The Bum's Sports Page For Monday June 22nd Best Bets-Trends-News !

[StarDust Bum]

Free Agency: Could Dwyane Wade team up with Kobe for Lakers?

As the Dwyane Wade tension with the Heat continues to percolate, you knew eventually the Lakers would wind up in the conversation. Like lottery moths to the superstar free agent flame, here comes LA and this one will surely make your head explode.

Because, really, what you want on your team is two former Finals MVPs who can no longer reliably play more than 60 games per season.

Thats said, it's not a purely crazy idea. Wade could come in on a short-term, big-money contract that allows the Lakers to be more competitive next season while keeping their money available for 2016 and beyond when they look for the next true star to put next to their two young stars, Julius Randle and whoever they draft next week. Wade can play two-guard and Bryant shifts to 3. It's not great from a defensive standpoint given where they both are physically, but there would be nights where they'd turn back the clock and dominate games.

The first part of that tweet should be noted, however. How do you put pressure on an organization to pony up? Tell them that the Lakers, with max money available, are interested and your client is, too. How do you specifically get Pat Riley's attention? Tell them the Lakers, his former team, are interested in stealing your franchise icon.

There's also a point where the smoke becomes a little indication of fire. Wade leaving Miami seemed crazy a month ago, but things have deteriorated quickly, and Wade's people are letting it be known how unhappy they are, hence all the leaks. Nevermind all of the things Wade's father said over the weekend or the shirt he was wearing. When so many trusted reporters are sending word that Wade's camp isn't happy, it's not just noise. It may be part of a negotiating contract, but once a guy at Wade's age and status starts to look around, and when he realizes how far out of the spotlight he has fallen since LeBron James' departure, a move like this gets him back on the cover of magazines. It's not like Wade would struggle with the LA lifestyle or media attention.

Meanwhile, Chris Bosh has to be wondering where all this came from. The guy left a chance to compete with the Rockets on the table to return to Miami and stick with Wade. Is his guy really going to leave him hanging? Does this affect Goran Dragic's feelings on re-signing in Miami? There's a lot of fallout if Wade winds up leaving, and the interest between the Lakers and Wade is only the latest in what is becoming a pattern that seems to point more and more to a dissolution of a career-long bond between the superstar and his adopted home of Miami.

No matter how prepostrous or short-sighted this may seem, bear in mind that the Lakers have no interest in long-term rebuilding that requires losing. They want the talent, and they will have gotten it in the past two drafts after next week. But they want to return to contention, and paying big money for short years to sell more tickets and boost ratings with their massive television deal while helping to inch open the window for Kobe Bryant to make an improbable run to the title is certainly worth it.

This talk of the Lakers may be mostly ridiculous, but the portion that isn't is 100 percent within the scope of reality.

Man, would it ever be weird to see Wade in a Lakers uniform.

[StarDust Bum]

Report: Trail Blazers' Arron Afflalo to opt out, become free agent

In a move aimed at improving their depth at the guard position, the Portland Trail Blazers traded away Thomas Robinson, Will Barton, Victor Claver and a lottery-protected first-round draft pick to get Arron Afflalo at February's trade deadline. However, after Wesley Matthews ruptured his Achilles' tendon, Afflalo was thrust into the starting lineup and the Blazers lost the depth he provided coming off the bench.

According to NBA.com's David Aldridge, Afflalo may be seeking a fresh start somewhere else as he has decided to opt out of the final season of his contract. Afflalo will now become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Afflalo played 29 games with the Blazers and averaged 10.6 points and 2.7 rebounds, while shooting 41.4 percent from the field. Even though the Blazers traded a number of pieces for Afflalo, they could let him leave as the emergence of C.J. McCollum could make him expendable. Plus, Matthews is also an unrestricted free agent and is a bigger priority for the Blazers. If the Blazers choose not to re-sign Afflalo, he should get a lot of interest from other teams that are seeking help at the wing.

[StarDust Bum]

76ers Draft Needs: Will Sam Hinkie finally take his guard of the future?

The 76ers' rebuilding plan has been discussed ad nauseum throughout the past two seasons. You either believe in Sam Hinkie's plan and think he's a mad genius, or you cannot fathom how a general manager can be so nonchalant about hemorrhaging losses for so many consecutive weeks. It's the most polarizing thing that's happening in basketball circles right now, and it's going to be incredibly hard to evaluate their progress over the course of the next two seasons. The jury is still out, and that's fine with the Sixers and their owners.

But because Hinkie has brazenly decided to field a roster of borderline NBA players and D-Leaguers, the team does have needs all over the floor. So whatever direction they decide to go in, they'll be able to address something they don't currently have on the team. And also because Hinkie is among the most secretive general managers in the NBA, we don't know what direction that could be. Only one thing is for sure: he's going to take the best player on his draft board, with no regard for positionality.

The way Hinkie values asset accumulation above roster fit means that literally every option is on the table here. But let's try to explain those options as well as the roster's needs anyway. Here's a look at what the Sixers' outlook could be in Thursday's NBA Draft.

NEEDS -- BACKCOURT, WING, SHOOTING

The Sixers have needs everywhere, but the largest ones come on the offensive end. Defensively, they were actually an above-average team this season, finishing 13th in defensive rating at 104.8. However, the offense was pretty much a disaster, as they possessed far and away the worst offensive rating in the NBA at 95.5.

On that end, the team lacks all basic NBA-level skill beyond offensive rebounding. There's a complete lack of shooting on the roster, as evidenced by the team's 49.4 true-shooting percentage and 32 percent mark from 3. They also don't really have any playmakers who can consistently get into the lane without turning the ball over or knock down shots themselves. Ish Smith and Tony Wroten profile has backups due to their turnover tendencies and inability to knock down shots, and guys like Hollis Thompson and Jerami Grant just can't create offense for themselves.

So unsurprisingly, the biggest need here is someone who can create offense and space the floor either from the backcourt or on the wing. Getting a guy like that would not only improve the offense through their own skill levels, but also through the ability to help the development of Nerlens Noel and Joel Embiid inside or in the pick-and-roll, where they were the worst team in the league last season according to Synergy.

Basically, the goal here should simply be to simply become a more competent offensive team in 2015-16.

FIVE POTENTIAL OPTIONS

D'Angelo Russell | SG | Ohio State | Ranking: No. 4

Russell would pretty much be everything the Sixers need. He's a terrific pick-and-roll point guard that can make shots from distance and really make plays for others. He'd not only help them with his own talent on the perimeter, but he'd also foster the development of the rest of their roster. If he's there at No. 3, the team should think long and hard about selecting him.

Emmanuel Mudiay | PG | Guangdong, China | Ranking: No. 3

Mudiay is another point guard that would improve the Sixers' offense through his ability in the pick-and-roll. He's not quite as strong a fit as Russell due to his lessened shooting ability, but he's also a guy that has a high upside due to his greater athletic ability. It's also worth noting that he should be a pretty immediate impact player after playing in the physical Chinese league last year, meaning he may have less of an adjustment to the NBA than some.

Kristaps Porzingis | PF | Sevilla | Ranking: No. 5

It's very plausible that this is the direction Hinkie looks to go. The Sixers general manager was at Porzingis much-ballyhooed workout in Las Vegas 10 days ago, watching intently as the Latvian put on a show for a room filled with scouts. Porzingis is among the highest upside players in this draft, so it would make sense as to why he could be high on Hinkie's board. He'd also add shooting and athleticism to a roster that could really use it, and he'd fit well in theory next to Joel Embiid because of it.

Jahlil Okafor | C | Duke | Ranking: No. 2

Okafor seems likely to be the second choice in the draft, but if the Lakers do something weird then he could be sitting on the board. Given that the Sixers have been going toward a pace-and-space scheme, it's hard to see how he fits with Embiid and Noel in the front court. But a dominant low-post player offensively is useful to spacing the floor, and fit problems don't look like they'll stop Hinkie if he rates Okafor as the best player in this draft.

Mario Hezonja | SG/SF | FC Barcelona | Ranking: No. 7

Hezonja is a terrific athlete that plays with a fiery demeanor. He always believes he is the best player on the floor at all times, both to his benefit and his detriment. He'd help with their shooting and would really fill their hole on the wing. He has a ton of upside, and could legitimately be a sleeper pick here at No. 3.

TRADE

Trade up: That would be a surprise, given that they'd have to move up to either No. 2 or No. 1. At No. 3, Hinkie is in a great spot to get an elite talent. It mostly does not make sense to use further assets to move up only one or two spots, even if Karl Towns is by far the best player on their board.

Trade down: As I mentioned in my Orlando draft needs post on Saturday, it's pretty easy to envision the 76ers' supposed interest in Porzingis being a smokescreen to try and draw further assets out of Orlando at No. 5, a team that is also supposedly very interested in him. Porzingis is the hot new kid on the block, and the Sixers know that means that he's probably the player most likely to garner the most in a trade. It'll be interesting to see if that pays off.

However, it's also worth stating that the Sixers are driven partially by the desire to bring a star to Philadelphia to build around, so it's tough believe they would want to move outside of the top-six or so.

SOMETHING OUT OF THE BOX

Three of the 76ers' last four picks have given them absolutely nothing in their rookie seasons. Now, I don't think that means they're going to go with Michael Qualls at No. 3 or anything, but it does suggest that Hinkie will do whatever he wants with no regard for fit. Even if, say, both guards and big men are available, you can expect the 76ers to simply just take whoever they think has the best chance to be a franchise centerpiece, then deal with the fallout later. That's slightly out of the box thinking compared to most teams who look to address needs.

But hey, would you expect anything else from the most polarizing team in the league?

[StarDust Bum]

Obama on his own basketball game: 'I'm the weak link on the court'

Back in April, President Obama talked a little trash to Paul Pierce after he made a few jumpers. Obama was quite confident in his shot that day but in a recent interview with Marc Maron, the President opened up about his game and admitted that he is not the player he used to be.

"I used to play basketball more but these days I've gotten to the point where it is not as much fun," Obama told Maron. "Because I'm not as good as I used to be and I get frustrated. I was never great but I was a good player and I could play seriously. Now I'm like one of these old guys whose running around.

"The guys I play with who are all a lot younger," Obama continued. "They sort of pity me and sympathize with me. They tolerate me but we all know that I'm the weak link on the court. And I don't like being the weak link."

At 53 years old, it is understandable that Obama's basketball skills are not as sharp as they once were. However, if he is able to knock down jumpers in front of NBA players from time to time, that is all we can really ask for from the President.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA Draft: A look at each team's needs

The NBA Draft figures to be a big occasion -- at least for the first two picks.

The Minnesota Timberwolves hold the No. 1 overall selection, and the Los Angeles Lakers pick second, and their choices are expected to Kentucky power forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns and Duke center Jahlil Okafor -- in some order.

A look at how the draft is likely to shake out for all 30 teams, according to The Sports Xchange's national network of NBA writers:

BOSTON CELTICS

--2015 draft picks: 16th, 28th, 33rd, 45th

--Draft needs: The Celtics, who might well be wheeling and dealing with four picks in the top 45, are looking for a rim protector as well as help at both forward spots. They have cap flexibility and all kinds of future picks, so Draft Night figures to be interesting. The team seems set at the guard spot so think 6-8 or taller. Possible targets could include 6-foot-9 Wisconsin forward Sam Dekker, 6-foot-11 Arkansas forward Bobby Portis, 6-foot-10 Kentucky forward Trey Lyles or taller.

BROOKLYN NETS

--2015 draft picks: 29th, 41st

--Draft needs: The Nets realistically can't be choosers with the 29th pick (their No. 15 pick was swapped with Atlanta as part of the Joe Johnson deal), so they basically have to be lucky to get someone to drop down, perhaps someone recovering from an injury that no one else wants to touch. They would probably like to take a big man with their pick, with Syracuse 6-foot-10 power forward Chris McCullough a possibility. McCullough was thought to be a possible lottery selection, but he tore his ACL and watched his draft stock plummet. The Nets also showed some interest in Oregon point guard Joseph Young, but he sprained an ankle at an Indiana Pacers workout and missed most of his appointments.

NEW YORK KNICKS

--2015 draft picks: 4th

--Draft needs: Knicks president Phil Jackson is committed to running his successful triangle offense. New York worked out D'Angelo Russell, the best playmaker/passer in the draft, who would be ideal in the triangle. However, the combo guard out of Ohio State might not be available at No. 4. If Russell is off the board, the Knicks can look to another guard, Emmanuel Mudiay, the draft's most unknown commodity having played in China last year. Mudiay also could fit in the triangle, and his explosiveness to the basket would give New York something it lacked the past few seasons from the backcourt.

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

--2015 draft picks: 3rd, 37th, 47th, 58th, 60th

--Draft needs: General manager Sam Hinkie is notoriously secretive about his intentions, and the roster is of D-League quality, meaning the Sixers could go in any direction. Suffice it to say they will select the best player available at No. 3 overall -- and should, despite the recent setback C Joel Embiid sustained in his recovery from foot surgery. That could mean taking G D'Angelo Russell, G Emmanuel Mudiay, C Jahlil Okafor or even F Kristaps Porzingis.

TORONTO RAPTORS

--2015 draft pick: 20th

--Draft needs: Arizona swingman Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, a monster on defense but offensively limited, and Notre Dame point guard Jerian Grant were headliners at the Raptors' first predraft workout. Georgia State shooting guard R.J. Hunter is another possibility. All figure to be taken about where the Raptors will pick. It is hard to assess who would be the better fit for a team that has needs but not one specific, glaring one. Toronto is known for drafting long-term future prospects, and having acquired a D-League team this offseason, it might do so again.

CHICAGO BULLS

--2015 draft picks: 22nd

--Draft needs: With only one selection in the draft, the Bulls likely will make a safe pick rather than target a high-risk, high-reward prospect. Virginia guard Justin Anderson could be a perfect fit. The 6-foot-6, 230-pound swingman offers positional flexibility and is reliable on defense -- perfect attributes to strengthen the Bulls' rotational depth. Arizona forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (6-7, 220) is a great fit for similar reasons. If the Bulls bypass a wing player, they could add a point guard to back up Derrick Rose. Two options at the point include Notre Dame's Jerian Grant and Utah's Delon Wright.

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

--2015 draft picks: 24th, 53rd

--Draft needs: The Cavaliers' biggest day of the season used to be draft day, but no more. After winning the lottery three of the past four years, the Cavs enter this summer in the enviable position of not having to rely on the draft following the return of LeBron James and their march to the NBA Finals. In fact, whomever they take at No. 24 is no lock to make the rotation next season -- or even the team for that matter. While they could use an upgrade at backup point guard, that likely will come through free agency. For the second straight year, the Cavs could wind up packaging this pick in a July trade after sending Andrew Wiggins to the Minnesota Timberwolves last summer for Kevin Love. Any trade this summer, however, won't come close to reaching that magnitude.

DETROIT PISTONS

--2015 draft picks: 8th, 38th

--Draft needs: The acquisition of power forward Ersan Ilyasova from the Milwaukee Bucks on June 11 increases the likelihood that the Pistons will draft a small forward with their lottery pick. Ilyasova gives coach and president of basketball operations Stan Van Gundy the stretch-4 that he coveted, allowing him to concentrate on the team's gaping hole at the other forward spot. Mario Hezonja, Justise Winslow, Sam Dekker and Stanley Johnson are the top candidates. The latter trio all came in for workouts, while Van Gundy made a postseason trip to Europe to see Hezonja up close. Sharpshooting guard Devin Booker and defensive-minded center Willie Cauley-Stein are long-shot possibilities. The Pistons also could trade down and pick up an additional assets while still snagging one of their forward targets.

INDIANA PACERS

--2015 draft picks: 11th, 43rd

--Draft needs: Look for the Pacers to draft a mobile big man and a point guard to complement veteran George Hill. Team president Larry Bird said the Pacers are looking to go with a smaller lineup, which would indicate a big man who can play in the middle and yet be more mobile than veteran center Roy Hibbert and able to guard pick-and-rolls. The other issue centers on the fact that Hill currently is the only point guard under contract. Bird said there is no plan to bring back point guard C.J. Watson, and there is a chance they also will not retain Donald Sloan. The Pacers appear to like Wisconsin big man Frank Kaminsky, Texas center Myles Turner and Murray State point guard Cameron Payne, a left-hander who fractured the ring finger on his right hand during a June 15 workout with the Denver Nuggets.

MILWAUKEE BUCKS

--2015 draft picks: 17th, 46th

--Draft needs: Despite their surprising turnaround last season, the Bucks are still in rebuilding mode, so don't look for them to be picky when their name is called. Shooting and rebounding were two of the Bucks' biggest weaknesses last season, so look for general manager John Hammond to address those needs first. UCLA forward -- and Milwaukee native -- Kevon Looney impressed at a recent workout, and many think the 6-foot-9 forward will still be on the board when Milwaukee makes its first pick and would fit in with the length and athleticism already on the roster. He is young, though, and would be a bit of a project. The Bucks don't have a lot of open roster space, making them likely to use their second-round pick on a European draft-and-follow prospect.

ATLANTA HAWKS

--2015 draft picks: 15th, 50th, 59th

--Draft needs: With an uncertain free agency period ahead, versatility will be key with the Hawks' first-round pick. Forwards DeMarre Carroll and Paul Millsap are free agents. Their future is up in the air. Both very well may return, but a versatile small forward capable of stretching the floor and defending multiple positions certainly would provide insurance. The Hawks' executives insisted publicly that they will go the "best player available" route instead of drafting for need. Wisconsin forward Sam Dekker, Kentucky guard Devin Booker, Notre Dame guard Jerian Grant, Kentucky forward Trey Lyles, Kansas forward Kelly Oubre and Arkansas forward Bobby Portis are options.

CHARLOTTE HORNETS

--2015 draft picks: 9th, 39th

--Draft needs: The conventional wisdom is that the Hornets will take a shooting guard, perhaps Kentucky's Devin Booker or Arizona's Stanley Johnson or Croatia's Mario Hezonja, depending on how the draft shakes down. It is likely that at least two of those three will be available at No. 9. However, general manager Rich Cho insists that he is keeping all his options open and will take the best player available. He also talked about the possibility of trading up or down. The Hornets could junk the shooting guard mentality quickly if Kentucky center Willie Cauley-Stein drops far enough. The Hornets selected power forwards with their first-round picks in each of the past two drafts, so that probably is the one position they would steer clear of.

MIAMI HEAT

--2015 draft picks: 10th, 40th

--Draft needs: With three impending or potential free agents on the perimeter, the Heat would be wise to build their depth in that area. Among the potential targets with the 10th pick are 6-foot-6 forward Stanley Johnson of Arizona, 6-6 shooting guard Devin Booker of Kentucky, 6-9 forward Sam Dekker of Wisconsin, 6-7 forward Kelly Oubre of Kansas and 6-6 forward Justin Anderson of Virginia. Options with the 40th pick could include 6-9 power forward Rakeem Christmas of Syracuse. However, don't rule out 6-5 wing Pat Connaughton of Notre Dame -- the Heat are in dire need of 3-point shooters. Miami finished 24th in the NBA in 3-point shooting, and the top 10 teams in that category made the playoffs.

ORLANDO MAGIC

--2015 draft picks: 5th, 51st

--Draft needs: The Magic would love to trade up and add either Kentucky's Karl-Anthony Towns or Duke's Jahlil Okafor -- who would fit the best -- but it is unlikely to happen, and both are likely to be gone before they pick at No. 5. They fawned over the all-around skills of one likely pick, power forward Kristaps Porzingis (7 feet, Sevilla). However, he will require time to mature physically, and this already is a very young team. If Porzingis is gone, they may turn to Kentucky's Willie Cauley-Stein, another center who could become an elite NBA defender, or they might go with small forward Justise Winslow from Duke.

WASHINGTON WIZARDS

--2015 draft picks: 19th, 49th

--Draft needs: The Wizards can consider the "best player available" path, especially if forward Paul Pierce decides he will spend another season in Washington. The playoff series loss to the Atlanta Hawks confirmed the need for a stretch-4-type big man. Arkansas' Bobby Portis and UCLA's Kevon Looney are the likely candidates at No. 19. If the Wizards decide to replicate the Golden State Warriors' plan of using waves of wings and guards, Georgia State's R.J. Hunter, Virginia's Justin Anderson and Notre Dame's Jerian Grant make sense.

DALLAS MAVERICKS

--2015 draft picks: 21st, 52nd

--Draft needs: With just three key players -- shooting guard Monta Ellis, small forward Chandler Parsons and power forward Dirk Nowitzki -- signed for the 2015-16 season, the Mavericks will enter the summer in desperate need of point guards and centers. History says they will have a better chance finding the former than the latter late in the first round of the draft. A new little guy would land a favorable position, as he would have very small shoes to fill. He would be replacing banished point guard Rajon Rondo, whose in-season addition to the club turned out to be a complete disaster.

HOUSTON ROCKETS

--2015 draft picks: 18th, 32nd

--Draft needs: As James Harden wore down under the inordinate weight of being both the Rockets' leading scorer and primary facilitator, the need for a playmaking guard crystallized. Even if the Rockets re-sign Patrick Beverley, he might be better served coming off the bench, where his manic defense is a greater asset. While the Rockets sorely need a point guard (Jerian Grant?) capable of scoring and relieving pressure off Harden, their options at No. 18 might be so severely limited that selecting the best available player could be the lone, wisest option.

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

--2015 draft picks: 25th

--Draft needs: Judging by the Grizzlies' predraft workouts, the team has not dialed in on one particular strategy. Part of that is Memphis' draft position; it is difficult to know what will be available at No. 25. The general consensus is that the Grizzlies' greatest need -- dependable 3-point shooting -- can't be addressed with this pick. The team seems to like the athletic Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, a 6-foot-7 forward from Arizona, but most mock drafts don't have him lasting until No. 25. Utah point guard Delon Wright is a possibility, especially with Beno Udrih coming off ankle surgery and starter Mike Conley potentially gone as a free agent after next season. A big man is also in play. If center Marc Gasol re-signs with Memphis, even short-term, backup center Kosta Koufos certainly will go elsewhere in search of more playing time.

NEW ORLEANS PELICANS

--2015 draft pick: 56th

--Draft needs: As the Golden State Warriors celebrated their NBA championship with a locker room champagne shower, Warriors assistant Alvin Gentry -- the Pelicans' new head coach -- gazed at the Larry O'Brien trophy and then shouted into the camera: "Hey, A.D., we're going to be right back here!" In homage to All-Star power forward Anthony Davis' athleticism, rare ability to run the court and expanded shooting range, Gentry will build an up-tempo offense. However, because of the Omer Asik deal, in which the Pelicans surrendered a 2015 first-round pick, they don't draft until No. 56. The Pelicans need an athletic small forward with shooting range to help space the floor, but they would have to trade assets to move into the first round.

SAN ANTONIO SPURS

--2015 draft picks: 26th, 55th

--Draft needs: When you have a roster as deep and accomplished as San Antonio's, the term "needs" hardly applies. Sure, the Spurs would like to get younger at several positions, particularly at the extremes of the height spectrum. But are the Spurs likely to find a future replacement for power forward Tim Duncan or point guard Tony Parker there with the 26th pick? Not likely. However, tapping the foreign market once again in search of the next Manu Ginobili is at least somewhat realistic and would add much-needed athleticism to the age-challenged roster.

DENVER NUGGETS

--2015 draft picks: 7th, 57th

--Draft needs: The Nuggets have several holes to fill. The only true center is Jusuf Nurkic, who is coming off an up-and-down rookie season and is recovering from left knee surgery. Denver needs to bolster its backcourt, too. Backup point guard Jameer Nelson is expected to opt out of his contract, and it is no given that starter Ty Lawson will be around at training camp; the Nuggets are shopping him as well as power forward Kenneth Faried, but so far there are no takers. The hiring of Michael Malone as coach just 10 days before the draft leaves wide open what direction the team will take in the draft and in free agency.

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES

--2015 draft picks: 1st, 31st, 36th

--Draft needs: Early steam had the Timberwolves favoring Duke center Jahlil Okafor, but the latest buzz has Minnesota focusing on Kentucky big man Karl-Anthony Towns, who visited with team brass Friday and Saturday. President of basketball operations and head coach Flip Saunders is also intrigued by Ohio State combo guard D'Angelo Russell, but with Ricky Rubio entering the first year of a four-year, $55 million contract and with plenty of long-term uncertainty down low, it would be shocking if Towns weren't the first overall pick Thursday. With a pair of picks early in the second round, don't be surprised if Saunders tries to find a way back into the middle of the first round to select Duke guard Tyus Jones. Saunders has been enamored with Jones, a Minnesota native, since watching him play in high school.

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

--2015 draft picks: 14th, 48th

--Draft needs: Picking at No. 14 in the first round is a blessing and a curse for the Thunder. While they can grab a lottery selection, the choice is too low find a game-changer. Even so, they could find a player who can help the franchise. Kentucky forward Trey Lyles, Georgia State guard R.J. Hunter, Kentucky guard Devin Booker and Murray State point guard Cameron Payne have been highlighted as possible targets. A long shot is Wisconsin forward Frank Kaminsky. They don't think the college player of the year will still be around at No. 14, but if he is, it could make for an interesting selection by a team in need of more low-post scoring.

PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS

--2015 draft picks: 23rd

--Draft needs: Everything is fluid until the situation with Portland's free agents (forward LaMarcus Aldridge, shooting guard Wesley Matthews and center Robin Lopez in particular) is taken care of. If there is a position at which the Blazers know they can use help, it might be small forward, where only starter Nicolas Batum returns for sure. If Arizona's Rondae Hollis-Jefferson were still available at No. 23, he would be a likely target. If not, Virginia's Justin Anderson would fill the bill.

UTAH JAZZ

--2015 draft picks: 12th, 42nd, 54th

--Draft needs: While Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert are solid starters on the frontline for Utah, the team needs big-man depth. A stretch-4-type player would be ideal for coach Quin Snyder's spread-out system. The Jazz also are in need of more offensive threats from the perimeter. That seemingly puts them in a decent position with the No. 12 pick, as there will likely be multiple wings and power forwards available that late in the lottery. Don't rule out a draft-day trade, which general manager Dennis Lindsey said he would do if it can help the team get one step closer to ending a rebuilding project and beginning a new era of playoff appearances.

GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS

--2015 draft pick: 30th

--Draft needs: While many analysts are focused on the Warriors' apparent need for a shooting guard off the bench, they forget the biggest reason the club won the 2015 championship: defense. With power forward David Lee reportedly having played his last game with the club, what the Warriors really need is another Draymond Green -- a polished collegian from a winning program who is big, versatile and smart. Another Draymond Green with the last pick of the first round? Well, sure. After all, the Warriors got the former Michigan State standout five picks later -- No. 35 overall -- in 2012.

LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS

--2015 draft picks: None

--Draft needs: The Clippers would have to be very creative to get back into the draft, being that they already traded away their first-rounder to Boston to bring in coach Doc Rivers. That said, they could use a second-rounder or two to add depth to arguably the weakest bench crew among elite teams.

LOS ANGELES LAKERS

--2015 draft picks: 2nd, 27th, 34th

--Draft needs: With guard Kobe Bryant and forward Julius Randle onboard, the Lakers don't have needs at two positions. The other three -- and their bench -- remain wide open. The Lakers reportedly are focused on one of the two standout big men in the draft -- Kentucky center Karl-Anthony Towns and Duke center Jahlil Okafor -- and with good reason. Both would complement Bryant well -- Towns in the pick-and-roll game on the offensive end, and Okafor as the defensive anchor in the middle. Too bad they can't have them both. No doubt, the Lakers will go shopping for a point guard at No. 27 or No. 34 ... or perhaps both.

PHOENIX SUNS

--2015 draft picks: 13th, 44th

--Draft needs: While their guards are still a work in progress, the Suns are in need of a power/stretch forward to replace the shooting threat lost when Channing Frye left last summer. Markieff Morris was ill-equipped to handle the position and is seen as a sixth man -- or less if the felony assault charge he faces with twin brother Marcus is proven in court. Texas' Myles Turner was brought in for an unannounced workout Wednesday, and he fits the mold of what the Suns are looking for. His defense mobility is questioned and he is inconsistent, but he is 19 and does two things the Suns love -- he blocks shots and shoots lights out. Phoenix's last two No. 13 overall picks -- Markieff Morris and Kendall Marshall -- weren't what the doctor ordered.

SACRAMENTO KINGS

--2015 draft picks: 6th

--Draft needs: The Kings would benefit from having a big man to complement center DeMarcus Cousins, who led the team in scoring, rebounding, and blocks last season while often facing double teams on defense. That person could be out there in 21-year-old Kentucky center Willie Cauley-Stein, a 7-foot, 242-pounder who can block shots and might ease Cousins' load just by his presence alone. History shows that coach George Karl prefers two point guards, and 19-year-old Emmanuel Mudiay might be a target if he remains available at No. 6.

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Pierce expected to decline Wizards option, become free agent

Washington Wizards forward Paul Pierce has decided not to retire, but he is expected to forgo his player option and become a free agent for next season.

According to the Washington Post, Pierce will bypass his $5.54 million player option to play in his 18th season. The decision, which is due by the end of the month, would make Pierce a free agent for the second straight year.

Opting out opens the possibility of Pierce playing elsewhere but does not completely eliminate the prospect of him returning to Washington as he could choose to re-sign, the newspaper reported.

According to the report, Pierce will either return to the Wizards or join the Los Angeles Clippers to be reunited with his Doc Rivers, his coach for nine seasons with the Boston Celtics.

Pierce, a Los Angeles native, won the 2008 NBA title with the Celtics while Rivers was the coach.

ESPN.com also reported that Pierce is playing next season and plans to pass on his player option with the Wizards.

Pierce averaged career lows in points (11.9) and minutes (26.2) this past season with the Wizards. Logging more minutes at power forward, Pierce averaged 14.6 points in 29.8 minutes in 10 playoff games. He shot 52.4 percent from behind the arc during the playoffs.

Following his last game, Pierce said his future was uncertain after his miraculous 3-pointer at the buzzer to force overtime was waved off -- ending the season for the future Hall of Famer.

The Wizards were eliminated by the Atlanta Hawks in a crushing 94-91 loss in Game 6 of their Eastern Conference semifinal playoff series on May 15.

Pierce, a 10-time All-Star, raised his arms and both teams began thinking about overtime. The play was reviewed and showed the clock expired as the basketball was still on Pierce's fingertips before it was released.

After the devastating loss in his last game, Pierce walked off the floor wondering how many more of those moments he has left in him.

"I haven't really thought about it," Pierce said after the loss at home. "I don't even know if I am going to play basketball anymore. These seasons get harder and harder every year, every day. Summers get even harder when you start getting back in shape. I'm 37 years old. I'm top two or three oldest in the league.

"I'm just thankful I was able to have an influence on this group, give something to them hopefully. Whether I'm here next year or I'm not, I've left something here with these young guys that they can carry on the rest of their career -- understanding what it's like to be a pro, understanding what it's going to take to take your game and your career to the next level. Hopefully that's something I've given them, and they understand it and move forward with it."

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LeBron still feels pain of losing NBA Finals

Jun 21, 2015

LeBron James still feels the pain of losing another NBA Finals -- "I'm bummed about it for sure" -- but the superstar hopes he was an inspiration in his return to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

James addressed Cavaliers fans in a video posted Saturday for Bleacher Report.

"Hopefully I was an inspiration, being back to you guys for this first year," James said in the video. "Hopefully I can continue that in the near future. And I just thank you guys -- I thank the fans, I thank everybody for the support that y'all gave us all year, the support that you gave me by welcoming me back.

"And hopefully I made you guys proud in Year 1. Like I said, I'm not satisfied, I'm not happy with the way things turned out. I'm bummed about it for sure. But hopefully I can put our team in position once again to try to compete for a championship next year and year-in and year-out. That's my goal, and my inspiration hasn't changed. So I appreciate everything. I thank you guys, I love you guys and I'll see y'all soon."

James returned to Northeast Ohio in July 2014, leaving the Miami Heat four years -- and two NBA championships -- after bolting Cleveland in an excruciating public departure aired by ESPN and titled "The Decision."

The Cavaliers lost to the Golden State Warriors 105-97 in Game 6 of the NBA Finals last week and James was "not happy with the way it closed out."

"It hurt to lose, and I'm still in a little funk right now, but I'm trying to work my way out of it," James said. You know, for a team that's first getting together, in our first year to be able to reach the Finals -- not saying I'm happy with the results, but I'm proud of our guys. Just the growth that they had from the first day we walked in the gym to the other day, us losing, I'm proud of the guys and what they was able to accomplish."

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Four easy starts NFL bettors should keep an eye on in 2015

Momentum can mean everything in sports, even in a week-to-week schedule like the NFL. Getting off on the right foot can boost player confidence and propel a team to a successful season. And stumbling out of the gate can magnify issues and break a team before they have a chance to gel.

Here’s a look at the four easiest starting schedules (first four games) for the 2015 NFL season, and the odds for those games.

EASIEST STARTS

New York Giants

Week 1: at Dallas (+6)
Week 2: vs. Atlanta (-3.5)
Week 3: vs. Washington (-5.5)
Week 4: at Buffalo (+3)

Outside of the opening Sunday night game in Dallas, the Giants have a pretty easy path in the early going. They host the Falcons and Redskins before making the short trip to Buffalo to face a Bills team which could be much-improved or undergoing growing pains with a new coaching staff. The NFC East is a great unknown this year, so a quick start could put the G-Men back in the playoff hunt.

Carolina Panthers

Week 1: at Jacksonville (-4)
Week 2: vs. Houston (-2.5)
Week 3: vs. New Orleans (-2)
Week 4: at Tampa Bay (-2.5)

The Panthers are a playoff team – whether you like it or not – and could have the inside track in the NFC South with this cake walk through the first four weeks. The defense faces a second-year QB in Jacksonville in Week 1, God knows who is under center for Houston in Week 2, Drew Brees sans Jimmy Graham in Week 3, and rookie passer Jameis Winston in Week 4. Fantasy footballer and sports bettors should be alert.

Indianapolis Colts

Week 1: at Buffalo (-2)
Week 2: vs. N.Y. Jets (-7.5)
Week 3: at Tennessee (-5)
Week 4: vs. Jacksonville (-10.5)

The Colts’ first four opponents had a combined record of 18-46 SU last season. Indianapolis’ opening slate is a joke, with the team pegged as an average favorite of 6.25 points. The toughest test is Week 1’s trip to Buffalo to play the revamp Bills but Andrew Luck and & Co. can pretty much put it on cruise control until Week 5 when they go to Houston to play the Texans on Thursday night. Overall, the Colts have the second-weakest schedule in the league with a 0.417 SOS rating.

Tennessee Titans

Week 1: at Tampa Bay (+3)
Week 2: at Cleveland (+4.5)
Week 3: vs. Indianapolis (+10.5)
Week 5: vs. Buffalo (+3)

The NFL schedule makers take it easy on rookie Marcus Mariota and the Titans in 2015. Tennessee has a No. 1-versus-No. 2 draft pick showdown in Tampa in Week 1, then goes to Cleveland in a possible shootout with Johnny Manziel. Reality comes crashing down versus the Colts in Week 3 – but at least the Titans are at home – then they close the quarter mark with a home game against Buffalo in Week 5 following a bye. While Tennessee is an underdog in each of those first four contests, there could be value with the Titans depending on how quick Mariota matures under center.

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Four tough starts NFL bettors should keep an eye on in 2015

Momentum can mean everything in sports, even in a week-to-week schedule like the NFL. Getting off on the right foot can boost player confidence and propel a team to a successful season. And stumbling out of the gate can magnify issues and break a team before they have a chance to gel.

Here’s a look at the four toughest starting schedules (first four games) for the 2015 NFL season, and the odds for those games.

TOUGHEST STARTS

San Francisco 49ers

Week 1: vs. Minnesota (-3)
Week 2: at Pittsburgh (+4.5)
Week 3: at Arizona (+2.5)
Week 4: vs. Green Bay (+4)

If things weren’t bad enough for the Niners during the offseason, the schedule makers take no pity on San Francisco with this opening slate of games. The 49ers host the Vikings and the return of Adrian Peterson on Monday Night Football in Week 1 before a cross-country hike to Pittsburgh in Week 2. Then they go back West to face divisional rival Arizona before hosting the Packers in Week 4. Early action has already faded San Francisco and lines could move even further by the quarter mark of the campaign.

Kansas City Chiefs

Week 1: at Houston (+1.5)
Week 2: vs. Denver (Pick)
Week 3: at Green Bay (+6.5)
Week 4: at Cincinnati (+3)

The Chiefs could be betting underdogs in each of their first four games this season, with money expected to side with the Broncos for that Thursday Night Football matchup in Week 2. That rivalry game with the Broncos is the only home stop on the schedule for the first four weeks for Kansas City, which finished 3-5 SU and 4-4 ATS away from Arrowhead in 2014. The Chiefs did, however, go 6-2 ATS as an underdogs last year.

Detroit Lions

Week 1: at San Diego (+1.5)
Week 2: at Minnesota (Pick)
Week 3: vs. Denver (Pick)
Week 4 (Monday Night): at Seattle (+7.5)

The Lions are another team playing a road-heavy sked to kick off the season. Detroit opens in San Diego in Week 1 and goes to rival Minnesota the next week. The defense gets a test against Peyton Manning & Co. at home in Week 3 before closing out this nasty stretch with a date against the infamous 12th Man in Seattle. Detroit was just 2-6 ATS on the road last season and is an NFL-worst 18-27-4 ATS away from Motown since 2009.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 1: vs. Carolina (+4)
Week 2: vs. Miami (+4)
Week 3: at New England (+11.5)
Week 4: at Indianapolis (+10.5)

If the Jaguars are going to improve in 2015, they’ll have to prove that they’re not the same old crap in the first four weeks. Jacksonville opens against Carolina and Cam Newton in Week 1, then faces Florida rival Miami in Week 2 – both as a home pup. The schedule takes a turn for the worse in Week 3 with a trip to play the defending Super Bowl champs, and then the team the Patriots defeated (cheated?) in the AFC Championship, the Colts in Week 4. Depending on how the first two games go, those massive spreads in Weeks 3 and 4 could climb even higher if the Jags don’t show some fight early on.

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How college football's Top 10 coaches fare against the betting spread

Part of the job description that comes with being a college football coach – and one that wouldn’t dare show up on an official NCAA contract – is keeping the alumni and program boosters happy.

Sure, some college football fans may be satisfied with regular season wins, rivalry victories, and bowl game titles. But there’s a huge chunk of those “friends of the program” that bet their alma mater week in and week out come the fall. And covering the spread in those games keeps smiles on the faces of those big-money boosters and as puts cash back in their pockets.

Athlon Sports just conducted a poll, ranking all 128 FBS college football coaches, and the names that make up the Top 10 are no big surprise. The win/loss records speak for themselves. However, as mentioned above, it’s not always about just winning and losing. Here’s how the 10 best coaches in college football have done against the spread during their tenure with their current school:

Note: SU and ATS records don’t match up because not all game are given odds.

Nick Saban, Alabama Crimson Tide

Win/loss: 91-17 (84 percent)
ATS: 51-49-1 (51 percent)

Saban can’t be entirely blamed for his ho-hum ATS mark since jumping SEC enemy lines and joining the Crimson Tide in 2007. Alabama is one of the most publicly-bet programs in college football and faces inflated spreads each week. But we’ve seen what happens when you cross the Tide’s boss, like Texas A&M in 2014. Saban didn’t call the dogs off in a 59-0 blowout of the Aggies, covering as 11-point favorites. Alabama finished 5-9 ATS last season.

Urban Meyer, Ohio State Buckeyes

Win/loss: 38-3 (93 percent)
ATS: 23-17-1 (57.5 percent)

Meyer gave Buckeyes bettors a dream season in 2014, not only leading Ohio State to the first ever college football playoff title but posting a profitable 10-5 ATS mark. Meyer has also won his three meetings with “that school from up north”. But his biggest blemish, at least in the eyes of OSU backers, is that he’s failed to cover in the last two of those meetings with Michigan. Things should get interesting this year, with Jim Harbaugh taking over in Ann Arbor.

Art Briles, Baylor Bears

Win/loss: 55-34 (62 percent)
ATS: 50-33-1 (60 percent)

Briles may not have the winning clip like the two coaches ahead of him on this list, but he sure knows how to cover the spread. Blindly betting BU under Briles’ care would have made college football bettor very happy, especially over the past four season in which the Bears are 31-17-1 ATS. Those profits should help Baylor fans feel a little bit better after getting pooched by the college football playoff this past season.

Jim Harbaugh, Michigan Wolverines

Win/loss: N/A
ATS: Stanford (2007-10) 26-21-1 (55 percent)

Harbaugh returns to the college ranks, where he earned his job with the 49ers after taking Stanford to the top of the Pac-12 ladder. NFL bettors may be a bit put off by what went down in San Francisco last season, including a 6-9-1 ATS record in 2014. He finished above .500 against the spread in all but one of his seasons with the Cardinal (his first in 2007) and his brand of coaching – which didn’t fly with the pros on Sunday – should go over just fine with the kids at Michigan.

Bill Snyder, Kansas State Wildcats

Win/loss: 187-94-1 (66.5 percent)
ATS: 47-24 (66 percent)

We aren’t going back in time 23 years for Snyder’s ATS results, rather sticking to his current tenure in the “Little Apple”. Snyder returned to KSU in 2009 after a three-year hiatus and immediately made Wildcats backers happy with a 7-4 ATS mark that first season back on the sidelines. He hasn’t disappointed bettors since, with his worst ATS record coming in a 6-6 ATS year in 2010. Snyder is 34-15-1 ATS over the last four years, covering at a 69 percent rate in that span.

Mark Dantonio, Michigan State Spartans

Win/loss: 75-31 (71 percent)
ATS: 55-42-2 (57 percent)

If you’ve ever seen an interview with Dantonio, you know he couldn’t give two craps about covering the spread. And it shows. Michigan State, however, has seen an uptick in ATS success the last two years, going 9-4-1 ATS in 2013 and 9-4 ATS last season. Playing in the shadows of Ohio State, Wisconsin, and even still Michigan, helps temper the Spartans’ spreads. The Green and White have also been dominant in bowl games, covering in four straight postseason matchups.

Gary Patterson, TCU Horned Frogs

Win/loss: 132-45 (74.5 percent)
ATS: 94-76-1 (55 percent)

Patterson is the second longest consecutive tenured coach on the Top 10 list, taking the big job at Texas Christian way back in 2000. He’s coming off his most profitable season, finishing 11-2 ATS in 2014 for the best record against the spread in the country. Things haven’t always been so lucrative for the Horny Toads, and with plenty of hype surrounding TCU and the return of QB and Heisman hopeful Trevone Boykin in 2015, the Frogs could face some steep spreads this coming season.

Bob Stoops, Oklahoma Sooners

Win/loss: 168-44 (76 percent)
ATS: 105-85-4 (55 percent)

There are some who would say Stoops’ seat in Norman is getting a little hot and some who believe the longest-tenured coach on this list is ready to jump to the pros. Both of those groups pushing for Stoops’ departure could be betting on OU, which has just covered enough game to keep Sooners backers in the black during his 16 years with the clipboard. Oklahoma finished with a 5-8 ATS record last year – 2-5 ATS at home - and has finished above .500 ATS just twice in the last six seasons. Could another bad betting season be the last straw for Sooner boosters?

Gus Malzahn, Auburn Tigers

Win/loss: 20-7 (74 percent)
ATS: 16-11 (59 percent)

That unbelievable win over Alabama in the 2013 Iron Bowl has given Malzahn a long leash when it comes to job security, success ATS or no success ATS. Auburn followed that fantastic 2013 (12-2 ATS) with a dismal 4-9 ATS record last year. The Tigers covered just once on the road last season, getting outscored by an average of 34.3 to 26.7 in those five games. Auburn failed to cover in its final five games, including an overtime loss to Wisconsin in the Outback Bowl.

Jimbo Fisher, Florida State Seminoles

Win/loss: 58-11 (84 percent)
ATS: 30-35 ATS (46 percent)

Following in Bobby Bowen’s footsteps wasn’t going to be easy for Fisher, then came along Jameis Winston and a national championship in 2013. The Noles finished 11-3 ATS during that magical season, but are a combined 19-32 ATS in Fisher’s other four seasons in Tallahassee. Last season, Florida State did just enough to win 13 games and earn a spot in the playoffs – finishing 3-11 ATS – before getting humiliated by Oregon in the semifinals. The head coach enters 2015 with a lot going on, on and off the field. He welcomes former Notre Dame QB Everett Golson but bids farewell to his wife Candi, with the couple separating.[/B]

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Four LSU players suspended after arrests

Four LSU players were suspended by coach Les Miles after arrests in the past two days in Baton Rouge, La.

Starting quarterback Anthony Jennings and defensive lineman Maquedius Bain were arrested for felony unauthorized entry of a dwelling and defensive back Dwayne Thomas were arrested on the same charge and also for misdemeanor simple burglary. All three were booked at the East Baton Rouge (La.) Parish Prison.

Their arrests come two days after defensive lineman Trey Lealaimatafao was arrested for allegedly striking a woman.

Lealaimatafao, a redshirt freshman, was suspended from the team indefinitely after he was charged with misdemeanor attempted simple battery and attempted simple robbery.

Miles issued a statement on Thursday night saying Jennings, Bain and Thomas were also suspended.

Jennings, a junior, has started at quarterback since 2013. Last season, Jennings passed for 1,611 yards and 11 touchdowns with seven interceptions.

"It has been our policy to suspend players who have been involved in legal issues," Miles said. "I have met with all three players extensively. We are still working with campus housing and the authorities to determine what exactly took place. This is an ongoing investigation and our players will cooperate fully."

Lealaimatafao was arrested Tuesday after he allegedly shoved and punched a woman in the face outside a campus bar. The Baton Route police report indicated that Lealaimatafao was allegedly taking money from the pants of an unconscious person on the ground in the parking lot when his girlfriend yelled at him to stop.

"When she approached him, he pushed her away," the Baton Rouge Police report stated. "She continued to scream at him to stop, and he hit her in the face with a closed fist, causing her to fall to the ground."

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Why these five betting favorites won't win college football's national title

When the SEC’s seven-year college football championship run came to a conclusion in January of 2013, thanks to the breakout campaign of Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston, few would have wagered that the sport’s ultimate alliance would be completely devoid of representation in the inaugural college football playoff title game. But sure enough, Urban Meyer’s Buckeyes and Marcus Mariota’s Ducks made all the right moves in shutting the SEC out for a second consecutive season.

As we approach the start of the 2015 college football season, an interesting development to keep in mind appears to be the return of parody to the sport’s landscape, as the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook is currently featuring four different Power 5 conferences within the top five positions on its odds board.

But while all of these teams have a solid argument as to why they’ll contend in a serious way come next January, each has its noticeable flaws as well.

Ohio State Buckeyes (Open: 9/2, Current: 7/2)

The reigning champs enjoyed one hell of a roller-coaster ride last season after opening at 12/1 to win the national title, which was immediately followed by a drastic plummet to 40/1 in the wake of the season-ending September shoulder injury suffered by quarterback Braxton Miller. But head coach Urban Meyer steadied the ship, took advantage of a soft schedule and rode backup signal-callers J.T. Barrett and Cardale Jones to January glory.

All three gun-slingers are back in Columbus this spring, but will the intense three-way competition for the top job lead to increased preparation and work ethic or animosity amongst three guys looking to take their respective talents to the professional ranks?

Ohio State opens the 2015 campaign in a revenge spot against Virginia Tech and has the good fortune of hosting both James Franklin’s up-and-coming Nittany Lions as well as Mark Dantonio’s Spartans, but a November 28 trip to the Big House looms large. Yes, the Wolverines lack the firepower that the Ohio State roster boasts, but head coach Jim Harbaugh is renowned for his ability to get the most out of his assets.

With just seven total starters and running backs coach Stay Drayton no longer with the program, the Buckeyes are still set up nicely to make another run at college football’s ultimate prize.

Alabama Crimson Tide (Open: 8/1, Current: 6/1)

The common refrain emanating from Tuscaloosa every year at this time is that the Crimson Tide don’t rebuild, they reload. Granted, no head coach in college football has had more success or sent more first-round draft picks over the last five years to the pros than Nick Saban.

But even Alabama’s patron saint will have his hands full in 2015 with just nine starters back from last season’s college football playoff squad, only two of which play on the offensive side of the ball.

Further compounding the problem is the sheer brutality of life in the SEC, which will feature road dates at Georgia, Texas A&M, Mississippi State and Auburn - not to mention a season-opener in Dallas against Wisconsin and potential showdown in college football’s toughest conference championship game.

Saban has proven time and time again that he’s got the chops to run the gauntlet, but the Tide will face a myriad of potential pitfalls in 2015.

TCU Horned Frogs (Open: 7/1, Current: 8/1)

One of college football’s most underrated coaches, TCU boss Gary Patterson turned a 4-8 bummer of a season in 2013 into a 12-1 behemoth last year that many felt deserved a place in the four-team playoff.

Not only will the Horned Frogs play the “Us against the world” card this fall, but they’ll do so with a staggering 10 starters back on offense, including the 2014 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year in quarterback Trevone Boykin. That’s the good news.

The downside here is that the Big 12 is still the only Power 5 conference without a conference championship showdown, which was the integral factor in the committee’s decision to opt for Ohio State over the Horned Frogs last December. So, TCU will essentially need to turn in an unblemished schedule if the program wants a seat at the head table come winter.

And keep in mind that’s a schedule featuring potential stumbling blocks in road trips to Kansas State and Oklahoma before the season finale at home against high-flying Baylor.

Baylor Bears (Open: 12/1, Current: 15/1)

Art Briles has done a remarkable job of upgrading Baylor from the outhouse to the floor just below the penthouse in only seven seasons, but there always seems to be one key piece missing in Baylor’s unlikely quest for a national championship (Breaking news: It’s the defense).

Despite the return of 17 starters from last year’s 11-2 squad, one notable absence this time around comes in the form of 8,000-yard passer Bryce Petty, who departed for the NFL in April’s draft.

The Bears will face all the same obstacles mentioned above in our TCU breakdown (lack of a conference championship game, etc.), but with the added caveat being that this team isn’t as good as TCU. That will be officially recognized in the mother of all revenge games on Friday, November 27, when the Horned Frogs go for payback after blowing a 21-point fourth-quarter lead in Waco last October.

USC Trojans (Open: 12/1, Current: 15/1)

Steve Sarkisian’s first year on the job in Los Angeles saw the Trojans post a 9-4 mark that featured a 45-42 Holiday Bowl victory over Nebraska in addition to the monumental leap forward taken by quarterback Cody Kessler, who threw for 3,826 yards and 39 scores with only five interceptions.

And, given the fact that Marcus Mariota is no longer running the show up north in Oregon, the Trojans’ path to the playoff appears a bit less obstructed. But you need to be able to produce some semblance of quality tackling in the pass-first Pac-12 conference, which should prove to be a challenge for the Men of Troy given that three of the program’s top four tacklers and two best pass rushers are no longer on the roster.

Additionally, note potential road trip pitfalls that take place on October 17 at Notre Dame, October 31 at high-flying California and November 21 at always-daunting Oregon.

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TCU's Boykin the fave to win 2015-16 Heisman Trophy

It's never too early to place futures bets, and if you're looking to cash in on the top player in college football for the 2015-16 season, one online book has you covered.

5Dimes released its Heisman Trophy odds for the campaign with a TCU Horned Frog topping the board. The list is as follows:

Trevone Boykin (TCU) +750
Ezekiel Elliot (OSU) +800
Dak Prescott (Mississippi State) +850
Nick Chubb (Georgia) +1,100

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Capping the 2015 Heisman Trophy candidates

The Heisman Trophy is the most prestigious individual award in college football and it seems like we start talking about it earlier every year. Some early odds have already been released so let's take a look at one favorite, a couple of value picks and then a longshot, courtesy of online sportsbook The Greek.com.

Favorite: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State (+500)

Elliott came on strong at the end of the season and won the offensive MVP in the National Championship Game. Elliott was a terror in the last three games of the year as he scored a total of eight rushing TDs and averaged 232 rushing yards per game. Ohio State has four starters returning on the offensive line so that means Elliott will likely pick up where he left off. A negative to picking Elliott is the starpower that Ohio State has at QB. Any of the three QBs they have could have a strong enough year to win the Heisman and/or the story of the QB position could take the spotlight away from Elliott.

Value Pick: Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia (+1000)

Chubb started out the 2014 season as Georgia's fourth-string running back and finished second in the SEC in rushing. After playing sparingly in the first five games and averaging 44.8 yards per game, Chubb got his chance against Missouri and from that point on he averaged 165 rushing yards per game over the last eight games. Georgia returns four offensive linemen and their new offensive coordinator, Brian Schottenheimer, will likely lean heavily on the run as the Dawgs must replace their starting QB Hutson Mason.

Value Pick: Jeremy Johnson, QB, Auburn (+2000)

The Tigers had an off year at 8-5 so some are underestimating them but there should be no offensive drop-off when the Tigers replace Nick Marshall with Jeremy Johnson. In 2013, Johnson saw action in five games and completed 70 percent of his passes and had six TD to two INT. Last season, Johnson's stats were even better as he completed over 75 percent of his passes and had three TD vs zero INT. Johnson will also have a huge weapon in D'haquille Williams. Williams showed flashes of being a superstar in 2014 and with Johnson running the offense he should get more opportunities in 2015.

Longshot: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson (+3000)

A quarterback has won the last five Heisman Trophies. When I look around college football there is no one that impressed me as much as Watson did last year at Clemson as a true freshman. Watson didn't have the benefit of being an early enrollee but despite that he got playing time in their opener against Georgia and outplayed his veteran competition in that game. Watson finished the season completing 67.9 percent of his passes and had a sparkling TD to INT ratio of 14:2. He was also able to get it done on the ground as he led Clemson with five rushing TDs. The only thing that held Watson back was injuries. With Jameis Winston going to the NFL, it could be Clemson's chance to dethrone them and if so Watson's star will shine bright if he can stay healthy.

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Alabama, Florida State finalizing deal for 2017 game

Alabama and Florida State, winners of four of the last six national championships combined, reportedly have agreed to open the 2017 season in Atlanta.

FSU athletic director Stan Wilcox told a group of Seminoles boosters at a board of directors meeting in Charleston, S.C., on Friday that the game is set, according to the Palm Beach Post. A source confirmed the report to ESPN.

The newspaper reported that although a contract has not been signed, an agreement was in place that would match Alabama coach Nick Saban against Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher. The game is expected to be played in the new stadium that will serve as the home of the Atlanta Falcons, which is scheduled to open in 2017.

The Palm Beach Post reported the schools will earn a payday between $4 million and $5 million from the game. The contracts are expected to be signed soon at which time an official announcement will be made.

In November, the newspaper was first to report discussions were underway by the two schools to meet on the neutral field.

The Crimson Tide captured national titles following the 2009, 2011, 2012 seasons and the Seminoles won the championship in 2013.

This past season, Alabama and Florida State were participants in the first-ever College Football Playoff. The Seminoles lost to Oregon and the Crimson Tide lost to eventual national champion Ohio State.

The programs have met four times, most recently in 2007 in Jacksonville, Fla., when Florida State won 21-14 for its only victory in the series. The other three games were played in Tuscaloosa, Ala., where Alabama won in 1965 and 1974, and the teams tied in 1967.

Fisher coached under Saban for five seasons (2000-2004) at LSU as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.