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Alec Burks hoping to stay in Cleveland through trade deadline, as Cavaliers continue discussions with other teams

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While the Cavs were going back and forth with the surging Boston Celtics on Tuesday night, members of Cleveland's front office were bunkered in, engaged in trade discussions with an eye on the future. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Alec Burks slipped on his Cleveland Cavaliers shorts and then put pants over them. Shortly after, he left the locker room, walked down the hallway with a few confidants by his side and eventually got into his car. It could be the last time he drives away from Quicken Loans Arena.

While the Cavs were going back and forth with the surging Boston Celtics on Tuesday night, members of Cleveland's front office were bunkered in, engaged in trade discussions with an eye on the future.

The trade deadline is getting closer and the Cavaliers are running short on candidates. Kyle Korver and George Hill, two of the team's most attractive veterans heading into the season, have already been shipped out. Rodney Hood is in Portland, officially sent to the Western Conference contender on Monday.

That leaves Burks as the Cavs' most valuable trade chip, his name shifting to the epicenter of the team's rumor mill since Hood's departure.

"I don't believe in rumors until something happens," Burks said following the 103-96 loss against Boston. "If nothing happens then I'm not going nowhere. If something happens it happens. I enjoy my time here and hopefully it keeps going."

For now, Burks remains in Cleveland. But for how long?

He has played well and numerous members of the organization have talked about what a great person and player he is. Players in the locker room want him to stick. Head coach Larry Drew called him a joy to coach.

Burks is averaging double figures for the first time since 2015-16 and is just 27, so theoretically he aligns with Cleveland's long-term vision. But Burks' expiring contract worth $11.5 million makes him a valuable trade asset, perhaps too valuable to keep if they find the right deal.

All signs point to the Cavs hoping to acquire another first-round pick before Thursday. In a handful of trades, they've added one of those and six second-rounders, accomplishing their goal of restocking their treasure chest after emptying it during a four-year stretch that led to four consecutive Finals trips. 

A tax team, currently outside the playoff picture (Detroit as one example), could look to move a bulky salary, attaching a first-round pick as a sweetener. Maybe there's a playoff squad looking for an extra scoring boost that's willing to part with a late first-rounder that won't have as much value to them, but could be worth it for Cleveland.

The Houston Rockets have been seeking help on the wing. What about them getting out from under Brandon Knight's hefty $30 million dollars over the next two years and tossing in a late first-rounder? League sources told cleveland.com that is one deal being discussed. 

San Antonio owes Pau Gasol more than $32 million over the next two years and has an extra 2019 first-rounder from the Kawhi Leonard-DeMar DeRozan deal. According to sources, the Spurs looked into a swap for Hood before he was sent to Portland. The Spurs also have interest in Burks. In this deal, the Cavs would have to add more salary filler to make it legal.

If Tuesday was Burks' final game in the wine and gold, he certainly went out on a high note. If it was his final audition for the other 29 teams, he should take a bow.

Burks scored 21 points, his second-most with the Cavaliers since arriving in a trade from Utah on Nov. 28. He added four rebounds, two assists and two steals, showing the versatility at both ends of the floor that makes him appealing.

Over his last six games, Burks is averaging 13.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 32.3 minutes. Talk about blocking out the noise.

"I don't listen to it. It's other people that talk about it. I don't hear it," Burks said. "If I don't hear it then how am I going to know about?"

Drew said he hasn't felt the need to discuss Thursday's trade deadline with his guys. They are all professionals who understand the business side, especially with a rebuilding organization. On this team, with these struggles, no one is "untouchable." Perhaps the closest player to that designation is rookie Collin Sexton, who had one of his best games in months against the Celtics. 

Of the guys in the locker room, only four (Sexton, Tristan Thompson, Deng Adel and David Nwaba) have not been involved in a trade.

"I try not to get caught up into that," Drew said recently. "I approach each day at a time. I've been in this thing too long to the point where I allow myself to get caught up in it as a coach. You're aware of what possibilities may come up, but me personally, I try to take one day at a time. Keep coaching the players I have and just wait for this thing to pass by."

Either way, Burks' future is murky -- even if he doesn't want to hear it. Not from reporters. Nor from his agent. Burks, who has already been traded once, has asked his reps to keep him out of the loop on any chatter.

"Unless he's telling me to get on a flight," Burks said. "That's all I want to know."

On Thursday afternoon, the Cavaliers' team plane will board for Washington D.C. -- with or without Burks. That becomes the latest question, with the trade deadline buzzer set to sound at 3 p.m. Thursday.


Cleveland Cavaliers rookie Collin Sexton not chosen as Lonzo Ball's replacement in Rising Stars Challenge

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The league announced Wednesday that ninth-overall pick Kevin Knox will replace injured Lonzo Ball on team USA's roster for the Rising Stars Challenge.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland Cavaliers rookie Collin Sexton will not be heading to NBA All-Star Weekend. 

The league announced Wednesday that ninth-overall pick Kevin Knox will replace injured Lonzo Ball on Team USA's roster for the Rising Stars Challenge. 

There was some belief that Sexton could've been the choice, but according to a league source, the replacement player is typically the guy with the next highest amount of votes from the coaches.

Knox, taken by the New York Knicks one pick after Sexton in the 2018 NBA Draft, ranks seventh among NBA rookies in scoring (12.5 points) and rebounding (4.2 rebounds). He has appeared in 46 games (28 starts) for New York, scoring at least 20 points in eight of those contests.

Recently named the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month in December, Knox averaged 17.1 points in the month -- the best stretch of his young career. 

Sexton ranks fourth among rookies in scoring, averaging 14.6 points, and is tied for fifth in assists with 2.8 per game. He has better shooting percentages than Knox and the two players rank last (Sexton) and second-last (Knox) in ESPN's Real Plus-Minus category, which is a player's estimated on-court impact on team performance, measured in net point differential per 100 offensive and defensive possessions. RPM takes into account teammates, opponents and additional factors.

Sexton tallied 27 points in Tuesday's loss against the Boston Celtics. It was his ninth game with at least 20 points and the performance moved him into a tie with Dallas rookie Luka Doncic for the most double-digit scoring games among rookies with 46.  

Ball, who was selected as one of the 10 players for Team USA, will not play after sustaining a sprained left ankle in a game against the Houston Rockets on Jan. 19. The sophomore is averaging 9.9 points, 5.4 assists and 5.3 rebounds in 47 games.

The Rising Stars Challenge features 10 first- and second-year NBA players from the United States against 10 first- and second-year NBA players from around the world.

Cavaliers swingman Cedi Osman is one of the 10 that make up Team World. 

The exhibition will be played on Friday, Feb. 15 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, as the start of NBA All-Star Weekend. 

Who was the bigger NBA All-Star snub: Luka Doncic or Rudy Gobert?

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The All-Star Game roster is set, but there were some glaring omissions fans have collectively shaken their fists at. Watch video

The All-Star Game roster is set, but there were some glaring omissions NBA fans have collectively shaken their fists at. Luka Doncic might be a rookie, but he hasn't been putting up rookie numbers, becoming one of the most popular players in the league. However, Rudy Gobert has easily one of the best defensive players in the league and is having the best offensive season of his career. Who was the bigger snub?

PERSPECTIVES

Don't let Doncic's age deceive you: This is a kid is a man on the court.

The Slovenian national didn't take long to start dominating the league with this impeccable shot and playmaking ability. He's already averaging 20.7 points a game with 5.4 assists, at the time of publication, and has wowed the NBA with seemingly impossible attempts that have dropped. The rookie bias against his brilliance is a travesty.

He should've been in the All-Star Game.

What does Gobert have to do to get some love? 

He already came into the league with great defensive instincts, resulting in a Defensive Player of the Year award last season. He improved his offense this year with a career-high 15.1 points and converting a league-leading 65 percent of his field goal attempts at the time of publication. There is no way the NBA can have an All-Star Game without one the best two-way players in the league.

Gobert's snub is inexcusable.

The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture. We provide our community with the opportunity to share their opinions and vote on topics that matter most to them. We actively engage the community and present meaningful data on the debates and conversations as they progress. The Tylt is a place where your opinion counts, literally. The Tylt is an Advance Local Media, LLC property. Join us on Twitter @TheTylt, on Instagram @TheTylt or on Facebook, we'd love to hear what you have to say.

 

Cleveland Cavaliers acquire Brandon Knight and 2019 first-round pick in three-team deal for Alec Burks: Sources

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The 2019 first-rounder is lottery protected, according to a source.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to a three-team deal that sends Alec Burks to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Houston Rockets guard Brandon Knight, power forward Marquese Chriss and a 2019 first-round pick, league sources told cleveland.com Wednesday night. 

The 2019 first-rounder is lottery protected, according to a source. 

In the deal, Burks will go to Sacramento while Houston receives Iman Shumpert from the Kings and both Nik Stauskas and Wade Baldwin -- two players recently added in the Rodney Hood deal -- from Cleveland. 

The Rockets had been dangling a first-round pick to get out from under Knight's hefty contract for the last week and the Cavaliers, with approval from chairman Dan Gilbert, were always willing to take on money beyond this year provided it came with an asset. 

The Cavs are "thrilled" about their haul for Burks, according to one member of the organization who spoke with cleveland.com about the deal.

Internally, the Cavs were always hoping to net a first-rounder for Burks, whose expiring contract and recent play made him a valuable commodity on the trade market. 

Knight, a 2011 first-round pick, has played in just 12 games with the Rockets this season, coming back slowly following knee surgery that cost him the entire 2017-18 season. He is averaging 3.0 points in 9.8 minutes. 

Chriss recently asked for a trade, hoping to find a place where he could get more playing time. Buried on Houston's depth chart, Chriss has only received double-digit minutes in three games this season. 

During the run-up to the NBA trade deadline, which is Thursday afternoon at 3 p.m., the Cavs have added six second-round picks and two first-rounders in separate trades for Kyle Korver, George Hill, Sam Dekker, Hood and Burks -- five players who didn't fit in Cleveland's long-term plans. 

The Cavs originally acquired Burks from the Utah Jazz in exchange for Korver on Nov. 28.

When the dust settles, the Cavs will have received a first-round pick and a pair of seconds for Korver. 

Cleveland Cavaliers still looking to deal JR Smith ahead of Thursday's NBA trade deadline

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Smith, who hasn't played organized basketball since Nov. 19, 2018 and was recently spotted at Madison Square Garden as a fan, doesn't have nearly as much value as some of the other pieces the Cavs have moved recently.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Even after agreeing to their fourth trade this season, the Cleveland Cavaliers stayed busy on deadline eve, looking to find a new home for exiled swingman JR Smith, and the front office will continue with that goal up until 3 p.m. Thursday afternoon, league sources told cleveland.com. 

Smith, who hasn't played organized basketball since Nov. 19, 2018 and was recently spotted at Madison Square Garden as a fan, doesn't have nearly as much value as some of the other pieces the Cavs have moved recently. Finding a trade partner is "easier said than done," according to one source.

But numerous teams entered trade season looking to either free up cap space for 2019 free agency or to lower their luxury tax bill.

That was Houston's goal in the three-team deal with the Cavaliers on Wednesday evening. The Rockets, so desperate to get out from under Brandon Knight's bulky contract (owed nearly $16 million in the 2019-20 season), attached a first-round pick as a sweetener. The deal, which also brought Iman Shumpert to Houston, will end up saving the Rockets around $6 million towards the luxury tax.

Later in the night, the Washington Wizards made a deal involving Markieff Morris to get beneath the tax threshold.

The Cavs are hoping other teams take that same approach on Thursday afternoon, which gives them at least slim hope that Smith, who possesses a unique contract, could be the fallback option if other deals to get off salary don't materialize. 

For the 2019-20 season, Smith's contract is $15.6 million, but contains a partial guarantee worth $3.8 million, allowing whichever team takes him -- if there is one willing to do that -- to release eventually him without much of a cap hit. 

So which teams could consider that? 

The San Antonio Spurs currently have the 13th-highest payroll in the NBA. They already have around $110 million committed in the 2019-20 season. Pau Gasol, 38, is averaging just 13.0 minutes and is set to make $16 million next season. The Spurs also have an extra first-round pick from the Toronto Raptors as a result of the DeMar DeRozan-Kawhi Leonard blockbuster. 

The Spurs could be looking to shed Gasol's salary, creating a potential path to work with the Cavs -- provided San Antonio will attach a draft pick. 

It's no secret that the Los Angeles Clippers have big dreams. The deal to send out free-agent-to-be Tobias Harris gives them plenty of room to go star hunting this summer. But if they want even more space, what about moving Danilo Gallinari's $22.6 million that he's owed next season? That would certainly make things more interesting. 

The New Orleans Pelicans are set to enter a rebuild eventually, especially with franchise pillar Anthony Davis requesting a trade.

Solomon Hill is making $12.7 million this season and $13.2 million next. His on-court value doesn't come close to matching that price tag. Given New Orleans' place in the standings -- third-worst record in the Western Conference -- and their coming shift, the Pels may want to move Hill's contract. Perhaps they'd be more open to the possibility of attaching a future protected pick now, recognizing they will recoup a few in a future Davis deal anyway. 

Miami is another tax team. But it doesn't appear there's a financial match. 

These hypothetical deals would carry some risk for the Cavs. Any of the above would move them closer to the projected luxury tax for the 2019-20 season. Then again, chairman Dan Gilbert has never let that restrict any potential moves. 

The Cavs know that a Smith deal is a long shot. That's why they prioritized Kyle Korver, George Hill, Sam Dekker, Rodney Hood and Alec Burks -- all five players that have been traded already, netting the Cavs six second-round picks, two firsts and a couple of future expiring contracts that add to their asset chest.

In the case of Smith, his value was incredibly low when the Cavs acquired him in 2015 and he possesses a well-documented, lengthy history of slip-ups. Smith's also been one of the worst players in the NBA for the last two years and it's hard to see that changing after so much time away. 

But if it's getting close to the 3 p.m. deadline and the other options for salary relief have been exhausted, the Cavs will be waiting. Smith is the only other player the team is currently "shopping." 

Who won the Sixers-Clippers trade?

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Forget about a Big Three. The 76ers have a Big Four.

The Los Angeles Clippers dealt Tobias Harris, Boban Marjanovic and Mike Scott to the Philadelphia 76ers. In exchange, they got Landry Shamet, Wilson Chandler, Mike Muscala, the Sixers' 2020 first-rounder, the Miami Heat's 2021 unprotected first pick and two second-round picks in 2021 and 2023. Many think Philadelphia won the trade making a team with four All-Star level players. Others think the Clippers got essential assets for a quick rebuild. Who won the trade? 

PERSPECTIVES

Forget about a Big Three. The Philadelphia 76ers have a Big Four and are the team to beat in the Eastern Conference.

Harris would've easily been an All-Star if he was in the Eastern Conference and was only snubbed because the West was so stacked. Now, he gets to ply his efficient trade on the Sixers who already have Jimmy Butler, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons -- three All-Star-level players who currently have Philadelphia in fifth position for the NBA Playoffs.

Getting Harris is both a short-term and long-term win for the Sixers. They won the trade.

The Clippers gave up an All-Star-caliber player, but what they got in return is the ability to easily upgrade that slot in the 2019 free agency period and draft picks to build a talented young team.

Los Angeles is estimated to have over $46 million in cap space this summer to sign one max contract and build around that one player. They also get draft picks that can either be traded or used to get a great rookie.

Harris is gone, but the Clippers won the trade.

NBA trade rumors: Updated NBA title odds after Tobias Harris deal

The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture. We provide our community with the opportunity to share their opinions and vote on topics that matter most to them. We actively engage the community and present meaningful data on the debates and conversations as they progress. The Tylt is a place where your opinion counts, literally. The Tylt is an Advance Local Media, LLC property. Join us on Twitter @TheTylt, on Instagram @TheTylt or on Facebook, we'd love to hear what you have to say.

 

Is LaVar Ball ruining Lonzo Ball's career?

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LaVar Ball, father of Los Angeles Lakers guard Lonzo Ball, is in the headlines again.

LaVar Ball, father of Los Angeles Lakers guard Lonzo Ball, is in the headlines again, telling Undisputed that LeBron James won't win a championship without his son. LaVar brings a lot of attention on himself, but his actions are now making things more difficult for Lonzo to gain a foothold in the league, even interjecting into trade talks. Are LaVar's antics is setting his son up for failure? 

PERSPECTIVES

It's hard enough to become an impact player when you're a rookie in the NBA, but LaVar is making things even more difficult for his son with the outlandish things he says or does.

If players gang up to guard Lonzo, he will crumble under the pressure.

These are grown men in the NBA who don't care who his father is. Lonzo has a target on his back, and there will be no mercy on the court for his father's antics. Opposing players are going to have a field day making life miserable for him. Lonzo's career is going to be over before it ever began.

LaVar Ball says some wild stuff, but he believes in and loves his son. He is a positive role model in his son's life. Maybe everyone is just jealous.

LaVar Ball is outlandish, but he's a good sports dad

You know many kids would love to LaVar Ball as a dad? He's ultra-supportive and really believes in his son's ability to play basketball. Like a good college football coach, he keeps the attention on himself with crazy statements, and Lonzo can just work on improving his game. 

The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture. We provide our community with the opportunity to share their opinions and vote on topics that matter most to them. We actively engage the community and present meaningful data on the debates and conversations as they progress. The Tylt is a place where your opinion counts, literally. The Tylt is an Advance Local Media, LLC property. Join us on Twitter @TheTylt, on Instagram @TheTylt or on Facebook, we'd love to hear what you have to say.

 

Who will win the All-Star Game: Team LeBron or Team Giannis?

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After an eventful first televised All-Star Game Draft, teams captained by LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo are ready to take part in a battle of the stars. Watch video

After an eventful first televised All-Star Game Draft, teams captained by LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo are ready to take part in a battle of the stars. Team LeBron is coincidentally (or not) filled with 2019 free agents who are some of the most talented players in the league even in a game of studs. Team Giannis is long with a group of motivated young All-Stars looking to prove themselves. Who wins?

PERSPECTIVES

Trash talking, tampering accusations and a trade--the first televised NBA All-Star Game draft had it all.

LeBron James' and Giannis Antetokounmpo's respective squads are set and ready to go February 17. Who will win?

Introducing your 2019-2020 Los Angeles Lakers! All tampering accusations aside, James constructed a crazy talented roster made up of 2019 free agents who are dominating the league. Versatility appears to be the focus of the team, with each player able to score multiple ways and play both ends of the floor.

Team LeBron takes this All-Star Game again.

Giannis Antetokounmpo's team may not be getting the same hype that LeBron James' team is getting, but the Greek Freak has a squad to roll with. He stacked the roster with length and versatile big men who can pick teams apart with their passing and shooting. James' team might have athletes, but they're going to have a hard time getting to the basket against the team Antetokounmpo built.

Team Giannis will win the All-Star Game.

The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture. We provide our community with the opportunity to share their opinions and vote on topics that matter most to them. We actively engage the community and present meaningful data on the debates and conversations as they progress. The Tylt is a place where your opinion counts, literally. The Tylt is an Advance Local Media, LLC property. Join us on Twitter @TheTylt, on Instagram @TheTylt or on Facebook, we'd love to hear what you have to say.

 

Frank Robinson reports to that great baseball diamond in the sky: Darcy cartoon

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Frank Robinson open a huge door in 1974-'75. But still, ten years later, racist photos were appearing on the yearbook page of the 2019 governor of Virginia. Demonstrating we have to work as hard as Robinson played to keep the doors of equality open.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Frank Robinson's timing in death is as good as his timing was in the batter's box and one the field. The first African-American to serve as a Major League manager for the Cleveland Indians passed away during Black History Month.  And just days before MLB teams report for spring training, first ballot Hall of Famer Robinson reports to that great baseball diamond in the sky, joining fellow barrier-breaking players Jackie Robinson and Larry Doby.

Even setting aside Robinson's history-making turn as a manager, his baseball career, spanning more than 60-years, is the stuff of legends.

Robinson was the first person to be named MVP in both the American and National League, and finished in the top three two other times. He was Rookie of the Year and a 14 time All Star. Robinson led the Cincinnati Reds to their first Pennant in 27 years.  He led the Baltimore Orioles to their first World Series win.  In 1989 he was named American League Manager of the Year.    The Cleveland Indians erected a statue of Robinson in 2017.  The Cincinnati Reds and Baltimore Orioles have also erected statues of Robinson and all three teams have retired his number.

In addition to managing the Indians and Orioles, Robinson managed the San Francisco Giants and Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals

In ESPN's obituary for Frank Robinson, they noted how in 2016 he told "Outside the Lines" his becoming the first black manager "was nothing compared to what Jackie (Robinson) did or went through, but it was important because I was the first and that meant the door's open.  But how long the door would stay open depended on basically the way I conducted myself and the success that I would have.   They said this was a chance for you to break that barrier.  Open the door and to let more African-Americans to have the opportunity to come through it."

The Indians were so hard up for cash, they reportedly only payed Robinson $20,000 more than he was making as a player, when they also named him manager at age 39.  In total he was still making less than $200,000. He and Gaylord Perry had the two highest salaries.

Plain Dealer columnist Terry Pluto wrote about his interview with Robinson in 1979 when he was a rookie baseball writer for the Baltimore Evening Sun and Robinson had rejoined the Orioles as an outfield coach.    Pluto and Robinson recount what a dysfunctional mess of a team and organization Robinson had joined.

It was the stuff of movies when Robinson hit a homerun in his first game as Indians' player manager.  The Tribe's all red tomato uniforms never looked so good.  Yet by 1977 Robinson was fired.   But before then, in 1976, he did lead the team to its first winning season since 1968, finishing 81-78.

I was in fifth grade when Robinson was named manager.  My favorite teams were the Indians and Yankees.  And I only liked the Yankees because their owner was an ex-Clevelander, they had ex-Indians playing for them along with Ohio's Thurman Munson, and those classic uniforms.

The Indians in those days were never contenders, yet they had players that a fifth-grader could still root for and follow, like Buddy Bell, Duane Kiper, Rick Manning and Dennis Eckersley.  A budding cartoonist  also enjoyed watching Boog Powell fit into his uniform and Oscar Gamble's cap fit on his head. 

None of those players I followed on those 1970's teams was of the stature of Robinson, not even Gaylord Perry.  Both he and Eckersley would also later be in the HOF.  But in '75, even as fifth-grader, I knew that Robinson joining the team and becoming the first black manager was a big deal and important.   It made me feel good about the  team, not embarrassed by it because of their record.  It made me proud to be from an underdog city that had elected the first black mayor and whose baseball team now had hired the first black manager.

Frank Robinson opened a huge door in 1974-'75.  But still,  ten years later, racist blackface/kkk photos were appearing on the yearbook page of the 2019 governor of Virginia Ralph Northam, demonstrating we have to work as hard as Robinson played to keep those doors of opportunity and equality open.

Is the AAF already better than the NFL?

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The Alliance of American Football league made its debut, and the first week was a big hit. Watch video

The Alliance of American Football league made its debut, and the first week was a big hit. Viewers were treated to a huge hit on a quarterback, transparent replay challenges and no kickoffs, all of which made for great reviews on social media. Many enjoyed the fresh approach to the sport. While the AAF might be the new kid on the block, others feel the NFL is still a better product with better athletes and competition. What do you think?

PERSPECTIVES

Look out, NFL. There's a new football brand on the block and it's changing the way people are thinking of football.

Unlike its more established counterpart, the Alliance of American Football is taking risks and it's paying off. San Diego Fleet quarterback Mike Bercovici took a massive, but legal hit that would've easily been a flag in the NFL, playing to the desire of fans who want to see old school football. There's also no field goals in overtime, only two-point conversions and onside kicks are replaced with the option to attempt 4th & 10 at own 35-yard line.

One week in and the AAF is already more fun than the NFL!

Wow! Transparency in a sport? That's revolutionary!

The NFL tries to hide behind a shroud of mystery at all times, while the AAF actually takes you into the replay booth to see and hear what the official thinks. It won't stop bad calls, but at least you know there is some clarity and accountability with each decision.

What's the AAF? It certainly isn't anything as irrelevant as football after the Super Bowl is it? Oh, it is...

The American Alliance of Football is only getting attention because of one big hit and the Philly Special being run. Everything else about the league pales in comparison to the NFL.

The two games that happened was a 34-point blowout and a 15-6 snoozefest. There's nothing exciting about football like that. It's like what happened the XFL. People flocked to it because it was football when there was no NFL, but as soon as the difference in quality became apparent, fans stopped tuning in.

The NFL might have its problems, but thinking the AAF or any other football league is on the same level as the Shield is asinine. Did people already forget about the 100+ shootout between the Rams and Chiefs during the regular season?! Week in and week out, there's always an exciting matchup.

The National Football League is still the best football anyone will ever see in the world.

From wide receivers throwing TD passes to the Miami Miracle: 2018 NFL season's best plays

How quickly they forget.

Athletes playing the AAF are NFL rejects. While the Alliance of American Football is giving table scrap-levels of football, the National Football League serves up prime rib. The athletes that play in the NFL perform some of the most ridiculous athlete feats ever seen. The AAF might get lucky, but they can't pull off the kinds of highlights their rivals put out every week.

The 20 most freakish athletes in the NFL

The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture. We provide our community with the opportunity to share their opinions and vote on topics that matter most to them. We actively engage the community and present meaningful data on the debates and conversations as they progress. The Tylt is a place where your opinion counts, literally. The Tylt is an Advance Local Media, LLC property. Join us on Twitter @TheTylt, on Instagram @TheTylt or on Facebook, we'd love to hear what you have to say.

 

Browns could also sign Kaepernick: Darcy cartoon

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It's not a good look for NFL owners when it appears Kaepernick would have been better off kicking a woman then kneeling in protest over racial injustice.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Would Colin Kaepernick have already been signed by an NFL team had he engaged in domestic violence instead of kneeling in a civil rights protest Donald Trump objected to ?   It appears he would have, after The Cleveland Browns signed running back Kareem Hunt.

Hunt was released by the Kansas City Chiefs after he lied to the team about an after-party altercation at a Cleveland hotel in which he shoved a woman to the ground then kicked her.

The NFL has placed Hunt on indefinite suspension while it investigates the kicking incident and two other bar fights Hunt was involved in.

Police chose not to press charges  against Hunt in any of the three incidents the NFL is investigating, and Hunt has expressed what the Browns believe is genuine remorse for all three. 

The NFL is expected to announce the results of their investigation in the next few weeks.  Hunt faces anywhere from a six week to indefinite suspension. 

Former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice received an indefinite suspension after knocking out his wife in an elevator with a punch to her face.   Rice never returned to the NFL.

But Rice has been an exception to the rule.  Not only have numerous NFL players been reinstated after domestic violence incidents, Ray Lewis continued a long career with the Ravens after being charged with double murder in 2000.  The murder charges against Lewis were dropped, but he was convicted of obstruction of justice in the case.

Colin Kaepernick's collusion case against the NFL and its owners may be helped by by the Browns quick resigning of Hunt.

After starting the kneeling protest movement in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers, Kaepernick has not been signed by another NFL team upon becoming a free agent in 2016.   In 2017 Kaepernick filed a grievance against the league accusing it of blackballing him over the kneeling protest.  The NFL's attempts to have the case thrown out have been rejected.

In 2016 Kaepernick had begun to sit during the playing of the national anthem.  He then began to kneel after talking to former NFL player and military veteran Nate Boyer.

"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag or a country that oppresses black people and people of color.  To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way," said Kaepernick in 2016

Kaepernick once led the 49ers to the Super Bowl.  While many debate that he can still be a starting NFL quarterback, few debate he can be a capable backup and is better than many current backup quarterbacks.

The Ravens reportedly considered signing Kaepernick, but were said to have changed their minds fearing a P.R. backlash.

With teams like the Browns signing players like Hunt, it should be harder for teams to argue they're not signing Kaepernick to avoid a p.r. backlash.   The Hunt signing could be seen as further proof that Kaepernick has remained kicked out the league  primarily as punishment for his non-violent protest.

It's not a good look for NFL owners when it appears Kaepernick would have been better off kicking a woman than kneeling in protest over racial injustice. 

Joe Flacco to Denver: Who won the Ravens-Broncos trade?

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Flacco is 10-5 in the playoffs and a Super Bowl MVP.

The Baltimore Ravens are reportedly shipping Joe Flacco to the Denver Broncos for a mid-round draft pick, marking one of the first trades of the NFL offseason. Some feel the Ravens won the trade by gaining $18.5 million worth of cap space for free agency and a decent draft pick. Others think the Broncos got the better end of the deal by acquiring a Super Bowl-winning quarterback who can guide the team to the playoffs. What do you think? 

PERSPECTIVES

The Ravens already had plenty of cap space to work with this offseason. Now, they have even more after unloading the $18.5 million in cap space that Flacco's contract would have commanded.

Flacco's time with the team was over before the season ended. When he was replaced midseason by Lamar Jackson, his big contract was going to be an albatross sitting on the bench. Getting a mid-round draft pick is only going to help the team transform to fit Jackson and his style of play.

The Ravens came out on top in this trade. 

Flacco is 10-5 in the playoffs, a Super Bowl winner and a Super Bowl MVP. The Broncos only had to give up a mid-round pick for that resume. That is a win.

The Broncos have been struggling to find the answer at the quarterback position since Peyton Manning rode off into the sunset in 2016. Trevor Siemian was a bust, Paxton Lynch never panned out, Brock Osweiler didn't do anything in his return and Case Keenum couldn't get the job done. Getting an accomplished quarterback like Flacco is a steal for Denver.

The Broncos won this trade.

What the Flacco trade means for Baltimore, Denver and the QB

The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture. We provide our community with the opportunity to share their opinions and vote on topics that matter most to them. We actively engage the community and present meaningful data on the debates and conversations as they progress. The Tylt is a place where your opinion counts, literally. The Tylt is an Advance Local Media, LLC property. Join us on Twitter @TheTylt, on Instagram @TheTylt or on Facebook, we'd love to hear what you have to say.

Which Sixers center would you rather hang with: Joel Embiid or Boban Marjanovic?

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The Philadelphia 76ers have two of the biggest personalities, literally, in the NBA between Embiid and Marjanovic. Watch video

By Daniel Tran

The Philadelphia 76ers have two of the biggest personalities, literally, in the NBA between Joel Embiid and Boban Marjanovic. Embiid has thrilled Sixers fans with his play, but they love him for his quick wit and willingness to mix things up on social media. Marjanovic has a cult following of his own by promoting a big, friendly giant persona who loves to have fun. Who would rather hang out with? 

PERSPECTIVES

There are plenty of players who are respected in the NBA, but few who are beloved like Joel Embiid. The big man from Cameroon took two years to hit the NBA court after being drafted, but built his fanbase with silly Twitter posts and petty digs that endeared him to the City of Brotherly Love.

Since he started playing, he's only upped his social media game, roasting other athletes mercilessly. That's what you want when you're hanging with someone: a dude who can dish out joke after joke with sharp barbs that'll leave you in stitches.

Embiid should be everyone's No. 1 pick to hang out with.

Who doesn't want their own friendly giant?

Marjanovic is the goofy dude you love to hang with because he's just down to do anything. He uses his height to great advantage when it comes to comedy and has no problem looking awkward to make others comfortable. He's a guy you want to spend more time with.

Rev up those mini carts, Philly. Your new best friend Boban is in town and here to stay!

Marjanovic will reportedly play assassin in 'John Wick 3'

The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture. We provide our community with the opportunity to share their opinions and vote on topics that matter most to them. We actively engage the community and present meaningful data on the debates and conversations as they progress. The Tylt is a place where your opinion counts, literally. The Tylt is an Advance Local Media, LLC property. Join us on Twitter @TheTylt, on Instagram @TheTylt or on Facebook, we'd love to hear what you have to say.

Will the Lakers make the NBA Playoffs?

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LeBron James has made the playoffs 13 seasons in a row. Will he make it 14? Watch video

By Daniel Tran

The Los Angeles Lakers are hovering around .500 entering the second half of the season, and they need to drastically improve to earn a spot in the 2019 NBA Playoffs. Many feel that with LeBron James, combined with the mix of veteran and young talent on the team, the Lakers will get a playoff berth. Still, Los Angeles has had all season to get things right. There's nothing indicating they have what it takes to dominate the rest of the season. What do you think? 

PERSPECTIVES

James has made the playoffs 13 seasons in a row. He will drag a team to his 14th straight appearance if he has to.

The Lakers are too talented not to figure things out. They have arguably the greatest player ever, who is still as dominant as he ever was. They also have veterans with championship pedigree helping the young guys get to the next level. James has taken less talented teams to the NBA Finals. There is no way he lets this team fall off.

Los Angeles will be in the playoffs.

Tristan Thompson says LeBron will push Lakers to playoffs 'even if he's hurt'

The Lakers signed James to be championship contenders, but all he has done is put pressure on the young core to get up to his level. The team hasn't lived up to the hype and expecting them to make the playoffs with everything working against them is too much to ask.

The young guys still have to recover from being the subject of a public trade war for Anthony Davis and the team has been hurt one way or another the entire year. With other teams starting to peak at the end of the year, there's no way Los Angeles makes up ground.

The Lakers' playoff drought continues in 2019.

The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture. We provide our community with the opportunity to share their opinions and vote on topics that matter most to them. We actively engage the community and present meaningful data on the debates and conversations as they progress. The Tylt is a place where your opinion counts, literally. The Tylt is an Advance Local Media, LLC property. Join us on Twitter @TheTylt, on Instagram @TheTylt or on Facebook, we'd love to hear what you have to say.

 

Is Rob Gronkowski already a first-ballot Hall of Famer?

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In nine seasons, Gronk is third all-time in receiving touchdowns for tight ends. Watch video

By Daniel Tran

Rob Gronkowski's time in the NFL appears to be coming to close soon. The New England Patriots tight end's resume is Hall of Fame-worthy as it stands now and many would be surprised if he wasn't a first-ballot inductee because of his production in a relatively short period of time. Still, others feel his nine, injury-plagued seasons are not enough to be inducted in his first try. What do you think? 

PERSPECTIVES

In 115 games, Gronkowski has 7,861 yards and 80 total touchdowns. Is that enough for a first-ballot induction in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

How this is even a question is ridiculous. Gronkowski has been one of the most dominating players in the NFL for years and deserves the honor of being a first-ballot inductee.

Gronk has appeared in less than half of the games Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates have and yet he is third behind them in receiving touchdowns. He also averages more yards and touchdowns per game than both. He blows both out of the water in terms of playoff numbers. And let's not forget the three Super Bowls he helped the Patriots win.

His resume speaks for itself. He's a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

Hall of Fame hypocrisy continues with new Gronkowski first-ballot debate

Gronkowski is worthy of the Hall of Fame. His dominance in nine years has been amazing, but that's the problem.

Nine years in the NFL is good, but that's not the ideal length for Hall of Fame voters. They like to see production over ten or more years. Both Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates have more than 15 seasons of playing. Gronkowski has 7,861 receiving yards, which is way behind Gonzalez's 15,127, a total that got the NFL legend the first, and so far only, first-ballot nod for a tight end. Gronk might leave the game in his prime which would hurt his case in the voters' eyes.

He will definitely be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but getting in on the first try is not in the cards for him.

Gronkowski a first-ballot Hall of Fame lock? Probably not, say voters

The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture. We provide our community with the opportunity to share their opinions and vote on topics that matter most to them. We actively engage the community and present meaningful data on the debates and conversations as they progress. The Tylt is a place where your opinion counts, literally. The Tylt is an Advance Local Media, LLC property. Join us on Twitter @TheTylt, on Instagram @TheTylt or on Facebook, we'd love to hear what you have to say.

 





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