“Food for Thought 2-22-11”

In the big news of the day, the New York Knicks just added the likes of Chauncey Billups (left), Carmelo Anthony (right), and others to their team. New York appears to finally be relevant again for the first time since the Ewing days.

“You had me at Melo.”  That is what the whole city of New York is saying today in light of recent developments where their beloved Knickerbockers picked up scoring machine, Carmelo Anthony.  The former Syracuse star is finally heading to play in the Mecca.  Its about time.  There is so much going on in the sporting world.  There is so much to talk about. 

So lets jump right into the day’s main headlines.

You Had Me at Melo

The Big Apple just breathed a big sigh of relief today.  They finally got their man.  After getting the “short end” of the stick in this summer’s monumental “Decision,” the team from New York appears to be relevant for the first time since the Ewing Days.  The Garden has already been rocking this year thanks in large part to the phenomenal play of off season pick up, Amare Stoudemire.  Now it is going to turn into one of the hardest places to play in the NBA.  Sure the Knicks gave up a lot to get Carmelo.  But how could you really pass up on this superstar?

Now you have two of the top ten players in the League on the same roster.  Two guys that will go for over 25 every night.  Two guys that are great friends and should be able to develop a great court chemistry in time (it will take time).  Want to know the best part about this entire deal that has kind of gone a bit unnoticed? Chauncey Billups is now a Knick to.  Billups is the consummate winner.  A man who really knows how to win the big game.  The man appeared in the Conference Finals in 7 of 8 years during a stretch earlier in his career.  Just call him Big Game Billups.

Now the Knicks are not quite at that championship level yet.  They are very good and should finish about 6th in a tough Eastern Conference.  Many are saying that the Knicks must pick up Deron Williams or Chris Paul this summer.  And sure that would be awesome.  But a more realistic pickup might be a couple of gutty players that can really play defense.  The reason why this team will not finish better than 6th in the East is not necessarily their lack of depth, though that contributes, but it is their lack of any sort of defensive stopper. 

It is a great day for the Knicks as they inch closer to that championship level.  Also I will admit that Knick’s ownership knew what they were doing when they picked up Stoudemire.  I was one of the people who doubted them.  But they must have seen something that I, and most did not.  They saw the light at the end of the tunnel.  Amare is a superstar that did have the ability to bring friends with him.  It just took a little bit longer than expected.  Expect this team to compete for a championship in 2012. 

Yankee’s Left Side of the Infield Is Hungry

Both Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez have had their fair share of media tension already this year even as Spring Training is just beginning.  But I will state that I am thoroughly impressed with how they both handled their respective situations.  Both came off well and really did not make anything turn into more than it was.  These two phenomenal and sure fire future Hall of Famers are focused on one thing.  And one thing only.

They are looking to bring that World Series Title back to the Bronx.  Sure they had a very good year this past season and made it all the way to the American League Championship Series.  But in New York, that is not good enough.  Expectations are to bring home  a World Championship every year.  Well many are calling the Yankees underdogs to even win their own division, the AL East.  Believe me, Jeter and Rodriguez have taken note and are determined to prove the experts/media wrong.

The AL East goes through New York.  Boston has an outstanding team. Jeter and Rodriguez appear to be all business and apt to the challenge.

Grab your popcorn..

Is This Toys “R” Us?

DeMar DeRozan, a young star for the Toronto Rapters basically told the media today in the words of Arnold Schwarzenegger, “I don’t play that game.”

I am not normally a big fan of guys speaking out to the media.  I am more of a fan of those guys who play it safe and always keep it close to the belt. Today, DeRozan spoke out to the media, and I have to admit, I agree with the young Toronto star.

DeRozan was quoted as saying, “I’m a dunker.  Dunk contests, you go out there and dunk. I’m not into all the props and everything.”  The man is right.  A dunk contest is about dunking.  Throwing it down with style and authority.  Though I will admit that Saturday was quite entertaining, Griffin was aided very much by his coach Kenny “the Jet” Smith hyping the crowd, the assistance of the Crenshaw choir, and the the help of a brand new Kia Optima.  Lets be real.  All of the accessories are fun I guess, but was Mr. Griffin’s final slam all the great?

I can think of at least 50 dunks he has done in a real game this year that were a whole lot better.  DeRozan has gotten shafted both the years he was in the competition.  He should have been a finalist this year and he quite possibly should have won last year.  He has not really played into the games and nuances of the competition like JaVale McGee and Griffin did.  If you don’t play the game, you don’t win I guess.  Well DeRozan did not play the game.  And I cannot say I blame him.

Just some “Food for Thought.”

Let me hear your thoughts though.  Please comment below with any questions or insights that you may have or shoot me an email at contact@thesportskraze.com.

Stay tuned for the next edition of TheSportsKraze.

-TheSportsKraze

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