Joey & LeBron

Joey In Cleveland
Joey Porter is available, relatively young for a linebacker, still playing at a high level and very familiar with a 3-4 scheme. It seems like a perfect fit for a team in search of leadership and a player, who has gas left in the tank, eager to play with a chip on his shoulder. Imagine Porter wearing a Browns' uniform lining up against the Steelers twice a year. It might add some spice to a rivalry that has been one-sided for the better part of a decade. More importantly, it would upgrade the Browns' defense and provide the team's young linebackers with a mentor with talent and attitude. All it takes is cash.

Cavs In Dallas
Let me get this right - LeBron James scores 39 points and single-handedly keeps the Cavaliers in the game against the streaking Mavericks in Dallas, but all we hear about afterwards from the national media is how James missed two free throws in the closing seconds along with a pair of threes that would have sent the game into overtime. Meanwhile, Z and Gooden had four points between them, were not on the floor down the stretch as is commomplace, and no one bats an eye. The knock on James that he can't make plays when it counts the most is silly. Without his late game heroics against the Wizards last spring, the 50-win Cavaliers were one and done. Unfortunately, the critics aren't going away. The voices will get louder. Let's hope James doesn't sour on his teammates as a result of continued criticism. LJ has an extremely high basketball IQ. He says all the right things, but he knows he doesn't have enough help. Yes, James needs to improve his free throw percentage - no excuses there. But the rest of the team, especially the veterans who are being well-compensated for their efforts (i.e. Z, Gooden & Hughes) need to publicly take responsibility for their inconsistent play and take some heat off 23. Of course, if they played better, that would take heat off everyone.