Where Brooklyn At?

Carmelo Anthony, looking to return home to the New York market may soon have his wish granted.

By now, we have all seen the proposed trade that would send Anthony, Chauncey Billups, and Rip Hamilton to the Nets, Derek Favors, Devin Harris, Anthony Morrow, two first round picks, and a number of role players to the Nuggets. The Pistons would receive Troy Murphy and Johan Petro, ultimately two expiring contracts in exchange for Hamilton. This deal has been leaked for almost a week now and could be completed at any time.

The Nets would finally land a marquee star, as a result of gutting their current roster, to build around after losing out on "The Big Three" to the Heat the past off-season. Anthony would land in one of the biggest sports markets, which he has stated is a major factor. Of course, 'Melo would have to play in Newark while the Nets wait to move to Brooklyn and would also have to wait for the roster to fill out. He would have a young center, Brook Lopez to work with and also, if the Nets only have to give up two of their five first round picks over the next two years, they have more chips. The Nets could decide to keep those picks and build or move them for players.

Chauncey Billups, the Denver native, would once again be on the move. He would be reunited with his old teammate Rip Hamilton, and would clearly be the leader on a young Nets team. Billups only has two years remaining on his deal, which leaves the door open for Chris Paul in 2012.

Mikhail Prokhorov

All of this speculation is for nothing though, it all comes down to if the trade is completed and if 'Melo will reach a contract agreement with the Nets. If the deal is completed, I can't see him turning it down. He has really burned some bridges in Denver and is it really that much of a better situation than New Jersey. Mikhail Prokhorov and Billy King will make their pitch to 'Melo, a pitch that Lebron James said was very impressive, and he will be on board.

If the Nets can land 'Melo then their franchise has taken a giant step towards the future of building a championship franchise in Brooklyn.  

Weekend Picks

Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers
(12-4, 5-3 away)     (12-4, 5-3 home)

If this match-up does not get you excited, then you are not a football fan. These two teams are about as evenly matched as you can find in football. Whenever they meet up, it's a bloodbath, usually ending with one play that defines the game. The forecast has about an inch of snow falling throughout the game, which should make it even more appealing. The big question is how aggressive Ben Roethlisberger and Joe Flacco will be able to be against two tough defenses and the weather. Ultimately, I'm going to go with the better quarterback to find a way to win.

Prediction: Steelers 21 Ravens 17

Green Bay Packers at Atlanta Falcons
(10-6, 3-5 away)        (13-3, 7-1 home)

I don't know if there has ever been a number one seed that is getting as little respect as the Falcons are getting in this match-up. Honestly, I do not see it as a reflection on the Falcons as much as it is the love affair that is occurring with the Packers. These two met early in the season and Atlanta ended up on top. Matty Ice is unstoppable at home, he always finds a way to get the win but I am going against him in this game. The key player will be James Starks, running back for the Packers, if he can get going against the Falcons defense then Aaron Rodgers will have a field day.

Prediction: Packers 31 Falcons 24

Seattle Seahawks vs. Chicago Bears
(7-9, 2-6 away)         (11-5, 5-3 home)

Oh Seattle, a week after knocking off the reigning NFL Champions the Saints, they still are receiving little respect. Granted they went 7-9 in the regular season and won a division that was just down right ugly, but still they just put a beating on Saints in a game that no one gave them a fighting chance. I can see the laid back surfer-dude, Pete Carroll telling he team "It's us against the world guys." The bottom line is, last week was Seattle's Super Bowl, they were home and got an unbelievable performance out of Matt Hasselbeck. They fed off of the crowds energy and it propelled them to a victory. The Bears will come out intense at home and deliver an early knockout punch. Cutler will throw for three touchdowns and probably at least two interceptions but Chicago's defense will stop Seattle all day.

Prediction: Chicago 35 Seattle 10

New York Jets vs. New England Patriots 
(11-5, 6-2 away)   (14-2, 8-0 home)

Talk is cheap, play the game. That being said, Rex Ryan and the Jets will really have to put their best foot forward or else they will end up with their foot in their mouth. Alright, its out of my system. Forget about the shellacking that took place the last time these two teams faced each other. The Jets' defense has figured out how to replace Jim Leonhard and are playing much better. They will have to come out and establish the run early and control the clock. The only way to beat Tom Brady is to keep him on the sidelines. The Patriots have been the best team in league for most of the season and will be well prepared for this game. For me, it comes down to Mark Sanchez as the quarterback, and how confident do you feel with him Jets fans? Me, not too much. He'll make a big time mistake and the Pats will capitalize off of it.

Prediction: Patriots 20, Jets 14