BASKETBALL

In the NBA, LeBron James flat out said that he has earned the right to call plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers.  For clarity, this means that LeBron can decide what the Cavs are going to do on offense, as opposed to head coach David Blatt.  Blatt, however, fully supports Lebron, saying that LeBron calling spontaneous plays is “business as usual” in Cleveland.  Some say this strategy is a very intelligent way to get your team behind you — let them have strategic control.  If they already have chemistry, they need to know that their coach also trusts them.  This will likely make the Cavs even stronger in the playoffs.

Wednesday was an historic day in the NBA.  The Sacramento Kings signed undrafted free agent Sim Bhullar to a 10-day contract.  This makes Bhullar the first official NBA player of Indian decent.  Bhullar went to New Mexico State and was one of the guys to keep an eye on in last year’s March Madness tourney, and now he’s getting his shot in the pros.

Finally, in women’s college basketball, UCONN head coach Geno Auriemma, one of the most successful basketball coaches in history, said that the current state of men’s college basketball is a joke.  “They can’t score”, he said.  He stated that people chalk it up to good defense, but the fact of the matter is that they miss a lot of shots.  Auriemma went on to say that they are fighting for the entertainment dollar, and if they’re going to watch a lot of bad offense, then why not take that $30 and go to the movies.

BASKETBALL

OKC Thunder’s Kevin Durant made a statement that may squash the plans of other teams. Durant is a free agent after next season. His teammate, Russell Westbrook is playing outstanding basketball making Durant somewhat expendable, especially since his biggest value for the Thunder would be in a trade. On Tuesday, however, Durant said that he wants to stay in OKC.  That might not be financially possible, but teams that thought they may get him (Washington, LA Lakers, Knicks) are now questioning their chances.

FOOTBALL

In the NFL, last year’s leading rusher DeMarco Murray left Dallas to go play for their rival the Philadelphia Eagles.  But now, Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo said that he would have taken a pay cut to keep Murray around.  That would have been good to know before Murray felt forced out.  Then again, while Murray is great, a lot of his success came on account of Dallas’ stellar offensive line.  And it’s totally plausible that they get a rookie running back who can exploit that protection just as well.

BOXING

Finally, in just one of many updates leading up to the biggest boxing fight in 20 years on May 2nd — Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao, another boxing legend has taken a stand.  Last month, Mike Tyson publicly endorsed Pacquiao, and now Muhammad Ali said that he thinks and hopes Pacquiao will win the fight.  Not a lot of love for Mayweather yet.  Maybe Evander Holyfield will get in his corner.  Nonetheless, this fight is going to be huge!