Dak Prescott and Dallas Cowboys looking good in Tony Romo's absence; Giants, Jets, Brooklyn Nets, and Knicks all in the NY Sports Report

In this episode of What's The 411Sports, the panel of Keisha Wilson, Mike McDonald, and Vincent Davis, are talking about:

What's Poppin'!

• Dak Prescott, Tony Romo, and the Dallas Cowboys
• Julio Jones and the Atlanta Falcons
• Chris Bosh vows to come back to the NBA
• Tebow Mania reigns again
• Ben Simmons out for several months
• JJ Watt to miss the remainder of the NFL season
• Josh Gordon to enter rehab for alcohol abuse

NY Sports Report

• Is Odell Beckham a distraction to the team/
• Is Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick's mediocrity the least of the Jets problems, particularly considering the health of Brandon Marshall and Jalin Marshall
• Joakim Noah skips dinner at West Point

On The Bench

• Randy Gregory
• Nebraska Governor Pete Rickets
• Hal Daub
• Mets fans

The Kaepernick Effect; Odell Beckham Jr. - Josh Norman; Ryan Fitzpatrick measuring up? Will Derrick Rose Trial impact Knicks? Will the Nets Bring the Buzz

In this episode, the What's The 411 Sports team of Keisha Wilson, Mike McDonald, and Amsterdam News reporter, Vincent Davis are talking about:

Quick Bites

Miami Heat team president, Pat Riley, says Chris Bosh will no longer play for the Miami Heat
Kevin Garnett is retiring this year after 21 years in the NBA
Tom Brady living a good life on suspension; he's staying in shape with his supermodel wife, Gisele Bundchen, and paling around with Jim Harbaugh on the campus of his alma mater, the University of Michigan

What's Poppin'!

• NFL Week 3
• Is it Tom Brady or Bill Belichick?
• The Kaepernick Effect

What's The 411Sports New York Sports Report

• NY Jets
• NY Giants
• Odell Beckham vs. Josh Norman
• NY Mets and the MLB Wild Card Race, can the Mets pull it off?
• Derrick Rose Civil Trial and its Impact on the Knicks
• Jeremy Lin is a marketing buzz magnet. Will the Brooklyn Nets Create Some Buzz this Season?

On The Bench

On the What's The 411Sports bench this week are Steve Clevenger and Mike Ditka.

Steve Clevenger on the Bench

Seattle Mariners catcher Steve Clevenger is on the bench because on his Twitter comments that called the Black Lives Matter protestors and President Obama pathetic and further declared that "everyone involved should be locked like animals". The Seattle Mariners dismissed Clevenger for the rest of the season. Clevenger has since issued an apology.

Mike Ditka on the Bench

Mike Ditka is on the bench for making the following comments:

"I have no respect for Colin Kaepernick – he probably has no respect for me, that's his choice. My choice is, I like this country, I respect our flag, and I don't see all the atrocities going on in this country that people say are going on."

Ditka added, "I see opportunities if people want to look for opportunity – now if they don't want to look for them – then you can find problems with anything, but this is the land of opportunity because you can be anything you want to be if you work. If you don't work...that's a different problem."

Perhaps, these two, Clevenger and Ditka belong in the What's The 411Sports Dog House.

In Memoriam

We also bid a sorrowful farewell to Florida Marlins catcher Jose Fernandez; the legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, and actor Bill Nunn, who is best known for his role as Radio Raheem in the Spike Lee movie, Do The Right Thing.

Team Bosh Earns Bragging Rights with its Third Straight Title

The NBA All-Star Weekend is similar to meals at your favorite restaurant.

All-Star Friday is the bread you consume while you mull over the choices on the menu.

All-Star Saturday is the appetizer, nourishing your body, moderately.

And then All-Star Sunday is not only the main course, but it is your favorite entrée.

In a restaurant, you can choose to go straight for the main course, but with the NBA All-Star Weekend, you don't want to skip the appetizer.

First and foremost, the Barclays Center and the NBA presented a visual show. The basketball court became a viewing screen of moving images with intros to each event creating an atmosphere that just screamed entertainment.

In two words, sheer beauty.

Beautiful as it might have been, the fans did not come to Barclays on a brisk Saturday night to watch fireworks.

It was all about the individuals participating in the best ticket in town, four events in one.

Saturday night, billed as the State Farm All-Star Saturday Night, featured: the Degree Shooting Stars Challenge; Taco Bell Skills Challenge; Footlocker Three-Point Contest; and the event of the night, the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest.

The Degree Shooting Stars was not the most highly anticipated event, but it registered high on the excitement meter. It involved four teams connecting on shots with varying degrees of difficulty at different parts on the floor. The team taking the least amount of time to advance to the championship round wins.

Team Curry (Sue Bird, Stephen Curry, Dell Curry), Team Westbrook (Russell Westbrook, Penny Hardaway, Tamika Catchings), Team Millsap (Paul Millsap, Scottie Pippen, Elena Delle Donne) and the two-time reigning champs in Team Bosh (Chris Bosh, Dominique Wilkins and Swin Cash) all competed for the bragging rights.

It's a good thing I am not a betting man. I would have lost by betting on Team Curry.

In the first round, Catchings, a nine-time WNBA All-Star, almost cost her team a trip to the championship round missing her first seven field goals (19.0 seconds). But, Westbrook and Hardaway, bailed out Catchings by sinking their first attempts from the top of the key and the elbow three (5.0 seconds).

And on the 4th shot, Hardaway reminded everyone why he was selected to be on Team Westbrook sinking his attempt from half-court. Team Westbrook completed their shot-circuit in 35.2 seconds.

But Team Bosh would have their say.

They've been here before, they knew what to do.

And so they did it.

Team Bosh bested Team Westbrook by connecting on all of their shots in eight attempts to Team Westbrook's 10 in only 30.8 seconds.

Next up, the championship round, and the favorite prevailed once more.

Team Westbrook was on a roll in the championship round during its first three shots.

Catchings learned her lesson and used the backboard, knocking down the first required shot; smart.

Hardaway executed his first attempt successfully and Westbrook missed his first and made his second. Team Westbrook completed its first three shots of the championship round in 13 seconds.

All was well until Team Westbrook ran into the half-court shot, the toughest of all four shots. The team missed 26 consecutive attempts as time expired, which put them in position for an upset.

As for Team Bosh, there was no rush.

Team Bosh took its time and at the 57.6 seconds mark, the legend, Wilkins clinched Team Bosh's third straight title on their seventh attempt from half-court.

"Chemistry," said Wilikins when asked how Team Bosh has been able to defend its title. "We just wanted to repeat what we did last year. We did the same thing last year. We didn't want to change it, for luck."

"I think we don't take it so serious," said Cash answering the same question following the event. "Over the last three years we've seen a lot of just everybody; we're so competitive as athletes. When we come out here, it's really simple. We have a good time. We joke around. We miss the shot; all right, we'll get the half-court shot. We just keep it loose. It's fun. And we strategize."

All records are meant to be broken, even championship streaks. But, Team Bosh has a system that works and next year, at the 2016 NBA All-Star Weekend hosted by our neighbors up North in Toronto, Team Bosh may be tough to de-throne.

Kobe Bryant's Injury Opens Up 2015 NBA All-Star Starting Spot 

As you all know, the 2015 NBA All-Star Starters were announced last Thursday night and there were no surprises on either side. Those who deserved to be recognized as starters earned it. This year's contest features newcomers, familiar names, and old faces in new places.

For the Eastern Conference, John Wall (2nd selection), Kyle Lowry (1st time selection), Carmelo Anthony (8th selection), Lebron James (11th selection) and Pau Gasol (5th selection) will serve as the first five on the floor at Madison Square Garden.

On the other side, Stephen Curry (2nd selection), Kobe Bryant (17th selection), Anthony Davis (2nd selection), Blake Griffin (5th selection) and Marc Gasol (2nd selection) will represent the West.

Due to Bryant's season ending injury (torn right-rotator cuff), which will require surgery and a lengthy recovery period, there will be an open spot and an extra opportunity for another deserving player to be honored. That's what this post is about.

We have been informed of who our starters will be, but who will relieve them from the bench? Who will occupy the other seven slots? Each year, this topic compels arguments and ruins friendships and here's my seven:

Eastern Conference Reserves

1. Jimmy Butler G-F, Chicago Bulls

This is a no-brainer. There aren't many two-way two-guards in the league today and Butler has developed into that kind of player. Taking on the toughest defensive assignment on a nightly basis and now having the ability and energy to contribute 20 points a game as well. Add 3 assists, 6 rebounds and almost 2 steals a game and you will have Butler's 2015 season statistics at this juncture in time.

Butler is easily the most improved player in the league, worthy of that honor at season's end because of the vast improvement he has made to his offense. Butler has increased his points per game average every year and is enjoying his greatest leap this season, from 13.6 last year to 20.1 this year, a seven point growth. He's shooting the second best shooting percentage of his career in 45% (shot 46% his sophomore season) and is shooting a career best 49% in 2-pt field-goals.

Aside from being a strong defender and a Swiss-army knife (ability to fill the stat sheet) which Butler established early in his career, what has impressed me the most in Butler's ascension, as an overall player, is his ability to create off the dribble. Butler used to be a slasher and an open-court, transition player. Now he can create for himself and his teammates without having to score via cuts to the baskets and offensive rebounds. Butler is capable of producing 25-5-5 on a nightly basis, giving Rose the perfect complement for a team with championship aspirations.

2. Jeff Teague G, Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks have the best record in the Eastern Conference (37-8) and are challenging the Golden State Warriors for the best record in the NBA (36-7). Jeff Teague is a big reason why. The Hawks were always a team expected to make a brief appearance in the playoffs, but due to Teague's emergence as one of the better point guards in the league in addition to a solid supporting cast, the Hawks plan to soar even further. Teague is averaging career highs in points (17.1), rebounds (2.7), assists (7.5) and steals (1.8). With a supporting cast that includes Paul Millsap, Al Horford, DeMarre Carroll and Kyle Korver, the Hawks go as far as Teague can take them and this year, there is no cap on what the southern team can accomplish in a wide-open Eastern Conference. Oh, and another thing, it always seems like Teague is in every play. Active.

3. Kyrie Irving G, Cleveland Cavaliers

Even with the additions of Lebron James and Kevin Love, Kyrie Irving is still a must-see talent. Having the opportunity to play with an All-time great and another volume scorer has been an adjustment for Irving with the difficulty of being a floor-general playing alongside a 6'8" point guard as well. He likes to have the ball in his hands and for the first time in his career, he has to learn how to play off the ball and make good decisions when he has possession of it. Irving is now in a winning situation and his game will be highly criticized if the Cavaliers fail to live up to their escalated expectations, with their off-season acquisitions. Recently, the early struggles the Cavs experienced not too long ago are paying off. The Cavs are in the midst of a 7-game winning streak, which includes wins over the Los Angeles Clippers, Chicago Bulls and Oklahoma City Thunder. In the Cavs 7th straight win over the Detroit Pistons (103-95), James and Irving combined for 70 points, with Irving scoring the greater point total of the two (Irving 38, James 32). The 2014 NBA All-Star game MVP and FIBA World Cup MVP is essential to the Cavs success, now and in the immediate future. Irving is averaging 21.3 pts, 3.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.6 steals a game this season.

4. Paul Millsap F, Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks deserve to have the most amount of players on this year's East squad and Paul Millsap is a deserving player. After spending the bulk of his career in Utah, Millsap has switched conferences and is the focal point of a team that allows all of his talents to shine. One of the better stretch-4's in the league, Millsap can hurt you inside and outside. Millsap is averaging 17.0 pts and 7.9 rebounds, in addition to a career high-3.2 assists and 1.8 steals. What's great about Millsap is the fact that he is consistent. Through the first three months of the season, Millsap has averaged 17.0 pts in November, 16.8 in December and 17.5 in January. Consistent. For the Hawks to be as good as they are this season, consistency is key and Millsap has defined that this season with his play. At 29 years of age, Millsap still has time to grow and expand his game even more.

5. Al Horford C, Atlanta Hawks

The more Hawks the better. Another significant piece to the Hawks cause is Al Horford. After an injury plagued 2013-14 NBA season (right pectoral muscle tear), Horford is back and on the verge of reminding everyone why he was a 2-time All-Star coming into this season. Horford is averaging 15.2 pts, 6.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists, shooting 54% from the field (9th best in the NBA). In a win against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 13, (105-87) Horford recorded his first career triple double with 21 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Along with Millsap, Horford completes one of the best front-courts in the Eastern Conference.

6. Nikola Vucevic C, Orlando Magic

I really have a problem rewarding good players on bad teams. From my perspective winners deserve to be All-stars. The best teams who boast players playing at an elite level deserve the honor. I can no longer ignore the players playing at an elite level on bad teams or teams struggling because sometimes, the ball just doesn't bounce your way. I cannot fault a player among a team that gives a 100% effort on a nightly basis just because of a poor record. This selection is a testament to my modified thoughts in what makes an All-Star. It's not Nikola Vucevic's fault that the Orlando Magic are 15-33. It's players like Nikola and the other talented youngsters on the Magic that draw your attention to a team that's a couple of years away from making an impact in the Southeast Division. The 3-year man out of USC is enjoying a career best, averaging career highs in points (19.5), rebounds (11.2) and assists (2.0) assists. This is the kind of traditional back-to-the-basket center that would make Shaquille O'Neal proud and when I watch his highlights, I see shades of the Gasol Brothers (Especially Pau). At 24 years young, Nikola has better post moves than Houston Rockets Dwight Howard, great touch and the ability to shoot from outside 10-15 feet. I can no longer dismiss the skills of this kid. He is too talented.

7. Chris Bosh F, Miami Heat

Consistent, reliable, honorable. Chris Bosh should be respected for his presence on the hardwood. He starred in Toronto in his initial years in the NBA. He changed environments for an opportunity to win in Miami, going 2-4 in championships. Bosh sacrificed his game for the benefit of a team with aspirations bigger than filling stats with two future Hall-of-Famers, and through it all, Bosh has survived. Through his first seven years in the league as a Raptor, Bosh averaged 20.3 points and 9.3 rebounds. During the big three era in Miami (Lebron James, Dwyane Wade & Chris Bosh), Bosh averaged 17.3 points and 7.4 rebounds. In his first full season without James, now the big two and two championship rings to show for it, Bosh is averaging 21.3 points and 7.5 rebounds a game. His game has never wavered. He still has it. With an increased role and more touches, Bosh is reminding the basketball world what he is capable of. He has earned his 10th NBA All-Star selection.

Chris Bosh Takes the Money and Stays in Miami.

Chris Bosh, Miami Heat's power forward/center, is a clear beneficiary of LeBron James' departure from the Miami Heat.

With Lebron moving on to the Cleveland Cavaliers, and a reported max offer to Bosh of $96 million over five years from the Houston Rockets, the Miami Heat decided to pony up and offer its next best player, Chris Bosh, a five-year $118 million contract.

What's a player to do with an offer like that? For Chris Bosh, the answer is obvious, he takes the money and stays in South Beach.

Is Chris Bosh worth $118 million?

The What's The 411Sports team of Chris Graham, Gregory Alcala, and Glenn Gilliam weigh in.

VIDEO: Join the conversation about Chris Bosh's New Deal with the Miami Heat

NBA Stars Making Moves

The Whats The 411Sports team is talking about the 2014 NBA Off-season, thus far.

Chris Graham wants to name this NBA off-season, as one of the greatest off-seasons ever!

Chris likes the breaking up of huge dynasties.

Mostly, Chris likes the talent disbursement; he thinks the stars are where they need to be.

Glenn Gilliam says, don't bet against the Miami Heat already.

With Chris Bosh still on the Miami Heat team and if Dwayne Wade gets healthy, Glenn thinks the Miami Heat could be a force to reckon with.

But, Greg Alcala feels the Heat will probably be like the Indiana Pacers, a team with lots of talent, but just can't win.

Your thoughts?

VIDEO: Join the conversation about the player moves during the 2014 NBA Off-season

LeBron James: "Northeast Ohio is Bigger Than Basketball"

The longer LeBRON JAMES' free-agency period lasted, the more it looked like he was headed to Cleveland. It became even more apparent that King James might be headed to Cleveland when he reportedly summoned PAT RILEY to meet with him in Las Vegas and that meeting lasted all of 30 minutes. Additionally, speculation that CHRIS BOSH would be signing with the Houston Rockets heightened the chatter that James was on his way to Cleveland. Then, there was the media blackout.

Today, as anticipation continued to build about LeBRON JAMES' status, things started to hit a fever pitch.

The conversation focused on the #LeBronLetter; the now infamous letter written by the Cleveland Cavaliers owner DAN GILBERT after King James left Cleveland in search of a championship with his compatriots in Miami. Twitter was on fire with comments about the #LeBronLetter. I even added my two cents on Twitter regarding the letter, including advice for what it's worth.

In my humble opinion, the #LeBronLetter was a very sophomoric move by an owner whose net worth is probably 10 figures. Gilbert came across like a spurned lover, not like a savvy businessperson. After all, basketball and sports in general is a business.

Hopefully, going forward, DAN GILBERT will be able to demonstrate that he, the elder in the room, has matured. A cool head is needed for the sake of the team and for the fans of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

With this new decision, the moving trucks, planes, and trains are headed to Ohio. And, we now all know why LeBRON JAMES' camp didn't leak a morsel. He wanted to get his "moving on" story out to the public without interruption from reporters.

Now that we know King James is moving his castle back to Northeast Ohio, we can now move on and wait to hear from Prince CARMELO ANTHONY.

The What's The 411Sports hosts and reporters Glenn Gilliam, Bianca Peart, Gregory Alcala, and Christopher Graham talk about the San Antonio Spurs victory over the Miami Heat.

They made predictions regarding who would win the NBA Finals.

Who made the right prediction? Was it Bianca? Glenn? Gregory or Christopher?

Check out the video to see which Whats The 411Sports reporter predicted the correct NBA Finals outcome.