Three things to think about this week of February 21

1. Why do I feel particularly attached to the current Colorado Rockies team? On Sports Reporters this morning, host John Saunders was lamenting about the days when fans had the opportunity to cheer for a core group of players year after year. Christopher Gasper from the Boston Globe then observed that our generation of fans has grown accustomed to "cheering for laundry" because players never seem attached to any one franchise and move on so frequently.

This is a great point. How about Cardinals fans if Albert Pujols does leave? Take Colorado fans for another example. Who's the face of the Denver Broncos? Even if you buy that it is now Tim Tebow, that answer has changed every year. When Carmelo Anthony leaves this Denver Nuggets core of players is as good as gone, leaving us, as Gasper put it, cheering for laundry.  That is what makes this group of Rockies, headed by CarGo and Tulo, especially exciting.

2. Give credit to LeBron James for raising the intensity in the 2011 All Star Game. Starting in the second half, he sprinted up and down the floor in transition and played like the game meant something. Of course it didn't, but it still made for a very entertaining 4th quarter when both sides played with some fire.

3. One other thing about the last few minutes of the NBA All Star Game. Two similar plays embodied why the Heat will not win the championship this year and why the Lakers are never really "in trouble:" Pau Gasol boxing Chris Bosh out twice for offensive rebounds.

P.S. - Note how I did not mention the Carmelo Anthony situation....yet. He will be a Net by Tuesday.

P.P.S (2/21/11) - Did I say Net? I meant Knick, of course.