf Rankings aren't dominating the game. Luke Donald, the world's top ranked player, has yet to win a major. Even Lee Westwood, who is ranked third, still lacks that elusive major title as well.

Indeed, having nine different players win the last nine majors has been strange. However, I urge golf fans to be patient. This is an auspicious beginning, not an ominous one. Each of the nine previous winners are all relevant at this point in golf, with the exception of Darren Clarke. Players like Rory McIlroy, Bubba Watson, and Keegan Bradley are going to win more majors. These players are emerging at young ages and are going to be the faces of golf for a long time.

I truly believe that we are past the days of Tiger Woods dominating the game of golf. Woods isn't going to win nine times in a year anymore like he did back in 2000. He isn't going to win four consecutive majors at a time. Unfortunately, we are past that time in his career. Let's be happy for what we had with Tiger, and just hope there is something left in the tank to thrill us a few more times. I'm sure there is.

Don't get me wrong. Tiger is going to win more majors and a plethora of other tournaments on the PGA Tour. I just don't see him winning at the ridiculous level as he did in past years. I would be foolish to count out a player that has won 73 times on tour, and 14 major titles. So, I'm not going to count him out.

Golf may never be the same. If you are one of those people that tunes in to watch the majors and maybe a few tournaments other than that, you probably aren't happy with the way the game is evolving. "Oh Tiger's not winning? I'm not watching that," is what we will continue to hear. But for those of us die hard golf fans, this change in power is not so bad. There are more first-rate players than ever in the game today including six Americans in the top 10 of the World Golf Rankings.

I enjoy seeing parody and new faces emerge to rule the game of golf. We are on the verge of having 25-30 really super players battle it out every week. It is only a matter of time before one of these nine first time majors winners closes out their second major title. It may even come as soon as next month at the Open Championship in England. So watch out golf fans, new faces are emerging to lead the charge in this great game we all love. If you've got a problem with a host of players leading the way, rather than just one, I suggest you get ready for Wimbeldon.

--GM