Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Inside view of the 2012 NBA Playoff Race...

With a month left until the NBA playoffs we take a look at the top five teams that have a chance to make a significant impact towards the NBA Finals. Plus a look at our true NBA playoff dark horse.

1.) San Antonio Spurs: Overall San Antonio has the coaching, talent and youthfulness to make a deep playoff run. Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobli, Stephen Jackson, De Juan Blair, Kawhli Leonard, and Danny Green are just a few names who lead Greg Popovich's talent latent team.

Problem: Defense is not the same defense fans are accustomed to in San Antonio. Greg Popovich and the Spurs are relying more on their offense this season versus their defense and Duncan is entering his twilight years.

2.) Miami Heat: How can you deny LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. Miami Heat have been the odd on favorites to win the NBA Finals since losing an heart breaker last season in the NBA Finals to the Dallas Mavericks. LeBron James is the heavy favorite to win league MVP posting some of the best all around numbers in league history w/ 28 pts, 8 rebs, 7 ast, 2 stls and 1 block . Miami Heat's BIG 3 has been exciting to watch this season averaging over 100 pts.

Problem: Defensively the Miami Heat are vulnerable against larger more aggressive teams in the post. Joel Anthony has become an offensive liability. The addition of Ronnie Turiaf should help boaster the paint for the Miami Heat but the team currently has no answer in the middle.



3.) Oklahoma City Thunder: Should probably be ranked #2 on this list if Kevin Durant and company played in the Eastern Conference they would be odd on favorites to represent the conference. Russell Westbrook receives a lot of unwarranted attention for his play but OKC coaching staff and fans love the point guard. Sixth man of the year James Harden is playing like an all star averaging 16 pts, 4 rebs and 3 ast.

Problem: Turnovers have been an Achilles heel for the Thunder 15.3% of their possessions end in turnovers which is hurting their assists as well. A team with the likes Westbrook should not fail in assists and turnovers.


4.)  Chicago Bulls: Carlos Boozer and Luol Deng lead a balanced attack on both offense and defense for Da Bulls!.  Boozer who was struggling last season has rebounded and has become a vocal leader for the Chicago Bulls. Chicago's defense is tops in the NBA allowing only 89.1 pts per contest and the Bulls control the defensive and offensive glass with a combined total of 55 rebs per game. Bulls regular season record of 40-11 is #1 in the NBA.

Problem: Derrick Rose 2010-2011 NBA MVP has been hampered by a bad groin injury. While the Bulls have managed to stay consistent without Rose during the season the playoffs are a different ball game. The Bulls playoff potential rest on the health of Rose.


5.) Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe, Kobe and more Kobe his leading the NBA in scoring 28.9 pts per game.. Unfortunately The Lakers have been shaky all year but yet manage to be excellent at Staples Center where they are 20-4. Los Angeles traded away two mainstays in Derek Fisher and Lamar Odom changing the landscape of the basketball team. The addition of Ramon Sessions should help at the point guard position, finally a player that can handle the ball outside of the hands of Kobe Bryant. Bynum has been playing at an All Star level and his confidence in the post has increased.

Problem: Kobe, Kobe and more Kobe. Sometimes his offensive struggles can be harmful to the flow of the game which is why Mike Brown pulled the chair on him recently against the Memphis Grizzlies. Kobe has to trust his teammates more. The Lakers are terrible on the road this season playing below .500 away from Staples.

Dark Horse:


Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic: Orlando Magic dark horse but possibly not daring enough the Indiana Pacers on the other hand represent everything a dark horse should be young, athletic and no one believes them yet.

Dark Horse checklist:
Possible NBA Superstar- Danny Granger check.
Point Guard: Darren Collison check.
Inside outside game: Collison, Roy Hibbert and David West check.
Bench: Sixth Man George Hill and Tyler Hansbrough check mate...

Please leave all comments below or feel free to contact us via Twitter @JMCSPORTSBOOK or link: http://twitter.com/#!/JMCSPORTSBOOK




Sunday, March 25, 2012

Trayvon Martin: For Trayvon Martin Justice must Outweigh the Consequences of Injustice

Racism and Injustice these two words are intertwined and woven into the fabric of America. From the beginning of the first slave ships arrival in America in 1441. 1441 was the year the first slaves were brought to Portugal from northern Mauritania. Just like every thing in life racism has a past, some people call racism a curable disease that can be treated and cured with a pill called Propranolol. Racism is not a disease that you hold in your mind. The saying racism is a disease is a metaphor for how it destroys our human society and neighborhoods pitting nation against nation, man against man.. 


 George Zimmerman their is no excuse for racism and their is not a medical chemical pill you can take to treat it. The real treatment to racism is in your heart. It starts with you, it starts with understanding that separated you are the minority but together we create the majority. Its about understanding we are in the same pot together walking on a round rotating surface here to share the gift of life. This does not call for a race war, it does not call for the nation to be apart this calls for a nation to unite against not just racism and injustice but all ism's it calls for a man taking responsibility for an act he committed and a justice system to be hold an accountable investigation.


Injustice happens when the legal system fails the people they are suppose to protect. Its when the people of the legal system step in the way not allowing the truth of justice to prevail. America is a country based on it's governing laws and constitutions. If the state of Florida can not take the proper steps to justice then  it's time to hand this off to the federal government for charges of "Hate Crime".  For Tryavon justice must outweigh the consequences of injustice.


Their must be a trial if it's self defense Zimmerman wants to claim make him prove that to the American justice system. The facts are their is a child killed on the streets of Sanford FL and their has been no investigation and Commissioners and Sheriffs are resigning stepping down and taking absence of leaves. So how deep is this case that officers stepped down from their positions, after campaigning their whole career for a life they wanted.  Several miscues have taken place in the city of Sanford in the view of the American people yet the Sheriff never scratched his head. Instead of pressing charges or starting an investigation you step down from your post. 


Zimmerman don't blame your P.E. teacher, your neighborhood babysitter, the dog, your mom or your dad. Zimmerman blame yourself don't call it a disease or try to take a pill, George your wrong. It's not the bus drivers fault or the guns fault. Guns don't kill people, people kill people. People who carry guns make decisions to safeguard their life from people like you who brandish safety weapons and misuse them the way you did when you shot Trayvon Martin. A kid who was not wearing a hoodie when your first harassed him as he walked alone on a street to his fathers house. Trayvon only donned his hoodie out of fear that a man harassing him as he walked alone to his fathers house might have bad intentions for his life. 


The reason Trayvon put on his hoodie was to shield himself from the evilness and bigotry of this world. Geraldo who's mother is of Jewish descent said Trayvon's hoodie is just as much responsible for his death than Zimmerman. Geraldo Trayvon's hoodie is not the issue just like having blonde hair and blue eyes was not the issue for your descendants. It was and it always has been the darkness of racism and injustice.  Gerald Michael Rivera;  your last name was changed to Riviera because of ethnic-ism, religion-ism and racism.  Time to break the cycle Gerald. 


We are all #Trayvon Martin!
Feel free to leave a message below for comments or contact me on Twitter in regards to this matter http://twitter.com/#!/JMCSPORTSBOOK 

Saturday, March 24, 2012

NBA Eastern Conference: Milwaukee Bucks and New York Knicks fighting for the #8 seed...

NBA Playoffs start April 28th and the playoff race in the Eastern Conference is starting to turn the corner headed for the home stretch. A glimpse into the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference where the Milwaukee Bucks and New York Knicks are currently fighting for the #8 seed.

New York Knicks currently have possession of the #8 seed but the Bucks are primed to make a playoff run. The acquisition of Monta Ellis gives the Bucks one of the most talented back courts in the NBA. Brandon Jennings averaging 18.7 pts. 5.6 apg. and 3.4 rpg are all above his career season averages. Milwaukee Bucks offense is explosive currently ranked#7 in the NBA at 98.1 ppg and #3 in assist at 23.2 apg.

Milwaukee Bucks are deep at every position on the court. Drew Gooden's recent interior play has presented an inside presence giving the Bucks head office enough confidence to trade the oft-injured Andrew Bogut for Monta Ellis. Bucks major problem is on the defense. The Bucks allow 98.3 ppg a -0.2 offense to defense differential in points. Forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute is finally healthy and the addition of Center Ekpe Udoh should help the defense immensely. Bucks roster is mostly shaped by spare parts  (Mike Dunleavy, Carlos Delfino and Ersan Ilyasova) keeping the engine running but that engine is running pretty smoove right now.


New York Knicks hold the final playoff spot but this has been a disappointing season for the Knickerbockers. Carmelo Anthony and Amare' Stoudemire have been stuck in a funk all season long. Pundits place the blame on Mike D'Antoni saying his coaching style did not fit the team yet in the same breathe they say Jeremy Lin could be like Steve Nash. Last time I checked Amare' Stoudemire had his best career seasons while playing for D'Antoni in Phoenix w/ Nash at the point. D'Antoni was also the coach of the Knicks last year when STATS arrived and produced New York Knicks franchise scoring records. With Amare' broken and Carmelo growing tired of an offense that did not feature his style of play D'Antoni quit, resigned and was eventually fired at the same meeting.

Knicks now have a head coach whose X's and O's feature the strengths of Carmelo Anthony. Mike Woodson the infamous creator of the Iso-Joe offense when coaching the Atlanta Hawks now posses one of the best Iso players in the NBA. Mike Woodson is a tough defensive minded coach who will keep a emphasis on the defensive end of the basketball court and allow Tyson Chandler to control the defensive box. Issue is can the Knicks grasp Mike Woodsons defensive adjustments before the Bucks knock them out of position.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Sanford Florida: Trayvon Martin the Kid in the Hoodie

Usually I just write about sports on my blog site but the news about Trayvon Martin has really sunk into my chest. Trayvon Martin a 17 year old kid who decided to leave his home and to go to the store in his neighborhood to buy a Arizona tea and a bag of Skittles. Was recently killed, racially profiled by a neighborhood watch member in his fathers community just a few steps from his home. George Zimmerman a Mexican chose to follow a child walking in Sanford Florida prior to watching NBA All Star weekend.

Trayvon noticed Zimmerman following him and because Trayvon felt uncomfortable with the stranger following him he decided to put on his hoodie. Trayvon could feel the danger of the individual following him so he chose to put on his hoodie and instead of drawing attention to the situation for fear of making it worst hoped that if he just swiftly walked home the stranger would stay away. When the stranger disappeared Trayvon thought he was safe but Zimmerman the neighborhood watch guy decided to play the role of the wolf. Instead of calling the police Zimmerman chose to take action into his own hands. ( The Reason Trayvon thought Zimmerman disappeared was because Zimmerman left to grab his gun) Giving Trayvon a false hope of security Zimmerman reappeared out of the shadows and he killed Trayvon.

Zimmerman claims that young Trayvon looked suspicious because he was carrying a can of Arizona Tea and a bag of Skittles. Right now Mr. Zimmerman is sitting at home eating a bag of popcorn and probably reading this blog article. Mr. Zimmermans actions and the lack of action by the Justice Department in Florida is a true slap in the face of the American people. Rights to life has been violated, a child has been killed outside of his home because he was afraid. He was worried that a stranger following him had bad attentions and he was right. The killing of Trayvon is premeditated murder and a criminal sits at home.


I would be doing myself and Trayvon an injustice if I didn't use my site to continue to bring an extra heart and mind to this injustice. The really sad part is that African Americans continue to live under this poisonous cloud of racism. Racial profiling by those carrying weapons continuing to rape and kill the African American community raped of our fathers, sons, daughters and mothers. A day has to come where our fathers and sons are no longer killed and daughters and mothers no longer raped by racism.

For the Trayvon movement I stand together with asking everyone to update their Twitter or Facebook avi/ profile pic to a pic of you wearing a hoodie for Trayvon because in the end we are all Trayvon Martin. We are all human beings and when injustice of this magnitude takes place we must all band together in unity. We must band together to correct our justice system and protect our communities, neighborhoods and street corners from the disease and tyranny of racism and social injustice.

Feel free to leave a message below for comments or contact me on Twitter in regards to this matter http://twitter.com/#!/JMCSPORTSBOOK

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Los Angeles Lakers: For Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher Breaking Up is Hard to do...

Playing in the NBA for 15 years, you've won 5 Championships been to 7 NBA Finals. You look around the locker room noticing all the reporters standing around in their usual format asking questions to teammates sitting at their locker. You over hear a few questions and answers being thrown around between players and media staff and then it hits you, the moment you notice your childhood (rookie) friend is missing. Things start to become a little bit more blurry as the new coach enters the locker room and he approaches you, yes the rumors are true. The teammate you knew and loved for 15 years is gone, the team co-captain, heart and soul has been traded. Man breaking up is hard to do....

Kobe Bryant has won 5 Championships in the NBA 1 with the basketball player formerly known as Ron Artest, 2 with Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, and 3 with the most dominating "Big Man" to ever play the game Shaquille O'Neal. Yet, none of those 5 Championships could have been accomplished without one of the most clutch players in Lakers history Derek Fisher. 

Derek and Kobe came to the Lakers the Summer of 1996, they were both rookies playing together in the back court entrusted with wearing the historic Purple and Gold of the Los Angeles Lakers. Derek was never an NBA All-Star and he didn't have to be. Derek Fisher was more than an All-Star he was a Champion, a player his teammates could depend on to make tough shots and smart decisions. He ran Phil Jackson's Triangle offense better than any point guard in Phil's coaching history.

When Kobe was double teamed and the Lakers needed a big shot Derek used his leadership and championship pedigree to knock down the big one's. If Kobe's game on the court was off, Derek was the only one with enough determination to get in Kobe's ear. Kobe and Derek's relationship meshed like the "Purple and Gold" on their jersey's. Derek was more than just a back court roommate of Kobe on the court, he was his best friend. 

One day Derek's jersey will join the highly regarded panel of West, Chamberlain, Baylor, Abdul-Jabbar, Johnson, Worthy, Goodrich, O'Neal (next season) and Lakers legendary announcer Chuck Hearn hanging from the rafters of the Staples Center. Next to Derek's #2 jersey will be Kobe's #24. The summer of 1996 will always be remembered as the summer the Lakers created a 5x Championship back court combining the super uber talented skills of Kobe with the professional leadership of Derek Fisher. 

For nearly 15 years, Kobe has been the on court talent and Derek has been the locker room voice of the Los Angeles Lakers. Now separated due to time but forever remembered and meshed in the Purple and Gold of the historic Los Angeles Lakers. 





Thursday, March 8, 2012

Peyton Manning Enters Free Agency


The Indianapolis Colts and Jim Irsay answered the $28 million dollar question regarding Peyton Manning deciding to release Peyton from the Colts.  Releasing Peyton was one of the toughest decisions in Colts history. Peyton and the Colts convincingly came to a mutual agreement to move in separate directions. Addressing the media Peyton showed signs of emotion discussing his appreciation for the fans in Indianapolis and the Colts organization.


The next question for Peyton Manning is where he will play next? During the press conference Peyton announced that he had not thought about a destination for next season but was confident of his availability to play. Many rumors have circled with players tweeting and campaigning for Peyton to play in various locations.  From Seattle Washington to Miami Florida NFL franchises are competing for the #1 free agent in NFL history. The top NFL teams seeking the services of the all-time great and future Hall of Fame Quarterback include the Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks and Kansas City Chiefs.

What about the NY Jets? Eli Manning, Peyton’s brother plays in New Jersey for the NY Giants and both Manning’s competing in the same city is not attractive. The thought process has to be for Peyton to play in his own market away from competing with Eli.

Questions regarding the Redskins, the real problem could be Mike Shanahan in Washington. Will Shanahan be comfortable with scraping the Redskins current offense and relinquishing control? Second do the Redskins want to go after Robert Griffin III and cement the future of the franchise? Watching the Redskins and how they handled the issue with Donovan McNabb should lead Peyton to possibly believe the Redskins are not a good fit.

Kansas City Chiefs are very intriguing; the Chiefs have the cap room and coaching staff that will allow Peyton Manning to flourish. The Chiefs have many offensive weapons running back Jamaal Charles is returning after suffering a season ending injury last season. The Chiefs also have weapons at the wide receiver position Dwayne Bowe, Jonathan Baldwin and Steve Breaston are reliable offensive weapons who could explode with the addition of Peyton Manning. Steve Breaston is one of the best slot receivers in the NFL and having big weapons at the outside wide receiver position is something Peyton can utilize. Historic Arrowhead would be a good place for Peyton to consider over the next week or two.

Seattle Seahawks and Pete Carroll have the pocket book of Paul Allen along with the cap space to make a huge splash after Peyton in free agency. Pete Carroll and John Schneider were the first NFL team to contact Peyton Manning after his release in Indianapolis. The 12th Man in the Northwest represents the loudest crowd in the NFL providing a huge advantage for Peyton Manning to win in the future. In Seattle Peyton Manning would have an entire media market that stretches from Northern California into Vancouver Canada. Seahawks have the cap space to include Reggie Wayne to making the situation comfortable for Peyton. Peyton will also have the ability to have control most of the offense with Marshawn Lynch at his disposal. “Beast Mode” and Peyton together in Century Link (C-Link) together is a site the Seahawks fans are dreaming of tonight.

Arizona Cardinals winner of 7 out of their last 9 regular season games in 2011 are looking like a prime spot for the Hall of Fame Quarterback. Cardinals have cap room and are not as strapped to Kevin Kolb as many would think. Releasing Kevin Kolb for a healthy Peyton would not be a major decision for Ken Whisenhunt and the Cards front office. Arizona will make a hard push at Peyton and the opportunity for Larry Fitzgerald to catch Sunday, Monday and Thursday night footballs from Peyton should scare the entire NFL. If Peyton is healthy and signs in Arizona expect Reggie Wayne to follow creating a tandem of Fitzgerald and Wayne at wide receiver. The fans in Arizona are rabid feasting Cardinals who can be just as loud as the fans in Seattle. Southwest media market of 1.881 million and the Arizona weather will provide Peyton with a good home.

Miami Dolphins might be the favorite landing spot for Peyton next season. Reggie Wayne is eager to keep Peyton from charting a plane out of Florida. Reggie Wayne might be the biggest selling point here in Miami. Peyton and Wayne have been working out in South Florida. When Peyton departed Indianapolis after his last press conference as a Colt he flew back to Florida. This is a big sign that Peyton feels comfortable in South Beach. Peyton also has a home in the Miami area. On the football side of things the sun has not shine brighter in Miami since the days of Dan Marino. Reggie Bush has turned into a every down back and Brandon Marshall is a NFL top 5 wide receiver. If the only knock against Miami is the fact Tom Brady plays in the same division think again. Peyton never backs away from Tom when it comes to competition.

Outside of Seattle and Arizona the biggest decision for Peyton might be rather to compete against his brother Eli or his arch nemesis Brady. Over the next week or two rumors will continue to swirl until Peyton picks his final NFL destination. What team do you think Peyton will sign with?


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Monday, March 5, 2012

Seattle Seahawks: Marshawn Lynch “Beast Modes” His Way to New Contract in Seattle

Marshawn Lynch the “Beast Mode” of the NFL has been rewarded a new 4yr $31 million contract ($18 million guaranteed). Many sports media heads nationwide are curious of Marshawn Lynch. They question whether the Seahawks contract offer is worth too much money for a player who continually runs with aggression.

Sports media enthusiast were anxious to put together a new article to cover the story are misprinting Marshawn Lynch’s per carry average. Providing wide range misquotes and misinformed stats. One article by Bleacher Reporter “Matt Smith” reported Marshawn as only averaging 4.0 yards per carry once over his career. What?

Marshawn Lynch has averaged over 4.0 yards per carry for 4 seasons in the NFL. Beast Mode is durable he is the new face of the Seahawks franchise and he is the Seahawks new franchise running back. Some in the Seattle area are still skeptical about offering huge contracts to running backs but the time has come to move on from the past.

Marshawn Lynch represents the future, present and not so distant past of the Seahawks franchise. He ran over the “Bounty Hunter Sheriff Gregg Williams” and the Saints defense to provide a moment of seismic proportions in the 2010-2011 NFC Wild Card game.
When the Seahawks season was stuck in neutral and falling backwards during the 2011 NFL regular season Lynch talked to Assistant coach/ offensive line coordinator Tom Cable. Marshawn wanted to go “Beast Mode” he wanted to become a better running back after that meeting Lynch ran after the Seahawks record books recording 11 straight games with a TD. Scoring the only rushing TD against the San Francisco 49ers vaunted and revamped defense during the 2011 regular season.

Marshawn earned his new contract and is committed to being one of the strongest running backs the NFL has ever seen. Seahawks new contract for the 25 year old Marshawn is 4 years and expires at the crucial age of 29. For the next 4 years Skittles will be raining in the end zone of C-Link and the slogan “Taste The Beast Mode” will be printed in newspapers. The Seattle area now has a new forecast on NFL football Sunday’s or whenever Lynch touches the football “Skittles with a chance of rain”.

Most importantly the contract holds “Beast Mode” in Seattle for the primary stages of Lynch’s career and allows the Seahawks to concentrate on Red Bryant. For national sports media folks and sports fans if you don’t know about Red Bryant or believe in Marshawn Lynch “you gonna learn today”- Comedian Kevin Hart

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Gregg Williams message for Brett Favre "Kill The Head & Body Will Die!

Watching Brett Favre versus the Saints in the NFC Championship game in 2010 was already brutal enough. Now we have to relive the memories. In the NFC Championship game the Saints had Brett running for his life on the field and spitting blood out of his mouth on the sidelines. After the game the imprint of Brett's helmet was still smashed against his skull. Many analyst and fans wondered that day if Brett's career was over. Whispers circled that Brett would retire after taking a serious beating by the hands of the New Orleans Saints. 

Now news has been released by the NFL that Gregg Williams had placed a bounty on the heads of opponents and that the beating Brett Farve took in the NFC Championship game was probably part of the many bounties. Gregg's actions have left an ugly "Black Eye" on what many view as a successful rejuvenated franchise. 


    Saints Message to Brett Farve left in New Orleans Westin Hotel (video)                                                  

Talk about the grind of the "dirty south" Gregg Williams is definitely the dirtiest coordinator in the game. This goes beyond the confines of the locker room this effects the professional and personal lives of NFL football players. When the story broke on ESPN the first thoughts that came to my mind was Brett Favre running for his life throwing a crucial interception and later being accused of throwing away the Vikings Super Bowl dreams. What is a football player to do when crazed athletes our after their head trying to collect a bounty?

One of the lasting moments after the games was the Vikings Post Game Press Conference when former Vikings coach Childress questioned whether Williams had crossed the line of fair play during the game. While conducting the press conference Childress had suggested that he thought Williams was possibly diagramming plays to seriously injure Brett Farve. 

The Saints bounty operation reportedly involves 22 to 28 players who conspired, acted or received funds from the bounty program. "Dog the Bounty Hunter" a adamant New Orleans Saints fan and Williams supporter was on the sidelines with the Saints during the 2009 season. Apparently “Dog was with the team to provide tips on the best way to properly injure as many opponents as possible,” said Roger Goodell. “ 


            Saints players try to collect bounty during 2009 NFC Championship (video) 


Dog a convicted felon turned bounty hunter was the guy Williams entrusted with teaching massive 300 lb Defensive Linemen the correct way to tackle a player. Maybe I am missing something here? This is more than just some 4-3 defensive scheme this is a "Hitman" operation. Where the worlds best NFL players were sitting pawns on a green chess board. 


One of the first victims unfortunately was Arizona Cardinals former Quarteback Kurt Warner. Warner was knocked out of the 2009-2010 Divisional round playoff game during the second quarter against the Saints. A few days later Warner retired.

                         Kurt Warner Retirement Hit (video) 


What will happen next. Will Commissioner Goodell and NFL League officials heavily fine the Saints 2009 coaching staff and participating players be heavily fined by the NFL? Should Gregg Williams be fined or suspended?


Please list your comments below in the comment section as we want to see everyone's opinion on Gregg Williams actions and please don't forget to add us on Twitter, Facebook or Google + @JMCSPORTSBOOK http://twitter.com/#!/JMCSPORTSBOOK...