Mock Madness 1.0

It's not your standard draft, but I feel every team finds something in the first round to fill a need. I'd like to think that there will be a lot of Draft Day trades, but it's unlikely considering the lack of player movement due to the CBA issues. A lot of teams will look to move down if a CBA is met, which will change the structure of the draft dramatically.

1 - CAR: Fairley, Nick - DT - Auburn
The Panthers need an immediate impact player on either side of the ball this year. While offense would be preferable, this draft class is dominated by defense at the top. Nick Fairley has the biggest "wow" factor, similar to Gerald McCoy (3rd pick last year to TB).

2 - DEN: Miller, Von - OLB - Texas A&M
As Denver begins it's transition back to a 4-3 scheme, they will be moving a lot of their current players around. OLBs Elvis Dumervil and Robert Ayers will play RE and LE respectively, Justin Bannan moves inside and D.J. Williams is left by himself at LB. They play Williams at the weak side and start this can't miss, sure fire, starter with the no. 2 pick.

3 - BUF: Newton, Cam - QB - Auburn
It's a little high for my tastes, but it seems that Cam Newton is wowing scouts all over the NFL. The Bills have a number of other needs that are probably more urgent. Unfortunately tickets need sold and this guy has fans and owners salivating. He's big, he's strong, he's athletic. The offense will be interesting with this piece and C.J. Spiller. This draft is deep enough in the trenches that this franchise thinks it can wait a round on solidifying it's urgent needs.

4 - CIN: Green, A.J. - WR - Georgia
This is a last ditch effort to appease QB Carson Palmer. Green is the top talent at WR in this draft. It won't work, Palmer will still want out, but the current CBA situation won't allow him to be traded yet. I could also see defensive minded HC Marvin Lewis jump all over Da'Quan Bowers, who is surprisingly still available in this mock draft.

5 - ARI: Gabbert, Blaine - QB - Missouri
Buffalor reaches for Cam Newton at 3, and Arizona thanks it's lucky stars that the real top talent at QB is still available at 5. The defense needs a lot of help as well, but if they can't keep WR Larry Fitzgerald happy, he could book it in no time.

6 - CLE: Bowers, Da'Quan - DE - Clemson
The hiring of Dick Jauron at defensive coordinator moves the Browns to a 4-3 defense for the first time since returning to the league in 1999. Bowers is a fierce edge rusher who will immediately improve this defense all around. Matt Roth will likely be moved to LE leaving the Browns with a very respectable 3/4 of a defensive line.

7 - SF: Peterson, Patrick - CB - LSU
The top tier QBs are gone at 7 and it's hard to justify Mallett or Locker this early. New HC Jim Harbaugh looks to the other side of the ball with this pick. Patrick Peterson can play any position in the defensive back field. It's shocking that he's still available at seven and he can ease the transition from wildly overpaid Nate Clements to the future of the position.

8 - TEN: Amukamara, Prince - CB - Nebraska
Tennessee finds itself in a similar perdicament as San Fran. At 8 you simply cannot justify taking Mallett or Locker. If this team does not trade down they look to improve a defensive secondary that was dominated by number of mediocre QBs last year. Amukamara is a the perfect compliment to Cortland Finnegan and will ultimately add depth having rookie standout Alterraun Verner and three year vet Captain Munnerlyn on passing downs.

9 - DAL: Dareus, Marcell - DT - Alabama
Dallas upgrades at the 5 technique with this pick. Secondary is a huge need for this team but unfortunately the two best cornerbacks were drafted just ahead of Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys

10 - WAS: Jones, Julio - WR - Alabama
With no Quarterbacks rated this high, Mike Shanahan goes after a weapon for whomever his QB may be. Jones is a legitimate number 1 guy on the outside that will ease this teams transition to a new signal caller.

11 - HOU: Paea, Stephen - DT - Oregon St.
Crazier things have happened. And the fact remains that the Texans will be playing a 3-4 next season. Paea gives them the size up the middle that will shore up the defensive line. Other needs include linebacks but Akeem Jordan doesn't fit the mold and its a bit too early to consider some other prospects.

12 - MIN: Quinn, Robert - DE - North Carolina
Quinn comes in to take the place of Ray Edwards, opposite Jared Allen. The team's biggest need will still be there in the second round, so new HC and former defensive lineman, Leslie Frazier makes this pick a reality.

13 - DET: Solder, Nate - OT - Colorado
Expect Detroit to spend 2 of it's first 3 picks on the offensive line. Nate Solder is the best prospect available and the first off the board.

14 - STL: Smith, Torrey - WR - Maryland
A bit of a reach at 14 but it fills a need for this team. Smith is flying under the radar on a lot of draft boards. He is a two year producer who is versatile and physical. He makes a great return option and weapon for rookie sensation Sam Bradford. When all is said and done, fans will moan when his name is called but he will be your offensive rookie of the year in 2011.

15 - MIA: Ingram, Mark - RB - Alabama
Miami is fortunate that the teams ahead of it this season do not need a running back. They are in need of a ball carrier and a QB on offense. QB is weak at this point and Mark Ingram has won a Heisman trophy. This is a no brainer.

16 - JAX: Kerrigan, Ryan - DE - Purdue
Kerrigan is going to rush the passer opposite of Aaron Kampman. That's kind of scary. Pressuring the QB will improve this defense across the board, and it might keep this team in contention for the playoffs. That, of course, would save HC Jack Del Rio's job.

17 - NE: Ayers, Akeem - OLB - UCLA
A versatile guy who has no red flags in terms of character. Likewise he isn't flashy. Not the sexiest pick in the world, but that is what makes it a Bill Belichick pick.

18 - SD: Heyward, Cameron - DE - Ohio State
San Diego is looking for stability on the defensive line. Heyward will play the 5 technique and add to a defense that ranked first in ypg last season.

19 - NYG: Castonzo, Anthony - OT - Boston College
The Giants need help up front if they aim to improve their offense. The defensive secondary is also an area of need, but they'll likely look to protect prized QB Eli Manning.

20 - TB: Clayborn, Adrian - DE - Iowa
This could also be Wisconsin's J.J. Watt. The point is this defense needs a pass rush. Any edge rusher would be a fair bet at this point.

21 - KC: Taylor, Phil - DT - Baylor
Kansas City continues to follow the Pioli//Belichick way by draft size up the middle. After years of first round picks on the d-line, this will finally put together a very yound and promising combination of Jackson,Taylor, Dorsey.

22 - IND: Carimi, Gabe - OT - Wisconsin
Indy looks to protect it's recently franchised QB, Peyton Manning. Carimi will do just that as well as maul in the running game. I know you're thinking "what running game?" Well this pick will make a running game that much more possible.

23 - PHI: Smith, Aldon - DE - Missouri
Philly looks to add more firepower on defense. The achilles heal of this team last season was ineffective defense that lead to DC Sean McDearmont getting axed. Last year's investment, Brandon Graham, alongside smith and Trent Cole will give this defense a frightening front four.

24 - NO: Smith, Jimmy - CB - Colorado
The Saints secondary was suspect last season after it's magical performance in 2009-2010 season. Smith adds depth at corner with starters Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter.

25 - SEA: Sherrod, Derek - OT - Mississippi St.
For the second staright season the Seahawks look to protect whomever their quarterback may be. The offensive line left this team a slow go on offense.

26 - BAL: Liuget, Corey - DT - Illinois
Baltimore does what Baltimore does best, drafts the front seven on defense. Recently franchised Haloti Ngata may not find a long term deal in his future and other d lineman are aging.

27 - ATL: Harris, Brandon - CB - Miami
Atlanta looks to improve it's already solid defense. The long and short of this pick is that Atlanta does not need a whole lot. If not a CB, I could see them taking RB Leshoure.

28 - NE: Watt, J.J. - DE - Wisconsin
New England again takes an boring pick that once again will make this defense one of the best in the league.

29 - CHI: Pouncey, Mike - OG - Florida
Chicago execs must be playing that NFC Championship game over and over in their mind. If Jay Cutler were present in the second half they may have pulled it out. They'll do anything in this off season to protect their future with Cutler.

30 - NYJ: Baldwin, Jon - WR - Pittsburgh
Character problems? Not an issue in Rex Ryan's mind. Holmes and Braylon may not be back which means this franchise will need some to catch the ball from the Sanchise.

31 - PIT: Smith, Tyron - OT - USC
Pittsburgh will not pass up a talent that has slipped this far in the draft. Offensive line depth is paramount the Steeler way and may have cost them their 7th Superbowl ring.

32 - GB: Houston, Justin - DE - Georgia
Houston will be converted to a pass rushing OLB to play opposite Clay Matthews. 

What's the baseline?

I've been creating mocks for just under ten years and every one is more unpredictable than the last. I think I tackled needs first and foremost, with the exception of some QB needs which I think will be met in the second and third. A couple picks could easily flip but my big board by position is a little different than most mock enthusiasts. I hope you enjoy and would love any feedback as I will be updating my picks pending the combine and pro days.

We Back, With a Mock Draft

Hello again world. Its been too long. I'd personally like to apologize for the lack of activity on this blog of late. I got sick for a while and didn't bounce back too fast, then I've been spending my time working into my mock draft, which is what you're about to get a link to. This is my 2011 NFL Mock Draft. I may update it as the time until the draft comes closer. I know for certain sportsgeek is working on his mock draft as well, and is almost certainly going to update it through the months.

Now for just a couple brief notes to leave you with on my mock.
- This seems to be a trenches heavy draft, lots of lineman on both sides on the ball, and not a lot of blow away skill players. Its an interesting dynamic.
- Yes, I take Mark Ingram really early. He probably won't go that high but 5 years from now people will wonder why he didn't.
- Believe it or not, Colin Kapernick is the real deal.
- After today's bad showing, maybe Ryan Mallet should be lower...
- Speaking of these QBs, I have them all early as the pressure is put on to take them early because if they don't, some other team will. As opposed to the QB needing teams all sitting back and waiting, I have them going right after the QBs.
- In the comments below I get criticized for having Detroit take Julio Jones, like Detroit wouldn't become one of the best offenses in the league with Julio Jones at their disposal... like forcing teams to not double Calvin Johnson every play would be a bad thing. Child please.

Hope you enjoyed.

The Cleveland Browns and the No. 6 Pick

The Browns have a number of needs in this year's NFL Draft. The biggest question is what they will do with the 6th overall pick. There are several options as they purged their roster of five defensive players today. The biggest departure, literally and figuratively, was DT Shawn Rogers. This move opens up the Browns' options at 6 even more.

Team needs include WR, DT, DE, CB, FS, RG, and RT. There should be some good options at nearly all of these positions available at the sixth pick. So which should it be? Which will it be?

To begin, I will look to the NFL drafts since the Browns came back into the league in 1999, in order to draw conclusions on the successes of draft certain positions particularly high. I will use three grades for the players taken in the first rounds since 1999. These three ratings are BUST, AVERAGE, and POTENTIAL HOF. The biggest NEED on this team is WR. I say that because the team was what they assume is the QB of the future in Colt McCoy. However, it will not be possible to make this determination without giving him the weapons to succeed. WR A.J. Green from Georgia might be there at No. 6, but a number of experts have the Bengals taking Green in order to keep Carson Palmer happy at no. 4. If Green is still on the board, I make the case that the browns should stray from selecting the UGA standout.

Since 1999, 45 WRs  have been draft in the first round. Of these players 18 are what I would consider BUSTS. This is not including players like Darrius Heyward-Bey, of whom the jury is still out. That is an astonishing 40%. Furthermore, if you examine the players taken in the top ten, as this pick will be, the percentage jumps to 69%. Of those 17 players taken in the top ten, 7 are players that I consider having marginal to phenomenal NFL careers. The other ten are among the 18 that I considered BUSTS earlier. WR is clearly a difficult position to judge transitioning to the pro level. If the Browns decide that WR is their biggest need for 2011 draft, it might behoove them to trade down, collect some extra picks, and acquire Alabama's Julio Jones.

To be fair, the same stipulations should apply for all other positions considered by the Browns in this draft. The Browns have a lot of bad experience in draft defensive lineman high. They were burned in back to back drafts by no.1 and no.3 overall selections, Courtney Brown and Gerrard Warren, respectively. Other stand out early busts are Jamal Reynolds (no.10 in 2001), Ryan Sims (no. 9 in 2002),and  DeWayne Robertson (no. 4 in 2003). These positions seem less dependable than WR.

My Best case scenario for the Browns in this draft involves one of two outcomes. First, somehow, someway Patrick Peterson, CB LSU, falls to no. 6. He appears to be the "sure-fire", "pro-ready" pick in this year's draft. He's been good for a couple of years in college and was flat out the best player in the best conference this season. He could aid Josh Cribbs in the return game, and would supply the Browns with two "lock-down" corners for the first time since Hanford Dixon and Frank Minnifield. All the Browns did with those guys was three straight playoff appearances and 2 straight AFC championship games.

The other option would be to trade down. Move into a place that will cost you less money (still unsure if rookie pay scale will be in effect), and will hopefully have more appropriately slotted offensive lineman, or WR. This may be difficult if a CBA is not in effect because players will not be able to be included in trades. However, every coach and general manager will have the pick/points cheat sheet handy.

What's the Baseline?
It's impossible to predict what positions will be the most dependable in these drafts. It is apparent that certain positions have been a little less dependable. As long as the Browns stray from Alabama DE Marcel Dareus I think they'll have the best chance of not busting at Number 6.

Prediction: Steelers Win Super Bowl

Well, its almost here. We are about 3 and a half hours from the kickoff of the biggest game in the NFL season, potentially the most viewed American sporting event ever, Super Bowl XLV. After 2 weeks of talking and more talking and speculating and more speculating, of ESPN hashing and rehashing the same 4 storylines over and over (just changing the talking heads in the process), the game can finally be played. Honestly, I've had enough of this over obnoxious fanfare, I'm just ready for the game. So, this is the one and only time I will make pregame statements or assertions about the contest. This is it, this is how I think its going to go down.

The Steelers will win. If I have to put a score on it, I'll say it will be 28-17. Granted, my last and only other prediction on this blog fell short , but I feel confident that I have this one right. And I will explain why.

Just looking on the whole of things, I'm kind of puzzled as to why so many people are favoring the Packers. The fact that Vegas has the scoring line favoring Green Bay is not much less than astonishing to me. Mind you, Green Bay was a 6th seed team, that won 10 games to Pittsburgh's 12. They also play in the weaker conference, making that 6th seed appear more futile. This is also the same Green Bay team that's had trouble protecting Aaron Rodgers throughout the season, and in an even more pronounced fashion in the playoffs. They also relied on a gimmicky running game and the fresh legs of a practically unknown James Starks. The Steelers defense is coming off 2 weeks rest, is fresh, and is an incredibly formidable run defense, They are just as strong with their pass rush too. Essentially, Aaron Rodgers is going to have his hands full on offense. I expect the Steelers to negate the Packers' running game and be in Green Bay's backfield on 3rd and long quite a bit. Green Bay will be depending on Aaron Rodgers, who's never played in a game of this magnitude before. Rodgers won the Insight Bowl as a sophomore at Cal, and won the NFC Title Game to get to the Super Bowl, those are his two biggest football victories ever. The Insight Bowl is obviously just some nameless bowl game, and to be perfectly honest Rodgers didn't play that well, particularly in the 2nd half against the Bears in the NFC Title Game. What's to say he won't struggle against an even better defense in an even bigger game?

On the other hand, you have Ben Roethlisberger, who even when the play breaks down, still has a good chance of making a positive gain out of it with his big body and resourcefulness. The Steelers have an all-around attack with a steady ground game, Roethlisberger passing to a litany of solid receivers, and a competent offensive line. I don't expect the loss of Maurkice Pouncey to be that great. Offensive line breakdowns don't effect Roethlisberger like they do Rodgers, and that goes without mentioning this is a Pittsburgh team. The Steelers always have an identity of being tough in the trenches and having depth at the less flashy positions like offensive line. I expect Doug Legursky to pick up the slack at center. To be clear, I think Green Bay's offense is suspect, while Pittsburgh's is seasoned, resourceful and consistent at all positions.

I've also already alluded to Pittsburgh's pass rush and run stopping abilities on defense. Arguably, we are talking about the 2 best defenses in the league this season in Green Bay and Pittsburgh playing in this game, but when both are playing at their highest capacity, I have to say Pittsburgh has the greater unit, even though I think Green Bay has had the better season. I don't think I need to even mention that Green Bay needs to be aware of Troy Polamalu. The one thing I will say in Green Bay's favor is that they have resilient, strong and more than capable WRs. The physical and crafty play of Pittsburgh's DBs shouldn't hamper them too badly, I just fear the ball delivery is going to be disrupted in the backfield all too often. On the other hand, Green Bay has an all-around great defense, if anything they are weak on the defensive line, and consequently a lot of pressure will be on Green Bay's LBs to stop the run and rush the pass. That pressure is not only on established players AJ Hawk and Clay Matthews, but also on Erik Walden and Desmond Bishop. Bishop is in his 1st year as a starter and Walden has started a grand total of 5 career games. They both play on the left side with lineman Cullen Jenkins, I'd look for Pittsburgh to try to exploit the inexperience and pass rushing pursuit of Jenkins by running Rashard Mendenhall on that left side early and often. The most interesting battle should be Pittsburgh's pass catchers vs. a very formidable defensive backfield for Green Bay, that should be a very interesting and tough to call matchup.

What's the baseline?
In the end, Pittsburgh is just too strong, too experienced, too resourceful, and too much more battled tested than Green Bay. I don't expect the Packers to fall on their face, its going to be a hard fought game, but Pittsburgh is the better team, and I expect them to play as such. Steelers win, 28-17.
(photo courtesy of www.glogster.com)

My Ballot: NFL Awards

So, I'm not one of the media members that gets to vote on awards in any sports league, let alone the NFL. That doesn't mean I can pick my own award winners though, and that's what I intend to do. With some of the actual awards out, and the fact the NFL is culminating with Super Bowl week this week, I felt it an appropriate time to share my choices, my ballot if you will. First, congrats to the actual award winners, those are obviously more valid than this, but I can try...

NFL Most Valuable Player
QB Tom Brady - New England Patriots
Brady's easily the best player on his team. They have no major offensive standouts, except for Wes Welker, but he had a down year coming off of an injury. The Patriots offense was missing multiple RBs, lost Randy Moss mid season and did its best with Deion Branch and Welker as its top receivers. Despite all that Brady broke the record for most consecutive passes without an interception, and led his team to a 14-2 record. Brady also had the best QB rating in the league, 111.0. That's well ahead of 2nd place Philip Rivers.
NFC Choice: QB Michael Vick- Philadelphia Eagles

NFL Offensive Player of the Year
RB Arian Foster - Houston Texans
Foster was incredible in a breakout season. He ran for 1616 yards this season (best in the NFL), he caught for another 600. He also rushed for a league best 16 rushing TDs and caught another 2. No one came within 3 TDs or 148 yards of his totals. Half of his games led to 100 yards rushing, and he's the only RB in the league to average over 100 yards a game. He also ran for more 1st downs than anyone else in the league. Foster was truly an epitome of productivity this season.
NFC Choice: QB Michael Vick- Philadelphia Eagles

NFL Defensive Player of the Year
DB Kerry Rhodes- Arizona Cardinals
Admittedly, this is a strange pick. Its not the obvious pick or one that is probably going to get much consideration, but hear me out. Rhodes was a takeaway machine on a team that's defensive identity in recent years has been one of generating takeaways. He had 4 interceptions and 4 recovered fumbles on the season to go with 78 tackles. He also had a sack and found the end zone twice, turning defense into offense. I'm certain that Rhodes played that well, and if he had a better defense (or really, team) around him he'd stand out even more and his numbers would be even better.
AFC Choice: LB James Harrison - Pittsburgh Steelers

NFL Coach of the Year
Lovie Smith - Chicago Bears
Team progression is a true sign of good coaching, in my opinion, and the Bears progressed throughout the season all the way to a 2nd seed in the NFC. Good coaching was a great aid to the Bears' QB protection problems that were remedied greatly as the season went on. Smith's defense was also one of the best in the league as a unit. Coaching focus also led to Jay Cutler throwing the least amount of INTs he has since his first season starting. Chicago was also above average in terms of not committing penalties.
AFC Choice: Bill Belicheck - New England Patriots

NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
QB Sam Bradford
Bradford easily had the best season of any offensive rookie. He threw for 3512 yards and had 18 TDs. He started every game for the Rams, led them to a much improved 7-9 record, and an almost playoff birth in the woefully bad NFC West. As a testament to the trust the Rams placed in Bradford, he threw the ball 590 times, only Peyton Manning and Drew Brees threw it more. The Rams clearly weren't handling Bradford with kid gloves, and he really stepped in and provided competent QB play.
AFC Choice: TE Jermaine Gresham - Cincinnati Bengals

NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year
DT Ndamukong Suh - Detroit Lions
At times, Suh looked dominant this season, on a revamped Lions defensive line that became much more formidable than in previous years. Suh had 10 sacks (one of 17 players in double digits, the only rookie) and an interception. His 66 tackles were amongst the top numbers for linemen. The Lions find themselves really getting the 2nd overall pick in the draft right, Suh could turn out to be the most dominant lineman in the game since Warren Sapp.
AFC Choice: CB Joe Haden - Cleveland Browns

NFL Comeback Player of the Year
QB Michael Vick - Philadelphia Eagles
What a story Vick is on and off the field. Only two years removed from being out of the league due to legal and personal issues, Vick was a significant MVP candidate. Some were concerned that he would never find his top speed and physical condition upon leaving jail or that he would work better coming back as a WR, those issues obviously aren't the case. Vick threw for over 3000 yards and ran for 676. He had a total of 30 TDs between running and passing and is the NFL's eminent double threat once again, its like he was never gone, except he's now playing for the Eagles. He led them to an NFC 3 seed, and a NFC East Championship.
AFC Choice: WR Wes Welker - New England Patriots

NFL Executive of the Year
GM Mark Dominik- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Dominik was the architect of a Tampa Bay team that went from 3-13, to 10-6 and some would argue should have been in the playoffs (at least over the Seahawks). Dominik's plan seems to be moving into place as he hired coach Raheem Morris in 2009 (his own first season as well), and the Bucs have seen immediate progression in 2 years. Dominik also drafted WR Mike Williams in the 4th round in 2010, a true steal as Williams caught for 964 yards and 11 TDs. This is a young Tampa team that Dominik has built, and it looks like it could be good for a number of years.

What's the baseline?
Brady's MVP, Foster and Rhodes are the top players, Bradford and Suh are the top rookies, Lovie Smith is the top coach, Vick is the comeback player of the year, and Dominik was the best executive.

Justified Hype? Kobe as the Most Clutch in the NBA

First things first. I really can't take credit for what I am about to show you, but I can certainly pass it along. The word is passing around the basketball community about Kobe Bryant and how he is supposedly the clutchest NBA player on the planet right now. Well, ESPN blogger Henry Abbott would certainly like to contest any such notion, read Abbott's incredibly strong argument against Bryant here.

What I will do for those not wanting to muddle through such a long blog post is summarize it as best as I can. I warn you though, this is probably going to get kind of lengthy too, but its worth it to be informed.

Kobe Bryant is far from the clutchest player in the NBA, despite the fact that in a poll of NBA General Managers done at the end of each season, the vast majority state that if they had one possession to win, they would want the ball in the hands of the Black Mamba over anyone else. This vehement belief that all these GMs, and really most typical basketball people throughout the world have is not based on facts or figures, merely on reputation and selective memory.

Yes, Bryant has the most shots made in the final 24 seconds of NBA play in a game where his team trails by 2 or less points or is tied (we will call them "clutch shots") in the last 15 years. This is very true. He also has more attempts than anyone else at 115. The next closest is Vince Carter at 96. No one else is within 43 attempts of him.

Abbott also backs his argument by the fact that defenses simply know what is coming when they are in crunch time vs. the Lakers. Kobe is going to shoot the basketball. In the last 5 years, Kobe has shot 56 clutch shots, he has only 1 assist in those 5 years in similar clutch situations. He doesn't pass the ball, even when teammates are open, he's going to shoot. Teams can easily just double or triple team him and stop him, hence his 31.3 shooting % on clutch shots.

The numbers also show that the Lakers lose efficiency in the clutch situations. Over the last 15 years (which are Bryant's career), the Lakers average 1.09 points per possession. That's the best in the NBA. In clutch situations, they average 0.82. That's 12th best. Obviously, Bryant clutching the ball and refusing to pass, taking it all upon himself isn't the recipe for victory, its hampered his team from its usual performance.

Furthermore, the contention is made that the reason Bryant is heralded as the games best closer is because the clutch shots he does make are incredible. There is no doubting that statement. Bryant has made great game winners, but he's also missed over 2 times as many as he has made.

Going along with our memories is the aura that Bryant puts out about himself. He's cool, calm, and collected. He acts like the baddest man on the planet just waiting to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. He's nonchalant and confident, knowing he's going to make that shot. Simply put, he carries himself like he is the best closer in the NBA, even when he isn't. I'm no sociology expert, but I know people tend to respect and appreciate confidence, and Bryant shows it. He convinces us, whether he's trying to or not, that he really is the most clutch player there is. The numbers don't lie though. All of that is just smoke and mirrors.

Now a little of my own opinion to flesh this out...

I will say this in Bryant's defense. If nothing else, he has the most clutch experience, and we do know he CAN make the shots. The question is whether or not he actually will though. Although I don't completely take him out of consideration for being the most clutch player in the NBA, I'm not just going to outright hand him the crown like most would. Its either Kobe or nothing when he's on your team in clutch situations, and his efficiency of scoring doesn't provide the same confidence that his demeanor does.

So if I had to choose one guy to win the NBA Finals for me in one possession who would it be? I'm going with Dirk Nowitzki. The numbers and perceivable attributes all fall in his favor. Nowitzki has the highest clutch shooting % of anyone with at least 60 attempts, at 38.5 %. That goes without mentioning all the clutch international shots he has taken and made in his time overseas (with Team Germany). This means he has a higher rate of efficiency and also has the experience in clutch situations to take and make the shots with confidence. He's also a skilled 6 foot 11 player, able to create his own shot (one of Kobe's best clutch attributes). Plus, even if he doesn't make his own shot, chances are, he'll just shoot over you, considering his height and range.

Honorable mentions also go to Carmelo Anthony, who shoots an incredible 47.7% in clutch situations, but only has 44 attempts and has never played in an NBA Finals. Chris Paul gets interest at 45.2% and with the fact he's one of the best passers in the league, meaning he's willing to dish for the best scoring opportunity in the given situation. He also has never played in the NBA Finals though, and only has 31 clutch shot attempts. The aforementioned Vince Carter is also an interesting choice. The overall point though is, this choice isn't as cut and dry as it seems.

What's the baseline?
Contrary to popular belief Kobe Bryant really isn't the runaway best clutch player in the NBA. He doesn't perform as well as it seems in clutch situations, despite his demeanor, reputation, and memorable shots. He is a less efficient scorer than many others in clutch situations and hardly ever passes, meaning he's leaving the best opportunities to score by the wayside in order to live up to some false facade. He's still a great player with a lot of great historical clutch plays, but Bryant and clutch shouldn't be as synonymous as they seem.
(photo courtesy of onemanfastbreak.net)