Dwyane Wade sidelined for two weeks

Three minutes into the new big 3's first preseason game Dwyane Wade pulled his hamstring while chasing Richard Hamilton around a screen.

It was a very good move to pull Wade from the lineup for the next few weeks because a hamstring injury is something that could nag him for the rest of the season if not treated correctly.

If I were in charge I would keep him out until the last game of the preseason. It means absolutely nothing and it's just a bad opportunity to get your star player injured. The only purpose it serves is to give the end of the bench guys a chance to prove they should be on the team.

How Is This Going To Work?

If you don't know by now that Chris Bosh and LeBron James have joined Dwyane Wade in Miami then you seriously need to get out more. Everyone is talking about how unstoppable the Heat will be but I have some big concerns about how that will work.

First off let me say that they're going to be unbelievable to START the season.

Everyone is going to jump on the Heat wave (yeah I said it) in the preseason and in the first month or two of the regular season. In that stretch of time we're going to see some of the best team basketball we've seen since the 80's Celtics and Lakers. However slowly but surely we might start to see a change, the triumvirate of James, Bosh, and Wade could slowly come unglued. Once they all see exactly how much they're going to need to sacrifice is when the real test is going to begin.

Is LeBron happy dropping his career scoring stats to a point that they'll never recover? How about for Wade?

Is Wade happy dealing with LeBron possibly stealing his favoritism in Miami?

Is Bosh ok with completely losing his popularity in the shadow of Wade and LeBron?

Who is the leader of this team? To me it seems that Wade would be the logical choice since he has proven himself on the game's biggest stage. Is LeBron going to be cool with not being "the man"?

How is the publicity of these three players going to effect the rest of the team?

Are Wade and LeBron ok with having no hope in the MVP race as long as their on the same roster?

What happens if they lose 3 or 4 in a row?

And here's the classic question, with the game on the line, who gets the ball? If I'm the coach the ball goes to Wade every time. It's no secret that James' ego is big enough to cover the circumference of the world, is he going to be content as a role player and not as the star who takes the big shots?

To me this all comes down to LeBron James and his ability to put his ego aside. According to the people at USA basketball that's going to be a tough one.

When the Redeem Team went to Beijing in 2008 the players were told to, "check their egos at the door." They were told to learn the names of not just the entire coaching staff, but the trainers, the ball boys, the bus drivers, and anyone else involved in the program. According to several sources no one had as much trouble with this as LeBron. One of the sources went on to say that dropping LeBron altogether was a serious possibility because he was such a chemistry issue.

If LeBron can't play as a role player for 8 games then how is he supposed to do it for 82?

These are all questions that will be answered at some point but everyone needs to think about these before proclaiming the Heat the NBA's next dynasty.

I will say this, if LeBron plays within himself and within the offensive system, the Miami Heat will be unstoppable. It all lies on LeBron's ego.

This Is How It Looks Right Now

Free agency has been crazier than anyone ever expected. Right now this is how things seem. Wade and Bosh to Chicago or Miami, LeBron's probably staying in Cleveland, Boozer to Chicago if no Bosh, Amar'e Stoudemire to the Knicks, and contrary to my last report Joe Johnson is still in play.

Up until Friday nobody thought there was even a chance that Dwyane Wade was leaving Miami, not a chance in hell. But after Wade met for the second time in two days with the Chicago Bulls people's eyes were opened. Now it seems that Wade is actually favoring the Bulls over the Miami Heat, the only organization he's ever known. In a video from TMZ Wade is seen with his agent and Chris Bosh outside a Chicago restaurant. Wade's asked a question on how he would help the Chicago Bulls, he doesn't answer the question, but he does give a suggestive smile to the camera. To support the theory of Wade going to the Bulls, a recent twitter update was made by Jason Goff bodes well for the Bulls to say the least, "Sources are telling me Wade-Bosh package imminent in Chicago." Goff is a radio show host in Chicago and many suspect that his sources are deep rooted in the Bulls' organization. Chris Bosh, obviously based on the quote, is also heavily rumored to the Bulls. The general thought is that Wade and Bosh are going together to either the Bulls or the Heat. As a Bulls fan I'm trying to be as unbiased as possible when I say that going to Chicago makes much more sense for both players. For Wade, Chicago features family ties, a chance to have a good relationship with his two sons, a realistic chance to win a championship, and a chance to play for his hometown team. By staying in Miami Wade proves his loyalty and gets to rot with Michael Beasley for the next 6 years. Even if Bosh goes with him to Miami I still think they're not the favorites to win the East next year because the rest of the roster would be full of the Anthony Roberson's of the world. Do you even know who he is? I highly doubt it.

According to several sources, Carlos Boozer is on board if the Bulls want him. Logically thinking, the Bulls are probably waiting to see what happens with Chris Bosh before committing to Boozer. That makes the most sense. If they do miss out on Bosh, Wade, and LeBron, Boozer isn't a bad consolation prize. Especially because he'd likely be joined by Joe Johnson who's refrained from committing to the Hawks because he's still interested in the Bulls and Knicks.

The Knicks are reportedly closing in on a five year deal with Amar'e Stoudemire but in my opinion that has absolutely no effect on anything in free agency or in the East next season. With Stoudemire the Knicks are probably playoff bound but still don't have a legitimate shot at the Eastern Conference crown.

It seems like no matter how these scenarios play out we're headed for a Bulls vs. Heat Eastern Conference Finals next season.

As of right now the water is still, but the big splashes could come any minute.

It's Finally Here

Free Agency 2o1o has been the topic of many NBA conversations for two full seasons. A free agency period that features LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Joe Johnson, Chris Bosh, Amar'e Stoudemire, David Lee, Carlos Boozer, and Dirk Nowitzki promises to be the biggest splash, or the biggest letdown in free agent history.

For the biggest name of the summer, LeBron James, the winds are blowing towards Chicago. Every move made this offseason is based off where James will end up. The only teams that are rumored to have a legitimate shot at the two time reigning MVP are the Bulls, Knicks (though many doubt that, including me), and the Heat.

For James the appeal of Chicago is obvious. Play in Michael Jordan's city, play in Michael's house, play for one of the most storied franchises in league history, and get his big market team which so many seem to put an emphasis on. It has been widely speculated that James is scared to play in Jordan's shadow in fear that he will be engulfed and lost in the depths of history. However word from LeBron's camp claims that he would be excited to try and create his own legacy. The only possible deal-breaker with the Bulls is that LeBron will not be able to do what he wants or be a player-coach-GM like he is in Cleveland. Let's be honest, Mike Brown was in the suit but LeBron was running that team. I wouldn't be surprised to find out that LeBron made Brown fetch him Gatorade during practice. In Chicago LeBron would be strictly a player and he would be treated as such. That's the best thing for him, it just depends on how big his ego is.

Going to Miami would unite him with the Eastern Conference's other main superstar Dwyane Wade. To me this is more of a fairy tale scenario and the least likely outcome. Is LeBron really willing to share his stardom with another megastar who is arguably better than him in many regards? I highly doubt it. In Chicago he would be playing alongside Derrick Rose who's unselfish nature would help the relationship. In New York LeBron would be nothing short of Jesus Christ Himself, in popularity at least.

Staying in Cleveland would certainly increase my respect for him but I really think Chicago is sitting pretty in the LeBron James sweepstakes.

Once LeBron is off the market all eyes will be on Wade, assuming that LeBron doesn't go to Miami. Wade is also rumored to Chicago. This next piece of evidence is the most interesting. Someone in Air Jordan's shoe division leaked what Wade's next shoe will be, and it bodes well for the Bulls. The shoe's name is "W3lcome Home" and it has Bulls colors. To the surprise of no one, the rumor mill was spinning fast once this information dropped. The other reason to believe Wade-to-Chicago is a possibility is because last summer he sold his house in Miami and bought another one in Chicago. He already has a house for his mother. Why get another one?

Despite the rumors of what his new shoe foreshadows, there is plenty of evidence to support the theory that Wade is headed back to Miami. "Do I want to leave? Nope. Mmm-hmm. I want to be in Miami." That pretty much defines where his heart is. Clearly he's only going to leave Miami if the front office, otherwise known as Pat Riley, disappoints him again. At the end of the day I think Wade is going to stay in Miami.

Chris Bosh, I'm beginning to sound like a broken record, is also heavily rumored to the Bulls. The dream off-season for the Bulls is landing LeBron James through a routine signing, then pulling off a sign and trade for Bosh. That trade would send Luol Deng and his mammoth of a contract to Toronto which clears up the salary cap space to have both Bosh and LeBron. If he doesn't go to the Bulls there are four other locations that Bosh has indicated interest in. They are New York, Los Angeles, Miami, or going back to Toronto which I just can't see happening. After Chicago, I think Miami is calling his name. The opportunity to play with Wade is something that he just can't pass up, if he does then winning is clearly not his top priority. He and Wade would fit well based on their styles of play and I really can't think of any reason why it couldn't work.

Joe Johnson's stock fell drastically this season. He suffers from something I like to call the Ben Gordon syndrome. That is when a player massively overrates his value and rejects an extension only to be forced to sign a worse deal the following offseason. It happens all of the time and Johnson is the latest case of the illness. My guess is that he ends up in New York because that's what happens to the Knicks. They get good players on the decline of their careers, get nothing out of them and go nowhere. Do Stephon Marbury, Steve Francis, or Penny Hardaway ring a bell? Next in that line of disaster stories is Joe Johnson.

Some people were surprised when Dirk Nowitzki decided to opt out of his last year with the Mavs and test the free agency market. This one is easy to predict, there is no way in hell Mark Cuban lets Dirk leave Dallas. He's the best player in franchise history and his number is destined for the rafters. In situations like that the player usually stays with the franchise and sometimes it works out (Paul Pierce).

Carlos Boozer's free agency stock raised big time this season. Everyone knows he can play but the issue was always his durability. Boozer played in 95% of the games this season which means more dollar signs for the 28 year old, double double machine. Like Bosh, Boozer has an equal chance of landing in Miami. Last summer Boozer turned some Utah fans against him when he characterized Miami as his, "paradise." There is little doubt that if he's given the chance he will end up with the Heat. If he does end up in Miami, it's safe to say the Heat missed out on Bosh and Amar'e Stoudemire. Boozer is third in line behind those two.

After the all star break Amar'e Stoudemire played better than any big man in the league and guaranteed himself a pretty nice contract this summer. I don't think he'll get a max deal unless he goes to the Knicks because no good team is going to pay that type of money for that many years on a guy they can't depend on. Stoudemire is yet another big man rumored to Miami. It seems that no matter what happens the Heat are going to be getting a great big man.

David Lee is by far the most uninteresting and least talented major free agent this summer. It's not a knock on him, it just speaks to how strong this free agent class is. My guess is that he's going to stay in New York. Lee is a talented big man but he's nowhere near good enough to make any demands at this stage in his career. If he's smart he will try to go somewhere with a future, namely anywhere other than New York or New Jersey.

Finally, this is how I see the probabilities of each player.

LeBron James: Chicago Bulls 45%, Cleveland Cavaliers 25%, Miami Heat 15%, New York Knicks 15%

Dwyane Wade: Miami Heat 85%, Chicago Bulls 15%

Chris Bosh: Chicago Bulls 37%, Miami Heat 36%, New York Knicks 14%, Toronto Raptors 13%

Joe Johnson: New York Knicks 30%, Atlanta Hawks 24%, Chicago Bulls 23%, Miami Heat 23%

Carlos Boozer: Miami Heat 50%, Utah Jazz 25%, Chicago Bulls 20%, New York Knicks 5%

Dirk Nowitzki: Dallas Mavericks 100%

Amar'e Stoudemire: Phoenix Suns 47% , Miami Heat 33%, Chicago Bulls 20%

David Lee: New York Knicks 80%, Dallas Mavericks 12% , Chicago Bulls 8%

LeBron James to Honor Jordan by Giving Up #23, as Well as a Quick Look at Next Summer's Possibilities

Immediately following Thursday's win in Miami, LeBron James made the announcement that he was changing his number from 23 to 6 in honor of Michael Jordan.

“Jordan can’t get the logo, and if he can’t, something has to be done. I feel like no NBA player should wear 23. I’m starting a petition, and I’ve got to get everyone in the NBA to sign it. Now, if I’m not going to wear number 23, then nobody else should be able to wear it.”

Why though? Why change it this late in his career?

It's because James has realized that no matter what he does, 23 will always be Jordan's number. This is an attempt to try to break out of the Jordan shadow and make his own legacy with no ties to anyone else's. If LeBron wants to give up 23 then that's fine but to say that there should be a league wide ban on it is taking it too far. As far as I know the only number in sports which is completely off limits is number 42 in Major League Baseball. When someone breaks down racial barriers, universally retiring their number is justified, but just being the greatest player isn't enough.

In a way, I think LeBron is just creating a diversion from all of the free agent talk that he has been going through in the early weeks of the season. It makes sense, having to hear your best player rumored to every organization under the sun can't be good for team chemistry.

What LeBron doesn't realize is that by saying he's changing from 23 the, "LeBron to Chicago", whispers are going amplify themselves. People are going use their faulted logic and think that he's only changing from 23 because he knows he can't have it in Chicago. This will cause a bigger distraction because Chicago is actually a very possible destination for James (rather than the Knicks, Nets, or Heat). The Bulls have a lot of money to spend, a big market, and with James a team that will seriously contend for a title.

All of these rumors about James to Miami or New York are pipe dreams. If LeBron goes to the Knicks then it should be very obvious to everyone that he wants nothing but money and winning is not a top priority for him which I highly doubt.

As for the Heat, in theory putting James and Wade together sounds like a good idea but on the floor it will be a different story. Both of their styles demand having the ball for the majority of the game and as far as I know only one person can have the ball at a time. A combination of Wade and James would be the biggest disappointment since Steve Francis.

As this season drags on, James' free agent rumors are going to start taking a toll on the Cavs. Don't be surprised to see a schism in the Cavaliers' locker room. If I were LeBron, I would be as silent as humanly possible with the media in the coming weeks.

The Ben Gordon Syndrome

After turning down a 4 year, 60 million dollar offer Hawks SG Joe Johnson plans to test the open market in summer 2010. This was a very poor decision considering the economy and all of the free agent competition that he will face.

Next summer has been hyped to be the most important free agent season in recent history. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Carlos Boozer, David Lee, Ray Allen, and now Joe Johnson will all be on the market. The problem is, the NBA is expected to lower the salary cap once again to somewhere around 53.4 million. Taking into consideration that Wade, LeBron, and Bosh will all get astronomically expensive contracts there will not be much money left out there for everyone else. Ray Allen will probably get a small one year deal, and Boozer will most likely get something like a 4 year, 50 million dollar deal packed with incentives.

So what does this mean for Johnson? It means that he made a mistake. The same exact mistake that Ben Gordon made, no matter how well Johnson plays this year he's still not going to see more than the 60 million which he has already turned down. This is strictly because the money is just not there, he will be forced to accept a deal that he is probably too good for. If any team gives him more than 55 million I'll be stunned. This is called the Ben Gordon syndrome. Like Gordon, Johnson thinks he's better than he is and thinks he should be payed like a superstar.

There are plenty of teams that could use a Joe Johnson. The only problem is that they are all already flirting with the luxury tax which is an absolute killer. Under the luxury tax, for every dollar a team is over, they must pay a dollar to the league. This doesn't sound like much but when you're talking about the 10-15 million dollar range the train of thought of an owner changes drastically.

Top 5 Fantasy Shooting Guards

The fantasy basketball season is right around the corner and there are a few hazards to be weary of. For instance, make sure you're aware of any roster changes a team has made in the offseason. Sometimes a big trade or signing can drastically affect a player's statistical production. I will give you my top 5 shooting guards to take in this year's fantasy games. When reading this post keep in mind that the fantasy game that I'm guiding you through is the Sportingnews Ultimate Salary Cap Challenge. In this particular fantasy game you are given a 35 million dollar salary cap. You need 2 guards, 2 forwards, a center, and a sixth man.

1. Dwyane Wade (MIA)

Estimated cost: 12.2 million $

D-Wade is a living legend, the plays he makes and the shots he hits are reminiscent of a young Michael Jordan. Last season Wade lead the NBA in scoring with 30.2 PPG. Add in his 7.5 APG and Wade will be easily worth the large portion of your payroll his services will require. Wade's one potential problem is his durability, Wade has had major injuries to both his left knee and his right shoulder. The all out hustle style in which Wade plays makes him more prone to injury, and thus is more likely to miss games. Still, if you have cheap PFs in mind, take the chance on Wade.

2. Kobe Bryant (LAL)

Estimated cost: 11.7 million $

Yes, Kobe is a better player than Wade. However, not only does Wade have better numbers, but the addition of Ron Artest to the Lakers will hinder Kobe's PPG. Kobe's 26.8 PPG average will drop one or two points, this is strictly because Kobe will have to be less selfish this year. If he isn't, don't be surprised to see turmoil in the Lakers locker room. Artest is just as egotistical as Bryant, we saw how well it worked out the last time Kobe had a big ego alongside him. Kobe is very consistent, if you find yourself in the lead of your league make the necessary moves to obtain him. He'll put up 25-27 every night, unlike Wade who will have 17 one night, 43 the next night, and 23 the night after that. Wade might put you in the lead but Kobe will definitely keep you there.

3. Brandon Roy (POR)

Estimated cost: 9.9 million $

There is a significant drop off in SGs after Kobe and Wade. Roy is one of those guys who plays better than his numbers show, unfortunately the world of fantasy basketball doesn't care. With numbers like 22.6 PPG and 5.1 APG Roy would be a good choice on a balanced team. What I mean is, if you're not going to pick a high priced superstar; and balance your team will all players in the 6-9 million dollar range, Roy is not a bad choice. With the addition of veteran PG Andre Miller, Roy's numbers will slightly rise. However, not enough to raise any eyebrows. Don't get me wrong, Roy is a sensational young SG, it's just that fantasy basketball does not suite him well.

4. Andre Iguodala (PHI)

Estimated cost: 7.8 million $

There are better SGs in the league than Iguodala, but you will most likely get a good deal on him. A good enough deal that you can get him, along with a marquis PG, SF, or PF. Iggy's numbers (18.8 PPG, 5.3 APG) did not stand out last season but I have a strong hunch that he's due for an offensive explosion. Iguodala is somewhat frustrating because he shows flashes of being a great scorer but has an enormous demon with consistency. This is the year that he'll finally get it right. Also, having lost PG Andre Miller to free agency, Iggy will be taking more shots. This is great news for a fantasy basketball player. You want guys that are going to have the potential to put up 40+ on any given night and Iggy is definitely one of them.

5. Ben Gordon (DET)

Estimated cost: 6.5 million $

It is with great reluctancy that I put Gordon on this list, I am all to familiar with his inconsistency. Gordon is a player who you're going to have to monitor on a nightly basis. Don't keep him on your team for more than 2 games at a time. While Gordon is more than capable of going off for 50, he could just as easily shoot 3 for 24 and have 8 points. People got a false glimpse of Gordon during the nationally televised Bulls vs. Celtics' first round mêlée. I can confidently say with great emphasis that Ben Gordon has never had a stretch of seven games where he played anywhere close to how he did against the Celtics. His numbers of 20.7 PPG, 3.4 APG will for the most part stay where they are. In a time of desperation take Gordon and pray that he has a big night. Other than that, leave him in the free agent pool.

"I want to be one of those players that stays with one franchise for his entire career."

Dwyane Wade is one of the many big names that will be whirling around the NBA come summer 2010, there have been many rumors as to what Wade will do. In a report by the New York Post Dwyane Wade has apparently ruled out a couple of teams saying, "I'm not thinking about the Knicks or the Nets. Only when we play them." 

 Wade went on to say, "I want to be in Miami, and I hope everything works out that way, I want to be one of those players that stays with one franchise for his entire career." 

 The bold is the key, Wade could be just saying that for his fans but I seriously doubt that. The place where Wade has been rumored to the most is Chicago, where Wade spent his childhood. Growing up in Chicago and now having a chance to play for the emerging Bulls is a very attractive offer but I can't help but think that Wade will pass. The reason why is because in Miami he's nothing short of a superhero, the Flash has left his mark on the city and leaving would be detrimental to his image for people like me. I'm one of those people who values loyalty as one of the most important components a person can have. And to me, Wade leaving Miami would be about as disloyal as anything. Wade, if he stays in Miami, is looking at a retired number, a legacy, and arguably most importantly a city of fans that will stick by him forever.

 It will most likely not affect his economic standing wherever he goes because both teams will be offering him the farm. Miami may even have to throw in something else if Wade seems like he's leaning another way. In the event that Pat Riley doesn't re-sign the best player in Heat history strictly because he wouldn't pony up the money, he will be run out of town at the hands of an angry mob with pitchforks and torches.

 If Wade leaves for Chicago he will be welcomed back with open arms, but is it worth disappointing all of those fans on Miami Beach? No, and because of all of these reasons I just can't see Wade playing anywhere but Miami for the rest of his career.