FIVE QUICK HOOPS THOUGHTS 1. CARMELO ANTHONY: As Knicks fans worry about the potential departure with his decision to opt out, I see this as a blessing in disguise. As currently constructed, the Knicks have NO shot at being a legitimate contender. Yes. The organization gave up a kings ransom to get a major Asset yet when you reflect on his time in NY hes been a terrific scoring talent and theyve had their share of ups and downs and in his defense - not all his fault. He is what he is at this stage of his career -- a brilliant scorer who plays very hard on the offensive end of the court. In the end, sometimes in sports, business and life the best strategy is to cut your losses and move on. With Tyson Chandler, Amare Stoudemire and Andrea Bargnani all off the books next season, it allows president Phil Jackson to shape the organization in his image which is the right move. The key is to avoid all the noise from the NY media with demands to go for Big Name $$ Quick Fixes and make thoughtful basketball decisions. This organization tries too often to Win the Back Page rather than do whats smart. Yes, a terrific talent could walk out the door for little or nothing yet in 12 months you get to truly build the right foundation for long term success. Good common sense. 2. CHICAGO BULLS: Youll hear their name lots in the next 10 days when Melos name comes up and if I were Melo this makes complete sense to me as long as hes willing to take a pay cut that he can earn some back in quality endorsements if hes a significant piece on a major-league winning team in Chicago. Against the Knicks, a quick comparison: Money: NY, ownership: Chicago…. not close, management: Chicago…. Sorry, but Phil Jackson has never been a president/GM, coach: Chicago…. not close, team talent level: Chicago. If Derrick Rose can even get back to being 80 per cent of what he was, this is a nice edge. In my mind, the Bulls make the most sense if -- and its a big IF -- hes willing to sacrifice. Hell be held totally accountable here on a daily basis. No nonsense. Defining moment for him in his career. 3. KEVIN LOVE: Where there is smoke …. If Im the TWolves, I move him as soon as I can and get on with the business of reshaping my team while his value is at its highest. Many folks say wait until the trade deadline, yet Im not sure youll get better than the next few weeks. I think you owe it to yourself and your fans to cut the cord as soon as you can. Believe me; if they really want him, theyll blink and offer you close (not all) of what you want. Be proactive. In 12 months, hell be out the door. Deal with it and rid yourself of the drama. Terrific talent, yet hes got you to how many playoff appearances? Sure, the other 14 teammates matter a whole lot in the Western Conference but its time to be realistic and based upon your market build a team rather than the concern with having name guys. 4. ZACH RANDOLPH (Grizzlies): Trying to get an extension worked out in Memphis. Makes perfect sense to me. All the guy does is produce and hes done it in the context of winning/playoffs. A double-double machine who is one of the toughest covers in the league, hes been very good for you. A piece you cant lose. If the term and money make sense, do it. 5. JOEL EMBIID: Feel awful for this young man. Watching him play this year at the University of Kansas hes an intriguing talent with loads of major potential that I love. On the other hand, with some teams freaked out by the injuries to bigs like Sam Bowie and Greg Oden over the years with the complete - and I mean complete - change in the way the NBA game is played on the perimeter it might benefit him to fall a bit to a team that will be patient with him and allow him to work his way in at the right pace as a rookie. Hes got a chance to be very good, yet in a different league that bigs came into 20 years ago. If he drops a bit, someones going to be quite lucky if he holds up physically. Risk vs. Reward. Can change in a very positive way or end some careers with this pick. Will be interesting to watch unfold. Soccer Jerseys China . TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie tweeted on Monday that Hemsky will be going to market as an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Cheap Soccer Jerseys . The mood in Seattle was electrified as the parade featuring the NFL champions began near the Space Needle and made its way to CenturyLink Field, the home of the team. At a ceremony inside the stadium, the team thanked its loyal followers -- the 12th Man -- capping a day of boisterous celebration that drew an estimated 700,000 revelers to Seattle. https://www.soccerjerseyschina.us/. Masahiro Tanaka has touched down in the United States and the courting of the Rakuten Golden Eagles stud pitcher has begun in earnest by a bevy of MLB teams interested in the Japanese ace. Clearance Soccer Jerseys . Unfortunately for Toronto, that surge was too much to handle as the Stars scored six straight goals and ended the Marlies season with a 6-2 victory on Tuesday. Toronto had built a 2-0 lead on goals by Frazer McLaren and Peter Holland, but Texas charged back with a wild rally late in the second period to spark its trip to the Calder Cup final. Replica Soccer Jerseys .com) - Demario Richard posted four touchdowns and Kweishi Brown came up with a key late interception as No.Who will rock the house at TSNs signature curling event? Vote for your favourite Canadian mens curlers at TSN.ca/CurlingSkins - with the Top 16 curlers earning a ticket to Banff, Alta. to compete in the TRAVELERS ALL-STAR CURLING SKINS GAME Presented by Pintys, running Jan. 11-12, 2014 live on TSN. From Nov. 12 to Dec. 8, fans can visit TSN.ca/CurlingSkins to vote for their favourite Canadian mens curlers at each position - skip, third, second, and lead. This years expanded All-Star ballot consists of players from the Top 12 teams from across the country as ranked by the Canadian Curling Association for the 2012-13 season. The ballot is comprised of the following 48 curlers: SKIP, THIRD, SECOND, LEAD Brad Gushue, BJ Neufeld, Adam Casey, Ben Hebert Brad Jacobs, Brett Gallant, Brent Laing, Craig Savill Glenn Howard, David Nedohin, Carter Rycroft, Dallan Muyres Jean-Michel Ménard, John Morris, Colin Mitchell, David Mathers Jeff Stoughton, Jon Mead, Colton Flasch, Denni Neufeld Jim Cotter, Kirk Muyres, E.J. Harnden, Geoff Walker John Epping, Martin Crête, Éric Sylvain, Mark Nichols Kevin Koe, Patt Simmons, Marc Kennedy, Nolan Thiessen Kevin Martin, Ryan Fry, Matt Wozniak, Philippe Ménard Mark Kean, Scott Bailey, Pat Janssen, Rick Sawatsky Mike McEwen, Travis Fanset, Reid Carruthers, Ryan Harnden Steve Laycock, Wayne Middaugh, Tyrel Griffith, Tim March Event Format The Top 16 curlers will then be drafted into four All-Star teams in a special outdoor broadcast from Banff on Friday, Jan.dddddddddddd. 10 at 8pm et on TSN2. The four All-Star teams will compete for $100,000 in total prize money during the TRAVELERS ALL-STAR CURLING SKINS GAME, airing live on TSN from The Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre in Banff National Park on Jan. 11-12. Similar to previous TSN curling skins games, the TRAVELERS ALL-STAR CURLING SKINS GAME uses a single-elimination format whereby the winner is decided by total prize money and not total points throughout the two-day event. Sponsors The events slate of key partners includes title sponsor Travelers, presenting sponsor Pintys, as well as official partners Rimrock Resort Hotel, Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA), Natures Path, and Banff/Lake Louise Tourism. ' ' '