- First off, I’m glad to see that NBA players are taking the initiative to go back to school.  Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, Jeff Green are among the few names on that list who took college classes this summer.  The New York Times reports that the average annual salary in the NBA is around $5.85 million.  We all know that NBA players are not going back to school to increase their pay -instead, the investment would enhance the likelihood of leading a full life.  For some players, going back to school will also provide a sense of accomplishment upon getting drafted to the pro’s. 

- If the NBA wants its athletes to represent the league on a global scale, the classroom migration could prove especially beneficial in the long run.  Let’s not forget that there is life after basketball.  For example, you know some players are bound to make the quantum leap from the court to the broadcasting world.   I want to take my own page out of Stephen A. Smith’s book:  “Quite Frankly,  you don’t want to sound like this!”

-CrazedSportsGuy

 To be honest, I don’t really like the month of October.  Let’s face the cold-filtered facts:  The weather starts to get cold, the daily grind of work seems less appealing, and Halloween isn’t even a real holiday.  To satiate your fun this month, pick up a controller and start plugging away at 2K10, the NBA’s hottest new game from EA sports – in stores as of Tuesday.  I’m not much of a video gamer, but after watching the “take over” commercial featuring Kobe Bryant I was instantaneously hooked. 

2K10 adds in all new facial expressions to keep the game up to pace on what is happening in the real NBA.   In addition to the great realism, the game is up-to-date with team and player information, including roster, trades, injuries, and player ratings.  If you think you got some skills, you can even create your own player and guide him towards superstardom on different player modes.  I played the game last night for the first time with my brother and, let me tell you, I didn’t walk away feeling disappointed.   My only concern is the fatigue factor of players during gameplay.  The energy meter runs out very quickly when holding down the turbo button.  All in all, it’s a great game and one that I highly recommend for all you crazed sports fans out there.  Until then, here’s a momentous trailer that will make you want to check the game out for yourself.

The noise for Braylon Edwards has reached new heights after an NFL Insider reports that the New York Jets will exercise a trade option for the troubled wide receiver.  Cleveland Browns head coach, Eric Mangini, has preached to his team early that through sheer determination, the Browns would keep their season alive.  Now that Edwards is out of the picture, will the Browns focus more on their winning ways? 

I wonder if all of this is happening because of the alleged incident with LeBron’s friend?  Sure, Edwards embodies conflicting qualities, but let’s actually examine what he brings to the table for the Jets.  Apparently, he’s going to resume playing at the wide receiver slot which will help cultivate key matchup problems that will be useful later on.  In addition, this will also be a breath of fresh air for Braylon as he seizes the opportunity to play with a playoff caliber team.  But, of course, Edwards’ track record of off-field incidents calls his production into question for the remainder of the season.  Many experts believe, though, he’s going to make the Jets better because of his wait-and-see approach and his ability to be a top playmaker in the NFL.   We’ll have to ”wait-and-see” if Edwards can regain his hold on stardom, or if he’ll be too addicted to the limelight. 

VH1, get ready for your next reality series, The Braylon Edwards Show !

-CrazedSportsGuy

Braylon Edwards #17 Cleveland Browns

Sports Illustrated - Braylon Edwards was fighting mad Sunday, exchanging a few blows with one of Cincinnati’s massive defensive linemen. Later, Cleveland’s contentious wide receiver allegedly took a swing at someone much smaller but with a towering, more famous friend: LeBron James. And the King isn’t happy about it.  James called Edwards “childish” for allegedly punching his friend early Monday morning following an argument outside a Cleveland night club. The Cavaliers superstar said Edwards punched his friend, Edward Givens, a promoter who was working outside the club around 2:30 a.m. EDT.  “I’ve never crossed paths with Braylon before, but it seems like there’s a little jealousy going on with Braylon and me and my friends. I have no idea why,” a protective and perturbed James said after practice. “I’ve never said anything to Braylon at all. But for him to do that is very childish. My friend is 130 pounds. Seriously. It’s like hitting one of my kids. It doesn’t make sense.”

130 lbs?  Are you serious Braylon? I think my left bicep weighs more than that lol.  Anytime you try and sucker punch a guy who is that small in stature, everyone starts to question your morale.  After speaking to the media, LeBron issued a statement and is allegedly picking his own fight with the Cleveland Browns wide receiver.  This could draw a rivalry between two of Cleveland’s biggests sports stars, but LeBron’s top priority should be fighting for a championship with his new megastar, Shaquille O’ Neal. 

After the scuffle between Edwards and LeBron’s string-beanish friend, James doted on how much he conducts himself as a professional athlete.  Hey LeBron, you’re a great athlete and, undoubtedly, the NBA’s undisputed star.  But before you can add the word “professional” to your arsenal, just remember the many hand shakes you owe to the NBA and its players.

And if someone beats you up, at least show them respect.  Or, just be “childish” about it.

-CrazedSportsGuy

TEAMS TO WATCH:

1) Boston Celtics: Too many ego’s to control?  Not if your name is Doc Rivers.  The over-the-top antics of the Boston Celtics have been scrutinized by the media and NBA experts alike.  But never has the Celtic’s behavior been questioned to the extent that it is after the signing of Rasheed Wallace.  Is Rivers ready for the unexpected?  Paul Pierce and company feel as though Doc is the driving force behind the team’s success. It comes as no accident that Doc has worked hard to get the C’s at a championship level , but their success this season also hinges on staying healthy and playing as a cohesive unit.   Come June, I believe things could be looking up for the Celtics.

2) San Antonio Spurs:  I like the Spurs to give the Lakers some competition in the playoffs out West.  Aside from a few other teams like Portland, Dallas, and Utah, the Spurs are sprinkled with guys who could make an immediate impact on both ends of the floor.  Anytime you can add a dynamic wing-presence in Richard Jefferson for virtually nothing in exchange, it only proves how serious the organization is about winning.  Not to mention, the Spurs have still maintained their core in the fold with Parker, Ginobili, and Duncan – as Antonio McDyess, Theo Ratliff, and rookie DeJuan Blair give the Spurs a much needed boost inside.  Their weakness?  Old age and a slow-transition running game.  Hey, just look at the bright side Spurs fans: If Timmy can bring another championship to San Antonio, you may have the bragging rights to the best power forward who has ever played the game. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH: 

Rasheed Wallace, Boston Celtics – I’m sure a lot of you have followed player’s careers with as much vigor as I do.  So, it goes without saying that Rasheed Wallace remains high on my priority list of players to look out for this season, because of these two reasons:  On the one hand, Wallace must prove to the loyal fans of Boston that he can stay acclimated to any role – even if that means playing limited minutes.  Secondly, Wallace is not the same  Wallace we’ve seen in previous years.  The 35-year-old averaged a disappointing 12 ppg last season for the Detroit Pistons and never regained his swagger back.  While his perfomance is at a bit of a crossroads right now, one thing is for certain:  Wallace is still a stud and as soon as Boston chants his name (“Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeed”), he’ll understand why playing for the Celtics can make you relevant again. 

Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets – Chris Paul is target number two on my list, mainly because he’s playing with a chip on his shoulder.  If you can remember, the Hornets were absolutely deplorable  last season in their series against Denver, and a lot of it was due in part to the lack of depth at multiple positions.  The Hornets swapped Tyson Chandler to the Bobcats in exchange for Emeka Okafor to give the team a new outlook and, hopefully ease the burden off of Chris Paul’s shoulders.  Not only is Chris Paul a gifted athlete, but he’s also the type of player you can build a team around. Oh, I almost forgot; I love Chris Paul’s attitude.  He measures success based on wins and losses, meanwhile stats mean little to him.    But in order to survive the demands of the NBA’s 82-game season, Paul can’t just be content with the win and loss column – instead, winning a championship must become his only focal point.         

Ron Artest, Los Angeles Lakers – This is the same guy who almost knocked-out Kobe Bryant as tensions ran high in the Western Conference Semi-Finals.  This time, however, Artest will be joining forces alongside Kobe and the defending champions as they prepare a relentless seek-and-conquer mission that will leave in its wake a list of hungry teams.  In acquiring Artest, the Lakers’ championship window will remain open for several years.  If that isn’t enough, Artest has proven time and time again throughout his career that he is a stellar on-ball defender.  Whether it’s Paul Pierce, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, or Brandon Roy, Artest rises above all challenges on the defensive end.  The Lakers are his best shot at winning a championship so, let’s just hope we don’t see Kobe vs. Artest II.  Come to think of it,  that would make for a great headline.

 The NBA -Where Amazing Happens!!!!.