Zach Gothard
Bio
Football Staff Writer for The Unbalanced
Stories (7/0)
The Free Agency Storm Is Coming
Well, that was quick. Before I could even write my story on how Chris Paul would give the Spurs an edge over the Warriors, he was putting out his thank you’s and goodbyes to LA fans and heading to Houston. That's the thing with free agency. So much build up, but it's normally all in place before players can even sign. (Unless you are DeAndre Jordan). Will players get locked into their own house this year? Wouldn't bet against it. There has been so much talk about Blake Griffin, Gordon Hayward and Paul George that people are forgetting the rest of this free agency class. And just to remind NBA fans, it’s really f-ing good. In this article, I want to highlight some names outside of the big fish of free agency who could really move the needle for several teams.
By Zach Gothard7 years ago in Unbalanced
How Deserving Is OBJ of the Highest Paid Title?
As of today the highest paid player in the NFL is newly signed Oakland Raiders quarter back Derick Carr at 25 million per year on average. Number 2 and 3 on the list are also quarter backs — Andrew Luck, and Drew Brees come in just short at 24.6 million per year and 24.3 million. So the question has to be asked, how big of a leap would it be for OBJ to gain the top spot as a wide receiver considering it is a quarter back driven league? The answer would be massive and even then that may be an understatement.
By Zach Gothard7 years ago in Unbalanced
Knicks Fans Need to Step Off the Ledge
Okay, Knicks fans. Phil Jackson has let you down. Multiple seasons of little to no progress, and now floating around the idea of trading away the one thing that has given you all faith: Porzingod. I understand completely why my timeline is full of Knicks fans who are threatening to burn down the Garden if this trade goes through, but is this actually the first move I like by Phil Jackson? Look, I’m a die hard Celtics fan. The idea of the Kristaps coming to Boston sounds too good to be true. Players like him who are only 21-years-old hardly come to the market. However, this is the perfect time to deal him if I’m the Knicks. Kristaps has reportedly had zero contact with the Knicks personnel since the season ended. He’s entering year three of his four-year deal. Do you think Pacers fans are sad that they didn’t trade Paul George last year? I know I would be. This offseason has every single team looking at their future stars and wondering what will happen. GM’s have no choice but to make every single player available. Are the Knicks (a team who won 31 games last year) close to competing with the Warriors or Cavs? HELL NO. The fact of the matter is, they aren’t even close to getting out of the first round. Kristaps is their one chance to enhance this team. It’s proven that one player — regardless of how good they are — cannot carry a team. Look at New Orleans, Chicago, Indianapolis, and Oklahoma City. You can try and do it, and you will fail.
By Zach Gothard7 years ago in Unbalanced
College Football Spotlight: Part I
If you are a college football enthusiast like myself, chances are you know kickoff for this season is a mere 73 days away. Tailgate Saturdays and prime matchups are so close you can almost taste it. However, this season will be without the big named prospects such as Leonard Fournette and Deshaun Watson, names that millions of fans have grown to love. So, who is going to dominate the spotlight this year? In this article we will take a look at quarterbacks and a few running backs to keep an eye on this fall.
By Zach Gothard7 years ago in Unbalanced
Who Is This Year’s Dark Horse of College Football?
There is nothing — and I mean nothing — like college football. If you have ever been on a college campus around the time of a big rivalry game (or any big game in general), you know exactly what I’m talking about. Hopes of the playoffs can be dashed in one game. I need some Jim Harbaugh khakis in my life now. Which had me thinking: who are some teams that can make 2017 their magical season? To make the playoffs you need a lot of luck, but that's not the only thing. You need a decent schedule (not too hard because two losses basically takes you out of it), you need to stay healthy, and you need to pass the eye exam (how much fun is this team to watch). This year should be fun. Teams like Auburn and Georgia should raise the SEC back to the level we are all used to; Florida State could be a legit opponent to Clemson in the ACC; Penn State is going to battle with Michigan and Ohio State for the Big 10 title. But who are the actual dark horses for the 2017 college football season?
By Zach Gothard7 years ago in Unbalanced
Did LA Get Their Super Star?
Two foot surgeries, countless hamstring and ankle injuries and finally the Bills have had enough. While there have been countless reports of Sammy Watkins proclaiming he is now fully at 100% the Bills were never on board. Recently the Bills decided to decline Watkin’s team option for this next season and contract talks were stagnant. Finally the Bills shocked the world by trading the 2015 4th overall pick for CB E.J Gaines and a 2018 2nd round pick. The question is, what does this mean for the Rams?
By Zach Gothard7 years ago in Unbalanced
- Top Story - September 2017
Adapt or Be Left BehindTop Story - September 2017
Look, I want to start out by saying I’m not a fan of Kevin Durant’s move to the Warriors. But I have to say I’m a fan of what it may cause GM’s and players to do come this summer. If KD stays with the Thunder chances are none of these changes are made. I still think the finals have the same two teams. This move is forcing change. Players like Chris Paul, Kyle Lowry, and Gordon Hayward are now forced to look into options that may not be the highest paying. Would Chris Paul who was so influential in the new collective bargaining agreement really be thinking about passing up a 200 million dollar pay day had Durant stayed? Honestly I don't think so. Now I'm not saying Chris Paul is for sure out the door. But he has to think about winning. Paul just turned 32 May. The idea of teaming up with LaMarcus Aldridge and Kawhi has to entice him. However a reunion in New Orleans has to be considered as well. Pairing a guard with CP3 skill set along with Demarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis, two of the best bigs in the league would bring them into title contention. The real question is how his insurance agent Cliff Paul would feel about him leaving 80 million on the table for one of these moves.
By Zach Gothard7 years ago in Unbalanced