Its the day before the NBAs trade deadline and TSNs Jack Armstrong offers his thoughts on Amir Johnsons return, Randy Wittmans influence on the Washington Wizards and what may be in store for Kyle Lowry and Rajon Rondo. Matt Kemp Replic Jersey . 1. AMIR JOHNSON: Nice to see him back in the lineup Tuesday night in Washington DC. Played with great energy and purpose. Its amazing when a guy gets those few precious days to recover what it does to the bounce in their step and overall game/confidence. They need him big time in the final 29 games and the fact that he missed the two games prior to the All Star break due to injury could end up being a blessing for their team. When he and Terrence Ross are going good, this team can compete at a high level with anyone. 2. RANDY WITTMAN: I said it Tuesday night on the telecast and Ill say it again. A coach has to get run from a game to light a fire under his team - thats a joke. The ultimate motivation and leadership has to come from the players. More leadership is needed in that locker room. The Wizards have more than enough talent to not only be a playoff team, but a winning playoff team. Felt bad for Wittman. Coaches get the blame all the time. I get that - been there and done that - yet at some point to take that next step it truly has to be a conscious decision on the part of your core players that youre going to be a good team and not allow yourself to be outplayed at home. 3. RAJON RONDO: Love the hard bargain and market that GM Danny Ainge is trying to create for him. As he gets healthier, his play will improve significantly. On the other side, its pretty evident that Rondo will be playing for another team in the next few days - or at the very latest a year from now. He wants to play on a winner and it will take a little longer in Boston for that to happen. 4. KYLE LOWRY: Watch him in the third quarter last night? He was brilliant. How does a guy establish his value in a contract year? Play big when your team needs you the most. Believe me, GMs and scouts are watching and realize hes doing it on a winning team thats one of the pleasant surprises in the league and hes a big reason why. Whether its with the Raptors or somewhere else, it will all work out if he continues to play at this high level. The obvious concern is after he gets a significant contract will his level of play stay the same and/or improve to justify it or will it dip? Thats the toughest thing to gauge for decision-makers. These final regular season games and potential playoff games will help set the bar for him. So far, hes setting himself up very nicely. 5. JARRETT JACK: His name is involved in trade rumours and hed be a good pickup for a contender. His former team - the Warriors - really misses his clutch play and great leadership skills. Unfortunately, he hasnt been able to impact the climate in Cleveland as well as he did in Golden State. Hes more of a complimentary player and when hes in that position hes quite effective. Can play both guard spots and makes the good high percentage play. Will be interesting to see if he sticks around, considering the Cavs have won five in a row and are right back in the playoff race in the East. http://www.officialdodgersteamshop.com/Kirk-Gibson-Dodgers-Jersey/ ." Come to think of it, maybe Guiton is No. 3 Ohio States closer. He took over when Braxton Miller left with a sprained left knee, running for one touchdown and passing for two on Saturday while keeping the Buckeyes right on task with a 42-7 victory over San Diego State. http://www.officialdodgersteamshop.com/Matt-Kemp-Dodgers-Jersey/. The 29-year-old native of Quebec City was selected in the sixth round, 47th overall, by Winnipeg in the 08 CFL draft after playing collegiately at Sherbrooke.A new era will begin today for Toronto FC as they open the 2014 preseason against DC United in Bradenton, Florida. Midfielder Michael Bradley, one of the teams new designated players, will make his debut, while striker Gilberto could see his first action for TFC in the contest. Bradley, a key member of the US mens national soccer team, is expected to bring stability to the Toronto FC midfield. The 26-year-old was acquired from Serie A side Roma in January for a reported $10 million transfer fee and reportedly will collect a $7.1 million salary. The New Jersey native played every minute of the 2010 World Cup for the United States. Gilberto, a 24-year-old Portuguese forward who is considered a pure goal scorer, was signed by the club in December. &nbssp; The third, and arguably biggest, designated player acquisition of the off-season, Jermain Defoe will not be available for the preseason opener as he remains on loan with Barclays Premier League side Tottenham until the end of February. http://www.officialdodgersteamshop.com/Brian-Wilson-Dodgers-Jersey/. . In his second tour with Toronto FC, Canadian international player Dwayne De Rosario could also see his first action since rejoining the club in the off-season. De Rosario was reacquired by the team during the MLS re-entry draft and then signed to a new contract. The opposition for the preseason opener will be De Rosarios former club DC United, who, like Toronto FC, are looking to bounce back from a tough season. DC United finished with a 3-24-7 record last season and a league low 16 points. Toronto FC ended the season 6-17-11 in 2013, ninth in the Eastern Conference. ' ' '
