Top Ten Point Guards in NBA

In anticipation of next month's All-Star Game, I thought I'd compile a list of the ten best point guards in the NBA. The point guard position has seen a remarkable renaissance in recent years, and the depth of exemplary point guards is nothing short of amazing. There are so many outstanding point guards that narrowing this list down to ten was mightily difficult, as I was forced to leave a handful of excellent players---Chauncey Billups, Steph Curry, Gilbert Arenas, Devin Harris, Aaron Brooks---off the list. So, with no further ado, here are my picks for the ten best point guards in the NBA today, listed in order of preference:





1. Chris Paul/New Orleans Hornets





In determining the best point guard in basketball, I vacillate constantly between CP3 and Deron Williams. I am giving Paul the slight edge due to the fact that he has catapulted the surprising New Orleans Hornets back to relevance in the Western Conference. Nobody expected the Hornets to contend this season, but as of this writing they are 31-16, fourth in the West. First-year coach Monty Williams deserves heaps of praise for turning around the Hornets, and Emeka Okafor and David West deserve kudos for their strong play. However, Chris Paul is the primary reason for the Hornets' resurgence. CP3 is an absolute marvel on the court. He has the intelligence and athleticism of Magic and the toughness of Isiah. For basketball fans everywhere, it is a privilege to watch Paul dazzle with his extraordinary talent.





2. Deron Williams/Utah Jazz





As spectacular as CP3 is, I came awfully close to declaring Deron Williams the best point guard in the league. If Paul is 1, Williams is 1-A. D-Will conjures memories of the great John Stockton with his superb play as floor general for the Utah Jazz. Granted, Jerry Sloan's Jazz are currently mired in a lethargic slump, but this is no fault of Williams. D-Will is averaging 21.9 PPG and 9.4 APG. That is above his terrific career average 17.3 PPG and 9.1 APG. Also, like Paul, Williams brings gritty toughness night in and night out. Somewhere, John Stockton is smiling.





3. Derrick Rose/Chicago Bulls





With all due respect to the amazing Kevin Durant, my midseason pick for MVP is Derrick Rose. Despite nagging injuries to Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah, the Bulls are 31-14 on the season, third place in the East, thanks to the brilliance of Rose. Rose is a wizard with the basketball, and while this is only his third season in the association, he already has the acumen and leadership capabilities of a wily veteran. Rose is an electrifying player, and while I still consider Boston the team to beat in the East, Rose has given the Bulls as good a chance as any to dethrone the Celtics in the Eastern Conference.





4. Rajon Rondo/Boston Celtics



Due to the brilliance of Rose in the Eastern conference, Rajon Rondo has gone somewhat overlooked. That is a shame, because while Rondo may no longer be the best PG out East, he is still an elite player. Rondo will go down as one of the greatest players in Celtics history, and for such a storied franchise, that is saying something. Rondo is the best Celtics PG since Dennis Johnson. In addition to being a consistent scoring threat, Rondo is a masterful passer. Rondo's sensational passing ability has rejuvenated the likes of Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett. Rondo has the perfect combination of youth, athleticism, and leadership, and he has what it takes to lead the Celtics back to the NBA Finals.



5. Russell Westbrook/Oklahoma City Thunder



Coming into the 2010-2011 NBA season, I knew Russell Westbrook was good, but I had no idea he was this good. I have been a fan of Westbrook ever since his days at UCLA, but even I have been amazed by his greatness this season. Westbrook is one of the most exciting players in the league, and his tremendous speed and outstanding talent make him a nightmare cover for opposing teams. I don't mean to sound repetitive with my emphasis on leadership, but that is what makes a point guard truly great. The Thunder is Kevin Durant's team, but Westbrook shares leadership duties with K.D., and he has handled that responsibility with remarkable poise.

6. Steve Nash/Phoenix Suns

You know the NBA is incredibly loaded at the point guard position when Steve Nash, a two-time MVP and a surefire Hall-of-Famer, doesn't even crack the top five. Nonetheless, Nash is as magnificent as ever, an ageless wonder who runs the floor with breathtaking, effortless ease. Nash is a magician with the basketball, and don't let his relatively tiny physical frame fool you: Nash plays the game with ferocious tenacity. Watching Steve Nash play remains one of the game's most satisfying delights. So while we rightfully acknowledge the greatness of youngsters Paul, Williams, Rose, Rondo, and Westbrook, we must not forget that there is a familiar face in Phoenix who continues to prove why he is one of the greatest players of all-time.

7. Tony Parker/San Antonio Spurs

If somebody had told me prior to the start of the season that the great Tim Duncan would be having a relatively ineffective year, I would have said that the Spurs would be done, with no shot at contention. However, as of this writing, San Antonio has the best record in the NBA, and they are poised to contend for another championship. Certainly, guys like Manu Ginobli, DeJuan Blair, and Richard Jefferson deserve enormous credit for keeping the Spurs atop the West in spite of Duncan's decline. But I still think the MVP for San Antonio is Tony Parker. Parker runs the Spurs offense with such methodical precision that it is occasionally easy to overlook his talent. However, Parker is as good as ever, and he and Rondo are the only players on this list with championship experience. Parker, much like the franchise for which he plays, has never received the respect that he deserves. I'm sure that's just fine by him, as he will gladly take championship rings over media buzz any day.

8. Jason Kidd/Dallas Mavericks

What I said about Steve Nash can also be said for Jason Kidd. Over the past few years, Kidd has been foolishly dismissed as over the hill, yet he is still a stunningly efficient PG. Granted, Kidd does not dazzle with his numbers, and he is not the MVP of his team. That honor, of course, belongs to Dirk Nowitzki. However, Kidd is an integral part of Dallas' success. Much like Nash, Kidd is a breathtaking passer and ball-handler, the epitome of selflessness. Much like Nash, Kidd hasn't really shown any signs of slowing down.

9. Raymond Felton/New York Knicks

Felton was always a good player with the Charlotte Bobcats, but the move to New York alongside Amare Stoudamire has propelled Felton to being one of the game's best point guards. Felton is now a legitimate All-Star player who has performed masterfully under the intense scrutiny and pressure that comes with playing in the Big Apple. The Knicks finally have a stellar point guard who has what it takes to bring playoff success to Madison Square Garden.

10. Jameer Nelson/Orlando Magic

A couple years ago, Nelson's name was mentioned alongside Chris Paul in the discussion of the game's premier point guard. Unfortunately, Nelson became plagued with injury, and for a while he resided in relative obscurity. Thankfully, Jameer Nelson is back in top form, and he is playing phenomenal basketball for the title-contending Orlando Magic. There were rumors that Nelson's role as starting point guard would be in jeopardy once the magic acquired Gilbert Arenas. But after silencing his skeptics with his play on the hardwood, Nelson has no need to worry about that. All eyes are on Dwight Howard in Orlando, but let us not forget that Nelson is of immense importance to the Magic. The Magic will need Nelson to continue his terrific play if they hope to upend the Boston Celtics in the East.

Musings on Steelers-Packers

In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots:

---And then there were two. Super Bowl XLV is set, and it will be a duel of two of football's most popular, most storied franchises. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers will battle for the Vince Lombardi trophy.

---Granted, I was rooting hard for the New York Jets yesterday. However, there is no denying the fact that Steelers-Packers is an electrifying matchup. It will be a great game, and a matchup of two elite quarterbacks.

---Aaron Rodgers may not have had his best performance in the NFC Championship Game against the Bears, but he is a stellar QB who has given the Packers a chance to become the first 6-seed in NFL history to win the Super Bowl. Ever since his days at Cal, Rodgers has been a consistent, unflappable presence behind center. Furthermore, Rodgers ranks amongst the most likeable players in football. I will be rooting for him to succeed in Super Bowl XLV.

---Sadly, I can't say that I will be rooting for Rodgers' Super Bowl counterpart, Ben Roethlisberger, to succeed. After all, Roethlisberger's cringe-inducing offseason behavior has turned him into an immensely unlikeable figure. Nonetheless, Big Ben is a tremendous quarterback who is vying for his third Super Bowl championship. If Roethliberger continues to perform at such a high level, he has an excellent chance of surpassing Terry Bradshaw as the greatest QB in Steelers history.

---However, while Rodgers and Roethlisberger headline two exciting offenses, one should not neglect the prowess of both defenses. Dom Capers' Green Bay D won the game for the Packers yesterday, buoyed by a wildly entertaining pick-6 from B.J. Raji. Meanwhile in Pittsburgh, Dick LaBeau's defense features the dominant forces of Troy Polamalu and Ike Taylor.

---Speaking of Polamalu, there was a fascinating stat from Sunday's Steelers-Jets game. Polamalu's hair had three interceptions.

---Super Bowl XLV also features two of the game's most outstanding, criminally underrated coaches in Mike Tomlin and Mike McCarthy. Tomlin and McCarthy are not alike in terms of personality-----Tomlin is fiery and energetic compared to the more subdued McCarthy-----but both men are masters of their craft who deserve far more credit than they receive.

---The Green Bay Packers are in the Super Bowl. Take that, Brett (Sorry, I couldn't resist).

---Memo to the NFL: Take away the damn Bye Week!!!! Everybody is brimming with excitement for Steelers-Packers, so why make them wait two weeks before the game is played?

---What is the over-under on how many punts will hit the enormous Cowboys Stadium jumbotron in Super Bowl XLV? This is surely to be one of the most popular bets in Vegas.

---And lastly, if I'm Jay Cutler, I'm watching the Super Bowl somewhere other than Chicago.

Jackson, Arenas, Auriemma, and random observations on the wonderful world of sports.

In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots:

---They are calling it the New Miracle at the Meadowlands. Micheal Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles orchestrated one of the greatest fourth-quarter comebacks in NFL history on Sunday afternoon at New Meadowlands Stadium, shocking the Giants en route to a 38-31 win for the ages. Down 31-10 with less than eight minutes remaining, Vick calmly led Philly to victory. It was another astonishing performance from the Eagles quarterback. Tom Brady is great, but make no mistake: Michael Vick is the Most Valuable Player in the National Football League. He has been electrifying this season.

---Speaking of electrifying, how about DeSean Jackson? Jackson has always been a marvel on the football field, and his thrilling punt return for the game-winning TD yesterday may well be the seminal moment of the 2010 NFL regular season. Many people decry Jackson's incessant showboating, but with the way he continues to excel on the field, he deserves to carry himself with some swagger.

---For my money, the Philadelphia Eagles are the favorites in the wide-open NFC. The defending-champion Saints are mired in inconsistency, and the NFC North-leading Bears still strike me as underwhelming. Thus, look for the Eagles to be playing in the Super Bowl.

---As for the Giants, anything is possible, and it is just one loss. However, it is hard to imagine the G-Men bouncing back from such a brutal defeat. Big Blue looked like they had just attended their own funeral in the aftermath of Sunday's stunner, and Coach Tom Coughlin certainly didn't boost his team's morale by publicly lambasting punter Matt Dodge after Dodge's ill-advised punt to DeSean Jackson in the game's final seconds. Coughlin has every right to be upset at Dodge for his glaring mistake, but screaming at him in plain view only made matters worse. Coughlin should have checked his emotions and talked to Dodge in the privacy of the Giants' locker room in an effort to spare Dodge from further embarrassment.

---All is not lost in the Big Apple, however, as the New York Jets came up with a huge win in Pittsburgh against the Steelers. The Jets are now back in business, and the victory in the Steel City has rejuvenated Rex Ryan's team with newfound swagger, swagger that will carry them into the playoffs.

---How about that NFC West? As a Niners fan, I am embarrassed to say that the NFC Worst is enduring an absolutely egregious season. Am I excited that the Niners still have a chance to host a playoff game if they win the division at 7-9? Hell to the no. I am completely disillusioned with Mike Singletary and company. The Red and Gold need a complete overhaul this offseason. As much as I like Singletary personally, he has got to go, as does quarterback Alex Smith. The Niners need a new regime if they are to rise out of their current awfulness.

---On to the best league in sports now, the National Basketball Association. There was a blockbuster trade over the weekend involving the Magic, Suns, and Wizards, sending Gilbert Arenas, Jason Richardson, and Hedo Turkoglu to Orlando. In return, the Magic shipped Vince Carter, Marcin Gortat, and Mikael Pietrus to Phoenix, and sent Rashard Lewis to Washington. Wow. So much to digest here, so let's break down the trade team-by-team.

---Ultimately, I like this trade for Orlando. It remains to be seen whether the artist formerly known as Agent Zero can return to his elite ways playing alongside Dwight Howard, but Gilbert Arenas will definitely be a productive force for Stan Van Gundy's team. With a fresh start in Florida, Arenas should be able to put that gun debacle behind him and focus solely on basketball. However, as integral as Arenas will be for the Magic, the real stroke of genius by G.M. Otis Smith is the acquisition of Jason Richardson and Hedo Turkoglu. As a Warriors fan, I have long been a big admirer of J-Rich, one of my favorite players. Richardson is a superb, savvy, electrifying player, and he is a steal for the Magic. And while Turkoglu has struggled these past two seasons in Toronto and Phoenix, my guess is that his return to Orlando will have an invigorating effect on his game. Look for Turkoglu to once again be a clutch sharpshooter capable of winning games for the Magic. I still like the Celtics in the East, but my goodness, Orlando is one hell of a deep team.

---However, before Magic fans start celebrating in the streets, they should be cognizant of the fact that they gave up a lot of terrific talent in this deal, and that is precisely why I also love this trade for the Phoenix Suns. Granted, losing J-Rich hurts, but the additions of Marcin Gortat, Mikael Pietrus, and yes, even Vince Carter make the Suns better equipped for playoff-style basketball. In other words, the presence of Gortat finally gives Phoenix a formidable center, something they have been sorely lacking for quite some time. Furthermore, Pietrus is a versatile scorer and top-notch defender. If he can get healthy from a knee injury that has hampered him this season, Pietrus will be a big part of the Suns' success. And while I have always believed Vince Carter to be amongst the game's most overrated players, Steve Nash will bring out the best in V.C.

---The trade is less monumental for the Washington Wizards, but it is still a positive deal for Flip Saunders' team. The departure of Arenas means that the Wizards can finally usher in John Wall as the face of the franchise. Wall is now the sole leader of the franchise, and that should excite Wizards fans. The addition of Rashard Lewis is also crucial for the Wizards. With Wall, Lewis, and Nick Young, the Wizards now have three significant scoring threats. Washington is in rebuilding mode, but this deal moves them a step in the right direction.

---Congratulations to Geno Auriemma and the incredible UConn Huskies, as the Connecticut women have won 88 consecutive games, tying the record previously held by John Wooden's UCLA Bruins. While women's college hoops would benefit if there were more teams of UConn's caliber, there is no denying the fact that this is an amazing streak, a remarkable feat that deserves to be applauded.

Crawford, Brady, Wilbon, and random observations on the wonderful world of sports

In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots:

---The American League has a new team to beat. Just days after signing slugger Adrian Gonzalez, the Boston Red Sox inked versatile outfielder Carl Crawford to a 7-year, $142 million deal. Crawford, who had been an integral part of the Tampa Bay Rays' success the last few seasons, is one of the best, most well-rounded players in the game. Say what you want about the absurdity of awarding a player a cool $142 million, but there is no denying the fact that the Crawford and Gonzalez signings make Terry Francona's team the favorites not only in the American League East, but in the American League.

---In addition to dealing a major blow to the Rays, who with the departure of Crawford have lost one of their most vital players, the Crawford acquisition for Boston also serves as a forceful taunt to the rival Yankees. The Yankees, fresh off an embarrassingly public spat with Derek Jeter, better sign Cliff Lee, or they risk entering the 2011 campaign at a notable disadvantage to the Red Sox.

---However, one thing Red Sox fans no longer have a right to do is complain about the big-spending ways of the archrival Yankees. As evidenced by the enormous contract awarded to Carl Crawford, Theo Epstein and the Sox are now just as likely as the Yankees to succumb to excessive contracts.

---The Crawford signing comes days after the Washington Nationals signed Jayson Werth to a 7-year, $126 million dollar megadeal. While Werth is a terrific player who makes the Nats an infinitely better team, the spending in baseball this offseason is getting a little out of hand. What's next, 8 years and $150 million for Johnny Damon?

---On to the NFL now, where the New York Jets are still nursing their wounds after an astonishing 45-3 loss to the New England Patriots. I love the bravura of Rex Ryan and the Jets, but that was an old-fashioned ass-kicking on Monday night.

---In addition to asserting their place as the best team in the AFC right now, the Patriots' dominating performance against the Jets also proved that there is still a gaping discrepancy between Tom Brady and Mark Sanchez. Even after his nightmarish outing in Foxboro, I remain a big fan of Mark Sanchez. However, Tom Brady is the best quarterback in football, and Sanchez still has a ways to go before joining Brady's elite realm. Brady was in full command on Monday night, picking apart the Jets' D with effortless ease.

---The Brady-Peyton Manning debate isn't so much of a debate right now. Peyton Manning, like Brady, is one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history, but he is enduring one of the worst slumps I have ever seen an elite player go through. Manning's woes continued this past Sunday against the Cowboys. I have complete faith that Manning will turn things around, but he is throwing so many interceptions right now that even Jake Delhomme is saying: "Now that is too many picks, Peyton."

---The Albert Haynesworth-Mike Shanahan saga continues in D.C., and it is impossible to take a side in this feud. On the one hand, you have an incessantly lazy and petulant player who is never shy to put his glaring immaturity on full display. On the other hand, you have a once-great coach who has looked inexplicably incompetent this season at the helm of the Redskins, a coach who has seemingly lost the trust of his players.

---On to the best sports league now, the National Basketball Association, where the Miami Heat are starting to hit their stride, much to my chagrin. Miami delivered its' best performance of the season last night in Salt Lake City, where they convincingly beat a terrific Jazz team in front of the tremendous Jazz fans. The Heat successfully combated a hostile environment, thanks in large part to the efforts of Dwayne Wade and LeBron James. When Wade or James has an off night, Erik Spoelstra's team is hard-pressed to find a victory. But when Wade and LeBron work in tandem, the results are frightening for Miami's opponents. Bummer!

---On the bright side, the Heat are still only the third-best team in the East, behind the Celtics and Magic. Boston and Orlando continue to play brilliant basketball, and what stands them apart from the Heat is their remarkable depth. If Rondo, Pierce, Allen, or Garnett are struggling, the Celtics can turn to Nate Robinson, Marquis Daniels, Glen Davis, and Shaq to buoy them to victory. If Dwight Howard, Vince Carter, Jameer Nelson, or Rashard Lewis are struggling, the Magic can turn to J.J. Redick, Marcin Gortat, and Brandon Bass. So while the Heat are starting to play better basketball, they are still unable to match the depth of Boston and Orlando, and that will prevent them from making a deep run in the playoffs.

---The Denver Nuggets need to settle the Carmelo Anthony situation, A.S.A.P. In terms of motivation and energy, something is amiss for 'Melo right now, and the weight of the trade rumors has caused immense dysfunction and frustration for George Karl's team. The Nuggets are a tremendously talented team that has what it takes to challenge for a top-tier playoff seed, but they will be unable to reach their full potential as long as the 'Melo rumors persist.

---Everyone knows about John Wall, the phenomenal rookie for the Washington Wizards. But while watching Tuesday's Wizards-Lakers game, I was struck by another superb young player for Washington: Nick Young. Young is an explosively athletic player with star potential, a true joy to watch. With Wall and Young, as well as fellow youngster JaVale McGee, the future is bright for Flip Saunders' team.

---The Mavs are playing outstanding basketball. Amar'e Stoudamire, Raymond Felton, and the New York Knicks are on a roll. But no team is playing better than the San Antonio Spurs. Aside from the slight disappointment of Tiago Spliatter, who has yet to fulfill his potential, there is nothing to complain about in San Antonio. Sorry Lakers fans, the Spurs are my pick to win the West.

---The college football coaching carousel has returned, as Urban Meyer shocked the sports world yesterday by announcing his resignation as coach of the University of Florida. Meyer's announcement comes just one year after he took a brief leave of absence due to health issues. Meyer cites his desire to spend more time with his family as the primary reason for his resignation, and I have no reason to doubt his sincerity. However, Meyer should have given the Gators more notice, as his sudden departure jeopardizes Florida's future recruits and future success as a program. Why do so many coaches find it acceptable to announce their departures in shocking, untimely fashion?

---In college basketball, what has happened to the North Carolina Tar Heels? Rumor has it that Carolina loves listening to Tom Petty in the locker room before games. What is there favorite song, again? Oh yeah: "Free Fallin'".

---I will end with an appreciation of the great Michael Wilbon. Wilbon, one of the very best sportswriters in the nation and the co-host of "Pardon the Interruption" on ESPN as well as an NBA analyst for the network, has left the Washington Post to take on a wider role at ESPN. In addition to his "PTI" and NBA analyst duties, Wilbon will be a columnist for ESPN.com and ESPNChicago.com. I urge sports fans to seek out every one of Wilbon's columns, and to watch him on "PTI" and on ESPN's NBA coverage. There are very few people in sports journalism as knowledgeable or as entertaining as Wilbon.

LeBron, Newton, Gonzalez, and random observations on the wonderful world of sports

In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots:

---Once again, my heart goes out to the great sports fans in Cleveland. Haven't they experienced enough torture already? In what amounted to cruel and unusual punishment for a loyal fan base that has endured an immeasurable amount of sports devastation over the years, LeBron James made his long-awaited return to Cleveland on Thursday night. The fans did their part, loudly booing LeBron at every turn and coming up with a myriad of brilliantly clever chants. The electricity in the building was palpable. Forty-eight minutes later, however, LeBron's masterpiece was complete, and the Heat won in an absolute rout. Is life fair? No, my friends, it is not.

---As painful as it is to admit, Thursday's win may be a defining turning point for the Miami Heat. LeBron had easily his best game of the season, Dwayne Wade was on top of his game, and Chris Bosh finally stopped underachieving. If the Heat continue to play like they did on Thursday night, and in another impressive victory against the Hawks on Saturday night, then they truly do have a chance at achieving greatness.

---Here's hoping they flounder in mediocrity all season long, however. Miami remains the league's chief villains. In his postgame interview with TNT's Craig Sager, LeBron was as arrogant as ever, at one point referring to his greatness. C'mon LeBron, even Terrell Owens thinks your act is getting old.

---As for the Cavs, Thursday's shellacking was an utter embarrassment. The Cavs failed to respond to the energy of the fans, delivering a completely lethargic performance. Making matters worse, players like Jamario Moon were joyfully yapping with LeBron on the sideline. As Charles Barkley rightfully pointed out at halftime, the Cavaliers showed no fire or passion.

---Here come the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavs followed their hugely impressive road win at the Jazz on Friday night with a gutsy comeback win at Sacramento on Saturday. Dirk Nowitzki is having one of his best seasons, Jason Kidd is an ageless wonder, and Caron Butler and Jason Terry are part of a deep, incredibly talented supporting cast. Rick Carlisle's team is an astonishing 8-1 on the road this season. But.......haven't we seen this before from the Mavs in the regular season?

---Year in and year out, Dallas is an elite regular season team. During the regular season, there are very few shots of Mark Cuban growling on the sideline, because the Mavs typically win. But when the playoffs roll around, the Mavs have a disturbing tendency to underachieve. So while I am undeniably impressed by their superb play so far this season---Friday's win at Utah was especially striking----the Mavs need to perform well in the playoffs before I shed my skepticism.

---Derrick Rose is incredible. Rose single-handedly carried the Bulls to a much-needed overtime win over the Rockets at the United Center on Saturday night. Rose drained a preposterous three with two defenders in his face to send the game into O.T., and he continued his heroics in the overtime period. Make no mistake: Rose is an elite player, and an elite point guard along with the likes of Paul, Williams, Rondo, Westbrook, and Nash.

---Speaking of the Bulls, there is further reason to be excited in Chicago, now that Carlos Boozer has made his debut. Boozer appeared somewhat rusty in his first couple games back from injury, but he should get back to his old self in no time. Now that Boozer is in the fold, the Bulls should start playing at a significantly higher level.

---On to college football now, where the BCS National Championship Game is set: Oregon and Auburn will battle on January 10 in Glendale, Arizona. My disdain for the BCS aside, this should be a magnificent, exciting game that will come down to the final seconds.

---Say what you want about his controversial off-the-field scandal, but there is no denying the fact that Cam Newton is an electrifying player. Much like quarterbacks Andrew Luck of Stanford and Denard Robinson of Michigan, Newton is a breathtaking talent, a surefire soon-to-be star in the NFL.

---However, as an Oregon resident, my allegiances lie with the Ducks in the title game. I am happy for Oregon, and have been thoroughly impressed with the dominant manner in which Chip Kelly's team has played all year. I hope Oregon beats Auburn, but can they at least get some better uniforms? The Ducks never fail to appall with their garish unis, and Saturday's game at Oregon State was a new fashion low. How can a team wear a uniform that features none of its school colors?

---On to the NFL now, where Week 13 promises to be thrilling and compelling. As a Niners fan, I will be selfishly glued to the Niners-Packers game in the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field. But there are other huge games with playoff implications that I am giddy for as well, namely Falcons-Bucs, Steelers-Ravens, and of course, Jets-Patriots.

---My quick takes on those three affairs: Matt Ryan will wear down the Bucs defense as the Falcons win to all but end Tampa's playoff hopes.....Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and the bruising Baltimore D overcomes a valiant Pittsburgh effort to give the Ravens the victory.....and Mark Sanchez continues his strong play to bolster the Jets over Tom Brady and the Pats in what will be the best game of the week. So I like the Falcons, Ravens, and Jets, which means you should bet on the Bucs, Steelers, and Patriots.

---Baseball's winter meetings are this week in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, and the first team to make a giant splash is the Boston Red Sox. Boston's signing of Adrian Gonzalez is a master stroke by Theo Epstein that should be enough to catapult the Red Sox back into the playoffs in 2011. Gonzalez, the former San Diego Padre, is a powerful hitter and a terrific defensive player who has never received the credit he deserves for being one of the game's best players. If the Red Sox stay healthy, they should leap ahead of the Rays and Yankees in the AL East.

---I will end with an appreciation of college basketball. The NBA is far and away my favorite sports league, but I still love the awesomeness of college hoops. College basketball is back and better than ever. In the words of the great Dick Vitale: "Yeah baby!!!!" Gotta love it.

Griffin, Freeman, Pacquiao, and random observations on the wonderful world sports

In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots:



---There he was, posterizing young Knicks center Timofey Mozgov en route to a spectacular 44-points, 15-rebounds, 7-assists performance on Friday night. Blake Griffin continues to have an amazing rookie season. However, lost amidst the Griffin domination is this sobering fact from Clipperville: The Clippers, despite Griffin's near-triple-double, lost again, falling to an atrocious record of one win and thirteen losses.



---As the great Bill Simmons noted recently, even the great Blake Griffin is starting to wear the frightened look of dismay that comes with being a member of the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clips have some terrific talent. With Griffin, Eric Gordon, Eric Bledsoe, and Al-Farouq Aminu, there is absolutely no rational explanation for the Clippers' 1-13 start. A paralyzing culture of losing permeates the Clippers franchise. Once again, the Clippers have a talented team that also happens to be far and away the worst team in basketball.



---Every year, the Spurs are overlooked and dismissed as a symbol of old age. Every year, the San Antonio Spurs defy their critics. Prior to the season, I wrote that the Spurs were essentially done with contending for titles. Wrong again. Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobli, and company are off to an 11-1 start, and they have every intention of making another deep run into the playoffs. The Spurs are the best-run organization in all of professional sports. In the aftermath of Tony Parker's less-than-shocking pending divorce from Eva Longoria, many made the laughable assertion that the Parker-Longoria split would be a worrisome distraction for Gregg Popovich's team. The Spurs are too focused, too motivated an organization to be affected by such an occurrence.



---Thank you Rudy Gay! Gay's exemplary play continued on Friday night as he hit a game-winning, fade-away buzzer-beater over the outstretched arm of LeBron James to give the Miami Heat yet another loss. The supposedly mighty Heat are now 8-5, and underwhelming performances are now a frequent sighting for Miami. Gotta love it!

---Meanwhile, in Portland, Greg Oden is out for the season. Sigh.

---On to the NFL now, which featured incredible drama in Week 11. In the Meadowlands, Mark Sanchez and the Jets garnered yet another thrilling win in the final seconds. In Foxboro, Tom Brady and the Pats edged Peyton Manning and the Colts in another compelling edition of football's best rivalry. And in Philadelphia, Michael Vick continued his brilliance, leading the Eagles to a tight win over the New York Giants. Sanchez, Brady, and Vick will dominate the quarterback conversation today, and rightfully so. However, there is one quarterback of a playoff-caliber team that is getting completely overshadowed. Ladies and gentlemen, Josh Freeman deserves more respect.

---The Tampa Bay quarterback is the leader of the surprising Bucs, who thumped the 49ers on Sunday (Ouch) to improve to 7-3. Freeman lacks the stardom and name recognition of Brady, Manning, Vick, Roethlisberger, McNabb, Romo, and pretty much every other QB in the league. However, Freeman is quietly having a tremendous season. It's about time the nation starts singing his praises.

---Having the Lions and Cowboys always play on Thanksgiving Day is a tired tradition. I will gladly watch the games on Turkey Day---after all, football is football---but it is time for the NFL to showcase some fresh blood on Thanksgiving Day.

---On to college football now, where the BCS is an absolute disgrace. I know it seems like I am beating a dead horse on this issue, but it cannot be said enough: Oregon, Auburn, Boise State, and TCU all have a legitimate argument that they belong in the title game, yet two of those teams are bound to get screwed by computers. Meanwhile, in the Pac-10, Andrew Luck and the Stanford Cardinal are in danger of getting bypassed for the Rose Bowl, and that is a shame.

---The awesomeness that is college basketball is now underway, and here is my Final Four prediction: Kansas State, Michigan State, Pittsburgh, and Syracuse.

---I will end with an appreciation of Manny Pacquiao. Pacquiao is absolutely amazing, bringing a level of excitement to the world of boxing not seen since the days of Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield. Now if Floyd Mayweather would just accept the challenge, that would bring the sport to an even higher level of excitement. C'mon Floyd, take the risk: A Pacquaio-Mayweather fight is what the nation is waiting for.

Around the Association

Hoops fans, gather round the computer. Here are my musings on the best sports league in the world, the National Basketball Association:

---So, in order to break the all-time regular-season wins record held by the 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls, the Miami Heat will have to finish this season with a record 68-5. The Heat may well get their act together and have a great season, but there chances of being an historically great team are all but dead.

---I am taking great joy in Miami's early season struggles, so perhaps I am overreacting to their shaky, 5-4 start to the season. However, Erik Spoelstra's team has some serious, serious flaws. Their biggest weakness is a complete lack of depth, as evidenced by the home loss to the Celtics on Thursday night. In that game, Dwayne Wade was shockingly off, and while LeBron was terrific, the Heat had no one to help him. With the exception of Eddie House and the injured Mike Miller, Miami has an ineffective supporting cast. Compared to the remarkable depth of Boston and Orlando, Miami's supporting players are stunningly soft.

---Judging by Chris Bosh's underwhelming play so far this season, it's about time we stop calling the Heat "The Big 3".

---Meanwhile, kudos to Paul Pierce for coming up with this brilliant shot at LeBron after the Celtics beat the Heat for the second time this season. Pierce, via twitter, said the following: "It's been a pleasure to bring my talents to South Beach." Hey-ohhhhhhhh!

---After a sluggish start, the Utah Jazz are finally starting to hit their stride, thanks to remarkable resilience on the road. On Tuesday, the Jazz rallied from 22 down in the second half on the road to beat the aforementioned Heat, thanks to a 46-point masterpiece from Paul Millsap. The very next night, the Jazz rallied from 18 down in the second half in Orlando to stun the Magic. In the aftermath of these two incredibly impressive wins, I am thoroughly convinced that the Utah Jazz are back on track to finish near the top of the West again this season.

---The sterling play of Jerry Sloan's team is almost enough of a temptation for me to declare Deron Williams the best point guard in basketball. However, there is another point guard in New Orleans who is every bit as worthy of that title. Chris Paul has been brilliant this season, and he is the primary reason why the New Orleans Hornets are the only remaining undefeated team in basketball.

---As amazing as CP3 is, however, the Hornets will need to continue to receive superb productivity from Emeka Okafor if they want to truly contend in the West. Okafor is playing the best basketball of his career, and the Paul-Okafor duo is starting to conjure memories of the Paul-Chandler tandem that was so unstoppable a couple of years ago.

---Prior to the start of the season, I was merciless in my criticism of the Hornets, and I gave them essentially no chance to contend. So far at least, that prediction has been a giant swing and a miss on my part. They still need to show me more to eradicate my skepticism, but there is no denying that the Hornets have looked phenomenal this season.

---Maybe Carmelo Anthony will stay put in Denver after all. Maybe, just maybe, the 'Melo trade rumors were much ado about nothing. Granted, Denver embarrassingly yielded 144 points in a blowout loss to the Pacers on Tuesday night, but they responded with a passionate performance last night against the Lakers, handing the defending champions their first loss of the season. Carmelo poured in 32 points and 13 rebounds, and he sounded genuinely elated in his post-game comments, a notable contrast to the disillusionment he exuded in the offseason. Personally, I would love to see Carmelo stay in Denver, because when George Karl's team is at full strength, they are a joy to watch. Now, it appears as if 'Melo may indeed stay in a Nuggets uniform.

---'Melo was the MVP for Denver last night, but the Nuggets would not have won that game had it not been for the excellence of Ty Lawson and J.R. Smith. Lawson is an exhilarating young star-in-the-making who flustered the Lakers with his lightning-fast speed and athleticism. J.R. Smith, meanwhile, sparked the defining rally of the game with some clutch threes in the fourth quarter. Smith was undaunted by the defensive presence of Kobe Bryant, and his unapologetic swagger is key to the Nuggets' success.

---As if the incessant injury woes of Greg Oden weren't enough, the Portland Trail Blazers are now forced to deal with the shaky right knee of Brandon Roy. Roy, the Blazers' best player and one of the ten best players in the game, has asked the Blazers for less playing time due to a right knee injury. Nate McMillan's team is thus faced with a frustrating dilemma. Obviously, Roy's health is of utmost importance, but in the loaded Northwest Division and in the loaded Western Conference, the Blazers can't really afford to limit Roy's playing time. Can't wait to see how Nate McMillan handles this situation.

---I will end with some praise for Michael Beasley. Beasley caused quite the stir in the offseason when he declared that the T'Wolves are the team to beat, and he still deserves to be derided for that laughable claim. But Beasley deserves credit for backing up his words with his play on the court. Beasley, who underachieved in his time with the Heat, is finally showing great promise. He has been great for Kurt Rambis' team. The Timberwolves are really, really bad, but if Beasley continues to improve, the Kevin Love-Beasley duo could signal a bright future for the Timberwolves.