LeBron James is headed to the Miami Heat, but there’s room in the state of Florida for another superstar – at least, there should be.

The Orlando Magic should aggressively counter Miami’s new and deadly trio of players (that have agreed to play for the Heat – with contract negotiations still pending).

LeBron is joining Bosh and Wade in Miami

The Magic now shift from being the 2^nd seed in the Eastern conference last season to arguably the 2^nd best team in the state.

That’s why Orlando needs to explore making a coiunter move – specifically adding a major piece that was mentioned in rumors around the time of the NBA Draft – and that was the talk of acquiring superstar point guard Chris Paul from the New Orleans Hornets.

Again, it remains to be seen if Chris Paul is even available via trade, as a number of the reports could just be misguided rumors.

Still, amidst the rumors emerging, Paul did chime in with a few thoughts on the matter.

“I want to win now,” Chris Paul said to John Reid of The Times Picayune late last week.

In another story, Paul went on to profess his love for the city of New Orleans, but reiterated a similar point – and a willingness to play elsewhere.

With Miami's new trio, Orlando should counter by trying to acquire Chris Paul

“My first choice is New Orleans,” Paul said in a story by Chris Broussard of ESPN The Magazine.  “I just want to make sure we’re committed to winning.  If we’re not committed to winning and trying to get better so we can contend with the Lakers, the Celtics and all these other top teams, then I’m open to being traded.”

Queue the Magic.

Orlando is in a winning position, what with reaching the NBA Finals two seasons ago and the Eastern Conference Finals this past season.

However, with the new duo of Chris Bosh and LeBron James soon to join Dwyane Wade just a few hours south of O-Town, it’s possible that the Magic’s elite postion in the Eastern Conference may be slightly in jeopardy.

With the Heat playing in the same division as Orlando, the Magic may lose a lot of home-court advantage, if they were to make it to the 2011 NBA Playoffs – which many feel they will.

That’s why Orlando should make a counter move, by adding a superstar that can push Miami harder than even the current Orlando roster can.

Enter Chris Paul.

Paul is open to a trade and he’d fit in quite well with Dwight Howard and the rest of the team.

As previously discussed, plenty of rumors have been mentioned involving Paul and a number of teams (including Orlando) – although it remains to be seen how much the Hornets would consider dealing away their superstar point guard – if at all.

That doesn’t mean that Orlando shouldn’t continue to explore such an option – and perhaps they are doing just that, especially after LeBron’s announcement came out Thursday night.

Among the rumors that have floated around in recent weeks included names like Jameer Nelson and Vince Carter being moved in such a deal.

Right now though, it’s not the names or the players that are involved, as Orlando certainly has the pieces that could be moved to New Orleans in exchange for a player like Chris Paul.

My point is instead that while many critics aren’t sold on the Miami Heat just yet, I do think the Magic should consider a counter attack to stay afloat in the Eastern Conference – just in case the trio of James, Bosh and Wade flourish on South Beach.

The Magic’s current roster – albeit very talented and explosive at times – didn’t have all the pieces in place to be able to handle a Boston Celtics team that had moments where it showed its age throughout the majority of the regular season.

Dwight Howard and the Magic are one of many powers in the Eastern Conference

Quite often the biggest pieces aren’t just superstars, but the ability to have a big man that can be a dominating presence, along with a scrappy point guard that can run the offense, while peppering in some scoring.

Dwight Howard is both the dominating presence and a superstar.

Jameer Nelson is that point guard.

But Chris Paul is that point guard – and then some.

That’s why this writer would like to see the Orlando Magic make this NBA offseason that much more interesting – by trying to find a way to acquire Chris Paul from the New Orleans Hornets.

Then we’ll see who will have the most “magic” on the court during the upcoming season – Superman and Co., or “The King” and his merry men.

If anything, it would make for great theater – and further shift the power of the NBA over to the Eastern Conference.

Once the clock hits midnight and its July 1^st, the dominoes can officially begin to fall in what is arguably the best free agency pool in the history of the NBA – and possibly all of sports.

Of course, saying that a bevy of contracts will be inked immediately when the doorway opens is like saying that Mikhail Prokhorov is a penny pincher.

That also goes for the fact that we know what’s really going on – because the rumors are flying – and I mean REALLY flying.

So let me get this straight, one report has LeBron James and Chris Bosh both signing with the Heat to join Dwyane Wade as part of a “super team” in Miami – correct?

Will the Miami Heat have a "super trio", or is it just another rumor?

That’s correct, and Stephen A. Smith also mentioned it as “highly likely” on the Dan Patrick Show recently.

Yet, ESPN’s Chad Ford (via his Twitter account) stated earlier today that the “Nets believe they’re in the lead for LeBron.”

OK, hold the phone – so one rumor has King James in Miami and another has him headed to the New Jersey Nets?

What about the Bulls?  Weren’t there rumors about LeBron following in the footsteps of Michael Jordan in the Windy City?

Well, sure there were – but Chicago has their eyes on others as well.  As reported by both Doug Thonus on Chicago Now’s “Bulls Confidential” and Chicago Breaking Sports, the Bulls plan to meet with Chris Bosh first, and then Dwyane Wade on Thursday.

If your head is spinning, don’t fret – K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune puts the Chicago Bulls free agency situation in full perspective.

So wait, does that mean that Wade is not a certainty to remain in Miami, as many have speculated?

Hey, every guy has the right to weigh his options.

Man, my head hurts.

So who has the real answers to all these free agency questions?

Well, no one yet – it’s just the media fighting to get the answer right before the other guy – but Brian Windhorst of The Plain Dealer has a bunch of answers to a lot of Cleveland’s NBA free agency questions.

Will Joe Johnson be in Atlanta next season?

Imagine what will happen with all the teams that lose out – and there will be losers once the dust has settled.  It could be the New York Knicks, the Los Angeles Clippers, the New Jersey Nets – heck, it could be anyone.

As for the Knicks, Marc Berman of the New York Post mentions a source stating that New York plans to meet with Mike Miller and Joe Johnson.

Speaking of Joe Johnson, he’s an interesting case – especially considering that Michael Cunningham of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the Hawks plan to offer Johnson a max contract.

Offering a max contract with all these other big names available?  That may be too hard to pass up.  Cunningham chooses not to toss in his additional two cents – but if he shares my thoughts here, I think Atlanta would be crazy to do that – and I’m talking crazy like “Lady GaGa in the Yankees clubhouse crazy”.

Maybe a surprise team will come out of the woodwork – or a surprise trade will occur.  After all, there have been the recent rumors involving another NBA power, the Orlando Magic – who have emerged in rumors for players such as Gilbert Arenas from Washington and Chris Paul from the New Orleans Hornets.

Sure those rumors are fine and dandy – but Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel seems to discard all of them, hinting that the Magic are likely to only have a few minor changes to pull out of their hat.

(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

Then, there’s the announcement by Celtics head coach Doc Rivers, who has stated that he will return to the bench next season.

What does this mean for “The Big 3” in Boston?

We know Garnett will be back, but Paul Pierce opted out of his contract and Ray Allen is a part of this uber-talented free agency pool.

Some expect Boston to keep the group intact and shoot for one last title run.

Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe adds more proof to this theory, reporting that Danny Ainge and the Celtics will be making Paul Pierce “one of our top priorities.”

Meanwhile, the rumors continue to fly throughout other major cities of teams that have a pantload of cap space – and therefore hope to court any (or multiple) big names.

LeBron James - The King of NBA Free Agency in 2010

These are just a sampling of recent rumors to hit the basketball world hard like a LeBron James slam dunk – but who could expect anything less with a group headlined by James himself, and also including the likes of Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Amar’e Stoudemire, Carlos Boozer, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Dirk Nowitzki – among others.

Where do you stand on NBA free agency?  I’ll say this – and this is my opinion (with no sources influencing me, but just my gut talking):

-   The most likely to be on a new team is Chris Bosh – count on that, actually.

-   The most likely to stay with his own team – and this is aside from Paul Pierce and Dirk Nowitzki (who many believe will stay) – is Dwyane Wade, who I feel will stay with the Heat.  On top of that, I think Miami will add a major piece to its championship puzzle, but it won’t be King James.

-   As for LeBron, my prediction is that King James will either stay in Cleveland or sign with the Bulls.

When it’s all said and done – this will certainly be remembered as one of the more interesting and fascinating free agency periods in sports history… and that’s even if the majority of the players decide to stay put – which I think a number of them will.

Let the games begin.

It’s mid-week again – time for “Hump Day Links”… featuring various entertaining reads throughout the online sports world.

Why?  Well, because you’re likely sick of hearing what I have to say – plus I want to give these people props.

This week’s pieces show up strong, much like the Boston Celtics did in Cleveland.

Hump Day Links (Vol. 6): Entertaining Reads for May 12, 2010

MoonDog Sports: Mark Sanchez Downplays Jamie Lynn Sigler Rumors

Photo: Jeremy Goldberg

KP’s Take: For as much as he’s in the news, Sanchez certainly seems like he’s soon going to take Brady’s spot as heartthrob.

Tophatal’s Blog: The NFL Has a Zero Tolerance of What?

Story: Mr. Al pitches in his thoughts on the latest NFL bad boys (e.g. Cushing, LT, etc.)

KP’s Take: It’s pretty unreal how often NFL players are getting into the news for negative reasons, especially with Goodell laying down the law.  When will the extra punishment show on the headlines – or will it ever?

Guyism: The 10 Best Stand-Up Comedians of All-Time

Story: A ton of classic comedians in this list – many I’m sure you would agree with…

KP’s Take: On top of this, not listed is the late Mitch Hedberg, who many did not know of – but in my opinion, he was hilarious.  Take the following sample from Letterman’s show…

Sports Chump: Woe are the Dallas Mavericks

Story: The Chump touches on another disappointing season for the Mavs

KP’s Take: One really has to wonder how long ‘Cubes’ will be able to take the postseason heartbreak and how much longer he can be loyal to Dirk.

Ask Men: Top 10 Worst Dressed NHL Coaches

Story: An interesting list and unique topic by the gang over at Ask Men

KP’s Take: No doubt I would have put Barry Melrose at the top of my list (as a former coach and current analyst)

Gunaxin: The Past Decades Most Irritating Human Spokes People

Story: Fun list that definitely brought back some painful memories of commercials that warranted the mute button

KP’s Take: The Progressive girl definitely belongs, though I would have snuck Geico high on this list, too.

Boston Sports Then and Now: Celtics-Cavs: A Look Back To The 1992 Playoffs

Story: With the Celtics battling the Cavs this year (and up 3-2), here’s a story taking the reader back to a past playoff series between the two teams.

KP’s Take: Boston is one win away from knocking King James out and therefore erupting the free agency frenzy – tossing the out rumors and speculation of LeBron skipping town for another team.

Wei Under Par: Haney to Tiger: It’s Over Thx L8R

Story: She always puts together some great blogs on the PGA Tour, including this one talking about Tiger’s latest story – his split with former coach Hank Haney

KP’s Take: I think a lot of us saw this one coming, as Woods is not used to playing this poorly – so you knew a change was in the immediate future – and that time is now.

Mr. Irrelevant: Brian Westbrook, Washington Redskins Visit

Story: If you haven’t already heard, the Redskins are visiting with another one of the league’s best running backs over the last decade.

KP’s Take: Wow, I knew Shanahan loved his running backs, but… who’s next, Barry Sanders and Jim Brown?  Sure, why not.

Happy Hump Day everyone… and by that I mean Wednesday, Tiger!

The concept of a man hogging the remote is an old wive’s tale – literally.  Face it, the women get their hot little hands on the TV’s main life force just as much as we do – and that can result in a mean-spirited battle for couch potato domination… or maybe something not quite that dramatic.

Either way, every man could use a leg up on the wife when it comes to the TV – and if I can do my part to help the men of the world survive, then gosh darnit, well… I don’t know what.

Take these recent TV nuggets of advice – featuring the hockey and hoops playoffs (from Thursday May 6^th through the weekend) – and TAKE BACK the TV!!

Note: All times based off Eastern Time schedule – Check local listings for channel info

Disclaimer: To those women that love sports – I know you’re also out there.  We want to build statues for you – OK, maybe not – but hey, you’re pretty neat anyway.

Remote Controlling: May 6 – 9, 2010

Thursday May 6

7:00 PM – NHL Playoffs – Pittsburgh at Montreal (Game 4)

Penguins lead series 2-1

7:30 PM – NHL Playoffs – San Jose at Detroit (Game 4)

Sharks lead series 3-0 – and can clinch berth in Western Conference Finals with a win

8:00 PM – NBA Playoffs – Atlanta at Orlando (Game 2)

Magic lead series 1-0

SECURE THE REMOTE!

It’s going to be a tough night to get control of the TV, what with new episodes of Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice during this window… plus My Big Fat Greek Wedding airs on ABC Family as well.

Better call for backup – that’s a triple threat.

Friday May 7

7:00 PM – NHL Playoffs – Boston at Philadelphia (Game 4)

(AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

Bruins lead series 3-0 – and can clinch berth in Eastern Conference Finals with a win

7:00 PM – NBA Playoffs – Cleveland at Boston (Game 3)

Series tied 1-1

7:10 PM – MLB – N.Y. Yankees at Boston

Phil Hughes is slated to face off against Josh Beckett

9:30 PM – NHL Playoffs – Chicago at Vancouver (Game 4)

Blackhawks lead series 2-1

9:30 PM – NBA Playoffs – Phoenix at San Antonio (Game 3)

Suns lead series 2-0

WARNING:

If the wife isn’t into any of the above, you have some competition – as ABC Family is at it again, this time airing The Notebook.  Master the parental lock if you can – because perhaps the wife hasn’t yet.  Oh, and buy some tissues – I hear that one’s extra sappy.

Saturday May 8

3:10 PM – MLB – N.Y. Yankees at Boston

Boston has youngster Buchholz facing off against New York’s ace C.C. Sabathia

5:00 PM – NBA Playoffs – Orlando at Atlanta (Game 3)

The Magic head on the road to Atlanta

7:00 PM – NHL Playoffs – Montreal at Pittsburgh (Game 5)

Penguins at home and could have a chance to clinch series, depending on Game 4

8:00 PM – NBA Playoffs – L.A. Lakers at Utah (Game 3)

Lakers lead series 2-0

10:00 PM – NHL Playoffs – Detroit at San Jose (Game 5 – if necessary)

This game is off the map if Detroit can’t take Game 4

ESTROGEN COMPETITION:

How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days is on USA during the afternoon and during the evening games, you may get a fight from either The Bridges of Madison County or The Holiday – which could suit the wife’s fancy.

Sunday May 9

3:30 PM – NBA Playoffs – Cleveland at Boston (Game 4)

Boston will be going crazy with LeBron in town

8:00 PM – NHL Playoffs – Vancouver at Chicago (Game 5)

The Windy City is desperate for another title

8:00 PM – NBA Playoffs – Phoenix at San Antonio (Game 4)

The Spurs could be in a must-win situation depending on Game 3

8:05 PM – MLB – N.Y. Yankees at Boston

Two hot pitchers take the mound, as Boston’s Jon Lester faces off against New York’s A.J. Burnett at Fenway Park

RED ALERT:

50 First Dates is on during the day, and the wife may try and drag you in by mentioning Adam Sandler as a co-star.

For the nightcap, if you want to catch the playoff matchups, you should be on red alert, with tons of problem flicks and shows – such as Little Women (FLIX), 27 Dresses (FX) and an all-new Desperate Housewives (ABC).

If anything, catch yourself a good long-lasting glimpse of Eva Longoria Parker, and be on your merry playoff way.

That’s all for now… until next time – stay tuned – and happy watching.

Originally posted to KP’s Blog (via Fox Sports) on April 7, 2009

There’s plenty of news to go around the world of sports, and Fox Sports has got you covered. Take the following stories (linked below) across the sports world today, where KP provides you with the link and a few thoughts of his own.

Let’s call it “The Foxtrot”, shall we? Do you want to lead or shall I? No worries, I got it…

The FOXTROT: April 7, 2009

Griffin Chooses the NBA

Honestly, should we really call this news? Personally, I would see it as news if Blake Griffin did NOT choose to enter the NBA draft. We all knew this was coming, and let’s drop the Rubio talk, this kid should go #1… and WILL go #1.

Boo Hoo Tex, Boo Hoo New York

It’s one game Yankees fans, calm down. Yes, the Orioles knocked out the Yanks on Opening Day, but the story shouldn’t be the poor start by CC Sabathia. It’s instead about Teixeira being booed all game. To the critics who say the O’s fans were classless… first you blame Baltimore for allowing New York and Boston fans to take over Camden Yards. Now, you blame them for booing a hometown kid who was quoted on numerous past occasions to be interested in signing with the O’s, only to shun them for a hated rival? Leave the O’s fans alone prognosticators. There were no Barry Bonds needles or any objects thrown. This was a vocal point that got across the plate at 96mph, and that’s that.

L.A.’s Bynum Puts the Man in Mansion

Reports out of Los Angeles say that Andrew Bynum could return to the Lakers later this week, adding more depth to the Western Conference’s top seeded team. Wow, I guess that rehab at the Playboy Mansion really paid off, didn’t it?

No More Football for Elway?

Reports out of Tempe state that Jack Elway (yes, John’s son) has decided to leave the football program at Arizona State. Yes, leave football… and NO, not to play somewhere else. He’s staying at ASU. Hey, I’m all for a young man making his own decisions on where he wants to go and what he wants to do in life, but seriously, can we run a paternal test on this kid? C’mon now, the next thing you’re going to tell me is that one of Jordan’s kids is going to play hoops at Central Florida.

Agent-less Meeks Flirts with NBA

Kentucky’s Jodie Meeks has decided to declare for the NBA draft, but has not hired an agent, which means he could still return to the Wildcats – and plain and simple, he should return. With Calipari on board, some new talented recruits, and maybe even Patrick Patterson coming back, it would be wise for Meeks to stick around and see if UK can generate some new NCAA magic, plus gain some more experience.

Miller Time in Arizona, Or Not, No Wait…

Former Xavier coach Sean Miller accepted the head coaching position at Arizona, one day after turning down the original offer. It’s a great opportunity for Miller, who will take over the historical Wildcats program. My only advice for him is to maybe avoid any future career talks with Billy Donovan. I kid because I care, my friends.

Manu Unhappy Returns for San Antonio

Manu Ginobili is out for the rest of the season – including the playoffs. And with that, should also go San Antonio’s season. Sorry to say, but I don’t see the Spurs getting it done without him. In fact, a lower seed like New Orleans, Utah, or Dallas could easily knock the Spurs out in the first round. The West is just too talented for a team to have a key piece missing.

Player’s Last Masters

The Masters is just around the corner and the talk of the town is Tiger, as always. There’s little mention of Phil, and little mention of Paddy Harrington, who has won back-to-back majors. And even more sad, is that there’s little talk about Gary Player, another golf legend who will be playing in his final Masters. It’s been a great career Mr. Player, and a pleasure to see you play for all these years.

This dance has ended… and speaking of dances, congrats to North Carolina, this year’s National Champions of March Madness.