Ten Things I Think
1. I think Lamar Jackson will start for the Ravens before the 2018 season comes to a close. Let’s face it: Joe Flacco is washed. Outside of that four-game run to the Super Bowl in 2013, he has been putrid. Jackson is downright tantalizing. There is absolutely no way the Raven’s brass will be able to keep the dynamic quarterback off the field this fall.
2. I think that Albert Pujols is not being celebrated enough. The 38-year-old recorded his 3,000th career hit on Friday night. He is now one of only four players with at least 3,000 hits and 600 home runs in the history of baseball. The other four? Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Alex Rodriguez. Not bad company, huh? Perhaps his accomplishments are glossed over because he played in the midst of the steroid era (although he was never complicit), but that doesn’t seem right. Just realize that we are watching one of the most prolific right-handed hitters in the history of the game.
3. I think it is just a matter of time before Aaron Rodgers becomes the NFL’s highest paid player. Kirk Cousins claimed that honor until Matt Ryan signed an extension last week that will pay him $30 million per season for the next five years. Ryan, like Cousins, is a fine quarterback, but he isn’t the caliber of an Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers contract doesn’t expire for another two seasons, but with his peers breaking the bank I expect the Packers to properly compensate their franchise cornerstone.
4. I think drafting a running back in the top-ten is negligence. When you have a top draft pick, in theory, you should be getting a very effective player on a cost-controlled contract. Look at the Eagles: they drafted Carson Wentz second overall and because he is making peanuts (relative to elite quarterbacks league-wide) Howie Roseman has been able to solidify the roster around him with the money the Eagles are saving since they do not have to pay Wentz his true market value. If you select a running back, say at pick two, he is compensated as if he is already a top-three player at his position. Therefore, there is not a bargain to be had. That running back can be an All-Pro, but that is precisely what you’re paying for. It is all about optimizing value in the draft and selecting a running back at or near the top of the draft does very little in regards to optimizing value.
5. I think Terry Rozier will be a top-ten-point guard in the NBA. This postseason has been a coming out party for the Celtics point guard. Filling in for Kyrie Irving, Rozier has been sensational. He has averaged 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists in the playoffs while shooting 44% from distance. The Celtics will have a tough decision to make with Rozier this offseason, but I think they need to back up the Brinks Truck for the 24-year-old. His upside is sky-high.
6. I think the Timberwolves should explore trading Andrew Wiggins. He really regressed this year and on top of that, he and Jimmy Butler are quite redundant. I am unsure of what they would get in return for their enigmatic 23-year-old, but they would get off of his money and likely acquire a few pieces that would better compliment Butler and their unicorn, Karl-Anthony Towns.
7. I think Tristan Thompson is the X-factor for the Cavaliers. We have a good idea what Kevin Love, Kyle Korver, and JR Smith will provide LeBron, but TT is the wild card. If he can rekindle his play from Cleveland’s 2016 run to the title, where he was providing the Cavs with extra possessions with his effort on the glass and a physical presence down low, this Cavalier team can make a run at a second championship.
8. I think the Bucks should hire Mike Budenholzer. They have to get this hire right; they must. If they botch this, I would say it is more likely than not that the Greek Freak bolts once he becomes a free-agent in a couple of years. Budenholzer has proven that he is a tactician and even helped commandeer the Hawks to 60 wins in 2015. In Milwaukee Coach Bud would be tasked with surrounding Giannis with lineups that allow him to thrive. It is crucial for Milwaukee to hit a homerun with their next hire and Mike Budenholzer would be just that.
9. I think Calvin Ridley will have over 1,000 yards receiving this season. The Falcons rookie wide receiver has been gifted with Matt Ryan as his quarterback as well as playing alongside the specimen that is Julio Jones. Mohamad Sanu and Taylor Gabriel have both thrived in the past as the Falcons number two receiver. The only difference is that the Alabama product is faster, more explosive, and a better route runner than either of them. Expect fireworks this year in Atlanta.
10. I think the Wizards should attempt to sign and trade for DeMarcus Cousins. Washington cannot sign Boogie outright due to their salary cap situation, but they could work out a deal with the Pelicans in which Cousins signs with New Orleans and then is immediately traded to the nation’s capital. The Pelicans obviously need some help on the perimeter so perhaps Washington could throw in Otto Porter Jr. and/or Kelly Oubre Jr. In my eyes, this move would help both teams. John Wall and Bradley Beal would have a legitimate post threat that they haven’t ever had and New Orleans would be able to build off of their postseason run by solidifying a clear weakness of theirs.
