Does AI trade put Pistons past Celtics???

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Greg Oden out 2-4 weeks...

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Top 10 Sophmores

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1. Kevin Durant, Thunder I'm not expecting Durant's scoring numbers to jump nearly as much as his overall efficiency and productivity. Yes, he could average close to 25 points per game -- which would be impressive -- but doing so while rebounding better, defending with more purpose and getting more buckets inside the paint will establish Durant as a true future star. Building on this past April's play would be a good start. 2. Al Horford, Hawks As a basketball player, Horford looks like he's 22 going on 30. Showing polish and poise, he shocked nobody when he averaged a double-double against the Celtics in the playoffs. And he still can improve a great deal as a scorer. Late touches in the shot clock could be in store for him this season, and an improved jumper means he can space the floor better for Atlanta's slashers. 3. Luis Scola, Rockets No team showed more heart and grit than Houston did in its six-game series against Utah. And Scola was a big factor in that effort. His numbers never tell the whole story; he truly is one of the game's best "team guys" -- his spirit infects those around him. However, his playing time could be affected if Houston goes small and plays Ron Artest inside. 4. Al Thornton, Clippers With the Clippers' roster changes and injuries, Thornton might give Durant a run for the sophomore scoring title. He progressed nicely last season and has the three tools I love to see in players -- shooting skill, terrific athleticism and a huge motor that he uses every night. However, he does need to drive more and take fewer jump shots. 5. Rodney Stuckey, Pistons This might be too high on the list for a non-starter, but Stuckey performed so well in the playoffs and summer league that he should see major minutes on a team that needs young legs. He can help the Pistons on both sides of the court but needs to add consistency to his perimeter jumper to reach the next level of his development. 6.Thaddeus Young, 76ers Young's athleticism and feel for the game are so much fun to watch; he's truly a natural out on the court. Moving to the small-forward spot full time will force him to be more focused on what made him so good last season -- mixing his inside game alongside his perimeter one. He took 54 percent of his shots near the rim and should aim for a 50-50 balance again this season. 7. Mike Conley, Grizzlies Going into the offseason, Conley knew he had to improve his jumper to be a more balanced offensive player. Indications are that he indeed has gotten better as a shooter, although there is little doubt he will have to prove it over and over again as the season begins. Conley's overall effectiveness should be greatly enhanced this season as a full-time starter. He teams with O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay to form an incredibly active perimeter trio. 8. Carl Landry, Rockets Landry likely would be higher on this list were it not for the glut of talent around him in the Rockets' frontcourt. He's a do-it-all type of scorer, and despite being labeled as "undersized" for his position, he attempted to dunk on 26 percent of his field goal attempts. (Dwight Howard was at 30 percent.) Landry also personifies -- alongside fellow soph Scola -- a unique brand of incredible toughness within 6 feet of the rim on both sides of the ball. 9. Jeff Green, Thunder The Thunder might see improvement only if Green makes a big jump in production. He settled for far too many outside shots last season with too few makes (similar to Durant). But he finished the season strong and occasionally dominated Orlando's summer league in July. The talent is there. He'd be better served by focusing on defense and rebounding, though, where he has the ability and agility to be excellent. 1 0.Julian Wright, Hornets As I stated at the end of last season, no rookie improved more during the season than Wright. He's not someone who is going to put up huge numbers, maybe ever, but his presence is felt nonetheless. And if Wright somehow can provide more production as a scorer/rebounder and on defense, he could be the catalyst (along with James Posey) the Hornets need to push through into the Finals

Top 10 Rookies

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1. Greg Oden, Trail Blazers Oden has played just OK in the preseason, which is to be expected due to his long layoff and the type of knee surgery he's coming back from. But if the NBA's Most Improved Player award was based on in-season play as opposed to play from one season to the next, I think Oden would be the favorite. When his mind and body catch up to the speed of the game, he should be a monster every night. 2. Michael Beasley, Heat Scoring has always been easy for Beasley, and I suspect it always will be. He has the best combination of feel, skills and body in this rookie class. As his effort and awareness on defense grow, so, too, will his minutes. He's the favorite for Rookie of the Year, without a doubt. 3. Marc Gasol, Grizzlies A stat stuffer, Gasol should get as many starts as any rookie playing in the frontcourt. He can score inside and rebound. He has quick hands and an active mind. I also love his passing ability and craftiness on defense. His experience playing high-level basketball in Spain is an advantage, too. 4. O.J. Mayo, Grizzlies Of all the rookies who are expected to play a lot of minutes this season, I think Mayo will experience the biggest roller-coaster ride. He is a dynamic player on both sides of the court, but because he relies so much on his jumper on offense, he will surely endure some very low points totals to go along with some huge scoring nights. If he learns to change speeds better and earns more trips to the free-throw line, he'll jump a level from very good to great. 5. Kevin Love, Timberwolves Love was acquired by the Wolves based more on talent and less on fit, so it's going to take time to create a good situation for him in Minnesota, which is loaded with beefy inside players. His strong hands will enable him to grab rebounds and score effectively inside. However, he has not been much of an enforcer, defensively. Still, I like his upside on D, where he can learn to use his excellent feel -- and, hopefully, a soon-to-be-leaner body -- to cover ground more quickly. 6. Derrick Rose, Bulls The logjam at the guard position in Chicago suggests that, in the short term, Rose might not see huge minutes. But he has shown improvement at handling ball screens (on offense), and his body control on at-the-rim finishes is already at a high level. He looks to score more than I expected, but should be very effective in that role. He can really be a punishing point guard due to his size and strength. 7. Rudy Fernandez, Trail Blazers In just his second NBA preseason game, Fernandez tallied 15 points, five rebounds, seven assists, six steals and six turnovers. Assuming he comes off the bench this season, that's the definition of an energy guy. And with Martell Webster out for an extended period of time, Fernandez has the chance to play a lot more, and maybe even start. He is a do-it-all type of pro that will be a difference-maker on offense and defense. 8. Russell Westbrook, Thunder Westbrook figures to get serious playing time right away, despite a far-from-ready offensive game. He was drafted because of his defensive talents and his ability to complement Kevin Durant and Jeff Green. And because he's a winner. Although he will suffer through some real struggles, especially as a shooter, the Thunder want him to develop into a future starter, so playing time is mandatory. 9. Eric Gordon, Clippers The Clippers will utilize this scoring dynamo off the bench. He looks similar to Ben Gordon, not just in size and position but in how he can impact games. While he often looks to shoot -- he is far from knowledgeable about the term "good shot" -- it is his slashing talent that could earn him a future Sixth Man Award. He is tough to stay in front of, and has the strength to finish at the rim amid contact. 10. Brook Lopez, Nets Lopez has the game to make an impact on several fronts. He has shown he can rebound in this league, and has always been a scorer. He has also made some plays on defense in the preseason. With New Jersey's questionable frontcourt (due to injuries and such), Lopez may earn solid time off the bench

McAllister, Smith, Grant, Texans' Pittman among players testing positive

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Three members of the New Orleans Saints -- running back Deuce McAllister and defensive ends Will Smith and Charles Grant -- are among a number of NFL players confirmed to have tested positive under the NFL's steroid policy, ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen reports. Mortensen confirmed through league and union sources on Saturday that the number of pending cases on the positive tests in violation of the steroids policy is eight. Sources also have confirmed for Mortensen that four of the eight have tested positive for the diuretic Bumetanide, which belongs to a subset of medicines known as water pills that enable users to lose weight , but it is unclear who those four players are. Mortensen also confirmed that Houston Texans long snapper Bryan Pittman is among those players to test positive for using a weight-loss supplement. The positive tests for McAllister and Smith were initially reported by Fox 31-Denver. Grant's positive test was first reported by the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Pittman is expected to appeal the findings of his test and has hired attorney David Cornwell to represent him in the process. In a statement to the Houston Chronicle on Friday, Cornwell said, "Bryan did everything humanly possible to comply with the NFL steroid policy, including obtaining doctors' written authorization to take weight-loss medication. He did not use steroids." Cornwell told Mortensen he has been retained by "a number of players" to represent them in the NFL appeals process, but Cornwell wouldn't identify those players or the exact number he will represent. "The recent reports about pending appeals by players who are alleged to have used weight loss supplements reflect the most egregious violation of the NFL steroid policy," Cornwell said in his statement. "The foundation of the policy is both a player's right to appeal and an absolute right to confidentiality. By leaking this story, the 'source' is clearly attempting to put their thumb on the scale of justice and harm these men." On Saturday, Cornwell issued another statement calling on the league to revoke the Fox-31 reporter Josina Anderson's "credentials and access to NFL games and other league events until she discloses her source." Smith's listed agent, Joel Segal, was not immediately available to comment, according to Fox 31-Denver. A representative for McAllister's agent, Jim Steiner, said the agent would call that station back. Under the NFL's steroid policy, a player's first positive test results in a four-game suspension. McAllister and Smith both practiced Friday morning at the Saints' hotel in Watford, England; they are preparing for Sunday's game against San Diego in London. Saints spokesman Greg Bensel, who is with the team in London, said drug testing is a league matter and the team would have no immediate comment. NFL spokesman Michael Signora, who is in London, said the league will not comment.

Steelers deactivate Santonio Holmes for Sunday's game.

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Ohio State vs Penn State:Who you got???

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Steelers vs Giants:Is this a Super Bowl Preview?And who you got???

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Better Team this year:Bobcats or Knicks???

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Tony Romo says he will not play Sunday vs Bucaneers and could miss game vs.Giants

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Browns shock Giants 35-14...

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Shaun Alexander may sign with Redskins...

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Which game suprised you the most on Sunday???

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Kurt Warner says he thought about retiring after blaming himself for throwing ball too high on Anquan Boldin hit.Was it really his fault???

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No matter what anyone says about T.O. he's a hardworker and one of the greatest of all-time...He's a different personality in sports that hasn't been seen,and no matter if you like him,you have to respect him.

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Eagles' Westbrook leaves with bum ankle; McNabb returns after chest injury

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PHILADELPHIA -- Eagles running back Brian Westbrook strained his ankle in Philadelphia's 15-6 win over Pittsburgh on Sunday and will have an MRI on Monday. Eagles coach Andy Reid said X-rays on the ankle were negative but the team would do more tests. Westbrook did not speak with reporters but was on crutches in the locker room after the game. Westbrook appeared to get hurt while hurdling a teammate on a 2-yard run early in the second period. He limped off the field and was attended to on the sideline before walking to the locker room. He did not return. The Eagles scored on the possession, with backup running back Correll Buckhalter hurdling a defender to get into the end zone after taking a pass from Donovan McNabb. But McNabb remained in the locker room after halftime with a chest injury, then returned to play in the third quarter. Reid said McNabb bruised his chest when he was landed on earlier in the first half. "He was stiff a bit," Reid said. "He was in some pain." Reid said he did not expect the injury to hinder McNabb any further. "I'm sure he'll be sore, but I think he'll be all right. He's not going to be going out and doing any gardening tomorrow." McNabb was replaced by second-year backup Kevin Kolb. McNabb returned to the sideline and briefly warmed up before re-entering the game with 9:17 to go in the third. He completed a 5-yard pass to Buckhalter on his first play back. McNabb was 16-for-19 for 147 yards with one touchdown and one interception in the first half. Without Westbrook and with McNabb hurting, the offense sputtered in the second half. McNabb was 8-for-16 for 49 yards after halftime. The offense produced only three second-half points on a field goal set up by a Steelers turnover.

The Dolphins stunned my Pats 2day...Hats off to em.Ronnie Brown played awesome.

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Will the Chargers pull together a win against the Jets???

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Jackson 'not even worried about' gaffe at the goal line

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PHILADELPHIA -- Next time DeSean Jackson is racing toward the end zone, the rookie wide receiver should tuck the ball tightly under his arm, take it with him to the sideline and put it away for safekeeping. Jackson Jackson's superb start with the Philadelphia Eagles -- he became the second player in NFL history to have 100 yards receiving in each of his first two games -- has been overshadowed by a colossal goof in a 41-37 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night. Midway through a wild second quarter, Jackson sprinted past defenders, caught Donovan McNabb's long pass in stride and was on his way to a 61-yard touchdown reception. Eager to celebrate his first TD, Jackson casually flicked the ball backward before crossing the goal line. By the time he finished his dance, the Cowboys were calling for a review. The touchdown was overturned, but the Eagles got the ball at the 1. Brian Westbrook made the mistake forgivable by scoring to give the Eagles a 27-21 lead. Still, Jackson took a lot of grief this week for the careless play. It didn't help that a record audience watched the game on television. "I had a lot of people messing around with me about it, but I'm just going to move on with it," Jackson said. "I've got a lot more football to play. I'm just not even worried about it." No doubt coaches and veteran players scolded Jackson, who should've known better because he made a similar gaffe in a 2005 high school all-star game. That time, the showboating Jackson spread his arms for a swan dive into the end zone, only to land at the 1. "For your first touchdown, that's not how you want to be remembered," McNabb said. "It was a rookie mistake. I don't expect that to happen again, and I'm pretty sure it won't. It was a great play, overall, and we, hopefully, look for more plays like that to happen." The speedy-but-diminutive Jackson -- he's generously listed at 5-foot-10 and 175 pounds -- was selected with the 49th overall pick in the second round of the draft. He was expected to make more of an immediate impact as a punt returner than receiver, but injuries to starters Kevin Curtis and Reggie Brown gave Jackson a chance. So far, he's made the most of it. Jackson leads the team with 12 catches for 216 yards. He also has a 60-yard punt return. Don Looney is the only other player to open his career with consecutive 100-yard games, doing it for Philadelphia in 1940. "I definitely look back at the people to come out of college that come to the NFL, like Adrian Peterson and Marshawn Lynch, their (transition) was good," Jackson said. "So, I feel confident about myself. I feel if they can do it, I can do it, too. I just prepare myself with the right mentality and came in and was willing to work." For a little guy, Jackson has a lot of confidence. He walks around with a Terrell Owens-type swagger, minus T.O.'s bulging muscles and pedigree. Coach Andy Reid talked about keeping Jackson humble more than once in training camp. He wouldn't say what he told Jackson after the silly fumble. "I'm not going to get into all that," Reid said. Jackson isn't worried about the perception he's become too cocky too soon. "I've got a job to do -- that's to go play football," he said. "We've got games to win, the Super Bowl, it's all of that. All the other stuff, you just leave that alone and keep playing football." Jackson had a standout career at California. He caught 162 passes for 2,423 yards and 22 TDs in 36 games, and returned six punts for scores. Before the draft, Jackson worked out with Jerry Rice for two months. Rice tutored Jackson on running routes, advised him on the challenge of playing at the next level and stressed the importance of studying his playbook and keeping his body healthy. But Jackson's size probably prevented him from being a first-round pick. That put a huge chip on his slight shoulders. Now he's making teams regret passing on him. "He got his opportunity and has made the most of it up to this point," offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said. "He's a natural player. He's smart. He's got instincts. He normally does the right thing. He normally catches the ball pretty well. He'll get better at that. He's put all of that together here early. Now, the challenge is playing at a high level on a consistent basis every play, every game." And keeping the ball snugly in his possession as he heads into the end zone.

Bush, Celtics celebrate team's 17th NBA title at White House

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WASHINGTON -- President Bush on Friday welcomed the Boston Celtics to the White House to celeberate the team's 17th NBA championship, declaring "Celtic pride is back." Bush saluted Celtics' captain Paul Pierce, who led the team to a title and was MVP of the finals despite suffering a knee injury early in the series. "Playing hurt in a championship game is the ultimate sign of leadership," Bush said during an East Room ceremony. The team's players, owners and coaches presented the president with a green Celtics jersey emblazoned with "43," a nod to Bush's standing as the 43rd president, and an autographed basketball. The team also said it would send a $100,000 check to the Red Cross to help victims of Hurricane Ike. Celtics fans, a few wearing Red Sox caps and many, like Vermont Sen. Pat Leahy, snapping photos with their cameras, packed the East Room. The Celtics beat the Los Angeles Lakers in six games in June to end a 22-year championship drought. The title capped a dramatic turnaround for the Celtics, who had the second-worst record in the NBA during the 2006-07 season. "There was a little bit of a drought, but sure enough that drought ended with the NBA championship," said Bush. [+] EnlargeAP Photo/Lawrence Jackson The Boston Celtics presented President Bush with a team jersey and an autographed basketball during an East Room ceremony at the White House on Friday. Bush said that like other sports fans across the country, he was delighted that this year's bruising final series rekindled the old Celtics-Lakers rivalry. "For baby boomers like me, that is the -- that was a reminder of a great basketball rivalry," Bush said. "So, like, Boston fans were screaming, 'Beat L.A.!' at the top of their lungs, and that's exactly what this team did in six hard-fought games." It was the Celtics' first title without Red Auerbach, the famed team patriarch who died in October 2006 after being part of the other 16 championships, nine as coach. The fortunes of the team turned around when it obtained guard Ray Allen from Seattle and forward Kevin Garnett from Minnesota in separate trades before last season. Hosting Boston's successful pro sports teams at White House ceremonies is nothing new for Bush. In February, the 2007 World Series champion Red Sox were honored at the White House for the second time in four years. The New England Patriots have three Super Bowl wins, beginning in 2002. The Patriots were last honored at the White House in 2005. Bush joked that a friend had suggested he could host a "Boston Three Party" for the city's championship teams. After the ceremony, Pierce said meeting the president was more nerve-wracking than the NBA finals. "I got real nervous back there, my hands were sweaty," he said. "I was more nervous right here today." Bush, who is winding down his presidency, wished the team well defending its title this season. But he added that a new president will be hosting next year's White House event for the NBA champs. "Should you win it, you can find me in Texas," he said with a laugh.