random thoughts...
- Soccer star and icon David Beckham has decided to leave Real Madrid for the MLS's Los Angeles Galaxy for a deal thought to be worth over a whopping $250 million including commercial endorsements. If true, it would be the most in sports history. Beckham is already worth about $169 million making about $32 million per year in salary and endorements before coming to America. The Galaxy kicks off their season in April, and it will be interesting to see how much of an impact Beckham has in popularizing the sport that is a distant number four behind football, basketball, and baseball.
- The Philadelphia 76ers and Chris Webber have agreed on a buyout for the final two years of his contract, worth $21 and $22 million respectively. Webber was the No.1 pick in the 1993 draft and has career averages of 21 points and 10 rebounds. However, his performance and health have declined recently, and many question his attitude. Because Webber is still going to be paid by Philly, look for him to sign with a contender in the next week as he could very well be a veteran role player that proves to be the missing piece in route to a playoff run. (Lakers...!?)
- I will not quit repeating myself - the Lakers will only become a championship contender when Phil Jackson starts young studs Jordan Farmar and Andrew Bynum.
- Now that they have Allen Iverson, the Denver Nuggets shipped tiny fan favorite Earl Boykins to the Milwaukee Bucks for Julius Hodge and Steve Blake. Denver is currently hovering around .500, but even with Melo and A.I. the division leader Utah Jazz will be tough to catch. Look for Denver to end up as one of those tough underdogs that gives a top seed a heck of a first round series.
- Yes, the Atlantic Division stinks with all five teams below .500, but the Central has four of its five above .500.
- Of course, none of this all matters as its going to come down to San Antonio and Dallas in the west with Shaq and Riley returning for Miami to spark a playoff run...again.
- Greg Oden Sweeptakes Status: Philly, Memphis, Charlotte, Atlanta, Boston, New Orleans, and Seattle (!) are in the running.
