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Rookie minicamp begins today.  It’s time to recap the Raiders’ draft selections and forecast the impact of each selection – for this season and beyond.

Preliminarily, before reviewing draft selections, I’m going to assess the incumbents and the potential open roster spots for the 2012 season to see where these rookies may fit.  Set forth below is a listing of the “locks” to start the season on the 53-man roster:

QB:      Palmer, Leinart, Pryor

RB:      McFadden, T. Jones, Goodson

FB:      Reece

WR:     Moore, Heyward-Bey, Ford, Murphy

TE:      Myers, Ausberry, Gordon

LT:      Veldheer

LG:      Carlisle

C:         Wisniewski

RG:     Brisiel

RT:      Barnes, Barksdale

DE:     Shaugnessy, Houston, Tollefson

DT:      Seymour, Kelly, Bryant

OLB:   Curry, Wheeler

MLB:   McClain, Goethal

CB:      Bartell, Spencer, Van Dyke, Chekwa

S:         Branch, Huff, Mitchell, Giordano

K:        Janikowski

P:         Lechler

PK:      Condo

Assuming all of the above players make the roster, that leaves 12 roster spots open for draft selections, undrafted free agents, free agents, and returning players from last season, such as DB/KR Bryan McCann and FB Manase Tonga. With just six draft selections, it is likely that at least five of the draftees will make the 53-man roster.

Position-wise, the Raiders are severely thin at linebacker, in the secondary, and to a certain extent, on the offensive line, where they are one injury away from having to rearrange the entire line or dip into their practice squad.  So, it was not a surprise to see the Raiders address the offensive line when their number was finally called at #95 (third round).

TONY BERGSTROM, OL

6’5”, 315 lbs., Utah

Third Round (#95)

Bergstrom is a mauling type offensive lineman who played right tackle in college. He is projected to be a zone blocking guard in the NFL.  He is older than most rookies in the draft class (will be 26 years old at the start of the 2012 season) because he committed to a 3-year Mormon mission prior to his freshman season at Utah. Given his age, it makes sense for the Raiders to give him playing time sooner rather than later. Certainly, he was not drafted as a developmental project.

His playing time this season will hinge on three separate and distinct developments.  First, as long as Cooper Carlisle stays healthy and is effective as a zone blocking left guard (after starting the past five seasons at right guard), Cooper will block Bergstrom’s entry into the starting lineup as a left guard. Second, the battle for the starting right tackle position pits veteran Khalif Barnes against second-year player Joseph Barksdale. If the coaching staff is underwhelmed by the talent/skills of those players, it may reconsider its decision to draft Bergstrom as a guard and plug Bergstrom in at his natural position, right tackle. Third, the recent signing of center Colin Miller could mean that the coaching staff is not enamored with the idea of having Stefan Wisniewski as their starting center in the new zone scheme.   If Miller takes over at the center position, and Wisniewski slides back to left guard, Bergstrom could be pushed to the back of the depth chart because Carlisle will back-up Mike Brisiel at right guard. If this happens, Bergstrom would remain inactive or an injury away from being the seventh offensive linemen on game day.

The most likely scenario is that Bergstrom will take over for Carlisle as the starting left guard about halfway through the season. Carlisle has never proven to be anything more than a steady lineman, holding down the position until a younger and more dynamic player comes along to take his job.  Bergstrom may prove to be Carlisle’s imminent replacement.

MILES BURRIS, LB

6’2”, 246 lbs., San Diego State

Fourth Round (#129)

Burris is a heat-seeking missile-type linebacker in the mold of Clay Matthews who played both outside and inside linebacker in an unconventional 3-3-5 defense in college.  As this video shows, he is able to fly past offensive tackles and bull rush running backs.

Burris

The loss of Kamerion Wimbley to the Tennessee Titans left a tremendous void in the Raiders’ pass rush.  Neither Aaron Curry (5.5 career sacks) nor Philip Wheeler (2 career sacks) has demonstrated an ability to consistently get to the quarterback from the outside linebacker position.  With new head coach Dennis Allen focusing on an attacking defense, it is likely that Burris will immediately get playing time either as the rush inside linebacker in a 3-4 hybrid defense, as a linebacker in a nickel sub-package, or as an outside linebacker in a 4-3 in obvious passing situations.  Either way, barring injury or ineptitude, you can plan on seeing a lot of Miles Burris this season given the lack of depth at linebacker, and the limited pass rushing skills of the veteran linebackers on the roster.

JACK CRAWFORD, DE

6’5”, 274 lbs., Penn State

Fifth Round (#158)

Crawford is a British native who originally came to the U.S. to play basketball, and did not play football until his junior year in high school. A standout performance during his two years of high school football earned him a scholarship to Penn State, where he started as a defensive end and had 14 sacks in 49 games played.  The video below provides a glimpse of what Crawford is capable of:

Crawford

For now, Crawford will likely see time on special teams while he learns the intricacies of American football. His 80” wingspan will be a welcome addition to the field goal blocking team, and his sideline-to-sideline speed and immense size will come in handy on kickoff and punt coverage. He will almost definitely make the roster as a 2-3 year project, envisioned as either a 4-3 DE, or possibly, a 3-4 head-up DE in Coach Allen’s “hybrid” defense.

JURON CRINER, WR

6’3”, 224 lbs., Arizona

Fifth Round (#168)

Criner is a tall and athletic wide receiver with the ability to use his long frame to box out and out-jump (38” vertical leap) defensive backs.  He led the NCAA in receiving yards in 2010 (82 rec., 1233 yards), but had a disappointing final season in 2011, in which he was held to 3 or less receptions in 3 games. At the combine, he had a slow 40-yard dash time (4.68).  He made up for it somewhat at his pro day (4.54).  The video below shows that his playing field speed is up to NFL standards:

Criner

At the WR position, the Raiders are already four deep (Moore, Heyward-Bey, Ford, Murphy). Criner is not expected to contribute right away. If he shines in training camp, he could become an instant replacement for Chaz Schilens (signed with New York Jets) in goal line and third-down situations. If he is underwhelming in training camp, there are at least three other WRs (Eddie McGee, Duke Calhoun, Derek Carrier) who could push him to the practice squad, or cause him to be released, which is not likely since he has value as a special teams player.

CHRISTO BILUKIDI, DT

6’4”, 312 lbs., Georgia State

Sixth Round (#189)

This was the second foreign-born player with a basketball background that was drafted by McKenzie and Co.  He played at the lowest level of competition at Georgia State.  Based on the video below, it looks like he was moved around quite a bit on the defensive line, and that his strength is as a 3 technique DT splitting the guard and center:

Bilukidi

Don’t expect much from Bilukidi this season.  Barring injury to starters, he will be on the sideline learning from Seymour and Kelly. He is a low-risk, high-upside selection with exceptional physical attributes (83” wingspan, 34 ½” vertical leap) that could propel him onto several special teams units and into the starting lineup as a situational 3-technique DT within the next 2-3 years.  However, if he cannot grasp the pro game quick enough, he may become a training camp casualty.

NATHAN STUPAR, OLB

6’2”, 241 lbs., Penn State

Seventh Round (#230)

Stupar will be best known as Jeff Hostetler’s nephew.  In addition to his pedigree, he should be recognized for his solid 4-year career as an OLB at Penn State, where he played in 13 games each season.  He was mostly used as a nickel linebacker.  Therefore, he has skills to rush the quarterback and play in coverage:

Stupar

The best scenario would be for Stupar to make the 53-man roster as a core special teams player this season, and then advance to being a situational 3-4 OLB in future seasons. If he has an impressive showing at training camp and during preseason games, it is likely that Stupar will be remain on the roster because the linebacker corps is so thin, and there is need for bodies on special teams coverage units.

UNDRAFTED ROOKIE FREE AGENTS

Among the many undrafted rookie free agents that the Raiders signed after the draft, Derek Carrier, Lucas Nix, and Dominique Hamilton are the most intriguing prospects.

Derek Carrier played WR/TE for Beloit College, a Division III athletic program.  Due to his measurables (38” vertical leap, 6.65 seconds in 3-cone drill [2^nd best of all NFL prospects), and his career college numbers (29 TDs, 3,000 receiving yards), NFL teams showed interest in Carrier, although he went undrafted.  The Raiders took a flier on Carrier as an undrafted rookie free agent.  He will be expected to compete with Criner, McGee, and Calhoun for the #5 WR position on the 53-man roster.

OT Lucas Nix is a 6’6”, 310 lb. three-starter at Pitt who is a work in progress.  He is a high-effort player with a nasty streak who could make the team’s practice squad and ascend to the 53-man roster if there is an injury or two on the offensive line, which presently lacks depth.

Dominique Hamilton is a 6’4”, 313 lb. 3-4 NT from Missouri. As the Raiders grow into a hydrid 4-3/3-4 base defense, they will be looking for Hamilton to step forward as the player who will anchor the run defense as a two-gap run stuffer, or move outside to DE in a 5-technique.  He’ll need to have a strong training camp to stick on the practice squad as he is already competing with Bilukidi, and returning DTs (Travis Ivey, Jamie Cumbey).

CONCLUSION

Overall, given what he had to work with (no selections in the 1^st through 4^th rounds, other than compensatory picks), GM Reggie McKenzie did a good job of taking players in the 3rd round (Bergstrom) and 4^th round (Burris) who can contribute immediately.  In the later rounds, he took highly athletic players with adaptable skills that need to be coached up.  In all, I give this draft a B-.  It would have been a higher grade but for McKenzie’s refusal to draft DT Josh Chapman from Alabama, who fell all the way to the Colts at #136. Chapman is more refined than Bilukidi or Hamilton, and he would have been a good young player to begin the switch to the hybrid defense that Allen wishes to employ. Also, McKenzie failed to address the secondary, which is very thin at CB, and it could use a rookie to compete with second-year CBs Chekwa and Van Dyke, who both had up-and-down rookie seasons.

My prediction of who fills out the last 12 roster spots is as follows:

• All of the draft selections, except for Bilukidi [5 players]
• DT Dominique Hamilton
• DE Mason Brodine
• LB Carl Ihenacho
• DT Travis Ivey
• DB Brandon Underwood
• C Colin Miller
• FB Manase Tonga

OAKLAND RAIDERS DRAFT PREVIEW

One week remains until the 2012 NFL Draft…

In this year’s draft, the Oakland Raiders have a limited amount of selections because they’ve traded or forfeited almost all of their picks.

Here is a recap of the picks they’ve traded away (and what they got):

1sr Round (QB Carson Palmer)

2^nd Round (RB Taiwan Jones and OT Joseph Barksdale)

3^rd Round (QB Terrelle Pryor)

4^th Round (QB Jason Campbell*)

7^th Round (LB Aaron Curry)

Reflecting on what could have been, the Raiders would’ve had the #17 pick in the 1^st round and the #48 pick in the 2^nd round.

In prior drafts, the #17 pick netted Steve Hutchinson, Mike Iupati, and DJ Williams.

In prior drafts, the #48 pick netted Matt Light, Fred Davis, and Stefen Wisniewski.

Without a first-round or second-round selection, the Raiders will not make a selection until the second day at #95. That draft position is one of the three “compensatory pick” that the NFL awarded based on free agents the Raiders lost in 2011 (Asomugha, Miller, and Gallery).

Here is a listing of the traditional and compensatory (comp) selections that the Raiders hold in the upcoming draft:

3^rd Round – #95 (comp)

4^th Round – #129 (comp)

5^th Round – #148

5^th Round – #168 (comp)

6^th Round – #189

Not much to get excited about this year.  However, it will be an interesting draft because it is the inaugural draft of the McKenzie-Allen post-Al Davis era.

GM Reggie McKenzie’s press conference shed light on the types of players he covets:

“…We’re gonna make sure they’re good football players. Make sure they’re tough, they understand the game, and size and speed will always matter… You have to make sure they really love the game and make sure that they’re good football players. Then all of the other stuff, how they test, how they play, what kind of skills they have, that all plays a part in how you evaluate them.”

This is a departure from Al Davis’ overemphasis on size/speed/strength. With Green Bay, McKenzie had a track record of successful drafting in the late rounds, including selections of Donald Driver and Mark Tauscher in the 7^th round of the 1999 and 2000 drafts, respectively.

For his part, Head Coach Dennis Allen stated his desire for “tough, smart, and disciplined” players. Scheme-wise, his offense will be “uptempo” and “aggressive,” featuring a solid run game and “explosive” passing game, exploiting the speed of returning players such as Darren McFadden, Jacoby Ford, Denarius Moore, and Darrius Heyward-Bey. The defense will be multiple (both 4-3 and 3-4 fronts), emphasizing an “aggressive attacking style defense built on stopping the run and getting after the quarterback.”

The obvious question is how Allen will be able to run a 3-4 defense without a “0” technique nose tackle. No player on the current roster fits that bill, as all of the defensive tackles are traditional “3” technique undertackles (Seymour, Kelly, Bryant, et al).  This glaring need may be addressed in the draft, the practice squad (Travis Ivey, 6’4”, 325 lbs, 3^rd year DT), or the waiver wire during training camp.

With Greg Knapp returning as the offensive coordinator, the zone-blocking system that he will install requires agile linemen and decisive “one cut and go” RBs. Those requirements were partially addressed in free agency (guard Mike Brisiel signed; resigning of guard Cooper Carlisle).  However, with Michael Bush’s departure, the team needs a short-yardage/goal line RB.  Depth along the offensive line is also needed as the right tackle position is up for grabs between a mediocre vet (Khalif Barnes) and untested second year player (Joseph Barksdale). Center may be an issue if Stefan Wisniewski has a difficult time adapting to zone blocking after a successful rookie season splitting time at center and left guard in a power-blocking system.

Overall, McKenzie and Allen’s visions merge in their common desire for smart, disciplined, and tough players. These attributes are the foundation on which they will build the program.

With these similarities in mind, the scarcity of draft picks, and the personnel needs that stand out among others, let’s take a look back at the 2011 season (and a prior recent season) to see which deficiencies need to be shored up, and which strengths can be built upon.

Let’s start with Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills.

I know…it’s painful for any Raiders fan to relive the gut-wrenching loss to the Buffalo Bills.  5 TDs on 5 possessions in the second half…

Blame DC Chuck Bresnahan all you want – he deserves it. However, the players make the plays – and they simply made NONE in this loss.

Here is the awful sequence from the Bills’ game-winning touchdown.

It’s 4^th down and 1 from the Oakland 6-yard line. Raiders are up 35-31 with 0:18 left.  Get a stop and you win the game.  Bills line up in a shotgun 2×1 WR set strong side left. Raiders crowd the line with 5 pass rushers with the CBs in press coverage. MLB Rolando McClain (circled) appears to be keying on RB Fred Jackson.  Notice that safety Matt Giordano is lined in the end zone on the left side, leaving no help anywhere near the right side of the field, where McClain and CB Chris Johnson are lined up (see larger circle of empty field behind McClain).  This is a disaster in the making. The TE (arrow above) and WR David Nelson (square) will attack the hole in the defense (the middle of the field), and in doing so, test McClain’s ability to read the offense and cover the right receiver.

David Nelson motions inside just before the snap.  McClain stands flatfooted while he keys on Jackson, who is the beginning stages of a swing route.  The TE gets a free release (no jam by Wimbley) at the line of scrimmage as Nelson gets an inside release on Johnson.

McClain (circled) picks up the TE on a short out route, while Johnson goes the same way as McClain, switching to cover Fred Jackson…this is clearly a mix-up…

…as WR David Nelson runs to daylight (see arrow).

…the end result!

An uncontested game-winning TD…doesn’t get much worse than that.

Or does it?

Let’s skip ahead to Lions v. Raiders – Week 15…If the Raiders win, they’re 8-6 and in control of their destiny in the AFC West.

Raiders are ahead 27-21 with 2:14 left in the game.  Lions start a drive on their own 2-yard line (after a pinpoint accurate Shane Lachler punt) with 2:14 left.  Game over, right?  Wrong.

After an amazing 21-yard catch tiptoeing the sideline by Calvin Johnson, the Lions are at their own 39-yard line with 1:33 left, needing a TD to win…

They line up in a shotgun 2X1 WR set (Calvin Johnson – wide left), strong side left.

Raiders are in a nickel defense (5 DBs), with two deep (not in the frame).  Notably, McClain is lined up 8 yards off the line of scrimmage in a cover-2 type alignment.

The defense needs to perform a simple task (one that is learned in Pop Warner):

Don’t let the play get behind you!

QB Matthew Stafford heaves the football up for grabs down the field…

…and somehow, Calvin Johnson somehow behind both McClain and Jerome Boyd (#30 – not even in the prior frame).

…he makes the catch between them – and then says, “thank you” with a wide grin.

Four plays later, the Lions take the lead for good and steal the win.

My take on these two meltdowns is that Bresnahan did not put players in the right positions to utilize their strengths and abilities.  Putting that aside, in terms of personnel, I take away the following from these two plays which kept the Raiders from winning the AFC West:

• When the defense needed to make a big play, they just didn’t.

• McClain does not have adequate range for a starting MLB in a 4-3 defense.

• The communication on defense (especially between McClain and DBs) was poor.

DEFENSE

Given the lack of depth at LB, and the fact that both McKenzie and Allen have defensive backgrounds, I expect the Raiders to target a LB at #95.

At the combine, McKenzie spent time meeting with Sean Spence, a LB from U. of Miami.  By all accounts, he is a smart and intense player who is good in coverage and plays fast.  He is quick enough to play OLB in the 3-4 multiple defense that Allen wants to employ. If he isn’t drafted earlier, I think that the Raiders will jump at the chance to draft Spence at #95.

Audie Cole from NC State is another possibility.  This former Golden Gloves boxing champ is tough and smart (former high school QB), and his size (6’4″, 258 pounds) will enable him to play inside LB in a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme.  In a 3-4, he would free Rolando McClain up to do what he does best – attack the QB and stop the run.  Bobby Wagner of Utah State is another tough and instinctive ILB who will probably not make it into the 3^rd round.

At some point in the draft (possibly the later rounds), I expect the Raiders to draft a 3-4 NT to start building up the multiple defense that Allen envisions.  Josh Chapman of Alabama is an intriguing choice as he played in a 3-4 defense under Nick Saban, and he has the size and technique to be effective in the NFL.  Logan Harrell of Fresno State is a tough and physical 3-4 or 4-3 DE who will be available in the later rounds.

The Raiders addressed their secondary in free agency with the additions of CB Ron Bartell and CB Shawntae Spencer.  Those two CBs will be thrown into the mix in a secondary that includes second-year CBs Chimdi Chekwa and Demarcus Van Dyke, safeties Tyvon Branch, Michael Huff, Mike Mitchell, Matt Giordano, and under-the-radar free agent signees Pat Lee and Brandon Underwood. At a minimum, I expect at least one DB to be drafted, just for sake of depth and special teams play. Dwight Bentley from Louisiana-Lafayette is an interesting CB prospect.  He ran a 4.37 40 and played well in the Senior Bowl. With the focus on slot receivers these days (Welker, Collie, Harvin, et al), it is imperative that teams have a CB quick enough to cover this growing breed of small and agile slot WRs. Bentley could become that guy in the future.

OFFENSE

On offense, the focus will be on converting the team back to the zone-blocking scheme that Tom Cable and Greg Knapp brought with them in ‘07, and which Hue Jackson dismantled.

For illustration, here is a diagram of the movement of the offensive line in a zone-blocking scheme. It requires agile linemen and a decisive RB who is able to plant his foot in the ground and burst forward.

Perhaps the biggest free agent signing of the offseason was the signing of Mike Brisiel.  He played four seasons in the Houston Texans’ zone-blocking system, including two years with Offensive Coordinator Greg Knapp. It will be interesting to see how well Stefan Wisniewski adapts to the new system and a permanent move to center from left guard. McKenzie does not seem totally sold on the idea of moving him to center, “They want him to work at center, knowing he can play guard, but that won’t go away from us not being able to upgrade,” McKenzie told Jerry McDonald of the Oakland Tribune. “If we get another center, like, `we can’t pass on this center,’ then Wiz got to play guard.” In addition, the battle for the right tackle position could become a three-way if neither Khalif Barnes nor Joseph Barksdale seize the moment, and a drafted or undrafted rookie steps in and provides stability to a position that has been terribly weak in the recent past (Cornell Green, Langston Walker, Paul McQuistan).

An intriguing right tackle prospect that fits the new zone-blocking system is Nate Potter of Boise State. At 6’6” and 303 lbs., Potter is quick, has good feet, is able to get to the second level of the defense, and he pulls well.  Even if he doesn’t start at RT at first, he could be the solution to a position that has been a weak spot in the past.

If Wisniewski cannot hold down the center position, a potential option coming out of the draft is David Molk of U. of Michigan. Molk was a four-year starter at center at Michigan.  He may be undersized at 6’1”, 298 lbs. However, he gets good leverage and knows how to use his hands well.  If Molk is drafted by Oakland, he will probably stand in the wings unless Wisniewski falters at center and moves back to his natural position, left guard.

At running back, there is a common misperception that Darren McFadden cannot perform well in the zone-blocking system. This is completely false, as demonstrated by this perfectly executed off-tackle run from 2008 (the last time Knapp was the Offensive Coordinator):

Jamarcus Russell (you forget about him already?) is in the gun with split backs, McFadden and TE Zack Miller.  Chiefs are rushing 5 with two LBs 5 yards from the line of scrimmage.

After the handoff to McFadden, Miller gets around the end and seals the OLB, while Satele seals off the ILB (circled).  Defenders are being walled off to provide a path for McFadden, who is already at the line of scrimmage and has 2-3 yards of area in front of him before reaching the next defender. Notice how Tamba Hali (#91) and two other defenders are left behind and taken out of the play due to the deliberate straight-on and forward-moving style of the zone-blocking system.

Before you know it, McFadden is off to the races en route to a 51 yard running play.  Notice how Satele’s “screening off” of Derrick Johnson (#56) springs McFadden ahead of Johnson, in a foot race that McFadden will definitely win.

Here’s another play showing how McFadden’s quickness makes him effective in the ZBS:

It’s a pitch to McFadden with FB Justin Griffith (now the Raiders’ offensive quality control coach) lead blocking.  Notice how Satele (#64) has reached the second level before McFadden has even caught the pitch.

Griffith executes a perfect kick-out block as Cornell Green provides a crease for McFadden to burst through.  Notice how Gallery in frame #1 is untouched, and then in frame #2 has gone all the way to the right side (from his left guard position) and is in the process of preventing Derrick Johnson from making a play. McFadden will eventually burst past Brandon Carr (#39), who is smothered by Chaz Schillens.  Once again, this play shows that McFadden’s quickness is an asset in the ZBS because the system is predicated upon quickly blocking and then releasing a defender behind the play.

The only thing missing from the running game is a “move the sticks” short-yardage type of RB that Michael Bush was, on certain occasions. Robert Turbin of Utah State is a strong and compact RB (5’10”, 222 lbs.) with good speed.  If he is still there at #129, the Raiders will be inclined to select him. He would be the perfect complement to a fast backfield that includes McFadden, Taiwan Jones, Marcel Reese, and their new acquisition, Mike Goodson.

Lastly, the Raiders appear to be deep at WR (Denarius Moore, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Jacoby Ford, and Louis Murphy).  However, don’t rule out the possibility of them drafting a WR in the later rounds, if only to provide depth on special teams. Dwight Jones of North Carolina is a big, physical, and fast WR who can box out DBs.  Ryan Broyles of Oklahoma is another possibility as he has the tools to develop into a solid punt returner and slot receiver.

* * * * *

In conclusion, here are my predictions of Raiders’ selections in the 2012 NFL Draft:

3^rd Round – #95:  Sean Spence, LB, Miami

4^th Round – #129: Robert Turbin, RB, Utah State

5^th Round – #148: Josh Chapman, NT, Alabama

5^th Round – #168: Nate Potter, RT, Boise State

6^th Round – #189: Logan Harrell, DE, Fresno State

* * * * *

It’s the middle of May. This is the time of year when excitement starts to build for the upcoming NFL season.  Not this year.

Welcome to NFL offseason ’11.  Where minicamp sites are ghost towns, free agency is dormant, and legal terms like “decertification” and “injunction” dominate the news. If the work stoppage isn’t enough to kill off fan interest, then it will be the media’s unremitting use of legal terminology, without a basic explanation of what is being discussed.

For NFL fans that are lost on the legal process and where it is going, here is a brief and digestible breakdown.

Q.  What are the owners and players fighting over?

A.  How to split $9 billion in TV rights, merchandise sales, and other revenue.

Q.  What do the owners want?

A.  $2 billion off the top, with the remaining $7 million split up 58%-42% in favor of the owners.

Q.  What do the players want?

A.  Owners get $1 billion off the top, with the remaining $8 million divided up 60%-40% in favor of the players.

Q.  Why are they fighting over this now?

A. In 2008, the NFL owners opted to exercise an early termination clause in the six-year collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that was entered into in 2006.  In layman’s terms, the owners became unhappy with how much money was being shared with players under their existing CBA and had a right to end it one or two years early. Instead of ending the CBA two years early, just prior to the 2010 season, the owners stated a desire to negotiate with the player’s union through the 2010 season, and then, if no new agreement could be reached, they would terminate the CBA after the season ended, which is what they did.

Q.  Who represents the NFL players and owners?

A.  The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) was a labor union (now a “trade association”) that represented the interests of NFL players since 1968 until they voted to decertify it (see below). DeMaurice Smith is the NFLPA’s Executive Director. Because Smith continues to negotiate on the players’ behalf, even after the NFLPA was decertified, the NFL owners contend that the decertification was a “pretext” designed to evade the antitrust exemption that is afforded to employers in its negotiations and bargaining with unions.   For their part, the owners have a labor committee made up of 10 owners, and their commissioner, Roger Goodell, who was chosen for that position in 2006, shortly after the most recent CBA was agreed-upon.

Q.  Were efforts made to avoid a lockout and a court battle?

A.  Before the end of the 2010 season, negotiations were minimal. Lines were already drawn in the sand.  The players liked the terms of the existing CBA and didn’t want to change them. Owners asked for a more favorable split of revenues and proposed new terms, including a rookie wage scale and an 18-game regular season. In anticipation of a prolonged lockout, when the NFL negotiated contract extensions with TV networks, the final agreement provided for continuous payments to the owners in the event of a lockout. Meanwhile, in a landmark court decision, the United States Supreme Court held that the NFL consists of a “cartel” of 32 independent businesses subject to antitrust law, and that it should not be considered a single entity exempt from antitrust monopoly laws. This decision, in a case entitled, American Needle v. NFL, spurred talks by the players to decertify their union and pursue an antitrust action, in the event that negotiations on a new CBA broke down.

Q.  What events brought this dispute inside the courthouse?

A.  After sixteen days of negotiations before a federal mediator, and several extensions of the collective bargaining agreement, a deadlock was reached.  Once the agreement expired, the owners were expected to begin a lockout.  If a lockout began before the NFLPA was decertified, the players would be required, under federal law, to wait six months before they held a vote on decertification. Decertification was necessary for the players to bring a valid antitrust action due to the protections that an employer receives in its dealings with a labor union.  Therefore, on March 10, 2011, one day before the CBA expired, the players decertified the union as their sole bargaining unit and filed a class action suit on behalf of the players in District Court in Minnesota captioned, Brady v. National Football League. One day after the players filed suit, the owners locked out the players when the CBA expired.

Q.  What do the players ask for in this lawsuit?

In the lawsuit, the players ask the Federal Court to award them the amount of salary and benefits that they would have received but for lockout, and treble damages, or triple the amount of any damages awarded, which is a unique remedy that a court can be impose if it finds an antitrust violation.  In addition, there are requests for injunctive relief, or an order directing the NFL not to engage in certain conduct, like locking out the players, withholding money due to the players, and imposing “anticompetitive restrictions” such as a salary cap, franchise tags, and a college player draft.

Q.  Why was the case brought in Federal Court in Minnesota?

A.  Since the settlement of Reggie White v. NFL in 1993, and the CBA that arose out of that settlement, Honorable David Doty, a federal judge sitting in the Minnesota District Court, has been designated to preside over any labor dispute between the NFL owners and players.  Judge Doty is viewed as a pro-labor judge because he facilitated the signing of an agreement that led to unrestricted free agency.  In addition, he recent held that the owners violated the CBA by securing an agreement from television networks that would pay them, and not the players, in the event of a lockout. From a procedural standpoint, the antitrust case could be brought in federal court because it involves a federal question (antitrust law) and the NFL operates a business in Minnesota, i.e., the Minnesota Vikings.

Q.  What has happened so far in Brady v. NFL?

A.  The case was not assigned to Judge Doty, as was originally expected. It was randomly assigned to Judge Susan Nelson, who turned out to be just as good for the players. She immediately granted the players’ motion for a preliminary injunction enjoining the lockout, pending the outcome of the class action suit. In layman’s terms, the players successfully argued that they would suffer significant harm from having to forego playing football during a lockout.  The owners unsuccessfully argued that Judge Nelson had no right to stop a lockout until the National Labor Relations Board ruled on whether the players engaged in “sham bargaining” based on their plan to decertify and to file an antitrust lawsuit before the 2010 season ended.  In legal terms, Judge Nelson found that the Norris-Laguardia Act, which prevents a court from issuing an injunction in a labor dispute, did not apply to the players’ request to enjoin the lockout because they had effectively voted to decertify their union prior to bringing suit. Once the injunction was granted, the lockout was lifted – temporarily.

Q.  Did the NFL resume operations after the lockout was lifted?

A.  Not really. During the lockout, coaches and team officials were not allowed to communicate with any players. Additionally, team facilities were closed to the players. During the four days or so that the lockout was lifted, there was some communication between team officials and players, playbooks were given to some players, and a few teams opened their facilities briefly.  However, without a CBA governing league rules, it was a confusing period in which players arrived at team facilities and were turned away.

Q.  What caused the lockout to be reinstated?

After Judge Nelson lifted the lockout, the NFL owners immediately filed an appeal in the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, which handles all appeals from the Minnesota District Court.  The owners’ appeal included a petition for emergency relief to reinstate the lockout immediately, and then to issue a stay of Judge Nelson’s ruling until their appeal is argued. In consecutive 2-1 decisions, the Circuit Court granted the owners emergency relief and then issued a more permanent stay of Judge Nelson’s injunction until they decide whether Judge Nelson’s decision should be sustained or reversed.

Q.  What is going to happen next?

It is going to be interesting to see who prevails in this $9 billion game of chicken. On the one hand, the players have been dealt a staggering defeat by the Circuit Court that will likely be followed by a similar decision after oral argument is held on June 3.  If the lockout continues, the players face the prospect of living without a salary and benefits until the antitrust case is adjudicated, which could take 1-2 years. Although most players earn more than the $325,000 minimum salary, a freeze on salary and medical benefits will impact the standard of living of many players, especially if the lockout drags on into the regular season.  Also, as more time goes on, the players’ trust in each other and their leadership will be tested.  There is already a splinter group of players that are being represented by separate attorneys.  This plays into the hands of Roger Goodell’s divide-and-conquer strategy.

On the other hand, the NFL owners will have the upper hand as long as a lockout is in place. They will not have to pay players’ salaries and most non-players employees have taken significant pay cuts during the lockout.  In addition, they will not have to spend money on operating their facilities or renting equipment. Unlike past work stoppages, today’s owners consist of a group of billionaires whose underlying business operations will not be affected by the loss of football revenue. However, assuming the lockout stands, they still face a hostile trial judge in Judge Nelson, the withholding of their television revenue by Judge Doty, mounting legal costs, and the unfavorable holding in American Needle that holds the potential for a treble damages award against them. Both parties will continue to participate in mediation after the Court of Appeals hears oral argument in early June.

Q.  What is the likely result?

The owners, and the players more so, cannot afford to proceed down this road of litigation. Negative public perception and, most importantly, money, will likely lead to a new CBA being agreed-upon in July or August, the point at which one or both of the parties will rely on the prospect of losing upcoming regular season to extract favorable terms.  The final deal will probably incorporate many parts of the final proposal that the owners made when the NFLPA was decertified. Look for a new CBA with a rookie wage scale that splits revenues 50/50 and provides the owners with a small percentage of overall revenue (15% or less) off the top to cover stadium and marketing costs. The plan for 18-game season will likely be scrapped, more due to the public’s perception of concussions and injuries, than the owners’ willingness to make concessions. In the end, it is hard to see this dispute going the entire distance given the amount of money at stake ($2 billion loss to owners if season is lost) and the loss of fan interest and goodwill that a lost season would cause.

“Every disadvantage has its advantage” – Johan Cruijff

Anthony Robles embodies that quote like no one else.

Born without a right leg or hip, most people would say that Robles was born at a disadvantage. On March 21, Robles showed a national audience how a “disadvantage” can be transformed into an advantage.

With two crutches holding him up, Robles hobbles toward the mat to compete for the 2011 NCAA National Wrestling Championship at 125 pounds. His adversary, Matt McDonough of University of Iowa, the reigning champion at that weight class, waits anxiously as the crowd gives Robles a loud ovation.

A wrestling match starts with both wrestlers in a standing position facing each other in the middle of the mat.  The goal is to take your opponent down from a standing position and get behind him to score two points.  One of the classic standing moves is a double-leg takedown, where a wrestler crouches, pivots onto one knee and extends into the other wrestler’s legs, grabbing and lifting them, in an effort to throw his opponent to the ground. Another popular move is the single-leg takedown, which is very similar, except that it involves the grasping or clutching of one leg instead of two.

The match begins with Robles in a sprawled position, with one hand on the mat and the other hand reaching to lock-up.  A double-leg takedown is not possible against a wrestler with one leg. Stand-up moves are not an option either.  A “low” single-leg can be executed, but only if Robles’ opponent lowers his base and is able to break through Robles’ best defense, his tie-up strength. Predictably, McDonough goes right into a tie-up with Robles. McDonough is immediately overpowered by Robles, who bench-presses 305 lbs., or more than two and one-half times his body weight.

With Robles tightly squeezing McDonough’s wrists, McDonough plants his left foot opposite Robles’ missing right leg.  McDonough would ordinarily grab his opponent’s right ankle and then spin around to score two points.   In this match, however, he cannot execute that move. This causes him to slowly begin to lay stomach-first on the mat. Then, just forty seconds into the match, Robles scores two points as he uses his strength and McDonough’s unfamiliarity with him to execute a takedown.  In a few moments, Robles will use that strength to pull McDonough onto his back for two “back points,” and proceed to score two more back points later in the first period to go up 6-0.

Much is made in wrestling about weight. It is a belief or misconception, that a wrestler who drops down a weight class will be stronger than a wrestler in the weight class below. Wrestlers will do almost anything to “make weight,” whether it is wearing a wet suit in a sauna, repeatedly spitting in a cup, or piling on several layers of sweatshirts during drills. Cutting weight minutes before a match is not the best way to prepare to compete as it causes dehydration and saps energy levels.

Since his first year of college eligibility, Anthony Robles has remained in the 125 lb. weight class. Without a right leg or right hip, Robles is able to pack a disproportionate amount of bodyweight onto his upper body and left leg.  The difference in muscular development between Robles and McDonough is strikingly apparent.  More so is the large difference in strength as McDonough attempts to free his wrists from Robles’ vice-like hip – without any success.  The score then becomes 7-0 as McDonough, the wrestler on bottom, has not escaped for two consecutive minutes, leading the referee to award Robles one point for “riding time.”

A coin toss takes place after the first period.  The winner gets to choose one of three positions to start the second period; neutral (or standing position), top (holding the other wrestler’s elbow and stomach from a kneeling position), or bottom (in a kneeling position below the other wrestler). The winner of the coin toss will almost always choose to defer his choice until the third and final two-minute period, or take bottom because the most points can be scored that way through an escape (one point), a reversal (two points), or a combination of an escape, reversal, riding time, or back points.

Robles decides to begin the second period in a standing position.  This would be like a football team deciding to kick into the wind.  A takedown, riding time, or back points will result in McDonough scoring the most amount of points in comparison to any other starting position.  However, Robles is so confident that the reigning champion cannot execute any type of takedown from his sprawled position that he goes against all conventional wisdom in this national championship match. Sure enough, the score is still the same after the second period is completed: Robles 7, McDonough 0.

The third period begins with McDonough on top. His only hope is to turn Robles over for a pin or to string together enough back points to make up a seven-point deficit.  He furiously twists, pulls and pushes on Robles’ wrists to execute a cradle or any other move that will put Robles onto his back. With just two minutes left, Robles has the luxury of stalling by lying on his stomach and maneuvering away from McDonough’s desperate efforts.  The only penalty for doing this is one point – and that is after you are warned once.

To a casual observer, or someone who has no experience with wrestling, it is easy to come up with ways to put Robles on his back from a top position. Perhaps you can stand up and just flip him.  Of course, that would expose one or both of your ankles, leaving you susceptible to a two-point takedown.  Another idea is to put him in a headlock.  It is actually not a bad idea, as basic as it sounds. However, if you miss the headlock, Robles will be able to slide behind and automatically score a takedown. The other thought would to grab both of his arms and pull Robles onto his back. Easier said than done when you weigh 125 lbs. and you are trying to muscle an opponent with the strength of a 200 lb. wrestler.

With 15 seconds left in the match, Robles is a warned for a second time about stalling.  He yields one point.  The score is now 7-1. A shutout is no longer possible, but victory is only moments away. The roar of the crowd becomes progressively louder. The clock ticks down to zero…

Anthony Robles is now a National Champion.

He puts his hands on his head and buries his head in the mat.  Then he hops on one leg to the center of the mat where he shakes McDonough’s hand and raises both arms in victory.

In an interview immediately after the match, standing there with a crutch under each arm, Robles proudly says, “I came too far to lose.”

For many years, people will look back at this extraordinary story and discuss the remarkable courage, effort and determination that were necessary to overcome the challenges that Robles was born with.

What makes Robles the true champion of all champions, however, is his ability to turn a disadvantage into an advantage…

…And that is a lesson anyone with one or two legs can learn from.

When those college basketball tournament brackets get passed around your office next Monday, will you be looking for that extra tidbit of information that will have your coworkers’ money flowing into your pocket?  If so, then read further.

One player who could greatly tip the scales in favor of Duke advancing to the later rounds – or even winning the 68-team tournament – is Kylie Irving. Irving is Duke’s highly touted freshman point guard who is projected to be a top-3 selection in the 2011 NBA draft.  Due to a big toe injury, he has not played since December 4.  Nolan Smith has filled in admirably in Irving’s absence.  However, it is undeniable that Irving’s return would provide Duke with a significant lift in its quest to get past those pesky first round opponents and the tightly-contested games in the later rounds, where thrilling guard play often swings the momentum in the final moments.

So, the question is, what are the chances that Kyrie Irving will play for Duke in this year’s March Madness?

According to Dr. Michael Schwartz, an orthopedic surgeon, there is a reasonable chance that Kyrie will be healthy enough to play. It has previously been reported that Irving suffered a sprain of the big toe on his right foot.  Based on several reports, he had suffered a turf toe-type of injury, which is a hyperextension injury of the first metatarsal phalangeal joint (see image below).

Chris Collins, Duke’s Assistant Head Coach, has said that the injury involves both the ligament and the bone, which made it more severe than your typical turf toe injury. Irving sustained the right foot injury approximately three month ago. Dr. Schwartz believes that three months is a sufficient amount of time for a severe first toe sprain to heal adequately enough to consider a return to play. According to a recent ESPN report, Irving is now out of a protective boot and wearing sneakers.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=6182728

The biggest issue, according to Dr. Schwartz, is that he is probably wearing a hard sole orthotic insert his right shoe.  This would impede, to a certain extent, his cutting and jumping ability.  Also, since he has not played in a game in three months, his stamina and game conditioning may be an issue, especially in extended minutes. However, if he has been doing cardiovascular exercise during his time off the court, this should not be a big issue.  Ultimately, it will be up to Coach K to decide whether Irving plays or not.  Since it is a certainty that Irving will be a “one and done” player, and he will probably be ready to play when the tournament begins on March 15, the smart office pool player will consider the possibility of Irving’s return to the court prior to crossing Duke off in the next round.

The clock is ticking down to its last hour in the NFL-NFLPA negotiations.

The collective bargaining agreement is due to expire this Thursday, March 3.  Now, Adam Schefter of ESPN is reporting that the NFLPA will “decertify” prior to the expiration of the CBA: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=6161468

What does it mean to decertify?

In simple terms, a union can be decertified, or cease to exist as the exclusive bargaining unit for a group of employees, upon a special voting session.  Under the National Labor Relations Act, a decertification election may only take place after three years have elapsed on the current collective bargaining agreement, or within 60 prior the expiration of the CBA.  Here, the current CBA was signed in 2006 and provided for a six-year term.  Interestingly, in 2008, the NFL’s owners exercised its right to “opt out” of the existing CBA and shorten its length by one year.  This has resulted in the 2010 season being played without a salary cap and the expiration of the CBA after the 2011 season, rather than through 2012.  Therefore, the players are in compliance with NLRB rules by petitioning for a decertification election five years after the CBA was signed or, in the alternative, within 60 days of its expiration.

Under the National Labor Relations Act, if 30% or more of the employees in a bargaining unit sign a Decertification Petition, the National Labor Relations Board will conduct a secret ballot election to determine if a majority of the employees wish to decertify the union and stop it from exclusively representing employees in the negotiation of the terms and conditions of their job.  In his article, Adam Schefter is reporting that the players are in unanimous agreement that the union should be decertified prior to March 3.  Notably, under the terms of the existing CBA, if the union does not vote decertify by March 3, it then must wait 6 months to decertify.

Why would NFL players want to decertify their union?  More importantly, why is the leader of the players’ union, NFLPA executive director, DeMaurice Smith, encouraging members of his own union to disband it

First and foremost, if the union effectively decertifies, the NFL may be subject to a legal challenge of its monopoly powers under federal antitrust laws. Right now, negotiations between the NFL and the NFLPA are not within the reach of antitrust laws because union-management negotiations have a specific exemption.  However, once there is no union, there will be a heated debate as to whether the NFL owners form a monopoly that restrains business competition within the game of football.  The issue of whether the NFL’s 32 owners, as a group, can found in violation of federal antitrust laws was answered in the affirmative by the U.S Supreme Court in American Needle v. NFL, 538 F. 3d 736 (2010).  For more information on this decision, check out the Sports Illustrated article by my friend, Michael McCann: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/michael_mccann/05/24/nfl.antitrust/index.html.  If the players sue the league in federal court for violating antitrust laws, one of the remedies is a treble damages award (3x  amount of actual damages).

Second, decertification will prevent the NFL from locking out its players.  Once the union is decertified, the players will likely bring a lawsuit against the NFL and its owners requesting relief under the Sherman Antitrust Act, as well as an immediate preliminary injunction and a permanent injunction (during the pendency of the federal antitrust lawsuit) preventing a lockout. The injunction will neutralize the owners’ threats to lockout their players and prevent the owners from having exclusive control over the work stoppage.

Third, if the players unanimously agree to decertify their union, this will be a clear showing of solidarity in their battle with owners over a new CBA.  Without a showing of solidarity by the players, in the face of a prolonged work stoppage and a loss of significant income, the owners will have an advantage in negotiating favorable terms on key issues that are in play, including the revenue split between players and owners, a rookie wage scale and expanding to an 18-game season.

As of right now, there have been no media reports that the NFLPA has filed a decertification petition with the NLRB.  This would be the initial step in holding a decertification vote among the players.  This is something to keep an eye on in the        next 72 hours as the mediation process winds down.

The suicide of Dave Duerson once again brings attention to the serious issue of professional and amateur football players sustaining multiple concussions.

Duerson played 11 seasons in the NFL.  As a strong safety in their 46 defense, he played an integral role in the 1985 Chicago Bears’ championship season.  In 1990, he won another Super Bowl with the New York Giants.  He was a 4-time pro bowler who finished his career with the Arizona Cardinals in 1993.

Last Thursday, Duerson, age 50, committed suicide by shooting himself in the chest at his home in Miami.  Just prior to his death, Duerson sent text messages to his family members requesting that they donate his brain for NFL research. It is widely assumed that Duerson suffered multiple concussions during his college playing days at Notre Dame and throughout his NFL career.

In the coming weeks, it will be determined whether Duerson suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). CTE is a progressive degenerative disease that has been linked to individuals with a history of multiple concussions and other head injuries. Its most common symptoms are memory loss, aggression, confusion and depression.  The link between CTE and football first became publicized after the death of Andre Waters in 2006. Waters was a 44-year old ex-NFL player who also committed suicide. After his death, Waters’ brain was dissected and analyzed by Dr. Bennet Omalu, who determined that Waters’ brain tissue had degenerated to the point that it resembled the brain tissue of an 85-year-old man in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.  Omalu has opined that repeated contact from playing football caused Waters to suffer multiple concussions that ultimately caused him to develop signs and symptoms of CTE after his playing days, leading to severe depression and then suicide.

There is a long list of other football players and pro wrestlers who have been diagnosed posthumously with CTE: Chris Benoit (former WWE wrestler, suicide and double homicide); Andrew “Test” Martin (former WWE wrestler); Mike Webster (former Steelers player); Terry Long (former Steelers player).  At this time, there are over 250 current and former athletes who have agreed to donate their brains for the further study of CTE and its link to concussions and contact sports.

If, after studying his brain, scientists determine that Duerson developed CTE due to his football career, you should expect to hear the following arguments and questions raised by the media and the public:

• Should the game of football be banned?  In other words, if concussions are unavoidable, even with technological advances in playing equipment and stricter rules against headfirst contact, then is football an inherently hazardous activity that’s risks outweigh its utility as a spectator sport?
• What efforts are being made by designers and manufacturers to develop equipment that is better able to prevent concussions in football players?
• What is the scientific basis behind the NFL’s concussion protocol and is it appropriate to prevent present and future players from developing CTE?
• What further changes, if any, will the NFL institute to its game rules to protect its players from suffering concussions and head trauma?
• Is the NFL and/or NFLPA doing enough to provide retirees with medical care and counseling on brain injuries and other football-related injuries?

When the dust settles on the Carmelo Anthony to the Knicks trade, the Knicks starting five will take on a drastically different look.

Let’s take a look at the Knicks’ retooled starting lineup:

PG:  Chauncey Billups

Obviously, the first thing that comes to mind when you look at the exchange of Felton for Billups is age. After all, in Raymond Felton, the Knicks have just traded away a 26-year old point guard who was posting career highs in points (17.1 ppg) and assists (9 apg) in the Mike D’Antoni offense.  Age, however, has not impacted the performance of Billups, who will be 35 years old in September.  This season, he has exceeded his career averages in points (16.5 ppg/15.5 career) and 3-point shooting (.441%/.391% career). More importantly, Billups has proven to be durable over time as he has not started less than 70 games since being traded to Detroit in 2002.  Therefore, age will not be an issue, assuming the Knicks can sign a young free agent point guard by 2012 or 2013.  In theory, the integration of Billups into the Mike D’Antoni offense should be seamless. First off, Billups is familiar with Mike D’Antoni and Amare Stoudamire due to the time that they spent together on the Redeem Team (although Billups did not play in the 2008 Olympic games).  Also, with Carmelo also coming over in this trade, Billups has a wing player who he has played with for the past 2½ seasons. In a game against the Knicks last season, Anthony and Billups became just the third duo in NBA history to score at least 50 and 30 points, respectively. On a young team, Billups’ experience, winning background (2004 NBA final MVP), and his leadership will be very useful in big games, including the playoffs.  Lastly, Billups will upgrade the Knicks’ backcourt defense as he consistently ranks among the best defensive point guards. Barring injury, Billups will most likely be the Knicks’ starting point guard until 2012, when Chris Paul and Deron Williams become free agents.

2010-2011 Salary:  Billups: $13,150,000 (Felton: $7,500,000)

2011-2012 Salary:  Billups: $14,200,000 (Felton: $7,500,000)

SG:   Landry Fields

According to several reports, the Knicks were completely unwilling to part with him in trading for Carmelo Anthony.  Fields has shown great all-around skills during his rookie season.  He has been a solid scorer (10.1 ppg), rebounder (7.1 rpg) and defender. The Billups-Fields tandem will provide the Knicks with a formidable backcourt that will match up well with other Eastern Conference playoff contenders, including Boston’s backcourt.

2010-2011 Salary:  $473,604

2011-2012 Salary:  $788,872

SF:   Carmelo Anthony

Following the boilerplate for success, with Anthony, the Knicks now have two of the three superstars that they need to win an NBA title.  Expect Anthony to score lots of points in the run-and-gun D’Antoni offense.  Right now, he is 6^th in scoring at 25.2 ppg.  It would not be surprising if he were at or near the top of the NBA at season’s end, especially with Billups still feeding him the ball in comfortable spots.  Anthony’s mid-range shooting and slashing style will enhance Amare Stoudamire’s ability to score in the post and under the basket.  Additionally, with teams doubling Anthony, Stoudamire will have more room to make moves in the paint and to get offensive rebounds, which was a weakness with Danilo Galinari at small forward.  Overall, the addition of Carmelo Anthony will improve almost every aspect of the Knicks’ offense (transition, penetration, spacing), rebounding (7.6 rpg), and defense, to the extent that D’Antoni decides to put some emphasis into defending the rim.

2010-2011 Salary:  $17,149,243

2011-2012 Salary:  $18,500,000

PF:  Amare Stoudamire

Amare Stoudamire now has a co-star and a veteran point guard to bolster his MVP season with the Knicks.  It is possible that his minutes (36.8 mpg) will go down now that D’Antoni can put a scorer on the floor while Stoudamire is on the bench.  This would prevent Stoudamire’s knees from wearing down and keep him fresh for the playoff.  However, if the Celtics falter, and Knicks make a run for the top spot in the Eastern Conference, it is possible that Stoudamire’s minutes will be the same or exceed his first half average, especially with the lack of big men on the Knicks roster.  Barring injury, expect Stoudamire and Anthony to form an impressive frontcourt tandem competes favorably with the Celtics, Magic and Bulls.

2010-2011 Salary:  $16,500,000

2011-2012 Salary:  $18,232,500

C:   Ronny Turiaf

Turiaf bring toughness, energy and excitement.  However, he is not a proven starting center in the NBA and he was injured (ankle injury) during the first half of the season.  Although Timofey Mozgov was not overly impressive as a rookie, he did provide size and decent quickness for a big man when he was in the Knicks lineup.  It will be interesting to see if the Knicks sign a pure center or trade for one now that their depth at that position has been depleted.

2010-2011 Salary:  $4,000,000

2011-2012 Salary:  $4,360,000

16 seasons, 240 wins, 19 post-seasons wins…

Will that be enough to get Andy Pettite into the Hall of Fame? Probably not, for the following reasons:

1. Pettite never won a Cy Young award

Many pundits will argue that Andy Pettite is not a Hall of Famer because he is not a member of the 300-win club. That argument is refuted by the long list of Hall Famers who did not win 300 games…Whitey Ford, Catfish Hunter, Juan Marichal, et al…

The more likely reason for Pettite to be excluded from the Hall of Fame is that he never won a Cy Young award…Surprisingly, despite having two 20-win seasons, one with the Yankees in 1996 and then another with the Astros in 2003, Pettite came close, but never won a Cy Young award (2nd place in 1996). When you run down the list of Hall of Fame pitchers with less than 300 wins, very few went through their entire careers without winning at least one Cy Young award. Yes, Bert Blyleven, who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame as a member of the 2011 class, never won a Cy Young award. However, a closer look beyond his mediocre win-loss records (287-250) shows us that his aggregate statistics in strikeouts (3701, 5th all-time) and shutouts (60, 9th all-time) gave him that extra push that Pettite will not get from those statistics as he ranks 48th all-time in strikeouts and he had just 4 shutouts over 16 seasons.

2. Pettite’s admitted use of human growth hormone

It is an established fact and Pettite has openly admitted that he took human growth hormone in 2002…http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3156305

With that admission, skepticism is likely to be raised over the 21-win season that he had in 2003. In addition, he had remarkable durability from 2005-2009, a time span in which he never started less than 32 game. This followed a 2004 season with just 15 starts after underwent surgery on his right elbow at the age of 32…and Pettite has admitted to using human growth hormone in 2004 also…

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/spring2008/news/story?id=3251828

So, if you take away all of the wins from Pettite’s “rebirth” after the 2004 season (a total of 74 wins), Pettite’s career stats do not amount to Hall of Fame-type numbers.

3. Does Mike Mussina get into the HOF also?

Pettite will likely be under consideration for the Hall of Fame at the same time that Mike Mussina is still being mulled over by the voters…Mussina won 30 more games than Pettite and had 2 more all-star appearances. If Pettite gets in, then Mussina should get in…and when was the last time that Mussina was mentioned as a Hall of Famer?

What are your thoughts, comments, etc?