Silva: Each NFL team enters the offseason with a series of pressing needs. Sometimes a team can address them all, sometimes they ignore them all. But if a team's smart, they'll listen to us. These are the most crucial aspects for NFC teams.
SportsTalk: Albert Pujols signs with the Angels and Prince Fielder joins the Tigers. Which team is better now?
Ryan Callahan scored for the fifth time in four days and defenseman Ryan McDonagh snapped a second-period tie to lift the New York Rangers to a 3-2 victory over the Washington Capitals on Sunday.
Kobe Bryant hit a baseline jump shot with 4.2 seconds left and the Los Angeles Lakers wrapped up a six-game road trip by holding on to beat the Raptors 94-92 on Sunday, their eighth victory in nine meetings with Toronto
Arc's five up, five down: After No. 11 Michigan State's 58-48 upset of No. 3 Ohio State, you'd be a fool to discount the Spartans' national title chances now.
Miami coach Al Golden says the worst is behind him, but his headaches figure to continue now that former booster Nevin Shapiro, now in jail, says his involvement with the Hurricanes program will result in stiff penalties.
Eleven shots separated Phil and Tiger Sunday at Pebble Beach as Lefty secured his 40th Tour win. Jason Sobel had hole-by-hole reports.
The United States completed a 5-0 rout of Switzerland in the Davis Cup on Sunday, with 19-year-old Ryan Harrison and John Isner winning closing singles matches.
Zambia has won the African Cup of Nations, beating pre-tournament favorite Ivory Coast 8-7 on penalties in a dramatic final at Stade de l'Amitie.
Tessa Worley of France fought off gusting winds to win a second consecutive World Cup giant slalom Sunday in the Andorran Pyrenees. Overall leader Lindsey Vonn was more than a second behind and finished eighth.
Robins: It’s the Year of the Dragon on the Lunar calendar, and this Chinese influence could extend to it also being the year of the Pekingese on the green carpet at the 136th Westminster Dog Show on Tuesday.
Getty ImagesQ: The Trail Blazers need a shooting guard that can also lock down defend. Any chance they'd be able to trade for restricted free agent Ben Gordon? And is he capable of playing lock down defense? If so, who would the Bulls realistically want in exchange?
— David Nielsen, Portland, Ore.
A: I'm guessing you haven't watched the Bullls or Gordon. Gordon is one of the most unique players in NBA history, a brilliant scorer best suited to being a sixth man. His defense is deplorable, mostly because of his lack of size. He's regularly attacked by bigger guards. I thought Brandon Roy was the shooting guard. He's the guy the Bulls probably should have drafted in 2006 because they still need a shooting guard, though Larry Hughes plays one for now. Gordon should be available given the Bulls glut at that position, even if there is no one close in ability to Roy.
Q: Which non-playoff team will make a move and become the most improved team next year? I think that either Charlotte or Indiana are the main candidates.
— Vincent P., Benalmadena, Malaga, Spain
A: I like Milwaukee. I think they underachieved more than anyone, especially with Andrew Bogut developing. With a new coach, which they'll have, who demands accountability and effort, they should be a playoff team. Plus, they'll get another good lottery pick and perhaps could make a deal involving Yi Jianlian, which could net something intriguing.
Q: Do you think Pat Riley will coach the Heat next season? If not, who will replace him? Is Jeff Van Gundy a candidate?
— Sean Dillon, Miami
A: Pat seems to be making it clear he won't coach again, especially with his Hall of Fame induction in September. He should have left after the 2006 championship, but ego and a sense of duty to the organization probably kept him around. This is probably the next best time to go upstairs with a major rebuilding. Riley keeps suggesting assistant Erik Spoelstra, which I suppose is possible as Riley pulled Stan Van Gundy from nowhere and he became a fine coach. Sorry, no Jeff. The Van Gundys are done with Riley.
Q: If the Boston Celtics face the Detroit Pistons or Cleveland Cavaliers, which team will they have a better chance of beat?
— Kevin Small, Boston
A: I don't see the Cavs getting out of the first round, though if they do they'll face Boston and have about as much chance as they did against the Spurs. The Pistons have the guards to give the Celtics trouble, and their matchup seems inevitable. Kevin Garnett finally gets to the Finals.
Kobe Bryant hit a baseline jump shot with 4.2 seconds left and the Los Angeles Lakers wrapped up a six-game road trip by holding on to beat the Raptors 94-92 on Sunday, their eighth victory in nine meetings with Toronto
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Zambia has won the African Cup of Nations, beating pre-tournament favorite Ivory Coast 8-7 on penalties in a dramatic final at Stade de l'Amitie.
Wesseling: Each NFL team enters the offseason with a series of pressing needs. Sometimes a team can address them all, sometimes they ignore them all. But if a team's smart, they'll listen to us. These are the most crucial aspects for AFC teams.
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