Dirk & Sig

I'm surprised it took me until now to realize this, but how many of you have noticed that Deadliest Catch "star" Sig Hansen bears striking resemblance to Dirk Nowitzki? Think about it - have you ever seen both of them in the same place at the same time? For you doubters, I offer proof:

In any case, only one of them is working right now, after Dirk showed his postseason soft side yet again. When did he stop demanding the ball when his team needed a leader? He appeared to be letting the game come to him in the fourth quarters of the New Orleans series, playing like it was the first quarter of game 2 when a playoff exit was in fact minutes away. But that story is but a sidenote to the recognition the Hornets are finally receiving. Playing this well is nothing new to them - New Orleans has been pounding teams all year with flurries of defense and total dismantling of the most effective interior defenses in the league. Chris Paul has the ability and control to get to any spot on the floor, much like a Steve Nash or Brandon Roy will. And Paul has the vision to be able to see every scoring opportunity for both his teammates and himself. Now that's a high basketball IQ, and I don't mean in the way Tim Legler or Brent Barry have high basketball IQ. During a game, it seems Paul can actually make any play he wants.

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The new breed of NBA stars is here, and I'm not talking about Mello and D-Wade, or even LeBron. Yes, you heard me. I'm talking about Paul, Deron Williams, Roy, Dwight Howard, Al Horford, Greg Oden, etc. These are the guys you will hear about after April in the next 8-10 years. The rough draft version of this influx of players doesn't exhibit the leadership and patience to get their teams to the title. Don't get after me about Wade, either. What has he done lately? I'm not sold on his lasting value yet. He still might be the next Penny Hardaway. Yes, I really think so.

Lakers in Utah tonight - 9et, espn