The Best

Let's just call off the dogs and stop all the speculation once and for all. Michael Jordan is the best basketball player of all time. Period. There isn't even a close second. Kobe is a nice player with many similarities to Michael, but he won't ever be able to surpass Jordan because he won his first three rings as Shaq's sidekick. Also, Michael never had as many hiccups as a leader as Kobe has. LeBron proved in this year's NBA Finals that while he might be more gifted athletically, he has nowhere near the level of mental fortitude that Michael possessed. There's no need for any more arguing on the subject. I am not trying to say that my opinion matters more than other people's and that it is the definitive one. On the contrary, I am stating fact.

I don't want to bore you with numbers, but consider these as the irrefutable evidence.

6 NBA Championships as the featured player on his team
6 NBA Finals MVP Awards
5 Regular Season MVP Awards
14 Time All Star
10 Time Scoring Champion

I could go on, but why should I? Those credentials are more than enough. Let's also not forget that Mr. Jordan took a couple of years off to play baseball, so those numbers could actually be inflated. He might have had 8 rings and 7 MVP awards if he hadn't spent time as an outfielder. With all the talk about LeBron and his legacy, I just wanted to bring this up because the comparisons need to stop. Nothing LeBron does will get him anywhere near this level and it isn't fair to compare him to the best that ever played the game. Number one, with a bullet- Number 23.

Utah Jazz Musings

The NBA Draft Lottery was last night, and my team, the Utah Jazz, lucked out and got the 3rd pick. I was happy, because the last time they drafted that high they ended up with a guy named Deron Williams, who turned out to be a pretty good player- until they traded him. According to all the pundits and experts, this draft is thin and contains few NBA ready players. With that said I am hopeful that the Jazz can get a player that will help them get back on track soon.

The main candidates for  in the early going are Arizona forward Derrick Williams (another D-Will?) and Enes Kanter, a Turkish center who spent last year at Kentucky. The Jazz also have the 12th pick, and many here in Utah (not me) are hoping that they draft BYU scoring machine Jimmer Fredette. If they do, fine, but don't be shocked if he isn't putting up 30 points a game in the NBA. Some guys just don't have games that translate well to the NBA, and I fear that Jimmer is one of them. My hope is that the Jazz don't get sucked into the hype and instead pick the best player available. If it happens to be Jimmer, so be it. With all that said I am glad to see my team getting back on what appears to be the right track. It would be pretty hard for things to get much worse than how last season ended. Yikes, I hope I didn't just jinx us.

Thoughts on the NBA Playoffs

I was admittedly sad when my team, the Jazz, didn't make it to the playoffs this year, but after what has happened in the first round I'm not that sad anymore. The 2011 Playoffs have been wildly entertaining, dramatic and surprising to watch. Even though no series went all seven games, the quality of play has been high and most of the games have come down to the wire. Let's recap a few of the highlights, shall we?

LAKERS/HORNETS
In the series I most hoped for an upset, Chris Paul reemerged as a true star, willing the seventh seeded Hornets to the brink of defeating the defending champs. Alas, for me and other Laker haters, it was not to be. However, there were great moments in this series like when Paul and his boys stole game one in L.A., or when my least favorite player, Pau Gasol all but vanished and Phil Jackson called the team 'punks.' I also loved the moment when Chris Paul took a shot to the eye, and kept playing despite looking like Rocky Balboa. This series was almost perfect, I say almost because Kobe and Co. are still alive, but after tangling with New Orleans they might not have enough juice to make it back to the Finals. Let's hope.

BULLS/PACERS
Derrick Rose is the MVP. That is what we can take away from this series. If he plays poorly, the Bulls don't look very good. Luckily, he played well enough to take out Indiana in 5 games. Four of the five were too close for comfort, and probably left everyone wondering if the league's new darlings have enough to get to the Finals. I don't think they do, especially since Carlos Boozer is doing his usual playoff disappearing act, and Tom Thibadou seems reluctant to use the best bench in the league. Perhaps this series was just a hiccup and the Bulls will right the ship. They better, because what I think is the hottest team in the playoffs, the Hawks, won't miss an opportunity in a close game like the Pacers did.

CELTICS/KNICKS
The oldest team that needed the most rest got it by sweeping the most overrated team in the playoffs. New York stunk and got roundly throttled by a team that looks hungry, complete and dangerous. Boston, despite their advanced age, is my pick out of the East because they play together and know the territory well. They will need every bit of the rest they earned against the Heat, led by those three guys.

SPURS/GRIZZLIES
We saw an era end when Memphis upset the number one seeded Spurs in six games. The series wasn't even that close as the younger, quicker, bigger and hungrier Grizzlies mauled the crap out of the aging former champs. It was kind of sad to see, but all things come to an end. Who knows what lies ahead for San Antonio? I know what lies ahead for Memphis, a date with Kevin Durant and the Thunder, who are my pick to come out of the West.

Here now are my picks for the rest of the way-

LAKERS over MAVERICKS in 6
THUNDER over GRIZZLIES in 5

CELTICS over HEAT in 6
BULLS over HAWKS in 6

CELTICS over BULLS in 6
THUNDER over LAKERS in 7

CELTICS over THUNDER in 6

The Last Game

I went to see my team, the Utah Jazz, play the Chicago Bulls last night. I don't get to that many games, so I was excited- especially to see my team take on former Jazz players, Carlos Boozer, Kyle Korver and Ronnie Brewer. The Jazz lost, and we left the arena simply thinking the team had lost another game. This afternoon I learned that the team had also lost its coach.

Jerry Sloan, the only man I have known as the coach of the Jazz, stepped down after 23 years with the team today. I am saddened by the sudden departure, and left to think about the fact that I just happened to be there on the night he coached his last game. The Jazz have had difficulties this year, but still had the cornerstones of a strong team- one of them being Coach Sloan. Now, the team must turn to an unproven, but determined coach, and the player and leader that many now blame for Sloan's abrupt exit. New coach Tyrone Corbin and point guard Deron Williams didn't know it was Sloan's last game, and now, ready or not they are the future of the Jazz. Williams and Sloan clashed in their time together, and perhaps there was something about that relationship that nudged Jerry out the door, but like many, I don't think anyone could push Jerry Sloan out, and I know that even if Williams is secretly happy- he couldn't foresee that last night was his coach's last game.

The last game of his career wasn't anything special, just another February NBA game, but it actually was a nice coda to Sloan's career. It was in Salt Lake, with a sellout crowd and against the team that has retired his number. Maybe Jerry was putting us on today when he stepped down, maybe he knew, unlike the rest of us that it would be the end. I doubt it, but whatever the truth behind it is we Jazz fans know that the last game came too soon, and that a coach like Jerry Sloan will not pass this way again.

Worst Sports Franchises

There are certain teams in every sport that never cease to make terrible choices and are perennial bottom feeders. Here now, are three of the worst.

WORST FRANCHISES

L.A. Clippers

These guys could screw up a cup of coffee. Year after year the Clippers fail to even attempt to come close to dethroning the Lakers as L.A.'s favorite team. As far back as I can remember they have been losers and laughingstocks. They continually fail to keep good players and make huge mistakes with who they bring in as free agents. Blake Griffin is a legit star, but knowing the Clippers, they will find a way to lose him too.

Detroit Lions

I feel bad for Lions fans. They are forced to live in a city that has been deeply affected by the bad economy, and then to escape the hardships they have to go watch the only team to ever go 0-16 in NFL history. Trying to overcome the culture of losing is tough, but the current management seems to be on the right track. Let's hope they can do it and get the Lions of this list.


Pittsburgh Pirates

I don't even watch baseball, but I know enough to know that this team stinks, and has for along time. Even when it seems like they have a good team and some momentum, the front office dumps their good players and sends the team back to the MLB cellar. Good thing that the citizens of Pittsburgh have the Penguins and Steelers to root for.

I Like You

Once again I bring you some people that I like/enjoy/admire/think you need to be aware of. I'm sure you already know about these three individuals, but I'm doing this to offset my Schmohawk posts so that I even out my karma.

HELEN MIRREN

What a babe. She's not only the best actress every year, she continues to be hot even at her age. I'm not usually into older ladies, but I'd be hard pressed not to put her high on my list of celebrity fantasy hookups. She's such a well respected woman and she keeps getting better- like a fine wine. The Queen is a great testament to her ability as an actress. (This one is for Elaine)

MICHAEL J. FOX

Who doesn't like this guy? He was my idol as Marty McFly in Back to the Future and won America over as Alex P. Keaton on Family Ties (or as my wife called it as a little kid, "Shoelaces"). He has also overcome a great deal in his struggle with Parkinson's disease and continued to work in spite of it. I admire him a great deal for his skill as an actor, and his perseverance as a human being.

CHARLES BARKLEY

He is by far the best basketball commentator working today. His frank and well informed opinions are at the same time hilarious and insightful. I had some difficulty cheering for him when he played, but now I make sure to catch him whenever there are NBA games on TNT. The Round Mound of Rebound has transitioned nicely into his current gig, and I hope he stays with it for a long time to come.

NBA Season Preview

Basketball season is less than a month away, and I couldn't be happier. With all of the hoopla surrounding the offseason moves, I am very curious to see how they all pan out once the games get going. I heard some pretty big name players switched teams- who knew? There looks to be a power shift from the West to the East, which bodes well for my Jazz, but let's break it down team by team to see for sure. Here now are my picks and thoughts for the 2010-11 season.

EASTERN CONFERENCE-

1. HEAT* (The big three do what LeBron's teams always do, win a lot of regular season games- lose in the playoffs)
2. MAGIC (Dwight and Co. are primed for a deep run as they prove the doubters and Heat lovers wrong)
3. CELTICS* (If this team had been assembled in 2004 it would win 72 games and a championship, but its 2010, sorry old timers)
4. BULLS* (Rose, Boozer and this improved group show flashes of championship potential in their deepest run since the Jordan era)
5. BUCKS (Bogut comes back strong, but this team isn't quite on the same level as the top four)
6. HAWKS (Was Joe Johnson worth all that money? No. Hawks were a nice story, but not anymore.)
7. 76ERS (This team surprises the league and gives the big boys a scare, led by Rookie of the Year Evan Turner)
8. PACERS (The time has come for Indiana to return to the playoffs, led by Danny Granger and point guard Darren Collison)
9. BOBCATS (Some key offseason losses prove too much for Larry Brown's team to return to the postseason)
10. KNICKS (If only they had landed LeBron. They didn't, and Amare and Raymond Felton don't get you to the playoffs)
11. WIZARDS (John Wall will have plenty of years of success, but year one isn't one of them)
12. PISTONS (This team is lacking in many key areas, and it will be interesting to see if they try to make some moves)
13. CAVALIERS (Mo Williams and Antawn Jamison are all that remain to build around. Sorry, Dan Snyder, your team isn't good)
14. NETS (Lopez is a great building block and this team has a ton of money to spend in the next few years)
15. RAPTORS (If you remembered that the NBA had a team in Canada, you'll forget it this year)


WESTERN CONFERENCE-

1. LAKERS* (The champs reloaded with Barnes, Blake and Ratliff in supporting roles, and they still have that guy, what's his name, leading them)
2. THUNDER* (Kevin Durant is legit and his teammates aren't slouches either. They'll be in the finals within two years- guaranteed)
3. JAZZ (With a group of new players, Deron Williams gets back to the Western Finals and makes Al Jefferson a star)
4. MAVERICKS* (When you have Dirk Nowitzki you have a chance, but that's not going to be enough this year)
5. SPURS (I like this team's chances with the depth they have- if they can stay healthy. Duncan is supposedly healthy, I guess we'll see)
6. NUGGETS (This pick gets shelved if Carmelo gets traded because they won't make the playoffs without him)
7. SUNS (Nash lost his best target, but he makes everybody else around him so much better that they might make it to the second round)
8. ROCKETS (The return of Yao is big, but the Rockets need a lot from Kevin Martin and Aaron Brooks because Yao will only play 24 minutes a game)
9. BLAZERS (Another team with health issues will be okay if Brandon Roy can be the leader he is capable of being)
10. HORNETS (Chris Paul is a great point guard, but this team lacks depth at most of the other positions)
11. GRIZZLIES (This team might be a dark horse for the playoffs with scorers like O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay)
12. KINGS (Sacramento is trying to be like the Thunder by rebuilding through the draft, but there's no Kevin Durant on their team)
13. WARRIORS (No more Nellie is sad, but the team might be better off in the long run)
14. TIMBERWOLVES (Kevin Love and Corey Brewer are studs, but they need more pieces around them if they want to get out of the cellar)
15. CLIPPERS (It's the Clippers, where else would they be but dead last?)

*Divison Winner

WEST FINALS- LAKERS over JAZZ
EAST FINALS- MAGIC over HEAT
NBA CHAMPIONSHIP- MAGIC over LAKERS

There's Only One Number 23- and It Isn't Him

In one of the most cowardly acts in the history of sports, LeBron James opted to leave Cleveland for the Miami Heat on July 8th, 2010. I cannot cheer for him ever again because of this. Instead of trying to lift a city and a franchise out of the cellar, he will instead go play in a city that has had its ample share of success and for a team that has had an NBA Championship this decade. Classy move, LeBron. I don't feel a shred of remorse for him as the Cleveland fans rip him, and burn his jerseys, and the owner of the Cavs insults him via a statement. The 'King' is not in the same league as Michael Jordan or Magic Johnson or any of the other greats because instead of opting to do the right thing, he did the selfish thing.

Yes, everyone needs to look out for themselves, but what if Jordan had left the Bulls in 1990 for say, the Lakers, or the Celtics? Would he have achieved the same kind of status and become the greatest player ever? NO! LeBron just cost himself his legacy with this move to the Heat. Nobody will care if he wins a championship or two, because it came at the expense of something more valuable- integrity. I will forever respect men like Karl Malone or Charles Barkley or John Stockton or Patrick Ewing more than a guy like Adam Morrison. Sure, Morrison has two rings, but he sucks. LeBron would be so much better served by never winning and staying in Cleveland than bitching out and joining the Heat for a few trips to the Finals. At least Ewing and Stockton can say they never sold out and joined up with another team to try to win a ring. What is a ring worth if it comes because of someone else's work? Malone and Barkley tried to switch teams to do it and failed, just like LeBron deserves to.

LeBron has a famous quote about how he will never disappoint anybody, but guess what- he just disappointed everybody that's not living in Miami-Dade County. I'm sorry for Cavs fans, I'm sorry for Cavs players and I'm sorry for everyone who just saw their idol quit on his team and his fans, and opt for the easy way out. Enjoy your time in Miami, LeBron, I hope it was worth it.

P.S. Pat Riley is as big a slimeball as there is.

Fun Facts

I like to tell people things that they may not know. These things are usually fun little facts or bits of trivia that I have picked up over the years, and have stored away in my brain. Here now are some fun facts from the Cranium of Conor.

Winston Churchill used to dictate memos and written material to his secretaries from the bathtub.

Tom Selleck was the original choice to play Indiana Jones, but was unavailable because of his commitment to Magnum P.I.

Queen Elizabeth I was called the 'Virgin Queen' because of her refusal to marry and devote herself completely to her nation, and not complicate her life with a husband.

The literary character of Horatio Hornblower was Gene Roddenberry's original basis for the character of Captain Kirk, and later the basis for director Nicholas Meyer's vision for Star Trek II.

There is a rumor that the envelope containing the New York Knicks logo was chilled in 1985 to allow them to get the first pick in the draft in order to select Georgetown center Patrick Ewing. At the time, the NBA Draft Lottery was done by putting envelopes containing each team's logo in a drum and drawing them out "randomly."

Adam West was a possible replacement for Sean Connery as James Bond in Diamonds are Forever.

During the 1960 presidential election, a debate between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon garnered very different reactions from those who watched the debate on T.V. and those who listened to it on the radio. The people who saw the debate on T.V. thought that the good looking, clean cut Kennedy won over the sweaty, five o'clock shadow sporting Nixon, while those who simply heard the debate thought that Nixon had better arguments and won. T.V. eventually trumped radio as Kennedy beat Nixon.


Yours truly was in an Arctic Circle wazmo shades commercial s a kid. Oh yeah.

Utah Jazz Season Wrap Up

Well, another season has come and gone for our beloved team, and once again we have been ousted by the hated Los Angeles Lakers. I am very sad that the Jazz didn't make it farther, especially when we had such a great streak of games in the early part of 2010. Instead we saw the Jazz limp into the playoffs, a wounded, but resilient group, that was able to knock out a Denver team that everyone, including me, thought we would lose to. Now begins the soul searching and head scratching as we look forward to an uncertain off season and the hope that we will do better next year.

Here is what we KNOW about the Jazz-

Deron Williams is the best point guard in the league, and he can play through injury better than anyone since Malone and Stockton. Any debate about Chris Paul vs. Deron needs to stop because it isn't fair to Chris Paul anymore.

Mehmet Okur and Andrei Kirilenko are soft and can't be counted on to be there when they are needed most. In order for them to stay with the team, the Jazz need to get solid players at their positions who can step up when they inevitably miss time due to their little boo boos.

Carlos Boozer is a very solid 20/10 guy and plays well most of the time. I was very impressed with him this year, and frankly hope that he stays. There are so few guys who can do what he does on a nightly basis that the Jazz need to try to keep him. Also, he and Deron run the Sloan system really well together- except against the Lakers.

Wesley Matthews and C.J. Miles earned a lot of respect this season. These two made huge strides and filled in nicely during Kirilenko's extended absence. I think one of them needs to go so that we can upgrade our wing spots, but because of their strong play, the Jazz can demand someone good in return.

Fesenko and Koufos are not the answer in the post. Get rid of them and get someone who could actually hang with guys like Gasol, Dwight Howard and Amare Stoudemire.

Here is what I think SHOULD happen in the off season-

We resign Boozer.

The Jazz draft Greg Monroe from Georgetown with the Knicks' pick and he becomes the guy who can do what I just said Fes and Koufos can't. He is a great passer and long enough to be a real shot blocking presence inside.

We package Miles and/or Korver and one of our bigs and trade for a starting swingman to play alongside Matthews. Someone like the Hawks' Joe Johnson who underachieved enough this year to be available to us. Maybe even Andre Igoudala would be a possibility.

The Jazz open the season with a starting lineup of Williams, Joe Johnson, Matthews, Boozer and Monroe and a bench of Millsap, Kirilenko, Ronnie Price, Sundiata Gaines and Okur. That's a team that could be deep enough to give any Western Conference rivals real trouble.

You're welcome, Mr. O'Connor.

Things I Think

It's been a while since I shared some of my unfiltered thoughts with you. Here are some new pearls of wisdom from the Brain of Bentley.

I think that Pau Gasol looks like Big Bird.

I think there is a great deal to be learned from your elders. If you have living grandparents or even great-grandparents, take time to sit down with them and learn about what they have experienced. Their stories are priceless, and may give you some valuable insights.

I think the work of Stephen Sondheim is grossly underrated and not performed as much as it should be.

I think the Philadelphia Eagles are going to be sorry that they traded Donavan McNabb.  Especially when he comes to town with the Redskins and kicks their ass.

I think that neck tattoos are kinda gross.

I think thrift stores are a great place to find certain items. Don't be such a snob, and check out what they have. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

I think there is a special place in hell for people who do bad things to children. Do you hear me, Catholic Church?

I think going to Costco is a great way to get lots of cool, reasonably priced items. I also think that it is a great way to make sure you never want to have kids.

I think the new movie version of Robin Hood should be called, Gladiator: The Next Generation. You know, because Russell Crowe is on both of them and...oh forget it.

I think I'll go for a walk outside now, the summer sun's calling my name.

Welcome to the Hall

Two of my all-time favorite players were elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame today- Karl Malone and Scottie Pippen. When I was a kid there were few more talented, hard working or notable players than these two. I am very happy that these two greats are joining the many illustrious players in the hall or fame.

My love of Karl Malone goes back a long way, but was solidified when I had the good fortune to be paired with him in a Hardee's commercial. I was about 11 or 12 when Karl and I spent a morning together shooting free throws in a driveway. He was very nice to me, signed many autographs and answered many of my questions while we shot the ad. I received some teasing from my friends about the commercial when it came on T.V., but it never bugged me because I got paid to hang out with a two time MVP, a great power forward from my favorite team and now, a hall of famer.

Scottie Pippen was always one of my favorite players. His defense, ball handling and work ethic made him stand out- even while playing in Michael Jordan's shadow. Pippen was fun to watch and complimented Jordan so well, that sometimes his play was more exciting than Michael's. I remember writing 33 on my shoes in eight grade as a tribute to Pippen, and insisting on wearing 33 in all our middle school games that year.

Cheers to Karl and Scottie.

March 20th- Day of Kings

Happy Birthday to me! March 20th is a special day, not just because of my birth. I also share this day with some great birthday buddies, as well as some important historical events. In addition to being the first day of Spring much of the time, March 20th is a pivotal and awesome 24 hour period. Here now is the evidence.

Tunisia became independent on March 20, 1956.

The Dutch East India Company was established on March 20, 1602.

Napoleon entered Paris after his escape from Elba and began the "Hundred Days" on March 20, 1815.

Albert Einstein published his general theory of relativity on March 20, 1916.

The U.S. began the war in Iraq (So dumb) on March 20, 2003.

ALSO BORN ON MARCH 20-

Napoleon II- Ruler of France

Henrik Ibsen- Norwegian Writer

B.F. Skinner- American Psychologist

Carl Reiner- Comedian and Film Director

Fred "Mister" Rogers- Children's Show Host

Hal Linden- T.V.'s Barney Miller

Jerry Reed- Country Singer, Played Snowman in "Smokey and the Bandit"

Pat Riley- Basketball Coach of the Lakers, Knicks and Heat

Spike Lee- Film Director

Jon De Lancie- Actor who played Q on "Star Trek: The Next Generation"

Holly Hunter- Actress

Ronnie Brewer- NBA Basketball player, formerly of the Utah Jazz

Liz Elliott- The Lizard, Member of the Trifecta

Justin Samuels- Skier, Member of the Trifecta

See, March 20 is a pretty cool day.

Things I Think- Springtime Edition

I love Spring. It is the time when flowers and plants begin blooming, the weather warms up and we celebrate my birth. What could be better?

I think that St. Patrick's Day is a really great holiday. It has food and drink (Corned Beef and Cabbage and whiskey and beer), music (Great Irish Drinking Songs), and symbols (Shamrocks and Leprechauns). That's more than Valentine's Day or New Year's Eve can claim.

I think that March Madness makes the Spring so much fun and potentially lucrative. The first weekend is especially awesome.

I think the first round of golf of the year is the best because you have forgotten all the bad habits that you developed the previous year.

I think the Oscars (March 7) rule. I love a good montage- that means you, "In Memoriam."

I think that the NFL Combine and Draft and everything that ESPN does to make it a big deal is sooooooooo lame and annoying. Who cares how high Tim Tebow can jump? Not even Tim Tebow cares how high Tim Tebow can jump.

I think "Mountain Dew" by The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem is the best St. Patrick's Day song, followed closely by "Tim Finnegan's Wake."

I also think that Tommy Makem is the best tin whistle player- EVER.

I think I'll go get some Lucky Charms.

NBA All-time Team

I love basketball more than any other sport, and as such I have given a lot of thought to who would be on my all-time team. I have studied the game, the teams and the players over my whole life and have come up with 13 names. Obviously it is very difficult to have a perfect list, and someone will invariably come up with an argument for a great player who is left off. If you don't agree with my list, make your own. Before I present the list, I must say that I tried to have players from many different eras and teams to give the list variety. Here now, is the All-time Team.

STARTING LINEUP

C- BILL RUSSELL (Celtics) 11 Time Champion- the biggest winner and best leader of all time
F- KARL MALONE (Jazz) 2 Time MVP, 2nd in scoring all time, best power forward in the game
F- LARRY BIRD (Celtics) 3 Time Champion, Best clutch shooter ever
G- MICHAEL JORDAN (Bulls/Wizards) 6 Time Champion, 6 Time Finals MVP, Best player ever
G- MAGIC JOHNSON (Lakers) 5 Time Champion, 3 Time MVP, 6'9'' Point Guard

BENCH-

F- JULIUS ERVING (Nets/76ers) 1 Time MVP, 1 Time Champion, Dunking pioneer
G- JOHN STOCKTON (Jazz) All time steals and assists leader
C- KAREEM ABDUL-JABBAR (Bucks/Lakers) 6 Time Champion, 6 Time MVP, Scoring Leader
G- OSCAR ROBERTSON (Royals/Bucks) 1 Time MVP, 1 Time Champion
C- WILT CHAMBERLAIN (76ers/Lakers) 4 Time MVP, 2 Time Champion
G- JERRY WEST (Lakers) 1 Time Champion, 1 Time Finals MVP, The Logo of the NBA
F- LEBRON JAMES (Cavaliers) 1 Time MVP, Currently the NBA's most dominant player
G- KOBE BRYANT (Lakers) 4 Time Champion, 1 Time MVP, 1 Time Finals MVP

There it is. I hope you Laker fans appreciate that Kobe, who I hate, made the list. I can be objective if I try.

Things I Think- Sporting Edition

Sports are the great equalizer. Everyone from the richest of the rich, to the poorest of the poor can enjoy a game of football, basketball, baseball or even curling. Whether in person or on T.V., sports are dramatic, redemptive and heart-wrenching. I love sports, some more than others, but I follow the ones I like quite religiously. On top of reading Sports Illustrated, I also watch Sports Center and Pardon the Interruption daily on ESPN. As such, I have some thoughts on the sporting world.

I think that people need to pick a team to cheer for and remain loyal to that team- FOREVER. Nothing bugs me more than people who jump from team to team just because they are winners. Also, I dislike people who don't root for their hometown teams and instead follow some sexier, big market team like oh, I don't know, The LAKERS! For the record, I follow the Jazz in basketball, the Packers in football, the Cubs in baseball and the Calgary Flames in hockey. If I ever root for someone else, you can kick me in the pills.

I think that NCAA March Madness is awesome the way it is. Lately there has been talk of expanding the tournament from 64 to 96 teams, and I hate that idea. If the field were expanded it would completely devalue getting a bid, and it would make filling out a bracket ridiculously difficult. Don't mess with the most perfect thing in sports!

I think that the best sports movies are Rocky, Raging Bull, Miracle and Hoosiers.

I think USC, Notre Dame, Lakers and Yankees fans are annoyingly smug.

I think any attempt to lengthen the playoffs or regular season of any sport is a mistake and is so obviously just a way for owners to make more money.

I think it would be nice if I could get into soccer because we have a team here in Salt Lake that just won the MLS Cup, but I can't.

I think Tiger Woods needs to come out of hiding and address the media. The longer he stays away, the worse it will be when he returns. It has been said that winning is the greatest deodorant, but I'm not sure that just putting up some W's in tournaments will be enough to redeem Tiger.

I think that Tiger should have been more like Arnold Palmer, who is a legend in the ass-getting department, but kept his business on the down-low.

I think PTI is on. Bye.