Let’s face it: February is just not prime time sports viewing but of course, that all changes in March with the NCAAs. A few random thoughts for your consideration:
- NBA trade deadline is tomorrow. The Sacramento Kings are able to move Boogie Cousins in what most feel was a terrible deal for them. This guy is toxic. Extremely bright, personable and a lunatic. They got some high draft picks in return though. Keep in mind this is a team that also had Isiah Thomas now starring for the Celtics. They had two superstars but couldn’t make it work – not even close.
- Jeannie Buss fires her brother at the Lakers. Brings in Magic Johnson and hires a former agent to be the GM. Magic is a busy guy but if nothing else, he will attract free agents to the Lakers. That alone has to be worth something.
- The Knicks are now rumored to be looking to move Derrick Rose (to the T’Wolves for Ricky Rubio), Kyle O’Quinn and even Brandon Jennings. The Knicks have a lot of pieces that must be attractive to playoff contending teams. How does Carmelo Anthony view this? If they go back to square one in terms of rebuilding, does he really want to go through that? There are still rumors of him moving to the Celtics, Clippers and Cavs but hard to see a path for that to happen. The reality is that he will be satisfied with going through the motions of taking 25 shots a game and playing out the string. SU says that is interesting. Some players burn for a chance to win a championship while others take the money and “get theirs” (as they say). I think that is Melo: good guy, stands up to the media to answer questions but in the end, will retire without a ring. Hope I am wrong and really, really, really hope he approves a trade in the next 24 hours.
- It’s interesting how A-Rod is very active in Yankees’ camp and Derek Jeter is no where to be seen. Going forward, it seems A-Rod will be much more of a presence. He is apparently working on a TV deal with the YES Network which would be great. Surely he can move ahead of Al Leiter in the color man rotation. We have all seen enough of the circle change grip on TV.
- Lots of coverage and comments about the Dellin Betances arbitration decision and Yankee President Randy Levine’s trashing of Betances and his agent. The choice was $5 million or $3 million and Betances lost. SU says set-up guys, even great ones like Betances, are not getting that type of money. But there was no need for Levine to do the dance in the end zone and spike the ball in his face. Time heals all wounds and Betances will get his contract as a closer in a couple of years – but not in NY. In the meantime, he needs to keep his arm healthy and learn how to throw to different bases. This will be a non-story come opening day.
- Finally, SU caught 15 minutes of the Mariano Rivera Yankeeography last night. What a classy guy. They had some great behind the scenes shots and conversations – he is what he is all the time. One for the ages.
Sports Update Intergalactic 
I believe the disparity of for players wanting to win a championship versus getting the money and simply be satisfied with that has grown. Like winning an all star game or beating a once-upon-a-time big rival does not have much substance anymore. Money, money and more money rule completely or about 98% of the big picture.
There was a period back in the 90’s where the average score had dropped considerably from scores n the 80’s. How did that happen? Was it the philosophy of team defense required at a higher level. It seemed like back in those days and even before that games did not wait until the 4 minute mark in the 4th quarter to play hard. Has the game just evolved to this being the norm? I’m afraid so. It has now spilled over to the All Star game.
There is one way to fix it, however to get to this point is probably unrealistic. THE COACHES AND OWNERS NEED TO RUN THE TEAM AGAIN AND DISCIPLINE ANY PLAYER WHO DEFIES THEM. STIFF FINANCIAL PENALTIES CAN COME INTO PLAY. NOW THAT WILL GET EVERYONE’S ATTENTION. When the other 3 sports talk and play with more of a defensive heart I noticed that the Players don’t rule those national sports like they do in the NBA. How low must we go before a major shakeup occurs? I’m afraid that change won’t happen for the foreseeable future…. unfortunately. The Knicks chant: “DEFENSE, DEFENSE” were said with passion and real belief in their team. The rarity of hearing that now has lost all its energy and is not convincing. Is this what the NBA is all about now?
Back in the 90’s, Pat Riley ruled and he preached grabbing and holding along with calling every offensive play that the Knicks ran. True, they worked hard on defense and you took your life in your hands when you drove the lane. But there was little fluidity in the game. People enjoy the Lakers Showtime or the Golden State run and gun style – that is entertaining. But there is no reason why you also can’t play defense at the other end. I do think teams are limited in what they can fine players by the union. There are limits and whatever the penalties are, they pale in comparison to salaries today.
Have to disagree on a couple points.
1) Carmelo Anthony’s no-trade clause is not the obstacle. No team wants him. He would be a net negative on any team…just as he’s been throughout his career. If the Knicks trade the other pieces you mentioned, that would bother Carmelo only to the extent that he will realize how there is market demand for his teammates but not him.
2) The idea that everybody loves having A Rod around seems a bit revisionist to me. He is pretty good on TV but not necessarily better than the average guy on YES. Not worth whatever distractions he’d bring. I’d let him go to a national broadcaster or Texas or Seattle or Miami. As for Jeter, you’re right. I don’t see him playing any of these roles unless he truly wants to reinvent himself. I never found him particularly insightful or interesting. Part of that may have been his focus and desire to avoid distractions. But some of it may be personality or aptitude. He’s got a family now and a publishing business. I don’t think he’s concerned that he’s not a presence at training camp.
3) The Betances thing will be forgotten and he’ll either be a good deal at $3 million or a bust of he can’t throw to a base and becomes a head case. But the Yankees commentary after the arbitration was settled is disturbing. Whatever the outcome, particularly if you win, you’re supposed to walk out of those hearings with the negotiations in the past. A year ago the Yankees front office had some comments about the problems caused by common people sitting in premium seats. I’m just not sure where this mean streak comes from but if it comes from the Steinbrenner legacy, can’t we also get the win-at-all-costs attitude as well?