PHSports's Blog

Our Thoughts on the Vince Young Situation

PHSports — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 23:50:43 GMT

Our Thoughts on the Vince Young Situation

Clement: I am a Vince Young fan and Titan apologist. With that being said, the lack of progression - athletically and physically - for Young has begun to worry me. Personally, I felt Norm Chow was the wrong quarterback mentor/offensive coordinator for Young as a rookie and I felt transitioning into Mike Heimerdinger wouldn't be easy. Nevertheless, Young has proven his decision making abilities are deeply rooted in his lack of confidence. I won't pretend to forget he has had the WORST receiving corps in the league each and every season he's been the starter. With all that being said, I'm still going to apologize. His Titan team rallies behind the guy, he was part of a 10-6 playoff team last year (who played San Diego tough on the road in the playoffs), and is still uber-talented. I'm not buying manic depression or suicidal links (I didn't with TO either). I hate how the media plays psychologist or pity party in situations like this. Report the story and don't try to pretend you pity the guy. Nor should anyone have the right to villainize Young for having a lot of money and not a total grasp on his self-confidence. Can Young rebound? Of course. Will he? Only time will tell on that one. Paging Jim Brown: Call this young man up and ask him the tough questions Jeff Fisher isn't allowed to ask (as his coach) and the media never has the right to ask.

Armin: I remember the run as if it were yesterday. Yes, that one. The TD run that Vince ran into the end zone to seal the National Championship for the University of Texas. At that point, being the draft guru that I pretend to be, I asked myself, "Does that single play/game vault him to the top of the draft?" My opinion at the time, and still today, is that it shouldn't have, but it did. Young was a great player in college, but I never considered him a great passer. The QB position in the NFL is actually very simple. Regardless of your style, you still have to be a good passer. This is why I've stuck to my guns when I've said that Michael Vick and Vince Young will never be on Randall Cunningham's level. Cunningham was actually a good passer. This past weekend, the Titans fans gave it to Young for being a sub-par passer, and Young broke under the pressure. I am not going to comment on the whole police situation. I think people blew it out of proportion in his family, in the organization, in the media and among NFL fans. We all get down. We also don't know the whole story. The part that bothers me was that he wanted to be taken out of the game. Heck, even Kordell Stewart broke into tears on the sidelines when he was taken out, no matter how bad he was throwing the ball. Does Young lack heart? Does he lack self-confidence? Either way, the message is clear. Vince Young, himself, doesn't think he has what it takes. A change of scenery is probably not far off.

Sum: I'm not the foremost expert on college football, nor do I claim to be. My fandom in the college game is pretty much limited to the last 2-3 weeks of the regular season + the bowl games, with the rest of the season dedicated to blind love of Notre Dame (and Charlie Weis's eating of cheeseburgers). That said, I was never sold on Vince Young as a top NFL prospect. Yes, he outshined Reggie Bush in the Rose Bowl, and yes he was a deserving finalist in Heisman balloting. But, as Armin discusses in solid detail, Young never established himself as a great passer. But Armin left two QBs out of his discussion, and they must be mentioned. Donovan McNabb and John Elway. Both QBs are/were talented scramblers and began their NFL careers running quite regularly. But Elway never overcame that Super Bowl slump until he became an effective pocket passer, and McNabb soon realized that he needed to concentrate on his throwing prowess in addition to having fleet feet. Vince Young, as PFT points out, throws like Uncle Rico and would prefer to run. That style of QB works wonders in college and becomes mediocre in the pro game. Such a dropoff in success can truly damage the psyche of a formerly prosperous athlete, such as Young. The top pro athletes manage to overcome such depression ... unfortunately, I don't see Young as a top pro athlete.

Paymon: What made Vince Young great at the collegiate level was his mentality - easy-going with a never say die attitude - and not his passing skills. Though his confidence wavered in college, especially in games versus Oklahoma prior to his final season at Texas, his team always rallied around him and followed his lead en route to an amazing amount of success culminating in a thrilling National Championship. When he took over an 0-3 team which was well on its way to securing a top 5 draft pick, it was that same mentality that led the Titans to a 8-8 mark in 2006 and subsequently to 10 wins plus a playoff appearance in 2007. Knowing this, I find it disconcerting to see the fragility of a QB who overcame the unduly criticism received by pundits and fans alike in his first two seasons. Depression is a serious issue and permeates all sectors of one's life, regardless of how well an individual attempts to compartmentalize it. I just hope that Vince Young figures out for himself - and not for the Titans organization or for fans - what it is that he wants and needs to do in life. Lastly, Young should not feel burdened by the guilt of having a big contract that he feels he cannot fulfill (or the boos that come as a result), because that is the NFL's fault for having a flawed system that gives exorbitant amounts of money to individuals who have never played a down in the league.

The Declining Dollar and Its Effect on the NBA

PHSports — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 03:09:36 GMT

The Declining Dollar and Its Effect on the NBA

There's no secret. The American dollar has been in decline for nearly a decade. Consequently, the Euro, which was introduced in January 1999, and faltered in the early going before central banks in Europe, Japan and the US acted together to intervene, has risen from $1.1747 USD on January 4, 1999 to $1.5780 USD as of July 23, 2008. As a result, the Euro has elevated in excess of 34% since its inception. Moreover, the Euro has increased by nearly 92% since it reached its record low of $0.8225 USD on October 26, 2000.

If Carlos Delfino is getting $9M per season to play in Russia, just imagine what offers this guy would get.

Courtesy: LoveFilm

Naturally, there are many more things other than basketball that the downward spiral of the American dollar has affected. Nevertheless, we talk sports here; therefore, the conversation turns to the only American sport with a global marketing approach: basketball. Sorry, hockey fan. I ask that you not shoot pucks at my apartment. My landlord would not appreciate that.

So, that takes us to the research question: How has the dollar's decline affected the NBA?

To me, the issue is two-fold. To those who are more intelligent and better versed in the economic realities of sport, it is manifold.

First, due to the increasing competitiveness of European basketball as well as the relative strength of currency, more and more American-based players are leaving the States. This is not a new development. It's just built steam very quickly. Following valued role players such as Carlos Delfino and Bostjan Nachbar, Josh Childress had, according to a story first reported by Yahoo, received a three-year offer equivalent to $20M USD to sign with Greek side Olympiakos. After further reports by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Olympiakos offered three years and $32.5M, which after taxes paid by the club becomes a net salary about $6.7M per annum for Childress. That crushes the Hawks' offer which was five years and $33M, which after taxes paid by Childress becomes a net salary of about $3.4M per year. That's nearly twice the net salary, even when counting that the Hawks' best and final offer started at the mid-level exception of $5.6M, which is in the ballpark of what many expected Childress would be offered when all was said and done. Did I mention that Childress can opt after each season without a buyout?

Childress: Now has 32.5 million reasons why he should finally get a hair cut.

Courtesy: HoopsVibe

In this sense, if the trend persists, benches can be thinned of talented assets (i.e. players who are 6th through 8th in a team's respective rotation) who would earn at least 1.5 times more with a top European team compared to an NBA squad. That means younger players filling up the back end of rosters, which can be scary for teams who treasure continuity. Perhaps, this will heighten the importance the growing importance of the NBDL.

Second, as evidenced by recent NBA drafts, many European-based players are drafted and have guaranteed funds in place but never step foot in the NBA. Why? That's because first-round picks are subject to a rigid salary structure that does not allow a number of players to experience free agency until their fifth season.

For the European-based players selected in the latter part of the first round, there is a real fear that they may never set foot on the NBA hardwood for a number of reasons - unpalatable contract, high buyout and cultural issues.

For the same players who eventually join the NBA teams that draft them, there is an expectation of immediate playing time, as many of Europe's elite are sacrificing their pocket books for the NBA dream. As a result, some have decided to leave at season's end and return to Europe for considerably more money.

At the end of the day, money and sports are joined at the hip. If the value of the American dollar plummets another 34% in comparison with the Euro over the next nine years, you had better believe that some proven starters may end their careers in Europe if they find it financially necessary.

The Post-Camby Nuggets - Next Steps?

PHSports — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 15:04:53 GMT

The Post-Camby Nuggets - Next Steps?

Earlier this week, the Denver Nuggets shockingly traded Marcus Camby to the LA Clippers. The cost? A swap of second-round picks. In 2010.

In doing so, the Nuggets have been vastly criticized for handing the 2007-08 Defensive POY to a team in its own conference. On the other hand, Denver shed itself $15.6M worth of salary over the next years. Even without Camby's salary, the Denver has a payroll teetering around the luxury tax threshold of $71M. Why is that important? When crossing into that threshold, teams pay dollar-for-dollar to the league. Whomever in management pulled the trigger in Denver likely stated that they will save as much as $31.2M over the next two years. To put that in perspective, less than 20 players will make that money over the next two years.

Now, let's read between the lines. Despite having four of their five top earners healthy (Nene) for the majority of the season, Denver could only muster the 8th best record in the West. Of course, that still meant 50 wins, which would have garnered a #4 seed in the standardly-deviant Eastern Conference. In giving their best defensive player away for peanuts, it tells me that the Nuggets brass were convinced that they could not win now even with an added piece. That said, this seems like the first of multiple moves to be made by the organization. Who's next? How on earth do you expect the Nuggets to stop teams, when they had trouble stopping teams from scoring all season (even with Camby)? So, where do the Nuggets go from here? Here are a few options.

1. The Status Quo. Give or take a million, the Nuggets are right at the luxury tax threshold of $71.15M. They also have at least two players to sign (teams need to sign at least 13 players). They have a roster with two perennial All-Stars, a former All-Star and a host of role players with amazing offensive talent.

2. Trade AI. Plain and simple, the AI/Melo has not worked out. It's not that they have not been excellent, because they have. Fifty wins is no small accomplishment. In the dog-eat-dog Western Conference, excellent just isn't good enough sometimes. At 33, Iverson is one of the league's best guards and he has an expiring contract ($21.9M). Translation: He could walk for free next off-season and he could be considered the missing piece to a team without a dominant guard at the All-Star break who can get to the line and play through pain.

Who would want him?

The team that comes to mind is the Cleveland Cavaliers. Cleveland would jump at the chance to have AI and they have the disposable salary to do it. A trade with the expiring salaries of Wally Szczerbiak ($13.0M), Joe Smith ($4.8M), Delonte West ($2.8) in addition to JJ Hickson ($1.3M) and future draft picks could seal the deal.

3. Dangle Melo. Multiply the parties interested manifold. Denver has to also think about their marketing strategy if they part ways with Anthony, as he is the face of the franchise.

4. Sign a FA Center. Both Francisco Elson and Jonathan Bender have indicated an interest in wanting to play for the Nuggets, and the only center of the roster is ::drum roll:: ... Steven Hunter. Now, the ball is in Denver's court. Judging the two players, Elson is the more accomplished player and is a proven defensive asset.

5. Seek creative deals involving Kenyon Martin and Nene. I am almost certain that the Nuggets offered these two players with added incentives for nothing to teams with little to no response. Both have been marred by injury and other health concerns, and they make silly money.

Favre '08: Yes He Can!

PHSports — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 03:03:53 GMT

Favre '08: Yes He Can! (A "rumor" with "no reason"?)

As a citizen of the United States, I have had the opportunity to cast a ballot in two presidential elections in my life so far. This November will be the third, although my interest in presidential politics has existed since the 1992 elections. As an "armchair political analyst," (hey, I need something to do during the NFL off-season, when I can't be an "armchair quarterback") I have developed a general and simplistic formula as to what makes a good presidential candidate.

The individual must first have great popularity from his local constituency. This isn't necessarily the person's "home" or "birth" city/state, but rather where the bulk of public service has occurred. Second, the person must deny the initial inquiries into her/his desire to run. However, the denials must be done in a manner that allows the person to seem flattered by the "suggestion" and also allows the door to remain slightly cracked open. This second stage can last anywhere from a few days to months. Finally, the individual should throw her/his hat into the race on either a late night talk show or during an interview on a "news" channel. This last step must include in the announcement either a backhanded slap at the current administration or demeaning comments about opponents in the upcoming election. Of course, both before and during the race, the person must continuously change stances on important issues, and must make some statements that make no sense whatsoever.

My friends, with that formula in mind, I give you the ideal candidate to support in the 2008 Presidential Elections: Brett Lorenzo Favre. If Favre approaches the presidential elections how he has approached the issue of his retirement from the NFL, then nobody else stands a chance.

He stinks at making up his mind, I stink at Photoshop. Hey, Brett, need a running mate?

Favre enjoys unquestioned support and loyalty from the citizens of Green Bay, WI. It doesn't matter that his infatuation with gun-slinging was a huge reason that the Giants were able to come back in, and ultimately win, the NFC Championship game last season. It doesn't matter that his mind for football is fairly miniscule. He's their hero, he can do no wrong, and he has their support.

Since 2002, Favre has toyed with the idea of retiring every off-season. At times he let the issue last well into the summer months before making a clear statement as to his intentions. And each off-season, when reporters asked him of his decision, he opted to deflect the issue. When he finally retired after this past season, many questioned whether Favre would remain retired. Questions were asked regularly, and Favre would provide an incomplete answer peppered with his boyish charm. He kept this up through July 2, when questions about his intent to return to football crept up again and he responded by referring to it as "rumor" for which there was "no reason."

Admittedly, Favre muffed the final stage a bit. He allowed the news media and the Packers to leak the story that he had requested to return and requested a release. Favre then waited several days before making his appearance on Fox News. But what an appearance it was! Favre proclaimed, with regard to Green Bay, "I can't envision being with anyone else, or haven't envisioned being with anyone else," even though on June 20^th he clearly asked for his release from the team. He continued to lambaste his opponents, Mike McCarthy and Ted Thompson, for mistreatment, and made it clear he wanted a release from his contract.

This release demand fits the bill perfectly for the "flip-flop" requirement. In 2005, Green Bay wide receiver Javon Walker held out, wanting either a new contract or out of his contract. Favre made his thoughts clear on the matter, "Maybe I'm old-school, but I always thought you honor a contract. Sure, sometimes guys pass you up in salary, and maybe it's a lesser player, but it's all based on what a team has as far as value in that person. I sure hope the Packers don't give." Of course, Favre does not apply this train of thought to himself. In his mind, his demands are not monetary, but rather about playing. And who wouldn't want an aged interception-slinger as their starting QB, especially when they have devoted the entire off-season to retooling the offense around a new player?

Brett, you have demonstrated that you have the unquestioned loyalty of your constituents/fan-base, the ability to be coy in answering questions and the fantastic talent of flip-flopping and not holding yourself accountable to the same rules you apply to everyone else. Forget football. Run for President. FAVRE '08!!!

Bye Bye, Billy - Six Reasons I Won't Miss You

PHSports — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 03:21:20 GMT

Bye Bye, Billy - Six Reasons I Won't Miss You

"This was a decision CBS and I made over a year ago." The statement made by Billy Packer disputes claims that he was let go by CBS.

No matter how I look at it, it's a beautiful day for college basketball fans, because Billy Packer not calling games anymore will allow for many of us to unmute our televisions. It's also perhaps one of the few days during the calendar year when even UNC and Duke can smile for the same reason.

Grey Blackwell of the News and Observer (AKA The News and Disturber) correctly summarizes Packer's career had he entered other career avenues.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0W6pMlysHn8

That said, here are 6 reasons I won't miss Billy.

6) In 2000, Packer reportedly made sexist comments to two Duke University students before a men's basketball game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. When asked to show his press pass, he responded, "Since when do we let women control who gets into a men's basketball game? Why don't you go find a women's game to let people into?" Packer later apologized. I'm certain the two women found his apology sincere.

5) "Simon says ... championship". Those are three words that haunt Clement.

4) During an on-air broadcast of a game between Georgetown and Villanova, Packer described Hoyas guard Allen Iverson as a "tough monkey". Neither Iverson nor then-head coach John Thompson were offended by the remark, and Thompson said Packer doesn't "have to explain to anybody about Billy being a racist because he's not." He is living a few centuries behind us though.

3) "I've never really been a sports fan." One sentence never made so much sense to me.

2) "That's a poor decision by [insert name of fallible player, coach or referee]." Packer's constant negativity has made games that market themselves tough to watch. Only Dick Vitale and Mike Patrick make games tougher to watch. Sadly, all three cover ACC games and I live in the Mid-Atlantic region.

1) Packer's blatant ignorance towards mid-major schools gaining at-large bids in the NCAA and weak-minded half truths have entered the brains of those who have not yet muted their televisions. During the NCAA Tournament Selection Show, Packer criticized the selection committee's decision to include Bradley, Northern Iowa and George Mason. He noted that teams from the Missouri Valley Conference and Colonial Athletic Association had won only one game during the last three NCAA tournaments, while teams from the ACC had won 25 games. As a result, three of the four teams made it to the Sweet 16 and one made the Final Four.
If only Packer would have shared with the audience how many of those wins were by mediocre ACC teams with lower than a #10 seed. He didn't. Why? Facts aren't important to those with agendas or those with uncontrollable egos that makes oneself think they're bigger than the game. Check. Check.

Bye bye, Billy.

Note: In the making of this post, Billy Packer would have pointed out that a traveling violation was not whistled exactly 6209 times.

The NBA's 10 Worst Current Contracts

PHSports — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 15:09:15 GMT

The NBA's 10 Worst Current Contracts

In today's NBA, there are countless contracts that are far from palatable. In this exercise, I examined the available NBA contracts at HoopsHype.com to determine the worst ten. Let me assure you that this was by no means an easy task.

For the sake of the exercise, I eliminated players who had reached a buyout from their former teams. That excludes the likes of Adonal Foyle, Steve Francis and Juwan Howard, the first two of which would be shoe-ins for this list.

Also, I have "pardoned" players with sizable contracts who have spent large amounts of time with the team trainer. That includes Bobby Simmons (two years, $20.5M) and Speedy Claxton (two years, $11.0M).

Additionally, because athletes with bad contracts rarely forgo player options, the contracts below include player options.

Knicks fans have grown accustomed to seeing this type of contribution from James.

Credit: Seattle Post-Intelligencer

1) Jerome James, New York Knicks - 2 years, $12.8M. Healthy for most of last season, James made more millions than minutes played ... all season. When he originally signed a five-year deal, many thought it was a horrible deal. It's amazing how a vastly impressive series at the right time net a $30+M contract.

2) Brian Cardinal, Minnesota Timberwolves - 2 years, $13.0M. Cardinal was well on his way to being a career nomad before he had two comparatively good seasons averaging 9.6 and 9.0ppg, respectively. That resulted in a disgusting contract that the Grizz have regretted ever since. Cardinal is serviceable at best. The service has yet to be determined.

3) Dan Gadzuric, Milwaukee Bucks - 3 years, $20.2M. The Bucks can look forward 3 and 3 for the next three years. I've been informed by a colleague that he is a beast at cleaning up rebounds in NBA Live 08. So, he's good for something other than keeping the seat warm for the starters.

4) Brian Scalabrine, Boston Celtics - 2 years, $6.6M. An energy guy with the Nets, Danny Ainge signed Scalabrine to a 5-year, $15M deal which many Celts cringed about for months on end. At least, he's a good luck charm.

5) Raef LaFrentz, Portland Trail Blazers - 1 year, $12.7M. Wikipedia knows what's up! Raef is best known for his expiring contract.

6) Erick Dampier, Dallas Mavericks - 3 years, $33.7M. A lightning rod for criticism, Damp lost his mean streak a while ago. A $10+M center he is not. The need to sign to DeSagana Diop to the full mid-level exception demonstrated urgency.

7) Kenyon Martin, Denver Nuggets - 3 years, $46.0M. Since he stayed healthy and performed admirably last season, K-Mart was lower on this list. Injuries have slowed K-Mart down; however, was he worthy of the contract that Denver gave him? Because of the implicit Jason Kidd factor, methinks not.

8) Jared Jeffries, New York Knicks - 3 years, $19.4M. A career-low 3.7 ppg this past season along with an overall negligible impact for a full mid-level exception contract - that's what he gets for leaving a good situation in Washington.

9) Ben Wallace, Cleveland Cavaliers - 2 years, $28.5M. Though Wallace remains a formidable defensive asset, he is no longer worthy of NBA All-Defensive First Team honors. Also, guys who don't take shots from outside 10 feet should shoot better than 39% from the field. Just a thought, not a sermon.

10) Stephon Marbury, New York Knicks - 1 year, $21.9M. After the 2004-05 campaign, Marbury's numbers have declined precipitously. For a player who does not have a real playoff resume or a track record for being an unselfish teammate, that's not comforting. Little known fact: Steph shot a career-high 38% from behind the arc in 2007-08.

[Dis]Honorable Mention
Troy Murphy, Indiana Pacers - 3 years, $31M. Murphy had somewhat of a resurgence in Indiana last season, but he's not the double-double guy that signed the contract a few years ago with the Warriors.

Shaquille O'Neal, Phoenix Suns - 2 years, $40M. Though he averaged a double figures in scoring and rebounding with Phoenix, a non-franchise player should never make $20M per year. The bigger indictment here is on Steve Kerr and Robert Sarver for acquiring his contract, knowing that you want to avoid going a cent over the luxury tax threshold.

Greg Buckner, Memphis Grizzlies - 3 years, $12M. I have nothing to say on Buckner. He sure was good at Clemson. He may still be able to start for them.

Larry Hughes, Chicago Bulls - 2 years, $26.5. Hughes has been dogged by injuries and familial tribulations, but he took the silly money that Cleveland offered and hobbled. Hughes's ability to take the ball aggressively to the hoop and draw fouls can make him a very good player again; however, he needs to improve shot selection and overall consistency. A website created by a Cleveland fan aptly summarizes why Hughes is on this list.

Falling Short of the Mark - Thank You, Elton

PHSports — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:39:22 GMT

Falling Short of the Mark - Thank You, Elton

Here's a video summary of my thoughts on the Warriors and Clippers free agency efforts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MSDHMDupTA

Other Notes
- Corey Maggette is apparently worth the $10M per year that he wanted. So say the Warriors, at least.

- When I think Andrew Bogut, here's what DOES NOT come to mind: 5 years, $72.5M. Why? Seriously. Bogut shot a career-low 51% and shoots less than 60% from the charity stripe. Sure, that's the HHI speaking - Hashemi Hater Index for those keeping score. Bogut has only missed 20 games in three years and has improved his scoring and rebounding output. If I were GM, I would not pay him half of that. I hope they enjoy the red carpet that they'll be laying out in the paint.

- Ronny Turiaf signs an offer sheet - 4 years, $17M - with the Warriors. One of the most energetic players in the league (and among my personal favorites since he was a Zag), Turiaf struggles with foul trouble even in the offseason. The Lakers have seven days to match. Tick, tock.

- James Jones inked a 4 year deal worth $23M with the Heat. ::YAWN::