Sportacular Sports Los Angeles Lakers Season Debut

Are the Lakers in trouble?

Last night, the NBA season opened with three major story lines. Rookie of the year Kyrie Irving defeated the Washington Wizards without John Wall, LeBron James and company recieved their Championship rings in a win over the Celtics, and the Dallas Mavericks traveled to L.A. to face the new look Lakers.

To much surprise, the Mavericks won the game 99-91 spoiling Steve Nash and Dwight Howard's first regular season game in a Laker uniform. This defeat comes after an 0-8 pre season which Kobe Bryant didn't participate in.


Unlike the Lakers, the Mavericks new additions, Darren Collison and Elton Brand, meshed well with their new team. Veterans Vince Carter and Shawn Marion filled in nicely for Dirk Nowitzki, each scoring 11 points. Dirk should be out for about 6 more weeks after his knee procedure went smoothly a few weeks ago. In his absence, the Mavericks will use a team approach with rookie Jae Crowder seeing time in Nowitzki's place.

Back to the Lake show. The new Laker's motion offense better involve more time for Steve Nash with the ball. Nash had only 7 points and 4 assists in 34 minutes of play. In Phoenix, Nash always had control of the ball which is why he was so dominant. It should be interesting to see what adjustments L.A. makes to give Nash more freedom to run the offense. On a bad foot Kobe Bryant had 22 points and he should get better as the season progresses. Kobe's shooting numbers should increase with more attention on Nash and Howard.

The biggest expectations though come from the addition of the top center in the league, Dwight Howard. Everyone that works in the NBA business has already crowned the Lakers Western Conference Champions. Next they've set them a date with Miami in the Finals. With this talent, who could think otherwise. When LeBron left for South Beach the same expectations were created only to be let down in a Finals loss to the same Mavericks. So you ask, what should we expect?

Your expectations should be that this Lakers team will win its 17th NBA title in Los Angeles. Why? I see two major differences in this team. First, is the big man presence that Howard brings that Miami has always lacked. Last night, the Lakers best player was indeed Pau Gasol, 23 points 13 rebounds, who is an All-Star that will see more open looks than any All-Star in NBA history. Pau can match up with Chris Bosh inside with Dwight free to defend the paint against James and Wade slashing to the basket. Not only will Dwight be key defending the paint but should be dominating against the Heat down low. 
Finally, I believe the Lakers will win the title, unlike the Heat, because of the differences between LeBron and Kobe. While LeBron might be showing more will to win, everyone knows the greatest competitor in the league is Kobe. When that Heat team reached the 2010 Finals, Lebron faded away as he choked away the Title to an under matched Mavs team. If Kobe Bryant every disappears in an NBA Finals, well he won't, it's that simple. So yes indeed, there might be some early season problems meshing together but come May and June expect the Lakers to live up to expectations and win the NBA title.

Sportacular Sports College Basketball Pre-Season All-Americans

College Basketball Pre-Season's All-Americans

• (C) Cody Zeller-Indiana
• (F) Doug McDermott- Creighton
• (F) DeShaun Thomas- Ohio State
• (G) Isaiah Canaan- Murray State
• (G) C.J. McCollum- Lehigh
• (G) Trey Burke-Michigan

Cody Zeller-Indiana

Big-man Cody Zeller from Indiana stormed into the conversation for Big man of the year last season. While Anthony Davis clearly deserved the award, Cody Zeller defeated the #1 Wildcats early in the season. Cody Zeller has helped Indiana return to the hay days as Indiana is also ranked Pre-season #1. I am not huge on the Hoosiers but they have a lot of potential returning a lot of their players from last season. With a big year, Zeller could also be the #1 pick in the draft and lead the Hoosiers to a National Championship.

Doug McDermott-Creighton

Doug McDermott, coached by his father Greg, led the Blue Jays to the NCAA tournament. After defeating Alabama, Creighton drew an unfortunate matchup with the Tar Heels. McDermott averaged 23 ppg and 8 Rebs. Besides McDermott, Creighton doesn't have much. I think at the end of the season McDermott will be a top player because of the lack of competition in the Missouri Valley Conference and the lack of depth behind him.

DeShaun Thomas-Ohio State

DeShaun Thomas was a surprising star last year and has been rewarded with a Pre-season All-American ranking. Now with Jared Sullinger gone Thomas will see even more time on the ball. Personally, I thought PG Aaron Craft was the best player on the Buckeyes roster but apparently the voters thought otherwise. In fact, I don't predict Thomas is an All-American come the end of the season unless Ohio State goes to the Final Four or deeper.

Isaiah Canaan-Murray State

PG Isaiah Canaan led Murray State to an unbelievable 31-2 season last year. At one point the Racers were in the Top 10 led by POY Candidate Canaan. Canaan is coming back this year and he is only going to be better. Now that he has created a winning environment around Murray State, the Racers can go farther than the Round of 32 this season. I believe Canaan will be an All-American by season's end as Murray State will make a deep run ending in the Elite 8.

C.J. McCollum-Lehigh

The reason McCollum made this list rather than Aaron Craft is because of Lehigh's defeat of Duke last year in the NCAA Tournament. McCollum will have another big year after averaging 22 ppg. McCollum can definitely lead Lehigh to a 2nd straight NCAA tournament birth. The chances they defeat another 2 seed though, I don't see happening. In addition, I don't believe McCollum will be an All-American.

Trey Burke-Michigan

PG Trey Burke, combined with running mate SG Tim Hardaway, are Pre-Season ranked #5 after a First Round Tournament loss last season. It was a toss-up between Burke and Craft for this final Pre-Season spot and bragging rights for top PG in the Big 10. The expectation for the Big 10 this season will be Indiana  Michigan, and then Ohio State. Indiana should claim the top spot but it will be a fight between the two rivals for the #2 seed. In the tournament both Michigan and Ohio State have the ability to go far. At the end of the season, I predict both Craft and Burke will be All-Americans.

Sportacular Sport's Monday Night Football Preview

(5-2) San Francisco 49ers vs. (4-3) Arizona Cardinals

On Monday Night, far far away from Hurricane Sandy, the San Francisco 49ers will travel to the desert and face the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals will be without QB Kevin Kolb and will return to opening day starter John Skeleton. The 49ers stout defense has been unbelievable yet again this season allowing only 9 points in 3 games besides their slip up to the Giants at home. The Cardinals started well but there lack of offensive productivity has caught up to them in the past weeks. Larry Fitzgerald is going to look for his 7th 100 yard game against the 49ers tying the most against the niners with ex-Ram Isaac Bruce. Being at home will give the Cardinals some help but I expect a 49er win. In a close game, 49ers by 4.

Final Score-49ers-24-Cardinals-20

Sportacular Sports BCS Standings Analysis

BCS Standings

Last night on ESPN, the BCS standings were released. To no surprise, Alabama stands atop the polls at Number 1. After defeating Texas Tech this weekend, Kansas State jumped up to Number 2 in the rankings. Therefore, they should have a pretty good chance at making the Championship game if they finish the season undefeated. Not only did K-State jump the Ducks but so did Notre Dame. With their statement win over the Sooners in Norman, the polls believed that was much more impressive than Oregon's 70-14 blowout win over Colorado on Saturday. 4 SEC teams are ranked #5-8. LSU, Georgia, and Florida all have one loss, and without Marcus Lattimore South Carolina holds the Number 8 spot. Pre-season favorite Florida State ranks at Number 9 while Big East leader, Louisville, rounds out the Top 10.

Kansas State's Remaining Schedule

The Wildcats finish up with 4 tough Big 12 games starting next weekend against #24 Oklahoma State. Heisman front runner Collin Klein is having a breakout season and while Oklahoma State is a good team the Wildcats should take care of business on Saturday Night. Unfortunately, the nature of College Football says that Kansas State will at one point be upset. TCU doesn't seem like the candidate without QB Casey Paschall but don't be shocked if the Wildcats travel into Waco, Texas and falls to the unranked Baylor Bears. If Kansas State does win that game look for them to face Alabama in the National Championship

Notre Dame's Remaining Schedule

The Fighting Irish have an excellent chance of finishing the 2012 season unbeaten. Their only tough task exists in their final game in Pasadena. When Notre Dame travels to the Rose Bowl it could be Notre Dame's final shot to make a case for their National Championship bid. It will be interesting to see how the polls would view a win over USC and see if it would put them ahead of #2 Kansas State. Without a slip-up by Kansas State though, I don't see Notre Dame jumping the Cats.

Oregon Duck's Remaining Schedule

The Ducks of Oregon have yet to face a tough opponent this season but the final four weeks could be major trouble. No defense has made the Ducks offense even flinch. Freshman Quarterback, Marcus Mariota, looks like a four year senior and Kenjon Barner and De'Anthony Thomas cannot be stopped. The Ducks finish the season with 3 out of their final 4 on the road. They travel to USC this weekend in their first real test. USC, pre-season favorites, are now playing the role of spoiler and defiantly have the fire power to do so. If Oregon State can remain near the top of the charts the final game of the season would be exciting. If the Ducks went on the road and defeated the Beavers, unlike Notre Dame, the polls could potentially push the Ducks past Kansas State.

Predictions
The chances that all four of these teams finish undefeated looks possible but in fact is very doubtful. At least one of these teams will slip up probably even a second. This would have been a great year to implement the 4 team playoff. Instead we will have to wait it out until the final week of the College Football regular season. I predict both the Ducks and Notre Dame will eventually fall. Oregon plays too many tough road games and eventually their defense will catch up to them. Similar to Notre Dame, the offense will not be able to put up enough points against the Trojans and fall. Watch as Kansas State and Alabama face off in the National Championship game.

Sportacular Sports- Giants are World Series Champions

San Francisco Giants Win the World Series

Recap

The San Francisco Giants have won the World Series for the 2nd time in the past 3 years. It only took 4 games as the Giants won Game 4 in the 10th inning. The scoring opened in the 2nd inning after a Hunter Pence double followed by a Brandon Belt triple. Only an inning later, Miguel Cabrera hit a 2 run shot to right field. Solid outings by Matt Cain and Max Scherzer continued until Scherzer allowed a two run bomb to catcher, Buster Posey. In the next half inning though, Delmon Young tied the game on a solo shot of his own. Scoreless for the rest of the game, it took extras to decide a winner. In the top of the 10th, after a Brandon Crawford bunt, Marco Scutaro hit a line drive to center landing just feet before Austin Jackson could make the grab. That two out single proved to be the difference as Sergio Romo closed out the game. Romo's excellent postseason was capped by freezing Miguel Cabrera on a fastball right down the plate. And from that the San Francisco Giants are World Champions.

Reaction

This World Series victory was a complete team effort. The Giants didn't ride one or two hot players, although Scutaro was on fire, each night it was a different guy. Behind excellent starting pitching and closing by Sergio Romo, the Giants are once again champs. The key addition to this Giants team was OF Hunter Pence who the Giants brought in right before the trade deadline. Not only is he an excellent player but he brings even greater leadership. The Giants will point to him as the reason why they were able to rally from 2 games down in the NLDs and 3 down in the NLCS. When Melky Cabrera was found guilty for performance enhancing drugs, everyone thought this was the end to their season.  To their credit, they proved everyone wrong and are on top of the world. To the San Francisco Giants, Enjoy the Champagne!!!

World Series MVP- Pablo Sandoval

Sportacular Sports World Series Game 4

Game 4 of the 2012 World Series

San Francisco Giants vs. Detroit Tigers

Giants lead 3-0

Summary

The San Francisco Giants have a chance to put their names in the record book for the 2nd time in just 3 years. After Pablo Sandoval exploded in Game 1, the Giants won the next two through unbelievable pitching. Two straight shutouts and now the Giants have their ace, Matt Cain, on the mound. Detroit throws out Max Scherzer in hopes of preserving their World Series dreams. 

Tiger Problems

Detroit's problems are stemming from their lack of hitting. Besides Verlander's poor outing in Game 1, the Tigers have been pitching very well yet there hitting has been missing. Prince Fielder who signed a massive deal during the offseason has yet to produce having just one hit this World Series. Even more amazing than that, Triple Crown Winner, Miguel Cabrera, has only two hits himself. Unless this Tiger's offense can get going and can get going fast, this series is over.

Prediction

Most would predict the Tigers play for pride and win this Game 4. To much surprise though, I think the Giants will actually win the game. I think once again, the Giants pitching will be too much and San Francisco will complete the 4 Game sweep. By the end of the night I think we have a new world champion in the the Baseball World

Final Score- Giants-5-Tigers-2

Sportacular Sport's NFL Week 8 Picks

Here are Sportacular Sport's predictions and analysis for Week 8 of the NFL Season

So far this week I'm 0-1 because the Vikings lost to the Buccaneers on Thursday Night. 

Bye Week Teams- Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals

(1-5) Carolina Panthers @ (5-1) Chicago Bears

After a strong defensive showing from the Bears on Monday Night, it seems no one can score against this defense. Allowing only 13 ppg the bears go up against a Cam Newton who cannot seem to escape the Sophomore slump. After a poor outing at home against a beat up Dallas team, I don't see this one being any close. While Cam contains big-play potential, I see Matt Forte having an excellent game and the Bears prevailing big. (With Jay Cutler though, how is anyone supposed to figure out this game)

Final Score- Bears-31- Panthers-17(I think the Panthers will score a garbage touchdown making it look closer than it really was)

(3-3) San Diego Chargers @ (1-6) Cleveland Browns

Philip Rivers just pulled off the biggest choke-job of his career and for him that's saying something. In wake of blowing a 24 pt lead two mondays ago, I think the Chargers rebound with a tight win. The Browns might be without first round pick Trent Richardson and even if he suits up he's struggling with a rib injury. The Browns always have a knack for keeping games close, especially at Paul Brown Stadium. Their average margin of defeat is just over 7 points a game meaning their always in it till the end. Rivers plays well enough to get the victory.

Final Score- Chargers-24-Browns-20

(4-3) Seattle Seahawks @ (2-4) Detroit Lions

A surprising 4-3 Seattle team led by rookie QB Russel Wilson, travels to Detroit, Michigan to face a disappointing Lions team. After reaching the playoffs for the first time in a decade, the Lions look like the 2008 0-16 Detroit team. Not really, but they are very disappointing based off the potential entering the season. A 5,000 yard passer (Matthew Stafford) and the NFL's best receiver (Calvin Johnson). On the other hand, Marshawn Lynch keeps running over players and the Seahawks keep squeaking out wins. I've been very discouraged by the play of the Lions and very satisfied with the performance of the Hawks. In a surprise, I think the Seahawks sneak into Detroit and steals a win.

Final Score- Seahawks-23-Detroit-21

(1-5) Jacksonville Jaguars @ (4-3) Green Bay Packers

Maurice Jones- Drew and maybe Blaine Gabbert are going to be out for this game. If both are playing, I still don't see this one being any close. Green Bay is at home and Rodgers has found his game again. The Jags, on the other hand, just blew a game to the Raiders last Sunday and don't have much going for them. Their past two top draft picks have been Gabbert and Justin Blackmon. Neither have produced and having the 28th ranked defense won't help much. I predict this one being a blowout. Final Score-Packers 38-Jaguars-13

(3-3) Indianapolis Colts @ (3-4) Tennessee Titans

An inspired Colts team travels to Nashville to face a streaking Titans squad. Having won two in a row with Matt Hasselbeck at the helm, the Titans have beaten the Steelers at home and then traveled to Buffalo and won in a high scoring affair. The Colts also are playing well themselves after beating the Packers and Browns in two out of their last three. I anticipate this game to be very close and very well played. Chris Johnson appears to be playing well and Kenny Britt when healthy can be very effective. While RGIII seems to be running away with the ROY, Andrew Luck has been very good as well. The one aspect that I think could take Tennessee over the top would be their special teams. Therefore, in a very tight one I believe with the home crowd the Titans will be victorious.

Final Score- Titans-31-Colts-27

(4-3) New England Patriots "@" (3-4) St. Louis Rams

The reason for the quotations is because this game is taking place in London, England. After heartbreaking losses to the Ravens and Seahawks and a very close game against the Jets, it is very hard to tell which Patriot team we will see in England this weekend. I anticipate a team led by 3 time Super Bowl Champ Tom Brady making a major statement. If the Patriots lose this game though, this could be the beginning of the end of the Brady dynasty. The St. Louis Rams are showing signs of an up and coming team. Playing in the NFC West is a tough task nowadays as the Rams are in last with a decent 3-4 record. St. Louis has been playing well but they're do for a stinker and the Patriots are going to be angry this weekend.

Final Score- Patriots 42-Rams-17

(3-3) Miami Dolphins @ (3-4) New York Jets

Just like the Rams, the Dolphins look like an up and coming team with rookie QB Ryan Tannehill. Reggie Bush can be effective and the breakout player of the year so far is WR Brian Hartline. Coming off a bye week, I expect the Dolphins to jump out to a quick lead and quiet Fireman Ed. Even though NY has lost the best CB (Darrelle Revis) in the league and their top WR (Santoni Holmes), the Jets can still play good defense. Shonn Greene leads the ground and pound attack although he is inconsistent. A late comeback by Mark Sanchez and our first sighting of a Tim Tebow TD leads the Jets to a close win at home.

Final Score-Jets-23-Dolphins-20

(6-0) Atlanta Falcons @ (3-3) Philadelphia Eagles

The last undefeated team in the NFL travels to a highly talented yet underperforming Eagles team on Sunday @ 1pm. Matty Ice has lived up to his nickname in winning late in games. The Falcons haven't been overly dominant but that's irrelevant because they're finding ways to win. The Eagles however led by Mike "turnover" Vick have one of the most talented teams in the NFL yet cannot perform likewise. Lesean Mccoy has been O.K. and the combo of the Desean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin have been alright as well. However, I see a strong defensive effort from the Eagles on Sunday as they play up to their potential. Eagles eliminate the final undefeated and win by enough where Mike Vick won't have the chance to blow the game.

Final Score-Eagles-27-Falcons-17

(3-4) Washington Redskins @ (3-3) Pittsburgh Steelers

RGIII has almost locked up ROY and we are only heading into week 8 of the NFL season. His unbelievable play on 4th and 11 last week almost helped the Redskins knock off the defending champs on the road. If it weren't for a 77 yard breakdown in the secondary courtesy of Victor Cruz, the Redskins would have a chance to have a winning record heading into the 2nd half of the season. While the 'Skins look like they have a bright future, the Steelers show up with a different team every week. Big Ben has a 14-1 record at home against NFC opponents but those were teams filled with DPOY's like healthy Troy Polamalus and James Harrisons. In the upset of the week, watch as that record becomes 14-2. 

Final Score-Redskins-23-Steelers-21

(2-4) Oakland Raiders @ (1-5) Kansas City Chiefs

These two teams came into the season with much upside and have not delivered much. Besides KC's dream season a few years ago, the Chargers and Broncos look like they still control the AFC West. Oakland led by turnover prone Carson Palmer and injury ridden Darren McFadden and Darius Heyward-Bey have yet to click. After a come from behind against the...Jags... Oakland doesn't have much besides two all pro kickers. The Chiefs though have the talent in Jamal Charles and Dwayne Bowe. Matt Cassel has been injured but even before that the Chiefs didn't look very good. Bowe doesn't want to be there and the Chiefs cheer when their QB gets hurt. This looks like the worst game of the week. I guess I'll take the Chiefs because they are at home but besides that there is nothing doing here.

Final Score-Chiefs-31-Raiders-23

(5-2) New York Giants @ (3-3) Dallas Cowboys

The New York Giants are playing like defending champions and no one can touch Eli in the 4th. The Cowboys have way too much talent to be just 3-3. Granted they should've beaten the Ravens, the Cowboys have a dynamic duo at WR, a pro-bowl Qb, and a solid RB. The Cowboys defeated the Giants in the opening of the NFL season but are extremely inconsistent. The Giants usually go through a mid season slump and what greater time to start right about now.

Final Score-Cowboys-26-Giants-17

(2-4) New Orleans Saints @ (3-3) Denver Broncos

The Saints have won 2 in a row behind excellent performances by Drew Brees. The Denver Broncos are also riding a small winning streak and are coming off their bye. Give a rested Peyton Manning an extra week to prepare for a horrible defense and watch a thrashing. The Saints can put up points themselves but it won't be enough on Sunday Night. Expect an extremely exciting game resulting in a Broncos's win.

Final Score-Broncos-41-Saints-31

Sportacular Sport's College Football Recap

Saturday was yet another great day of College Football. A ton of top 25 matchups and a few upsets later we have a new landscape for the remaining 2012 season.

Alabama Crimson Tide-38-Mississippi State Bulldogs-7

Alabama proved on Saturday Night why they clearly deserved to be the #1 team in the nation. At home, the Tide schlacked Mississippi State behind 208 yards and 2 TD's from AJ McCarron and 84 yards and a TD from T.J. Yeldon. While teams like Oregon, Kansas State, and Notre Dame may be fighting for the 2nd spot, if the Tide get by LSU next weekend they seem almost an ultimate lock for the National Championship. Mississippi State was undefeated and are still a very good team who unfortunately are playing in the SEC where at 7-1 are somehow irrelevant. Look for them to be in a decent bowl game.

Oregon and Kansas State Take Care of Business

The flashy Oregon Ducks yet again crushed an undermined Colorado team 70-14. De'Anthony Thomas had an electrifying punt return and Kenjon Barner had 9 rushes for 104 yards and two scores himself. Oregon's real tests come in their next 4 games. On the road for USC, California, and Oregon State and than a home matchup against the Cardinals of Stanford. If Oregon gets through this tough stretch unscathed, look for the high-powered Ducks to take on Alabama in the title game. 

If the Ducks do slip up though, the surprising Kansas State Wildcats look like they have a legitimate shot after defeats over West Virginia, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma. Kansas State only led by 3 at the end of the First Half, but exploded in the 2nd and finished with a final of 55-24. Klein further embellished his Heisman Resume as well as their National Championship Resume. It should be a very exciting last few weeks.

Georgia and Notre Dame with Statement Wins

The Florida Gators traveled to Athens, Georgia and put themselves in a deep hole for the National Championship race. Florida turned the ball over a total of 6 times and Georgia pulled even in the SEC East. Florida turned the ball over way too much to win this game and Georgia held on 17-9 making it an interesting race to Atlanta. Both teams seem to have a cake-walk on the rest of their SEC schedule so a slip-up would be very interesting. 

On the other hand, Notre Dame is very relevant again. Notre Dame stormed into Norman, Oklahoma and won by the score of 30-13. The game was much closer than a 17 point victory but Notre Dame could easily be 11-0 heading into their matchup with USC. Manti Te'o had a game changing interception and may be the dark horse in the Heisman Race. Not having a conference schedule may hurt the Irish unless both the Ducks and Wildcats slip up. 

USC and Michigan Upset

Preseason favorite #1 USC and Heisman favorite Matt Barkley fell again to the Arizona Wildcats. Marqise Lee had an unbelievable 345 yards receiving and the Trojans still lost. Arizona held on for a 39-36 win eliminating all hope for a pac-12 championship. USC can still play spoiler with games remaining at home against Oregon and Notre Dame.

#22 Michigan lost 23-9 at Nebraska on Saturday Night. This creates an even tie at the top of the Legends division in the Big 10. Denard Robinson left the game late in the 2nd quarter and never returned with nerve damage in his elbow. Freshman Russel Bellomy couldn't get anything started and his three completions matched his three interceptions. Michigan is a little disappointing this season but with a little bit of help could reach the Big 10 Championship game in Indianapolis.

Sportacular Sports James Harden Trade

James Harden Trade

If you did not know, last night the Oklahoma Thunder traded James Harden (and his beard) to the Houston Rockets in a multi-player deal. The deal included Harden, Cole Aldrich, Lazar Hayward, and Daequan Cook being sent to Houston and in return the Thunder received SG Kevin Martin, 10th overall pick Jeremy Lamb, 2 first round draft picks and a 2nd rounder. People might question why trade the 6th man of the year but ultimately this was an excellent trade for the Thunder.

The Thunder are the winners of this trade for multiple reasons. After this season both Harden's and Ibaka's contracts were up. It was already known that the chances that the Thunder could keep both players and also plan on signing Durant and Westbrook in a few years was very doubtful. Getting rid of Harden saved a lot of money because of Harden's wants. James Harden was going to ask for a maximum contract while Ibaka would be looking for high numbers as well. The Thunder will have rookie Jeremy Lamb on a rookie contract for a few years and can negotiate with Martin after the season. Not to mention, the Thunder are receiving two first round draft picks which if used wisely could build on this dynasty.

The Rockets in this trade were absolutely not losers. They gained a superstar along with very good role players. They did give up potential draft picks but if the Rockets plan on being good those picks won't be in the lottery anyways. Cole Aldrich plays well inside and Daequan Cook is a career 35% 3pt shooter. Not only did the Rockets gain a superstar but that superstar is going to help with the development of newly acquired PG Jeremy Lin. Harden will take most of the attention away from Lin making him more effective.

Both teams were winners in this trade but I believe the Thunder got a better deal. It will be interesting to see if James Harden is going to come off the bench or become a starter. Finally, we will see if the Thunder are going to be as good and if the Rockets will be improved.