I haven’t started my Christmas shopping yet. Hell, I haven’t even thought about starting my Christmas shopping — until now. What you call procrastination, I call waiting for the right moment. Can I blame Thursday?? I’m going to blame Thursday.
Trade #1
The first of 2 major trades came from NBA land. Jhalil Okafor, the #3 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft (Duke), has had a rocky start to his professional career. Prior to being shipped out of Philadelphia on Thursday, Okafor had played just 25 total minutes this season. The 76ers are giving him a fresh start, as his new zip code will be 11218….
Brooklyn Nets Receive:
Jhalil Okafor, Nik Stauskas, and a 2019 2nd-round pick
Philadelphia 76ers Receive:
Trevor Booker
While I like Trevor Booker, this trade is a win for the Brooklyn Nets. Nets general manger, Sean Marks, continues to prove he knows what he’s doing. Most Gregg Popovich disciples do. This season alone, Marks has acquired the #2 and #3 picks from the solid 2015 NBA draft. I guess he was listening when Coach Popovich was talking.
Trade #2
Let the salary dump begin!! The Miami Marlins, are in the midst of a complete tear down. EVERYTHING MUST GO!! Marlins fans have seen this movie before. The only difference is, Derek Jeter has his finger on the button this time around. Jeter became Marlins’ CEO when he and his group purchased the team back in August. And he made his first major move yesterday.
Seattle Mariners Receive:
Dee Gordon
Miami Marlins Receive:
3 Minor League Players (Robert Dugger, Nick Neidert and Christopher Torres)
With a log jam in the middle infield, the Mariners plan to play Gordon in center field. This is a very solid trade for the Mariners, as they also receive $1 million in International money. This makes them leaders in the clubhouse in the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes.
Thursday Night Football
Thursday night provided an entertaining football game, however, the moral of the story is simple; you HAVE to score more than 17 points when the opposing quarterback throws 3 interceptions. Yes, Matt Ryan threw 3 interceptions last night. No, the Saints did not capitalize on those opportunities. Being held to a season-low 50 rushing yards probably didn’t help matters.
And I don’t care that they got it. Going for it, on 4th and 1, on Atlanta’s 24-yard line, trailing 20-17, on the road, with under 2 minutes left, was STUPID!!
A decision and the result are 2 separate entities.
Drew Brees iced the game, as he threw an interception in the end zone with 1 minute and 25 seconds left. Brees’ interception was just his 2nd since October 22nd!! Brees and company will look to bounce back when they host the New York Jets next week. And they won’t have to wait long for a shot at redemption. The Falcons come to town on Christmas Eve. You won’t want to miss that rematch, as it could determine the NFC South champion.
What was the biggest story from Thursday?? Tell me all about it in the comment section below.
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