Sports

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Where we talk about sports events in a casual manner.

Jimmy Butler, The Miami Heat, Bakugo, And My Hero Academia

I’m Hesitant To Put Any Limits On Jimmy…

“I know sometimes he’s a little bit what borders on being insane, but that’s what we love about him. That’s what the fit is between the two of us. Our culture, the Miami Heat, we’re a little bit insane. We want to push those limits all the way, because right now that is what’s gotten us to the finals once again for the second time in four years. That teetering on the edge of insanity that Jimmy brings.” -Erik Spoelstra

Spoilers For The First Three Seasons Of My Hero Academia

“His actions at the Sports Festival were born of his deep-seeded convictions. He’s trying harder than anyone in his pursuit to become the top hero. If the villains think they have a chance with him, then they are grossly mistaken I can guarantee you that much.” -Eraserhead

This is from Episode 9 of My Hero Academia’s third season. At this point, Bakugo has been kidnapped by the League of Villains, who believe they can turn him villain because of his passionate but angry outbursts in the previous seasons, specifically from when he gets upset after taking first place in the Sports Festival. He wins, but in his mind only because of a technicality. His opponent in the finals refused to use the full extent of his powers to fight him, and he’s furious he didn’t get to face him at this best.

This Moment Is One Of My Favorite In Anime

In large part because it surprised me and subverted my expectations. For me, at least, I had mostly assumed that the buildup between Deku and Bakugo could lead to Bakugo’s villainous turn. Instead, after being given a public statement of faith from his teacher at the press conference, it only strengthens his resolve to become the number one hero. Not only do his teachers understand his motivations, but they understand that, at the end of the day, his quirks are what helps drive him to become one of the best.

And Now Here We Are, With The 8th-Seeded Miami Heat About To Start The NBA Finals

And we have none other than Jimmy Butler, one of the most passionate players in all of the NBA with a legendary story that came about from a practice in Timberwolves that’s been making the rounds again the last few weeks.

“I’m so passionate and I love the game, and I don’t do it for any other reason except to compete and go up against the best to try to prove that I can hang.” -Jimmy Butler

This Is A Guy Who Has Been Labeled As A Villain Time And Time Again

Not only for his time with the Timberwolves, but also for an incident after being traded to the Miami Heat and for being disrespectful in the middle of a playoff game. For better or worse, when you have a few incidents and the label gets attached, that label can become hard to shake off.

Now, Is Jimmy Butler Perfect?

Hardly, but nobody is. He is, however, a seemingly better player in the playoffs than he is in the regular season, something few players in the NBA manage to accomplish.

Can he be a little too passionate? Absolutely. And, frankly, he has good reason to be. He’s always had the deck stacked against him, ever since childhood. But, because of faith, not only from himself but from his loved ones around him, here he is. Part of an underdog 8th seed about to compete in another NBA Finals?

Do I like the odds of him and the Heat winning the championship?

Anything is possible, but they’re facing an incredibly uphill battle. Not only are the Nuggets a great and well-coached team, but Jokic is a transcendent athlete. I think the Nuggets might be too difficult for the Heat to overcome.

But Would I Count Them Out?

Never. People like Jimmy Butler are built for moments like this, and his teammates and the Miami Heat have a proven track record of being built for just the same thing. He knows what he’s here to do. The only question now is, facing the best of the best, can he manage to do it?

Jimmy Butler, The Miami Heat, Bakugo, And My Hero Academia Read More »

My Top 32 Landing Spots For DeAndre Hopkins In Order Of Where They Fall Alphabetically

A Look At Each Team As A Fit Now That Hopkins Is A Free Agent.

1. The Arizona Cardinals

Beautiful to be getting this one out of the way from the start. Not since Kevin Costner in Draft Day would such a huge plot twist be on the table.

Perhaps the only reason DeAndre Hopkins pushed to be traded or released is because he wants Kyler Murray to stop playing so many high-end AAA video games. After seeing the loss of Nuk, Murray commits to abstinence from all video games and Hopkins comes back at a reasonable price for everyone involved. Kevin Costner rejoices somewhere far past Yellowstone.

The likelihood of this happening? 1/32. Murray isn’t giving up his one true passion.

2. Atlanta Falcons

This fit works, despite being pretty unlikely. Hopkins is a perfect fit alongside Kyle Pitts and Drake London, but it’s unlikely he’d be willing to go without a huge contract and the Falcons are committed to the run game.

3. Baltimore Ravens

Literally impossible. Never going to happen. Been covered. Professionally.

4. Buffalo Bills

Hopkins loves Josh Allen. Honestly, if it weren’t for the salary cap I’d probably peg this close to the top. The entire roster is built to win now and the biggest risk would be Stefon Diggs playing prima donna if Hopkins starts getting too many looks, but I’d expect the team and staff to keep everything under control. The Bills are great and Hopkins would be a fantastic addition. If they can move around the salary without losing anybody. I give the odds of this happening three snow shovels.

5. Carolina Panthers

Would Hopkins want to play with a rookie? Or this? Doubtful. The biggest thing the Panthers have going for them is their salary cap and, after trading away DJ Moore, they probably should look into throwing enough money his way to make him consider it. If Hopkins decides to go with the best offer, the team is built well enough on defense in particular that it’s not impossible he’d be headed to the playoffs sooner rather than later. Considering his open wish to play for a top quarterback, however? I’d give the odds of this happening one Andy Dalton.

6. Chicago Bears

The Bears salary cap situation is perfect. If nobody else offers Hopkins a long-term contract, I’d say give him a high-end one-year contract with almost all guarantees and see what happens. Again, with this situation it’s hard to imagine Hopkins choosing to play with Justin Fields. Fields continues to grow as a quarterback, but he’s not considered by most to be anywhere near one of the elite passers in the game. His running game is incredible, though, and with the right contract offer Hopkins could definitely consider it. I don’t see it as a great fit overall, but anything is possible. I give the odds one classic SNL Bears skit.

7. Cincinnati Bengals

This would be incredible if it happened, but considering the roster I’d put the odds at “Unless he’d consider a switch to running back”.

8. Cleveland Browns

The Dawd Pound says it isn’t going to happen. It’s in my best interest to agree just to keep them on their leash.

9. Dallas Cowboys

Jerry Jones would probably do just about anything to make it happen, so I’ll give the odds one Stephen Jones blood sacrifice.

10. Denver Broncos

Russel Wilson is not on Hopkins preferred list of quarterbacks he’s interested in playing for. He’s not on my preferred list of quarterbacks he should play for. Overall, not a bad choice if they could somehow make the money work and you believe in Sean Payton, but I’d say the odds of this happening are about a mile high.

11. Detroit Lions

THE LIONS!

Would be an excellent choice. Honestly, they should be one of his top choices considering the way they played last year. They would have a strong running game, potentially one of the best wide receiver trios in the leage, and, obviously, one of the greatest quarterbacks in the league right now, but I don’t know if that’s enough to entice him.

It should be, though. He’d make a great fit. I’d put the odds of this happening at about one Ford Raptor.

12. Green Bay Packers

Hopkins wants a passionate quarterback. The Packers quarterback is named Love. Is this a match made in heaven?

No. I’d put the odds of him playing for the Packers slightly lower than odds of Brett Favre returning to the play Packers. Somewhere below twenty percent.

13. Houston Texans

I probably don’t hate this fit as much as most, but the odds of it happening are pretty small. Still, the odds of him becoming a Texan are higher than the odds of him becoming a Raven. Quote me on it.

14. Indianapolis Colts

Why, though?

15. Jacksonville Jaguars

You would be surprised. It’s not quite taking your talents to South Beach, but it does have similar weather and the same tax implications. This is absolutely within the realm of possibility and considering the division it’s smart of him to consider it. One Doug Pederson.

16. Kansas City Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce?

Cheeseburgers?

From a pure team standpoint this is one of three teams where he should end up, but if the rumors of him wanting to to end up on the east or west coast are true I can only give this the odds of one hamburglar.

17. Las Vegas Raiders

Davante Adams and Hopkins on the same team would be fascinating, but it would be a weird gamble for Hopkins just as it has been for Adams.

18. Los Angeles Chargers

Unlikely to happen without some massive team restructuring but he’s made it clear he’s interested. What are the odds the Chargers prefer to ditch Keenan Allen or Mike Williams? This is the Bengals situation all over again. Great fit if salary caps didn’t exist, but this isn’t the NBA.

19. Los Angeles Rams

They can’t afford to do it unless Matt Stafford gives him the rights to Pizza Pizza, which is far too much for any man to give up. But I doubt they’re complaining too much about it.

20. Miami Dolphins

Bengals. Chargers. Dolphins. The three teams Kyler Murray will likely play with him as on Madden. But not going to happen.

21. Minnesota Vikings

Not going to lie, I imagine it’s going to be hard for Hopkins to turn this down, but I think he probably will.

It’s actually a pretty good fit from a team standpoint but not great from a salary cap standpoint and there doesn’t appear to be any interest on his part. He should consider it, but I’d say the odds are pretty ice cold.

22. New England Patriots

If he wants everything EXCEPT a great QB, this is where he ends up. I think he wants a great QB. I don’t expect any cheese for Mac here.

23. New Orleans Saints

Somewhat fun to think about, as they’ve got a potentially exciting offense. But no. This is the B-Team of the Bengals, Chargers, Dolphins debate.

24. New York Giants

Great need and fit. For the Giants, who also don’t have the best salary cap situation. I don’t see why Hopkins would even consider it, but New York New York.

25. New York Jets

At this point I assume Aaron Rodgers made an agreement with some deity during his retreat into an alternate dimension, so it’s probably pretty high up there. It’s an overall good fit, a well-built team and well-coached. If he wants to go to New York this is the New York you York to.

26. Philadelphia Eagles

Somehow, the Eagles have the cap space to make this work. It Hurts me to say this, but this is definitely the second team on the list he should be seriously considering.

27. Pittsburgh Steelers

Incredibly unlikely. First, the Steelers would have to restructure their cap. Second Hopkins would have to be interested. It’s not a bad fit and they’ve got the consistent management situation he wants. It would be a huge surprise but worth looking into for the Steelers.

28. San Francisco 49ers

The third team he should be looking at and one that is extremely stacked on both sides of the ball. Consistent management and great coaching make it a great fit, but the salary cap would need some adjusting. This is the third team he should be seriously looking at but also the third one on the list. He’s talked about how he wants a great quarterback, but not a Purdy one, making the Eagles and Chiefs more likely.

29. Seattle Seahawks

There appear to be zero rumblings of this happening, but I’d be fascinated if it did. Incredibly unlikely, but I’ve learned to not write them off.

30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Baker Mayfield and a horrible cap situation? What’s not to love?

31. Tennessee Titans

The Titans are desperate for a wide receiver and seem likely to keep Tannehill and Henry. From their perspective, this would be a huge get and, as long as Henry stayed healthy, would make them incredibly competitive.

For Hopkins? I don’t see it. I think it’s a good enough fit, but as a free agent he’s going to find a handful of better options.

32. Washington Wizards

Honestly, it’s MORE likely he would end up on the Wizards than the Commanders at this point. It’s like expecting Kyler Murray to put down Call Of Duty. Not. Gonna. Happen.

My Top 32 Landing Spots For DeAndre Hopkins In Order Of Where They Fall Alphabetically Read More »

In Which I Dive Into the Ridiculous Controversial Rumor Of DeAndre Hopkins Becoming A Raven

To Be Clear, This Is The Dumbest, Most Ridiculous, Preposterous Rumor I’ve Ever Heard In My Entire Life

There is literally a zero percent chance of DeAndre Hopkins becoming a raven. One hundred percent not going to happen. Nothing like it has ever happened and for people to be spreading rumors otherwise is, at best, purely misinformation.

Someone Spreads A Rumor Like This ONE TIME

ONE SINGLE TIME

Ok, maybe TWO SINGLE TIMES.

OK, To Be Fair

Some people have put incredibly deep thought into it, but not without controversy.

And Now We’re Expected To Believe DeAndre Hopkins Could Become A Raven?

Not going to happen. Literally impossible for DeAndre Hopkins to become a raven. You can quote me on that.

In Which I Dive Into the Ridiculous Controversial Rumor Of DeAndre Hopkins Becoming A Raven Read More »