Lakers vs Nuggets: Game 6

Los Angeles vs Denver
ATS: Los Angeles +5
O/U: Under 208.5

Cavaliers vs Magic: Game 5

Cleveland vs Orlando
ATS: Cleveland -7.5
O/U: Over 190.5

Lakers vs Nuggets: Game 5

Los Angeles vs Denver
ATS: Los Angeles -6
O/U: Under 209.5

Cavaliers vs Magic: Game 4

Cleveland vs Orlando
ATS: Cleveland -1.5
O/U: Over 189

Lakers vs Nuggets: Game 4

Los Angeles vs Denver
ATS: Los Angeles +4
O/U: Over 208.5

The Lakers are given another 4 points on the road. I don't think that the Nuggets want to leave Denver down 1-3, so it'll be a close game. I think that if the Lakers can avoid foul trouble or worrying too much about the whistle, they'll pull it off. I take it that the Lakers are watching what the Cavs are doing and are looking to grab a couple days more of rest before the Finals. If LA can take a 3-1 lead, they'll be set. Cleveland may have to take the Magic to 7 games, LA wouldn't mind watching 6 and 7 from their couches...

Cavaliers vs Magic: Game 3

Cleveland vs Orlando
ATS: Cleveland +1.5
O/U: Under 189

I really don't know what's going to happen tonight in game 3. I want to say that LeBron will come through after riding the momentum of an unbelievable game winning shot. We shall see.

Lakers vs Nuggets: Game 3

Los Angeles vs Denver
ATS: Los Angeles +4
O/U: Under 212

+4? Are you kidding me? The Lakers getting points is a no-brainer. Don't be fooled into the media's attempt to make this look like a series. I have the Lakers winning tonight easily. Lamar Odom will be the x-factor and with Nuggets Kenyon Martin and JR Smith banged up (still playing), it should be heartbreak in Mile High.

NBA MOCK DRAFT 2009: Version 3

1. Los Angeles Clippers – Blake Griffin, PF, Oklahoma

2. Memphis Grizzlies – Ricky Rubio, PG, Spain



3. Oklahoma City Thunder – Hasheem Thabeet, C, Connecticut



4. Sacramento Kings – Jordan Hill, PF, Arizona



5. Washington Wizards – Brandon Jennings, PG, Italy



6. Minnesota Timberwolves – DeMar DeRozan, SG, Southern Cal



7. Golden State Warriors – James Harden, SG, Arizona State



8. New York Knicks – Stephen Curry, PG, Davidson



9. Toronto Raptors – Tyreke Evans, SG, Memphis



10. Milwaukee Bucks – Jonny Flynn, PG, Syracuse



11. New Jersey Nets – Earl Clark, PF, Louisville



12. Charlotte Bobcats – Gerald Henderson, SG, Duke



13. Indiana Pacers – Wayne Ellington, SG, North Carolina



14. Phoenix Suns – James Johnson, SF, Wake Forest



15. Detroit Pistons: – B.J. Mullens, C, Ohio State



16. Chicago Bulls – Terrence Williams, SG, Louisville



17. Philadelphia 76ers – Eric Maynor, PG, Virginia Commonwealth



18. Minnesota Timberwolves – Ty Lawson, PG, North Carolina



19. Atlanta Hawks – Jeff Teague, PG, Wake Forest



20. Utah Jazz – Sam Young, SF, Pittsburgh



21. New Orleans Hornets – Chase Budinger, SG, Arizona



22. Dallas Mavericks – Jrue Holiday, PG, UCLA



23. Sacramento Kings – Austin Daye, PF, Gonzaga



24. Portland Trail Blazers – Gani Lawal, PF, Georgia Tech



25. Oklahoma City Thunder – Tyler Hansbrough, PF, North Carolina



26. Chicago Bulls – Darren Collison, PG, UCLA



27. Memphis Grizzlies – Marcus Thornton, SG, Louisiana State



28. Minnesota Timberwolves – DaJuan Summers, SF, Georgetown



29. Los Angeles Lakers – DeJuan Blair, PF, Pittsburgh



30. Cleveland Cavaliers – Nick Calethes, SG, Florida

Cavaliers vs Magic: Game 2

Cleveland vs Orlando
ATS: Cleveland -9
O/U: Under 188

What the hell... LeBron scores 49 and they still can't win? Well, might as well go for 50 tonight. I have been burned by the underdog in the last two Conference Championship games, but I'm not changing my ways of thinking.

LeBron will win tonight by at least double digits, so give me the Cavs -9.

Kahn to run Wolves basketball operations

MINNEAPOLIS (AP)—The Minnesota Timberwolves hired former Indiana Pacers executive David Kahn to run their basketball operations, four days after being rejected by Portland assistant general manager Tom Penn.

Kahn fills the vacancy created when owner Glen Taylor moved vice president of basketball operations Kevin McHale to the bench to replace fired coach Randy Wittman in December.

Kahn worked for the Pacers front office for nearly nine years. He was mostly on the business side, but he played a big role in helping the franchise move to Conseco Fieldhouse in 1999. He served on the NBA’s competition committee and was considered an expert in the collective bargaining agreement.

Kahn left the Pacers in 2004 and has been out of the league since. He has been part owner of several NBA Developmental League franchises and also led a group that tried to bring Major League Baseball to Portland, Ore.

Lakers vs Nuggets: Game 2

Los Angeles vs Denver
ATS: Los Angeles -5.5
O/U: Under 211

I assume that the Nuggets will be deflated from the Tuesday night defeat. But it's so hard to know which team will show up...

Cavaliers vs Magic: Game 1

Cleveland vs Orlando
ATS: Cleveland -8.5
O/U: Under 184

In game 1, LeBron and Co. come in with more than a week of rest. While Orlando just finished battling the defending NBA champs in seven games. I feel like the Lakers barely won last night against the Nuggets because they were also tired from having to battle seven games while Denver was rested and it showed. Tonight shouldn't be different. The only difference in tonight's game is that the Cavs will cover the spread.

If Cleveland wins by 10 I'll be amazed. The Cavs have managed to pump themselves up and seem to be thinking that if they are only up 9, they are really down 1. It's weird.

I don't want to come across underestimating the Magic (I did that already last series they were in). But I think tonight is a LeBron James show.

NBA MOCK DRAFT 2009: Version 2

The order is what should go down tonight for the lottery... Check out version 2 of my predictions:


1. Sacramento Kings -- Blake Griffin, PF -- The prize of the '09 draft. We find out who gets him tonight.

2. Washington Wizards -- Ricky Rubio, PG (pictured) -- Another foreign mystery. This time though, we've seen what Rubio can do from his play in the Olympics.

3. Los Angeles Clippers -- Jordan Hill, PF -- Arizona may have a couple players go in the Lottery (I left out Budinger, but some say he'll be top 14).

4. Oklahoma City Thunder -- Hasheem Thabeet, C -- Any team would be lucky to land a shot blocking menace like Thabeet to hold down the middle.

5. Minnesota Timberwolves -- Brandon Jennings, PG -- Personally I think that this would be the best choice for Minnesota. Jennings has so much potential, he should have been allowed to come out of HS, but rules are rules. I think the best part about Jennings, and why I think the Wolves should draft him, is because he's automatically coming in with a chip on his shoulder. He's got something to prove since he was "the guy" who flipped the bird to the NCAA and went overseas. I think that he'll look at all the young talent and lead it. Jennings could be this years version of Derrick Rose.

6. Memphis Grizzlies -- James Harden, SG -- I don't have high expectations for Harden's NBA career, especially since he was flat and uniteresting in the NCAA tourney in March.

7. Golden State Warriors -- Demar DeRozan, SG -- There is a lot to like about DeRozan, most being his potential to grow into a point guard. He's like 18.

8. New York Knicks -- Stephen Curry, SG -- Curry has publicly stated he wants to play in New York... Who wouldn't when you know LeBron is on his way in 2 years...

9. Toronto Raptors -- Ty Lawson, PG -- Any team that can get Lawson in the later rounds will have a solid PG. In Toronto they already have Calderon, but because he was oft-injured last season, I can see them reaching for Lawson here.

10. Milwaukee Bucks -- Earl Clark, PF -- The Bucks need a lot of help. One thing that they could really use is some ping-pong-ball luck.

11. New Jersey Nets -- Wayne Ellington, SG -- I have heard a lot of people say that Ellington will make a great PRO someday and therefore is worth the reach.

12. Charlotte Bobcats -- Gerald Henderson, SG -- Henderson has great upside. With a Duke background, there really isn't much he needs to do to prepare to contribute.

13. Indiana Pacers -- Tyreke Evans, G -- The fact that Evans isn't a true point guard has his draft stock slipping.

14. Phoenix Suns --Jonny Flynn, PG -- After what Rondo and Rose were able to do in the post-season, who is undervaluing PGs?? Not me.

Lakers vs Nuggets: Game 1

Los Angeles vs Denver
ATS: Los Angeles -6.5
O/U: Under 215


The Nuggets will come into the series with more rest, but it shouldn't matter to the Lakers. Los Angeles has been on a mission since they were upset in the NBA Finals last summer. Kobe is looking for ring No. 4 while the Nuggets are looking to get people to respect them as a legit contender.

Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups may be one of the best, most underrated duos in the NBA. This series won't come down to these guys tho, rather they fate of the Nuggets lies in the hands of big men Nene and Chris Andersen. If Pau Gasol isn't able to defend these big men, the Lakers may struggle. A lot of people are predicting the Nuggets, including TNT's Charles Barkley and Chris Webber.

Game one will dictate this series, and I see the Lakers coming out swinging.

NBA CONFERENCE FINALS PREVIEW

EASTERN CONFERENCE

No. 1 CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (66-16, 8-0) vs. No. 3 ORLANDO MAGIC (59-23, 8-5)

Season series: Magic, 2-1. Orlando had a pair of double-digit wins at home, including a 116-87 rout on April 3 that was Cleveland’s worst loss of the season and nearly its worst since drafting LeBron James in 2003. James had 43 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists in the Cavaliers’ 97-93 home win on March 17, but was a combined 17-for-47 from the field in the two games in Orlando. Dwight Howard averaged 18.3 points and 14.7 rebounds, but was limited to eight shots in the Magic’s loss.

Storyline: After opening with eight straight double-digit victories in one of the most dominant performances in NBA playoff history, the top-seeded Cavaliers are rested and four wins away from a second trip to the finals in three years. But the Magic have matched up well with them and are confident after outlasting defending champion Boston in seven games.

Key Matchup I: Mo Williams vs. Rafer Alston. Neither team would have been as good without trading for its point guard: the Cavaliers acquiring the All-Star Williams in the summer and the Magic dealing for Alston after Jameer Nelson went down. Alston played well in two games in an Orlando uniform against Cleveland, scoring 23 points in one and finishing with a double-double in the other. Williams struggled against Orlando, shooting 38 percent and collecting only eight assists in three games.

Key Matchup II: James vs. Hedo Turkoglu. Hard to imagine James struggling again against Orlando the way he’s playing in the postseason, averaging 32.9 points on 53 percent shooting. Turkoglu seems to have rediscovered his game after a shaky start to the postseason and was sensational in the clincher against Boston, finishing with 25 points and 12 assists.

X-Factor: Mickael Pietrus. The Magic wanted the swingman mostly for his defensive abilities, and they’ll hope he can help slow down James. But he’s provided some unexpected offense lately, scoring 17 points three times in the semifinals, including in Game 7.

Prediction: Cavaliers in 5.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

No. 1 LOS ANGELES LAKERS (65-17, 8-4) vs. No. 2 DENVER NUGGETS (54-28, 8-2)

Season series: Lakers, 3-1. Two meetings were in November, one before the trade for Chauncey Billups that remade the Nuggets. Billups averaged 18 points and 7.7 assists in the other three games, but the Lakers did a good job on Carmelo Anthony (14.5 ppg, 32.8 percent shooting) and limited the Nuggets to 13-of-61 shooting from 3-point range in the final three games. Kobe Bryant averaged 31 points, while Pau Gasol had a couple of huge performances in averaging 18.3 points and 12.3 rebounds.

Storyline: The Lakers dominated the Western Conference in the regular season, but after needing seven games to get past undermanned Houston in the second round, they haven’t looked like the West’s best in the playoffs. Denver has, overwhelming New Orleans and Dallas and looking capable of making its first NBA finals appearance.

Key matchup I: Derek Fisher vs. Billups. Billups is playing in his seventh straight conference finals and is the reason the Nuggets, who’ve made it this far for the first time since 1985, won’t be nervous. Fisher was badly outplayed by Houston’s Aaron Brooks and his shot has been off lately, but the Lakers will count on his experience against Billups.

Key matchup II: Gasol vs. Kenyon Martin and Nene. Gasol’s 21-point, 18-rebound performance in the clincher against Houston looked like a couple of his games against Denver this season. He went for 16 and 16 in the first meeting, and 27 and 19 in the last. The Nuggets’ frontcourt tandem will try to be physical with Gasol to prevent him from those types of big nights.

X-factor: Andrew Bynum. The center has been wildly inconsistent since returning from his knee injury, and the Lakers are hoping for the Bynum they saw in Games 5 and 7 against Houston (14 points), not the scoreless one from Games 4 and 6. He averaged 11 points and 9.3 rebounds while shooting 62 percent against Denver—and the Lakers won all three times he played.

Prediction: Lakers in 6.

NBA PICKS: Sunday May 17th

Boston vs Orlando
ATS: Boston -2.5
O/U: Over 187

Los Angeles vs Houston
ATS: Los Angeles -12
O/U: Under 195

Game 7's: I'll take the HOME squads

Home court advantage is HUGE in the NBA, especially in the playoffs. I think that the game seven winners tonight are HOME teams.

Paul Pierce and the Celtics are no strangers to Game 7s. This is their fourth in six series.

The Celtics beat Atlanta and Cleveland at home in Game 7 of the first two rounds last year. They did it again against the Bulls, a series in which four games reached overtime. They’re 17-3 in seventh games at home.

Ray Allen MUST step up. Against the Bulls, the Allen hit a winning 3-pointer with 2 seconds left in Game 2 and scored 51 points in Game 6. But in four of the games against the Magic—three of them losses—he’s 10-for-47 from the field.

It’s been close all season between the two Eastern Conference powers. The Magic and Celtics split four games in the regular season.

“Obviously, it’s the end of the road for one team, but … you can only do what you’re capable of doing,” Allen said. “You’ve seen a team 10 times already that year so there’s not too many surprises.”

Which Lakers team will show up for the decisive Game 7?

The one that blew out the undermanned Rockets by 40 points in Game 5 to set up what most everyone thought would be the clinching game? Or the one that quickly fell behind by double digits two nights later and lost by 15?

Going against popular opinion, Jackson thinks Game 7 will be about which Rockets team shows up.

“They’ve been the provocateur and they’ve been the one that has been the team that goes out and makes a decided difference in games,” Jackson said. “Their activity level was certainly much greater in games 4 and 6.”

A quick start will be important. The team leading after the first quarter has won all 12 of Houston’s postseason games. $10 says they end the first quarter tied.

NBA PICKS: Thursday May 14th

Boston vs Orlando
ATS: Boston +7
O/U: Over 190

Los Angeles vs Houston
ATS: Los Angeles -7.5
O/U: Under 198

NFL Free Agents Could Make Decent Expansion Team

The following roster is all the free agents available this summer... Probably could beat last years Lions...

Offense

QB: Brett Favre... Other options: Rex Grossmanand J.P. Losman.
RB: Edgerrin James – His once-great burst is gone, but he’s still workmanlike. Other options: Warrick Dunn, Deuce McAllisterand Rudi Johnson.
FB: Cecil Sapp – Better athlete than most fullbacks, but still nothing special.
TE: Ben Troupe – Best from a mediocre offering. Other options: Mark Campbell and Dan Campbell.
No. 1 WR: Plaxico Burress – Legal issues are holding him up, but he’ll play.
No. 2 WR: Amani Toomer – Only 16 months ago, Toomer and Burress helped win a Super Bowl. Other options: Marvin Harrison, Drew Bennett and Joe Jurevicius.
LT: Levi Jones – Injuries curtailed a nice career, but he’s still only 29.
LG: Mark Tauscher – He’s a tackle, but could easily switch inside.
C: Jeremy Newberry – His knees are bad, but they have been forever.
RG: Pete Kendall – Smart, tough, but a lot of mileage.
RT: Jon Runyan – Biggest if of an iffy group. His knee still isn’t healthy. Other O-line options: Fred Miller, Jonas Jennings, Wayne Gandy, Melvin Fowler and Jason Whittle.

Defense

DE: Kalimba Edwards– He’s 33 and banged up, but still has some pass-rush skill.
DE: Ebenezer Ekuban – Pretty nice pass rusher still out there on the market.
DT: Kevin Carter – Amazing longevity, productivity and versatility.
DT: Ellis Wyms – Has his limitations, but is a very tough player.Other D-line options: Dewayne Robertson, John Engelberger and La’Roi Glover.
LB: Morlon Greenwood – At 31, he’s one of the youngest starters.
LB: Pisa Tinoisamoa – A tackle machine, but he better play in a two-gap system.
LB: Derrick Brooks – Still can bring great leadership to a young defense. Other options: Napoleon Harris, Paris Lenon, Antwan Peek and Nate Webster.
CB: Chris McAlister – Coming off injury and has lost speed, but still very physical.
CB: Ty Law – Perennial late-signee can still make a couple of plays if the offense isn’t careful. Other options: Jason Craft, Dre Bly, Deltha O’Neal and Roderick Hood.
SS: Lawyer Milloy – Years of physical play have taken their toll, but he’s really smart.
FS: Dexter Jackson – Has lost a step, but who on this team hasn’t? Other safety options: Mike Brown, Michael Boulware, Kevin Kaesviharn and Will Demps.

NBA PICKS: Wednesday May 13th

Denver vs Dallas
ATS: Dallas +9
O/U: Under 213.5

NBA PICKS: Tuesday May 12th

Boston vs Orlando
ATS: Boston -2
O/U: Under 192

Los Angeles vs Houston
ATS: Houston +12
O/U: Under 198

NBA PICKS: Monday May 11th

Denver vs Dallas
ATS: Dallas -1.5
O/U: Under 210

Atlanta vs Cleveland
ATS: Cleveland -10
O/U: Under 183

NBA PICKS: Sunday May 10th

Boston vs Orlando
ATS: Boston +5
O/U: Under 192.5

Los Angeles vs Houston
ATS: Los Angeles -3.5
O/U: Over 194

NBA PICKS: Saturday May 9th

Denver vs Dallas
ATS: Denver +4
O/U: Under 209

Denver getting points could be a nice bet. Have you seen the first two games? The Nuggets are overpowering Dirk, the guy looks like a shooting guard against Nene and Birdman. I'm not sure home court will make a difference here.

Atlanta vs Cleveland
ATS: Cleveland -8.5
O/U: Under 181

Cleveland has won all games by 10 or more in the playoffs. One more 10 point victory and they have the record for most consecutive 10 point victories to start the post season. LeBron will get it.

NBA PICKS: Friday May 8th

Boston vs Orlando
ATS: Boston +5
O/U: Under 189

Boston getting 5 points? Give me that!!!

Los Angeles vs Houston
ATS: Los Angeles -1.5
O/U: Over 194

Kobe only winning by a bucket? Yeah right, Lakers come out to prove things tonight -- win by a dozen.

What I Would Change About the NHL

So, I actually was more intrigued by the Caps/Penguins game last night than the Boston/Orlando blow out. But it got me thinking, what would make the NHL better?

Obviously changing the rules or the way the NHL is played is essentially changing the integrity of the game. From debates that I have already had with my "hockey" buddies, the resounding opinion to change the game is: NO THANKS.



Regardless, here is what I propose:

1. Make the nets bigger. Let's make it more like Lacrosse. I want to see 12 point games, guys getting a "triple-hat trick'. I want more scoring because not only is it fun to celebrate goals, but because it would allow for bigger more exciting come-backs. Nowadays, down 4 - 0 you're pretty much out of it. With bigger nets, a 4-0 lead is NOTHING!!!
2. I'd probably make it 4 quarters and play 15 minutes. This would allow for shorter "intermissions", those are a buzz-kill.
3. I'd make the rink smaller to allow for more contact and more organized passing. I feel like with such a large rink, guys dump the puck in the corner or fling it around and nothing gets accomplished. Kinda like soccer, there is so much space to cover that it often feels like there is never any action in the "red zone".
4. I would also put stats on jerseys, yes, that's right. Not only would your name be on the back, but on the front it would show something like how many years you were in the league and how old you were... I think that would allow more casual fans to follow and feel like they were learning about the players as they were watching.

Changing any part of the game is going to alter the history, or some would say "ruin" the history. People I have suggested some of these ideas to have said that I'm creating an entirely different game: Laccroskey or LaHockey.

But to that I say, GREAT! Fine, a new game? That's cool, the future has many years and history can be rewritten. Why not create an entirely different game if the one that is currently being played sucks (I shouldn't say that, the right word is probably 'not gathering the nation's latent viewership'). Whatever, sucks or it is boring or is filled with flaws -- either way. Why continue to play the same game that no one is watching? I say no one loosely -- I realize there are hockey fans all over the world who love it just the way it is.

If someone came to me and told me that the NBA needed to add a 5-point line and make all baskets worth 3, I'd probably laugh and say f-you. But the NBA isn't struggling for fans or to sell out arenas. No one is going to go to the NFL and tell them to change, because they seem to have a good thing going. If the NHL wasn't such a media black eye, maybe these changes would seem stupid -- but it is the black eye. I can name almost every single NBA player who is still left in the playoffs (12 players per team, 8 teams left), probably give you 1 or 2 things about them -- the biggest NHL fan I know probably can name 3 or 4 players (out of aprox. 30 per roster) on each team and that's it.

The NHL is 'OK', it's still alive. But if this league ever wants to reach the other major sports, it needs a make-over.

NBA PICKS: Thursday May 7th

Cleveland vs Atlanta
ATS: Atlanta +13
O/U: Over 177.5

13? Yes, I know that the Cavs are 5-0 ATS in the playoffs... but 13 point favorites? I can't get myself to bet against a team in the second round of the playoffs when they are given 13 points.

Rondo = Best Celtic

Forget Pierce. Forget Allen. Forget KG. In Boston, it's all about the 21 year old point guard stud Rajon Rondo.

Rajon Rondo finished last night's game 2 with 15 points, 11 boards and 18 assists as the Celtics blew out the Magic to tie their semi-final matchup at 1-1.

Rondo, a 6-1 point guard, had 12 assists without a turnover at the half. The only time he had more than 18 assists was in the triple-overtime Game 6 of the first-round series against Chicago in which he played 57 minutes. Rondo scored 14 points and added 10 rebounds and 8 assists in 39 minutes of play in game one, but he also committed 7 turnovers and shot just 2 of 12 from the floor which was part of the reason why the Celtics lost.

The Cavaliers only concern before getting to Kobe is going to be Rondo.

NBA PICKS: Wednesday May 6th

After going 0-4 last night for the first time since I stared picking games, I need to redeem myself.

Boston vs Orlando
ATS: Boston -4
O/U: Under 188

There is NO WAY Redick outscores Allen again, the Celtics big guys Perkins and Davis have to play on a higher level. When you're up against Dwight Howard, you start feeling the absence of KG and Powe -- other guys need to step up.

Los Angeles vs Houston
ATS: Houston +9.5
O/U: Over 193

Despite seeing LeBron kill the Hawks and cover a large spread, I am taking the Rockets with the points tonight. I don't really think they'll win, but after the heart they showed in Game 1, I have a hard time thinking they'll roll over by more than 9. (PS. I dont know what the spread is now, but I took this as soon as I saw it, I think yesterday afternoon).

NBA PICKS: Tuesday May 5th

Cleveland vs Atlanta
ATS: Atlanta +11.5
O/U: Over 179

I have a hard time believing that a Cavs squad who hasn't played in over a week will be able to beat Atlanta by more than 11.

Denver vs Dallas
ATS: Dallas +6.5
O/U: Under 206

I'm still not sure if I should count Dallas out. We'll see.

Dear Protrade...

Dear Protrade,

I'm breaking up with you.



Ok, seriously though, I'm done with PROTRADE. I've tried again and again to get back into it. Last week I signed up for the challenge before Thursday morning (I always forget and then when the tourney starts can't join the challenge). Anyway, I am in the challenge, rocking a few transactions not really caring, checking it here and there. I make it to the leaderboard and work my way up to the top. I'm thinking, wow, Protrade is cool, I haven't lost my swagger, I could be back! I'm leading the challenge with just 1 hour and 56 minutes left, I'm already spending the $25 prize. I go to bed thinking, 'buzzer' game over!!

ERRRRRRT.

I wake up today to an e-mail that says here are the results: 1. not me, 2. not me, 3. not me.

What the f --.

Somehow, someway, the protrade userbase has found a way to manipulate around me in the last 2 hours. What a joke, I should have seen it coming. Things have NOT changed. So I decided in my angry rage I'd write a post, How? Can anyone explain how I didn't end up placing? Here is a copy of my post:

The Challenge 'Quail Hollow' has been completed. Here are the final results:
1st Place: cartzer, 3.244% appreciation, $25.00
2nd Place: fntsystd, 3.109% appreciation, $15.00
3rd Place: CockPuncher, 3.089% appreciation, $10.00

Any Prizes that are due to the winners of this challenge will be credited to their respective accounts in 2-3 days and may be redeemed at that time.



HOW?


If anyone can reasonably explain to me how I got passed up in the final two hours I would really like to know.

I joined my first challenge in over 3 months and I found myself atop the leaderboard. I thought: Wow, is this site really not full of cheaters anymore? Am I legitimately going to win this thing?

I went to bed with about 2 hours left in the challenge ahead by a decent margin. Somehow I didn't win, no. I didn't even end up placing. It's not about the money for winning, that has really nothing to do with it. It's about the fact that for my 3 years here on PT nothing has changed. The system is still flawed. The participants of this website are still cheaters.

F- this

So yea, I was seen as a big baby and every other comment was about how I can go watch my youtube videos if I want help on challenges... to which I blocked, nearly all. But whatever, my blood was boiling because I hate the fact that this site has been overthrown by theives and pirates and no one is doing anything about it.

It's time for me to walk away. It was good, my time on Protrade, but I can't engage that "sports community" with my blogs and won't waste any more time dealing with a manipulated market.

Here are my comments to protrade:

ok, i'll just be honest. this morning i wasn't in a good mood. for one, its monday. but also, i went to bed thinking protrade could be 'cool' again, thinking that it could actually be fun to play challenges again (yes it once was). i woke up and checked my email, it said that "cockpuncher" was in the top3, and my name wasn't there. i felt like wow, punched right in the c*ck -- you can't even say this users name separated. so that was pretty upsetting.

not only did i have to go to work, but i went to work angry at my perception. maybe i lost for real, whatever, never going to know for sure, but after all the BS this site has dealt to its users my trust level is zero. my life has been changed by the stories and crazyness ive experienced while reading peoples bs. its the kind of stuff you cant even explain to people because they really won't be able to get it. but really though, i probably got cheated, and it wouldn't be the first time.
i'm not even upset about the prize of the challenge. in fact, today at the wells fargo at the atm some guy in front of me straight up walked away before the money spit out. it spit out right when i stepped up and he was walking towards the exit, i yelled at him, dude you probably want this. i'm not poor. i dont need the prize money. i am just upset with this site in general. i mean it used to be that stuff was messed up or stupid or whatever, but it would be recognized etc, the protrade huddle, etc. and stuff got changed or it felt like a legit site. the economy ok yea whatever, i guess. some stuff takes priority, others does.

its probably been said before but this site seems to be neglected. we all know that whoever owns this site has other ventures and opportunities he takes more seriously. i realize how it goes, i help run a business. im not hating on making money. but when is protrade going to be where it should be? am i alone in thinking that it has such great potential? i feel that since i've been blogging and buying stocks on pt for such a long time i would be part of the potential or the history of greatness. when will protrade get the attention it needs from its owners in order to be what it should be? why don't they do us all a favor and sell it?

i assume that if someone was sole owner of this site they would take more time in developing the software that the site needed or was requesting. i dont know what im talking about, really, but, i'm kinda just annoyed that the same f-ing issues are always the same f-ing issues. for the past year or so i check the site once a month and the after the look at me posts, there are always a few about how people hate the same things, or that they are retiring because the feel disrespected by prtrade, or something about the good old days.. i guess i dont even spend enough time on the site anymore to know how little it hasn't changed or if there is change coming or what the actual business plan of the company is.

but i feel like i shouldn't have joined this hollow challenge. i'd be lying if i said i didnt know what i was getting into. i shouldn't have even bothered to write this post or try to change the result, because i knew nothing would happen or the same comments and crap would be said. but whatever. if i could delete the post i would...

protrade staff i remember visiting the office in the hayday, in the prime time when meadball was awesome. i remember how great the love was and how important the user was and i realize that over time it gets annoying to have to hear about everything all the time or have to respond to the same bs.. but during the hay day it sure seemed like the level of respect was higher. nick and ryan. i realize why things are such and such is why things are. the number of things on the priority list is far to many, and there is a long list of things that need attention on this site and on other sites. i don't want to come off naive to the world, but you've pretty much lost me as a loyal user. i shouldn't have joined that challenge, or for that matter continue to care. but afterall that's what makes me sad about the whole thing, because i actually did care and thought there was a good reason to care. its too bad the potential hasn't been reached, or ever will?

With that I cashed out and don't plan on redeeming anything with my remaining $PT525k. After all, who cares? Right?

NBA PICKS: Monday May 4th

Boston vs Orlando
ATS: Boston -2.5
O/U: Under 188.5

Los Angeles vs Houston
ATS: Houston +8.5
O/U: Over 193.5

Games 1's tonight. I see Boston showing up as well as I see Artest keeping it close with LA.

NBA PICKS: Sunday May 3rd

Atlanta vs Miami
ATS: Miami +5
O/U: Under 181

Horford's injured foot is one thing making me consider taking Miami. All in all I think that Atlanta will win, but by less than 5. I'll take Miami just because you have to think that the NBA wants a Wade vs LeBron second round match-up.

Denver vs Dallas
ATS: Denver -6
O/U: Over 206.5

NBA Playoffs: SECOND ROUND PREDICITONS (5/3/09)

WEST --
(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs (5) Houston Rockets
There are only a couple of ways that Houston can win this series. First, Kobe needs to be shut down by Ron Artest. Second, Yao Ming needs to outplay Gasol. Third, oh who am I kidding, LA wins big. It's funny to think that without T-Mac the Rockets made it out of the first round. Imagine if they had McGrady laughing it up at the press conference? With T-Mac Houston maybe has a chance. But without Mutombo, nor McGrady, the Rockets have no answer to Odom, Bynum, Walton or Ariza. There is a chance that the Rockets get two games, but I'll say Lakers in 5.

Lakers 4, Rockets 1

(2) Denver Nuggets vs (6) Dallas Mavericks

In what should be one of the best second round match-ups, Denver faces Dallas. It really isn't your usual Nugs/Mavs no defense match-up. This time around we have a both teams looking to make that push towards the Finals. Dirk and Kidd aim to put Dallas back into the Finals, while Billups will try to captain yet another ship to the promise land. After all is said and done I have to give the edge to Denver for their interior presence. I am shocking myself by saying this, but Nene and Chris Andersen are legit, moreso than Eric Dampier. This series will probably go 6 or 7 games because both teams are offensively stacked. Denver will rely on JR Smith and Carmelo Anthony to put up buckets while Dallas looks to Dirk, Jason Terry and Josh Howard. Either way the winner gets ousted next round by Kobe and Co.

Denver 4, Dallas 2


EAST --

(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs (4) Atlanta Hawks or (5) Miami Heat

The NBA community is anticipating a Dwyane Wade vs LeBron James match-up in round 2. James has had over a week to rest, while Wade has given nearly everything he has to his first round battle with the Hawks. Either way these two teams are a joke and the Cavs will sweep

Cavs in 4 no matter what.

(2) Boston Celtics vs (3) Orlando Magic

This could be interesting. The Magic really do have a chance against a KG-less Celtics squad, even though Boston was taken to the limit against Chicago in round one. I have to believe that Boston is on a mission to get far enough along where Garnett is healthy enough to return -- probably game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. I still have this feeling in the back of my head that Boston is going to win the NBA title. If that's the case, they have to make it past Orlando who has been light's out all season. I see Boston's defense outlasting Orlando's and the "live or die" by the three attitude haunts the Magic.

Boston 4, Orlando 2

NBA PICKS: Saturday May 2nd

Boston vs Chicago
ATS: Boston -6
O/U: Under 195.5

In Game 7 I'm going with the home team. Chicago has been playing perfect, which is just enough to beat the Celtics. Rondo, Pierce and Allen are the new Big 3, because KG isn't coming back tonight. I took the under because I see the Bulls down 12 late in the 3rd and then giving up. Should be a slow fourth... But I'd rather see a good game.

Since April 21:
(ATS Picks: 20-13)
(O/U Picks: 13-19-1)

Bryant again has NBA’s most popular jersey

NEW YORK (AP)—Kobe Bryant is back on top of the NBA—in jersey sales.

Bryant’s Los Angeles Lakers jersey was the top seller this season at the NBA Store and its Web site, the league announced Thursday. Bryant reclaimed the No. 1 spot he held during the 2006-07 season.

Cleveland’s LeBron James moved back up to No. 2, where he ranked in 2005-06, and the Hornets’ Chris Paul climbed to a career-best third. Kevin Garnett, who held the top spot last season, his first in a Celtics jersey, fell to No. 4 and Allen Iverson, who spent most of a disappointing season in Detroit, rounded out the top five.

The Lakers topped the list of most popular team merchandise for the sixth time in seven years. The Celtics, who bumped them out last season, dropped to No. 2, followed by New York, Cleveland and Chicago.

NBA PICKS: Friday May 1st

Atlanta vs Miami
ATS: Atlanta +5
O/U: Under 182