The Indiana Pacers and New Orleans Hornets are at the top of the Eastern Conference and it is clearly because of their stars. While for Indiana, head coach Rick Carlisle has done a great job stressing defense it would be the natural progression for a young athletic team to improve. No people, I have to get credit to the three stars and a twinkle: Jermaine O’Neal, Ron Artest and Reggie Miller and Kenny Anderson. O’Neal has been a rock in the middle leading the team in blocked shots, rebounding, and scoring. His post game is very impressive and rarely does more than expected. Meaning he doesn’t shoot threes or catch alley oops. He is a just a constant presence in the middle on both sides of the ball. Reggie Miller has been the professional, sacrificing his game and minutes so that Artest, Freddie Jones and Al Harrington can get more time and experience. He could have pulled a Malone/Payton and left his NBA life-long team to pursue a title with an already contender, but he stayed and is the unquestioned leader of the team. It is nice to see loyalty in sports. Artest has been a model citizen on and off the court, playing defense like a potential defensive award winner and adding a three ball and 19 points a game to the offensive mix. Artest coming off a trouble season where has cost his team some games because of his lack of presence came in this year more matured and looks to be a leader. His hands are like magnets and he leads the team in steals. Lets no forget Kenny Anderson, an addition that has given the Pacers stability at the point and scoring as well. This lets Jamaal Tinsley come off the bench and learn from a vet.

For the Hornets the play of Baron Davis has been tremendous. He is leading the league in steals, is third in scoring and has gotten his explosiveness back after losing 20 pounds. Many wondered why I was so high on Davis before this season and he is showing why as he is a matchup problem for any point and now has the quickness to go along with the toughness. Whether he is in a half court set or running the floor he gives punishment out for free, dashing to the hoop and taking the ball up with power. He is also keeping teams honest by hitting the three point shot. This along with the defensive play of center Jamaal Magloire and forward P.J. Brown has paced the Hornets and may have me eating crow when it comes to my talk of Tim Floyd.

Curt Schilling headed to the Boston Red Sox Thanksgiving weekend, ending speculation that he would rejoin the Philadelphia Phillies. While I’m disappointed that he didn’t come back it was clear that the Phillies were playing a wait and see game and still was waiting to see if other pitchers such as Bartolo Colon, Javier Vasquez and their own Kevin Millwood could be had. The Phillies weren’t willing to give up prospects Cole Hamels and Gavin Floyd for a pitcher with at best four years left. Lets hope when the time comes to make a big deal for a proven younger player they don’t make a big deal about giving up minor league prospects who haven’t done anything in the big show. For Boston, this is a great move as you add a number one and ask him to play number two to Pedro Martinez. Now you have two of the best to go against the faltering New York Yankees. With all the steroid talk good pitching is a must, as some of those juicing hitters will be slacking off. The time is now Boston, you got a World Series winner now can you break the curse?

The Sixers have suffered injuries to their best players and continue to grow with coach Randy Ayers limping to a first place start. Young players are getting minutes and are contributing with John Salmons continuing the play he started with a great off-season. Marc Jackson has brought a North Philly attitude to the frontcourt and needs to be more involved. Allen Iverson has played some of his best ball looking to getting more people involved as evidenced by his 7 assists a game. Iverson is taking better shots and hopefully when Glenn Robinson gets off injury, he will get some offensive help. Aaron McKie while struggling a little on defense has regained his offensive game and is one of the league’s best three-point shooters. His versatility with is a key of the season. Eric Snow has struggled on offense but has made clutch shots and continues to play great defense.

Keyshawn Johnson is one of the best possession receivers in the game and will find his niche in some other city. While I don’t think the Tampa Bay Buccaneers wanted to cut and pay Johnson they felt he was a distraction and had to go. I like Johnson’s game because he is tough over the middle and has great hands. There are players who talk trash and are afraid to make the big catches but those who accept the punishment playing the game of football and keep demanding the ball are special. He does this despite the target on his back and is one of the league’s best decoys. He can draw a double team and leave his team open to make big plays. That and the fact that he is a champion has to be respected. Remember for all those hating Leon can’t do it all by himself!

It’s fitting that Marvin Lewis has the Bengals playing their best ball in 10 years. After waiting for a head coaching job and getting passed over despite winning a
Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens, Lewis has instilled a defense that flies to the ball and overall a team that for the first time in a while believes in itself. Receiver Chad Johnson’s guarantee and the Bengals subsequent win over the then undefeated Kansas City Chiefs let them know they can play with everyone. Peter Warrick is playing like the top 10 pick he was several years ago and quarterback Jon Kitna is playing like a pro bowler, moving the chains and showing great decision making skills. This is a team that could actually scare some AFC teams late in the season as they push for the playoffs.

Barry Bonds won his sixth MVP award and it was well deserved. No player is so good that they cost you the World Series because teams would rather walk you that see you hit, this past year Bonds lead the Giants to the playoffs where their other players were finally exposed. He had more intentional walks than most players regular ones. He is truly one of the all-time great players even if he isn’t a champion yet.

On the other hand Alex Rodriguez winning the AL award is stupid. No player on a losing team like the Texas Rangers should win this award. Really how valuable is he (and I’m not talking about his $252 million contract). His team wasn’t even in the playoff picture despite his amazing numbers. I know he is one of the game greatest shortstops ever but when he decided to take all that money where did he think Rangers were going to get money to sign the other players needed to field a winner? Now he wants or would accept trade? Give me a break!

If you have any questions, suggestions, or want to contribute please send e-mail to clayton@geoclan.com.