The Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs dominated the NBA’s Western Conference in the 2000s. The two teams combined for nine conference titles over the last 10 seasons. It’s clear the Spurs are not as strong as in previous years, so the West is open to contenders looking to knock off the defending champion Lakers. Dallas Mavericks Outside of the Lakers and Spurs, the Mavericks were the only other team out west to earn a Finals berth. After losing to the Miami Heat in six games, Dallas... [Read more...]

The 2010 NBA trade deadline was a monumental day for basketball fans all over the world due to its implications on both this season’s championship and for the effect it had on the future of the league’s biggest stars. Here are a few of the trade deadlines best pick-ups: Antawn Jamison, Cleveland Cavaliers Before acquiring Jamison from the Washington Wizards, Cleveland was the only elite NBA team that didn’t have a big man who could shoot three-pointers. Now with Jamison on the perimeter, LeBron... [Read more...]

Cincinnati Reds pitchers and catchers reported to Spring Training on Feb. 18 in Goodyear, Ariz. and I couldn’t be happier. February is a tough month for sports fans. Sure, we have the Super Bowl and the NBA All-Star Game, but not much else. Thankfully, Major League Baseball gets started in April. The Reds have a few battles playing out in Spring Training that will impact the 2010 season. The biggest question marks include left field and the fifth starter. Can Cincinnati climb over the barrier... [Read more...]

When the 1984 NBA Draft is brought up among basketball lovers, the discussion immediately turns to Sam Bowie over Michael Jordan. With the second pick in that infamous draft, the Portland Trail Blazers chose Bowie, a 7-footer from the University of Kentucky, over the swingman from North Carolina. Portland’s decision impacted the NBA in a profound way as Jordan became a global phenomenon and dominated the league during his 15-year career. Thirteen years later, the Trail Blazers were put in an eerily... [Read more...]

With the Super Bowl behind us and spring training starting next month, I thought it was time to look at the winners of MLB free agency. Last off-season, the New York Yankees spent $423 million to sign just three players: C.C. Sabathia, Mark Teixeira and A.J. Burnett. Those signings worked out well for the Yankees as they won their 27th World Series championship this past October. But not all free agent acquisitions work out that well. Just ask the Chicago Cubs who wasted $30 million on outfielder... [Read more...]

I’ve heard some sports fans claim there’s nothing good to watch during the Winter Olympics.  They say the flash and pizzazz of the summer games is absent in the winter games. I beg to differ.  I’ve been a Winter Olympics fan since Picabo Street was popular.  Even so, summer fans have a point.  With games like cross-country skiing, curling and figure skating, where can a sports fan find some good old-fashioned Olympic excitement?  I believe excitement can be found in the sports below. 5.... [Read more...]