NBA Trade Deadline, Tiger Back

Much hype, no action. Amare was supposed to leave Phoenix, Vince Carter was supposed to leave New Jersey and even Shaq was rumored to be shopped, and nothing big went down.

I think two things played into a fairly dead trade deadline in the NBA.

1. Teams are setting themselves up for the free agent class of 2010
2. The status of the economy in the U.S is taking its toll on the NBA.

The most interesting rumor all day was Shaq to Cleveland for Sasha Pavlovich and Wally Sczerbiak. Well, the deal didn't happen, here is what did.

1.The Bulls and Knicks cleared contracts to put themselves in position to land Lebron in 2010.
2.The Hornets put themselves in a bad position. Oklahoma City's doctor who examined Tyson Chandler after he was aquired from New Orleans recently, notified the team to send him back to New Orleans because of a bad toe. Ironically enough, this was the same doctor who did surgery on Chandler's toe earlier in his career. As a result of this, Tyson Chandler who is a very respectable big man, has to return to New Orleans knowing the team had previously dealt him. Bottom line, there could be some hard feelings that could lead to some chemistry issues in New Orleans.
3.Orlando aquired PG Raefer Alston from Houston in a 3 team deal. This trade wasn't a blockbuster, however it did keep Orlando's contention hopes on life support. The team needed a PG after Jameer Nelson went down. Recently the Magic aquired Tyrone Lue, with all due respect he is not the guy to lead that team to any type of run in the playoffs. By aquiring Alston, the Magic atleast have a respectable point guard that will keep fans interested in Orlando's chances.
4.Phoenix didn't do anything. The Suns are living in a dream world if they think a coaching change and two blowout wins against the Clippers are suddenly going to make them a contender in the west.

Sticking with the NBA, Rockets Head Coach Rick Adelman has to be pissed. He learned Tracy McGrady was going to be out for the season by reading the morning newspaper. T-Mac has been around long enough to let the orginization know about his condition before he passes the info off to the media. I think T-Mac is about done with his career, he will of course play again but never be what he once was.

Tiger Woods has announced on his website that he will return to the PGA Tour next week. Woods will play in World Match Play Championship that begins on the 25th.

OF Ken Griffey Jr. passed up on joining the Atlanta Braves and rejoined the Seattle Mariners. Seattle has a terrible team and Griffey has had some bad luck since leaving Seattle. Hopefully this reunion will boost both the Mariners and Griffey.

NFL teams are beginning to place the hated "Franchise Tag" on its players. One man who is not happy is Carolina's Julius Peppers. Peppers had demanded a trade after the Panthers tagged him and Carolina can't afford to lose him.

Titans' DL Albert Haynesworth is entering free agency. Don't be surprised if this defensive standout lands in Denver. The Broncos just axed half their defense and have a great need for a real defensive lineman.

I don't touch on the NHL much, but Alexander Ovechkin's goal last night was absolutely amazing. Ovechkin now has 42 goals and is leading the Washington Capitals to a possible Cup.

Picks....3-1 last night. How does Providence have a 1 point halftime lead at Louisville while shooting 75 % and end up losing by 18? Anyway, I'm now 47-22-1 Against the Spread.

NBA

Boston -1 @Utah

NCAAM

Duke -10 1/2 @ St. John's