Thank you, Tim Duncan

This is an article I felt I had to write. Like it was my obligation to finally say something, anything, about my basketball hero. 

It’s been a while since I’ve used this website, and because of that I wanted to give it a whole new look, a new name, tag, you know, start fresh. Kind of ‘start from scratch’ I guess. The blog is now called ’21 minutes’ and will feature an article every week or two, along with two 21 minute video podcasts on YouTube of me talking about the latest NFL/NBA headlines. It’s time to get more serious about what I wanna do, and with that said I invite you all on a magical ride that embarks on my future. Should be fun. 

I was never insanely big on basketball until about eight grade when I read a book on Tim Duncan. I of course knew who he was, but I never knew his background story. Like how big of a swimmer he was before he touched a basketball, or how his mother died of breast cancer at such a young age, and how she was the reason he decided to finish College instead of going to the NBA sooner, or even that he had won 4 championships at the time for that matter.Which is something I still find insane today. How could I have not known how great Tim Duncan was? How does someone with 4 championships do it so quietly? Kids everywhere know the great and legend that was Kobe Bryant, but Timmy? Not as much. It blows my mind.

I fell in love with his play style, and his attitude on and off the court. People called it boring, while I deeply admired how half of his points came off of open layups and floaters. He ultimately made me a Spurs fan, and to my family and friends, an annoying Spurs fan I might add.

When he captured his fifth championship in 2014, I felt joy everywhere. It was as if I had won that championship playing alongside 21. Seeing Timmy celebrate his fifth championship with his children on Fathers day like that made me tear up and feel so many indescribable emotions.

There isn’t an athlete in this world I have more respect for than Tim Duncan. The man did his job night in and night out, playing his game, helping his team win. He built San Antonio into an even bigger franchise than anyone could’ve ever imagined and rubbed his filthy fingerprints all over the NBA.

He was all around just a classy guy. Always showed respect to the opponent whether he won by twenty, or lost by twenty. He gave a tip of the hat to his opponent every game and that to me was something beautiful and a life lesson time and time again. It’s so hard as humans, and as athletes especially to turn away from a good moment and a bad one as well. To walk away from a victory with our chests pounding, or a smile spread across our face is so hard not to do. And it’s even harder not to walk away from a loss with a sour lip, or our heads down in disbelief. Tim Duncan never did that, which is why everyone in the league respects him. Win or lose, he kinda just shook a hand, said “good game”, looked straight ahead and kept walking, and that to me might be my favorite part about him.

For years I’ve defended the argument that he’s the greatest power forward to play the game and I’ll continue to stick by that opinion.

Nineteen seasons with the same team, with the same head coach. 5 championships, in three different decades even more impressively. 3 Finals MVP’s, 2 regular season MVP’s. 15 All Star appearances, and the list just keeps going. Duncan played with such a level of consistency, and poise which is probably why he found and created so much success in the nineteen seasons.

Getting the notification about his retirement a few weeks ago was shocking to me. Obviously for years people have brought it up, and especially this season with the poor numbers he had at times and the lingering knee injury towards the end of the season, it became a major possibility.  But reading the words “Tim Duncan announces retirement after 19 year career” absolutely broke my heart. I feel grateful to learn about Timmy and fall in love with Timmy’s play before he called it a career. I feel blessed to have been able to see Timmy in action at a Spurs/Celtics game this year. He transformed the Spurs like no other could, and will forever be my favorite basketball player of all time.

There’s theoretically only like a 0.5% chance he’ll ever come across this article, but if he ever did, I’d want him to know how thankful I am to have watched the greatest power forward ever, and the greatest player of our generation play.

Until I have the privilege of shaking your oversized hand, and looking up at your old man self, thank you for everything Tim Duncan, and congrats on an incredible career.

NBA Free Agency Predictions

  With this being the eve of NBA Free Agency season, I’ve decided to write one more article discussing the always fun NBA Free Agency. Tomorrow should be the start of what should be a crazy summer for the NBA, and I can’t express how excited I am! So just in case you wanted to hear an extra set of “Free Agency predictions”, here you go! Some of the best free agents, and where I predict they’ll  go!

20+ Free Agents, and where I think they’ll go :

• Lebron James – Re-signs with Cleveland Cavaliers
• LaMarcus Aldridge – Signs with San Antonio Spurs
• Kevin Love – Re-signs with Cleveland Cavaliers
• DeAndre Jordan – Re-signs withe Los Angeles Clippers, or signs with Los Angeles Lakers
• Marc Gasol – Re-signs with Memphis Grizzlies
• Kawhi Leonard – Re-signs with San Antonio Spurs
• Jimmy Butler – Re-signs with Chicago Bulls
• Draymond Green – Re-signs with Golden State Warriors
• Tim Duncan – Re-signs with San Antonio Spurs
• Manu Ginobili – Re-signs with San Antonio Spurs
• Goran Dragic – Re-signs with Miami Heat
• Dwayne Wade – Re-signs with Miami Heat, or signs with Cleveland Cavaliers
• Paul Millsap – Re-signs with Atlanta Hawks
• Greg Monroe – Signs with Boston Celtics, or New York Knicks
• Tyson Chandler – Re-signs with Mavericks
• DeMare Carroll – Re-signs with Atlanta Hawks
• Khris Middelton – Re-signs with Milwaukee Bucks
• Robin Lopez – Re-signs with Portland TrailBlazers, or signs with Boston Celtics
• Wesley Matthews – Re-signs with Portland TrailBlazers, or signs with Boston Celtics
• Danny Green – Re-signs with San Antonio Spurs, or signs with New York Knicks
• Monta Ellis – Signs with Indiana Pacers, or Miami Heat (if Wade leaves)
• Paul Pierce – Signs with Boston Celtics, or Los Angeles Clippers
• Tristian Thompson – Re-signs with Cleveland Cavaliers

So most of the big name free agents are expected to re-sign with their 2014-2015 team, but as you saw, some could definitely leave. Now I know most of my predictions are probably wrong, but it’ll be fun to see if I’m right about any of them. One thing I do know however, is that this years Free Agency period is bound to be very exciting. Thanks, and have a great one!

A.B

Updated Spurs Free Agency Preview

  A couple of months ago, I gave my predictions on what the 2015 San Antonio Spurs team would possiblly look like. Now as we inch closer to the start of free agency, we’re starting to see more realistic possible outcomes. So as of now, here’s what we know :

• The Spurs have several big free agents of their own that they still have to think of re-signing.
• Big names like LaMarcus Aldridge could be heading for San Antonio as well.
• The Spurs cap room isn’t too high.

Right now the Spurs free agents are :

Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Kawhi Leonard, Danny Green, Marco Belinelli, Cory Joseph, Aron Baynes, Jeff Ayres, Matt Bonner, and Reggie Williams.

To me, there’s really only around 4 players from that list that I really want back. Of course I want Duncan, and Manu to return for one more season, and I think we NEED to get back Kawhi Leonard. Those three I really want back. I would love to get Danny Green back, but if we look to pursue Aldridge, getting back Green seems very un-realistic. However, if we can re-sign Marco Belinelli, I’d be fine. In today’s article, I’ll give a few Free Agent names that I want the Spurs to sign, and why.

Tim Duncan, PF – Duncan’s already done so much for this franchise, and the fact that he’s currently 40 years old doesn’t help an anti retirement argument, but if you look at his stats from last year, they’re pretty good for a 39 year old big man. Duncan was so successful last season, that there’s no way he doesn’t come back. Not only that, but I highly doubt he wants to end his amazing career of off a devastating first round, game 7 loss to the Clippers. Duncan stays to get one last chance at a sixth ring.

Manu Ginobili, SG – There have already been a few reports that if Duncan stays, Manu will too. Towards the end of last season, people were starting to question Manu’s play style, saying that it doesn’t really work anymore. But we forget that Manu has come up big for us recently, and he has proven that some times he can get it going and can provide 15-25 points. Same thing I said for Tim, I think for Manu. No way both guys want to end their career off with a game 7 Clippers loss.Both successful players, and both well earned future hall of famers. They both should return for one more season.

Kawhi Leonard, SF – He’s already been called the face of the franchsie. Kawhi’s already accomplished so many things at such a young age, there’s no way the Spurs let him walk away. Kawhi has the potential to become a great player, and if I know that, than the Spurs organization has to be aware of it too. Kawhi’s a must sign player.

Danny Green, SG – Because Green wants so much money, I don’t think he’ll return to San Antonio next season. Hopefully I’m wrong, because I love Danny. He’s a great defender, a terrific passer now, and of course, a cold blooded sharp shooter. Green has the potential to change the outcome of any Spurs game, and has proven to be a valuable weapon these past couple of years. I hope Green stays, but as of now, it’s very unlikely.

Marco Belinelli, SG – If Green leaves, I think the Spurs have to re-sign Belinelli. There were already times last season where Belinelli proved he could be a potential starter for the Spurs, and if Green leaves, Beli could take over his spot. Beli’s almost just as good a shooter as Green is, however, he’s nowhere near the defensive play making of Green, which could be a problem for the team if they decide to get Belinelli. However, at the same time it could be easily fixed, and Belinelli could get better at defense quickly. If Green leaves, the Spurs could get Belinelli back. Again though, cap room’s the main issue.

LaMarcus Aldridge – One of the leagues best big men, great shooter, terrific defensive player, would fit the Spurs system perfectly, yadda yadda yadda, blah blah, all stuff we already know. By adding LaMarcus Aldridge to their squad, the Spurs chances of winning another title would go way up. Not only could Aldridge be useful next season, but think about this. He would be learning from one kf the greatest in Tim Duncan, and would play alongside Duncan. When Duncan eventually retires, Aldridge fills his spot better than anyone else could, and the Spurs are still dominant for a long, long time. I think if the Spurs get Aldridge, everything changes for them.

So with that all said, if it was all up to me, realistically of course, here’s what my 2015-2016 version of the Spurs would look like :

Tony Parker – PG

Danny Green / Marco Belinelli – SG

Kawhi Leonard – SF

LaMarcus Aldridge – PF

Tim Duncan – C

Bench players : Patty Mills, Manu Ginobili, Kyle Anderson, Boris Diaw, others I could really care less

Now you may have noticed that I don’t have Tiago Splitter there. That’s because I think in order to actually get Aldridge and Green or Belinelli, we’ll have to trade someone, and I could see Splitter being that guy. The Spurs just drafted a seven foot center from Serbia, who could eventually take Splitters spot. Sorry Tiago, but if someones gotta go, I see it being you.

In the end, with Free Agency being right around the corner, I feel like the Spurs we know from last season, will be a really different team this year. Whether that means Aldridge comes to San Antonio, or guys like Danny Green are gone, it’ll be a different looking team. Can’t wait to see what happens on July 1st when Free Agency starts.

A.B

Fantasy Football : Top 10 WRs

 Because I’ve done both a top 10 QBs article, and a top 10 RBs article, I think it’s only fair that I give myfirst edition  of the top 10 WRs for the upcoming 2015 Fantasy Football season. Editors note : The rankings will change throughout the summer, so stay tuned for any changes! Latest update : June 20  

1. Antonio Brown – Pittsburgh Steelers

When you look at some of the best Fantasy players from last season, you tend to think of running backs like Le’Veon Bell, or DeMarco Murray, who had monsterious seasons. Or you might think of Quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers, and Andrew Luck, who both had great fantasy seasons. But when you get to the Wide Receiver position, it’s all jumbled up. There are so many guys that you could argue that belong at the number one spot this year, and I guess that’s why I’m here, to help rank the ten best wide receivers for the 2015 Fantasy Football season, and then some who could very well be in the same category by the end of next season. Now, if I had to pick one receiver to build my fantasy team around, I would undoubtably want Antonio Brown. Last season, Antonio Brown led all receivers in both fantasy points, and receiving yards. Brown has the ability to catch a deep bomb, and make an amazing touchdown out of it, but he also has the ability to catch a short route pass, and turn it into a huge play. Browns speed, and versatility make him the clear cut, number one option on our list.

2. Demaryius Thomas – Denver Broncos

A very underrated receiver, or at least one I never hear brought up in any “best in the NFL” conversation would be Demaryius Thomas. Since Peyton Manning joined the Denver Broncos in 2012, Demaryius Thomas has been the teams best Wide receiver, and one of Fantasy’s top receivers. Like Brown, Thomas can do almost anything. One thing I really love about Thomas, is that you know he’s going to give you a BUNCH of receiving yards every game. It’s bascically guaranteed. Check this out, last season Demaryius Thomas had over 100 receiving yards in ten out of his sixteen games.  That’s more games than Antonio Brown. Plus, he has Peyton Manning throwing to him, so yeah, there’s still that. 

3. Dez Bryant – Dallas Cowboys

Dez Bryant has to be one of the most interesting WRs in the NFL. When I looked at his stats from last season, I was shocked to see that he had eight games with 5 receptions or less. So that means that half of his games last season he had only 1-5 receptions. Crazy right? If I’m thinking about taking Dez this year, that stat has to concern me. However, in five of those games, Dez still managed to score at least one touchdown, and also happened to lead the NFL in receiving touchdowns last season, with a total of sixteen touchdowns. He also somehow wound up in the top five in points. Don’t worry about that reception stat, I like Dez going into next season. Come to think of it, I have no clue why I put that stat in here … 

4. Odell Beckham Jr. – New York Giants

As much as I love Odell, there has to be some concern for him going into this season. Don’t call me crazy, or anything, but Odell just happens to be entering his year known as the “Sophomore Slump” season, and just happens to be the Madden 16 cover boy, and we all know about that Madden Curse … I’m not so sure about this Odell kid. Eh, who am I kidding? I love Odell, and think if he stays healthy for 13-16 games this season, he should easily be a top 5 wide out. I know there’s a lot of hype surrounding Odell, but there honestly should be! Look at these stats from week nine to week seventeen.

• Week 9 – 8 receptions, 156 receiving yards
• Week 10 – 7 receptions, 108 receiving yards
• Week 11 – 6 receptions, 93 receiving yards
• Week 12 – 10 receptions, 146 receiving yards
• Week 13 – 7 receptions, 90 receiving yards
• Week 14 – 11 receptions, 130 receiving yards
• Week 15 – 12 receptions, 143 receiving yards
• Week 16 – 8 receptions, 148 receiving yards
• Week 17 – 12 receptions, 185 receiving yards

Like I already loved Odell, but after I actually dug into his stats from last season, I think I might have to draft him in round one… No just kidding, don’t do that. But if that doesn’t persuade you to pick Odell Beckham this season, than I don’t know what will.

5. Calvin Johnson – Detroit Lions

A few years ago, I would’ve had Megatron as the sure number one Wide Receiver. But after seeing how fragile Johnson has become, I have to put him at the five spot for now. I think Johnson’s one of, if not the best Wide receivers in the game right now, but his fantasy value has definitely downgraded. Honestly though, I have him RIGHT behind Odell Beckham, like if Odell has a rating of a 94, Calvin would have like a 92.5, or something in that area. 

6. Jordy Nelson – Green Bay Packers

Going into this upcoming season, I really like how Jordy Nelson and the Green Bay Packers are looking. Most of the players who played in the NCF Championship game last season should play with an extra urge of toughness this season, and a chip on their shoulder, and I expect guys like Eddie Lacy, Aaron Rodgers, and especially Jordy Nelson to just absolutely tear it up this season. Nelson already had a great receiving season last year, but I expect him to perform even better in all areas this season. 

7. Julio Jones – Atlanta Falcons

I originally had Julio Jones a little bit lower on my first set of player rankings, but after really thinking about it, Julio’s got to be my number 7 guy.  On what many people, including myself think was a bad season for Julio Jones last season, he still managed to have seven games with over 100 receiving yards, and somehow was in the top ten in fantasy points by a wide receiver. I love the way Julio plays the position, and I think he’s a great number one option when selecting a Wide Receiver.

8. A.J Green – Cincinnati Bengals

Obviously the only reason Green had such low numbers last season, was because he was sidelined for most of his games, with a toe injury. Green is one of my favorite receivers, but I think injury could again play a factor in drafting him this season. When he’s on the field though, he’s one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, and definitely a huge risk reward player. If you’re considering drafting Green, I would lead more to a ‘Yes’, than to a ‘No’. Ask yourself what’s more likely to happen? Does A.J Green have yet another injury bothered season, and misses 4-7 games, or does A.J Green play most of his games, and winds up a top ten WR. To me, the second option’s more likely.

9. Emmanuel Sanders – Denver Broncos

This time last year, no one really knew what to expect from Emmanuel Sanders, who was coming off of a mediocre season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Only catching 67 passes, 6 touchdowns, and 740 receiving yards. Clearly not numbers that pop for a potential WR1. But last season, Sanders hooked up with Peyton Manning, and his numbers really went through the ceiling . Sanders had 101 catches, 1,404 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns. Clearly much better numbers. I expect Sanders to be just as good, if not better this season.

10. Alshon Jeffery – Chicago Bears

For a few years now, Alshon Jeffery has been compared to the Denver Broncos receiver Demaryius Thomas. Well now, we’ll finally get to see what Jeffery’s made of. For all of his career in Chicago, Jeffrey played the WR2 role, behind the talented receiver Brandon Marshall. With Marshall out of Chicago, Jeffrey now becomes Jay Cutlers number one receiver option. Jeffreys numbers should go way up this season, and the reason I bring up the Demaryius comparison? Jefferys new head coach is John Fox, who happened to coach the Broncos the past few seasons, which means Fox could use Jeffrey similarly to the way he used Thomas while in Denver.To me, Alshon Jeffery has to be one of the last few good wide receivers to pick from this season.

Other names I think have WR1 potential this season are : T.Y Hilton, Randall Cobb, Mike Evans, DeAndre Hopkins, Kevin Benjamin.

Thanks for the read, and be sure to check out more of my Fantasy Football stuff coming soon! Thanks!

A.B

 

2015 NBA Finals Reaction

  

And that’s a wrap. After months of hard work, a champion has finally been crowned. When the season began, I originally had a Western Conference team winning it all, however, I didn’t have the Golden State Warriors as that team. After a disappointing 2014 first round exit last post season, the Warriors were quick to get rid of Head Coach Mark Jackson, and then even quicker to hire Steve Kerr, who before this season, has never coached an NBA team in his life… like ever. Which was a very gutsy move in their part. Not only that, but the Warriors were messing around with a bunch of new different guys, and different possible lineups, but it didn’t take them long to get their stuff together, as they were the leagues best team all the way through, with a very impressive record of 67-15, and only losing 2 games at home (one to my San Antonio Spurs). 

Then when the post season came around, they easily defeated the New Orleans Pelicans in four games, one of them an extremely impressive 22 point come from behind Overtime victory, where this happened…  Warriors-Pelicans game three highlights Following the sweep of the Pelicans, the Warriors found themselves down 2 games to 1 to the Memphis Grizzlies in round two. But the team knew it wasn’t time to panic. They regrouped, played like a team and finished the Grizzlies off in six games. Next round, they played the Houston Rockets, and again had no trouble, defeating them in five games. Their last, and largest test was Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, who also got to the Finals pretty easily. I know it seems like a while ago, but remember Games 1 and 2 when they went to Overtime? Man, those games were intense! Game 1 highlights &  Game 2 highlights Game three was almost as intense, and resulted in a Cavs victory. At this moment, a lot of people gave up on the Warriors, and just like they did in round two, they proved everyone wrong, and came back from a 2-1 deficit, and took a 3-2 lead. To me, the main ingredient to their success in games four,five, and six had to be their lineup change of moving Andre Iguodala to the starting lineup. This move by Steve Kerr resulted in the Warriors grabbing 3 straight victories, and winning the NBA Finals. Even though the Warriors won, we all have to tip our cap to Lebron, who averaged VERY impressive numbers, and basically carried the Cavs to the finals, and carried them to a sixth game. The injuries of Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love were definitely a factor in this series, and you could see the difference those two make on that team. Either way though, after a great NBA season, a magnificent Finals, and after 40 long years, the Golden State Warriors are NBA Champions once again! Got to give credit to guys like Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Stephen Curry who all played a huge role for the team this season, and gotta give credit to Andre Iguodala, the Finals MVP. Because once Kerr made the move to start Iguodala, the series was basically over. Overall, it was a great season for the Golden State Warriors. They definitley deserve this Championship. – a Spurs fan

So what’s next? Well now that the 2014-2015 NBA season is officially over, we can look forward to the exciting off season events, such as the NBA draft, and Free Agency. The draft is set for June 25th, and I believe Free Agency begins in early July. Both should be very exciting, and if we thought a lot changed last off-season, then we should be prepared for this upcoming one. I expect a lot of changes for this upcoming season, and definitely expect the 2015-2016 season to be a good one. Now do I expect the Golden State Warriors to repeat as champions? Well, we’ll have to save that for a future article. But just in case you’re already getting excited for the next NBA season, as I am, here’s the list of some of the upcoming NBA articles I’ll post from now until next season : 

• NBA 2015 Draft recap
• Free Agency recap
• NBA Top 50 players heading into the 2015-16 season
• NBA 2015-2016 Predictions
• Spurs 2015-2016 season preview

So that’s just a taste of what’s next to come in the NBA section of The World of the A.B! Thanks for the views, and please, feel free to share the blog with anyone, and feel free to follow me on my twitter : My Twitter

And if you love Football, or Fantasy Football, expect a ton of good stuff coming up from me!Thanks again, and to all the NBA fans, see you soon!

A.B

AB Fantasy Football : Top 130 Rankings + DST & Kicker rankings

 Hello fellow Fantasy Football dwellers, AB here, bringing you yet another piece of Fantasy Football advice, trying to help you gear up for a Championship season, this upcoming season! Since a lot has changed since my first set of player rankings, I’ve decided that every once in a while, I’ll just make a whole new list of updated player rankings. This time however, the list is a little different. This time, instead of only 100 players, I’ll bump it up to the top 130 players, and an additional defensive and kicker rankings below the player rankings!So sit back, relax, and just scroll through the rankings below! Oh, and please feel free to share the rankings, and the blog to anyone you think may need a bit more of Fantasy advice. Thanks! A.B
Editors note : These rankings will change from time to time, so be aware of any updates. Latest Update : June 14

1. Jamaal Charles – KC – RB1
2. Eddie Lacy – GB – RB2
3. Le’Veon Bell – PIT – RB3
4. Adrian Peterson – MIN – RB4
5. Marshawn Lynch – SEA – RB5
6. Arian Foster – HOU – RB6
7. Antonio Brown – PIT – WR1
8. DeMarco Murray – PHI – RB7
9. C.J Anderson – DEN – RB8
10. Matt Forte – CHI – RB9
11. DeMaryius Thomas – DEN – WR2
12. Rob Gronkowski – NE – TE1
13. Dez Bryant – DAL – WR3
14. Odell Beckham Jr – NYG – WR4
15. LeSean McCoy – BUF – RB10
16. Calvin Johnson – DET – WR5
17. Jordy Nelson – GB – WR6
18. A.J Green – CIN – WR7
19. Aaron Rodgers – GB – QB1
20. Andrew Luck – IND – QB2
21. Julio Jones – ATL – WR8
22. Jeremy Hill – CIN – RB11
23. Emmanuel Sanders – DEN – WR9
24. Justin Forsett – BAL – RB12
25. Alshon Jeffery – CHI – WR10
26. Alfred Morris – WAS – RB13
27. T.Y Hilton – IND – WR11
28. Randall Cobb – GB – WR12
29. Peyton Manning – DEN – QB3
30. Russell Wilson – SEA – QB4
31. Mike Evans – TB – WR13
32. Jimmy Graham – SEA – TE2
33. Mark Ingram – NO – RB14
34. Melvin Gordon – SD – RB15
35. Lamar Miller – MIA – RB16
36. Kelvin Benjamin – CAR – WR14
37. DeAndre Hopkins – HOU – WR15
38. Julian Edelman – NE – WR16
39. Matt Ryan – ATL – QB5
40. Latavius Murray – OAK – RB17
41. Vincent Jackson – TB – WR17
42. Drew Brees – NO – QB6
43. Carlos Hyde – SF – RB18
44. Keenan Allen – SD – WR18
45. Frank Gore – IND – RB19
46. Amari Cooper – OAK – WR19
47. Jordan Matthews – PHI – WR20
48. Joique Bell – DET – RB20
49. Giovani Bernard – CIN – RB21
50. Andre Johnson – IND – WR21
51. Todd Gurley – STL – RB22
52. Andre Ellington – ARI – RB23
53. Kevin White – CHI – WR22
54. Brandon Marshall – NYJ – WR23
55. Jonathan Stewart – CAR – RB24
56. DeSean Jackson – WAS – WR24
57. Ben Roethlisberger – PIT – QB7
58. Lagerrette Blount – NE – RB25
59. Greg Olson – CAR – TE3
60. Brandin Cooks – NO – WR25
61. Darren McFadden – DAL –  RB26
62. Tevin Coleman – ATL – RB27
63. Julius Thomas – JAC – TE4
64. T.J Yeldon – JAC – RB28
65. Sammy Watkins – BUF – WR26
66. Rashad Jennings – NYG – RB29
67. Golden Tate – DET – WR27
68. Mike Wallace – MIN – WR28
69. Nelson Agholor – PHI – WR29
70. Travis Kelce – KC – TE5
71. Isaiah Crowell – CLE – RB30
72. Martellus Bennet – CHI – TE6
73. Torrey Smith – SF – WR30
74. Jeremy Maclin – KC – WR31
75. Jarvis Landry – MIA – WR32
76. Ryan Matthews – PHI – RB31
77. Doug Martin – TB – RB32
78. Cam Newton – CAR – QB8
79. Brandon LaFell – NE – WR33
80. Roddy White – ATL – WR34
81. Eric Decker – NYJ – WR35
82. Martavius Bryant – PIT – WR36
83. Allen Robinson – JAC – WR37
84. Charles Sims – TB – RB33
85. Michael Floyd – ARI – WR38
86. Tom Brady – NE – QB9
87. Chris Ivory – NYJ – RB34
88. Antonio Gates – SD – TE7
89. Tre Mason – STL – RB35
90. Ameer Abdullah – DET – RB36
91. Tony Romo – DAL – QB10
92. Charles Johnson -MIN – WR39
93. Breshad Perriman – BAL – WR40
94. Shane Vereen – NYG – RB37
95. Joseph Randle – DAL – RB38
96. Delanie Walker – TEN – TE9
97. Eli Manning – NYG- QB11
98. Larry Fitzgerald – ARI – WR41
99. DaVante Adams – GB – WR42
100. Terrance West – CLE – RB39
101. Bishop Sankey – TEN – RB40
102. Zach Ertz – PHI – TE10
103. Devonta Freeman – ATL – RB41
104. Marques Colston – NO – WR43
105. Ryan Tannehill – MIA – QB12
106. Andre Williams – NYG – RB42
107. Lorenzo Taliaferro – BAL – RB43
108. Fred Jackson – BUF – RB44
109. Montee Ball – DEN – RB45
110. Percy Harvin – BUF – WR44
111. Knile Davis – KC – RB46
112. DeAngelo Williams – PIT – RB47
113. Denard Robinson – JAC – RB48
114. Theo Riddick – DET – RB49
115. Kendall Wright – TEN – WR45
116. DeVante Parker – MIA – WR46
117. Steve Smith – BAL – WR47
118. Cody Latimer – DEN – WR48
119. Jason Witten – DAL – TE11
120. Jerick McKinnon – MIN – RB50
121. Donte Moncrief – IND – WR49
122. David Cobb – TEN – RB51
123. Victor Cruz – NYG – WR50
124. Darren Sproles – PHI – RB52
125. Ryan Williams – DAL – RB53
126. Dwayne Allen – TEN – TE12
127. Reggie Bush – SF – RB54
128. Anquan Boldin – SF – WR51
129. Jay Ajayi – MIA – RB55
130. James White – NE – RB56

DST Rankings :

1. Seattle Seahawks
2. Houston Texans
3. Buffalo Bills
4. St. Louis Rams
5. Denver Broncos
6. New York Jets
7. Arizona Cardinals
8. Miami Dolphins
9. Detroit Lions
10. Carolina Panthers
11. Cincinnati Bengals
12. New England Patriots
13. Baltimore Ravens
14. Minnesota Vikings
15. Philadelphia Eagles
16. Dallas Cowboys
17. Green Bay Packers
18. San Francisco 49ers
19. Kansas City Chiefs
20. Pittsburgh Steelers
21. Cleveland Browns
22. Indianapolis Colts
23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
24. Atlanta Falcons
25. Jacksonville Jaguars
26. New York Giants
27. Chicago Bears
28. San Diego Chargers
29. Washington Redskins
30. New Orleans Saints
31. Tennessee Titans
32. Oakland Raiders

Kickers :

1. Stephen Gostowski
2. Adam Vinatieri
3. Justin Tucker
4. Steven Hauschka
5. Mason Crosby
6. Dan Bailey
7. Matt Bryant
8. Connor Barth
9. Nick Novak
10. Cody Parkey
11. Dan Carpenter
12. Shuan Suisham
13. Chandler Catanzaro
14. Randy Bullock
15. Blair Walsh

The Greatest Power Forward of all time.

  

Nowadays, You’ll hear things like “Who’s the greatest NBA player of all time?” Or, Who’s better? “Jordan or Kobe?” Or once in a while you’ll hear “Magic or Bird?” or even “Wilt Chamberlain or Bill Russell?”, questions like that. But when was the last time you ever heard someone ask you who the “Greatest Power Forward of all time is?” Chances are, not recently. Why is it that no one talks about the Power Forward position? Now, there’s two possible reasons why no one really gets into debate over the greatest power forward of all time …

1. Everyone already knows who the sure answer is, or …
2. No one really cares enough to discuss the topic in conversation, and they’re too obsessed with the Shooting Guard, or Center position debates.

Well in case you’re like me, and you’ve been asking yourself lately who the greatest power forward of all time really is, fear not, you’ll find the answer in the next couple of sentences. The real reason behind the lack of debate on this topic is a mix of the two options. No one really questions who the greatest is, because they already know who it is, and by knowing who it is, it makes them lose interest in the topic. To me, the greatest power forward of all time is an obvious answer, and should be an obvious answer to everyone. It’s the man who’s accomplished the most in all of his career in the NBA. The man who plays the game for the pure love of basketball, and the pure love of winning. The man who’s built his franchise, and never left it, even we he might’ve felt dissatisfied in it. The title “greatest power forward of all time” can belong to only one man, and that man, should clearly be Tim Duncan.

If there was ever a power forward greater than Duncan, than I sure would love to meet him, or at least read about him, and compare him to Duncan. The only possible options you can really throw against Duncan, are Karl Malone, Charles Barkley, Kevin McHale, and Dirk Nowitzki. And even arguing one of those makes me scratch my head a little bit. Main reason Duncans better? His accomplishments. The accomplishments of  Duncan stack far higher than any of those four guys. Now, that’s not to say those men haven’t accomplished anything, because they all have. I just think when comparing them, Duncan’s had the most.

 Yes, Karl Malone is the second greatest leading scorer of all time, and is also higher on the rebounds list than Duncan is, and also just happens to have the same amount of league MVPs that Duncan has, but that all doesn’t make him better, career wise at least. Duncan has five championships, to Malones none, this being the biggest reason Duncan’s better than Malone. Same argument could be made against any of the others. Now, lets look at Charles Barkley. Barkley also has 0 NBA rings, and trails Duncan in every category. Yes, I said EVERY category. Barkley may have been a very exciting player to watch, but his career accomplishments aren’t even close to Duncans. Plus, it doesn’t help the fact that Barkley already called Duncan “the greatest power forward of all time”. Kevin McHale does have a couple of championships, but as a player, and still in the accomplishment category, Duncan beats him out. And while Dirk Nowitzki may have one championship, one league MVP, a finals MVP, and is about seven spots higher on the all time scoring list than Duncan is, he’s still not better than Duncan. Again, the accomplishments can not be compared to Duncan.The accomplishments of Tim Duncan are far higher than any other Power Forward to ever play the game, and that’s a clear fact.

Since entering the league in 1997, Duncan has quietly changed the game of basketball, and has quietly marked his name down as the greatest power forward to ever play basketball. His 5 championships are the most impressive, but his 15 NBA all star apperances, 2 League MVPs, and 3 finals mvps are also some of the few achievments Duncan has had. At 40 years old, he currentley ranks 14th in scoring of all time, 6th in blocks, and 8th in rebounds. Pretty impressive if you ask me. Another impressive stat Duncan holds is that since he was drafted by the Spurs in 1997, they’ve never failed to reach the post season, and never even failed to reach 50+ wins a season. And while playing in the post season, Duncan’s been one of the best. He’s top 5 in playoff scoring, and number one in playoff rebounds, and blocks. And you know what? He might not even be finished. There still might be more to Duncans legendary career.

Duncan has played 18 seasons for the San Antonio Spurs, and could definitely play at least one more. And why not? I mean the guys’s coming off of yet another All Star season, basically had to carry the Spurs to another playoff apperance with all the injuries that were going around in San Antonio last yeason, and continuously proved to the world that he still has a little bit left in the tank. And to me, there’s no way Tim Duncan ends his career off with a game 7, first round, heartbreaking, crushing elimination game like he had against the Los Angeles Clippers. Duncan already has a clear ballot to the NBA Hall of Fame, but he should still want a little bit more, and I think he does want more, which is why I believe he’ll stay for one more year, in attempt to win one final championship. But even if he calls it a career, then let him do it. He deserves to do so. He’s had a great career, and has played through some tough games, that should’ve taken a toll on him a long time ago. 

Anyways, I guess the point of this article, is that there isn’t anyone at the Power Forward spot that was better than Tim Duncan, and some people need to know that. Thanks for the read,

A.B

Fantasy Football : Top 20 Rookie/Sophomore Flex position players

One of last years biggest Fantasy Football topics had to be the rookie class of WRs. Players like Kelvin Benjamin, Mike Evans, and of course, Odell Beckham Jr. had fantasy owners setting waiver wire pick ups left and right, trying to get some of the leagues best new athletes apart of their fantasy squad. This year, one thing I’m really looking forward to seeing is how those guys will manage for their next season, and how other “Sophomore” Flex players will produce. Along with the rookies of last season, I’m looking at the rookies of this season as well. A few names that really excite me, and most of the fantasy community as well, are guys like Melvin Gordon III, and Amari Cooper. Right now, I would love to have either player on my team this upcoming season, and believe they could be huge players this season. Anyways, here below, you’ll find my top 20 ranked Rookie/Sophomore Flex players (Running Back & Wide Receivers), for the 2015 season. Again, only players who have less than two seasons of NFL experience will be on this list.

Note : List will be changed occasionally, stay tuned for any update!

Latest update : June 6 

1. Odell Beckham Jr. – WR/NYG
2. Jeremy Hill – RB/CIN
3. Mike Evans – WR/TB
4. Kelvin Benjamin – WR/CAR
5. Melvin Gordon III – RB/SD
6. Amari Cooper – WR/OAK
7. Jordan Matthews – WR/PHI
8. Kevin White – WR/CHI
9. Carlos Hyde – RB/SF
10. Sammy Watkins – WR/BUF
11. Tevin Coleman – RB/ATL
12. Todd Gurley – RB/STL
13. Brandin Cooks – WR/NO
14. Nelson Agholor – WR/PHI
15. Jarvis Landry – WR/MIA
16. T.J Yeldon – RB/JAC
17. Martavius Bryant – WR/PIT
18. Breshad Perriman – WR/BAL
19. Ameer Abduluh – RB/DET
20. Allen Robinson – WR/JAC

A.B

NBA 2015 Playoff Predictions : Round Four (NBA Finals)

 Well, we’ve finally made it. After a long, but very exciting season of basketball, only two teams are left standing, The Cleveland Cavaliers representing the Eastern Conference, and the Golden State Warriors representing the Western. Two of the leagues best teams are set to duel it out this week, in what should be the beginning of a great series. In one corner you have the 4 time league MVP, and 2 time NBA Champion in Lebron James, hoping to capture another title, but this time for his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers, something they’ve never done… like ever. In the other corner, stands Stephen Curry, a.k.a the leagues current regular season MVP, seeking his first championship, and the Warriors first championship in over 40 years. And since I’ve predicted every other round, of course I’m going to predict this one too, or at least make an attempt to …

NBA Finals : (2) Cleveland Cavaliers vs (1) Golden State Warriors 

Going into the Final round, there isn’t really that one team that has a complete edge over the other. Both teams advanced to the Finals pretty easily, winning their previous series in less than 6 games. Cleveland handled the Atlanta Hawks in four games, while Golden State took care of the Houston Rockets in five. So both teams walk into the finals getting some rest, and preparing for one lats battle. First off though, let me just say that this series should come down to six or seven games, and a couple of close games too, I might add. Because I think it will be such an amazing series, I’ve decide to pick three key things in this NBA Finals, that could possibly play a huge factor, and potentially decide this seasons NBA Champion.

3. Injuries. You really can’t predict a players injury, which sucks, because a players injury could almost decide a game, or even a series. When Kevin Love got injured in round one against the Celtics,a lot of people thought it was over for the Cavs, that the Bulls would take care of them, or eventually the Hawks, but they proved those critics wrong. Kyrie Irving’s been pretty banged up for them as well, but luckily for them, Kyrie managed to stay healthy enough for him to play the majority of their games. As injuries go for the Warriors, we’ve seen a ton of scares. Last round both Stephen Curry, and Klay Thompson had huge injury scares. Curry’s fine, but Thompson could miss a few games this series, even though head coach Steve Kerr said he “expects him to play”. However, if Thompson does manage to play, it’s likely that he won’t play up to par this series. Injuries are huge in sports, and basketball in particular. I think the loss of K-Love will come back to haunt Cleveland in the end eventually.

2. Head Coach battle. For the first time in NBA history, both Finals head coaches will be first time head coaches. Both David Blatt, and Steve Kerr coached an NBA team for their first time this season, and I think it’s safe to say it worked out pretty well for the both of them. Although almost anybody can coach Lebron James, David Blatt is no joke, and has had success coaching outside of the NBA. And lets not forget who Steve Kerr used to play basketball for. Kerr used to play for Gregg Popovich, who appears to have taught Kerr a few things. I think these two coaches could play some kind of impact during this series. A bad play call perhaps, or a foolish lineup on the court with 24 seconds remaining? Who knows?

1. Bench Production. We saw it in last years finals, when the San Antonio Spurs crushed the Miami Heat, mainly because every Heat player not named Lebron James, could score, or defend for any matter. The Spurs bench was far better than the Heats bench, and the result ended in the Spurs hoisting the trophy, while the Heat could only watch on. If the Warriors bench can do that to the Cavs this year, it’ll be a very similar scene for Lebron James. The same could be said for the Cavs though. If guards like Matthew Dellevedova, Iman Shumpart,and J.R Smith step up, the Warriors could be watching the Cavaliers celebrate. I think bench production will be a huge difference maker this series, and whatever bench does better should come out on top.

My prediction : In what should be a great series of back and fourth basketball, I have the Golden State Warriors winning in six games. And here’s why : Stephen Curry will be too much of a match for Kyrie Irving, and any other Cavs Guard. Not only will Steph play at a high level, but I think Klay Thompson will have a good series as well. And even though Lebron will be Lebron, by putting say, a Draymond Green on him, it won’t be as easy for him to score 30+ points a night, especially every night. And back to the bench production thing, I see the Warriors bench coming up big, and giving the Cavs a lot of problems this series. Curry wins Finals MVP, and his first NBA Championship in the same night.

Winner : GSW 4-2 CLE

Finals MVP : Stephen Curry 

A.B