by Nick Brower | Mar 1, 2018 | SPORTS
The Cleveland Browns are making news from the scouting combine in Indy this week. GM John Dorsey said today that he is open to hearing offers for the first overall pick. The Browns have plenty of flexibility as they also own the fourth overall this year. The quarterback issue is glaring and everybody and their mother thinks that the Browns are going to get a new QB with one of those picks. But with four legitimate first round worthy QBs coming out this year, trading down might just be the best move. Dorsey told the media, “My door is wide open. If somebody wants to come up and talk to me about a trade, I’m willing to trade. But also I’m going to do what’s best for this organization, and I will do that.” The Browns definitely have more than one hole in that roster and having more picks will help them address more issues. The best move might just be to slide down in the order. Odds are is that they will still be able to get a great QB at four then set their sights on filling holes on the defense and skill positions with more picks to play with later in the draft. The first overall pick has enormous value and will bring in a great return if the Browns choose to part with it. The Titans recently traded the first overall pick to the Rams which resulted in Jared Goff headed to LA. The Titans parted with the first overall pick along with a fourth and a sixth rounder and received the 15th overall, two second rounders, a third rounder, and the Rams first and third round picks the following year. That means 6 picks in exchange for two. The Browns are definitely more than one season away from success and stocking up on draft picks seems to be a smart move if a team comes up with the right package. Many teams looking for a quarterback could be interested in moving up and this year’s draft class only makes that first overall even more attractive. This will be an interesting story to follow as we get closer to draft day.
by Nick Brower | Mar 1, 2018 | SPORTS
James Harden showed out again last night dropping 25 and 7 to help his Rockets get there 14th straight win over the Clippers. But it’s what he did to Wesley Johnson late in the first quarter that is really the story from last night’s games. Harden took Johnson to school big time on an isolation as a silky crossover sent Johnson sliding on his ass just behind the three point line. But that wasn’t even the worse part. Harden then stared Johnson down for over two seconds as he waited for him to get up before draining a three in his face. This was hands down the most disrespectful thing I’ve ever seen on the basketball court. This was some streetball gangster stuff and Harden brought it out on national television. Johnson’s going to need some ice for those ankles and might not want to show his face on the street for a little bit because that was downright embarrassing. And Harden’s got another great clip for his highlight reel as he keeps moving closer and closer to his first MVP. Check it out below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PyI3Bj_q6M
by Nick Brower | Feb 27, 2018 | SPORTS
Houston stayed hot last night with a 96-85 win over the Jazz in Utah. Harden led the charge with 26 points 11 boards and 5 assists. Chris Paul had another solid night with 15, 6, and 7. The real difference maker was the Rockets’ defense. Houston held the Jazz to a measly 85 points and forced them to commit 22 turnovers. This win takes Houston to an insane 30-1 when their big three of Harden, Paul and Capella are all healthy and in the lineup. This lineup also boasts a plus 13.8 point differential. The Rockets look more and more like worthy competition for Golden State. Each night it looks more likely that we are going to see a Houston Golden State matchup in the conference finals and its going to be a series for the ages. Houston is the only team with enough offensive firepower to compete with Golden State and the matchup will likely come down to defense. We already know that Golden State can defend at all five positions. But Houston is starting to show their ability to lock teams down as well. Both of these teams defensive strength comes from their bigs’ ability to check smaller guards. Houston switches pick and rolls the most frequently in the league by switching 36.5% of the time. Golden State is right behind them with 33.5%. The freedom to switch this often allows their defenses to be versatile. It also doesn’t hurt that they can outscore anyone on most nights. I’m excited to watch these two heavyweights fight it out for the top spot in the west for the rest of the season.
by Nick Brower | Feb 27, 2018 | SPORTS
The NCAA has been dominating headlines as more and more information comes out about the corruption in college basketball. Lebron James added to those headlines today with his comments this afternoon. He believes that the NBA needs to do more to strengthen its developmental leagues in order to give young players a serious alternative to playing college ball. “I know how much these colleges are gaining off these kids. … I’ve always heard the narrative that they get a free education, but you guys are not bringing me on campus to get an education, you guys are bringing me on it to help you get to a Final Four or to a national championship, so it’s just a weird thing.” said James. Lebron himself decided to skip college and go straight to the NBA, on option that is no longer allowed by NBA rules. He finds himself looking into the future, with his two sons being talented ball players as well. He says that playing in college is not a definite for them, but right now there aren’t many options. The draft is filled with college players every year with a few foreign pros sprinkled in. Lebron is looking for the NBA to step up and make the G and D leagues more viable options. The NCAA is essentially the NBA’s farm system right now, to draw a parallel to baseball. In terms of the NCAA, Lebron thinks it is too far gone. “I don’t know if there’s any fixing the NCAA. I don’t think there is,” James said. “It’s what’s been going on for many, many, many, many years. I don’t know how you can fix it. I don’t see how you can fix it.” Lebron believes that the G league can become that Triple A level to give kids a chance to play, develop, and get a look from NBA teams. It is an interesting idea and certainly one that would shake the foundation of the basketball landscape.
by Nick Brower | Feb 27, 2018 | SPORTS
After three great weeks, athletes from across the globe return home as the 2018 Winter Olympics have come to a end. In terms of pure medals, Norway was the big winner. They led all countries in total medals with 39 and were tied with Germany for most golds with 14. The USA finished in fourth overall with 23 medals, nine of them being golds. The biggest headline for the US has to be the Women’s hockey team finally breaking through and ending Canada’s 20 year golden streak. America also faired very well in snowboarding, taking gold in both men’s and women’s halfpipe and men’s and women’s slopestlye. Americans also took silver in both men’s and women’s big air, a new event at this Olympics. Russia was another big story this games. Following the doping scandal, the majority of their athletes weren’t allowed to compete. The athletes that were deemed clean were allowed to compete, but not under their flag. The “Olympic Athletes of Russia” competed, but not for country. This attempt at punishment by the IOC seemed to fall flat on its face as the OAR still brought home 17 medals, good for seventh overall. A performance like this didn’t punish the Russians at all, it just showed that they can still compete and compete well while the whole country is being investigated for doping. Taking the flag away means nothing, everyone knows where these athletes are from and who they are representing. Who knows where this investigation with be come 2020 and the Summer Games, but I hope that the IOC takes a stronger stand against Russia and doping in general. The Olympics are supposed to be the purest level of competition in the world and there is no place for doping within them.
by Nick Brower | Feb 27, 2018 | SPORTS
As the NFL scouting combine starts today we learn that we will not see Sam Darnold of USC participate in throwing drills. Darnold is one of four quarterbacks that are expected to be drafted in the first round. Josh Allen, Baker Mayfield, and Josh Rosen will all throw this week. Scouts will have to wait until USC’s pro day on March 21st to get a look at Darnold. While the upside is great with the USC quarterback, his 22 turnovers give me pause. This number was tied for the highest in the nation last year. Darnold had trouble taking care of the ball last season and that might stop him from being taken first overall this April, especially with three other great talents at quarterback on the board. The Browns will be picking first and have many glaring holes in their roster including quarterback after an 0-16 season. My pick would be Josh Rosen out of UCLA. He is the most complete player out of the four and is best suited to start playing and producing this season. But the draft is always full of surprises and who knows which direction Cleveland will go.
