Let’s get this out of the way right now.

The New York Knicks and New Jersey Nets both made deals this week that will shape the complexion of their respective franchises for years to come. The Knicks are officially Eastern Conference contenders because of Carmelo Anthony’s arrival. The Nets upgraded considerably with the acquisition of Deron Williams.

But for those who think New Jersey made a better deal than New York, here’s some advice: Get your head examined!

Williams is an All-Star. He’s incredibly gifted. Aside from Derrick Rose, he’s the best point guard in the game. Combine that with playing alongside a legitimate big man in Brook Lopez, and decent things are on the horizon for the Nets.

For this season!

Next season is an entirely different matter, specifically because Williams will be in the last year of his deal and can opt out of his contract in 2012. The disaster scenario is staring Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov squarely in the face. It’s a scenario that could have Williams, from a vantage point just across the Hudson River, witnessing the resurgence of a Knicks franchise inching to within an All-Star point guard of legitimate championship contention. Now imagine Williams as the missing piece, with Gotham City clamoring for his arrival.

If that happens, and the Nets continue their struggling ways, why would Williams stay?

Read the rest at ESPN.com

Hallelujah!

Carmelo Anthony is coming to New York. The New York Knicks have a bona fide superstar tandem. Someone who can guarantee 20 to 25 points per night, who’s a headache for opponents, the ultimate blessing for Amare Stoudemire — and the quintessential missing piece of the Knicks’ puzzle.

The people who run this franchise would have looked like buffoons for perpetuity had they not pulled the trigger and gotten Melo to Gotham City. This is what New York needed. This is what this city wanted. This is who the Knicks absolutely had to have if they were going to transform themselves from abysmal to mediocre to respectable and beyond.

Read the rest of Stephen A.’s colum at ESPN.com.

What’s up everybody? Hope everyone is having a great holiday season. In my last podcast of the year, I talk about how the Eagles must rest Vick to keep him healthy for the playoffs. Also, DeSean Jackson and the need for Andre Iguodala and Evan Turner to step up for the Sixers. Check it out at
PhillySportsDaily.com.

There will always be the haters, especially when it comes to Michael Vick, but his situation in particular is shrouded in hypocrisy. There has been hyperbole as well, in its most extreme from Tucker Carlson, who did far more than say that Vick’s punishments have been insufficient. Get my take on the whole thing in my column at PhillySportsDaily.com.

I want to wish Happy Holidays to everyone, including the Eagles. They can’t celebrate too much, however, they’ve got business to take care of against the Vikes on Sunday night. Check out my Christmas Eve podcast on PhillySportsDaily.com.

Eagles’ opponents know each week they have to prepare for a certain weapon wearing number seven: Michael Vick. But after his game-winning kick-off return for a touchdown, there’s another electrifying talent for defenses to fear: DeSean Jackson. The combination could make the Eagles favorites to represent the NFC. Check out my column on PhillySportsDaily.com.

After signing Cliff Lee, the Phillies have to be considered favorites to win the World Series. Kobe Bryant delivers a wonderful speech at his alma mater, Lower Merion High School, and Michael Vick talks about dog ownership. Check out my thoughts in this week’s podcast for PhillySportsDaily.com.

Who would ever think a Major League Baseball player would sign a contract for less money to not play for the New York Yankees? Cliff Lee did just that when he made the stunning announcement that he was signing with the Phillies. See why he made the right choice in my article for PhillySportsDaily.com.

This week I break down the keys to the future of the Sixers. I also talk about The Nationals pick-up of Jayson Werth and the Eagles showdown with the Cowboys this Sunday. Give it a listen over at PhillySportsDaily.com.

The world, not just the journalism community, lost a great one with the passing of my colleague, Phil Jasner. I take time to remember Phil today, as the many who were touched by him will do. Phil was a great journalist and an even better person. Read my thoughts and memories of the man at PhillySportsDaily.com.