NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
The NBA is nonstop with news, memorable performances, and injuries this season. But through it all, a picture begins to form of who is a contender and who is along for the ride. If you are new here, the purpose of this column is to air out the topics that I am keeping an eye on around the league. So, with that being said, welcome to my new readers, and let’s get into it.
Hi, Amen Thompson:
First off as my guy Melo Williams has been saying since the Rockets hired Ime Udoka this team will be a legit THREAT out west. Well, after a year of getting to know each other Melo is right. They sit at 31-14 the second seed in the west. Oh, and the young pups are learning on the fly and not failing too many tests that are thrown their way. Amen Thompson is a stud and a game that is far far from its ceiling on the offensive end. Still needs a steady jump shot to be even more of a threat. He can handle the ball well and attacks the basket along with a sneaky underrated passing game. In a recent game versus the Celtics, he showcased his bag and also what he can become. If you haven’t watched a Rockets game yet, what are you waiting for? He is a walking triple-double and a really fun player to watch. The Rockets are all in on what Udoka is teaching, and I want to see what they do at the trade deadline.
Just Get It Over With:
The messy breakup of the Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler continues. Now he walked out of shootaround after hearing he would be coming off the bench and not starting. So in turn the Heat have suspended him for a 3rd time and at least 5 games. No team needs to see him play we know what Jimmy is about, but for this current team and organization, it is beyond time to let him go. Lower the asking price and get some sort of deal done. If for nothing else for the peace of mind and improvement of the roster depending on who you get back. At this point, the whole thing is a joke with both sides taking turns being the dummy of the day. You can’t let a player hold you hostage it is a bad look but I understand not getting hosed in a trade as well. Pat Riley and the Heat need to pick up the phone and make something happen ahead of his return. Through all this mess you sit at the 6th seed and owe it to players and fans to give it a real go.
Jimmy Butler posted this to his IG story. For those unfamiliar with this character from the ‘90s show Martin, Tommy was constantly sweated by friends for claiming to have a job. In fact, the correct verbiage was, “You ain’t got no job, man.” #ninetiesblacksitcomsforfivehundred pic.twitter.com/lTfx1DygE0
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 27, 2025
The Dunk Contest Is On Life Support:
Gone are the days of big names entering the All-Star slam dunk contest. Vince Carter brought it back to laugh as did the Aaron Gordon vs Zack LaVine battle. Seems like a lifetime ago and that’s because it was. Now we are left with water-downed dunks, silly props, judges who aren’t the best, and making calls to the G League for help. Now I do NOT have to cure for this but I know one thing the current version sucks pretty bad. Am I the only one who watches the 3-point contest, the skills, and then hops on Netflix? A ton of ideas have been thrown around to give it a jump and get the heartbeat steady again. My hope is THIS All-Star weekend someone in the group brings it and gives this once-important event the passion and excitement it needs so badly right now.
That’s it for me this week NBA fans. Next week we will talk about All-Star rosters and check in on some rookies. As always you can follow me on socials @JoeCardoso301
