Ebs’ Hot Takes: Justify, LeBron James, Philadelphia 76ers, New England Patriots

FROM THE PRESS BOX – Despite the fact that the NBA and Stanley Cup Finals are behind us, we still had quite the weekend in sports.

Shockingly, there was yet another Triple Crown in horse racing, the New York Yankees took two of three the New York Mets at Citi Field and we’re just a few days away from the U.S. Open.

It’s still a fun time in sports. And with that being said, it’s time for a new set of Ebs’ Hot Takes.

Enjoy.

Justify’s path to the Triple Crown was more impressive than the one American Pharoah took. Well, I didn’t think I’d see another Triple Crown winner so quickly. But, boy, what a month and a half for Justify.

While American Pharoah had all the hype throughout this run, and defeated a handful of future Grade 1 stakes winners in the process, no other horse took a tougher path to the Triple Crown than Justify.

No horse has won the Triple Crown while running in six races in 111 days. It’s something we’ll likely never see again, either. Not to mention, Justify was the second horse to win the Triple Crown while being undefeated and he didn’t even race as a 2-year-old, taking down Apollo’s Curse.

When it’s all said and done, American Pharoah will probably be Bob Baffert’s best horse, but Justify certainly had the more impressive role.

LeBron James should join the Philadelphia 76ers. LeBron James reign with the Cleveland Cavaliers is likely over. Again.

At least, it should be.

The Cavaliers are pressed up against the cap and it would be tough to add a superstar to play with James and Kevin Love. Many will point to the Los Angeles Lakers or Houston Rockets as likely destinations for the King. He can lead a new big three in LA or join James Harden and Chris Paul in Houston.

But why? Why go out West where you have to play through the Golden State Warriors to get to the Finals? It’s just not a good basketball decision.

That’s why the Philadelphia 76ers are the best option for James. He stays in the East, joins a young and impressive core with a ton of cap space and trade chips to be able to build around James. Oh, and they have a lottery pick, too.

It’s a match made in heaven.

The New England Patriots’ reign in the AFC East is almost over. Is the dynasty starting to collapse? I think so.

While Rob Gronkowski wasn’t traded this past week, reports broke that a deal was in place with two teams and the only thing stopping the trade from getting done was Tom Brady threatening to retire.

That’s not good if you ask me. And this is all coming just days after Julian Edelman was suspended for PED use. Was it because of Alex Guerrero and TB12? I don’t know, but some aren’t ruling it out.

Even Patriots fans have to admit, things aren’t what they used to be under Bill Belichick and it’s definitely cause for some concern. You can’t help but wonder whether or not this is the end.

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About DJ Eberle 223 Articles
DJ Eberle: The youngest of our team, DJ is also the largest. Offensive Tackle Large. In fact, this Albany native used OT for Western New England University - until he graduated in May of 2014. Like Junoir Blaber, he's a regular on Rugby Wrap Up - his dad played rugby with The Matts. His cross to bear, however, is his love for the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres. As for baseball and basketball, it's the Yanks and Atlanta Hawks. Follow him on Twitter: @ByDJEberle.