Review of Pacers trading #20 pick for Thaddeus Young ; other NBA trades

On last Thursday afternoon while getting ready to tee off for the 2016 Beth Cup at Cog Hill Country Club, I received an alert that the Pacers have traded their #20 pick for Thaddeus Young.

I LOVE THIS TRADE.  Myself and my 3 friends riding up were talking about what a good addition Young would be if the Pacers got him and it actually happened.  I was even more happy after seeing what happened in the draft.  The main targets that the Pacers were looking at already were gone when it came to #20 so no loss there.   Thaddeus brings 15.1 PPG and 9.0 rebounds per game. The Pacers were needing someone who can bang and work inside the post with Myles Turner and they did well addressing that ahead of the free agency period.  Last year was the best year for Young who has been in the league for 8 years.

I do like the 50th pick George Niang out of Iowa State.  George is a great addition who can play low post and can also shoot the outside shot.  It will be interesting to see his development with the Pacers in the coming years.

It's great to see the Pacers getting off to a good start this off-season when normally they are silent.  Free agency is about to start and trading soon as well.  I don't think the Pacers are done yet and are still buyers this off season.  I expect either Stuckey or Ellis to possibly land in a different destination. Indiana will have around $20 million dollars to spend in free agency and they will have the option to resign Jordan Hill, Soloman Hill & Ian Mahinmi which I think Ian will be the only one coming back next year. Free agents like Chandler Parsons, Marvin Williams, Nicholas Batum are possible free agent targets Indiana are looking at.  I like all possible targets and the Pacers have mentioned that they want a stretch forward to spread the court and open it up for Thaddeus and Myles Turner.

The same day the Pacers, Hawks and Jazz made a trade, the Bulls have finally parted ways with Derrick Rose.  They traded him to the New York Knicks for  Robin Lopez, Jose Calderon Jerian Grant.   This is the Knicks way of trying to get their "Big 3" ouch, and their way of trying to sway Kevin Durant to join them in New York.  I think it was a win-win with both teams and a new change of scenery was needed for Rose and I think he will have a few decent season in New York.  The best part of the deal for the Knicks is that IF it doesn't work out this year for Rose, he will become a free agent next off-season and both parties can go their separate ways.


July 7th is when trades can be official and free agents can actual sign contracts.  Anything before then is just agreed upon and not set in stone.

Pacers acquire Jeff Teague from Hawks in 3-way trade

Earlier this afternoon, Larry Bird made the first off-season move for Nate McMillian's roster.  The Pacers traded George Hill to Utah Jazz and received Jeff Teague from Atlanta in a 3-way trade.  Utah traded the #12 pick in the draft tomorrow to Atlanta.

I really like this trade alot. Yes George Hill was well liked here and a local product, but overall Jeff Teague can run the offense and get to the basket on his own that George Hill couldn't do.  George Hill had a great 5 seasons here with the Pacers but Hill was playing out of his position.  Indiana lacked a true point guard year after year and didn't have a true point guard since they drafted Jamal Tinsley in 2001.

Larry Bird looked over Jeff Teague in 2009 and drafted Tyler Hansborough....we all know how that turned out.  The trade can't be official until the new league year starts.  It is expected that the Pacers will work out a long term extension with Jeff Teague to keep him in Indiana.  Thank you George Hill for your hard work and community involvement. Best of luck to George Hill in Utah !

Welcome back home Jeff Teague !

Lebron brings a title home to Cleveland

Lebron made a promise to the city of Cleveland upon his return in the Summer of 2014. Lebron promised to do everything he possibly could to bring a title back to Cleveland.   Mission Accomplished !

I am a huge Lebron James fan and supporter and I am happy that he finally has brought one to his hometown but also claiming his 3rd title overall.  There were so many doubters over the past year and all that did was fuel Lebron to prove the doubters wrong.  Yes, he had help finally this year with Kyrie Irving playing great but Lebron had back-to-back 41 point games and averaged almost a triple double for the entire NBA Finals.

WHEN they build a statue of Lebron outside the Quicken Loans Arena, they absolutely should have a statue of the game changing block Lebron had on Andre Igudola when Lebron came flying out of nowhere to block his shot.





These stats below are amazing for any player in the "grandest stage of them all".  A no doubt unanimous Finals MVP award as well.  Yes Kyrie hit the shot and had a hell of a series as well, but without Lebron out there, Cavs wouldn't sniff close to a championship.

2015-2016 POSTSEASON GAME LOG
DATE	OPP	SCORE	MIN	FGM-FGA	FG%	3PM-3PA	3P%	FTM-FTA	FT%	REB	AST	BLK	STL	PF	TO	PTS
Sun 6/19	@ GS	W 93-89	47	9-24	.375	1-5	.200	8-10	.800	11	11	3	2	1	5	27
Thu 6/16	vs GS	W 115-101	43	16-27	.593	3-6	.500	6-8	.750	8	11	3	4	3	1	41
Mon 6/13	@ GS	W 112-97	43	16-30	.533	4-8	.500	5-8	.625	16	7	3	3	1	2	41
Fri 6/10	vs GS	L 97-108	46	11-21	.524	1-5	.200	2-4	.500	13	9	3	2	4	7	25
Wed 6/8	vs GS	W 120-90	40	14-26	.538	1-2	.500	3-5	.600	11	6	2	1	2	5	32
Sun 6/5	@ GS	L 77-110	34	7-17	.412	1-5	.200	4-4	1.000	8	9	1	4	3	7	19
Thu 6/2	@ GS	L 89-104	41	9-21	.429	2-4	.500	3-4	.750	12	9	1	2	2	4	23

Love him or hate him, you have to respect the game that he plays and we are in a era where we should love seeing the greatest out there currently play.  We never know if we will get another Lebron during our lifetime.


Well done Champ !!  The King has regained his throne.  

2016 Beth Cup Pairings and Format Released !!

It's that time of the year again.  The annual Beth Cup (Beer Every Third Hole) golf trip is starting this week and this year's festivities will take place at Cog Hill Country Club located south of Chicago.

Pairings for the Beth Cup have been released and are as follows :

I will do my best to blog each day giving recap of the events and maybe some non-sense from the trip.

Kevin Durant - Indiana Pacers Rumors

Hello everyone, It's been awhile since my last blog, but it has been crazy busy at work and a low sports period besides the NBA snoozefest Finals.

I came across a article today that there was a rumor that Paul George and Kevin Durant were talking on the phone for hours today and was trying to persuade Kevin Durant to join PG, Ellis and Turner.   Apparently, Paul told reporters recently "Why wouldn't I try to get him to Indiana ?".  

As much as I would love this idea and welcome KD to the Pacers,  I don't really see a feasible way for the Pacers to contractully take in KD.  There would have to be a significant pay cut made by Durant to make this happen.   Yes, the  Pacers have the possible pieces to lure a star player here, BUT I honestly don't see it happening.  Sorry Folks !   It's fun to look into the scenarios and to be wishful but smart thinking is that the dream will go up in smoke.  Several Indianapolis people have actively recruited Kevin Durant on Twitter with #KevINDYrant hashtag.  Pat McAfee recently as well did his share of recruiting Durant.  He tweeted to Durant how it was to live as a professional athlete in Indianapolis.  

Let's all wish and also jump aboard the Kevin Durant recruiting trail !     Can't hurt ! 

Kevin Durant now eyes free agency

If Kevin Durant thought he was getting too many questions regarding his free agency during the Western Conference Finals, well Kevin it's about to HEAT up now.  Kevin Durant becomes a unrestricted free agent on July 1st and will be available to wine and dine with any NBA team.

There are only about 9 true contenders that KD could sign with considering the salary cap and win potential.  The Thunder, Bulls, Spurs, Lakers, Clippers, Heat, Celtics, and Wizards.







  Below is from Yahoo Sports breaking down what Durant's money would look like.


Durant’s contract options 
One-year deal then extension 
With OKC
2016-17: $25.8 million 
With OKC                               With another team
2017-18: $35.7 million            $35.7 million
2018-19: $38.4 million            $37.7 million
2019-20: $41.1 million            $38.9 million
2020-21: $43.8 million            $40.6 million
2021-22: $46.5 million
Totals: $205.7 million              $152.7 million

or

Immediate long-term deal 
With OKC                                 With another team
2016-17: $25.8 million              $25.8 million
2017-18: $27.8 million              $27.0 million
2018-19: $29.7 million              $28.2 million
2019-20: $31.7 million              $29.4 million
2020-21: $33.6 million
Totals: $148.8 million                $110.5 million


It's very possibly and my opinion that Durant resigns for a one year deal with a option for year 2.  This would pair him up with teammate Russell Westbrook when they then would both bolt out of OKC leaving them in ruins.

It's hard to read KD and what he really wants to do.  Will he go back to Washington DC where he is from and join the Wizards ?  Will he go and take the $$ and join Carmelo in NYC ?  Will be go to Chicago and beat down my Pacers 4 times a year ?? If somehow he signs with the Spurs or Warriors....as much as it would look like a super team, I don't see him fitting into "their system".  KD is a star and wants the ball in key situations and you could see throughout these playoffs that there was key times where he wanted the ball late, but Westbrook kept it himself.

My Prediction :  Kevin Durant signs a $25 million dollar 1 year deal w/an option for Year 2 to stay with Oklahoma City.  After that 1 year deal, I see KD signing long term with the Boston Celtics.  A close 2nd place would be his hometown Washington Wizards.  Beantown, start preparing for Kevin Durant in a couple years.  

Cavs vs Warriors Rematch in 2016 NBA Finals (Preview and Predictions)

The basketball gods have blessed us again with another great match-up in the NBA Finals.  #1 seed Cleveland Cavaliers vs #1 seed Golden State Warriors.

This should be a great series and the first time since 2008 that both #1 seeds have made the finals to play each other.  What should we expect from this year's match-up....a healthy Cavs team should be a big change in this year’s series.  

Lebron James will likely continue to be great and this year he will have the likes of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love by his side to take on the splash brothers.   Last year's finals, James averaged 35 PPG and the 2nd highest PPG on the team was Timothy Mosgov at 14 PPG.  He should see help from Love and Irving to average it out.  He was the first player ever to lead both teams in points per game (35.8), assists per game (8.8), and rebounds per game (13.3) . He has a 27.2 Game Score, a usage percentage of 43.3%, and an assist percentage of 53.1%. The King is put this young Cavaliers team on his back and carried them to a potential Finals upset. Sure, the Warriors came out on top, but LeBron’s ability to play at such a high level, and make those less talented players around him that much better, is otherworldly. If he can lead somehow lead Cleveland to a title in 2016, it will easily be his greatest Finals performance ever.

Then you have the 73 record setting win Warriors team who just went through 7 tough games against Oklahoma City.   With their back against the wall 3-1, Steph and the Warriors battled back to win Games 5,6, and 7 to advance.  Tough to do, but if anyone could do it....it was the Warriors.  

So ahead to the 2016 Finals......  I am taking the Cleveland Cavaliers to win and Lebron finally win one for the city of Cleveland.  You have to believe that the Cavs were sitting at home and watching the Western Conference Finals and getting tips and ways to slow down the Splash brothers.  If you look back to last year, WITHOUT Kyrie and K-Love,   Lebron had his Cavs up 2-1 with Game 4 in Cleveland, but Lebron was a one man show and couldn't shell the load himself against the team ball of Golden State.  Let's look at the phenomenon known as Lebron James. He's been to the NBA Finals 6 straight years, with 2 NBA championships.  Yes he is 2-4 in career NBA Finals but for a player at that caliber to be at 6 straight Finals is amazing.  Even if he wins this years, there will still be doubters and complainers about him being below .500 in Finals appearances, but Lebron will finally win one for Believeland !.   

X-Factor : Channing Fyre will be a x-factor this year with his rebounding and stretching the floor with his 3 pointer.  Lebron will continue to be Lebron and lead the Cavs.  Kevin Love needs to live up to his $102 million dollar contract his series and I feel that he will. Kyrie needs to play better defense than offense for the Cavs to win.  JR Smith who is known for his shooting, has done better defensively this year and will likely be running around chasing Klay Thompson.    Game 1 starts Thursday June 2nd in Oracle Arena.  

Outlook :   Cavs win 2016 NBA Finals  (4-3)  The key for the Cavs is if they can steal either Game 1 or 2 in Golden State like last year.  If they can do this, they will have a better chance to claim the title with Lebron having his two sidekicks with him this year.

NBA FINALS MVP : Lebron James  (The King brings one home to Cleveland).

Let's sit back and hopefully enjoy a great NBA Finals no matter the outcome ! 

Alexander Rossi has just enough to capture the 100th Indianapolis 500

The rookie who just came to Indianapolis on Easter weekend and seen Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the first time drove like a veteran today and captured the 100th Indianapolis 500.   Rossi was one of my "dark horses" I selected as to watch to win.  Coming over from Formula One, Rossi teamed with Bryan Herta and Andretti Racing to drive the #98 car.   This is the same car number and owners that were with Dan Wheldon in 2011 when he won his 2nd Indy title.


This year's race came down to a fuel mileage race.  There were several surprising incidents on pit road today.  Andretti Motorsports teammates Ryan Hunter Reay and Townsend Bell took out their own chances to win the race when they made contact.  3 Time winner Helio Castroneves was making his late charge when he made contact with Josef Newgarden and had his bumper guard jar loose.  This ended Helio's bid for a four title.

I was fairly surprised by the performances by Team Penske and Ganassi Racing.  Both teams were nearly silent all race long.  Scott Dixon made it to as high as 6th place but mainly ran between 9th and 11th all day. Charlie Kimball ran well today through the field and had another solid top 5 performance.  Montoya got loose and wrecked in turn 2 and Will Power was no where to be found today for a guy that runs very well at Indianapolis.

Andretti Autosport was on their game today and dominated the race with Bell, Hunter Reay, Munoz, and Rossi all leading at one point.  Marco ran as high as 5th but he wouldn't stay there long.

Carlos Munoz was my pick to win the race with a 2nd place by Josef Newgarden.  They ended up finishing 2nd and 3rd.   (round of applause) !


Overall I think Doug Boles and the crew at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway knocked it out of the park and had a great ending with an American getting the win.  Rossi is marketable and will be interesting to see if he stays in Indycar or if he gets another ride and jumps to Formula One next year.  Andretti should do everything he can do get him to sign a contract ASAP.   How about Napa just signing on as a sponsor 2 weeks ago and now they are Indy 500 champions.  (Good Investment)


Well Done Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  It was a great buildup to the race with the promotions, signage, big marquee on JW Marriott, and events around the city celebrating the 100 years of racing.

Bring on the 101st Indianapolis 500.......Who's ready !!!!

My Drivers to watch : 100th Indianapolis 500

  

"The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" continues this weekend with the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500.   Qualifications are in the books, and the final touches are ahead on Carb Day before race day.  

Canadian James Hinchcliffe has the pole for the race after last year's near death crash during a post qualification practice.  It is a Hollywood story for Hinch coming back and sitting atop the scoring pylon after qualifying.  Three Americans are starting in the Top 4 this year (Newgarden 2nd, Hunter-Reay 3rd, and Towsend Bell 4th).    Below are my drivers to watch for this Sunday's race and my prediction at the end.



Ryan Hunter Reay - The 2014 champion has had a fast car all month and followed up with a great qualifying run and will start 3rd on Sunday.  Hunter-Reay has had 2- Top 5 performances and will look to give Andretti Autosport another Indy 500 title.  Hunter-Reay currently sits 9th in points and has a rocky start to the season due to the numerous road courses but now coming to an Oval and one that he's won at....the former champ will factor into the end.



Carols Munoz-  Carlos has been one of my favorite's to watch ever since he came into the Verizon Series.  During his rookie year in 2013, Munoz qualified 2nd and finished 2nd and took home Rookie of the Year honors.  The following year he finished 4th.  Carlos starts this Sunday in 5th and he has been fast all month and has a swagger about him that to me fits winning the 100th running of the 500.  Watch for Munoz to be at the top of the standings on Sunday.




Will Power -  You can't look at potential winners for the Indianapolis 500 without looking at Team Penske.  Will Power is the golden boy who has yet to taste the milk for Team Penske.  Teammate Helio Castroneves has won 3 times and Juan Pablo Montoya has tasted the milk twice (including last year).  Will finished 2nd last year to JPM and had his best month of May last year.  Will has been plagued by bad luck in previous years but this could be the year that Will gets his face on the Borg-Warner
Trophy.




Alexander Rossi (R)- This guy is my dark horse pick to win the Indy 500.  The rookie ran well during the Grand Prix and has had a good month of May.  Rossi will start 11th on Sunday and I predict him to win the Rookie of the Year award.






Josef Newgarden-   Newgarden has been FAST all month of May and came within seconds of winning the pole for Sunday.  He will start 2nd and will be driving for Hometown team Ed Carpenter Racing.  What a great way to celebrate the 100th running with a Hoosier State team winning ?   The young driver has the skill and determination to get it done on Sunday if he can avoid the mistake that has plagued him in past 500's.  Newgarden's best finish is 9th in the 500.








Marco Andretti -  Can an Andretti win another Indy 500???  Can Marco finally move past the close finish in 2006 when Hornish beat him to the line.....unfortunately not this year.  Marco hasn't had the speed or car all month.  I expect Marco to be around 11th-17th range on Sunday.









Pole Sitter- James Hinchcliffe -   What a great story book ending it could be if Hinchtown can capture the Indy 500 after a near death crash last year at the Speedway.  As much as I want Hinchcliffe to win this race, I'm sure he will run well on Sunday and due to a lengthy late pitstop, I think Hinch finishes towards the back of the Top 10.





Brandon's 100th Indianapolis 500 Mile Race Prediction :  I know it's a longshot to call 1-33 but will be fun to see how close I am on some of them.

1.    Carlos Munoz   (2016 Indy 500 Champion)
2.    Josef Newgarden
3.    Will Power
4.    Ryan Hunter Reay
5.    Scott Dixon
6.    Juan Pablo Montoya
7.    Helio Castroneves
8.    James Hinchcliffe
9.    Simon Pagenaud
10.  Graham Rahal
11.   Tony Kannan
12.   Alexander Rossi  (Rookie of Year Award Winner)
13.   Charlie Kimball  
14.   Marco Andretti
15.   Sage Karam
16.   Ed Carpenter
17.   Towsend Bell
18.   Mikhail Aleshin
19.   Takuma Sato
20.  Sebastien Bourdais
21.  Conor Daly
22.  Gabby Chaves
23.  Oriol Servia
24.  JR Hildebrand
25.  Matt Brabham
26.  Max Chilton
27.  Spencer Pigot
28.  Bryan Clauson
29.  Pippa Mann
30.  Buddy Lazier
31.  Alex Tagliani
32.  Jack Hawksworth
33.  Stephan Wilson


Lady and Gentlemen.....Start Your Engines...... Enjoy the 100th running everyone !!!!