By Nick Villano @nick_villano on December 31, 2014
15 Athletes Who Really Need A Change of Scenery In 2015
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There is something to be said about a change of scenery for an athlete. We forget that these are human beings. Their job on the field can be affected by how they feel off the field. These 15 stars could really use a new home in 2015.
15. Justin Blackmon
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15. Justin Blackmon
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Justin Blackmon is currently on the outs with the NFL. He says that his substance abuse problems are behind him. He needs to be with a franchise that will help him become a great part of the NFL community.
14. Troy Tulowitzki
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14. Troy Tulowitzki
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Troy Tulowitzki could be one of the best players in baseball. Unfortunately, he plays on a terrible team and can't stay on the field. He needs to go to a city where there aren't as many expectations of him. The Rockies were looking for him and Carlos Gonzalez to turn the franchise around after Todd Helton's retirement. He needs a new place to play.
13. Alex Ovechkin
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13. Alex Ovechkin
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Alexander Ovechkin is one of the saviors of the NHL. He has done that with mixed success. He hasn't been able to even get close to a Cup in Washington. Many blame him for being hard to play with. If he plays on another team, maybe he could be more appreciated.
12. Danilo Gallinari
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12. Danilo Gallinari
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Danilo Gallinari is best known for being the key piece in the trade that brought Carmelo Anthony to the New York Knicks. Since then, he hasn't done much. The Denver Nuggets aren't very good right now. Gallinari is having trouble staying on the court. If he could get a shot elsewhere when he returns from his torn meniscus, then the Nuggets should move him.
11. Evander Kane
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11. Evander Kane
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Evander Kane has needed a change of scenery for years. 2015 is finally the year that it is going to happen. He needs to return from a lower-body injury, but he will play for a new team by the trade deadline.
10. Joe Mauer
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10. Joe Mauer
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Joe Mauer has been the No. 1 fan favorite in Minnesota since he was drafted. Now, they are going nowhere fast. He needs a chance to win a title in a place that isn't Minnesota.
9. Sam Bradford
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9. Sam Bradford
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Sam Bradford was the No. 1 overall pick back in 2010. He has had a tumultuous career since with the Rams. He needs to see if he can try to resurrect his career with another franchise and let the Rams move on.
8. Phil Kessel
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8. Phil Kessel
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Phil Kessel is one of the best American hockey players who is currently playing in Toronto. It is the hardest hockey town to play in. The microscope is directly on him at all times. It would be much less stressful on him if he could just come to the rink and play hockey instead of trying to bring a Cup to a franchise that has been begging for one since 1967.
7. Josh Gordon
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7. Josh Gordon
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It seems like a split between the Cleveland Browns and Josh Gordon is inevitable after last weekend's events. Gordon's saga has been all over the place since he led the league in receiving last season. Expect to see a draft-day trade for a mid-round pick.
6. Chase Utley
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6. Chase Utley
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Chase Utley has been a great Phillies player for his entire career. He has never wavered and said he wants to be in Philadelphia. The problem is that the Phillies are going to be the worst team in the NL. They need to send Utley away so they can gain prospects and give Utley another chance at a title.
5. DeMarcus Cousins
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5. DeMarcus Cousins
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DeMarcus Cousins has been a good soldier for the Kings for his entire career. Despite the attempts of the new ownership, he doesn't have a good team around him. He is now coming into his own as a great player. He deserves to be surrounded with some of the best talent the NBA has to offer.
4. Geno Smith
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4. Geno Smith
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Geno Smith may need a change of scenery more than anyone else in sports. The Jets are starting over with a new GM and a new coach. There is no doubt they will be doing it with a new QB.
3. Evan Longoria
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3. Evan Longoria
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Evan Longoria is one of the last pieces to fall for the Tampa Bay Rays. He is also the only piece that actually got paid. He is going to end up toiling on a bad team for his entire career if the ownership doesn't stop selling off all of the Rays' good players. He should ask for an out if he doesn't think he can win in Tampa.
2. Taylor Hall
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2. Taylor Hall
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Taylor Hall is the best the Oilers have to offer. He is the superstar they thought he would become when they used a No. 1 overall pick on him. Now, he is in trade rumors and his commitment is being questioned. He is too good for that. Hall should be given a better shot elsewhere.
1. Jameis Winston
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1. Jameis Winston
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This is the only player on the list for whom a change of scenery is only a formality. After January, Jameis Winston will not be at Florida State ever again. He is going to declare for the draft and could possibly become the No. 2 pick in the draft.