NBA free-agency frenzy has left the Nuggets' Carmelo Anthony with leverage to ask for a better supporting cast. (RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post)
The Nuggets are pressing Carmelo Anthony for a long-term commitment, because if he declines a three-year, $65 million contract extension now on the table, the team must consider trading its leading scorer.
Trade Melo? Would the Nuggets really part ways with a 26-year-old forward in the prime of his NBA career? Denver might not have any choice.
With an eye on how megastars LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh have held the league's competitive balance in their fickle hands and turned this summer's free-agency period into a three-ring circus, the Nuggets seem determined not to let Anthony do the same in Denver.
While their offer of a hefty contract extension proves the Nuggets hope Anthony will remain the face of the franchise for years to come, the team is prepared to trade Melo rather than let him walk as a free agent next summer, according to a source familiar with the negotiations.
At a salary of $17 million, Anthony is committed to play for Denver during the upcoming season. But here's the rub. Anthony can opt out of his contract next summer, and free agency might appear all the more tempting after seeing the league-wide groveling James has instigated.
As a proactive move, the Nuggets have quietly tried to secure the services of Anthony through 2015 before losers in the pursuit of this talent-laden class of free agents can begin dreaming of Melo.
While a city of Broncomaniacs has obsessed with the contract status of football stars Elvis Dumervil and Champ Bailey, the negotiations between the Nuggets and Anthony might have already reached a more critical stage, because management of the local NBA franchise has shown it is unafraid to make trades involving a marquee player.
At a time when pro basketball superstars have never wielded more power in how league rosters are built, it seems to me Anthony must apply whatever leverage he can to determine to what extent the Nuggets are willing to improve his
Post Poll - Melo's future?
With one year left on his contract, what should the Nuggets do with Carmelo Anthony?
Keep him, by any means. He cannot be replaced. You need an all-star to win an NBA title. Keep negotiating to the end.
Trade him if he won't sign this summer. Better to cut and run than be left holding the bag, like some teams this summer.
Wait and see. Don't play games. Contract extension is best for both sides. Plenty of time next year to work it out.
supporting cast.
Often treated as a bigger star on the road than at home, Melo could find riches and live like a king in almost any NBA city from New York to Los Angeles. He genuinely likes Denver, but at this point in his career, what should motivate Anthony is finding the situation that gives him the best chance to win a ring. I have advocated he not sign any deal with the Nuggets unless the team can give assurances help is on the way.
Why? These negotiations are not really about money so much as the talks force both Anthony and the Nuggets to examine if they can live happily ever after.
You can bet on this: Although Stan Kroenke craves a championship, the Nuggets owner is a tough negotiator who isn't going to play a game of my wallet is bigger against Mark Cuban in Dallas or Mikhail Prokhorov in New Jersey.
It's hard to envision any business run by Kroenke allowing an asset as valuable as Anthony to walk away for nothing. Either the I's will be dotted and the T's will be crossed on a new deal with the Nuggets long before the trade deadline next winter or you can color Melo gone from Denver.
Unwilling to use coach George Karl's battle with cancer as an excuse, Nuggets management saw the team's first-round flameout in the playoffs as proof the current roster is unlikely to win a championship.
With guard Chauncey Billups approaching his 34th birthday, forward Kenyon Martin facing recovery from yet another knee surgery and the
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distinct possibility of labor strife interrupting the 2011-12 season, it's not too early for everybody to begin long-term planning and ask a tough question:
Does Denver have a future as a serious NBA contender with a nucleus of Anthony, promising guard Ty Lawson and frustrating center Nene?
Without a solid commitment from Anthony, the Nuggets might feel as if they have no choice except to blow up the roster and start over.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
New York Knicks Out To Convince Lebron James Not To Join Wade And Bosh
LeBron James is calling the possible union of Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and of course, the King himself, "Dream Team."
Those were the words James used when he reached out to another free agent in the past 10 days and pitched the idea of joining them.
"He said, 'Would you be willing to take less to join Dream Team?'" the player, who did not want to be identified, told the Daily News. "He said his people were putting it together."
That conversation lends credence to reports that James will join Bosh and Wade in Miami. In that scenario, Pat Riley will likely return to the sidelines and coach the Heat.
However, there is a twist because with LeBron there always is. There was a report out of Cleveland Tuesday quoting a person close to the Cavs' free agent as saying that the club still has an edge in re-signing him. There were other reports that James is leaning toward joining the Chicago Bulls.
Few, if any, reports give the Knicks much of a chance, and yet the club's brain trust remains confident that it can convince James to make the jump to the NBA's biggest market.
The Knicks will have their much-anticipated meeting with James Thursday afternoon in Ohio, hours after he finally becomes a free agent at midnight. There is a possibility that the sit-down could take place at James' mansion in Akron.
The Nets are batting leadoff and will be followed by the Knicks, whose traveling party includes team president Donnie Walsh, head coach Mike D'Antoni, Garden chairman James Dolan and former player Allan Houston. The Bulls, Clippers, Heat and Cavs have also scheduled meetings with James in Ohio.
The Knicks are fighting long odds in their bid to land James but feel they have several strong selling points - New York City, the flexibility to sign another "max" free agent and enough salary-cap space to add another elite free agent the following summer. The team will also impress upon James that he has a chance to build his brand and establish his legacy by winning in New York.
The tough sell for the Knicks, though, is convincing James that he can win titles in New York. The franchise hasn't raised a championship banner since 1973, and under Dolan's ownership, the club has suffered through nine straight losing seasons. Expect several teams, particularly Riley and the Heat, to stress to James that joining the Knicks could be a career killer.
In fact, the Knicks' old administration is coming back to haunt the Garden. Riley is the most accomplished winner who will sit across from James, and his mere presence is a powerful influence. The fact that Riley is expected to re-sign Wade and will likely sign Bosh makes Miami even more appealing. Former Knicks president Ernie Grunfeld made trades with Chicago and New Jersey over the past five days that gave both teams additional cap space. The Bulls could conceivably add both James and Bosh.
The Knicks will start their day at 9 p.m. PDT in Los Angeles when they meet with Hawks free agent shooting guard Joe Johnson. According to a source close to Johnson, he has narrowed his choices to three teams: the Knicks, the Hawks and the Bulls. If Atlanta doesn't offer Johnson a six-year, max contract, he will almost certainly leave and most likely join the Knicks.
The Knicks could also have the inside track on signing free agent point guard Luke Ridnour, whose price tag is too high for Milwaukee. Ridnour would serve as the perfect mentor for second-year point guard Toney Douglas, having been used in a similar role last season with the Bucks and their rookie Brandon Jennings.
The Knicks' contingent is hoping to have a verbal commitment from Johnson before it leaves to meet LeBron, but the Hawks claim they are prepared to offer Johnson a max contract, which is $30 million more than the Knicks can offer. The Knicks are also hoping to sit down with Amare Stoudemire before they leave the West Coast.
When the Knicks do meet with James, the two-time MVP will be joined by his business manager, Maverick Carter, and his agent, Leon Rose. Tuesday, Carter was quoted in the New York Times saying that NBA power broker William Wesley, otherwise known as "World Wide Wes," will not sit in on the meeting and that "Wes has nothing to do with where he goes."
Wesley's exclusion could be a bad sign for the Bulls, the team believed to be the one Wesley is trying to convince James to join. However, the Knicks also have a relationship with Wesley dating back to last summer when Walsh hired him to run Eddy Curry's off-season workouts.
Carter is James' childhood friend, and several people close to him believe he would prefer to see James remain in Cleveland.
Those were the words James used when he reached out to another free agent in the past 10 days and pitched the idea of joining them.
"He said, 'Would you be willing to take less to join Dream Team?'" the player, who did not want to be identified, told the Daily News. "He said his people were putting it together."
That conversation lends credence to reports that James will join Bosh and Wade in Miami. In that scenario, Pat Riley will likely return to the sidelines and coach the Heat.
However, there is a twist because with LeBron there always is. There was a report out of Cleveland Tuesday quoting a person close to the Cavs' free agent as saying that the club still has an edge in re-signing him. There were other reports that James is leaning toward joining the Chicago Bulls.
Few, if any, reports give the Knicks much of a chance, and yet the club's brain trust remains confident that it can convince James to make the jump to the NBA's biggest market.
The Knicks will have their much-anticipated meeting with James Thursday afternoon in Ohio, hours after he finally becomes a free agent at midnight. There is a possibility that the sit-down could take place at James' mansion in Akron.
The Nets are batting leadoff and will be followed by the Knicks, whose traveling party includes team president Donnie Walsh, head coach Mike D'Antoni, Garden chairman James Dolan and former player Allan Houston. The Bulls, Clippers, Heat and Cavs have also scheduled meetings with James in Ohio.
The Knicks are fighting long odds in their bid to land James but feel they have several strong selling points - New York City, the flexibility to sign another "max" free agent and enough salary-cap space to add another elite free agent the following summer. The team will also impress upon James that he has a chance to build his brand and establish his legacy by winning in New York.
The tough sell for the Knicks, though, is convincing James that he can win titles in New York. The franchise hasn't raised a championship banner since 1973, and under Dolan's ownership, the club has suffered through nine straight losing seasons. Expect several teams, particularly Riley and the Heat, to stress to James that joining the Knicks could be a career killer.
In fact, the Knicks' old administration is coming back to haunt the Garden. Riley is the most accomplished winner who will sit across from James, and his mere presence is a powerful influence. The fact that Riley is expected to re-sign Wade and will likely sign Bosh makes Miami even more appealing. Former Knicks president Ernie Grunfeld made trades with Chicago and New Jersey over the past five days that gave both teams additional cap space. The Bulls could conceivably add both James and Bosh.
The Knicks will start their day at 9 p.m. PDT in Los Angeles when they meet with Hawks free agent shooting guard Joe Johnson. According to a source close to Johnson, he has narrowed his choices to three teams: the Knicks, the Hawks and the Bulls. If Atlanta doesn't offer Johnson a six-year, max contract, he will almost certainly leave and most likely join the Knicks.
The Knicks could also have the inside track on signing free agent point guard Luke Ridnour, whose price tag is too high for Milwaukee. Ridnour would serve as the perfect mentor for second-year point guard Toney Douglas, having been used in a similar role last season with the Bucks and their rookie Brandon Jennings.
The Knicks' contingent is hoping to have a verbal commitment from Johnson before it leaves to meet LeBron, but the Hawks claim they are prepared to offer Johnson a max contract, which is $30 million more than the Knicks can offer. The Knicks are also hoping to sit down with Amare Stoudemire before they leave the West Coast.
When the Knicks do meet with James, the two-time MVP will be joined by his business manager, Maverick Carter, and his agent, Leon Rose. Tuesday, Carter was quoted in the New York Times saying that NBA power broker William Wesley, otherwise known as "World Wide Wes," will not sit in on the meeting and that "Wes has nothing to do with where he goes."
Wesley's exclusion could be a bad sign for the Bulls, the team believed to be the one Wesley is trying to convince James to join. However, the Knicks also have a relationship with Wesley dating back to last summer when Walsh hired him to run Eddy Curry's off-season workouts.
Carter is James' childhood friend, and several people close to him believe he would prefer to see James remain in Cleveland.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
2010 NBA MOCK DRAFT: DRAFT DAY SUPRISE TOP 14 PICKS
It's a crazy notion, I know. Especially with all the buzz since before John Wall even declared that he'd be the top pick.
But it's an interesting thought. What if, at the last minute, the Wizards decided to keep Gilbert Arenas as their point guard, and viewed Evan Turner as the game-changer they need to get back to a competitive level?
Or what if the Nets were giving us all a head-fake this whole time, and wanted nothing to do with either Derrick Favors or Wesley Johnson?
Unlikely, yes, but in an NBA Draft that is never easily predictable with quickly rising and falling prospect and draft-day trades, this line of thinking at least deserves a second look.
Read on for a bizarre NBA Lottery that could happen if some of the NBA GM's quickly lose their minds:
1. Washington Wizards—Evan Turner , G/F, Ohio State
Either the Wizards like Arenas more than you do, or they trade him and land a different point guard to be their guy of the future. If either of those ring true, Turner could be the pick.
We're not saying he will be the pick, but it's interesting the fathom.
2. Philadelphia 76ers—John Wall, PG, Kentucky
Do you really think Louis Williams or Jrue Holiday have Philly's full backing right now? Holiday might have some potential, but Williams is a shoot-first scorer, and if Wall is magically here, there is no way the 76ers let him drop.
Of course it won't happen, but you know that Philadelphia would go crazy over a truly elite point guard.
3. New Jersey Nets—DeMarcus Cousins, F/C, Kentucky
Since the Nets are thinking illogically and trying to grab Wesley Johnson and hoping they can sign a big-name free agent to man the post with Brook Lopez, I'll be the one to spin some logic here.
They don't need Johnson. At least, not as bad as they need another inside presence that can really balance their offense and defense out. The Kings love Cousins and Cousins loves the Pistons. But what if the Nets were really enamored with Cousins this whole time? That might shake things up a bit.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves—Wesley Johnson, SF, Syracuse
Derrick Favors is a big man with big talent, but he's not nearly as polished as Wesley Johnson. Minnesota hasn't been shy about wanting to trade Al Jefferson, which means they could land an expiring contract much like Troy Murphy's, and they wouldn't be in desperate need of an inside man in 2010-11.
That would make it extremely easy for them to snatch Johnson with no regrets. After all, they could really use an upgrade over their underwhelming wing production.
5. Sacramento Kings—Derrick Favors, PF, Georgia Tech
Favors is too talented and has too much talent to slide, even in a "never going to happen" mock draft.
The fact is, the Kings love DeMarcus Cousins, can't have him, and will be forced to take the next best thing. Turns out, the next best thing is arguably going to be better than, well, that other guy.
6. Golden State Warriors—Ekpe Udoh , PF, Baylor
It both makes sense and is all sorts of crazy. Rumors suggest that the Warriors will make the smart choice and grab the more reliable Greg Monroe, or take a stab at a versatile forward in Wake Forest's Al-Farouq Aminu.
But other news has them loving Ekpe Udoh, a guy that wasn't even necessarily a top-20 pick a few weeks ago.
7. Detroit Pistons—Greg Monroe , F/C, Georgetown
All of this talk about Ed Davis and Cole Aldrich is just irritating. Even more so when the Pistons see their second favorite man, Greg Monroe, slipping to the seventh spot.
Yes, if Aldrich and Davis are the best available, it's probably between them, but not if Monroe or Cousins fall here. In an illogical mock draft, this is just one of those picks that is too logical to not pencil in.
8. Los Angeles Clippers—Al-Farouq Aminu , SF, Wake Forest
The Clippers draft badly. Usually. And even if they don't, they somehow get a guy who will get hurt or doesn't necessarily have a true position.
That's why I'm going out on a limb and saying the trend stops here, and they actually make a sensible pick for once.
Aminu is a well-balanced player with a nice game, and he still has a lot of potential. It's arguable that he shouldn't even be this far down, but if he is, even the Clippers know better than to let him slip through their fingers.
9. Utah Jazz—Patrick Patterson , PF, Kentucky
I know everyone wants to see Luke Babbitt here, but the Jazz need to make sense of the whole "losing Carlos Boozer" thing. If he jets (and he will), they need someone to replace him.
Let's see, draft Luke Babbitt to replace Kyle Korver, or draft a stud to replace Boozer? As much as I love Babbitt's offensive game and potential, you can't pass up an under-rated beast like Patterson.
10. Indiana Pacers—Gordon Hayward , G/F, Butler
Larry Bird and Co. can try to hide the smiles all they want, but this "trading the 10th pick" talk is a huge joke.
Hayward loves Indiana, and Indiana loves Hayward. Unless someone snags him early, this story only has one ending.
11. New Orleans Hornets—Paul George, SF, Fresno State
See how this ridiculous mock is shaking things up? Cole Aldrich, Luke Babbitt, and Ed Davis are all slipping a bit more than "experts" had predicted.
The funny thing is, even if the draft goes as many experts plan, George should still be available here. There's talk that the Hornets want to trade this pick, Chris Paul, and their entire franchise (in a sense), but if they stick here, George's offensive ability and potential are a perfect fit. Sit back down, Peja Stojakovic.
12. Memphis Grizzlies—Luke Babbitt , G/F, Nevada
Memphis could really use an insurance policy for the guy who needs a major attitude adjustment, Zach Randolph, but they also need to be weary of losing Rudy Gay.
If he does jet, Babbitt should be able to step in and take over as the number three scoring option behind Randolph and O.J. Mayo.
13. Toronto Raptors—Ed Davis , PF, North Carolina
Here's another pick that makes way too much sense to not happen. If Davis is here, the Raptors need to think about replacing the obviously departing Chris Bosh.
They could consider grabbing Cole Aldrich at center or Daniel Orton to play either position, but Davis has seen his stock rise quite a bit, and seems a lock to land in the Lottery.
14. Houston Rockets—Cole Aldrich , C, Kansas
Everyone keeps talking about Aldrich being a bust because his lack of elite offensive ability. The guy is a blocking machine, and once he starts learning angles better, he'll be cleaning glass better than Mr. Clean.
The fact is, no one knows what to think about Yao Ming these days, and the Rockets are all about defense, which makes this pick a no-brainer. Besides, Houston has Aaron Brooks, Kevin Martin, and Ming (if he returns) for offense. Aldrich can simply locate his role as a defender.
But it's an interesting thought. What if, at the last minute, the Wizards decided to keep Gilbert Arenas as their point guard, and viewed Evan Turner as the game-changer they need to get back to a competitive level?
Or what if the Nets were giving us all a head-fake this whole time, and wanted nothing to do with either Derrick Favors or Wesley Johnson?
Unlikely, yes, but in an NBA Draft that is never easily predictable with quickly rising and falling prospect and draft-day trades, this line of thinking at least deserves a second look.
Read on for a bizarre NBA Lottery that could happen if some of the NBA GM's quickly lose their minds:
1. Washington Wizards—Evan Turner , G/F, Ohio State
Either the Wizards like Arenas more than you do, or they trade him and land a different point guard to be their guy of the future. If either of those ring true, Turner could be the pick.
We're not saying he will be the pick, but it's interesting the fathom.
2. Philadelphia 76ers—John Wall, PG, Kentucky
Do you really think Louis Williams or Jrue Holiday have Philly's full backing right now? Holiday might have some potential, but Williams is a shoot-first scorer, and if Wall is magically here, there is no way the 76ers let him drop.
Of course it won't happen, but you know that Philadelphia would go crazy over a truly elite point guard.
3. New Jersey Nets—DeMarcus Cousins, F/C, Kentucky
Since the Nets are thinking illogically and trying to grab Wesley Johnson and hoping they can sign a big-name free agent to man the post with Brook Lopez, I'll be the one to spin some logic here.
They don't need Johnson. At least, not as bad as they need another inside presence that can really balance their offense and defense out. The Kings love Cousins and Cousins loves the Pistons. But what if the Nets were really enamored with Cousins this whole time? That might shake things up a bit.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves—Wesley Johnson, SF, Syracuse
Derrick Favors is a big man with big talent, but he's not nearly as polished as Wesley Johnson. Minnesota hasn't been shy about wanting to trade Al Jefferson, which means they could land an expiring contract much like Troy Murphy's, and they wouldn't be in desperate need of an inside man in 2010-11.
That would make it extremely easy for them to snatch Johnson with no regrets. After all, they could really use an upgrade over their underwhelming wing production.
5. Sacramento Kings—Derrick Favors, PF, Georgia Tech
Favors is too talented and has too much talent to slide, even in a "never going to happen" mock draft.
The fact is, the Kings love DeMarcus Cousins, can't have him, and will be forced to take the next best thing. Turns out, the next best thing is arguably going to be better than, well, that other guy.
6. Golden State Warriors—Ekpe Udoh , PF, Baylor
It both makes sense and is all sorts of crazy. Rumors suggest that the Warriors will make the smart choice and grab the more reliable Greg Monroe, or take a stab at a versatile forward in Wake Forest's Al-Farouq Aminu.
But other news has them loving Ekpe Udoh, a guy that wasn't even necessarily a top-20 pick a few weeks ago.
7. Detroit Pistons—Greg Monroe , F/C, Georgetown
All of this talk about Ed Davis and Cole Aldrich is just irritating. Even more so when the Pistons see their second favorite man, Greg Monroe, slipping to the seventh spot.
Yes, if Aldrich and Davis are the best available, it's probably between them, but not if Monroe or Cousins fall here. In an illogical mock draft, this is just one of those picks that is too logical to not pencil in.
8. Los Angeles Clippers—Al-Farouq Aminu , SF, Wake Forest
The Clippers draft badly. Usually. And even if they don't, they somehow get a guy who will get hurt or doesn't necessarily have a true position.
That's why I'm going out on a limb and saying the trend stops here, and they actually make a sensible pick for once.
Aminu is a well-balanced player with a nice game, and he still has a lot of potential. It's arguable that he shouldn't even be this far down, but if he is, even the Clippers know better than to let him slip through their fingers.
9. Utah Jazz—Patrick Patterson , PF, Kentucky
I know everyone wants to see Luke Babbitt here, but the Jazz need to make sense of the whole "losing Carlos Boozer" thing. If he jets (and he will), they need someone to replace him.
Let's see, draft Luke Babbitt to replace Kyle Korver, or draft a stud to replace Boozer? As much as I love Babbitt's offensive game and potential, you can't pass up an under-rated beast like Patterson.
10. Indiana Pacers—Gordon Hayward , G/F, Butler
Larry Bird and Co. can try to hide the smiles all they want, but this "trading the 10th pick" talk is a huge joke.
Hayward loves Indiana, and Indiana loves Hayward. Unless someone snags him early, this story only has one ending.
11. New Orleans Hornets—Paul George, SF, Fresno State
See how this ridiculous mock is shaking things up? Cole Aldrich, Luke Babbitt, and Ed Davis are all slipping a bit more than "experts" had predicted.
The funny thing is, even if the draft goes as many experts plan, George should still be available here. There's talk that the Hornets want to trade this pick, Chris Paul, and their entire franchise (in a sense), but if they stick here, George's offensive ability and potential are a perfect fit. Sit back down, Peja Stojakovic.
12. Memphis Grizzlies—Luke Babbitt , G/F, Nevada
Memphis could really use an insurance policy for the guy who needs a major attitude adjustment, Zach Randolph, but they also need to be weary of losing Rudy Gay.
If he does jet, Babbitt should be able to step in and take over as the number three scoring option behind Randolph and O.J. Mayo.
13. Toronto Raptors—Ed Davis , PF, North Carolina
Here's another pick that makes way too much sense to not happen. If Davis is here, the Raptors need to think about replacing the obviously departing Chris Bosh.
They could consider grabbing Cole Aldrich at center or Daniel Orton to play either position, but Davis has seen his stock rise quite a bit, and seems a lock to land in the Lottery.
14. Houston Rockets—Cole Aldrich , C, Kansas
Everyone keeps talking about Aldrich being a bust because his lack of elite offensive ability. The guy is a blocking machine, and once he starts learning angles better, he'll be cleaning glass better than Mr. Clean.
The fact is, no one knows what to think about Yao Ming these days, and the Rockets are all about defense, which makes this pick a no-brainer. Besides, Houston has Aaron Brooks, Kevin Martin, and Ming (if he returns) for offense. Aldrich can simply locate his role as a defender.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
U.S. Vs. Algeria FIFA World Cup 2010 Preview
England vs. Algeria has ended in a scoreless draw, following up the controversial USA vs. Slovenia draw, which means that the USA soccer team now controls its own destiny. It's very simple right now for the USA,
grab a victory and the full three points in the USA vs. Algeria match-up, and you advance into the Round of 16 and the knockout stages of the 2010 World Cup.
USA Soccer In Control Prior to Algeria Match
The USA vs. Algeria preview can all be boiled down to this: win the game, and keep on advancing. Regardless of what happens elsewhere in Group C, the USA will be one of the advancing teams if they win.
If the USA only ties Algeria, they'll need a bit of help. They will need Slovenia to beat England, or Slovenia to tie England in a low scoring game that allows the USA to retain its goals scored advantage (see below, or see World Cup Tie Breaker Rules).
If the USA loses to Algeria, they're out!
The USA vs. Algeria match won't be easy however. Algeria proved against England and Slovenia that they are a high quality club, and offer a stern defensive challenge. 19 of their 23 players play in high level European clubs, so they aren't overmatched. The USA certainly cannot afford to go down early once again, as they have in each of their first two matches.
USA vs. Algeria Game Time
The USA vs. Algeria kickoff time is 10 am Eastern on Wednesday, June 23. The game will be broadcast on ESPN. At the same time, the England vs. Slovenia match will be airing on ESPN2, wrapping up Group C action. Both matches will determine the fate for all four of the Group C 2010 World Cup teams.
Group C World Cup Standings
After all of the Group C teams have played two games, the standings in the group are:
Slovenia - 1 win, 1 draw - 4 points - +1 goal differential - 3 goals scored
USA - 2 draws - 2 points - 0 goal differential - 3 goals scored
England - 2 draws - 2 points - 0 goal differential - 1 goals scored
Algeria - 1 draw, 1 loss - 1 point - -1 goal differential - 0 goals scored
grab a victory and the full three points in the USA vs. Algeria match-up, and you advance into the Round of 16 and the knockout stages of the 2010 World Cup.
USA Soccer In Control Prior to Algeria Match
The USA vs. Algeria preview can all be boiled down to this: win the game, and keep on advancing. Regardless of what happens elsewhere in Group C, the USA will be one of the advancing teams if they win.
If the USA only ties Algeria, they'll need a bit of help. They will need Slovenia to beat England, or Slovenia to tie England in a low scoring game that allows the USA to retain its goals scored advantage (see below, or see World Cup Tie Breaker Rules).
If the USA loses to Algeria, they're out!
The USA vs. Algeria match won't be easy however. Algeria proved against England and Slovenia that they are a high quality club, and offer a stern defensive challenge. 19 of their 23 players play in high level European clubs, so they aren't overmatched. The USA certainly cannot afford to go down early once again, as they have in each of their first two matches.
USA vs. Algeria Game Time
The USA vs. Algeria kickoff time is 10 am Eastern on Wednesday, June 23. The game will be broadcast on ESPN. At the same time, the England vs. Slovenia match will be airing on ESPN2, wrapping up Group C action. Both matches will determine the fate for all four of the Group C 2010 World Cup teams.
Group C World Cup Standings
After all of the Group C teams have played two games, the standings in the group are:
Slovenia - 1 win, 1 draw - 4 points - +1 goal differential - 3 goals scored
USA - 2 draws - 2 points - 0 goal differential - 3 goals scored
England - 2 draws - 2 points - 0 goal differential - 1 goals scored
Algeria - 1 draw, 1 loss - 1 point - -1 goal differential - 0 goals scored
Saturday, June 19, 2010
UFC 116 Brock Lesnar Vs. Shane Carwin Preview
It has been a long time coming, but Brock Lesnar will finally face Shane Carwin in a battle between two of the biggest UFC heavyweights of all time. Originally scheduled for UFC 106, the match got postponed after Lesnar
fell to a serious illness.
Normally, a new opponent would be found for Carwin to avoid a long layoff for both fighters. Complications arose, however, as Carwin had been promised a UFC Heavyweight title shot. With the champion unable to defend and a challenger, rightfully, unwilling to risk losing in a contenders match up it left the heavyweight division in disarray.
The match was rescheduled for UFC 108 in January of 2010 before details arose about just how serious Brock Lesnar's illness was. The match was quickly postponed again. This time, however, the UFC was not going to risk having the top contender sit on the shelf. An interim UFC Heavyweight title fight was scheduled between Shane Carwin and former UFC Heavyweight champion Frank Mir. It was announced that the winner of this fight would go on to face Brock Lesnar to unify the disputed championship.
Carwin made short work of Mir, claiming the interim belt and the right to face off against Lesnar. At UFC 116, going down July 3, 2010, Carwin and Lesnar will finally see who is the best between these supersized brawlers.
George Sotiropoulos (12-2) vs. "Batman" Kurt Pellegrino (15-4)
Last Fight for Sotiropoulos: Defeated Joe Stevenson by Unanimous Decision at UFC 110.
Last Fight for Pellegrino: Defeated Fabricio Camoes by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at UFC 111.
Rundown: These two Lightweight contenders have quietly built up impressive resumes in the UFC. Sotiropoulos comes into this fight with a six fight winning streak, highlighted with a victory over The Ultimate Fighter 2 Welterweight Champion Joe Stevenson while Pellegrino is riding a four fight win streak over the likes of Josh Neer and Rob Emerson.
Kurt Pellegrino is a very game opponent, but has surprisingly weak submission defense for a fighter with his pedigree. Three of his four career losses have come via submission, most recently succumbing to a Triangle Choke from Nate Diaz two years ago.
fell to a serious illness.
Normally, a new opponent would be found for Carwin to avoid a long layoff for both fighters. Complications arose, however, as Carwin had been promised a UFC Heavyweight title shot. With the champion unable to defend and a challenger, rightfully, unwilling to risk losing in a contenders match up it left the heavyweight division in disarray.
The match was rescheduled for UFC 108 in January of 2010 before details arose about just how serious Brock Lesnar's illness was. The match was quickly postponed again. This time, however, the UFC was not going to risk having the top contender sit on the shelf. An interim UFC Heavyweight title fight was scheduled between Shane Carwin and former UFC Heavyweight champion Frank Mir. It was announced that the winner of this fight would go on to face Brock Lesnar to unify the disputed championship.
Carwin made short work of Mir, claiming the interim belt and the right to face off against Lesnar. At UFC 116, going down July 3, 2010, Carwin and Lesnar will finally see who is the best between these supersized brawlers.
George Sotiropoulos (12-2) vs. "Batman" Kurt Pellegrino (15-4)
Last Fight for Sotiropoulos: Defeated Joe Stevenson by Unanimous Decision at UFC 110.
Last Fight for Pellegrino: Defeated Fabricio Camoes by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at UFC 111.
Rundown: These two Lightweight contenders have quietly built up impressive resumes in the UFC. Sotiropoulos comes into this fight with a six fight winning streak, highlighted with a victory over The Ultimate Fighter 2 Welterweight Champion Joe Stevenson while Pellegrino is riding a four fight win streak over the likes of Josh Neer and Rob Emerson.
Kurt Pellegrino is a very game opponent, but has surprisingly weak submission defense for a fighter with his pedigree. Three of his four career losses have come via submission, most recently succumbing to a Triangle Choke from Nate Diaz two years ago.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
UFC 115 Rich Franklin KO Chuck Liddell After His Arm Is Broken
The conditioning was there and so was some of the old versatility. But when it came time to stay under control, Chuck Liddell's killer instinct got the best of him. One of the great mixed martial artists of the 2000's was doing major damage late in the first round but he got a little wild trying to land the big shot and got blasted by a short uppercut from Rich Franklin. Liddell went down in a heap. His head bounced off the canvas and he took one more right to the face. He was out cold at 4:55 of the first and now it looks like his career has come to a close in Vancouver at UFC 115.
It was far from a terrible way to go out. No one wants to be the victim of a knockout but Liddell was winning the fight and doing some major damage to Franklin. A kick early in the first round actually broke Franklin's left foreman. Amazingly, Franklin didn't hesitate for a second and was giving back much of what Liddell was delivering. It didn't even appear that he cut back on using his left hand.
Franklin laughed when he was asked by UFC analyst Joe Rogan if he thought he going to be able to come for the second round.
"Are you kidding me? I broke my hand before and continued fighting," said Franklin. "It’s a broken arm! These fans came here to see a fight."
Liddell (21-8, 16-7 UFC) actually looked like he was in position to potentially finish the fight after he delivered a big right elbow with 15 seconds left in the first. Franklin (27-5, 13-4 UFC) lost his balance a bit and Liddell missed with a right. That's when Franklin counter with his own short right that blasted Liddell right in the middle of his face.
Liddell, 40, has now lost 5-of-6 fights, four of those by knockout. He last fought in Apr. of 2009 at UFC 97 where he was finished by current UFC light heavyweight champ Mauricio "Shogun" Rua.
Immediately after the event, UFC president Dana White announced that Liddell was retired. Liddell wouldn't make it official and asked for one more chance. White responded behind the scenes by telling Liddell that he needed to take the sport seriously, make lifestyle changes and cut out all of his legendary partying. The former champ did it, putting down alcohol starting back in November of 2009. He got himself in better shape going from 238 down to 215. Liddell even appeared on Dancing With The Stars. He also spent the beginning of the 2010 training hard while he served as a coach on Season 12 of "The Ultimate Fighter."
In the end, you have to win fights and against Franklin, who has also run into a rough patch recently, Liddell was again finished in devastating fashion.
It was far from a terrible way to go out. No one wants to be the victim of a knockout but Liddell was winning the fight and doing some major damage to Franklin. A kick early in the first round actually broke Franklin's left foreman. Amazingly, Franklin didn't hesitate for a second and was giving back much of what Liddell was delivering. It didn't even appear that he cut back on using his left hand.
Franklin laughed when he was asked by UFC analyst Joe Rogan if he thought he going to be able to come for the second round.
"Are you kidding me? I broke my hand before and continued fighting," said Franklin. "It’s a broken arm! These fans came here to see a fight."
Liddell (21-8, 16-7 UFC) actually looked like he was in position to potentially finish the fight after he delivered a big right elbow with 15 seconds left in the first. Franklin (27-5, 13-4 UFC) lost his balance a bit and Liddell missed with a right. That's when Franklin counter with his own short right that blasted Liddell right in the middle of his face.
Liddell, 40, has now lost 5-of-6 fights, four of those by knockout. He last fought in Apr. of 2009 at UFC 97 where he was finished by current UFC light heavyweight champ Mauricio "Shogun" Rua.
Immediately after the event, UFC president Dana White announced that Liddell was retired. Liddell wouldn't make it official and asked for one more chance. White responded behind the scenes by telling Liddell that he needed to take the sport seriously, make lifestyle changes and cut out all of his legendary partying. The former champ did it, putting down alcohol starting back in November of 2009. He got himself in better shape going from 238 down to 215. Liddell even appeared on Dancing With The Stars. He also spent the beginning of the 2010 training hard while he served as a coach on Season 12 of "The Ultimate Fighter."
In the end, you have to win fights and against Franklin, who has also run into a rough patch recently, Liddell was again finished in devastating fashion.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
UFC 115 Preview Liddell V. Franklin
More than a year after he lost a fight that UFC fans were told would be his last, Chuck Liddell is back on Saturday night against Rich Franklin, who stepped in on short notice to fill Tito Ortiz's place both as a coach on The Ultimate Fighter and in the main event at UFC 115 in the season-ending fight between the coaches.
So does Liddell still have anything left? Or is the most popular fighter in the history of the UFC about to lose again? We weigh in on that and more in our full preview and predictions below.
What: UFC 115: Liddell vs. Franklin
When: The non-televised undercard starts at 7 PM ET Saturday, the Spike TV card starts at 9 and the pay-per-view card starts at 10.
Where: General Motors Place, Vancouver, Canada
More Coverage: UFC 115 Results | UFC 115 Pictures | Latest UFC 115 News
Predictions on the five pay-per-view fights:
Chuck Liddell vs. Rich Franklin
At first glance, Liddell and Franklin might appear to be at fairly similar places in their careers: Both are former champions whose best days are behind them and who are coming off ugly first-round knockout losses. But the 40-year-old Liddell is five years older than Franklin, and I think he's a lot further past his prime than Franklin is. Liddell is one of the sport's all-time great competitors, and it would be great to think he might be back on top some day, but I just don't see it happening.
Pick: Franklin
Mirko Cro Cop vs. Pat Barry
Cro Cop is a little like Liddell, a fan favorite knockout artist who's way past his prime. The 30-year-old Barry has just six pro MMA fights on his record, although he had a six-year career as a pro kickboxer before he got into MMA. Barry has gushed about how he considers Cro Cop his idol, and I think he's going to beat his idol, simultaneously earning his biggest victory and also demonstrating once and for all Cro Cop is done as an elite heavyweight.
Pick: Barry
Paulo Thiago vs. Martin Kampmann
You wouldn't know it from the lack of media attention devoted to him, but Thiago is the best fighter on this card. At 13-1, Thiago is probably only a couple of wins away from getting a welterweight title fight, and I expect him to get one of those wins against Kampmann, who's a well-rounded and exciting fighter but not quite on the level of Thiago.
Pick: Thiago
Ben Rothwell vs. Gilbert Yvel
Rothwell is fighting for the first time since Cain Velasquez brutalized him in October, and Yvel is fighting for the first time since Junior dos Santos brutalized him in January. These two heavyweights are on the main card not because they're great fighters but because they're almost certain to produce a fight that ends in a knockout. I think it'll be Yvel who lands the punch that ends the fight.
Pick: Yvel
Carlos Condit vs. Rory MacDonald
MacDonald is one of the most exciting young prospects in all of MMA, a 20-year old Canadian who's won all 10 of his pro fights, with six submissions and four knockouts. I give the UFC a lot of credit for its matchmaking in putting him in the Octagon against Condit, who's a step up -- but not too big a step up -- in competition for him. I believe Condit, the former WEC welterweight champion who's 24-5 in his career, is going to stay out of trouble against MacDonald and win a decision.
So does Liddell still have anything left? Or is the most popular fighter in the history of the UFC about to lose again? We weigh in on that and more in our full preview and predictions below.
What: UFC 115: Liddell vs. Franklin
When: The non-televised undercard starts at 7 PM ET Saturday, the Spike TV card starts at 9 and the pay-per-view card starts at 10.
Where: General Motors Place, Vancouver, Canada
More Coverage: UFC 115 Results | UFC 115 Pictures | Latest UFC 115 News
Predictions on the five pay-per-view fights:
Chuck Liddell vs. Rich Franklin
At first glance, Liddell and Franklin might appear to be at fairly similar places in their careers: Both are former champions whose best days are behind them and who are coming off ugly first-round knockout losses. But the 40-year-old Liddell is five years older than Franklin, and I think he's a lot further past his prime than Franklin is. Liddell is one of the sport's all-time great competitors, and it would be great to think he might be back on top some day, but I just don't see it happening.
Pick: Franklin
Mirko Cro Cop vs. Pat Barry
Cro Cop is a little like Liddell, a fan favorite knockout artist who's way past his prime. The 30-year-old Barry has just six pro MMA fights on his record, although he had a six-year career as a pro kickboxer before he got into MMA. Barry has gushed about how he considers Cro Cop his idol, and I think he's going to beat his idol, simultaneously earning his biggest victory and also demonstrating once and for all Cro Cop is done as an elite heavyweight.
Pick: Barry
Paulo Thiago vs. Martin Kampmann
You wouldn't know it from the lack of media attention devoted to him, but Thiago is the best fighter on this card. At 13-1, Thiago is probably only a couple of wins away from getting a welterweight title fight, and I expect him to get one of those wins against Kampmann, who's a well-rounded and exciting fighter but not quite on the level of Thiago.
Pick: Thiago
Ben Rothwell vs. Gilbert Yvel
Rothwell is fighting for the first time since Cain Velasquez brutalized him in October, and Yvel is fighting for the first time since Junior dos Santos brutalized him in January. These two heavyweights are on the main card not because they're great fighters but because they're almost certain to produce a fight that ends in a knockout. I think it'll be Yvel who lands the punch that ends the fight.
Pick: Yvel
Carlos Condit vs. Rory MacDonald
MacDonald is one of the most exciting young prospects in all of MMA, a 20-year old Canadian who's won all 10 of his pro fights, with six submissions and four knockouts. I give the UFC a lot of credit for its matchmaking in putting him in the Octagon against Condit, who's a step up -- but not too big a step up -- in competition for him. I believe Condit, the former WEC welterweight champion who's 24-5 in his career, is going to stay out of trouble against MacDonald and win a decision.
World Cup Day 2: United States V. England Preview
Saturday is the first three-a-day during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, with one match being a close call, the other a free-wheeling affair, and the third, if ESPN’s marketing machine is to be believed, possessing the potential to rewrite the outcome of the American Revolutionary War.
Group B: South Korea v. Greece, 7:30 a.m. ESPN
The day’s first game has all the earmarks of a close encounter. This is a scrappy Asian team taking on a scrappy European team, and while the match may not be high scoring, it will be spirited. Greece is still largely the tightly compact, counterattacking squad that stunned the world by winning UEFA Euro 2004. However, they have never won a World Cup match, and, excluding Euro ’04, they have lost 10 of their 12 international games by an aggregate score of 23-2. The Taeguk Warriors are a disciplined, fit team who won their opening match in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups. A draw would be the logical result for two teams vying for second place in their group (behind presumptive top-rung Argentina) and afraid to lose their first match.
Players to watch:
Theofanis Gekas, Greece: The veteran striker rose to the occasion during European World Cup qualifying, leading the region with ten goals, outpacing Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, and David Villa.
Park Si-Yung, South Korea: The versatile Manchester United winger is team captain and playing in his third World Cup. He is a consistent offensive and defensive force.
Prediction: 1-1 draw
Group B: Argentina v. Nigeria, 10:00 a.m. ESPN
Expect fireworks. Nigeria is representing their continent against one of the elite national teams in the world. Both teams are fast, athletic, and offensive minded. And, both are notorious for a lack of discipline (Coach Maradona?). It should be one of the more entertaining matches of the first round. The bad news for Nigeria starts with the knee injury that befell John Obi Mikel, their standout midfielder. Moreover, the Super Eagles have never beaten a non-European side at the World Cup, while the Argentines have lost only one of their nine group stage matches over the last three World Cups.
Players to watch:
Lionel Messi, Argentina: The only man who might be able to stop the best player in the world is his own coach, as it is an open question whether Maradona will switch formations to accommodate Messi’s roaming, creative style.
Obafemi Martins, Nigeria: Although playing in his first World Cup match, the 25-year-old striker has played in Serie A, the Premiere League, and currently the Bundesliga. His two second-half goals versus Kenya secured the Super Eagles’ World Cup spot.
Prediction: Argentina wins 3-2
Group C: England v. United States, 2:30 p.m. ABC
Everyone hopes for this to be a great match, but wisdom says England should easily fend off the Americans. For my money, the United States’ overall World Cup success ultimately rests on coach Bob Bradley finding a way to rotate and maximize the minutes of forwards Jozy Altidore, Edson Buddle, and Herculez Gomez. However, the U.S. defense has been a sieve in the lead-up to the Cup, and while fitness has been the blame, poor organization is the real culprit. The American’s speed will create exciting chances, but it will not be enough to overcome the defensive woes and the offensive prowess of Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, and Frank Lampard. In 2005, England’s B-team (Kieran Richardson was their star that day!) easily handled the Americans at Soldier Field; in 2008, England easily bested the U.S. at Wembley. Tomorrow will not be any different.
Players to watch:
John Terry, England: The team’s former skipper (no need to delve into all that) will lineup at center back alongside the chronically unfit Ledley King, who replaces injured captain Rio Ferdinand. Terry will have to anchor England’s defense against a speedy American scoring third.
Tim Howard, U.S.A.: Howard is a world class goalkeeper, but he will have to find another gear to keep the talented and experienced English scorers at bay. Otherwise, the U.S. won’t be able to tally enough goals to keep up.
Prediction: 3-1 win for the Three Lions.
Group B: South Korea v. Greece, 7:30 a.m. ESPN
The day’s first game has all the earmarks of a close encounter. This is a scrappy Asian team taking on a scrappy European team, and while the match may not be high scoring, it will be spirited. Greece is still largely the tightly compact, counterattacking squad that stunned the world by winning UEFA Euro 2004. However, they have never won a World Cup match, and, excluding Euro ’04, they have lost 10 of their 12 international games by an aggregate score of 23-2. The Taeguk Warriors are a disciplined, fit team who won their opening match in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups. A draw would be the logical result for two teams vying for second place in their group (behind presumptive top-rung Argentina) and afraid to lose their first match.
Players to watch:
Theofanis Gekas, Greece: The veteran striker rose to the occasion during European World Cup qualifying, leading the region with ten goals, outpacing Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, and David Villa.
Park Si-Yung, South Korea: The versatile Manchester United winger is team captain and playing in his third World Cup. He is a consistent offensive and defensive force.
Prediction: 1-1 draw
Group B: Argentina v. Nigeria, 10:00 a.m. ESPN
Expect fireworks. Nigeria is representing their continent against one of the elite national teams in the world. Both teams are fast, athletic, and offensive minded. And, both are notorious for a lack of discipline (Coach Maradona?). It should be one of the more entertaining matches of the first round. The bad news for Nigeria starts with the knee injury that befell John Obi Mikel, their standout midfielder. Moreover, the Super Eagles have never beaten a non-European side at the World Cup, while the Argentines have lost only one of their nine group stage matches over the last three World Cups.
Players to watch:
Lionel Messi, Argentina: The only man who might be able to stop the best player in the world is his own coach, as it is an open question whether Maradona will switch formations to accommodate Messi’s roaming, creative style.
Obafemi Martins, Nigeria: Although playing in his first World Cup match, the 25-year-old striker has played in Serie A, the Premiere League, and currently the Bundesliga. His two second-half goals versus Kenya secured the Super Eagles’ World Cup spot.
Prediction: Argentina wins 3-2
Group C: England v. United States, 2:30 p.m. ABC
Everyone hopes for this to be a great match, but wisdom says England should easily fend off the Americans. For my money, the United States’ overall World Cup success ultimately rests on coach Bob Bradley finding a way to rotate and maximize the minutes of forwards Jozy Altidore, Edson Buddle, and Herculez Gomez. However, the U.S. defense has been a sieve in the lead-up to the Cup, and while fitness has been the blame, poor organization is the real culprit. The American’s speed will create exciting chances, but it will not be enough to overcome the defensive woes and the offensive prowess of Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, and Frank Lampard. In 2005, England’s B-team (Kieran Richardson was their star that day!) easily handled the Americans at Soldier Field; in 2008, England easily bested the U.S. at Wembley. Tomorrow will not be any different.
Players to watch:
John Terry, England: The team’s former skipper (no need to delve into all that) will lineup at center back alongside the chronically unfit Ledley King, who replaces injured captain Rio Ferdinand. Terry will have to anchor England’s defense against a speedy American scoring third.
Tim Howard, U.S.A.: Howard is a world class goalkeeper, but he will have to find another gear to keep the talented and experienced English scorers at bay. Otherwise, the U.S. won’t be able to tally enough goals to keep up.
Prediction: 3-1 win for the Three Lions.
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