Greetings sports world! I know, it’s been a while since my last update, but I’ve got a lot of great topics I want to discuss that have been weighing on my mind. I want to touch on a few different things such as the NBA finals, Michael Vick’s release, the best weight class in boxing and Lebron James’s sportsmanship.

Lebron James

I want to talk about Lebron James first because it’s so fresh in everyone’s minds and seems to be a very hot topic. The Orlando Magic recently defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 4 games to 2 in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Magic seemed to have too much firepower and the Cavs had no answer for Orlando‘s high-powered attack. League MVP Lebron James had a phenomenal series, but it just wasn’t enough. After it was apparent that Orlando would be victorious in game 6 and move on to the finals, Lebron left the court without congratulating any one from the Orlando Magic and also dressed quickly and exited without talking to the media, in which he was later fined $25,000.00

A lot of people have mixed feelings on how Lebron should have re-acted after the game and I want to take a look at it from both sides. First off, I think Lebron is by no means dirty player and is a great character guy, but in this situation, he looked like a bad sport.  In my opinion, he should have congratulated the Orlando Magic and coach Stan Van Gundy after a hard fought series. I also think he should have spoken to the media as well. The reason I say this is because he is starting to become the face of the NBA and a great ambassador of the league. If it were say, Ben Wallace(No offense Ben), nobody would have cared. A lot of young fans look up to Lebron and you don’t want to give off the wrong vibe. Even boxers who pound on each  other for 12 rounds shake hands after a hard fought fight. Another thing to point out is that if you’re just not a media friendly person, I can understand, but we all know Lebron feels comfortable with the media. If the Cavs won game 6, Lebron would have shook hands and would have been sitting at the press conference with his suit on.

Playing devil’s advocate, shaking hands with someone, doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a good sport. What if Lebron threw elbows, committed several flagrant fouls and then shook hands after the game? Would that make him a good sport?. At the end of the day, nobody wants to lose, especially at this point in the playoffs. If you win gracefully, then you should lose gracefully as well.

            NBA Finals Preview

The NBA Finals are now here and looks to be a pretty interesting series. The Los Angeles Lakers and The Orlando Magic will square off for the NBA crown. Both are good teams there are certain things I think that will decide the series.

            For Orlando:

Dwight Howard must dominate. When he plays well, the Magic look virtually unstoppable because as soon as you double team him, he’s able to find the open man, and every one on the perimeter can shoot. The Lakers have problems with their interior defense and containing the pick and roll, two things the Magic do well. Derrick Fisher also struggles to contain quicker guards which was a big reason why Jameer Nelson was activated for this series. Lastly, Michael Pietrus must try and make it difficult for Kobe Bryant. I know it’s easier said than done, but I thought Pietrus did a decent job on Lebron James in the previous series. You’re not going to stop Kobe, just make it tough for him.

            For Los Angeles:

Learn from the Cavaliers and don’t make the same mistakes. The Lakers are one of the only teams with the components to match up with Orlando’s unorthodox style. Much of Orlando’s success is because Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu cause a lot of match up problems because they are tall and also mobile. The Lakers can match up Lamar Odom on Lewis and Trevor Ariza on Turkoglu. Andrew Bynum must do a good job against Dwight Howard as well, which should cut down a lot of Orlando’s open looks. Lastly, the Lakers definitely have the edge in the intangibles area. They have more experience, are a great road team, and have superior coaching.

            My prediction: Lakers in 6

NBA draft measurements

OK, it may be too early for an official NBA draft preview, but let’s be honest. Measureables mean a lot in the minds of NBA General Managers across the league. The draft is still a few weeks away and a lot can happen between now and then with teams holding workouts and that sort of thing. But based off the numbers, here’s who’s stock is up and who’s is down.

            Stock Up

Tyler Hansborough

One of the best players in NCAA history,  Hansborough  measured in at 6’9 1/2 with shoes at the combine. He is listed at 6’9 but rarely do a lot of post players heights turn out to be accurate. He may not be the most athletic guy but he measured better than most would have thought, which should help his draft position.

Blake Griffin

As if his stock could get any higher, Blake Griffin measured in at 6’10, which is great size for his position. His lane agility and ¾ court sprint was right there with Johnny Flynn from Syracuse, which is amazing because he is one of the most athletic point guards in the draft. Make no mistake about it…Blake Griffin is the cream of this years draft class and will be the #1 pick in the draft.

Stephen Curry

Despite his wiry frame at 185lbs, Curry had an impressive 10 bench press reps, which was more than expected. He also measured in at 6’3 ¼ , taller than his listed 6’1. Curry is a lights out shooter with a very quick release and should be a definite lottery pick.

Stock Down

Earl Clark

Earl Clark have many GM’s confused on what to think of him as an NBA prospect. On the bright side, he’s very unselfish, has a lot of potential and measured in at 6’10 ¼. The downside is he, doesn’t dominate like he should, is somewhat inconsistent and only recorded 5 bench press reps. Clark’s upside will still make him a first round pick.

Tywon Lawson

Coming off an impressive NCAA tournament run, Ty Lawson still has some questions in regards to his draft position. He measured at 6’0 ½ which is about right but there is still a lot of concerned about his foot injury that he suffered this past season. There were also 5 people who finished faster in the sprint drills. Being top 5 in sprints usually is considered a good thing, but you would think Ty Lawson would have been #1 hands down.

A Good Look

The current state of boxing is in good hands, preferably the welterweight division. True, the heavyweight division has been down since Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis left and Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones are getting up there in age, but the welterweight division looks to be more competitive than ever. Manny Pacquiao seems to be the man of the hour right now coming off a very impressive victory over Ricky Hatton. Feisty veteran Shane Mosley is still a force despite being 37 years old. He last defeated Antonio Margarito, a guy who everyone thought was unstoppable at the time. Miquel Cotto despite his loss to Margarito, has been very impressive, including a win over Shane Mosely. Andre Berto is a young, up and comer who may have a say in all of this as well. The wildcard in all of this is Floyd Mayweather who is scheduled to fight Juan Manuel Marquez in July. The former pound for pound champ has recently come out of retirement and at great time. It’s going to be interesting to see how this division shapes up forthe foreseeable future.

The Future?

One of the biggest face-offs in MLB draft history is taking place between the Washington Nationals and  pitching phenom Stephen Strasburg. Strasburg, a pitcher for the San Diego State Aztecs is expected to be the #1 pick in Tuesday’s MLB draft. People familiar with the situation seem to think that both sides are no where close to a deal. The Nationals are thinking along the lines of $10.5 million, which would be a record for an amateur. Strasburg’s agent Scott Boras, says the phenom is a very rare talent and seems to think other wise. He’s thinking closer to $50 million, which isn’t close to what the Nationals where thinking.

So if you’re the Nationals, what do you do? Do you pay him his asking price, which would be unprecedented for an amateur? Or pass on him and take someone at another need position who will take less? It’s a tough situation to be in, especially considering that Strasburg has a fastball that has been recorded as high as 103mph on several occasions. He also has great stamina consistently throwing in the 90’s even in the ninth inning. Pitching wins championships, we’ll just have to see how high the Nationals are willing to jump.

Let Him Be

Michael Vick is finally home from prison after 19 months in Leavenworth , Kansas. He’s spending the next two months of his term under home confinement at his Hampton, Virginia home with his family. In the near future, he’ll be a totally free man and is expected to make an attempt to play in the NFL again.