Rory McIlroy: 15 Bold Predictions for the Next 15 Years

The phenomenon that is Irishman Rory McIlroy has taken flight, and the golf world is abuzz with the possibility that we are witnessing the start of a career that could go down as one of the best ever.

However, before we anoint the 22-year-old the Second Coming, let us take a step back and realize how lucky we truly are to potentially witness two of the greatest golfers to ever live.

As soon as McIlroy broke Tiger Woods' record of the lowest score at the 2011 U.S. Open, we started comparing the two.

From that day on, McIlroy and Woods will be forever linked.

For that exact reason, most of the predictions we will make of McIlroy in the next few years will be about stepping over or not living up to Tiger Woods' standards.

They seem like exact opposites, for now. McIlroy is the nice and polite young man, while Woods is the guy who picked up on a waitress at Perkins' Pancake House .

For now, they live in two separate worlds, but on the golf course, they are playing for the exact same honor. Both want to be the greatest ever.

Whether we are jumping to conclusions with McIlroy or not, his age and talent urge us to do so. For that, we make predictions in our mind.

Will he be the greatest ever?

We will soon find out.



15. Rory McIlroy Will Not Win Another Major in 2011

With the British Open and PGA Championship left to be played on the majors schedule, many are already jumping to the conclusion that McIlroy will at least win one of those.

Many are almost giving him the title as 2011 British Open champion already.

However, what may hurt him the most is the fact that immediately after the 2011 U.S. Open, he announced that he would take a three week break.

What a three week break is to him, I do not know.

Is he not going to pick up a club during that time?

The break will hurt him more than help him in this way. He was playing great golf up to the U.S. Open.

Why disrupt that?



14. Rory McIlroy Will Eventually Join the PGA Tour

McIlroy said on the Dan Patrick Show just days after winning the U.S. Open that he does not plan on joining the PGA Tour for at least the next several years.

However, within the next 15 years, his stardom will almost insist that he should.

With every win will come more pressure to join the most competitive tour in golf, and become a bigger star in the United States.

McIlroy will succumb to that pressure.



13. Rory McIlroy Will Break Record For Most U.S. Open Wins

Currently, it is a four-way tie for the most U.S. Open Wins in the history of the tournament. the four players are Willie Anderson, Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan and Jack Nicklaus.

Given McIlroy's almost perfect play at Congressional CC, we can almost guarantee that he will win three more in his next 15 chances.

McIlroy put his full golf repertoire on display in 2011.

He is accurate and long off the tee, putts well, and is a good and consistent ball striker. Those three characteristics are what all golfers struggle with the most in a U.S. Open.

At 22-years old, McIlroy has already displayed those three characteristics and we can expect him to achieve that feat at least four more times.



12. Rory McIlroy Will Break Record For Most British Open Wins

Currently, the record for most British Open wins is held by Harry Vardon with six.

Although this would be hard for ant golfer to pull off, McIlroy is as good as any to bet that he could.

Many will agree that the easiest tournament for McIlroy to win would be the Britsih Open on a links-style course.

He already proved that he can contend as a 21-year-old back in 2010, but his overall game sets him above the rest in a British Open.

McIlroy is long and accurate with the driver, which only sets you farther ahead of the competition in an Open Championship.

At the least, McIlroy can pull a Tiger, and never take the driver out of the bag.

It is for that reason that McIlroy will eventually make his way to seven British Open victories.



11. Rory McIlroy Will Win Just One Major In the Next Two Years

Since McIlroy just won the U.S. Open by eight shots, this prediction may seem a little farfetched.

However, it would not surprise many if the U.S. open hangover hungover for a couple years.

It is hard for anyone to win a major, let alone a 22-year-old on the biggest stage. Although McIlroy is as good a man as any to overcome that, the fact of the matter is that he will encounter some bumps in the road in these next couple of years.

It is how he overcomes those bumps that will suggest whether or not he will be one of the greatest to ever play this game.



10. Rory McIlroy Will Not Make As Much Money As Tiger Woods

In 2010, Tiger Woods made $62.3 million in combined endorsements, salary and winnings. He made that much while endouring one of the hardest and most well-publicized years of anyone's life.

Can McIlroy do that?

Woods has several things going for him:

-Swings hard
-Wears his emotions on his sleeve
-African American (very few on the PGA Tour)
-WAS fan-favorite
-Has popular video game
-Has a flare for the dramatics

Will McIlroy ever accomplish any of that?

Yes, the 22-year-old is getting more endorsement deals than ever and is set to get absolutely paid in this next year, but will he ever make the type of money Woods was making?



9. Rory McIlroy Will Win Four Majors in a Row

Also called the Tiger Slam, McIlroy will at one point in the next 15 years win four straight majors.

We all saw what he can do if his game is on. There is nothing to stop him from doing it all in the same year.

Injuries are the only thing stopping this from happening, and with his flawless swing, he is built for years and years of dominance.



8. Rory McIlroy Will Take A Back Seat In Every Tournament Tiger Woods Plays In

McIlroy is on top of the golfing world, as it stands. However, when the king comes back, golf will change yet again.

McIlroy is talented, but although we have not seen him in a long span yet, Woods still controls golf.

He owns the sport because of the fact he wears his emotions on his sleeve, owns the Tiger fist pump and has brought us countless clutch moments.

Until McIlroy can do that, Woods still owns the spotlight in every tournament he plays in.



7. Rory McIlroy Will Break Own Record At U.S. Open

Although this record seems like it will never be broken, McIlroy's 16-under par performance in the 2011 U.S. Open will be defeated by none other than himself.

The U.S. Open is the hardest golf tournament in the world, with high rough, fast greens and tight fairways.

Players often come off the course with a headache because of all the thinking that is involved in surviving these terrifying conditions.

Still, McIlroy is poised to repeat what he did at Congressional CC, and then some.

Like I said i a previous slide, McIlroy has the ultimate set of tools to contend every time at the U.S. Open.

He is accurate and long off the tee, has great ball-striking ability and putts well.

That is the exact formula to winning at the U.S. Open, and there is no stopping McIlroy from putting on the exact show he put on in 2011 in the years to come.



6. Rory McIlroy Will Stop Wearing Bad Shirts

Did you cringe, as well, when watching McIlroy strut down the 18th fairway wearing a bland Oakley shirt with the brand "Jemeirah" on it?

Where I come from, the top player in the world should be wearing Nike or Titleist, not a faded Oakley collar.

McIlroy did just sign a three-year extension with Jemeirah, so expect that on his chest for the next few years.

Down the road, we will see the 22-year-old graduate to Titleist or another big-name brand. They will throw so much money at him that he will be forced to switch sooner or later.

Until then, enjoy watching one of the best players in the world rock something off the 50% rack at Sports Authority.



5. Rory McIlroy Will Not Beat Tiger Woods To Jack Nicklaus' Record

It is hard to say what has a better chance of happening these days, Tiger Woods catching Nicklaus or McIlroy surpassing both of them.

McIlroy has one major and has been in contention for three at the tender age of 22, and Woods has 14 majors but has been struggling with injuries over the last few years.

Who will get to 17 majors first?

I do not see how anyone can take McIlroy with their pick. Woods has a solid 10 more years in contention on the PGA Tour, and we all know how much he wants that record.

If we have learned anything, it is that what Woods wants, he gets.

Who knows what is in store for McIlroy?

He could be plagued buy injuries, or maybe the choking bug, like in the 2011 Masters. There are so many factors that go into the making of a golf legend, and it is too soon to crown McIlroy yet.



4. Rory McIlroy Will Not Break Jack Nicklaus' Record

If we have learned anything from the history of golf, it is that Nicklaus' 17 major victories is going to be a tough record to catch.

In golf, there are too many factors that can alter a players' career in this game.

Can McIlroy do it?

Sure. However, we thought Woods was a lock to overtake Nicklaus, and look where he is now.

It could be injuries or a mental block, but McIlroy has a lot to overcome before he challenges Nicklaus' hallowed record.



3. Rory McIlroy Will Break Tiger Woods' Record For Longest Period At No. 1 in the World

The current record for most weeks at No. 1 in World Golf Ranking is 281 weeks by Tiger Woods.

McIlroy will easily surpass that sometime in the next 15 years.

He will break that record mostly based on the fact that there is no young up-and-coming challenger that is ready to rival McIlroy for the next several years.

Is it this Patrick Cantlay from UCLA?

It is too early, yet.

McIlroy is already No. 3 in the world right now at age 22, so what is stopping him from grabbing hold of the No. 1 spot in the next year just as he steps into the best golf of his career?

McIlroy's talent and youth suggest that he can be at No. 1 in the world for a very long time.



2. Rory McIlroy Will Go Down As the Greatest European Golfer Ever

Currently, Seve Ballesteros is arguably the greatest European golfer to ever live.

He has won 50 times, the most by any European Tour player, and has five majors, which is only second to Nick Faldo.

McIlroy, at 22-year old, has three career wins and one major, as he steps into the prime of his golfing career.

The Irishman should dominate the European Tour, which he says he will play for the next few year, and I do not see anything stopping him from surpassing Ballesteros 50 career wins.

As for major wins, it seem as almost a guarantee that McIlroy will surpass Faldo' six wins, instantly making McIlroy one of the best European golfers to ever live.



1. Rory McIlroy Will Win 14 Majors

I am not so quick to place McIlroy in golf history, but I will go as far as to say he will come close.

The reason we cannot immediately assume that McIlroy will be the greatest golfer to ever live is the fact that there are so many factors in golf.

We thought the same with Woods when we just about handed him the all-time majors record a few years back.

Now with knee problems, Woods will be lucky to catch Nicklaus' record of 17 major victories.

McIlroy has just one major, and although he has all the tools needed to become great in this sports, it is still too early.

He could be plagued by injuries or even catch several cases of the choke bug.

It is for that reason that McIlroy will come up short for the all-time major wins record, but certainly contend with 14 career major victories.

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NBA Rumors: Tyson Chandler and 10 Young Players Set For A Payday

Around this time last year, the nation was captivated by one of the greatest free agent offseasons the NBA will ever see. Lebron James, Amare Stoudemire and Chris Bosh headlined the list of free agents set to earn big contracts with their new respective teams.

On July 8, 2010, James made his decision to "take his talents to South Beach," and the all hell broke loose.

A year later, with an NBA Lockout looming, basketball has given us a list of free agents that cannot even hold a candle to the cast highlighted last year.

Many will agree that Tyson Chandler will be the most sought after free agent this offseason, given the way he played in the NBA Finals.

But Tyson Chandler?

10 PPG and nine RPG?

It is safe to say, NBA Free Agency 2011 will be shallow at best.

There are players on this list that can make a difference to teams, though, but maybe we are still just stuck in 2010, where superstar free agents were up for grabs.

Now in 2011, we are looking at young available players seeking paydays from a weak free agent class.

Good for them, and probably bad for your team if they are in need of premiere talent, or wish to overpay for any part of this lackluster Free Agency 2011.

Here are 10 young players that are set to get paid this offseason.

(For the sake of this list, I set of the cut-off of "young" at 30-years old)



10. Glen Davis

The "Big Baby" himself will be on the market this offseason, and looking to obtain a mighty big paycheck for all the work he did in Boston these last four seasons.

Mostly off the bench, Davis played a large role for the Celtics as someone that could produce in limited minutes.

He averaged 11 PPG and seven RPG while in Boston, and is considered somewhere around the 14th or 15th best available player in free agency this offseason.

For that reason, Davis' $3.3 million he made last season will most likely increase in free agency.

Is he worth it, though?

Look for Davis to make somewhere around $5 million next season.



9. Kris Humphries

Mr. Kim Kardashian will not have any money problems in the near future, now that he is engaged to the cash cow reality star, but he may want to hold some type of dignity by raking in a paycheck or two next season.

Humphries made $3.2 million last season. Pay no mind that the ring he bought Kardashian was $2.5 million, though.

Fortunately for Humphries, he had a breakout season for the New Jersey Nets last season, averaging 10PPG and 10 RPG. With those numbers, he should claim a pay raise this next season, whether he will need it or not.

Expect around $5 million next season Mr. Kardashian-Humphries.



8. Nick Young

Next to Young's highlight reel plays last season, his 17 PPG for the Washington Wizards should do the trick.

He has improved every year since being in the league, and it culminated with a nice 2010-11.

Young is a restricted free agent, meaning all Washington would have to do is throw a qualifying offer at him to retain his services for another season.

The 26-year-old will not be getting much in free agency, so look for him to receive between $3 and $4 million next season.



7. Carl Landry

Many teams are starting to take notice of the good brand of basketball Landry is playing in the NBA.

The 6'9" forward put up 11 PPG last season, while making his living cleaning up the boards and doing the things that go unnoticed on the basketball court.

Landry was payed $3 million last season, but the free agent market is not sure what to make of hm quite yet.

Expect around $5 million next season for the 27-year-old.



6. Aaron Brooks

The speedy restricted free agent will be receiving several offers from teams this offseason. Many teams would love a quick and secure ball-handler at the point guard position.

He is already being pursued by the Sacramento Kings, who could use his services to deliver the ball to the duo of Tyreke Evans and Jimmer Fredette.

That would not be a bad gig for Brooks.

Last season, Brooks made $2.02 million. But expect near $4 million next season.



5. Greg Oden

Has the public forgotten about this guy?

The No. 1 pick out of Ohio State in 2007 is a free agent this season, putting teams at a crossroads as to whether or not he can be a great center in this league.

Injuries have plagued him his entire career so far, but he will be getting paid this offseason because of the "what if" factor.

What if Oden gets healthy and lives up to his No. 1 overall draft pick status?

If healthy, Oden is one of the best centers in the game, so why not take a chance on him?

Expect him to land a contract for next season around $7 million, despite playing in just 82 total NBA games.



4. Rodney Stuckey

Stuckey will not be receiving very high offers this offseason, but he can still be a fantastic acquisition at the point guard position for many NBA teams.

He put up 15 PPG and 5 APG last season for the terrible Detroit Pistons, but they may be the team paying him the highest this offseason.

Does Stuckey want to stay in Detroit or try something new elsewhere?

We will find out.

The most he is getting in Detroit would be around $4 million, but expect Stuckey to land somewhere between $3 and $4 million for next season.



3. Jeff Green

Green was involved in the trade that allegedly destroyed the culture of basketball in Boston.

The Celtics gave up Kendrick Perkins in exchange for Green in order to get younger and more athletic, when in fact they ruined the team chemistry, and most of all, the team's rebounding ability.

Because of that move, Green is in this for the long haul with the Celtics. Boston has no other choice.

Expect him to land a good pay raise this offseason, somewhere around $7 million for several years.



2. Marc Gasol

Gasol's 11 PPG and 7 RPG has teams drooling for the 7'1" center this offseason.

Is he someone a young team can build around?

At times, it seems that way, but he still has a lot to prove to NBA teams.

Because of his size and abilities on both the defensive and offensive sides of the ball, look for Gasol to be one of the higher paid players this offseason.

A team with deep pockets could throw as much as $9 million at the 26-year-old next season.



1. Tyson Chandler

Chandler, for better or for worse, is the best player on the free agency market this offseason.

He is a player that can change the complexion of a team by contributing with his uptempo and fearless style of play.

At 7'1", Chandler is not someone that a team can build around, but we all saw what happened this last season to the Dallas Mavericks and how their team changed with him in the line-up.

With his ability to bring energy to a team from the center position, expect Chandler to land a healthy deal this offseason worth somewhere around $10 million.

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NHL Draft: Despite No Notable Picks, the San Jose Sharks Still Had A Productive Draft

The San Jose Sharks went out on a limb on Draft Day 2011 and acquired defenseman Brent Burns from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for winger Devin Setoguchi, top forward prospect Charlie Coyle and their 28th overall draft pick.

Heading into the 2011 NHL Draft, the focus for the Sharks was centered around building for the future.

That is exactly what the Sharks achieved without even owning a first-round pick at the end of the day.

A day prior to the trade, Setoguchi had signed a three-year deal with the Sharks.

Did GM Doug Wilson know he was going to trade Setoguchi the next day?

It is not confirmed.

However, when a star defenseman becomes available, and your team is in dire need of such a player, there is not much time to think.

Wilson took action.

Despite how much the fans loved the home-grown Setoguchi, the team is better today than they were the day they signed him to a three-year deal.

Here are three reasons why the Sharks had a tremendous Draft Day, despite no significant picks.



1. Not much talent at No. 28

If the Sharks had kept the 28th overall pick in the 2011 NHL Draft, the talent level would have been meek at best.

The 28th player taken in the draft was centre Zack Phillips from the QMJHL, and the Sharks would have had their pick of either Phillips, winger Ty Rattie, winger Nicklas Jensen or winger Rickard Rakell, if we are talking best available prospects.

Phillips, the best available player at No. 28, is an 18-year-old playing for arguably the best team in the QMJHL. He has been compared to Patrick Sharp of the NHL, but his speed and play-making abilities need work if he is to make it big for the Minnesota Wild in the future.

The Sharks did not pass up on much here. Phillips was arguably the best player available at that point in the draft, but his ceiling in the NHL may not be that high, although the future will dictate that for him.

The question here is "Was it worth it to pass up on an NHL draft pick like Phillips in order to land an All-Star defenseman?"

In this case, it most certainly was.




2. Devin Setoguchi Was Worth Giving Up

At 24-years old, Setoguchi's ceiling in the NHL is high.

He has scored over 20 goals in every season he has played and the Sharks were correct in re-signing him the day before the NHL Draft tipped off.

However, trading Setoguchi to Minnesota in exchange for All-Star defenseman Brent Burns was also correct.

The truth is that even though he was a home-grown talent and fan favorite, Setoguchi was overshadowed in the stats department with the Sharks.

With superstars like Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau and Dany Heatley, the Sharks were never going to fully tap the scoring potential of Setoguchi in San Jose.

That had to be a main reason for Wilson pulling the trigger on the trade with Minnesota.

At one point this last season, many were calling for Setoguchi's head after an insignificant first-half of the season. Even around the trade deadline, we were just waiting for the news that the 24-year-old had been traded.

There was too much talent in San Jose for Setoguchi to become what he is poised to be, a scoring threat.

Yes, Setoguchi's scoring abilities were on display in the 2011 NHL Playoffs, especially with his hat trick in the Detroit series. However, was that just a fluke?

Will we ever see that type of offensive domination from Setoguchi on a regular basis in San Jose?

The truth was we were not, and Wilson knew that.

Setoguchi's offensive threat in the playoffs probably played a huge role in the completion of this trade.

The Wild gave up their star defenseman, and the Sharks gave up a scorer that is capable of so much more in Minnesota than in San Jose.



3. Brent Burns Is Talented

At 6'5" and 219 lbs. with good puck-moving ability, Burns can flourish in San Jose.

The Sharks already have a high-powered offense, but add a young and skilled All-Star defenseman to the mix and watch his numbers increase even higher.

The main reason why the Sharks' trade for the 26-year-old Burns was a success is the fact that San Jose needed a physical blueliner to dominate the boards. Missing that player on the Sharks last season turned out to be a gaping hole in their chances at a Stanley Cup.

Burns is that physical player that fills that gaping hole.

Whether he will be paired up with Marc-Edouard Vlasic or Douglas Murray, that line will get an immediate physical boost in the form of a 6'5" behemoth.

The Sharks will not be afraid to admit that there are a few downsides to this trade.

San Jose had to give up their top forward prospect Charlie Coyle, who was doing very well for Boston University and was set to be a talent for the Sharks in the future.

Of course, acquiring one of the best defensemen in the NHL does come with a hefty price, and Coyle had to go.

The other downside to this trade is that Burns is prone to concussions, or so his past claims.

Burns suffered concussions in both the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons, which limited him to just 106 games in those two seasons.

A huge bright-side, and one that was a huge factor in this trade, was that Burns played in 80 games this past season and earned a trip to the 2010-11 All-Star game.

The fact is Burns is the exact player that the Sharks lacked last season.

Although they do lose a legitimate scoring threat, and possible future threat, the Sharks ranked sixth in offense last season. Scoring is in the franchise's blood.

Burns changes the culture of this team and the overall complextion of a team that will be back to make a new and improved run at the Stanley Cup next season.

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The Golden State Warriors Selected Two NBA-Ready Players

Remember all those NBA Drafts where the Golden State Warriors would select absolute projects whose talent levels would not be NBA standard for the next few years?

Kiss those days goodbye thanks to two names: Jerry West and Joe Lacob.

In just a short stint with the Warriors, Lacob has already taken this team from seemingly zero draft knowledge to knowingly brilliant draft picks.

Remember projects like Patrick O'Bryant or Ike Diogu, even Andris Biedrins?

In 2011, the Warriors selected two very qualified players that can play not three years down the road, barring good coaching, but players that can play tomorrow.

In Klay Thompson, Golden State does not get an all-around NBA-ready player, but with his 6'7" athletic frame, I'm sure he can be taught.

What is NBA-ready about him is his shot from the perimeter.

Next to Jimmer Fredette, Thompson has undoubtedly the best shot on the draft board with range for miles.

He is sure to contribute next season in that new and improved (and taller) backcourt.

As for Charles Jenkins, the Warriors pick at No. 44, he is NBA-ready, as well. This is the true point guard that Golden State needed.

For those asking where the big man was for the Warriors, this draft just was not worth it, especially with a player like Jenkins that fell in their lap at No. 44 after being thought of as a late first-round pick.

Jenkins has an NBA-ready offensive game, but his all-around game, much like Thompson, will come along with good coaching. And with one of the best point guards to ever play as their head coach, that may be sooner than expected for both players.

All in all, Golden State had terrific picks, even landing the upside of Jeremy Tyler from Charlotte, and most likely had a top five draft of all the teams at the end of the night.

The Warriors got valued talent at their positions in the draft, but most importantly, they got talent that can play and contribute right away.

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2011 NBA Draft Grades: Grading the Teams and Picks of the NBA Draft Live

The overwhelming consensus of the 2011 NBA Draft is that the talent level is shallow at best. Of course, the years to come will decide that, but with so many unknown players in this draft, it would be hard to know much about who that 18-year-old European player is.

What we do know is that Kyrie Irving will be selected No. 1 overall and Derrick Williams will be selected No. 2, barring something out of this world happening. However, it would be hard to say that both of those players will be All-Stars one day.

Though the talent level is dull, what will make this draft exciting is everything around it.

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San Jose Sharks: Their 5 Biggest Needs in the 2011 NHL Draft

If you ran into an average sports fan on the street and asked them when the 2011 NHL Draft was, odds are they could not tell you. I even had to look it up just to make sure.

My sources tell me it is this Friday, June 24, and runs through the 25th. But you cannot always trust what Wikipedia puts out.

Either way, the Sharks must make major waves in this draft if they desire to stay among the upper-echelon of teams in the NHL.

They own the 28th overall pick in the draft this year.

Every year, the NHL Draft provides us with a small number of highly-touted prospects, any of which could become elite players in the NHL. The problem for the marketing side of the NHL Draft is that that number of significant players is tiny at best. The majority of the draft will all have their shot one day at playing in the NHL.

For the Sharks, they have several needs that must be filled.

In the 2010 NHL Draft, San Jose selected Charlie Coyle with the 28th overall pick. Currently, Coyle is already the Sharks' top forward prospect, but still years away from the NHL.

In the 2007 NHL Draft, the Sharks selected Logan Couture with the 9th overall pick. So there are possibilities here.

Here are some needs that must be addressed by the Sharks on June 24.



Defenseman

This one may seem obvious, but the Sharks need to select an elite blueliner in this draft.

Yes, the defense happened to be the low point for the Sharks in 2010-11, and despite GM Doug Wilson's heroic attempts with players like Ian White in 2011 and Niclas Wallin in 2010, there still seems to be a hole at defensemen.

Add that on to the fact that Wallin has left the team this offseason and White is still unsigned, and the Sharks need to to add on to their defensive prospects for the future.

While the top defenseman in the this draft is Adam Larsson, look for San Jose to possibly target someone like a Joseph Morrow or Jonas Brodin at No. 29.



Top-Tier Scorer

The Sharks are stacked with forwards at the NHL level. You cannot go wrong with Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau and Dany Heatley on the ice, unless it is playoff time (low blow).

Still, with Heatley not performing to what everyone expected out of him, the Sharks could use a elusive scorer.

Whether they can find that at No. 28 in the draft is another story.

Look for the Sharks to target point-producers Alexander Khokhlachev or Ty Rattie if they choose to fill this need.



Shut Down Defenseman

This may be piggy-backing with what the first need was about, but the Sharks should find a way to land a defenseman that has the tools needed to play shut down defense on the ice.

San Jose lacked in this very department when they were not able to stop Vancouver's relentless offense in the 2011 Western Conference Finals.

If there is such a thing as a shut down defenseman nearing the end of the first round, it would be Jonas Brodin.



Goaltender
Is Antti Niemi going to last forever in San Jose?

More importantly, is Alex Stalock or Thomas Greiss going to be the next man in net for the Sharks?

I can guarantee that the Sharks will not be taking a goaltender with their first-round pick, but a look into the future shows that they need someone to backup their netminder prospects in these next couple years if things do not pan out.

Look for the best American goaltender in this draft, John Gibson, to be available at No. 28.



Physical Player

The Sharks own two of the bigger players in the NHL in Joe Thornton and Douglas Murray, but maybe San Jose should look to get bigger in the 2011 NHL Draft.

Again, physicality was a weakness of the Sharks in the Western Conference Finals, and although San Jose's front office is not saying it, they may be thinking it.

Who knows how these players will turn out, but if the Sharks do draft for physical presence, then they will not be drafting Ty Rattie.

Despite fantastic skills, Rattie stands only 5'11" and weighs 163 lbs.

The bigger-bodied choice, if there is one in this draft, would be someone like Tyler Biggs, who stands at 6'2" and can play the right wing.

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Proof the Golden State Warriors Are Shopping Monta Ellis

Fan speculation and simulated trade rumors have been running rampid since Golden State Warriors adviser Jerry West hinted at a possible Monta Ellis trade this summer.

There have been confirmed reports that teams are interested in Ellis, but every proposed deal seen on the internet has come from pure fan speculation and not confirmed reports.

Nevertheless, fan speculation has fueled a more personal view of the Ellis trade scenarios, and on Monday the public got their first look at a "real life" proposed trade for Ellis this summer.

The proposal, reported by DraftExpress.com's Jonathan Givony, had Monta Ellis, Ekpe Udoh and

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San Francisco 49ers: Odds For Alex Smith, Colin Kaepernick and the Rest of the QB Race

With no current NFL season and talks still underway as to if a 2011-12 season will ever happen, speculation is all we have these days.

If there was a team that has been hurt the most from the NFL Lockout, it would be the San Francisco 49ers.

The 49ers have a new coach in Jim Harbaugh that has no experience running an NFL team. He cannot organize a practice with his team, nor can he even name his own starting quarterback.

Currently, the 49ers have two quarterbacks on their roster. One may not ever start in the NFL again, and the other is a second round draft pick with zero experience running an NFL offense.

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San Francisco Giants: Add Bill Hall To the List of Misfits

Bill Hall tallied his first two hits as a San Francisco Giant on Wednesday night. It was a welcomed sight for Giants fans, who have seen the likes of Pablo Sandoval, Buster Posey and now Freddy Sanchez lost to injury at one point this season.

Hall's RBI double over the head of Arizona Diamondbacks' center fielder, Chris Young, on Wednesday night seemed to make all forget about what kind of an injury-plagued season this team was having.

Hall's big night also has some thinking.

Is he this year's version of Pat Burrell?

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College Basketball Recruiting 2012: Power Ranking the Top 17 Undecided Recruits

With the freshmen in college basketball performing at all-time highs, fans are eager to know the names of incoming players that could one day make a name for themselves in March Madness.

These are players have have so much hype coming out of high school that they are coveted by teams looking to recruit the next Kyrie Irving or Jared Sullinger.

How these players develop in college basketball is yet to be determined, but whether the most-hyped players turn out like a Josh Selby or a Brandon Knight, does not matter.

For now, schools will do anything to land that all-important freshman player that they can lay claim to and boost their school's fan base.

High school players are receiving more hype than ever, and today is no different.



17. Shacquille Cleare

High School: The Village School
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Height: 6'9"
Weight: 270

Strengths: Good post player with terrific touch around the rim.

Weaknesses: Needs to be in better shape.

Considering: Arizona, Texas A&M, Texas, Baylor, Maryland



16. Perry Ellis

High School: Wichita Heights
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 220

Strengths: Can run the floor and finish well.

Weaknesses: Needs to become better shooter.

Considering: Kansas, Kansas State, Kentucky, Memphis, Oklahoma



15. Jarnell Stokes

High School: Memphis Central
Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 250

Strengths: Strong, big bodied power forward

Weaknesses: Still too small for position, so must improve outside shot.

Considering: Memphis, Tennessee, Duke



14. Alex Poythress

High School: Northeast
Hometown: Clarksville, Tennessee
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 215

Strengths: Very good at attacking the basket.

Weaknesses: Needs to improve ways of scoring.

Considering: Vanderbilt, Memphis, Florida



13. Gary Harris

High School: Hamilton Southeastern
Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 195

Strengths: Good strength for a guard.

Weaknesses: Needs to improve consistent shooting ability.

Considering: Michigan State, Indiana, Purdue



12. Robert Carter

High School: Thomasville
Hometown: Thomasville, Georgia
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 240

Strengths: Good combination of size, strength and ability.

Weaknesses: Needs to be more active on the glass.

Considering: Georgia, Florida, Florida State



11. Ricardo Ledo

High School: Notre Dame Prep
Hometown: Providence, Rhode Island
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 180

Strengths: Phenominal scorer.

Weaknesses: Needs to improve defense.

Considering: Providence, Syracuse, Kansas, Connecticut



10. Shaq Goodwin

High School: Southwest Dkalb
Hometown: Decatur, Georgia
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 210

Strengths: Good athleticism and range behind the free throw line.

Weaknesses: Needs to work on maturity.

Considering: UCLA, Georgia, Florida



9. Kyle Anderson

High School: St. Anthony
Hometown: Fairview, New Jersey
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 210

Strengths: A point guard in a small forward's body makes for match-up problems. Has great passing abilities and vision on the floor.

Weaknesses: Needs to bulk up.

Considering: UCLA, St. John's, Florida



8. Kaleb Tarczewski

High School: St. Marks
Hometown: Claremont, New Hampshire
Height: 7'0"
Weight: 220

Strengths: Good mobility for a true center.

Weaknesses: Needs to work on his scoring abilities in the post.

Considering: Connecticut, Kansas, North Carolina, Arizona



7. Archie Goodwin

High School: Sylvan Hills
Hometown: Little Rock, Arkansas
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 181

Strengths: Smooth and multi-skilled forward.

Weaknesses: Improve shot from three-point range.

Considering: Arkansas, Kentucky, Kansas



6. Rodney Purvis

High School: Upper Room Christian Academy
Hometown: Raleigh, North Carolina
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 185

Strengths: Good ball-handling gives him the ability of driving to the bucket whenever he feels like it.

Weaknesses: Improve jump shot.

Considering: Duke, Kentucky, Louisville



5. Brandon Ashley

High School: Bishop O'Dowd
Hometown: Oakland, California
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 210

Strengths: Good timing and quickness around the basket with a soft touch.

Weaknesses: Needs to work on fundamentals in order to make it in college.

Considering: UCLA, California, Arizona



4. DaJuan Coleman

High School: Jamesville De-Witt
Hometown: DeWitt, New York
Height: 6'10"
Weight: 280

Strengths: Good conditioning for a big man and has good post-up ability.

Weaknesses: Must stay in shape.

Considering: Syracuse, North Carolina, Louisville



3. Mitch McGary

High School: Brewster Academy
Hometown: Chesterton, Indiana
Height: 6'10"
Weight: 225

Strengths: A lefty with good range and power around the rim.

Weaknesses: Needs to improve back to the basket ability.

Considering: Texas, Connecticut, Indiana



2. Shabazz Muhammad

High School: Bishop Gorman
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 205

Strengths: Consistent shot from within 15 feet.

Weaknesses: Improve three-point shot.

Considering: UCLA, Duke, Kentucky



1. Andre Drummond

High School: St. Thomas
Hometown: Middletown, Connecticut
Height: 6'10"
Weight: 275

Strengths: Best 2012 high school recruit. Talented combination of size, strength and ability.

Weaknesses: Needs to be more consistent dominating the game.

Considering: Kentucky, Connecticut, Duke

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NHL Free Agency 2011: Top 15 Goalies and Where They Will Land

With only a handful of elite and reliable goalies in net in the NHL, now is as good a team as ever for a team to go out and acquire a fairly decent one.

In the free agency class of 2011, there are several goalies that could do wonders for teams looking for a netminder.

Already, we have seen the top goalie on the market acquired by the Philadelphia Flyers, who have wasted no time in claiming their future goaltender in Ilya Bryzgalov.

Some teams are still desperate for a goalie, though.

The New Jersey Devils, Phoenix Coyotes and Tampa Bay Lightning are a few, where with a decent goaltender they could make a run in the playoffs.

Here are the top goalies available that could soon find a home with any of those teams.



Alex Auld

Auld has played the back-up role for the Montreal Canadiens this past season, posting a 6-2-2 record behind Carey Price.

Since the Canadiens do not seem to be in any rush with Auld, I would expect he is safe to stay in as the back-up in Montreal.

Team: Montreal Canadiens


Ray Emery

The Anaheim Ducks have too much talent in net.

Someone can argue that point, but the fact is they have Jonas Hiller, Ray Emery and Dan Ellis.

With Hiller the starter and Ellis under contract for next season, expect Emery to be open for business on July 1.

Emery showed he may be ready for another starting spot on a roster, so look for several teams to pursue him.

New team: Florida Panthers



Peter Budaj

Budaj posted a record of 15-21-4 in 45 games this past season, leaving the possibility of a starting role somewhere in the air.

Also, the Colorado Avalanche have made it pretty clear they will not re-sign the 31-year-old.

Look for a desperate team to take a risk at making him a starter, otherwise we will see him in the back-up role in 2011-12.

New team: Edmonton Oilers



Mathieu Garon

Garon went 10-14-6 for the Columbus Blue Jackets behind starter Steve Mason.

Look for Garon to nab a back-up role again with a few team in dire need of support in the pipes.

The New Jersey Devils could be a nice fit.

New team: New Jersey Devils



Brian Boucher

Boucher's inconsistent play in net has team in need of a goalie wondering if he can actually become a legitimate starter.

Boucher went 18-10-4 for the Flyers in 2010-11, but since the team acquired Bryzgalov, they will have to part with either Michael Leighton, Bobrovsky or Boucher.

I see the Flyer leaning towards re-signing Boucher as the Bryzgalov's back-up.

Team: Philadelphia Flyers



Chris Osgood

Osgood has expressed his desire to stay with the Detroit Red Wings, so now the ball is in the team's court as to whether they feel he can be an efficient back-up behind Jimmy Howard.

Osgood played in just 11 games for the Red Wings last season, and the debate is whether the Red Wings can find a better back-up in free agency.

At 39 years old, expect the Wings to re-sign Osgood and keep him until he retires.

Team: Detroit Red Wings



Ty Conklin

Conklin's .881 save percentage and 3.22 GAA is not helping anybody, but there still is room on another team for him.

Whether that spot is as a starter or back-up has yet to be decided.

A team like the Edmonton Oilers or Phoenix Coyotes could be possible locations.
New team: Edmonton Oilers


Johan Hedberg

Hedberg had a very nice season for the New Jersey Devils, posting a .912 save percentage in 34 games played last season.

For that reason, expect the Devils, who are already in need of depth at goalie, to keep him.
Team: New Jersey Devils



Josh Harding

Hard to say what Harding's value in net is these days, after sitting out the entire 2010-11 season with a torn ACL.

However, he is still young at 27 years old.

The Minnesota Wild are likely to re-sign him.

Team: Minnesota Wild



Marty Turco

Does Turco still have starting stuff in him after being beat out by rookie Corey Crawford for the starting spot in Chicago?

We will find out, and I am sure another team would like to, as well.

A team like the Coyotes, who are in need of a starter, after parting ways with Bryzgalov, could be a good fit.

New team: Phoenix Coyotes



Mike Smith
With their top two goaltenders entering the free agent market, the Lightning need a netminder.

Dwayne Roloson did all he could last season, and Smith stepped up, for the most part, when called upon.

However, everyone knows the Lightning will be shopping this offseason, and a goalie is their biggest target. Roloson is 41 years old and Smith will not get this team to the playoffs.

With all that said, Smith seems to be the odd man out here, as Roloson is expected to be the back-up or starter if the price is not right for some of these goalies.
New team: Colorado Avalanche



Dwayne Roloson

Just to reiterate, the Lightning will be keeping Roloson as either their back-up, once they find a starter in free agency, or he may stay their starter if the price is not right.

Either way, he is in Tampa Bay next season.

Team: Tampa Bay Lightning



Pascal LeClaire

The Ottawa Senators have their two goalies in Craig Anderson and Curtis McElhinny. It would seem as though LeClaire is out of work in Ottawa.

Still, he will be coveted by teams in dire need of a very good goalie when healthy.

The problem is he played in only 14 games last season and is recovering from hip surgery.

There is room for him somewhere in the league, right?

Not with the hip injury and 60 total games the past three seasons.

New team: Europe



Jean-Sebastien Giguere

Giguere's injury-plagued 2010-11 season in the last year of his contract would seem to get him the boot in Toronto.

Giguere played in just 33 games last season, finishing with a 11-11-4 record.

If he wants to test the free agent market, he should. Otherwise, he will be backing up Jason Reimer in Toronto.

Team: Toronto Maple Leafs


Tomas Vokoun
Vokoun wants out of Florida, and the mid-season trade rumors were not doing anyone any favors.

The good thing for Vokoun is that the Lightning, who seemed just a goaltender away from the Stanley Cup, have an opening at his position.

Roloson will be back, but Smith is on the move, leaving an opening in net. And the Lightning may have just deep enough pockets.

Vokoun immediately puts the Lightning at the head of that Eastern Conference, being that they just missed the Stanley Cup last season.

New team: Tampa Bay Lightning

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San Jose Sharks: Exploring Their Free Agent Shopping List For the Offseason

The San Jose Sharks will enter a pretty big offseason starting on July 1. That would be the day that the NHL free agency period begins, and it will be the first chance the Sharks have at re-signing or departing with the 23 players on their current free agent roster.

This is a free agency that could possibly define this team for the next couple of years, having to decide whether to re-sign or let go several young and promising players. There are also a few veterans in the mix that could potentially alter the chemistry of a proud and competitive franchise.

More or less, the Sharks involvement in the NHL free agency period relies solely on what San Jose decides to do with two of their key free agents.

Those two players are restricted free agent Devin Setoguchi on the offensive end, and unrestricted free agent Ian White on the defensive end.

The Sharks leniency in free agency depends on how the Sharks deal with those two players.

For now, he are some realistic options for San Jose if they choose to embark on the chaos that is NHL Free Agency 2011.



Eric Brewer

If the Sharks go after a big name free agent, it is going to be a big name defenseman. And if they go after a big name defenseman, Brewer would seem to fit within San Jose's price range for a very good defensive player with a decent offensive game.

It may be a bit of a risk for the Sharks, considering Brewer made a legitimate name for himself in the 2011 NHL Playoffs.

Brewer may not reach 40 points next season, but he would be a valuable asset for the Sharks as apart of that defense.

Whether he is a valuable asset worth $5 million next season will be up to the Sharks.



Kevin Bieksa

Another Sharks' playoff foe coming to play in San Jose?

Antti Niemi did it. Why can't Bieksa?

Sure, Bieksa is going to take less money and stay in Vancouver, but this is someone the Sharks should really go after because he satisfies every part of the ice the San Jose needs help at.

Bieksa can score, as we saw in the Western Conference Finals, but he is also a decent defender.

Again, he will be giving the Canucks a hometown discount, but that does not mean other teams will not be throwing the house at a defenseman who stepped his game up when it counted most.

The Detroit Red Wings will most certainly be going hard at both Christian Ehrhoff and Bieksa, but expect the Sharks to throw their hat into the pile, as well.

Whether the Sharks, Red Wings or Canucks feel Bieksa is inevitably worth the $5-$7 million he is supposedly going to get will be up to them.



Cam Barker (Restricted Free Agent)

Sharks fans should remember Barker from that shutdown defense of the Chicago Blackhawks a year ago.

Now, Barker is a definite possibility in San Jose next season.

Currently, there are rumors about the Minnesota Wild buying out Barker's contract, making him an unrestricted free agent, but that will not occur until they have a coach in place.

Barker is set to make $3 million next season, and if bought out, he would cost $375,000 against the cap next season.

The 25-year-old possesses a hard shot from the point and is especially effective on the power play. His defense in his own zone needs work, but he is a very physical player that the Sharks could use.

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San Francisco Giants: 5 Bold Predictions For the Rest of the Season

Another day, another man down. That seems to be the story these days for the World Series champion San Francisco Giants.

Freddy Sanchez was placed on the 15-day DL Saturday after dislocating his right shoulder diving for a ball, and continuing the voodoo-like coincidence of the best current Giants hitter going down to injury.

We witnessed this with Pablo Sandoval earlier in the season, Buster Posey a few weeks ago and now with Sanchez.

Tread lightly, Nate Schierholtz...

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NBA Draft 2011: Alec Burks and 10 Prospects For the Golden State Warriors

Now that the NBA Finals are over and the Dallas Mavericks have prevailed over LeBron James and the evil empire, the NBA Draft can start to heat up. But with just over one week left until the big day, there is still no set order to the draft outside of the top four picks.

We can speculate all we want, but in this next week it will become a little clearer as to who will be picked where.

With the no. 11 pick in the NBA Draft, the Golden State Warriors may have an idea who will be available, but there are several players that have the possibility of their draft stock rising and falling within the next nine days.

The Warriors know this much: They need a backcourt defender and a big man during this draft. But who they ultimately choose with the no. 11 pick may just be the best available player, given the current circumstances.

Here are several prospects that have the possibility to be available at the no. 11 pick and would fit nicely into the Golden State system.



Alec Burks

Position: SG
Height: 6-6
Weight: 193
Age: 19
School: Colorado

Burks' draft stock has been rising as of late, but how could it not?

Teams that know this draft may be a tad bit shallow in the talent department cannot pass up one of the most athletic players in this draft.

He is a born scorer, averaging 17 PPG and 20 PPG in his freshman and sophomore seasons at Colorado. He also displays terrific leadership for being just 19-years-old.

The downside is his game may take awhile to translate to the NBA, but his athletic build and ability will not take long to make this prospect into a bonified scorer.

If the Warriors choose to trade Monta Ellis, which does not seem likely now with Mark Jackson's comments, Burks could fit well right along side Stephen Curry in the backcourt. Either way, he may be the bets available player at no. 11.



Chris Singleton

Position: SF
Height: 6'9"
Weight: 230
Age: 21
School: Florida State

Alongside Burks, Singleton will be one of the best available players when the Warriors get their turn on June 23.

Singlton fits into the Warriors' system a glove. He has every intangible that Golden State needs and wants.

What stands out to most is his defense, which the Warriors will make a key focus in this draft, and through assistant coach Mike Malone during the season. Singleton can guard anyone from a guard to a power forward, making him extremely versatile on the floor.

His length has other teams drooling, as well.

On the Warriors, Singleton can immediately contribute with his length and size. At 6'9", the small forward could impact the Warriors in that he gives them immediate size, which is another key focus for Golden State this offseason.

Did I mention he is NBA-ready?



Jordan Hamilton

Position: SF
Height: 6'9"
Weight: 229
Age: 20
School: Texas

Hamilton can score, we all saw that in this past college basketball season. But can he score at the next level?

Good question. Hence the question mark for Hamilton as a worthy top-15 pick.

What the University of Texas stud can do is have a really good workout in front of NBA scouts.

Hamilton has impressed in the offseason workouts so far, showing his shooting ability and range, which could be essential with his 6'9" frame.

With his size at the small forward position, Hamilton could fit very nice in the Warriors' system.



Marcus Morris

Position: PF
Height: 6'9"
Weight: 230
Age: 21
School: Kansas

This seems to be everyone's consensus as to who the Warriors should pick at no. 11.

Morris has size, which Golden State needs, and good shooting range to complement.

What worries most is that he could be just another undersized power forward, which is the likeliest scenario if you are asking me.

Morris does not have the physical skills to blow away an NBA forward, nor does anything really stand out, other than he could help the Warriors on the boards.

Although I feel the Warriors could do much better than pick Morris at no. 11, the Warriors could solidify a decent frontcourt with the Kansas alumnus under the rim.



Klay Thompson

Position: PG
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 206
Age: 21
School: Washington St.

If you have not noticed, Thompson's stock is as high as anyone in this draft right now.

It may have a little to do with the fact that he is 6'7" with one of the better ball-handling skills in this draft.

In the NBA, Thompson will be switching between the point guard and shooting guard roles, but teams will be drafting him for his versatility and raw shooting ability.

In his junior season at Washington State, Thompson averaged 21 PPG, while shooting 43 percent from long-range.

He will be right in the Warriors' wheelhouse at no. 11, whether he will be a reach at that point is yet to be decided.

Did I mention Jerry West may have a thing for him?



Kenneth Faried

Position: PF
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 225
Age: 21
School: Morehead State

Yes, Faried is a reach for the Warriors at no. 11, that does not take away from his ability to be a decent player in the NBA one day.

He is a born rebounder with energy through the roof.

The comparison has been made to the San Antonio Spurs' DeJuan Blair, who is also a little undersized for his position but had a very productive rookie season despite that.

Sure, the Warriors could use him, but he is not worth taking at no. 11. Chad Ford has him going to the Portland Trailblazers at no. 21.



Tristan Thompson

Position: PF
Height: 6'9"
Weight: 228
Age: 20
School: Texas

Thompson is intriguing if you are the Warriors. He will most likely be available at no. 11 and exudes potential with his 6'9" lanky body and natural offensive awareness.

The 20-year-old can play both the 3 and 4 in the NBA, but will have a tough time getting used to the NBA game, given that he may not match-up well with other 3's and 4's until he beefs up.

If he does develop physically, Thompson can be a star in the NBA, which is why he is so intriguing to some teams.



Bismack Biyombo

Position: PF
Height: 6'9"
Weight: 243
Age: 18
Country: Congo

Biyombo is all about his freakish physical build. At 6'9" with a wingspan of 7'7", he can reach 9'3" into the air standing still.

Those characteristics alone put Biyombo into the top-10 of an extremely shallow draft, but the fact that he is so raw has teams worrying.

Not much is known about Biyombo besides the fact he is God's gift to the rim. Although he is a little undersized for his position, his wingspan allows him to play much bigger, and his age exudes potential when he hits an NBA court.



Jonas Valanciunas

Position: PF
Height: 6'10"
Weight: 230
Age: 19
Country: Lithuania

Arguably the most talented European player in this draft, Valanciunas is another player that exudes potential.

The 6'10" and only 19-years-old, he has the ability to be developed into a fine player at the power forward position.

He may be a project for a couple years, which is why teams may pass on him early in this draft. Given the opportunity, the Warriors will not be one of those teams, as he is a steal at no. 11.



Jan Vesely

Position: PF
Height: 6'11"
Weight: 240
Age: 21
Country: Czech Republic

The most athletic player in this draft comes from the Czech Republic and he is ready to play now.

There is much debate as to where Vesely will eventually land, as he has been predicted anywhere from the fifth pick to the 12th pick. Whoever picks him, that team gets a jolt of energy from their new length SF/PF with potential through roof.

For now, Vesely lives above the rim, but his jump shot is coming along and could do some damage a few years down the road.

If Vesely's undecided draft stock does plunge him to no. 11 on June 23, the Warriors' franchise will take a giant leap forward.

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Golden State Warriors: Hiring Mike Malone As Assistant Reveals More Than We Think

Joe Lacob and his Golden State Warriors hired Mark Jackson as their head coach on Monday, and with it came mixed reactions.

Jackson has zero coaching experience and quickly made the jump from game commentary to coaching. However, he brings a new, young and noticeable face to the Golden State Warriors franchise.

Fact.

There had to be some kind of gimmick, right?

Certainly the Warriors would not hire an NBA commentator, with monotone catch phrases such as "Mama, there goes that man" and "hand down, man down," without something to help ease the pain to their extremely loyal fan base.

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San Jose Sharks Free Agency: 5 Players Who Should Be On Their Radar

The San Jose Sharks' inability to get passed the Western Conference Finals, yet again, has some wondering whether or not GM Doug Wilson will decide to redesign this team for the future.

The Western Conference runner-ups will have to deal with a flurry of 23 free agents on their current team this summer.

No, these free agents will not affect the core of the Sharks, but it will alter both the depth of San Jose and which direction they wish to take the defense.

Notable free agents for the team include Devin Setoguchi, Ian White, Niclas Wallin, Kyle Wellwood and Scott Nichol.

Setoguchi (restricted free agent) was involved in trade rumors throughout this last season, and speculation is that his time in San Jose may be coming to an end through a possible trade.

However, many must believe that a primary focus of the Sharks is at their blue line, which is why the spotlight this offseason will be on their dealings with White, Huskins and Wallin.

Who will stay, and who will go?

Odds are that they sign one of those three players, leaving free agency a great time to pick up a star defenseman.

The hoopla begins on July 1, the national day of Canada, when the country to the north celebrates both their national holiday and the hectic start of NHL free agency.

Here are five players that should be on the Sharks' radar when the pandemonium begins.



Brooks Laich

The Washington Capitals' left winger will be highly sought after this free agency because of the fact he does just about everything on the ice. But the idea of every team going after Laich should not be a reason for San Jose to bow out of the running.

Laich plays on both the power play and penalty kill, and is a big body that the Sharks could place in front of the net.

The only thing stopping the Sharks from actively pursuing Laich is the fact that teams will be throwing anywhere from $4-$5 million at him for 3-5 years. Laich is coming off a year in which he made $2 million.



Eric Brewer

Along those same expensive lines comes defenseman Eric Brewer of the Tampa Lightning.

Brewer's consistent play during the 2011 NHL Playoffs upped his ante yet again.

His salary in Tampa Bay last season was $4.25 million, and he is looking at around $5 million this next season.

This would be a solid defensive pick-up for the Sharks, but the price may scare them away for the amount of production they will receive. This is especially true if Brewer's offensive production is not likely to see 40 points in the near future.



Joni Pitkanen

The Sharks have been looking to bolster their offensive production from the blue line, and Pitkanen is a viable candidate to achieve just that for San Jose.

Pitkanen has huge offensive upside for being a defenseman, something the Sharks will need if Ian White is not resigned.

San Jose will have to pay a heavy price for Pitkanen's services, though. He made $4 million with the Carolina Hurricanes last season, and will most likely fetch around $5 million in free agency.



Anton Babchuk

This move will only work if the Sharks re-sign White, but Babchuk is someone that can really help San Jose put their power play over the top.

It is Babchuk's bomb from the point that has some teams with an offensive need at defenseman drooling over the possibility of acquiring the young blueliner for a decent price.

Babchuk made $1.4 million last season, and is expected to make up to $4 million this next season in free agency.



Andy Greene

Although the odds are in favor of New Jersey re-signing unrestricted free agent Andy Greene, their have been reports of the Detroit Red Wings becoming interested in the defenseman's services. That would leave the door open for the Sharks to get in there, as well.

Greene will not cure the Sharks' defensive problems, but he is a big bang for the buck.

The 28-year-old made only $750,000 last season, and although his salary will increase in free agency, it should only rise to $2-$3 million.

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NBA Mock Draft: Who Will the Golden State Warriors Take At No. 11?

Now the draft process can officially begin for the Golden State Warriors. They have named their next head coach, a solid assistant coach and hired a basketball legend as an adviser to the team.

Things are looking up in Golden State.

As for the business at the 11th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft on June 23, the available options are nothing to write home about.

The upcoming draft is already being written down as a four-man draft with a boatload of players from Europe. How those players from Europe will do in the NBA will be discovered in the next few years.

The Warriors, however, have not been shy in stating what they want in this draft. Owner Joe Lacob has said they will draft the best available player, but the increasing need of a big man under the basket, as well as a good defender somewhere on the floor, has got to be a top priority for the team.



1. Cleveland Cavaliers - Kyrie Irving

Position: PG
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 191 pounds
Age: 19
School: Duke

Undoubtedly the #1 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, Irving is the safest pick in the draft, by far. He handles the ball well, and we all saw what he can do playing for Duke, even in his limited time.

The only faulty part of Irving is the tow injury he sustained in his freshman year at Duke. He did come back for the NCAA Tournament, but many wonder if injuries could plague him in the NBA.



2. Minnesota Timberwolves - Derrick Williams

Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 249
Age: 20
School: Arizona

Williams' rise to fame and a high draft stock did not really come until his Arizona Wildcats made their run the NCAA Tournament. He was able to take over games with his athletic ability and patience with the ball in his hands down the stretch.

Although many are not certain Williams can become a superstar in the NBA, he is the best available for the T-Wolves, who need an athletic forward with highlight reel capability.



3. Utah Jazz - Brandon Knight

Position: PG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 177
Age: 18
School: Kentucky

Again, Knight is another player whose talents cam out in the NCAA Tournament. He is a sure-handed point guard that continued to learn under coach John Calipari at Kentucky, which allowed Knight to better his play in every game of March Madness.

He is the perfect fit in Utah because of their trade of Deron Williams last season. The Jazz are looking for a new franchise point guard, and Knight seems to be the best available option at that specific position in the draft.



4. Cleveland Cavaliers - Enes Kanter

Position: PF
Height: 6-11
Weight: 260
Age: 19
Country: Turkey

The Cavaliers drafting Kanter is the last guarantee in this draft. The first four picks are set, and the duo of Kanter and Irving is a good jump start in Cleveland.

Kanter has showed up to workouts in shape and has showed himself to be a legitimate NBA center prospect.

How Kanter will match-up with other NBA centers is another discussion, but he sure has the measurements for the position. He will need good coaching in the NBA to be able to take his game to the next level.



5. Toronto Raptors - Jan Vesely

Position: PF
Height: 6-11
Weight: 240
Age: 21
Country: Czech Republic

The Raptors have two choices here. They can get their point guard of the future in Kemba Walker, or they can go after a high-octane player like Vesely that can contribute this year.

Vesely lives above the rim and on the fast break, but his ability to shoot the ball at a high percentage is still a part of his game that needs work. Although he is working at it, Vesely will be drafted for his high level of play at such a young age and the potential of being someone like a Josh Smith or Andrei Kirilenko down the line.



6. Washington Wizards - Kawhi Leonard

The Wizards are looking for someone that can play alongside John Wall, and can contribute tomorrow. The only player that can do that within a few reasonable picks is Leonard.

He is long and physically gifted, which makes him an NBA team's dream.

Although there are questions about his tenacity in big games, as we saw in the NCAA Tournament, his athletic build is too good to pass up at #6 for the Wizards.



7. Sacramento Kings - Kemba Walker

Position: PG
Height: 6-1
Weight: 184
Age: 21
School: UConn

The Kings have a no-brainer here. They need a point guard, and Walker will be available if the Raptors do no scoop him up at #5.

Walker brings athletic ability, heart and determination to a team that needs it now more than ever.

Sacramento will now have a good core of Tyreke Evans, Walker and DeMarcus Cousins to build around for the future.



8. Detroit Pistons - Bismack Biyombo

Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 243
Age: 18
Country: Congo

Not much is known about Biyombo, except that he is 18-years-old with freakish physical build, but the Pistons will be drafting the best available player at #8.

Another viable option at this pick is Jonas Valanciunas, who is widely considered the best European talent in this draft. Although the Pistons will be taking a serious look at him, Biyombo's length and athleticism will be something that the Pistons need and cannot pass up at this position in the draft.



9. Charlotte Bobcats - Tristan Thompson

Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 228
Age: 20
School: Texas

Although this is a bit of a reach at #9, especially with Valanciunas still on the board, the Bobcats could use an athletic player at the 3 and 4 positions on the floor. Plus, Thompson just looks like a guy that Michael Jordan would reach and take a risk to get.

Thompson can play the 3 or 4 on the floor, and has incredible upside and potential if given the opportunity.



10. Milwaukee Bucks - Jonas Valanciunas

Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 230
Age: 19
Country: Lithuania

The Bucks will strike it rich at #10 by landing the best European player in the draft at a position that they are in dire need of talent at.

Milwaukee could definitely use a lengthy power forward and there is zero chance that they pass up on the tall and already talented Valanciunas.



11. Golden State Warriors - Chris Singleton

Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 230
Age: 21
School: Florida State

The Warriors have two options at #11 at this point. They can go with the safe power forward in Marcus Morris, or with the lengthy defender in Singleton.

Owner Joe Lacob has said that he will pick the best available player, but the defensive need is killing team.

Singleton would provide height at the SF/PF position to make up for the undersized backcourt of Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry. Plus, he would automatically be the best defender on the floor with an ability to guard anyone from a guard to a power forward.



12. Utah Jazz - Alec Burks

Position: SG
Height: 6-6
Weight: 193
Age: 19
School: Colorado

I'm sure the Jazz can pass up on an athletic gift like Burks at #12. After already snagging Knight at #3, the Jazz will be looking for a versatile guard to build alongside him. Burks fits that role.

After averaging 17 ppg and 20 ppg in his freshman and sophomore seasons at Colorado, it seems that Burks is a born scorer, which the Jazz can use in these next few years.

It may take awhile for Burks to adjust to the NBA, but he has the physical abilities to do it.



13. Phoenix Suns - Jordan Hamilton

Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 229
Age: 20
School: Texas

Hamilton has impressed in his workouts so far. He has showed an ability to shoot the ball at a good percentage, as well as show a good total instinct at the offensive end of the floor.

Although Hamilton will have to earn his time in Phoenix, he is to good of a talent to pass up at #13.



14. Houston Rockets - Marcus Morris

Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 230
Age: 21
School: Kansas

With the Rockets not sure how Yao Ming will come back from injury after missing another year, they will be looking at depth in the frontcourt.

Morris' slip all the way to #14 will be a gift for the Rockets, who could use a PF with an ability to shoot the ball from mid-range.

Also look for the Rockets to reach for sharp shooters like Jimmer Fredette or Klay Thompson with this pick.



15. Indiana Pacers - Jimmer Fredette

Position: SG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 196
Age: 22
School: Brigham Young

The Pacers need a bonified scorer next to Danny Granger, and they will find it at #15 with one of the most prolific scorers in NCAA history.

Indiana could use someone to play alongside Darren Collison, which is why Fredette fits perfect at this pick.



16. Philadelphia 76ers - Markieff Morris

Position: PF/C
Height: 6-9
Weight: 241
Age: 21
School: Kansas

The lesser of the Morris twins will fit right at home in Philadelphia.

Honestly, it comes down to the fact that the 76ers need a big man, and Morris is as close as it gets, unless they plan on reaching for Donatas Montejiunas or Kenneth Faried.



17. New York Knicks - Klay Thompson

Position: PG
Height: 6-7
Weight: 206
Age: 21
School: Washington St.

The Knicks will need a guard to play in Mike D'Antoni's system, and Thompson would fit in perfectly.

He has the ability to play the point guard, but will most likely make his home at shooting guard for the NBA.

The Knicks will be looking to re-energize their fan base with an athletic guard. Whether they choose to take advantage of that with Thompson or hit and miss with that in Josh Selby, is up to them.



18. Washington Wizards - Josh Selby

Position: PG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 195
Age: 20
School: Kansas

After picking Kawhi Leonard at #6, the Wizards will want to address the 3 and 4 positions, since Nick Young is heading for free agency.

Enter Josh Selby. His upside is huge, but his play at Kansas has some scratching their heads as to what type of a player he can potentially be.

Selby will play alongside John Wall, and rival for time with another case of young potential in Jordan Crawford.



19. Charlotte Bobcats - Marshon Brooks

Position: SG
Height: 6-5
Weight: 195
Age: 22
School: Providence

Brooks has been wowing the scouts in workouts this offseason, and the Bobcats could use a definitive scorer at the guard position.

With the Bobcats taking Tristan Thompson with their first pick in the draft and solidifying their SF position, they will be looking for Brooks to bolster the backcourt.



20. Minnesota Timberwolves - Donatas Montejiunas

Position: PF
Height: 7-0
Weight: 220
Age: 19
Country: Lithuania

This one is pretty simple. The Wolves need size under the basket, and if Montejiunas is available, they will take him.

Montejiunas' size and physical assets are overwhelming to some, but the 19-year-old is still a project in the NBA. If coached right and given time, he could become a key force under the rim in the future.



21. Portland Trailblazers - Kenneth Faried

Position: PF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 225
Age: 21
School: Morehead State

ESPN long ago said that Faried was on the Blazers' radar last year, so if Faried is available at #21, which many think he will, then how can they pass up on him?

Faried is the all-time leading rebounder in NCAA history, and players that can rebound well in college have shown to rebound well in the NBA.

Faried, although undersized, plays much bigger than he looks with his enormous wingspan. Think of him as a DeJuan Blair form San Antonio, who went on to have a very good rookie season.



22. Denver Nuggets - Tobias Harris

Position: PF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 223
Age: 18
School: Tennessee

At this point, Denver will be going with the best available player, and Harris is just that.

Harris can play the 3 or 4 in the NBA, and although he is not a very good offensive threat, he is very well-rounded when it comes to the entire game of basketball.

Harris has the potential to be a spark off the bench for the Nuggets.



23. Houston Rockets - Reggie Jackson

Position: PG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 208
Age: 21
School: Boston College

Although Kyle Lowry and Goran Dragic are satisfactory at the point guard position for the Rockets, Houston will be looking for an athletic player to push those two. Jackson fits just that with an athletic skill set.

Honestly, the Rockets will be taking the best available point guard at this pick, and Jackson is all that is left at this position for awhile.



24. Oklahoma City Thunder - Davis Bertans

Position: SF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 210
Age: 18
Country: Latvia

By the way Bertans is impressing everyone in workouts, it will be hard for the Thunder to pass him up.

Sure, he is a definite project, but his shooting and offensive prowess are gifts with his length at the small forward position.



25. Boston Celtics - Nikola Vucevic

Position: C
Height:7-0
Weight: 260
Age: 20
School: USC

The Celtics need length, and they need it now. After parting ways with center Kendrick Perkins, Boston has needed an inside presence to take down the teams of the Eastern Conference.

Unfortunately for them, they will not find it for the next few year.

They will draft size in Vucevic, but the timetable for his impact in the league could be a good ways away. Either way, this is the best available option at #25.



26. Dallas Mavericks - Nikola Mirotic

Position: SF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 226
Age: 21
Country: Serbia

Everyone will be passing on Mirotic because of the fact that he will not be able to play in the NBA for some time because of his massive buyout. So Dallas will be thinking about the future here.

Mirotic's measurements are professional and this is quite a steal at #26, but the fact that teams will have to wait to get him to the NBA may scare some.



27. New Jersey Nets - Justin Harper

Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 228
Age: 21
School: Richmond

Harper is a much underrated talent in this draft, and this is a huge steal at #27.

The Nets need both a 3 and 4 to bolster their depth on the court and Harper gives them both.

There is huge upside for this player that can really flourish if given the opportunity in New Jersey.



28. Chicago Bulls - Tyler Honeycutt

Position: G/F
Height: 6-8
Weight: 187
Age: 20
School: UCLA

The Bulls will be looking for a shooting guard if they cannot trade for one beforehand. Honeycutt is the best available guard at this point.

Honeycutt is a moderately good shooter that could find a home off the bench in Chicago.



29. San Antonio Spurs - Charles Jenkins

Position: SG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 217
Age: 22
School: Hofstra

We are accustomed to seeing unknown players become borderline superheroes in San Antonio. Jenkins may be another one of those.

He will help bolster the backcourt and has the ability to back-up Tony Parker at the point guard if necessary.



30. Chicago Bulls - Jeremy Tyler

Position: C
Height: 6-11
Weight: 263
Age: 19
Team: Tokyo Apache

What is a 6'11" 263 lbs. behemoth doing playing in Tokyo? Read up on his story on the internet if you are interested.

Tyler's potential has been through the roof since he was in high school, but bad decisions have plagued him since then.

He is a project, but one that can pay large dividends. The Bulls passed on him at #28, but will not at #30.

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