Bleacher Report - Articles by Greg Haefner

NFL Midseason Awards: The Best So Far

Greg Haefner — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:56:57 -0500

Through the first eight weeks of the season, it seems like the best of the best are already asserting themselves in an effort to capture NFL hardware at season's end.

With surprising play from unexpected rookies and reliable play from the steadiest of steady, a good portion of the awards seem to be shaping up pretty obviously.

I'll break down who I believe are the midseason award winners and give projected 16-game stats for each based on the pace they are on right now.

And so, it is my pleasure to present to you now the mid-season NFL award winners:

MVP: Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis Colts

Projected 16-game stats: 427/601 (71%), 5,090 yards, 34 TDs, 9 INTs

Peyton Manning has been lights out this year, leading his undefeated Colts team to the top of most expert power rankings. His undefeated counterpart, Drew Brees, is his main competition for this award. Ultimately, it comes down to individual performance and who means more to their team, and Manning wins that competition hands-down.

Don't believe me? Let's check out the stats:

The Saints through seven games so far this year have 14 rushing touchdowns, twice as many as the Colts' seven.

The Saints defense has also helped out their QB by scoring six touchdowns themselves, whereas the Colts defense has scored only a single touchdown.

Simply put, Peyton Manning has carried his team, and is more valuable to the Colts than Drew Brees is to the Saints. He is right now the undisputed MVP.

Offensive Player of the Year: Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee Titans

Projected 16-game stats: 1,883 rush yards, 9 rush TDs, 313 receiving yards, 2 receiving TDs

It's tough to believe that the Offensive Player of the year could come from a team that had to wait until week eight for its first win, but Chris Johnson has just been that good despite his team being that bad.

Johnson currently leads the league in rushing, total yards from scrimmage, and yards-per-carry among backs with over 50 carries, somehow averaging a ridiculous 6.9 per attempt.

Johnson is on pace for over 2,000 total yards and 11 total touchdowns, both of which are great totals. He is the ultimate weapon on offense and there are few players that could be put in the same discussion with him for this award.

Defensive Player of the Year: Patrick Willis, LB, San Francisco 49ers

Projected 16-game stats: 153 tackles, 5 sacks, 4 INTs, 11 passes defended, 4 Forced Fumbles, 2 TDs

Patrick Willis has clearly established himself as the most dominant inside linebacker in football, and has been doing everything this season. If it weren't for him, there is no doubt the 49ers would not be ranked second in the NFL against the run.

Willis does things that linebackers simply shouldn't do. He already has two interceptions on the year, one of which he returned for a touchdown. He has also forced two fumbles and notched 2.5 sacks from the inside linebacker spot in a 3-4 defense, a very unfriendly position for sack stats.

Willis is a true defensive stalwart, and as a result he has his team's defense playing at a high level and is very deserving of the award.

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Percy Harvin, WR, Minnesota Vikings

Projected 16-game stats: 738 receiving yards, 7 receiving TDs, 78 rush yards, 4 kick return TDs

Percy Harvin has been lightning in a bottle this year for the Vikings, becoming one of Brett Favre's favorite weapons.

And there's a reason for that. Harvin is a big play threat every time he touches the ball, as is evidenced by his six receptions of 20+ yards. He is scaring opposing teams as a rookie, something not easy to do in the NFL.

His dynamic kick returning is also a reason for the award. Harvin is currently the league leader in kick return average among player with 20 or more returns, posting an eye-popping 30.7 yards-per-return. He also has more returns than anyone of 40+ yards with five on the season, and is tied with Ted Ginn Jr. for the league lead in kick return touchdowns with two.

Harvin has become a legitimate weapon as a rookie and simply outshines the rest of his competition.

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Jairus Byrd, FS, Buffalo Bills

Projected 16-game stats: 64 tackles, 14 INTs, 18 passes defended

Obviously the 16-game stats are a little unrealistic, as Byrd's hot streak won't last for 8 more consecutive games, but this one is easy. Jairus Byrd, fresh off his third straight multi-interception game, has been lighting up the league since he was inserted into Buffalo's starting lineup.

Byrd is currently tied with Darren Sharper for the league lead in interceptions with seven, and is third in tackles among rookie defensive backs with 32.

He's a natural ballhawk and his rookie learning curve certainly hasn't looked very steep thus far. If he can keep up his flashy plays, he should be able to hold off fellow rookie phenom Brian Cushing for this award.

At the break of the season, those are the awards as I see them right now. Take the projections with a grain of salt, they are simply the current stats adjusted to a 16-game format. Never the less, don't let that take away from the astonishing nature of what these players have done so far in the 2009-10 season.

These players have outplayed the rest of their league and have been simply spectacular week in and week out, and they deserve to be rewarded for it.

The NBA's Underappreciated: Breaking Down the Top Sixth Men

Greg Haefner — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 21:49:23 -0400

It happens at every level of basketball: the starting five receive their due amount of spotlight, while the role players and sixth men of the teams receive little or no publicity. The NBA has done a nice job getting these players some well-deserved attention by instituting the Sixth Man of the Year Award in 1982, but the league's top backups still don't receive as much attention as they are due. A good bench player can have just as much of an impact, if not more, than some starters have on a good team. I decided that it would be a good idea to shed some light on the players who typically aren't put in the limelight as often as they should be by ranking the league's top backups. Since I am ranking the top Sixth Men in the league, I figured it would be appropriate to stray from the conventional "Top Five" or "Top Ten" and instead list the Top Six Sixth Men. [i]*Note: for those of you who don't recognize the picture, it is Bobby Jones of the Philadelphia 76ers, the first ever recipient of the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year Award*[/i] And now, I present some of the league's most underappreciated players:

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NFL Draft Analysis: Bustology 101

Greg Haefner — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 23:17:52 -0400

The first round of the NFL draft is an exciting but dangerous place for both players and fans. The question on most people's minds is the same:

Will [insert name here] actually play like a first-rounder or will he bust?

Well, I decided to dig deeper into the dismal world of NFL Draft busts to help you, the fans, have a better idea of whether a player picked in the first round is going to bust or not, based on what part of the round they are picked in and what position they play.

My formula is this:

General consensus is that any player taken in the first round is expected to be a full-time starter within their first three years in the league, and to hold that position for the better part of a decade.

So, looking at the past five drafts (up to 2006, due to the aforementioned three-year grace period), I decided to figure out where in the first round each position's biggest and smallest bust rate is, based on that consensus.

How I determined which players could be labeled as "busts" is simple: if a player picked in the first round of those five drafts is not currently starting, they are considered a bust. And if they are not currently a starter due to injury, they will STILL be counted as a bust, since there are plenty of risky, injury-prone players picked every year. Sean Taylor will be counted as a starter, due to his tragic non-football related death.

*Note: If a running back picked is currently a part of their team's increasingly popular "running back by committee," they will be counted as a starter.*

I broke down the "areas" of the draft into quarters; picks 1-8, picks 9-16, picks 17-24 and picks 25-32, and took a look at each position's "bust rate" in each to determine where the most dangerous spot is, as well as where the safest spot is.

So, after reading this article, you should be able to either justify your skepticism of your favorite team's pick, or take comfort in knowing that there is a good chance whoever they choose will turn out fine.

These were my results:

Quarterbacks:

Most Dangerous Spot: picks 17-24 (75% Bust Rate)

Of the four quarterbacks picked in this range over the five-year period examined, only one (Aaron Rodgers) is currently a starter, while one is no longer in the NFL and one is competing just to hang onto a roster spot.

The three busts consist of:

Kyle Boller - Picked No. 19 overall by Baltimore in 2003, currently a backup in St. Louis.
Rex Grossman - Picked just three selections after Boller in 2003, Grossman signed with the Texans this offseason and, according to the Texans' website, is currently competing with Alex Brink for Houston's No. 3 quarterback job. If he loses to Brink, he will not be on the opening day roster.
J.P. Losman - Picked No. 22 overall by Buffalo in 2004, currently on the roster for UFL Las Vegas of the newly formed United Football League.

If your team decides to take a chance on a QB in the mid-to-late portion of the first round, beware.

Safest Spot: picks 9-16 (33% Bust Rate)

Statistically, this spot is the safest to pick quarterbacks in, as only one of the three chosen in that spot, Matt Leinart, is not currently starting. And even he still looks to be the quarterback of the future in Arizona.

The two picked in this spot that are currently starting both turned out pretty well, as they have combined for two Super Bowl rings and two Pro Bowl berths between them. They are:

Ben Roethlisberger - Picked No. 11 overall in a 2004 draft littered with current Pro Bowl quarterbacks (Eli Manning, Philip Rivers, Roethlisberger), starting QB for the reigning Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers.
Jay Cutler - also Picked No. 11 two years after Roethlisberger, Cutler was actually taken immediately after Matt Leinart, the only current non-starter from this spot in the draft. Currently the starting QB for the Chicago Bears after being traded from the Denver Broncos earlier this offseason.

If your team is looking for a quarterback of the future, hope that they show just a little bit of patience in the first round.

Running Backs:

Most Dangerous Spot: picks 9-16 (100% Bust Rate)

Only one team over the five-year span which I examined decided to take a running back in this spot of the draft.

That team happened to be the Cleveland Browns, infamous for their horrendous draft history (i.e. Tim Couch, Courtney Brown, Gerard Warren). They lived up to that reputation by selecting Boston College product William Green with the No. 16 overall pick in 2002.

Not only is Green currently not a starter, he has not been in the league since 2005. Green may have been the only running back picked in this spot of the draft, but he certainly didn't help make the spot look more attractive.

Safest Spot: picks 1-8, 17-24 (25% Bust Rate)

There was a tie here as far as the safest pick spot goes for running backs, as both spots listed produced only one bust out of the four taken in their respective spots. Both of these spots have produced some true stud runners, such as:

Willis McGahee - Picked No. 23 overall in 2003 by the Buffalo Bills, currently part of a "running back by committee" for the Baltimore Ravens.
Steven Jackson - Picked No. 24 overall by the St. Louis Rams in 2004, Jackson has notched 1,000-yard rushing seasons in four of his five years in the league.
Ronnie Brown - Picked No. 2 overall in 2005 by the Miami Dolphins, Brown thrived in Miami's hybrid wildcat last season, averaging 4.3 yards-per-carry and racking up 10 touchdowns.

These two spots are a safe place to dip into if your team is looking to grab a solid tailback.

Wide Receivers:

Most Dangerous Spot: picks 9-24 (60% Bust Rate)

First-round receivers in general have a fairly high bust rate, but once again there were two sections tied, only this time for the most dangerous spot rather than the safest. Anywhere between picks No. 9 and No. 24 is a bad place to expect a stud receiver, as is evidenced by the pickings of:

Donte' Stallworth - Picked No. 13 overall in 2002 by the New Orleans Saints, has been injury-plagued his whole career and is currently facing what could be an indefinite suspension after pleading guilty to DUI Manslaughter earlier this summer. He is not on any team's roster.
Reggie Williams - Picked No. 9 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2004, Williams always had talent but has been plagued by character issues and was sentenced to two years probation in May after pleading guilty to possession of half a gram of cocaine. He is also not currently on a team's roster.
Mike Williams - Picked No. 10 overall by the Detroit Lions in 2005, Williams was simply another one of Matt Millen's mishaps with the Lions. Mike, much like Reggie, always had talent but was plagued by character issues and a lack of work ethic. Williams weighed 271 pounds during his 2007 season with the Oakland Raiders and Tennessee Titans, and was released after OTA's the following offseason.

These spots in the draft are usually where teams take a chance on players who have issues either with their character or durability. Those tend to backfire, as is evidenced by these picks.

Safest Spot: picks 1-8 (33% Bust Rate)

If your team is looking to find a good receiver in the first round, earlier seems to be better based on these five years. The supreme talents taken in this spot of these drafts rival any, featuring:

Andre Johnson - The NFL's leader in receiving yards this past season, Johnson has been nothing short of spectacular since being drafted No. 3 overall in the 2003 draft, garnering Pro Bowl honors three times and All-Pro honors twice over his young career.
Larry Fitzgerald - The No. 3 pick one year after Johnson, Fitzgerald is arguably the best receiver on planet Earth right now. He shattered NFL postseason records this year by posting 30 catches for 546 yard and seven touchdowns, including a stellar Super Bowl performance of seven catches, 127 yards and a pair of touchdowns. It was not enough to give his Cardinals a victory, but was still extremely impressive.

If you want your team to get a top-notch receiver, having a top pick in the draft certainly doesn't hurt.

Tight Ends:

Most Dangerous Spot: picks 25-32 (25% Bust Rate)

Tight ends usually aren't picked in the first round, but when they are, they usually pan out just fine. This is evidenced by the fact that, of the nine tight ends picked in the first round over the five drafts examined here, only one busted. Nonetheless, I need to post a most dangerous spot here, and so it happens to be the spot where the only bust fell.

Jerramy Stevens is most known for his trash-talking exchange with Joey Porter prior to Super Bowl XL. In that game, Stevens caught what still is the Seattle Seahawks' only Super Bowl touchdown in franchise history.

However, Stevens also dropped as many passes as he caught (three) that game, and the Seahawks lost to the Steelers 21-10.

His legal troubles have been well-documented as well, as he has three arrests and multiple citations on his record. In 2008, Stevens was suspended for two games and was fined three game checks for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

Stevens is currently a backup in Tampa Bay behind Kellen Winslow.

Safest Spot: picks 1-24 (0% Bust Rate)

As I stated earlier in the article, the first round in general is a pretty safe spot to pick a tight end, but if your team takes one in the first 24 picks, well, you can sleep like a baby knowing that whoever they took is going to be a starter soon and should be just fine.

The most notable tight ends picked in this range are Tampa Bay's Kellen Winslow (ironically being backed up right now by the only bust on the list) and Indianapolis' Dallas Clark.

Winslow has had some injury issues, but received a very well-earned Pro Bowl selection following a 2007 season in which he recorded 82 receptions for 1,106 yards and five touchdowns. He is undoubtedly one of the top talents in the game at the tight end position.

Clark, on the other hand, was inexplicably snubbed from the Pro Bowl in 2007 even after hauling in 11 touchdowns, good for seventh in the league and tops among tight ends.

Regardless, if a team thinks that a tight end is a first-round talent or not, they should not hesitate to pull the trigger. It generally turns out well.

Offensive Linemen:

Most Dangerous Spot: picks 9-16 (33% Bust Rate)

Offensive linemen selected in the first round, typically speaking, have a fairly good shot at meeting their team's expectations. However, there are always some that don't.

Of the three offensive linemen picked between selections No. 9 and 17 over the five years I looked at, two have made Pro Bowls during their careers, and one is currently not on an NFL roster.

Shawn Andrews and Jammal Brown are the two Pro-Bowlers, while Levi Jones is currently looking for work.

Jones was a solid player early in his career, but injuries have plagued him over the past three seasons, as he only started 28 of a possible 48 games during that span. Those injury concerns led to his being released from the team this offseason, and Jones has yet to find a landing spot thus far.

Safest Spot: picks 1-8, 17-24 (20% Bust Rate)

There was a tie in here which actually made quite a bit of sense to me, and explained the reasoning behind picks 9-16 being the most dangerous. Allow me to explain why:

The top picks (1-8) are where the cream of the crop get picked. These are the guys with high enough talent to be able to handle playing right away for what is usually a very bad team with a very bad offensive line.

Which leaves the "second-tier" talents to be picked over picks 9-16 and, while they certainly have good talent, they may not have the amount of talent necessary to overcome playing along a bad line for a bad team.

For example:

Jordan Gross - Picked No. 8 overall by the Carolina Panthers in the 2003 draft, Gross performed extremely well right off the bat, even being named to Sports Illustrated's All-Pro team as a rookie. Gross was voted to the Pro Bowl and was a first-team All-Pro selection this past year.

The middle picks (17-24) are usually teams on the verge of a playoff berth that have three or four solid players on their line, and so are able to throw a "lesser talent" from the first round into the starting lineup right away, knowing that the solid veterans on the line will take care of them and help them be successful.

For example:

Alex Barron - Picked No. 19 overall by the St. Louis Rams in the 2005 draft, Barron was an immediate starter at right tackle as a rookie, and was lucky enough to be playing across from arguably the best left tackle in the game at the time, Orlando Pace as well as playing next to a couple 10-year vets in right guard Adam Timmerman and center Andy McCollum. Playing with experienced guys like them helped make Barron's transition to the league a smooth one.

Those two greatly help to support my theory.

Defensive Linemen:

Most Dangerous Spot: picks 1-8 (40% Bust Rate)

Defensive linemen are sometimes viewed as "safe picks," like when the Houston Texans took Mario Williams No. 1 overall in 2006 despite most—including myself—viewing Reggie Bush as a lock for the top spot.

However, not all defensive linemen picked that early turn out to be like Super Mario. The one super-bust in this spot was Johnathan Sullivan.

Sullivan was selected No. 6 overall by the New Orleans Saints in 2003, and was out of the league by 2006. After three unproductive years with the Saints, Sullivan was traded to the New England Patriots for Bethel Johnson following the 2005 season, and was then released by the Pats that October after seeing the field in zero games.

So if your team takes a defensive linemen early, be a little afraid. You could have landed the next Mario Williams, but you also could have landed the next Johnathan Sullivan.

Safest Spot: picks 9-16 (33% Bust Rate)

This section of the draft proved to be the most prosperous for defensive linemen, as of the 12 that were picked, only four turned into busts.

And the successes? Well, they're not just low-end starters. They're full of full-blown superstars. Just take a look for yourself:

Dwight Freeney - Picked No. 11 overall by the Indianapolis Colts in 2002, Freeney has been a mainstay on the defensive line since day one, as he recorded a mind-boggling 13.0 sacks as rookie, while setting an NFL rookie record with nine forced fumbles. Freeney led the league in sacks in 2004 with 16.0, and has recorded single-digit sacks in only two of his seven seasons.
Albert Haynesworth - I shouldn't even have to say anything about this one. Selected No. 15 overall by the Tennessee Titans in 2002, Haynesworth is a downright nasty player and the top defensive tackle in the game today. Haynesworth recently notched himself a seven-year, $100 million contract with the Washington Redskins, an unprecedented amount for a defensive linemen, let alone a defensive tackle. That probably made this next player, who may be the only defensive tackle better than Haynesworth, grin from ear to ear thinking about his next deal.
Kevin Williams - Picked No. 9 overall in the 2003 draft by the Minnesota Vikings, Kevin currently teams up with teammate Pat Williams to form the dreaded "Williams Wall" in Minnesota, anchoring what has been the top-ranked rush defense in the NFL the past three seasons.

If your team takes a defensive lineman during this chunk of the draft, set your drink down and jump for joy. Odds are, your team just landed one hell of a player.

Linebackers:

Most Dangerous Spot: picks 25-32 (50% Bust Rate)

Linebacker is another position usually not addressed in the first round. And while only one player picked between picks No. 25-32 busted, only two players were picked in that spot, giving it the highest bust percentage.

Robert Thomas was picked No. 31 overall in the 2002 draft by the St. Louis Rams. Thomas has always been injury-prone and has played in 16 games only twice in his career, with one being strictly on special teams with the Oakland Raiders in 2006.

Thomas sat on the bench that season behind the likes of Sam Williams, a starter who notched only 38 tackles over 12 games started. So clearly it was not just the injury issues holding Thomas back. There was also a severe lack of talent.

While there is a very small sample to examine here, it would appear that late-pick fliers on linebackers in round one is not necessarily a risk worth taking.

Safest Spot: picks 1-16 (0% Bust Rate)

Linebackers picked high in the draft generally seem to do pretty well for themselves, seeing as all nine who were picked between No. 1-16 over the five-year span which was considered for this article are all current starters for their respective teams, with four becoming Pro Bowlers.

The Highlights of this group include:

Terrell Suggs - Picked No. 10 overall by the Baltimore Ravens in 2003, Suggs has become a true stud as a rush linebacker in Baltimore's 3-4 scheme, garnering three Pro Bowl berths in his six seasons and receiving a six-year, $63 million extension this offseason.
DeMarcus Ware - Picked No. 11 overall in 2005, the NFL's sack leader in 2008 notched an unbelievable 20.0 sacks despite facing double-teams every week. Ware has turned into arguably the most dominant pass-rusher in the league, posting double-digit sacks in three of his four seasons and earning Pro Bowl selections in all but his rookie year.
Shawne Merriman - Before missing last season with an ACL injury, Merriman was the picture of pass-rushing perfection after being picked right after Ware in 2005, posting double-digit sacks all three of his years in the league and earning Pro Bowl berths each time.

That list does not even include Jonathan Vilma, one of the top inside linebackers in the game today. So if your favorite NFL team is looking for a linebacker, this is the area of the draft to do it.

Defensive Backs:

Most Dangerous Spot: picks 25-32 (56% Bust Rate)

Late-pick fliers are not the place to be looking for help in the defensive backfield.

Examples of these failed experiments include:

Mike Rumph - Rumph was picked No. 27 overall by the San Francisco 49ers in 2002, and retired after playing five injury-riddled seasons, during which he started 19 of a possible 80 games.
Sammy Davis - Picked No. 30 overall by the San Diego Chargers in 2003, Davis started as a rookie, but was benched after two seasons for his poor play. Davis was out of football last year and last played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2007.

Oddly enough, the league's current top corner was also picked in this spot (Nnamdi Asomugha, No. 31 overall, 2003), proving that there is an exception to every rule.

Safest Spot: picks 17-24 (0% Bust Rate)

Of the five defensive backs picked in this area between 2002 and 2006, all five are still current starters, the cream of the crop being none other than Ed Reed, picked No. 24 overall in 2002 by the Baltimore Ravens. Reed is the definition of a ball-hawk, and is without a doubt the top free safety playing the game today.

If your team is looking for defensive back help and has a pick in this range, be happy. Recent history suggests that they will come away with a good player.

That completes my analysis of NFL Draft Bustology 101. Keep in mind that this is just one theory that I decided to look into, and is in no way guaranteed.

I hope that you enjoyed reading my article, and that you can take away some knowledge and have a better understanding of what to expect from players drafted by your favorite team.

NBA Surprise Players: Top Underdogs For Each Team in 2009-10

Greg Haefner — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 01:45:03 -0400

With quite a few big names moving around the league this season, many fans have been a little too caught up in the hype to look at some of the less publicized names that could enjoy a breakout year in 2009-'10.

Players often experience unexpected success when their surroundings change, whether it be getting a new coach, moving to a new team, seeing a teammate move to a new team, or seeing new additions to their current team.

Last year I predicted the breakouts of players like Wilson Chandler and Jeff Green, so who are the under-the-radar players that could enjoy some unexpected success in the upcoming season? I'll take a look team-by-team and offer my opinion on which players for each squad have the best chance to surpass expectations out this year.

Let's get it started:

Atlanta Hawks: Solomon Jones, F/C

Zaza Pachulia is an unrestricted free agent this summer, and if he walks, Jones could be in line for a drastic increase in minutes as Al Horford's backup.

Last year, as Horford's backup, Pachulia enjoyed averages of 6.2 PPG and 5.7 RPG in 19.1 MPG, while also picking up 26 starts. And that was with Jones picking up 10.7 MPG. If Pachulia leaves it's not unrealistic to expect Jones to pick up somewhere around 22-23 MPG, which would give him a chance to pick up some solid stats.

He may not put up solid starter numbers, but he could prove to be a very nice backup behind Horford, which is more than people may be expecting from a fourth-year player with eight career starts.

Boston Celtics: Bill Walker, G/F

The Celtics haven't made a whole lot of moves this offseason and so most players are expected to have essentially the same roles as last season. One player who might see his role change, however, is second-year player Bill Walker.

Walker is in a unique situation because he is looking to man a position that has been in flux over the past few years; Paul Pierce's primary backup. Last year, the spot was manned by a combination of Brian Scalabrine and Tony Allen. Needless to say, an upgrade would be welcome. If Walker can step up his play enough this offseason and in Summer League to earn the role as Pierce's backup, he could see some respectable production.

Like Solomon Jones, he shouldn't be expected to put up solid starter numbers, but just putting up any numbers would be a huge improvement for Walker over his rookie season.

Charlotte Bobcats: D.J. Augustin, G

Last season, the Bobcats discovered that putting Raymond Felton and D.J. Augustin on the floor at the same time created a nice back court duo, giving them two legitimate scoring threats and ball handlers at the guard positions.

This season, Augustin's minutes should increase, and he may even push Raja Bell for the other starting guard spot in Charlotte. And if that happens, look for some nice numbers from the second-year pro.

In his 12 games as a starter last year, Augustin posted averages of 17.8 PPG, 5.6 APG and 1.1 SPG while shooting 46.7 percent from the field and an impressive 53.4% from beyond the arc. Especially if he earns a starting job this season, expect Augustin's numbers to resemble those in 2009-10.

Chicago Bulls: John Salmons, G/F

The Bulls have done a good job building their team and picking up solid talent over the past couple years, adding players like John Salmons, Derrick Rose and Brad Miller.

This year, Salmons could prove to be one of the most valuable pickups made at the trade deadline last season.

I say that because Salmons will more than likely be a starter, and will also likely be the No. 2 - if not No. 1 - scoring option for Chicago this season. Last season, Salmons started at small forward for the Bulls with Luol Deng sidelined. This year, with Ben Gordon hitting the free agent market, Chicago is losing its leading scorer at 20.7 PPG, and should be looking to Salmons to fill the void at shooting guard. Salmons was second on the team in scoring at 18.3 PPG last season. If Derrick Rose does not take over as the team's go-to scorer, Salmons will be able to pick up the slack.

Regardless of whether Salmons is the No. 1 or No. 2 scoring option, he is in line to see his PPG total pick up significantly, as he will be counted on more heavily to do what he does best for his team, which is score.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Delonte West, G

Delonte West was a key part of the Cavaliers success during the 2008-09 season, and that should continue heading into this upcoming year.

With the addition of Shaquille O'Neal, West will see much more open looks from the outside and should drastically improve his 39.9 percent shooting from beyond the arc. West may not see his scoring numbers increase dramatically, but having the big fella down low is certainly going to free him up for more open looks and his 11.7 PPG from last year could sneak up to somewhere around 13 or 14.

Dallas Mavericks: Ryan Hollins, C

Dallas continues to baffle me year after year by continuing to start Eric Dampier at the center spot. Last year the Mavericks acquired Ryan Hollins from the Bobcats, and started him for two games. In those two games, Hollins averaged 8.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG and 1.0 BPG.

With Dampier not getting any younger and Hollins being the only other center on the Mavericks roster, it only makes sense that Hollins should see an increase in playing time in 2009-10. If he does, then he should see some increased production. Not necessarily great production, but certainly better than his 2008-09 averages of 2.9 PPG and 2.3 RPG would suggest.

Of course, if Dallas signs free agent Rasheed Wallace, then this prediction goes down the drain.

Denver Nuggets: J.R. Smith, G/F

J.R. Smith had the best statistical season of his career last year. So, how could he surprise anyone this year? Well, allow me to explain.

Smith has always been a dangerous, yet somewhat of an erratic scorer, which has led to him staying on George Karl's bench for the vast majority of his time in Denver. However, in a June 16th interview with the Denver Post, Karl said that Smith would likely start in 2009-10, and also gave very high praises to Smith, saying "J.R., we know that we've got to put up with some of his craziness and wildness, but the more he becomes team-efficient, the better he'll become as an all-star type player."

No, that's not a typo. Karl referred to Smith as an All-Star type player. Smith is in line not only for a big boost in minutes, but a big boost in stats as well. He may not jump right into the All-Star mix next season, but he'll certainly be one of the league's more dangerous scoring threats, and add another dimension to Denver's already solid starting lineup.

Detroit Pistons: Kwame Brown, F/C

During the 2008-09 season, the Detroit Pistons had a very deep front court with the likes of Rasheed Wallace, Amir Johnson, Antonio McDyess, Kwame Brown and Jason Maxiell. However, now that the first three names on that list are no longer with the team, Detroit has a gaping hole at both power forward and center.

Assuming they pursue one free agent big man this summer, whichever of the two players listed above is able to keep a starting spot should earn a significant boost in production.

With Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur both "opting in" for the final year of their contracts, the free agent market for front court players is fairly thin, with Charlie Villanueva and Zaza Pachulia headlining. The Detroit News has reported that the team is expected to pursue Villanueva, which means that he will likely be their new starting power forward, since the Pistons are one of few teams this offseason that have a great deal of cap room.

If this happens, then Kwame Brown will more than likely start next to Villanueva and - while I hate to call the biggest bust in draft history a potential breakout candidate - Brown looks to be in line to put up some pretty good numbers. Even in 30 games as a starter last season Brown had to share time in a crowded front court, but when given extensive action (27+ minutes), he produced solid averages of 10.0 PPG and 8.4 RPG. With a very thin front court this year, Brown will be asked to play big minutes and should put up some similar numbers consistently all year long.

Golden State Warriors: Anthony Randolph, F

This was a very tough call, since trying to predict what Don Nelson would do is completely impossible. However, Randolph's late-season success last year and thin competition at power forward made him my choice.

In the month of April, Randolph posted averages of 15.1 PPG, 10.6 RPG and 1.5 SPG in 32.3 MPG, including an April 1st game in which he posted 17 points and 10 rebounds in only 19 minutes of action.

Randolph has reportedly grown an inch since last year and added 20 pounds to his frame this offseason and looks more ready to take the pounding an NBA power forward encounters entering his second season. All signs point to a breakout year from Randolph, but given who his head coach is, I wouldn't count on too much.

Houston Rockets: Carl Landry, F

With Yao Ming's 2009-10 season and possibly career in jeopardy, it is looking more and more like Carl Landry will play a big role in the Rockets plans this season.

With Ron Artest in position to get big money from someone other than Houston, the power forward spot for the rockets will be up for grabs by the likes of Chuck Hayes and Landry, with Luis Scola manning the center position.

In the nine games where Landry logged 28+ minutes, he averaged 14.0 PPG and 7.1 RPG. Landry also scored 20, 21 and 22 points in the three games where he played 30+ minutes. If Landry locks down a starting spot this year, he should post some very nice stats.

Indiana Pacers: Brandon Rush, G/F

The decision of Pacers GM Larry Bird to decline the option to keep Marquis Daniels over the upcoming season can be viewed as a vote of confidence of sorts for Brandon Rush. With Daniels gone, Rush becomes the Pacers primary backup wing player behind Mike Dunleavy and Danny Granger. And with Dunleavy playing only 18 games last season, Rush may see plenty of time as a starter this year. There is also a possibility that Rush moves into the starting lineup anyway with Dunleavy coming off the bench.

In his 19 games as a starter last season, Rush put up some very respectable averages of 15.9 PPG and 5.4 RPG in 36.3 MPG while shooting 41.1 percent from behind the arc. That was as a rookie. With the same minutes and another year of experience under his belt, there should be nothing in the way of Rush and a breakout season for the Pacers.

Los Angeles Clippers: Eric Gordon, G

Eric Gordon performed very well as a rookie last season with averages of 16.1 PPG, 2.8 APG and 2.6 RPG. So how could he possibly surprise people this year? Two words: Blake Griffin.

With the addition of Griffin, Gordon has yet another post presense to draw double teams down low and free up the sharpshooter from outside, a dangerous thought. With more looks and another year of maturity, there is no reason to not expect Gordon to top the 20 PPG mark in the 2009-10 season.

Los Angeles Lakers: Josh Powell, F

Josh Powell stands to be the man with the most to gain from the potential departure of Lamar Odom. If Odom walks, then Powell becomes the primary backup big for the NBA champs.

Powell would backup both Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, with one of those two manning the center spot when the other goes out, leaving Powell to play power forward in both scenarios.

Last season as a backup Lamar Odom averaged 29.7 MPG. Josh Powell only saw 25+ minutes of court action twice last year, but in those games he posted averages of 16.5 PPG and 8.0 RPG, and there is no telling what he could do with extended minutes in 2009-10. Good things look to be on his horizon if Odom leaves.

Memphis Grizzlies: Mike Conley, G

Mike Conley is the player who benefited most from the coaching change in Memphis last year. Over the final two months of the season (not counting the March 2nd game where he played two minutes before getting injured), Conley averaged 16.2 PPG, 5.6 APG, 3.7 RPG and 1.7 SPG in 38.0 MPG.

Memphis gave Conley a huge vote of confidence on June 25th, passing on Spanish phenom Ricky Rubio and hometown hero Tyreke Evans, solidifying Conley as their point guard of the future. There is no reason to believe Conley will do anything but continue to progress this year under Hollins.

Miami Heat: Michael Beasley, F

This was probably the easiest pick to make. With Shawn Marion being dealt last year, the door has opened for Michael Beasley to secure a starting job with the Heat this season, be it at small forward or power forward.

In his 19 games as a starter last season, Beasley put up 16.7 PPG and 6.7 RPG while shooting 37.9 percent from beyond the arc. He has the versatility to play either forward spot, and that versatility should earn him a good deal of playing time and a significant boost in production.

Milwaukee Bucks: Amir Johnson, F

With the imminent departure of Charlie Villanueva, the Bucks have a hole to fill at power forward. Enter newly acquired Amir Johnson. Johnson fell into the doghouse with Detroit after his inconsistent play and foul-prone style last season, however, he should find a niche in Milwaukee.

Johnson will likely be the front-runner to start at power forward with Luc Richard Mbah a Moute manning the small forward spot vacated by Richard Jefferson's departure, while Joe Alexander backs up both positions.

If Johnson can land a starting spot and keep his fouling in line, he should be in prime position to be a good player on a solid young team in Milwaukee. Johnson has a very raw offensive game, but is an explosive shot blocker (he averaged 1.6 BPG when he played 20+ minutes last season) and will bring a good defensive presence to the team.

Minnesota Timberwolves: Ryan Gomes, F

Ryan Gomes started 76 games last year and averaged 13.3 PPG and 4.8 RPG, which are very respectable numbers. However, I expect him to increase those numbers significantly this season.

When Al Jefferson went down last season, Gomes became the team's third scoring option behind Randy Foye and Mike Miller. With both players now in Washington, Gomes looks to be in position to become the Timberwolves' secondary scorer this season.

In the 32 games after Jefferson went down with his injury last year, Gomes averaged 16.2 PPG and 5.4 RPG while playing 32.7 MPG. With Foye and Miller gone, Gomes should see those numbers jump in 2009-10.

New Jersey Nets: Courtney Lee, G

Courtney Lee had a nice rookie year with the Magic, but those numbers should pale in comparison to what he will put up in New Jersey, where Lee will be counted on as the team's third scoring option behind Devin Harris and Brook Lopez.

Last year in Orlando, Lee averaged 10.1 PPG and shot 39.9 percent from beyond the arc in 42 games as a starter while being stuck behind Hedo Turkoglu, Rashard Lewis, Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson in the struggle for shots, and should see a significant boost in scoring in New Jersey. Lee is primed to have a very big sophomore year for the Nets.

New Orleans Hornets: Hilton Armstrong, C

With Tyson Chandler missing 37 games last year and almost getting traded to the Cavs this offseason, Hilton Armstrong is in position to get a boost in playing time in New Orleans this season. Even when Chandler played last year, he posted poor numbers and his play did not meet expectations. His explosiveness was noticeably missing as a result of his injury and it hurt his play.

So, what does all that mean for Armstrong? Likely an expanded role in 2009-10, regardless of whether Chandler plays or not. Armstrong still has a lot of work to do on his offensive game, but the fact that New Orleans was willing to trade Chandler this offseason shows that they plan to play Armstrong a lot this season, and there is no reason to think he can't improve on his numbers as he matures.

New York Knicks: Larry Hughes, G/F

With Quentin Richardson being traded to Memphis on draft day, Larry Hughes looks to be the Knicks starter at shooting guard this season. He will be playing in Mike D'Antoni's system. Do I even need to say anything else?

All anyone needs to do is look at what D'Antoni did with Joe Johnson in Phoenix to get excited about the possibilities of Hughes in New York this season. That's not to say that Hughes will put up All-Star numbers like Johnson currently does, but he could see some really nice scoring numbers in New York's fast-paced offense.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Shaun Livingston, G

Oklahoma City did something last season that no other team in the league was willing to do: they gave Shaun Livingston a chance. The Thunder played Livingston 23.8 MPG in eight games with the club last year, and Livingston posted averages of 7.8 PPG, 2.0 APG and 3.3 RPG. If Livingston can beat out Earl Watson to be Russell Westbrook's primary backup this season, he could post some respectable numbers all season long.

Don't expect an All-Star season from Livingston in 2009-10, but expect him to be a reliable backup in Oklahoma City and, if Westbrook goes down, expect him to be a solid stopgap.

Orlando Magic: Mickael Pietrus, G/F

There have been rumors flying around that the Orlando Magic will try to sign Rasheed Wallace to play power forward for them, allowing Rashard Lewis to slide back to his natural small forward position with Vince Carter playing the shooting guard spot.

I don't think it'll happen. If Sheed goes to another team like Boston or San Antonio, then I think Lewis stays at the power forward spot with Carter and Pietrus interchangeable at shooting guard and small forward. If that happens, look for Pietrus to break out in 2009-10.

In 25 games as a starter last year, Pietrus averaged 11.7 PPG and 4.0 RPG while still losing minutes to rookie Courtney Lee. With Lee now in New Jersey, Pietrus will not have to share his minutes nearly as much, and it is not inconceivable for him to average somewhere around 15-17 PPG this year.

Philadelphia 76ers: Lou Williams, G

Last season, Lou Williams played admirably for the 76ers, averaging 12.8 PPG in 23.7 MPG while appearing in 81 contests.

While Williams didn't start a single game for Philadelphia, in the 22 games where Williams was on the floor for 28+ minutes, he averaged 17.7 PPG, 3.5 APG, 2.5 RPG and 1.2 SPG. And in the nine games where he played 30+ minutes? 19.7 PPG, 3.4 APG, 3.0 RPG and 1.8 SPG.

With Andre Miller appearing to be on the way out and a very raw rookie in Jrue Holiday joining the team, new 76ers coach Eddie Jordan will likely look to Williams to handle the bulk of the minutes at point guard, which means he should average somewhere between 28-30 minutes per contest, and likely will be able to sustain averages close to the ones listed all year.

Phoenix Suns: Robin Lopez, C

This one was pretty obvious. With Shaq leaving Phoenix, Robin Lopez is in line to become a starter in his second season, and should post good numbers in Phoenix's up-tempo style.

In the 11 of games last year where Lopez saw 20+ minutes of floor time, he averaged 6.6 PPG, 3.6 RPG and 1.8 BPG. When he played 25+ minutes? 9.7 PPG, 6.5 RPG and 1.8 BPG. He should post higher numbers than those if he locks down a starting job this summer, which he most likely will.

Portland Trailblazers: Jerryd Bayless, G

Jerryd Bayless is in an interesting position. The Trailblazers have been rumored to be interested in Andre Miller, possibly in a sign-and-trade deal involving Steve Blake. If this happened, Bayless would still be my surprise player.

Why? Simple. He compliments the style of both Blake and Miller perfectly.

Miller and Blake are both true point guards who look to set up teammates before scoring themselves. Bayless is the opposite, a scoring point guard who will look to fill it up and get his own looks before sharing the rock. Last season Bayless had some trouble as a rookie after playing just one year of college ball at Arizona, averaging a disappointing 4.3 PPG. But with Sergio Rodriguez gone, Bayless becomes the primary backup to whoever starts at point for the Blazers in 2009-10, and should see a nice pickup in his PPG category, and it is possible he cracks double-digit PPG as a sophomore.

Sacramento Kings: Jason Thompson, F

The Kings not landing the top pick in the draft was a blessing in disguise for Jason Thompson. With Blake Griffin not landing in Sacramento, the path has cleared for Thompson to become a full-time starter in his second season.

In the 56 games he started last season, the rookie showed a great deal of promise by posting averages of 12.3 PPG and 7.8 RPG. With a year of experience under his belt to make him better and a rookie point guard relying on him to be a scoring threat, Thompson should step up this year and see his averages increase on a young and promising Sacramento team.

San Antonio Spurs: Drew Gooden, F/C

Assuming Rasheed Wallace doesn't sign with the Spurs, Drew Gooden looks to be in line for a solid increase in minutes in 2009-10. Last year Fabricio Oberto and Kurt Thomas averaged 12.5 and 17.8 MPG, respectively. With both of those players gone, Gooden will be picking up the slack down low.

After playing for three teams last season (Chicago, Sacramento, San Antonio), Gooden was obviously not able to establish great chemistry with any one team. With a full offseason to establish chemistry in San Antonio, Gooden may even be able to push Matt Bonner for the Spurs' fifth starting spot. If he does, look for some solid production. In his last full season as a starter (2006-07), Gooden averaged 11.1 PPG and 8.5 RPG. It would make sense to expect similar numbers if Gooden starts for the Spurs this year.

Of course this is all contingent on Gooden staying in San Antonio, which most likely depends on the Rasheed Wallace situation.

Toronto Raptors: Joey Graham, G/F

Joey Graham is in a great position this upcoming year. The drafting of DeMar DeRozan likely means that Anthony Parker will walk, and with Shawn Marion also departing in free agency, Graham looks like he will take over a starting spot this season.

With DeRozan being far from a finished product, Raptors coach Jay Triano will likely look to start a veteran at the shooting guard position. This means that even if Toronto makes a move for Hedo Turkoglu, Graham is in position to start.

In 10 games as a starter last season, Graham averaged 11.1 PPG and 4.0 RPG. This season he could post even better numbers as he develops chemistry with the other Raptors starters.

Utah Jazz: Kosta Koufos, C

Even with Mehmet Okur and Carlos Boozer staying, Kosta Koufos looks like he could surprise in Utah next season. This is because with Boozer and Okur "opting in" for the 2009-10 season, matching any offer made to restricted free agent Paul Millsap will be easier said than done. If Millsap walks, then Koufos is in line to be the primary backup big for the Jazz.

Millsap averaged 13.5 PPG and 8.6 RPG in 30.1 MPG last season. When Koufos was on the floor for 25+ minutes, he averaged 10.6 PPG and 6.8 RPG. If Koufos is given playing time in 2009-10 that is even remotely similar to the time given to Millsap in 2008-09, the results could be very good for both him and the Jazz.

Washington Wizards: Randy Foye, G

Last year Randy Foye was relied on as the secondary scoring option for a dreadful Timberwolves team prior to Al Jefferson's injury, and the primary scoring option after it. He responded by averaging 16.3 PPG despite receiving very few open looks.

In Washington, open looks will be bountiful for Foye, as he will be playing with the likes of Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler. So what does that mean for Foye? Likely a slight increase in scoring, three-point percentage and field goal percentage. Last year he shot 40.7 percent from the field and 36.0 percent from beyond the arc. This year, it wouldn't be surprising at all to see his three-point percentage top 40 percent.

He may not have a dramatic increase in his scoring output, but he will settle nicely into a role that allows him to get open looks and not be relied on to carry a team. Washington fans are goin to love Foye as a sidekick to Arenas, Butler and Jamison.

Well, that's my prediction for who to watch out for on each team in the NBA this season. Please keep in mind that I do not know for sure what will happen in free agency or trades, and cannot see into the future. These are simply my predictions based on previous stats combined with my opinion.

Hope you enjoyed reading this, and I hope you enjoy the 2009-10 NBA season.

2009 NFL Mock Draft: The First Round in Pictures

Greg Haefner — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 16:23:37 -0400

With some big signings and trades having taken place this offseason, it is time to start looking ahead to the NFL Draft in April. Team needs have changed, and some prospects have seen their stock rise, while some have seen their stock fall. Here’s a complete first round with analysis of every pick.

Begin Slideshow

2009 Fantasy Football Preview: Top Players To Avoid

Greg Haefner — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 22:28:46 -0500

Everyone has been burned by an early pick at some point in their fantasy careers.

Maybe you’re a person who spent a high pick on Chad Johnson only to see him record his first sub-1,000 yard season since his first year in the league, or maybe you picked Willis McGahee in the top two rounds because his 1,200-yard fluke in 2007 suckered you into it.

So what potential early-rounders should you avoid in 2009 to prevent banging your head against a wall mid-season? Here’s a look at my top fantasy headaches at each position to avoid in the coming year.

Quarterback: Matt Cassel*, Kurt Warner*

I’ve got two players prepared for this spot, because both are in unique situations that, depending on which direction they turn, could impact their fantasy values greatly.

Kurt Warner is a free agent this offseason, and if Arizona chooses to let him walk for whatever reason, his potential for next season takes a huge shot. His monster numbers from this season could lure his 2008 owners into drafting him high in 2009, but they would be ill-advised to do so.

Warner thrives on great protection and a pass-happy attack with the Cardinals, and any other system would only hurt his production.

Matt Cassel is set to hit the market this off-season as well, but the Patriots have stated that they intend to franchise him. However, assuming Tom Brady’s knee is on track to heal before the season starts, it’s very likely Cassel will be traded.

If he is, fantasy owners beware: Cassel is nothing more than a system product. If he had not had Randy Moss and Wes Welker to work with this season, his numbers would be nothing more than mediocre. If and when he is traded, his numbers will be reduced to mediocre in 2009.

Running Back: Clinton Portis

This pick will undoubtedly shock some readers, and that is to be expected. But Clinton Portis is going to be a very high-risk pick next year.

So, how could the NFL’s fourth leading rusher be a risky pick? Well, taking a look at Portis’ stats, the second half of his season was very disheartening.

In his last eight games, Portis totaled just 543 yards rushing, topping the century mark in only one contest. He also notched just two touchdowns over those games.

This was Portis’ second straight season with at least 300 carries, his fourth in the last five seasons, and the wear and tear is starting to show. Look for Washington to use Ladell Betts more in 2009 and possibly bring another running back into the fold via the late rounds of the draft.

Wide Receiver: Antonio Bryant

Be very wary of Antonio Bryant. Sure, he played well in his contract year. A lot of players do. But what evidence has he given that he’ll keep that kind of production up once he gets a new deal?

Bryant has two 1,000-yard seasons in his career, both in contract years (Browns 2005, Bucs 2008). If he does in fact find himself a good deal this offseason, beware. There’s a good chance that once he gets his money, he’ll go right back to the inconsistent, effort-lacking receiver he is so well known for being.

Tight End: Owen Daniels*

There’s an asterisk here because Daniels should only be avoided if he heads to a new team.

Daniels is a free agent this offseason, and if he lands with a new team, he should be avoided. Tight ends that went to new teams this past off-season showed that they were slow to pick up their new offenses:

Alge Crumpler (Falcons to Titans):

2007 (Falcons) – 42 catches, 444 yards, 5 TDs

2008 (Titans) – 24 catches, 257 yards, 1 TD

Ben Utecht (Colts to Bengals):

2007 (Colts) – 31 catches, 364 yards, 1 TD

2008 (Bengals) – 16 catches, 123 yards, 0 TD

Jeremy Shockey (Giants to Saints):

2007 (Giants) – 57 catches, 619 yards, 3 TDs

2008 (Saints) – 50 catches, 483 yards, 0 TD

Anthony Fasano was the exception that proved the rule, but I wouldn’t count on Daniels pulling a Fasano next season if he goes to a new team. If he stays in Houston, however, don’t hesitate to make him your top TE.

Kickers: Don’t draft one, period.

A kicker won’t make or break your team if you have good enough players at the positions that matter. Trust me.

Defense: Baltimore

Oh god, he’s gone crazy. How could I possibly put the ever-amazing Ravens defense on this list?

Look, I’m not saying they’ll be bad, just that they won’t be as good as everyone expects them to be.

With their top sack artist (Terrell Suggs) and their two top tacklers (Ray Lewis, Bart Scott) all set to become unrestricted free agents, the odds that all three stay with the Ravens are very slim.

Replacing players of their caliber will be no easy task, seeing as Lewis and Suggs were both Pro Bowlers this year, and Suggs especially will demand a monster contract.

Don’t worry about having them as your defense, but don’t be “that guy” who takes a defense in the fourth round. And if for some unholy reason you are, don’t take the Ravens.

So there are my players to avoid. Draft day for 2009 is still a LONG ways away, but keep this article in mind when it does roll around.

College Football to NFL: The Real "Position Universities"

Greg Haefner — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 17:39:59 -0500

Penn State has been dubbed “Linebacker-U”, but is that really deserved? Are defensive backs from Miami really as prominent as people say? Are the much-heralded reliable BC offensive lineman really few and far between? Today it’s time to crack the case of the real “Position-U’s” by taking a look at which school has produced the most current NFL starters* at each position (yes, even kickers and punters). The results might be a bit surprising to some. So, without further adieu, here we go: *Injured or replaced starters will not be counted (i.e. Tom Brady, Plaxico Burress, Aaron Schobel)

Begin Slideshow

Rookie-Sophomore Game: NFL Should Follow NBA's Example

Greg Haefner — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 13:48:11 -0500

The NBA All-Star Game has expanded over many years from a single game into multiple events, making it more interesting for players—mainly because it's easier to be involved, and more fun for fans.

The NFL Pro Bowl, on the other hand, is the exact opposite.

The Pro Bowl has become an event that no one bothers to watch because a lot of players won't even bother to show up to it. Being invited to the event is now like being invited to that birthday party for a co-worker you don't really like.

So, how can the NFL draw more players and fans alike to its Pro Bowl game?

Simple: turn it into a Pro Bowl weekend.

Now, this is not to say that the NFL should add a skills challenge, celebrity All-Star game, and everything the NBA has in one year. But adding some of those events one at a time couldn't hurt.

I say start with the easiest one: the Rookie Challenge (aka the Rookie-Sophomore Game).

It makes perfect sense. Rookies and sophomores are still eager to play as much as possible and would be chomping at the bit to even be included in the Pro Bowl activities, unlike some veterans who have started to sour at the idea.

NFL fans would also love this, because it would give us a game where we could watch players who still have a terrific passion playing their hearts out in Honolulu, instead of watching the typical lackadaisical performance usually put on by the NFL's best players.

Honestly, who wouldn't like to see rookie phenoms like Matt Forte and Chris Johnson go up against stud sophomores like Patrick Willis and Jon Beason?

More teams would be involved, more players would be involved, and, most importantly, more fans would tune in.

So, with that idea in mind, I couldn't help but make up my rosters for the hypothetical 2009 NFL Rookie-Sophomore Game.

I'll use the same number of players for each position that the Pro Bowl uses for each conference team, unless a position does not have enough active players to put on the team (I'll put an asterisk by any position which qualifies).

Enjoy!

Rookies

QBs*—Matt Ryan/Falcons, Joe Flacco/Ravens

RBs—Chris Johnson/Titans, Matt Forte/Bears, Steve Slaton/Texans

FB—Peyton Hillis/Broncos

WRs—Eddie Royal/Broncos, DeSean Jackson/ Eagles, Donnie Avery/Rams, Davone Bess/Dolphins

TEs—Dustin Keller/Jets, John Carlson/Seahawks

C*—Jamey Richard/Colts

Gs—Chilo Rachal/49ers, Mike Pollak/Colts, Jeremy Zuttah/Bucs

Ts—Jake Long/Dolphins, Ryan Clady/Broncos, Branden Albert/Chiefs

DEs—Chris Long/Rams, Lawrence Jackson/Seahawks, Kendall Langford/Dolphins

DTs—Eric Foster/Colts, Glenn Dorsey/Chiefs, Pat Sims/Bengals

OLBs—Wesley Woodyard/Broncos, Xavier Adibi/Texans, Gary Guyton/Patriots

ILBs—Jerod Mayo/Patriots, Curtis Lofton/Falcons

CBs—Aqib Talib/Bucs, Brandon Flowers/Chiefs, Brandon Carr/Chiefs

SS—Chris Horton/Redskins

FS—Charles Godfrey/Panthers

K—Garrett Hartley/Saints

P—Brett Kern/Broncos

KR—Leodis McKelvin/Bills

Sophomores:

QBs—Trent Edwards/Bills, Tyler Thigpen/Chiefs, JaMarcus Russell/Raiders

RBs—Adrian Peterson/Vikings, Marshawn Lynch/Bills, Pierre Thomas/Saints

FB—Le'Ron McClain/Ravens

WRs—Calvin Johnson/Lions, Steve Breaston/Cardinals, Dwayne Bowe/Chiefs, Ted Ginn/Dolphins

TEs—Zach Miller/Raiders, Kevin Boss/Giants

Cs—Samson Satele/Dolphins, Ryan Kalil/Panthers

Gs—Justin Blalock/Falcons, Ben Grubbs/Ravens, Arron Sears/Bucs

Ts—Joe Thomas/Browns, Tony Ugoh/Colts, Levi Brown/Cardinals

DEs—Gaines Adams/Bucs, Greg White/Bucs, Jay Richardson/Raiders

DTs—Keyunta Dawson/Colts, Brandon Mebane/Seahawks, Tank Tyler/Chiefs

OLBs—Clint Session/Colts, LaMarr Woodley/Steelers, Justin Durant/Jaguars

ILBs—Patrick Willis/49ers, Jon Beason/Panthers

CBs—Tramon Williams/Packers, Darrelle Revis/Jets, Corey Graham/Bears

SS—Kevin Payne/Bears

FS—Michael Griffin/Titans

K—Nick Folk/Cowboys

P—Brandon Fields/Dolphins

KR—Josh Wilson/Seahawks

Now come on, wouldn't it be fun to watch those two teams go at it?

The NFL should follow the example the NBA set and add some events to its Pro Bowl weekend, starting with the Rookie-Sophomore game.

NBA All-Decade Teams Part Six: The 2000s

Greg Haefner — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:33:46 -0500

Well, we’ve covered most of the history. The '50s, '60s, '70s, '80s and '90s are all in the rear-view mirror, and now it’s time to focus on the most recent—and still in progress—decade.

It’s time to wrap up my six-part series with my final installment: the All-2000s team.

These are the years that everyone remembers clearly because most of these players played, quite literally, yesterday.

So, who have made their mark as the top players of the new millennium?

My final starting five:

Point Guard: Steve Nash, Dallas Mavericks/Phoenix Suns

Stats (2000-08): 17.0 PPG, 9.5 APG, 3.3 RPG, six-time NBA All-Star, two-time NBA MVP

Stats (2008): 15.1 PPG, 8.1 APG, 2.9 RPG

Steve Nash is truly a perfect fit for this decade. The first year he averaged double digits in PPG was the 2000-01 season with the Mavericks.

Over the coming years, Nash would establish himself as the top floor general in the game.

In 2004-05 (the year after Dallas let him walk), Nash showed the Mavericks just how poor of a choice they made, with his first career double-double average for a season (15.5 PPG, 11.5 APG), on his way to winning the first of his back-to-back MVP awards.

Nash still has no championship ring to sport, but a wiley vet like him will find a way to get one, much like Gary Payton did.

Shooting Guard: Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers

Stats (2000-08): 29.0 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 5.3 APG, eight-time NBA All-Star, 2007-08 NBA MVP, two-time NBA Champion

Stats (2008): 25.1 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.1 APG

Kobe Bryant was involved in one of the most lopsided trades in NBA history before his pro career even began.

On the day of the 1996 NBA draft, the Charlotte Hornets took Bryant, and traded his rights to the L.A. Lakers for center Vlade Divac. The rest is history.

Of course, people argue that the Hornets had no choice, since Bryant’s agent, Arn Tellem, had said prior to the draft that Kobe playing for Charlotte was “an impossibility.”

But they did have other choices, and their names were Peja Stojakovic, Steve Nash, Jermaine O’Neal, and Zydrunas Ilgauskas.

Well, regardless of your opinion of the Hornets and their blunders, Kobe turned out to be not only one of the best players in the NBA today, but of all time.

Last season, Bryant finally won his long-deserved MVP award. With teammates like Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum at his side, he looks poised to pick up at least one more ring before all is said and done.

Small Forward: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

Stats (2000-08): 27.3 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 6.6 APG, four-time NBA All-Star

Stats (2008): 27.4 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 6.3 APG

Okay, so LeBron James is only in his sixth season, but he is far too talented to be left off this list.

Over the past couple seasons, LeBron has silenced haters who called him a one-trick pony, shooting upwards of 31.5 percent from three-point range and 47.2 percent from the field in each of the past four seasons.

Of course, this year, he is only shooting 27.1 percent from beyond the arc, but he is also shooting a career-high 49.1 percent from the field.

Bottom line, if I were starting a franchise, there is no one I would rather have then LeBron James to build around.

Power Forward: Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs

Stats (2000-‘08): 21.5 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 3.2 APG, 2.4 BPG, eight-time NBA All-Star, two-time NBA MVP, three-time NBA Champion

Stats (2008): 20.9 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.6 BPG

“Mr. Fundamental” has been a dominant force ever since he burst onto the scene in 1997.

He has been an All-Star every season except 1998-99, where he was somehow left out of the All-Star game despite being named to the All-NBA First Team at season’s end.

His lowest career PPG average is 18.6, and his lowest RPG average is 10.6.

He’s averaged a double-double every single season, and is in the debate for the best power forward of all time.

In my opinion? There’s no contest. No one has ever manned the four-spot better than Tim Duncan.

Center: Shaquille O’Neal, L.A. Lakers/Miami Heat/Phoenix Suns

Stats (2000-‘08): 22.8 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 2.1 BPG, six-time NBA All-Star, three-time NBA Champion

Stats (2008): 14.9 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1.4 BPG

He wasn’t on my '90s team, so you know he had to be on my 2000s team.

Over the course of his career, Shaq has been one of the most fun players to watch both on and off the court. With his dominating post play and his hilarious word play, he has been, well, Shaqtastic.

He teamed with Kobe to form one of the best inside-outside duos of all time in L.A., and he brought Miami its first championship in franchise history.

Though his best days are far behind him, Shaq will always be remembered as one of, if not the greatest center to ever play the game.

Well, this is the end. It’s been a fun ride, but six parts later, my series is finally over.

I hope everyone enjoyed reading these.

Next time, I’ll probably keep my story a little shorter; maybe spread it out over one day, instead of six.

*Note: All stats provided in this series have been courtesy of www.basketballreference.com

NBA All-Decade Teams Part Five: The 90's

Greg Haefner — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 08:32:40 -0500

So, we’ve made it through the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s decades, and now it’s time for the fifth installment of my NBA All-Decade Teams.

This is a decade that I think will be enjoyed the most by readers, since it is the first decade I’ve written about that most people were actually there for.

So, from the 90’s, a decade full of undeniable stars, who locked up my five starting spots?

Point Guard: John Stockton, Utah Jazz

Stats (90’s only): 14.4 PPG, 11.3 APG, 2.2 SPG, 8x NBA All-Star

John Stockton was the face of the Utah Jazz during his 19-year career. He still holds the NBA record assists with 15,806.

Stockton was without question one of the best players to never win a ring.

During his career with the Jazz, he and teammate Karl Malone would perennially put on a clinic for how to perform the perfect pick-and-roll.

Stockton was also one of the most loyal team players in the game’s history, often taking a considerably smaller salary to play for the Jazz despite being offered much more by other teams.

Don’t believe me? In 1996, Stockton agreed to a deal that would pay him less in order to create more cap space, on the condition that the Delta Center guaranteed ice time for his son’s hockey team.

How can you not love this guy?

Shooting Guard: Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls

Stats (90’s only): 30.3 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 4.9 APG, 2.2 SPG, 6x NBA All-Star. 4x NBA MVP, 6x NBA Champion

Do I even need to touch this one?

The best of all time amassed as many championship rings as he did All-Star games during the ‘90s to go along with four MVP awards, despite only playing only seven seasons during the decade.

If anyone wants to nit-pick and find some sort of flaw in Jordan, I will give you this: Kwame Brown.

That’s it. I can’t even begin to go into depth about Jordan’s career. He’s too good.

Small Forward: Scottie Pippen, Chicago Bulls/Houston Rockets/Portland Trail Blazers

Stats (90’s only): 18.8 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 5.8 APG, 2.1 SPG, 6x NBA All-Star, 6x NBA Champion

Scottie Pippen was most known as Jordan’s running mate through most of his career, but that does not do him justice.

Pippen was a terrific player in his own right. What did he do during the 1993-’94 season, right after Jordan retired? Had the best statistical year of his career, averaging career-highs in PPG (22.0) and RPG (8.7).

Pippen was responsible for making the “point-forward” position relevant again, with his outstanding court vision and dazzling ball-handling skills.

Of course, his attempted comeback in 2007 failed when no team offered him a contract after his 'tryout' as Ben Gordon’s shooting mate in the All-Star game’s Haier Shooting Stars competition, but during his Chicago years, Pippen was one of the best players in the league, period.

Power Forward: Karl Malone, Utah Jazz

Stats (90’s only): 26.7 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 3.8 APG, 9x NBA All-Star, 2x NBA MVP

Karl “The Mailman” Malone was someone who almost did not make my list. How is this possible? Well, I had to decide between Malone and sliding David Robinson to power forward to fit him in. In the end, I think I made the right choice.

Malone was always considered a very physical and borderline dirty player during his career. His flying elbows often wreaked havoc on the court, as is evidenced by three specific incidents:

1. Pistons 1991: While going up for a rebound, Malone hit Isiah Thomas in the face with his elbow, causing Thomas to require 40 stitches above his left eye.

2. Spurs 1998: One of Malone’s loose elbows landed right on David Robinson’s head, sending him straight to the ground. Robinson was unconscious for two minutes.

3. Suns 2003: Attempting to prevent a steal, Malone whacked Steve Nash in the face with his elbow, causing massive bleeding.

Regardless of what you think of his style, no one can deny just how good Malone was. That’s why he was given his nickname, because 'the mailman always delivers.'

Center: Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston Rockets

Stats (90’s only): 23.0 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 3.2 BPG, 6x NBA All-Star, 1993-’94 NBA MVP, 2x NBA Champion

Hakeem “the Dream” Olajuwon burst onto the scene in 1984, but really made his mark in the ‘90s.

During the decade, he won an MVP award, and led his Houston Rockets to back-to-back championship titles in 1993-‘94 and 1994-’95.

In that 1993-’94 season, Olajuwon also became the only NBA player ever to win MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP in the same season.

He was also a precedent-setter for foreign players that year, as he became the first foreign-born player to ever receive the NBA’s MVP award.

Wow, that’s a good team. When you can’t make room for Clyde Drexler, David Robinson, Patrick Ewing, Charles Barkley, or Joe Dumars… there must have been some remarkable players.

Tomorrow, we go to the current era. I’ll round out my series with the All-2000’s team.

NBA All-Decade Teams Part Four: The 80's

Greg Haefner — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 13:45:10 -0500

With the '50s, '60s, and '70s teams all accounted for, we move on to a decade that could be considered the best in NBA history.

Rivaling the 1960s decade, the '80s were full of immensely-talented players who dominated the hardwood.

So, who gets the nod to be my starting five from such a great era? Let’s take a look:

*Note: Julius Erving will be moved to shooting guard to make room for both he and Larry Bird to be in the starting five*

Point Guard: Magic Johnson, L.A. Lakers

Stats (80’s only): 19.9 PPG, 11.7 APG, 7.3 RPG, 2.0 SPG, 8x NBA All-Star, 3x NBA MVP, 4x NBA Champion*

Earvin Johnson, Jr. first earned the nickname “Magic” when he was playing ball at Everett High School as a 15-year-old sophomore. Johnson was given the nickname after he recorded a triple-double of 36 points, 18 rebounds, and 16 assists.

Teamed with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic won five titles and led the Lakers back to prominence in the Western Conference.

During his career, Johnson had many battles against the Boston Celtics in the finals, led by Larry Bird (whose name you might just hear coming up…).

*Johnson’s championship from the 1979-80 season is not counted in the stats because the season started in the '70s, and is not considered part of this decade.

Shooting Guard: Julius Erving, Philadelphia 76ers

Stats ('80s only): 21.3 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.7 SPG, 1.6 BPG, 7x NBA All-Star, 1980-81 NBA MVP, 1982-83 NBA Champion

This was far and away the toughest decision I had to make. It was between Julius Erving and Isiah Thomas for this spot, and when you have to leave one of them off the list, you know you have a good team.

When it came down to it, Erving got the nod because of three letters: MVP.

“Dr. J” ended up becoming a Philadelphia 76er in a very odd way:

Once they moved from the ABA to the NBA, the New York Nets got blindsided by a $4.8 million fee from the Knicks for “invading” their territory, this only shortly after the Nets had to pay $3 million to join the NBA. This left them short on cash, and unable to follow through on the pay raise they promised to their star player, Julius Erving.

Erving refused to play for them under those conditions, and his contract was sold to the 76ers.

After the 1981-’82 NBA Finals left a bitter taste in Erving’s mouth when his 76ers lost to the L.A. Lakers, he was able to follow right up with a championship the very next year, blanking that same Laker team, four games to none.

Small Forward: Larry Bird, Boston Celtics

Stats ('80s only): 25.3 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 6.5 APG, 1.8 SPG, 9x NBA All-Star, 3x NBA MVP, 3x NBA Champion

This was another position that was tough to choose from, with the classic debate of Bird vs. Wilkins. But ultimately, the winner of the playoff matchups ended up being the winner for my starting spot.

Larry Bird is still considered by many to be the best shooter in the history of the game, and one of the first to rely on the three-point shot.

After the 1985-86 season, Bird also became only the third player to win three-consecutive MVP awards, joining Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain.

That year was also Bird’s last title, and a year in which he was fortunate enough to play with a frontcourt that consisted of Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, and backup Bill Walton.

Power Forward: Kevin McHale, Boston Celtics

Stats ('80s only): 18.7 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 1.8 BPG, 6x NBA All-Star, 3x NBA Champion

Tough spot here. Do I slide Moses Malone to power forward, and put Hakeem the Dream at center? Or do I stick with Malone at center and put Kevin McHale at power forward?

Well, since both of Hakeem’s championship rings, his lone MVP award, and six of his 12 All-Star appearances came in the '90s (hint, hint), I figured he should be left off the '80s team.

That being said, Kevin McHale was no slouch of a player either.

He played for the historic “Sweet Sixteen” Celtics team. They were not named for the number of players, in case you were wondering. They were named that because they brought Boston its 16th championship banner.

That team is considered by some to be the best team in NBA history, consisting of stars like McHale, Larry Bird, Robert Parish, Bill Walton, and Dennis Johnson.

That season, McHale played at his highest level yet, averaging over 20 PPG for the first time in his career, to go along with 8.1 RPG.

His success as a player, unfortunately, did not pave the way for success as an executive, as is well documented by any and all Minnesota Timberwolves fans.

Center: Moses Malone, Houston Rockets/Philadelphia 76ers/Washington Bullets/Atlanta Hawks

Stats ('80s only): 23.8 PPG, 12.7 RPG, 1.4 BPG, 8x NBA All-Star, 2x NBA MVP, 1982-83 NBA Champion

Most consider Moses Malone to be the original high school-to-NBA player. While this is not entirely true, it is safe to say that he was the first successful player to make the jump.

The four who entered the draft straight from high school before Malone were:

· Tony Kappen, 1946

· Connie Simmons, 1946

· Joe Graboskie, 1948

· Reggie Harding, 1963

Between them, the four combined for a grand total of zero All-Star appearances.

During the 1977-78 season, Malone became the first player in the NBA All-Star game to come straight out of high school.

*Note: If you’re about to write a nasty comment about how I don’t know my facts because Malone played in an All-Star game during the 1974-75 season, keep in mind that was with the ABA, not the NBA.

Malone was also a dominant player during the 1980s, becoming the only NBA player ever to win back-to-back MVP awards for two different teams (’81-82 with Houston, ’82-83 with Philadelphia).

And that wraps up my NBA All-80’s team. Tomorrow, the All-'90s team will be unveiled, which should be nice for the readers who weren’t around to remember these past few teams.

P.S. For those of you expecting to see a certain guard with the initials “M.J.”, I though it unjust to put him in a decade where he had not yet won any of his six championship rings. Look for him in the '90s.

NBA All-Decade Teams Part Three: The 70's

Greg Haefner — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 09:18:50 -0500

Over the past couple of days I’ve introduced my NBA All-50’s Team and my NBA All-60’s Team.

So, what’s in line for today? You guessed it, the NBA All-70’s Team.

With the Celtics dynasty at an end, the gates opened for new challengers, and new superstars.

A new era began, with big shoes to fill. Did they live up to the expectations? Decide for yourself.

Here’s my starting five:

Point Guard: Walt Frazier, New York Knicks/Cleveland Cavaliers

Stats (70’s only): 20.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 5.8 APG, 6x NBA All-Star, 1972-‘73 NBA Champion

Believe it or not, before Walt Frazier started spitting corny lines as a broadcaster or being a spokesperson for Just for Men hair products, he was also a pretty good basketball player.

Frazier picked up the nickname “Clyde” because he wore a hat a lot like that of Warren Beatty who played Clyde Barrow in the famous Bonnie and Clyde. He also endorsed the Clyde athletic shoe made by Puma.

When he left the Knicks, Frazier held franchise records for most games played (759), minutes played (28,995), field goals attempted (11,669), field goals made (5,736), free throws attempted (4,017), free throws made (3,145), points (14,617), and assists (4,791).

His number 10 was retired and hung from the rafters at Madison Square Garden, accordingly.

Shooting Guard: John Havlicek, Boston Celtics

Stats (70’s only): 21.6 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 5.7 APG, 8x NBA All-Star, 2x NBA Champion

John Havlicek is one of the greatest players to ever play for one of the greatest franchises in NBA history.

When you combine those two, you have a damn good player.

Havlicek was just that, becoming the first players in NBA history to score over 1,000 points in 16 consecutive seasons.

Havlicek remains the Celtics all-time leader in both points (26,395) and games played (1,270).

The most amazing thing about Havlicek’s legacy? He did all this from a sixth man role, a role which he revolutionized into relevancy.

Small Forward: Rick Barry, New York Nets/Golden State Warriors/Houston Rockets

Stats (70’s only): 23.0 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 5.4 APG, 8x NBA All-Star, 1974-’75 NBA Champion

Rick Barry is considered by many to be the greatest, pure small forward of all time.

His great shooting touch, court vision, and knack for getting loose rebounds helped him on his way to a great Hall of Fame career.

Barry had one of his best defensive years when his Golden State Warriors won the 1975 NBA Championship, leading the league in steals-per-game with an astounding 2.9.

Of course, Barry will always be remembered for his unorthodox two-handed underhand free throw shooting. For a good laugh, check out this videoof him and Red Auerbach talking about it.

Of course, it was just as effective as it was humorous; Barry shot over 90 percent from the stripe seven times during his career.

Power Forward: Elvin Hayes, Houston Rockets/Baltimore/Capital/Washington Bullets

Stats (70’s only): 22.8 PPG, 13.6 RPG, 10x NBA All-Star, 1977-’78 NBA Champion

Elvin Hayes wasted no time making his mark in the NBA.

As a rookie, Hayes led the league in scoring with 28.4 PPG, and is still the only rookie to ever do so. He also averaged 17.1 RPG that year.

In his second year? He did not disappoint. This time, he led the league in rebounding, a stat that had not been led by anyone besides Bill Russell or Wilt Chamberlain since 1957. No, that’s not a typo. It took 12 years for anyone to best Russell and Chamberlain in that category.

Also often overlooked, Hayes was one of the most durable players ever. Over his 16 seasons, he never played less than 80 games in a year. Now that’s impressive.

Center: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Milwaukee Bucks/L.A. Lakers

Stats (70’s only): 28.2 PPG, 14.4 RPG, 4.5 APG, 9x NBA All-Star, 6x NBA MVP, 2x NBA Champion

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar will be remembered for many reasons. His unprecedented six MVP awards, his crazy goggles, and his patented sky hook are just a few.

In 1975, Abdul-Jabbar was acquired by the Lakers in what is viewed by many as the most lop-sided trade of all time, in which the Lakers sent Elmore Smith, Brian Winters, Dave Meyers, and Junior Bridgeman to the Bucks for Abdul-Jabbar and Walt Wesley.

If you look at the players the Lakers gave up and asked “WHO?!” you wouldn't be the only one.

Abdul-Jabbar split his MVP awards between the two teams, and dominated the decade from the center position, continuing the tradition of outstanding Laker big men.

And on that note, part three of the series comes to a close. Tomorrow, we take a look at the ‘80’s… Now that should be fun.

Feel free to start the ‘60’s vs. ‘80’s debates, they’re inevitable.

NBA All-Decade Teams Part Two: The 60's

Greg Haefner — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 04:42:09 -0500

Yesterday, I introduced my NBA All-50’s Team, part one in my six-part series of the NBA All-Decade Teams.

Today, I move to the 60’s. The era of the Celtics dynasty, Wilt’s 100-point game, and much more.

So, who were the best of the best from a so dominant decade?

Let’s take a look:

*Note: Wilt Chamberlain will be moved to Power Forward in order to make place for a frontcourt of he and Bill Russell*

Point Guard: Oscar Robertson, Cincinnati Royals

Stats (60’s only): 29.3 PPG, 10.3 APG, 8.5 RPG, 10-time NBA All-Star, 1963-64 NBA MVP

The “Big O” was what everyone envisions as the perfect all-around player, filling up stats in every category imaginable.

In the 1961-62 season, Robertson became the first, and is still the only, player to ever average a triple-double, racking up astounding numbers of 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 11.4 assists per game.

Robertson didn’t win his championship until the 1971 season, but that does not in any way take away from his dominance during the 60’s.

He was also part of the 1960 U.S. Men’s gold medal team in Rome.

Shooting Guard: Jerry West, Los Angeles Lakers

Stats (60’s only): 27.9 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 5.9 APG, 10-time NBA All-Star

West, oddly enough, was uncomfortable at first by being drafted by the Lakers. This is because West was from Chelyan, West Virginia, and was not used to being in a big city.

His teammates didn’t make it any easier for him, either. They gave him the nicknames “Tweety Bird” for his high-pitched voice, as well as “Zeke from Cabin Creek” for his thick Appalachian accent.

West soon found himself a niche, however, teaming with Elgin Baylor to form one of the best forward-guard combos in the league.

Now, West is known far and wide for being the man portrayed by the NBA Logo.

Small Forward: Elgin Baylor, L.A. Lakers

Stats (60’s only): 27.6 PPG, 13.2 RPG, 4.5 APG, Nine-time NBA All-Star

Elgin Baylor rebounded at the small forward position better than anyone in the history of the game. The only season in which Baylor did not average a double-double (1965-66) was the year directly after he suffered a severe knee injury during the 1965 playoffs.

One particularly astounding stat about Baylor is his 1961-62 season.

Baylor, a member of the U.S. Army Reserve, was called to active duty that year, and was allowed to play with his team only on a weekend pass.

Despite playing only 48 games that season, Baylor put up 1839 points and 892 rebounds (38.3 PPG, 18.6 RPG). His 38.3 PPG average that season is second only in NBA history to Wilt Chamberlain.

Power Forward: Wilt Chamberlain, Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors/L.A. Lakers

Stats (60’s only): 34.1 PPG, 23.8 RPG, 4.6 APG, Eight-time NBA All-Star, Three-time NBA MVP, 1966-67 NBA Champion

Wilt “Big Dipper” Chamberlain will always and forever be remembered for his game on March 2, 1962.

It was that game in which Chamberlain, playing for the San Francisco Warriors at the time, scored a still unbelievable 100 points against the New York Knicks.

Chamberlain is the only player in NBA history to average 40 or 50 PPG in a season (50.4 in 1961-62, 44.8 in 1962-63).

There was also only one season during the 60’s where Chamberlain did not average over 20 rebounds per contest. In 1969-70, he averaged only a meager 18.4.

Center: Bill Russell, Boston Celtics

Stats (60’s only): 14.5 PPG, 22.4 RPG, 4.7 APG, Nine-time NBA All-Star, Four-time NBA MVP, Eight-time NBA Champion

Bill Russell. What can you say about a man who has more Championship rings than fingers? Of course, he only earned 8 of his 11 during the 60’s, but still, dominating 80 percent of a decade isn’t a bad feat.

Russell’s stats really do not do him justice, as this was all before blocks and steals started being recorded, so his defensive dominance can only be partially portrayed by his rebounding statistic.

Russell vs. Chamberlain is an argument that can be (and has been) made for years, but I really didn’t feel like getting into it, so I put both in the starting five.

In reality, it is very hard to compare the two because Russell was known for his defensive dominance; while Wilt’s unstoppable offense was his greatest gift.

Putting the two in the same frontcourt is like pairing Optimus Prime and Megatron together. Unstoppable.

Well, that wraps up part two. Next in line, the '70’s.

NBA All-Decade Teams Part One: The 50's

Greg Haefner — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 15:16:40 -0500

The NBA has been around for 62 years now, and has had its share of superstars every step of the way.

Watching young guns like Chris Paul, LeBron James, Kevin Durant and company gear up to reign supreme in the coming years popped a question into my head:

Who ruled the hardwood back in the day?

Who were the players who struck fear into opposing coaches' hearts long before I was born?

Well, I'm going to answer those questions in my 6-part series: The NBA All-Decade Teams.

Starting with the 50's (the NBA's first full decade), and ending with the 2000's, I'll break down who were, and who are the most feared players to ever lace up the All-Stars or Nikes and step onto the floor.

I'll give my starting five from each decade, complete with teams, stats, and a brief analysis.

So, without further ado, the NBA All-50's Team:

Point Guard: Bob Cousy, Boston Celtics

Stats (50’s only): 19.4 PPG, 7.6 APG, 5.8 RPG, 10x NBA All-Star, 1956-57 NBA MVP, 3x NBA Champion

The “Houdini of Hardwood” was far and away the best point guard of his time.

Cousy led the NBA in assists for eight straight seasons from 1952-59.

Cousy may be most well-known for his game two playoff performance against the Syracuse Nationals in the 1953 playoffs. The game went into four overtimes and, despite an injured leg, Cousy played 66 minutes, scored 50 points, and made a still-standing NBA-record of 30 free throws.

Former Celtics owner Walter Brown once said:

"The Celtics wouldn't be here without him [Cousy]. He made basketball in this town. If he had played in New York, he would have been the biggest thing since Babe Ruth. I think he is anyway."

Cousy's famous number 14 jersey was hung from the rafters in Boston in 1971.

Shooting Guard: Bill Sharman, Boston Celtics

Stats (50’s only): 18.0 PPG, 8x NBA All-Star, 3x NBA Champion

Bill Sharman teamed with Bob Cousy to form one of the best backcourts the league has ever known.

Sharman was best known for his outstanding shooting touch, being one of the first guards to shoot better than 40% from the field in a season.

He also had a terrific stroke at the free throw line, leading the league in free throw percentage seven times.

He set the record for best free throw percentage in a season with 93.2% in the 1958-59 season. The record was later broken by Ernie DiGregorio in 1976-77.

Sharman still holds the record for consecutive free throws made in the playoffs with 56.

Small Forward: Paul Arizin, Philadelphia Warriors

Stats (50’s only): 22.9 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 8x All-Star, NBA Champion (1955-56)

Paul Arizin was a prolific scorer in every sense of the word.

After coming into the league in 1950, Arizin led the league in scoring in both 1951-52 and 1956-57.

He played with fellow scoring star Joe Fulks during the early parts of his career, but his title came after Fulks had retired.

Arizin also played with 60’s star Wilt Chamberlain at the end of his career, and could have played with him even longer, but instead chose to retire from the NBA when the Warriors moved to San Francisco in 1962.

Power Forward: Dolph Schayes, Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers

Stats (50’s only): 19.7 PPG, 13.3 RPG, 10x NBA All-Star, NBA Champion (1954-55)

Dolph Schayes was not only one of the best rebounders the league has ever seen, but also one of the best all-around players.

There was never a season in the 50’s where Schayes did not average a double-double, and when rebounding first started being kept as a stat in 1950, the 22-year-old Schayes led the league with a mind-boggling 16.4 per contest.

Center: George Mikan, Minneapolis Lakers

Stats (50’s only): 21.2 PPG, 13.4 RPG, 4x All-NBA First Team, 3 NBA Championships

George Mikan, what else needs to be said?

If anyone questions Mikan’s dominance, think about this:

In the 1950 NBA season, Mikan’s Lakers took part in one of the worst games ever played.

When the visiting Fort Wayne Pistons took a 19-18 lead over the Lakers, they ran down the clock by passing the ball, never even trying to score a basket, because they were afraid Mikan would mount a comeback if he ever got the ball again.

Since there was no shot clock yet, the plan worked perfectly, and the game ended with a 19-18 score.

By the way, Mikan scored 15 of the Lakers’ 18 points that night.

There they are, my NBA All-50’s team. The first group to be recognized as the “best of the best” in the league.

Next up, my NBA All-60’s team.

NFL: 2008's Surprise Players

Greg Haefner — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:24:40 -0500

Every year there are surprise players throughout the league; players who, for whatever reason, soar beyond their expectations and impress even the most fickle of fans.

So, who are this year's surprise players?

I'll go a step beyond doing a "Top Ten" or even "Top Twenty", and instead I'll break down surprise players team-by-team (yes, even the lowly Lions...)

Arizona Cardinals: Steve Breaston, WR

Stats: 46 receptions, 624 yards, TD. 1 carry, 4 yards

It was very tough for me to not pick Tim Hightower here, but the Cardinals expected big things from Hightower right from the get-go. Breaston? Not so much.

Breaston was the number three receiver, a role which was not very generous stat-wise to last year's contestant, Bryant Johnson. In 2007, Johnson had 46 catches for 528 yards and 2 TDs.

If Breaston continues on his current pace, he is set to finish with 82 catches, 1109 yards, and 2 TDs.

Breaston's play in Anquan Boldin's absence also cannot be overlooked. In the two games Boldin missed, Breaston notched 15 receptions for 179 yards and a TD.

Atlanta Falcons: Erik Coleman, FS

Stats: 52 tackles, 5 passes defended, 3 INTs, 2 forced fumbles

Coleman didn't even start for the New York Jets last year. Considering how desperate the Jets were for a free safety last season, that says a lot.

Then he comes to Atlanta. And things change. He currently ranks 7th among all defensive backs in tackles, 9th in interceptions, and 3rd in forced fumbles.

Those are some impressive numbers. He looks rejuvenated this season, and is playing well enough to warrant Pro Bowl consideration. Don't believe me? Let's re-rank his stats, using only NFC free safeties instead of all NFL defensive backs:

Tackles: 52 (1st)
Interceptions: 3 (3rd)
Forced Fumbles: 2 (1st)

The numbers don't lie. Coleman is playing out of his mind this season.

Baltimore Ravens: Jim Leonhard, SS

Stats: 36 tackles, 2 passes defended, 1.0 sack

Anyone want to guess who's 4th on the Ravens in total tackles? It's not Ed Reed, it's not Dawan Landry, and it's not Jarret Johnson. Nope, it's Jim Leonhard.

Leonhard has been the starter since the forth week and hasn't disappointed.

After Dawan Landry's injury, the team decided to turn to Leonhard over rookie Tom Zbikowski (to the dismay of many fans), and it proved to be a good decision.

Buffalo Bills: Fred Jackson, RB

Stats: 60 carries, 237 yards, TD. 23 receptions, 190 yards

Any Bills fan will tell you they knew about Fred Jackson from last year. But his stats this year are beyond what anyone could have anticipated.

Jackson had 300 rush yards all of last year, with 190 yards through the air. Obviously, he's well on his way to surpassing those numbers this year, even without a single start (compared to his one start last year).

If the Bills can get their offensive line healthy and back to being solid as run blockers, Jackson and Marshawn Lynch will be a solid two-headed monster for years to come.

Carolina Panthers: Chris Gamble, CB

Stats: 53 tackles, 13 passes defended, 2 INTs

There was some question as to whether or not Gamble would start over Richard Marshall next to Ken Lucas this year, and I think it's safe to say that Carolina made the right choice.

Right now, Gamble is playing extremely well, and is a major part to the Panthers success.

That secondary can rest easy knowing that they can leave Gamble out on an island and expect him to be just fine, not needing to bring over Chris Harris or Charles Godfrey over the top.

Chicago Bears: Kevin Payne, SS

Stats: 49 tackles, 1.0 sack, 5 passes defended, 3 INTs

If you're wondering why Matt Forte isn't listed here, see my Cardinals evaluation and replace "Tim Hightower" with "Matt Forte".

If you're still wondering, just ask yourself: who is Kevin Payne? Not many people could've answered that question last year. This year is a whole different story.

Payne has taken over the starting strong safety spot, manned last year by Adam Archuleta. And he has been nothing short of terrific.

Payne is tied for second on the team in tackles. Who is he tied with? Corey Graham, Charles Tillman, and Brian Urlacher. That's right, Payne has as many tackles this year as Brian Urlacher.

Enough said.

Cincinnati Bengals: Dhani Jones, MLB

Stats: 69 tackles, 5 passes defended, INT

Last year, Dhani Jones was nothing more than mediocre on a defense that flat-out sucked. This year? Well, the same can still be said about the defense, but not about Jones.

Jones is 13th in the league in tackles with 69, 7th in the AFC.

He should form a nice tandem with injured running mate Keith Rivers for the next couple years.

Cleveland Browns: Brandon McDonald, CB

Stats: 39 tackles, 10 passes defended, INT

If you can honestly say that you thought Brandon McDonald would be third on the Browns in tackles going into the season, I salute you.

If you were like the rest of us, you thought there was no way this guy could even come close to filling in for Leigh Bodden.

And while I will still say Bodden is by far the better player, McDonald has been quite good this year. He has surpassed his tackle and passes defended totals from all of last season through just nine games this year, and should easily add another interception to equal his 2007 season total.

McDonald may have a shot at being the Browns’ long-term answer at corner next to young stud Eric Wright.

Dallas Cowboys: Mike Jenkins, CB

Stats: 18 tackles, 2 passes defended, INT, TD

Even being a first-round pick, Jenkins was not expected to receive much—if any—playing time on a Cowboys roster that had a gluttony of corners.

With Terrence Newman, Anthony Henry, and Pacman Jones already ahead of him on the depth chart, as well as the impressive fellow rookie Orlando Scandrick nipping at his heels, Jenkins looked like he might not see the field in year one.

But as it stands, Newman and Henry have both had their injury issues and Pacman has been…well, Pacman.

So, when presented with a starting role, what has Jenkins done this season?

Well, 12 of Jenkins' 18 tackles have come in his three starts these past three weeks (not including week 10, Cowboys bye week), as well as his defensive touchdown on a nice 23-yard interception return against Eli Manning.

Based on how the Cowboys secondary has fared with injuries and suspensions, Jenkins should get plenty of playing time the rest of the season to showcase his first-round talents.

Denver Broncos: Nate Webster, MLB

Stats: 64 tackles, 2.0 sacks, FF, 3 passes defended, TD

Not only did Nate Webster beat out Niko Koutouvides for a starting spot, he also has played very impressively this season.

His 64 tackles rank second on the team only to the injured D.J. Williams, and his two sacks are tied for fourth.

He has been flying around the field all year, making plays that no one thought he could make. After all, he’s a linebacker whose career-high in tackles happens to be a measly 87.

His only blemish on this season is the fact that he will now be out “a few weeks” after straining his MCL against Cleveland, ironically the same injury that sidelined teammate D.J. Williams the week before.

Detroit Lions: Daniel Bullocks, SS

Stats: 59 tackles, 2 FF, 2 passes defended

Daniel Bullocks is an interesting story.

After a promising rookie campaign in 2006, in which he earned seven starts, he was sidelined for all of 2007 with a torn ACL, and it was questionable whether he would even start this year over second-year man Gerald Alexander.

Well, Bullocks has certainly answered any and all questions about whether or not he could recover from an injury which has destroyed the careers of numerous athletes with a resounding “Yes."

Bullocks is second on the Lions in tackles this year, and first among all NFC defensive backs.

Of course, he is often overlooked because he plays for the lowly Lions, but his numbers are still quite impressive.

Granted, his tackles are inflated because the Lions secondary has to tackle everyone thanks to their abysmal front seven, but his ability still cannot be denied.

Bullocks looks like he is one of very few bright spots on the Lions defense moving forward, and should be around for years to come.

Green Bay Packers: Tramon Williams, CB

Stats: 32 tackles, FF, 8 passes defended, 4 INTs

After starting only a single game a season ago, Tramon Williams has started five this year after being asked to fill in for the injured Al Harris.

Has he come through? Well, decide for yourself.

In his five starts, Williams has 25 of his 32 tackles on the season (including an 11-tackle performance against Atlanta in week five), five of his eight passes defended, and three of his four interceptions.

Williams has proven to be a star in the making on this Packers roster, and should be able to fill in nicely as a full-time starter when Harris (33) and Charles Woodson (32) retire in the not-so-distant future.

Houston Texans: Zach Diles, OLB

Stats: 66 tackles, 1.0 sack, FF, 2 passes defended, INT

Zach Diles looked like a promising stud on a very young and good-looking defense in Houston this year before being lost to injury (fractured tibia).

Up until his injury, Diles was ahead of phenom DeMeco Ryans in tackles, which any football fan would know is saying a lot.

Even after the Texans ninth game (which Diles didn’t play in), would anyone like to guess who the team leader in tackles is? Still Zach Diles, with four more than Ryans’ 62.

Next season, Diles will team up with Ryans again to form one of the most devastating linebacker tandems in the league.

Indianapolis Colts: Dominic Rhodes, RB

Stats: 80 carries, 290 yards, 3 TDs. 22 receptions, 145 yards, TD

After watching Dominic Rhodes destroy his career in only one season with Oakland, I don’t think anyone in Indianapolis expected him to come back this year and be the runner he was when the Colts won the Super Bowl.

And while he isn’t the same back he was then, he is still a lot better than most expected.

Leading the team in yards with 290, Rhodes has had to shoulder the load of the running with the injuries to Joseph Addai and Mike Hart. His 3.6 yards-per-carry may not be all that impressive, but they are in fact better than Addai’s embarrassing 3.1.

Rhodes looks like he may actually be a competent backup in this league once more, which is better than anyone could have said in Oakland last year.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Matt Jones, WR

Stats: 50 receptions, 586 yards, 2 TDs

Matt Jones has never totaled more than 650 yards in a season, and this year he is on pace for 1,042 yards and 4 TDs.

He has been in and out of Jack Del Rio’s doghouse since being drafted thanks to his character issues, but he looks like he may finally be starting to come into his own as a player. If he can pull off a thousand-yard season this year, I may finally be ready to label him “legitimate."

Kansas City Chiefs: Tyler Thigpen, QB

Stats: 104/192 (54.2%), 1102 yards, 8 TDs, 4 INTs. 21 carries, 129 yards, TD. 1 reception, 37 yards, TD

Who else could it possibly be on this team? Tyler Thigpen may have overtaken Brodie Croyle as the QB of the future in Kansas City with this season.

After starting third on the team’s depth chart, Thigpen has been thrust into a starting role with both Damon Huard and Croyle on injured reserve, and he hasn’t been terrible.

Especially when considering that he plays in Kansas City behind an invisible offensive line and with no Larry Johnson behind him, his stats start to look better and better.

His TD/INT ratio of 2-to-1 is better than Croyle’s 0-to-0 and much better than Huard’s 1-to-2.

Don’t be surprised if Thigpen holds down his starting gig going into 2009.

Miami Dolphins: Ricky Williams, RB

Stats: 89 carries, 388 yards, 3 TDs. 15 receptions, 128 yards

Ricky Williams is back. After he realized being a hippie just wasn’t his thing, Williams returned to the league, and this year he is playing extraordinarily well.

Williams is averaging 4.4 yards-per-carry and showed he still has speed to burn in his 105-yard performance against Seattle this week.

If he keeps this up, he and Ronnie Brown are going to be a very tough tandem to stop for years to come.

Minnesota Vikings: Visanthe Shiancoe, TE

Stats: 21 receptions, 252 yards, 4 TDs

Who? Vi-what? Visanthe Shiancoe had never scored more than two TDs in a season up to this point. This year, he’s already notched four.

That’s good enough to be tied for most on the Vikings this year. Shiancoe isn’t a superstar by any stretch of the imagination, but he is playing at a pretty high level right now.

New England Patriots: Matt Cassel, QB

Stats: 179/267 (67.0%), 1800 yards, 7 TDs, 7 INTs. 43 carries, 123 yards, TD

Could have been BenJarvus Green-Ellis, but he hasn’t had enough good games to convince me yet.

Come on, even the most devout Patriots fans feared for their season once Tom Brady went down. Matt Cassel? The guy who hasn’t started a game since high school?

Well, Cassel isn’t playing at a Pro-Bowl level by any means, but he is playing at exactly the level he needs to be playing at. He is managing games, and that’s all that is being asked of him to this point.

He’s got the Patriots atop the AFC East, and is living the dream right now.

New Orleans Saints: Lance Moore, WR

Stats: 44 receptions, 507 yards, 4 TDs

Going into the 2008 season, it looked like Lance Moore wouldn’t see the field this year, let alone start.

With Marques Colston, Devery Henderson, David Patten, former first-rounder Robert Meachem and rookie Adrian Arrington on the roster, where did Moore, a former undrafted free agent, fit in?

Well, it’s looking like Moore has found his spot… as a starter.

Moore has started five games this season, and in those starts, he has racked up 329 yards and 3 TDs on 28 catches.

Moore probably won’t start again this season, barring injury, but he has played too well to not be considered the team’s best No. 3 option after Colston and Henderson.

Moore is a restricted free agent after this season, and has probably played himself into a nice new contract that should pay him a little more than the $520k he is making this year.

New York Giants: Kevin Boss, TE

Stats: 19 receptions, 217 yards, 4 TDs

Kevin Boss played well in Jeremy Shockey’s absence last year, but if anyone had said before the season he would be leading the Giants in TD catches after week ten, that person would’ve been called insane.

Well, low and behold, Boss is tied with Plaxico Burress for the most TD receptions on the Giants this year.

Boss has been playing exceptionally well over his past three games, catching a touchdown in each of those contests.

New York Jets: Thomas Jones, RB

Stats: 160 carries, 750 yards, 8 TDs, 20 receptions, 104 yards, TD

Last year, Thomas Jones had just one rushing touchdown, and rushed for 1,119 yards on a 3.6 yards-per-carry average. His touchdown total and average were both career-lows.

This year, Jones is on pace to rush for 1,333 yards and only needs two more touchdowns to set a new career-high.

Jones has been revitalized this year, and is a key component to the Jets’ offense.

Oakland Raiders: Kalimba Edwards, DE

Stats: 33 tackles, 5.0 sacks, FF

Kalimba Edwards was brought over from Detroit in the off-season to be a situational pass-rusher.

He was expected to be the third DE on the roster behind Derrick Burgess and Jay Richardson, but that all changed when Burgess went down in week four with a strained triceps muscle.

Edwards is now starting, and leads the team in sacks with 5.0 on the season.

He’s one of very few good players on that side of the ball in Oakland.

Philadelphia Eagles: Stewart Bradley, MLB

Stats: 64 tackles, 1.0 sack, 1 pass defended

I was one of the many people skeptical of Stewart Bradley going into this season, and I will be the first to admit that I was dead wrong.

I thought it was absurd to let a guy who started one game last year lead your defense going into this season.

Well, through week ten, Bradley leads his team in tackles, and has been one of the most reliable middle linebackers in the league to date.

Bradley is the perfect guy for Philadelphia to build around on defense, and teamed with Chris Gocong and Omar Gaither, that linebacking core looks very solid.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Mewelde Moore, RB

Stats: 93 carries, 377 yards, 5 TDs. 22 receptions, 171 yards, TD

Mewelde Moore…where do I begin?

With Willie Parker coming off a Pro-Bowl season and Rashard Mendenhall being drafted in the first round, Moore looked like little more (no pun intended) than an afterthought and a potential return man.

Well, Parker went down with a sprained knee in week three, then again with a torn labrum in his shoulder after week nine, and Mendenhall went on IR with a fractured shoulder, and the Mewelde Moore era began.

So far? He has not disappointed. He currently leads his team in carries, yards, and rushing TDs, averaging a surprising 4.1 yards-per-carry.

Unfortunately it looks like Moore’s saga (for this year at least) is going to end this week when Parker returns from his injury, but what Moore has done should not be overlooked.

San Diego Chargers: Eric Weddle, FS

Stats: 67 tackles, 1.0 sack, 3 passes defended, INT

With the fifth pick in the second round, the San Diego Chargers select… Eric Weddle?

The Chargers could have drafted David Harris (drafted fifteenth in the second round) as their heir-apparent to Donnie Edwards in 2007, but instead chose a versatile safety from Utah to help shore up their secondary. Now we know why.

Through week ten, Weddle leads his team in tackles, and is third among AFC defensive backs in that category.

Weddle’s versatility has carried over from his college days, as he has recorded not only tackles, but a sack and an INT as well, showing he can make plays from any spot on the field.

Weddle is one of the best-looking young safeties in this league, and should continue to get better and be a cornerstone of this frighteningly good Chargers secondary that already consists of Antonio Cromartie, Quentin Jammer, Antoine Cason, and Clinton Hart.

San Francisco 49ers: Isaac Bruce, WR

Stats: 24 receptions, 411 yards, 4 TDs

Isaac Bruce is a 35-year-old over-the-hill receiver who will never again be a relevant player in this league.

Was anyone else thinking that when Bruce signed his two-year, $5.5 million contract this off-season? I was saying it. I admit it.

But I was wrong.

This year, Bruce is leading the 49ers in receiving yards and touchdowns, and has been brought back to life by old friend Mike Martz in San Francisco.

By the way, tonight was Bruce’s birthday. Way to get him a win San Francisco. He notched only a single reception for a measly 12 yards.

Happy birthday, Ike.

Seattle Seahawks: T.J. Duckett, RB

Stats: 39 carries, 108 yards, 4 TDs

Ok, so Duckett’s stats don’t look all that great to the untrained eye, but you have to look past just the numbers.

Duckett is a big, bruising back that was brought in to a system with a coach who has voiced his disdain for “goal-line” and “short-yardage” backs. That didn’t look good for Duckett.

But now, Duckett leads the Seahawks in rushing touchdowns and has established himself as their short-yardage and goal-line back.

When you can make a coach like Mike Holmgren change his coaching philosophy for you, you had better be a damn good player.

St. Louis Rams: Donnie Avery, WR

Stats: 25 receptions, 392 yards, 2 TDs. 6 carries, 61 yards, TD

Donnie Avery was the first receiver taken in a draft that included guys like Malcolm Kelly, Devin Thomas, James Hardy, and DeSean Jackson.

Now, we’re starting to see why.

Avery’s blazing speed is proving to be a great asset and is the main reason why he has more receiving yards on the year than teammate Torry Holt.

Yes, I’ll repeat that: Donnie Avery has more receiving yards than perennial Pro-Bowler Torry Holt.

If that doesn’t impress you, I have nothing else to say.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Antonio Bryant, WR

Stats: 45 receptions, 566 yards, 2 TDs

Welcome back, Antonio.

Bryant hadn’t been a relevant player since 2005 when he recorded his only thousand-yard season of his career with the Browns. He was out of football for all of 2007 as well.

This year, Bryant is on pace to grab 1,006 yards through the air, only three shy of his career-high.

He has been rejuvenated playing for the Bucs, and should earn himself a nice new contract come season’s end.

Tennessee Titans: Kerry Collins, QB

Stats: 147/248 (59.3%), 1525 yards, 5 TDs, 3 INTs. 20 carries, 34 yards

After Vince Young went down, Titans fans weren’t panicking the same way Patriots fans were, but they certainly weren’t happy.

Nine straight wins later, the Titans are sitting pretty and Kerry Collins has a legitimate shot to be named MVP at season’s end.

His numbers aren’t eye-popping, but when you have Chris Johnson and LenDale White in the backfield, they don’t have to be.

He also proved in week ten that he can win a game with his arm, throwing a season-high 41 attempts (completing 73% of them) for 289 yards and a pair of TDs, also season-highs.

He’s doing everything right for the league’s only remaining undefeated team.

Washington Redskins: Chris Horton, SS

Stats: 42 tackles, 1.0 sack, 5 passes defended, 3 INTs

Also my pick for defensive rookie of the year, please see my NFL's Midseason Award Winners for analysis.

Well, there you go.

Fans of good teams, these were easy to pick.

Fans of lousy teams, take solace in the fact that even the darkest of nights have a dawn.

NFL's Midseason Award Winners

Greg Haefner — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:00:17 -0400

Well, it’s halfway through this 2008-2009 NFL season, and to say it has been surprising would be an understatement.

So, in this year of twists and turns, whose play has lifted their team to a higher level?

Time to unveil my NFL Award Winners at this point during the year (starting with the “lesser” awards, working up to the MVP).

Coach of the Year: Jeff Fisher, Tennessee Titans

This one is too easy. The Titans are 7-0, Fisher is riding Kerry Collins to the winners’ circle, and the Titans are on top of the world after beating the Colts on Monday night.

No other coach even comes close to this one.

Executive of the Year: Arthur Blank, Atlanta Falcons

This was also a very easy one. The Falcons have already matched last year’s win total (4-12 in 2007, 4-3 so far in 2008), and Blank has to get a ton of the credit for it. Hiring Mike Smith was the first step, getting a great defensive-minded coach who would get the most out of his players.

Then came the signing of Michael Turner and the spectacular draft that the Falcons had.

The first three picks Atlanta made (Matt Ryan, Sam Baker, and Curtis Lofton) are all starters and all look like studs.

Enough cannot be said about the job Arthur Blank did this offseason, turning this franchise in the right direction.

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee Titans

Stats: 122 carries, 626 yards, 5.1 avg, 4 TDs, 18 receptions, 92 yards, 5.1 avg, TD.

Projected Stats (based on current): 279 carries, 1,431 yards, 5.1 avg, 9 TDs, 41 receptions, 210 yards, 5.1 avg, 2 TDs.

Johnson beat out Matt Ryan for this pick for two reasons:

His team is undefeated.
His stats are mind-boggling.

He leads rookies in total yards from scrimmage with 718 (626 rushing, 92 receiving) and has four touchdowns on a ridiculous 5.1 yards-per-carry.

I criticized the Titans for taking Johnson in the first round over guys like Devin Thomas or Malcolm Kelly, but now Johnson is on my fantasy team and my crow has never tasted so good.

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Chris Horton, SS, Washington Redskins

Stats: 37 tackles, 3 INTs, 4 passes defended.

Projected Stats (based on current): 74 tackles, 6 INTs, 8 passes defended.

Chris Horton is not a name you hear a lot outside of Washington, but people had better take notice.

Horton has filled in for Reed Doughty this year and has done so quite admirably. He ranks first among rookies with three interceptions and also has 37 tackles and four passes defended.

Oh yeah...Horton was also a seventh-round pick for the Redskins, fourth-to-last in the entire draft (No. 249 overall), so don’t forget that when you take his contributions into account.

Comeback Player of the Year: Kerry Collins, QB, Tennessee Titans

Stats: 99/170, 58%, 1,056 yards, 6.2 avg, 3 TDs, 3 INTs, 75.0 rating.

Projected Stats (based on current): 226/389, 58%, 2,414 yards, 6.2 avg, 7 TDs, 7 INTs, 75.0 rating.

Collins had a lot of competition for this spot, including Ronnie Brown, Chad Pennington, Joey Porter, basically the entire Dolphins roster, and Kyle Orton.

But the difference was that none of those other players have led their respective team to an undefeated record.

I mean come on. Did anyone expect the Titans to be 7-0 with Vince Young, let alone without him? The fact of the matter is that Kerry Collins has done a terrific job managing this team, and they owe a great amount of their success to him.

Offensive Player of the Year: Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints

Stats: 210/304, 69%, 2,563 yards, 15 TDs, 7 INTs, 101.6 rating.

Projected Stats (based on current): 420/608, 69%, 5,126 yards, 30 TDs, 14 INTs, 101.6 rating.

Rub your eyes. Whack your computer monitor. You read that stat correctly. If Brees keeps up his pace, he will throw for over 5,000 yards this season.

Of course, that is far from a sure thing, but seeing as Brees has only failed to break 300 yards passing in two games this year, it’s also far from an impossibility.

Brees is the field general of the No. 1 offense in the league, and with him at the helm; it’s easy to see why they are ranked so high.

Defensive Player of the Year: Patrick Willis, LB, San Francisco 49ers

Stats: 71 tackles, 1.0 sack, INT, TD, 8 passes defended.

Projected Stats (based on current): 142 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 2 INTs, 2 TDs, 16 passes defended.

Patrick Willis took the league by storm last year as a rookie, leading the league in tackles on his way to the Pro Bowl and winning defensive ROY honors. He was seventh in the voting for this award last year, with Bob Sanders taking the honor, but with Sanders out, the path is wide open for Willis.

Willis is one of few bright spots for the 2-6 49ers, and you can have hours of fun just by watching his 86-yard INT return for a touchdown against Seattle over and over and over again, juking out Matt Hasselbeck and leaving a trail of Seahawks in his wake.

Since the beginning of last season, no one has accumulated more tackles than Willis (245). Now that’s saying something.

Most Valuable Player: Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints

Stats: See above.

Projected Stats (based on current): See above.

Brees has been the reason for New Orleans success this year, and his value to his team is unmatched. He is the pure definition of an MVP, no questions asked.

NBA Analysis: The Rise of the "Hybrid" Player

Greg Haefner — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 03:03:34 -0400

It used to be that in the NBA, players had one position. Whether it was point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, or center, that was where you were—end of story.

But in today's game, the number of players who can play a combination of positions have become enormous. Even new positions have been formed for these players under the name of "Combo Guard" (PG/SG) or "Swingman" (SG/SF).

So, who are the current top players at these new positions? I'll throw my hat into the ring and give you my starting four (PG/SG, SG/SF, SF/PF, PF/C), as well as my second team.

Starters

PG/SG: Allen Iverson, Denver Nuggets

A.I. has been one of the top combo guards in the NBA since he was drafted in 1996. He has loads of awards on his shelf, including the 1997 Rookie of the Year, 2001 NBA Most Valuable Player, and eight all-star selections.

Although he played mostly point guard with the Philadelphia 76ers, Iverson has started at shooting guard since joining the Nuggets. You will, however, see him run point at some time in every game when the Nuggets go to their scoring lineup, bringing in J.R. Smith at the "two", and sliding A.I. back to the point.

SG/SF: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

Do I even need to touch this one? LeBron plays like he's from another universe.

He's a five-year vet at the ripe old age of 23, and he's been a perennial all-star since his sophomore season.

He's the youngest player to ever score 40 points in a game, 50 points in a game, and youngest ever to record a triple-double.

He started out playing the two-spot for the Cavaliers, who then slid him over to small forward. Last year, he even played some point guard because, well, he's LeBron James.

SF/PF: Josh Smith, Atlanta Hawks

The man everyone forgets about. Josh Smith has never been an all-star, but his numbers tell the story of why he absolutely should be.

He's mister "do-everything" for a young Atlanta team. This past season, he averaged 17.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.5 steals, and 2.8 blocks per game.

Let's take a look at that last stat. Smith is a defensive enforcer from whatever position he plays on the court. He has never had a season where he averaged under two blocks per game, and was the youngest player ever to reach 500 blocks in a career.

He signed a well-deserved five-year, $58 million contract this off-season, and you can expect his stellar play to continue to improve. After all, the man is only 22...

PF/C: Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs

"Mr. Fundamental" as he's called by his teammates and other players around the league, has solidified himself as one of the best big men to ever play.

Duncan won the Rookie of the Year award, the year after his fellow "Combo" teammate, Allen Iverson, and also earned his first of 10 all-star appearances that year.

To go with those honors, Duncan also has two MVP awards (2002, 2003) and four NBA Championship rings (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007), three of which he earned Finals MVP honors for (1999, 2003, 2005.)

Second Team

PG/SG: Brandon Roy, Portland Trailblazers

Okay, so this will only be Brandon Roy's third season in the league, but the guy is just so damn good.

As a rookie, he averaged 16.8 points per game to go along with 4.4 rebounds, four assists, and 1.2 steals per game. Roy was the ROY that year (sorry, couldn't resist.)

In his second season, Roy continued his stellar run, averaging 19.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, on his way to his first career all-star game.

Roy's natural position is shooting guard, but he has been asked to run point quite a bit for the Blazers due to their lack of a stability at the position. Roy always answered the bell when asked.

Last year was just the first of many all-star games to come for this young stud, who I might add, is on a very good looking Portland team.

SG/SF: Tracy McGrady, Houston Rockets

T-Mac will always be dogged by fans and reporters until he gets his team out of the first round of the playoffs, but in my opinion, that shouldn't overshadow his terrific play.

McGrady is a seven-time all-star, a two-time scoring champ, and won the Most Improved Player award in 2001.

Since winning the award, he has never averaged less than 21.6 PPG in his career.

Of course, he also has a back made of candy glass, but as long as he keeps that thing intact, he's one of the top-tier players in the league without question, and it pained me to have to leave him off my first team.

SF/PF: Shawn Marion, Miami Heat

Shawn Marion is known for two things around the league:

His stellar play at just about every position
His 5th-grader shooting style

But awkward shot releases aside, Marion's production cannot be overlooked. In his days with Phoenix, Marion played at both small forward and power forward, with the outside touch to play the three as well as the physicality to play the four.

The "Matrix" is also a freakishly athletic player whose dunks are the only shot in which the ball goes over his head.

Marion is a four-time all-star, class act, and is now stuck in a horrible situation with the Miami Heat.

That's not to say the Heat will be god awful again this year, just that they aren't poised to win right now, and with Marion having turned 30 this summer, that's what he's looking for.

Whether he stays or goes, look for Marion's stellar play to continue, and go under-appreciated by everyone but his fantasy owners.

As unfortunate as it is, with Dwyane Wade and rookie phenom Michael Beasley on the team, there's just not enough spotlight to go around, much like it was with Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire in Phoenix.

PF/C: Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks

Dirk Nowitzki is a guy who will always be criticized for his playoff performance in 2007.

Nowitzki was officially named league MVP that year just days after being on the losing end of the biggest playoff upset in NBA history, where his No. 1 seeded Mavericks lost in six games to the No. 8 seeded Golden State Warriors.

In the clinching game six, Nowitzki shot 2-for-13.

Playoffs aside, Dirk has been the face of the Mavericks franchise ever since Steve Nash left, and has earned the right to be called one of the great big men in the game today.

His outside touch is unheard of for a seven-footer, as he won the 2006 NBA Three-Point Shootout.

He is also a seven-time all-star, and should continue that trend for a while.

There they are—my top "hybrid" players in the game today. These guys lead their team on the floor, no matter where exactly on the floor they are.

Honorable Mention (in no particular order): Rashard Lewis (SF/PF), Al Jefferson (PF/C), Lamar Odom (SF/PF), Antawn Jamison (SF/PF), and Pau Gasol (PF/C).

Buffalo Bills' Potential 2009 Draft Targets

Greg Haefner — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 07:15:28 -0400

It's never too early to look to an upcoming NFL draft.

Even now, in early October, there are fans out there—like myself—who are researching prospects and anticipating which college standouts will end up with their favorite team.

So, when it comes to the Buffalo Bills, whom should fans start watching for on Saturdays?

I'll break down the top three needs for this team going into the draft, along with the top three prospects (in my opinion) at those positions right now.

Let's get started.

Position: Outside Linebacker

Analysis: The Bills' linebacking corps looked very solid heading into the year. With steady veteran and leading tackler Angelo Crowell playing next to a healthy Paul Posluszny and a newly acquired Kawika Mitchell, the group looked to be solid at the very least.

But a season-ending knee injury to Crowell soon changed that. With Crowell set to become a free agent at the end of the season, it is very likely that this newfound injury concern will make the Bills strongly consider letting him walk. If they do, they'll need to look hard for a replacement, as Keith Ellison is meant for a backup role.

Top Three

Brian Cushing, USC: Cushing has been part of a stud linebacking corps his entire collegiate career that has consisted of players like Rey Maualuga and, until last year, Keith Rivers. Cushing has 20 tackles through three games this year, including 2.5 for a loss. Don't be surprised if he's the first OLB off the board in April.

Aaron Curry, Wake Forest: Aaron Curry is a stud that somehow gets little-to-no national attention. Last year, Curry totaled 99 tackles, 13.5 for loss, and three sacks to go along with four interceptions.

Oh yeah, he also returned three of those interceptions for TDs. In four games this year, Curry has 30 tackles, 4.0 for loss, and 0.5 sacks. The only reason he may not be the No. 1 OLB in the country is because he doesn't play at a big-name school like USC.

Marcus Freeman, Ohio State: Known mostly as the "other linebacker" at Ohio State, Freeman has been overshadowed by James Laurinaitis during his three years, but he has put up some terrific stats on his own. Last year, Freeman notched 109 tackles, 9.5 for loss, and 1.5 sacks. He's already topped those sack numbers this year, with 2.0 through five contests to go with 30 tackles.

Position: Tight End

Analysis: The Bills have needed a legitimate receiving tight end ever since the departure of Jay Riemersma in 2002.

Since he left, Buffalo has tried to replace him with the likes of Mark Campbell and Robert Royal. And while Royal is performing well this year, his blocking is his best asset, and he will never be a great tight end.

With young players like Derek Schouman and Derek Fine on the roster, the Bills may be skeptical to draft a tight end with a high pick in 2009, but some of these guys are too good to pass up.

Top Three

Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma: Jermaine Gresham, simply put, is a freak of nature. He is 6'6", 250, and runs a 4.67 40-yard dash. He's also not a guy who'll be picked based solely on his physical potential. Gresham's stats are also mind-boggling, notching 518 yards and 11 touchdowns last season on a 14.0 yards-per-catch average.

This year, Gresham has 256 yards and four touchdowns through four games, and looks to be on his way to shattering last year's impressive numbers.

Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma State: Brandon Pettigrew is known mostly for his good blocking skills, but has developed nicely as a receiver over his time at Oklahoma State as well. Last season, Pettigrew caught 35 passes for 540 yards and four touchdowns.

Pettigrew's stats this year have not been great so far (10 catches, 109 yards, no touchdowns through three games), but he should improve as the year goes on. He may slip to the second round, due to character issues, but he will be a fine player in the league.

Chase Coffman, Missouri: The other Chase at Missouri, Coffman doesn't get as much attention as he should. Where would Missouri be without Coffman's 94.8 yards-per-game? Would Chase Daniels be in the Heisman race if he didn't have his dump-off target to throw to?

Coffman is the one that really makes that Tigers' passing game click. With Daniels and Maclin grabbing all the national hype, many don't bother to ask themselves who is really responsible for Missouri having no three-and-out series so far in 2008.

The answer? Chase Coffman. When the season is finished, Coffman will have destroyed his 2007 numbers of 52 catches, 531 yards, and seven touchdowns.

Position: Center

Analysis: Bills fans have been calling for the replacement of Melvin Fowler since...Well, since he came to Buffalo.

Coaches were hopeful that Fowler's mobility would help him fit in with the Bills' offense, allowing them to run more pull running plays. It hasn't worked out. Fowler has been consistently overpowered by opposing tackles, beaten on blitzes, and has been flat-out terrible.

Duke Preston was the only "center" drafted by the Bills recently, and he was shifted to guard.

With Fowler set to become a free agent after this year, don't expect to see him in Bills blue when 2009-'10 rolls around.

Top Three

Alex Mack, California: Alex Mack is widely regarded as the top center prospect in 2009. He also would've been the top prospect in 2008 if he had come out, but his position was never in risk with him returning.

A first-team All-Pac 10 performer the past two years, Mack is looking to translate his collegiate success into a first-round call from an NFL team, and he will get it.

Jonathan Luigs, Arkansas: Mack's hype often overshadows the stellar performance of Jonathan Luigs. With all the talk surrounding the Cal phenom, you would never think that it was Luigs, not Mack, who won the award in 2007 as the nation's top center.

After paving the way for multiple 1,000-yard rushers in Felix Jones and Darren McFadden last year, Luigs looks like he'll be a late second-round or early first-round prospect in 2009.

Max Unger, Oregon: Max Unger has played every position on the offensive line except left tackle. That kind of versatility is hard to overlook and should secure him a pick on day one of the draft.

Unger started at right tackle last year, and is currently starting at center for the Ducks. No matter what position he is asked to play in the pros, he'll be able to do it. He can be a solid starter at just about any position and could back up every position on the line.

Well, those are the guys that I personally think you should keep an eye on this year in the collegiate game, if you're a Bills fan.

It's extremely unlikely that someone from each list will end up on the team, but don't be surprised to see at least one of these guys wearing Buffalo blue when September 2009 rolls around.

NBA Worldwide: The All-International Team

Greg Haefner — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:52:09 -0400

The NBA has come a long way since it was founded in 1946.

It has become a worldwide phenomenon, with international players becoming the norm in the league, and now with European teams taking American players from the NBA (a la Josh Childress).

So, who are the best of the best to come to the NBA from overseas?

Here's my starting five, along with the team they were drafted by, and the year they came in the league (and for all of you Ricky Rubio fans, don't worry. He'll make this list within a few years of being drafted).

*Note: these players must have come from a foreign country straight to the NBA. Foreign-born players who played college ball in the U.S. (i.e. Dikembe Motumbo - born in Zaire, played college ball at Georgetown) will not be included. Since the first qualifier for that list (Panagiotis Giannakis, Greece) was drafted in 1982, that is why you won't see any draft dates from before that year.*

PG - Tony Parker, France (Round 1, pick 28 by San Antonio Spurs in 2001 draft)

Notable Achievements:

Two-Time NBA All-Star (2006, 2007)
2007 NBA Finals MVP
NBA Champion (2003, 2005, 2007)

SG - Dražen Petrović, Yugoslavia (Round 2, pick 60 by Portland Trailblazers)

Notable Achievements:

1991 New Jersey Nets MVP
1992 All-NBA Third team
Two-Time FIBA Gold Medalist (1989, 1990)
NBA Hall of Fame

*Note: Petrović was tragically killed in a car accident in 1993 at the age of 28, ending a very promising NBA career.*

SF -Peja Stojaković, Yugoslavia (Round 1, pick 14 by Sacramento Kings in 1996 draft)

Notable Achievements:

2001 NBA "Most Improved Player"
Three-Time NBA All-Star (2002, 2003, 2004)
2004 All-NBA Second Team
Two-Time NBA Three-Point Shootout Champion (2002, 2003)
2002 FIBA Gold Medalist

PF -Dirk Nowitzki, Germany (Round 1, pick 9 by Milwaukee Bucks, traded to Dallas Mavericks in 1998 draft)

Notable Achievements:

7-Time NBA All-Star (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008)
8-Time All-NBA (3 First Team, 3 Second Team, 2 Third Team)
2006 NBA Three-Point Shootout Champion
2002 World Championships MVP
2007 NBA MVP

C - Yao Ming, China (Round 1, pick 1 by Houston Rockets in 2002 draft)

Notable Achievements:

6-Time NBA All-Star (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008)
4-Time All-NBA (1 Second Team, 3 Third Team)
2002-2003 All-NBA Rookie Team

Honorable Mention: Unfortunately there are some very deserving players who were left off this list. That doesn't mean they aren't great players in their own right, just that they simply got the short end of the stick on this deal. There are only five starting spots and so some have to hit the bench:

Manu Giniobili, SG, Argentina (Round 2, pick 57 by San Antonio Spurs in 1999 draft)

Mehmet Okur, PF, Turkey (Round 2, pick 38 by Detroit Pistons in 2001 draft)

Pau Gasol, C, Spain (Round 1, pick 3 by Atlanta Hawks, traded to Vancouver Grizzlies in 2001 draft)

Andrei Kirilenko, SF, Russia (Round 1, pick 24 by Utah Jazz in 1999 draft)

Zydrunas Ilgauskas, C, Lithuania (Round 1, pick 20 by Cleveland Cavaliers in 1996 draft)

Vlade Divac, C, Yugoslavia (Round 1, pick 26 by L.A. Lakers in 1989 draft)

Toni Kukoč, SF, Yugoslavia (Round 2, pick 29 by Chicago Bulls in 1990 draft)

These players have brought influence to our culture, and pride to their respective countries. The precedent has been set, and this trend won't come to a stop any time soon.

The NFL's Week One Breakdown

Greg Haefner — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 05:46:07 -0400

With the first week of NFL action now officially in the books, what can we say about each team?

What can fans get excited about, and what can trolls start nit-picking about?

Fear not, that’s what I’m here to tell you.

Let’s take a look at this week’s scores, as well as the top positives and negatives shown by each team during the game.

Giants: 16, Redskins: 7

Giants

Positive: The most obvious pick right here would probably be that Justin Tuck and Mathias Kiwanuka can hold their own without Michael Strahan or Osi Umenyiora, but that’s not the most important thing to take away from this game, in my opinion.

Instead, the most important strength for the Giants that I saw was Aaron Ross proving that he is a true stud. He shut down Santana Moss (except for the one touchdown which Moss burned Corey Webster on) and showed he can be left on an island and handle his business.

Negative: The game doesn’t end at halftime. If it did, the Giants would be fine, but it doesn’t. The G-Men need to finish out strong in games. They can’t play the Redskins every week.

Redskins

Positive: London Fletcher should make the Pro Bowl this year. If he comes anywhere near his 17 tackles in the rest of the Redskins 15 games, he has a legitimate shot to lead the league in tackles and could book his first trip to Honolulu.

Negative: Clinton Portis lacked the explosiveness that we’ve become accustomed to seeing from him. He looked lackadaisical at times and averaged a measly 3.7 yards-per-carry. He needs to step it up because with the easily-rattled Jason Campbell behind center, Portis needs to be the workhorse in Washington.

Jets: 20, Dolphins: 14

Jets

Positive: Brett Favre gives this team a legitimate playoff shot. Completing 68 percent of his passes with two TDs is a great way to make your debut with a new team. Especially with the uncertainty of Tom Brady, the Jets are a team to keep your eye on.

Negative: Mike Nugent. How often do you see a kicker get hurt? In a freak injury, Nugent injured his thigh during the first quarter. He returned in the second half, but with Nugent’s sub-par 82 percent career FG percentage (75/92), an injury can only hurt the Jets (no pun intended).

Dolphins

Positive: Anthony Fasano proved to be a good pickup from the Cowboys. With eight catches for 84 yards (both career highs) and a TD in Sunday’s game, Fasano is looking like he could be a favorite target of new QB Chad Pennington, who also performed admirably.

Negative: Ricky Williams was WAY overhyped by the coaches. Some of them even said he was better than he was before his retirement. Really? His 10 carries for 24 yards (2.4 average) beg to differ. If Williams is really going to be the feature back in Miami, it’s going to be a long season for Dolphins fans...again.

Falcons: 34, Lions: 21

Falcons

Positive: The running game. Starting with Michael “The Burner” Turner. How good of a pickup was he? There were questions about whether or not he could thrive in a feature-back role. Well, he put those questions to bed.

22 carries for 220 yards and two TDs. That’s 10.0 yards per carry, even better than his outstanding 2006 average of 6.3. And Jerious Norwood was no slouch either. 92 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries is terrific. These guys are going to help with Matt Ryan’s transition to the NFL.

Negative: They can’t play the Lions every week. There weren’t any glaring weaknesses shown in this game by the Falcons on either side of the ball, but you have to believe that some of these stats were inflated due to the fact that the Lions are...well, the Lions.

Lions

Positive: Calvin Johnson has arrived. After a good rookie season, in which he battled back injuries, Johnson had a great first game in 2008 with 107 yards on seven receptions. If he can keep up that kind of production, he and Roy Williams are going to cause opposing defenses nightmares.

Negative: The entire defense. Matt Ryan’s first pass in his NFL career was a TD. The Falcons rushed for a total of 318 yards. That defensive line really misses Shaun Rogers in the middle.

Titans: 17, Jaguars: 10

Titans

Positive: Chris Johnson was a legitimate first-round pick. Even I criticized the Titans for taking Johnson with the 24th pick, but I will be the first to admit I was wrong to criticize them.

After totaling 127 yards from scrimmage and catching Vince Young’s only TD pass in his debut (93 rushing, 34 receiving), Johnson proved he can be a dynamic weapon in all aspects of the game.

Negative: Vince Young. Not just the injury, but also his performance. He started off by showing that he still is very, very far from being a polished passer. 12-of-22 (55%) for 110 yards with one TD and two INTs is not a good stat line by any stretch of the imagination. The Jaguars have a good defense, but Young has to be sharper than that if he expects to lead Tennessee to the playoffs again.

Jaguars

Positive: Matt Jones has stepped up his game. In the offseason he was dangerously close to being cut, but with six-catch, 80-yard performance, Jones has proved that he can at least be a low-end No. 1 target in the league.

Negative: The running game. Granted, they were playing against Albert Haynesworth and the Titans, but the Fred Taylor/Maurice Jones-Drew combo was nowhere near as stellar as they were last year. They combined for a very unimpressive 31 yards on 14 carries (2.2 average). If that continues, it spells bad news for Jacksonville.

Saints: 24, Bucs: 20

Saints

Positive: Reggie Bush looks to be a legitimate weapon. He wasn’t great as a rusher, tallying 14 carries for 51 yards (3.6 average) and no TDs, but his eight catches for 112 yards and a touchdown were very impressive.

Bush may never be great between the tackles, but when utilized correctly, he is still extremely dangerous, as he proved today.

Negative: Rush defense. The additions of Sedrick Ellis and Jonathan Vilma couldn’t stop the Buccaneers’ running backs from racking up 145 yards on a 7.6 yards-per-carry average. Their corners played better than expected, but that front seven is going to need to stuff the run better if they expect to go anywhere.

Bucs

Positive: Earnest Graham was no fluke. There was no one-year-wonder action going on in Tampa Bay. Graham rushed only 10 times Sunday and still managed to rack up 91 yards. Warrick Dunn was also impressive, averaging 6.0 yards-per-carry on nine attempts.

Negative: Pass defense. Ronde Barber was solid as always, but unless they can clone him, the Bucs are in trouble. Aqib Talib was burned by David Patten for a 39-yard touchdown after he took a poor angle at an interception, and while Philip Buchanon had a nice interception return for a touchdown, he gave the points right back after being torched by Devery Henderson for an 84-yard score.

Tampa Bay is going to regret releasing Eugene Wilson.

Eagles: 38, Rams: 3

Eagles

Positive: The defense. Say what you will about McNabb, DeSean Jackson, or any of the three Eagles receivers who totaled over 100 yards Sunday, but they were going against a very poor St. Louis pass defense, so I think Philadelphia’s D earns this spot.

Holding the Rams to three points is still an incredible feat when Steven Jackson, Marc Bulger, Torry Holt, and Orlando Pace are all healthy enough to start.

I am officially ready to eat my crow on Stewart Bradley. I was not sold on this kid, but after a team-leading nine tackles, I’m convinced.

Negative: None. Zero turnovers, only four penalties, and even Kevin Kolb was able to go 5-of-6 for 53 yards with a 103.5 QB rating. I have no bones to pick with them except that next week they’ll be playing a real team in Dallas on Monday night.

Rams

Positive: Randy McMichael looked like his old Miami self. Five catches for 77 yards (including a nice 31-yard gainer) is pretty good for a tight end, and McMichael may see some solid production this year, provided Marc Bulger stays healthy...Which I wouldn’t bank on.

Negative: There are so many to choose from. Steven Jackson’s 40 yards on 14 carries. Torry Holt only notching one reception. But I think the worst has to be Orlando Pace being pulled from the game for Adam Goldberg at left tackles. The Rams cannot afford to lose Pace again if they expect to get to .500 this year.

Steelers: 38, Texans: 17

Steelers

Positive: Who says Willie Parker can’t get short-yardage touchdowns? Parker shut up any and all haters by posting TD runs of 14, seven, and four yards in this game. Parker had two rushing touchdowns all of last season. His 138-yard, three-TD performance should disperse any doubt that he could be an every-down back.

Negative: Marvel Smith. Smith started at left tackle and gave up two sacks to Mario Williams. Ben Roethlisberger needs some better protection than that. Big Ben didn’t seem too phased though, completing a ridiculous 93 percent of his passes (13/14).

Texans

Positive: Mario Williams is now a bona fide superstar. With two sacks, Williams is picking up right where he left off last year, showing why Houston made him the No. 1 pick in the 2006 draft over guys like Reggie Bush, Vince Young, and Matt Leinart.

Negative: The rushing attack. Steve Slaton and Ahman Green only combined for 71 yards on the ground, with a 3.9 yards-per-carry average. Slaton may be able to shake this off, since he is only a rookie, but something needs to change in that backfield. Quickly.

Patriots: 17, Chiefs: 10

Patriots

Positive: Randy Moss is still the best receiver in the game (sorry T.O. fans). 113 yards and a touchdown in the first half? Very impressive. Keep in mind his longest catch of the game (51 yards) was thrown by Matt Cassel, not Tom Brady.

Negative: Of course, it’s Tom Brady’s knee. The 2007 MVP and clear-cut superstar will be lost for the year, and the effect on the team will be interesting to see. Can Matt Cassel step up and lead this team? We don’t know. What we do know is that the AFC (especially the East division) is now wide open.

Chiefs

Positive: Brandon Flowers. The rookie from Virginia Tech notched six tackles and was rarely out of position in his first game, and he is a guy to watch in Kansas City. Flowers will be very good in a couple of years, and right now he is still good enough to start for this young defense.

Negative: The offensive line. As expected, this new offensive line struggled. They gave up four sacks, and Larry Johnson only managed 77 yards on 22 carries. They’ll need to shape up quickly if they expect to keep anyone upright who lines up under center.

Ravens: 17, Bengals: 10

Ravens

Positive: Joe Flacco. This rookie played his heart out and got Baltimore the win. His 38-yard TD run was very impressive, and he did what he was supposed to do: not lose the game.

The Ravens don’t expect Flacco to win them games, just not lose them. His 129 yards and 52 percent completion percentage weren’t great, but he managed the game, never threw a pick, and Baltimore came away with a win because of it.

Negative: Todd Heap. A single catch for only five yards, and he loses a fumble on it? That’s not the Heap we’re used to. If he’s going to help aid the development of Joe Flacco, he’ll need to be a lot more reliable than that.

Bengals

Positive: Keith Rivers. Leading your team with 10 tackles in your rookie debut is a good showing. Granted none of those tackles were behind the line of scrimmage, but Rivers was all over the field and showing why he deserved to be the No. 9 pick this past April.

Negative: The offense. The rushing attack looked abysmal, managing a measly 65 yards on a 2.8 yards-per-carry average. The passing game wasn’t much better, with Carson Palmer throwing for only 99 yards and an interception. The Ravens' defense is good, but some of the blame has to be put on this anemic offense.

Bills: 34, Seahawks: 10

Bills

Positive: The special teams were...Well, special. Roscoe Parrish’s return, Jon Corto’s forced fumble, and Brian Moorman’s TD pass were exactly what Bills fans have become accustomed to. If Buffalo can keep up the kind of production on offense and special teams that they showed against Seattle, they have a real shot at the AFC East title.

Negative: None. Buffalo’s defense looked great, their offense was clicking, and the team was firing on all cylinders in this one.

Seahawks

Positive: Matt Hasselbeck is healthy. Granted, he wasn’t able to stay upright most of the time, but his health is a good sign for Seattle fans. Without Hasselbeck behind center, the Seahawks stand no chance at anything this year.

Negative: Injuries. With Deion Branch and Bobby Engram already out, the ‘Hawks added Nate Burleson and Maurice Morris to their injury report, losing Burleson for the entire season. If this keeps up, Seattle will have a tough time repeating once again as division champs.

Cowboys: 28, Browns: 10

Cowboys

Positive: The rushing attack. Marion Barber was his usual hard-nosed self, racking up 80 yards and a pair of touchdowns, but Felix Jones put on a show as well, with 62 yards and a touchdown on nine carries (6.9 yards-per-carry). If these two can keep it up, they’ll be a very scary tandem.

Negative: Marion Barber’s injury. Barber left in the third quarter with bruised ribs, and while Felix Jones performed admirably, the Cowboys still really need MB3 running behind Tony Romo this year.

Browns

Positive: The offensive line. They only gave up one sack in the game, and it was to some guy by the name of DeMarcus Ware. That’s a pretty impressive feat. Derek Anderson will have to be better than 11-of-24 this season, but with that kind of protection, he should be.

Negative: Derek Anderson. As I stated above, he need to be better than 11-of-24. With weapons like Braylon Edwards, Donte’ Stallworth, and Kellen Winslow, Anderson has no excuse for only 114 yards and completing just 46 percent of his passes.

Cardinals: 23, 49ers: 13

Cardinals

Positive: The running game. Edgerrin James racked up 100 yards, and rookie Tim Hightower proved he can handle goal-line duties, scoring the only rushing touchdown of the game for the Cardinals from two yards out.

Negative: Levi Brown. Brown gave up 2.5 sacks to Parys Haralson, a backup outside linebacker for San Francisco. That kind of play is unacceptable for a first-round pick. He needs to step up his game this season.

49ers

Positive: Frank Gore. He looks healthy and ran great Sunday. His 41-yard TD run was impressive, and his 151 total yards (96 rushing, 55 receiving) was astounding. If he can stay healthy this year, 49ers fans will be very happy with the results.

Negative: The $100-million secondary was once again a disappointment. They gave up 197 yards, and $80-million man Nate Clements had just two stats in the game: an assisted tackle, and allowing a touchdown. They need to step that up and shut some guys down.

Panthers: 26, Chargers: 24

Panthers

Positive: The passing game lives on, even without Steve Smith. Who would’ve expected that the Panthers leading receiver in Week One would be second-year tight end Dante Rosario from Oregon? Well, 96 yards and a game-winning TD grab later, Rosario is living the dream, and so are the Panthers.

Negative: Julius Peppers is still struggling. He had just one tackle (assisted) and no QB pressures. Granted, he was going against one of the best offensive lines in the league, but he’s Julius Peppers. What’s going on with this guy?

Chargers

Positive: The secondary is looking outstanding. Antonio Cromartie and Quentin Jammer have already established themselves as a top-tier corner tandem in the league, but the play from the young guys is what really surprised me.

Antoine Cason’s forced fumble on D.J. Hackett was great, and second-year man Eric Weddle notched 11 tackles at the free-safety spot. If those young guys can keep contributing, look for this group to end up being very, very good.

Negative: Shawne Merriman. He should’ve had that surgery, because he just wasn’t the same on Sunday. Two tackles and no sacks is a terrible game for him, and he just didn’t have the impact that the Chargers need him to have if they’re defense is to be successful this year.

Bears: 29, Colts: 13

Bears

Positive: Matt Forte. What a great draft pick. If you didn’t pay attention to the NFL and you watched that game, you would never guess that Forte was a rookie. 123 yards on 23 carries with a 50-yard touchdown run? Spectacular. He’s going to be something special.

Negative: The receivers. Brandon Lloyd and Rashied Davis combined for 36 yards on four catches, not quite what you would expect from your top two options. Kyle Orton is going to need some better play at wideout, since Matt Forte can’t play every position.

Colts

Positive: Marvin Harrison looks great. After missing 15 games last year due to injury, Harrison bounced back with a terrific performance, grabbing eight passes for 76 yards. He and Reggie Wayne are going to wreak havoc on opposing defenses once again this year.

Negative: The lack of Jeff Saturday. I’m not going to dump on Jamey Richard, since he was a seventh-round pick and wasn’t expected to be a great player, but Saturday’s loss was huge. Joseph Addai managed only 44 yards and the Colts' offensive line looked totally out of sync. Hopefully they can gel together—quickly—otherwise it’s going to be a long year.

Packers: 24, Vikings: 19

Packers

Positive: Aaron Rodgers. How can it not be? Rodgers performed extremely well, completing 82 percent of his passes and scoring two touchdowns, one rushing and one passing. He looked great, and he led his team to victory in Lambeau.

Negative: The penalties. 12 penalties cost the Packers 118 yards. That is unacceptable. Somehow, they still came out with a win, but if you make dumb mistakes like that, your chances of winning shoot way down. They need to shake off the rust and get back to basics.

Vikings

Positive: The rushing game. Adrian Peterson was outstanding once again, and he and Chester Taylor combined for 154 yards (122 rushing, 31 receiving). Peterson is still simply dominant, and Taylor is doing exactly what he should do: give AD breathers and not screw up while he’s in.

Negative: The receivers. Bernard Berrian was brought in to be a No. 1 guy for Tarvaris Jackson and grabbed only three passes for 38 yards. Sidney Rice played well, getting 31 yards and a touchdown on two catches, but everyone else was subpar. Jackson needs some more reliable guys to throw to.

Broncos: 41, Raiders: 14

Broncos

Positive: Eddie Royal is for real. The speed of this kid astounds me. Beating DeAngelo Hall consistently was extremely impressive, especially for a rookie. Hall is one of, if not the fastest corner in the league, and Royal didn’t even have to put any moves on him.

He just flew by and torched Hall all night. Nine catches, 146 yards, and a touchdown against that secondary? This kid is legit.

Negative: Selvin Young. 36 yards on seven carries? Not what I expected from Young. He seemed lost and couldn’t get any sort of rhythm going. Maybe he’ll get more adjusted as the season goes on, but it looks like he’s going to lose a lot of carries to Andre Hall.

Raiders

Positive: Justin Fargas is picking up right where he left off last year. 18 carries for 97 yards (5.4 average) is just what we’ve come to expect from Fargas. If he keeps up that kind of play, he is going to make a nice tandem with Darren McFadden and should make like a lot easier for JaMarcus Russell.

Negative: The entire defense. They got man-handled Monday night. The secondary got destroyed by Jay Cutler, ripping them apart for 299 yards and two TDs, while the rush defense was equally bad, giving up three touchdowns on the ground.

And don’t make the argument that the offense kept them on the field a lot. Oakland actually won the time of possession battle, holding the ball for 30:10. Tommy Kelly, DeAngelo Hall, and Gibril Wilson need to earn the fat new contracts they got this year.

Well, that about wraps it up. Time to start preparing for Week Two.

The All-NFL "Good Guys" Team: Defense

Greg Haefner — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 05:15:41 -0400

A few days ago, I listed my All-NFL “Good Guys” offense. So what about the players on the other side of the ball?

These guys may make their living putting massive hits on other players, but the help they give outside the game has a much greater impact than the tackles they deliver during the season.

Without further ado, my All-NFL “Good Guys” defense (kicker and punter included).

*Note: Once again, some players will be put out of position (OLB vs. ILB, DT vs. DE) because they deserve to be on the list*

DE: Bertrand Berry (Arizona Cardinals) — Bertrand Berry Foundation

Bertrand Berry is a Pro Bowl player and has 40.5 sacks over the past five years.

But how many know that the suffering of Berry’s wife, Shellie, inspired him to start the Bertrand Berry Foundation?

When she was 12, Shellie lost many of her friends to cancer while she battled a rare form of leukemia. That was the motivation for the Bertrand Berry Foundation.

Each spring, the foundation holds a celebrity golf tournament, dinner, and auction to raise money in order to support two key charities: Childhelp and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

During winter, the foundation invites suffering children to a sponsored shopping spree for the holidays.

Each year, the foundation also gives away a scholarship to one student enrolled in a post-high-school program.

The Mable Dean Scholarship, named after Bertrand’s mother, is given to the student whose community involvement has most greatly affected or changed the lives of suffering children in Arizona by “offering them a better life experience.”

DT: Jonathan Babineaux (Atlanta Falcons) — Babineaux Family Foundation

Jonathan Babineaux and his brother Jordan (DB for the Seattle Seahawks) founded the Babineaux Family Foundation to serve the community by sponsoring development activities, community centers, and lupus research.

Each year the brothers host a celebrity golf tournament in Port Arthur, TX.

For their work in the community, the brothers were both inducted into the Museum of the Golf Coast’s Hall of Fame on June 22, 2007.

DT: La’Roi Glover (St. Louis Rams) — La'Roi Glover Foundation

La’Roi Glover is a six-time Pro Bowler and was the NFL sack leader in 2000, so what more could the man possibly do?

Well, in 1999, he announced the establishment of the La’Roi Glover Foundation to help people in his hometown of San Diego.

His foundation was established with the goal to supply scholarships, help families in need, and give money to charities that promote education throughout the San Diego area.

Each year, the foundation gives out scholarships to one boy and one girl from Point Loma High School, Glover’s alma mater.

DE: Eric Hicks (Free Agent) — The Hicks For Hearts Foundation

The Hicks for Hearts Foundation supports children with congenital heart defects, and assists those children and their families through the healing process.

Hicks’ foundation hosts an annual golf tournament each year at the Nicklaus Golf Club at Lionsgate.

Hicks is currently out of work, but his foundation is still going strong.

OLB: Bart Scott (Baltimore Ravens) — A Son Never Forgets Foundation

Bart Scott made his first Pro Bowl in 2006, but if you asked him, that would be far from the most important thing he’s done.

Scott has been active in the community his entire career. In 2004, he helped out the rest of the Ravens in a six-week project to build a new home in partnership with Habitat for Humanity and NFL/United Way.

In 2006, Scott founded the A Son never Forgets Foundation, aimed at helping those suffering from paralysis.

In a 2005 interview with the Cincinnati Enquirer, Scott said that “Being an NFL player is great, but there is no better feeling than bringing a smile to a child’s face.”

ILB: Tedy Bruschi (New England Patriots) — Tedy's Team

As a lifelong Buffalo Bills fan, I am obligated to hate Tedy Bruschi on the field, but off the field, he’s the definition of a class act.

Bruschi suffered a stroke in 2005 after playing in the Pro Bowl and made his return to the league the very next year.

Today, Bruschi has his own foundation as a part of the American Heart Association: Tedy’s Team.

The main purpose of Bruschi’s foundation is to raise funds to go towards stroke research, inspired by his own experience.

Bruschi also appeared on ESPN’s “My Wish” series in 2006, granting the wish of seven-year-old Andrew Geracoulis, who was (and still is) suffering from a heart condition he was born with.

OLB: Derrick Brooks (Tampa Bay Bucs) — Derrick Brooks Charities

Derrick Brooks has been an outstanding linebacker his entire career, earning 10-straight Pro Bowl trips between 1997 and 2006.

But his achievements off the gridiron could rival his achievements on it.

Derrick Brooks Charities was founded with the mission to provide educational opportunities to socio-economically challenged youth.

His foundation holds an annual celebrity golf tournament and is teaming up with the Warrick Dunn Foundation for an inaugural golf tournament the week before Super Bowl XLIII in 2009.

Brooks won the Walter Payton “Man of the Year” Award in 2000 and served as the NFL spokesman for United Way in both 2000 and 2001.

CB: Marcus Trufant (Seattle Seahawks) — Trufant Family Foundation

The mission of the Trufant Family Foundation is to help make dreams come true for youths and their families by giving financial assistance and making a personal connection with individuals and programs that provide service to people who are most in need.

The foundation both supports other existing programs, as well as maintaining its own programs. The foundation gives out financial aid, scholarships, and helps build children’s centers and family centers each year.

CB: Nnamdi Asomugha (Oakland Raiders) — O.W.I.N. Foundation

The O.W.I.N. (Orphans and Widows In Need) Foundation was formed by Dr. Lilian I. Asomugha, Nnamdi’s mother, as a foundation aimed at helping needy orphans and widows in eastern Nigeria.

Today, the organization has expanded to help other rural areas of the world as well, especially Africa, and also supports groups like the Gold Crest Family Center in Lagos, Nigeria.

Nnamdi is the chief backer for his mother’s foundation, and with his help, the organization hopes to spread its help even further in the future.

S: Coy Wire (Atlanta Falcons) — Coy Wire "Caring" Foundation

Coy Wire has never been a superstar player on the field, but he has always been a fan favorite in Buffalo and will likely become one in Atlanta if he makes the roster.

In 2003, Wire founded the Coy Wire “Caring” Foundation to help other charitable organizations in the Western New York area.

Though he now plays for the Falcons, the proceeds from Wire’s foundation still go towards Western New York area foundations.

Some of the chief benefactors from Wire’s foundation have been:

Make a Wish Foundation
P.A.C.T. Clinic at Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo
Roswell Park Cancer Institute
The Food Bank of Western New York
Cradle Beach Camp
Junior Achievement
The Theatre of Youth
Boys and Girls Club

S: John Lynch (New England Patriots) — John Lynch Foundation

John Lynch is the definition of “great” both on and off the field. With nine Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl ring, Lynch has enjoyed plenty of success on the field, but off of it, he has become one of the league’s greatest role models.

In 2000, John and Linda Lynch formed the John Lynch Foundation, to provide encouragement and positive alternatives for young people.

Each year, Lynch’s foundation gives out a scholarship, and hosts programs like “John Lynch Salutes the Stars,” which drew over 900 people this past year.

K: Josh Brown (St. Louis Rams) — The Josh Brown Project

Josh Brown, newly of the St. Louis Rams, founded the Josh Brown Project with a mission to improve the quality of life for youth and increase physical activity.

Brown’s motivation for starting the foundation came when he lost a friend to cystic fibrosis, which affects nearly 30,000 children and young adults in the U.S. alone.

Brown has teamed up with RSR Sports Management to implement a “Good for 3” program, where for each field goal he makes, five organizations will make significant donations to the CF foundation.

The organizations include:

Riverside Ford
Gillis Auto Center
Car Toys
Merit Financial
Sports Radio KJR

P: Brian Moorman (Buffalo Bills) — P.U.N.T. Foundation

Rounding out my “Good Guys” team is Brian Moorman, Pro Bowl punter for the Buffalo Bills.

In 2004, Moorman, along with his wife Amber, founded the P.U.N.T. (Perseverance, Understanding, N’Couragement, Triumph) Foundation to help make a difference in the lives of children in Western New York that suffer from life-threatening illnesses.

The programs associated with the P.U.N.T. Foundation include:

Brian’s Locker
Brian’s Game Day
Field of Dreams
Helping Hands
Adopt a Family

Well, that completes my team of the current “Good Guys” in the NFL.

I hope you all enjoyed it and remember that there are plenty of these guys in the league to balance out the negative publicity brought on by some of the other players.

The All-NFL "Good Guys" Team: Offense

Greg Haefner — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 16:45:35 -0400

It’s easy to write about NFL players who have thrown away their talents with poor decisions, a la Michael Vick, and I will admit that I personally love reading and writing about it.

But what about the NFL players that do the exact opposite? I’m talking about the guys who help out in the community and selflessly give, despite the fact that their actions will probably never be publicized nationally.

The time has come for that to change.

Onterrio Smith getting more publicity for his Whizzinator incident than Warrick Dunn got for founding his two charities is criminal.

So, which active players make the list for my “Good Guys” Team?

Let’s start with the offense.

Here’s a list of my starters with their team, and a link to their respective foundations, if they have a website (they deserve some free publicity).

*Note: some players may be placed out of position (OG vs. OT), due to the fact that they are still undeniably deserving to make this list.*

QB: Jeff Garcia (Tampa Bay Bucs) — Pass It On Foundation

In addition to being a great NFL QB (four-time Pro Bowler), Jeff Garcia is a great person.

He and his wife, Carmella, founded the “Pass It On Foundation” in May of 2007 and have already made generous donations to:

Giving Hope Through Faith Foundation
Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County
Special Olympics Northern California
American Cancer Society (Scholarship Program and California Division)
Laci and Conner Search and Rescue Fund

RB: Warrick Dunn (Tampa Bay Bucs) — Warrick Dunn Foundation

Almost anyone who follows football knows about Warrick Dunn on the field, but he may also be the all-around best guy the league has ever seen.

Dunn founded the Warrick Dunn Foundation, which gives money to various charities, and has raised over $5,000,000 in his efforts.

He also founded the Homes for the Holidays program, which helps single parents purchase homes. Since founding this program in 2004, Dunn has helped 45 single parents and over 120 children in Atlanta, Baton Rouge, and Tampa.

Three charities founded? You better believe it. In 2007, Dunn, along with Andre Agassi, Muhammad Ali, Lance Armstrong, Jeff Gordon, Mia Hamm, Tony Hawk, Andrea Jaeger, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Mario Lemieux, Alonzo Mourning, and Cal Ripken Jr. founded Athletes for Hope.

Athletes for Hope is an organization that both helps athletes donate to their charities and foundations, but also encourages other athletes to get involved in the philanthropy.

WR: Chris Chambers (San Diego Chargers) — C.A.T.C.H. 84 Foundation

Chris Chambers is a guy you don’t hear about as often as Warrick Dunn, or even Jeff Garcia, for his off-field actions, but you’re going to hear about him now.

C.A.T.C.H. (Children Achieving Through Community Help) 84 was founded by Chambers and his family in 2005 to help children from single-parent families look past their current situations to realize success.

Each year, Chambers’ organization partners with Key Bank to award a college scholarship to a high-school senior in the Cleveland area, Chris’ hometown.

WR: Anquan Boldin (Arizona Cardinals) — Q 81 Foundation

Anquan Boldin has been a great player since coming into the league in 2003.

What many don’t know, however, is that the very next year, Boldin founded the Q 81 Foundation, aimed at expanding educational and life opportunities of underprivileged children.

Boldin’s organization is seeking donations that will help provide school supplies, college scholarships, food, and clothing for children living in poverty.

TE: Daniel Wilcox (Baltimore Ravens) — Empowerment M.I.N.D.S. Foundation

Daniel Wilcox doesn’t get much attention on the field, but his actions off of it are well-known by those in the Baltimore community, since many people in the area have been directly affected by it.

Wilcox founded the “Empowerment M.I.N.D.S. (Motivating and Inspiring Neighborhoods Determined to Succeed) in January of 2006, which encourages youth to hold leadership roles in their community.

Wilcox has also taken part in countless charitable activities, including distributing over 100 Thanksgiving baskets in a southwest Baltimore neighborhood, appearing in various schools across Baltimore, and helping the NFL with both its United Way and Habitat for Humanity programs.

OT: Mark Tauscher (Green Bay Packers) — T.R.I.F.E.C.T.A. Foundation

Mark Tauscher was a seventh-round pick in 2000 for the Packers and has never made a Pro Bowl, but you’ll never hear anyone say he hasn’t made a difference.

In 2005, Tauscher founded the T.R.I.F.E.C.T.A. (Tauscher’s Reading Initiative For Every Child To Achieve) Foundation to enhance education and literacy of children in Wisconsin.

With Associated Bank, Tauscher’s Foundation has raised more than $110,000 for distribution in Wisconsin.

OG: Alan Faneca (New York Jets) — Epilepsy Foundation

Alan Faneca is known by his teammates and opponents for his mean streak on the field, but off of it, that completely disappears.

Faneca began having seizures at age 15, and was diagnosed with epilepsy. Through the help of medication, he was able to continue playing football.

Faneca has become a massive donor to the Epilepsy Foundation and is a national icon and inspiration for the organization, and for people everywhere.

C: Matt Katula (Baltimore Ravens) — Matt Katula Foundation

Matt Katula is a name not known by many, but Matt is perfectly fine with that.

As it says on the front page of his site: “The only way you should know who I am is if I mess up.”

And that is true, since Katula is a long snapper for the Ravens, quite possibly the least-hyped position in the game.

But that hasn’t stopped Katula from helping out in his community.

In 2007, Katula founded the “Matt Katula Foundation,” aimed at providing growth and support for community sports programs, as well as helping children that require financial support and guidance to achieve their goals.

OG: Grey Ruegamer (New York Giants) — Ruegy's Readers Foundation

Grey Ruegamer has started only one game in his two seasons with the Giants, but he is one of the most active and charitable players in the league today.

Ruegamer founded “Ruegy’s Readers” to create well-rounded students through literacy by providing extra support to schools.

Each year, Ruegamer picks five elementary schools and donates $3,000 in new books to their library. He also selects two students, who get to choose one book from the list donated, and get their names attached to it.

Just take a look at this picture, it says it all.

OT: Will Shields (Kansas City Chiefs) — Will To Succeed Foundation

Will Shields is another player who has been great both on the field, and off it.

In 1993, he founded the “Will to Succeed Foundation” to help families, individuals, and charities in the Kansas City Metro area who have access to little or no other aid.

Since its foundation, “Will to Succeed” has helped over 100,000 individuals, and currently sponsors over a dozen programs and initiatives.

In the next few days, I’ll list my “Good Guys” Team on the defensive end.

Someone has to make sure these players get their credit; it’s long overdue.

NBA: The All-Time Busts Team

Greg Haefner — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 10:06:05 -0400

Before I start this article, I have to give credit to Erick Blasco. His recent article on his All-Time NBA Team (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/44828-erick-blascos-all-time-nba-team) gave me the idea for this article, my All-Time NBA Bust Team.

These guys have to meet three certain criteria for my team:

They must have been drafted top 10 overall
They must have busted due to lack of talent or work ethic, NOT injury (a la Jay Williams)
They must have been drafted AFTER 1976. Being a top 10 pick when there's only 18 teams (expanded to 22 in 1977) isn't as impressive.

Thanks for the inspiration Erick, and more to the point, here we go:

Point Guard: Keith Edmonson, Purdue (No. 10 pick in 1982 Draft, Atlanta Hawks)

Keith Edmonson was a crucial part of the Purdue Boilermakers Final Four team in 1980.

During his senior season, Edmonson averaged 21.3 PPG and was named an Academic All-American.

His pro career? Well he played fewer games as a pro than he did as a collegiate.

In his 87-game career, Edmonson averaged 6.0 PPG while playing for the Hawks, Spurs, and Nuggets.

He also played in France, Belgium, and Spain after his NBA career was over.

Edmonson is currently a players' agent and also hosts youth basketball summer camps in the San Antonio area.

Runner-Up: Jerome "Pooh" Richardson, UCLA (No. 10 pick in 1989 Draft, Minnesota Timberwolves)

Shooting Guard: Darius Miles, East St. Louis HS (No. 3 pick in 2000 NBA Draft, L.A. Clippers)

What can you say about Darius Miles that hasn't already been said?

Cocky. Lazy. Talented, but not willing to show it.

Miles has all the athletic ability in the world, and could have been a great player if he put his mind to it.

Instead, he soaked up the fame appearing in a few movies such as Van Wilder, The Perfect Score, and The Youngest Guns. He played the part of a basketball player in all three.

Say what you want about his recent injury, that's not why he busted. He busted because he came into the league thinking he was the second coming of Christ, and when he didn't get treated like it, he whined his way out of L.A., Cleveland, and ultimately annoyed the Blazers to the point where he is currently out of a job.

The Suns were recently considering giving Miles a look, but decided against it. Smart move.

Runner-Up: Isiah Rider, UNLV (No. 5 pick in 1993 Draft, Minnesota Timberwolves)

Small Forward: Ed O'Bannon, UCLA (No. 9 pick in 1995 Draft, New Jersey Nets)

Ed O'Bannon had a great collegiate career at UCLA, scoring 30 points to go along with 17 rebounds to help the Bruins win the 1995 NCAA Championship.

His number 31 was retired at UCLA, and he was picked ninth overall in the 1995 NBA Draft by the New Jersey Nets.

His professional career? Not so stellar.

He wasn't physical enough to play forward and wasn't fast enough to play guard, and therefore never really found his spot in the NBA.

His career-high averages include 6.2 PPG and 2.6 RPG, both during his rookie season with the Nets.

He was traded to the Dallas Mavericks during his third (and final) NBA season. That year he was traded again, this time to the Magic, who released him shortly after the deal was completed.

O'Bannon also spent time in Greece, Italy, Spain, Argentina, and Poland after his NBA days before finally deciding to retire at age 30.

Runner-Up: Marcus Fizer, Iowa State (No. 4 pick in 2000 Draft, Chicago Bulls)

Power Forward: Kwame Brown, Glynn Academy HS (No. 1 pick in 2001 Draft, Washington Wizards)

Michael Jordan was a great player, but he can't scout players to save his life.

Case in point, Kwame Brown.

After a pre-draft workout with Washington, Brown told then head coach Doug Collins "If you draft me, you'll never regret it."

That didn't turn out well. During his rookie year, Brown averaged a whopping 4.5 PPG and 3.5 RPG. Not exactly the studly performance that was expected.

Brown did average career-highs in PPG (10.9) and RPG (7.4) in his third year, but after that season, things took a turn for the worse.

That off-season, Brown turned down a 5-year, $30 million contract so that he could test the free agent market when his contract expired after his fourth season. Big mistake.

In season number four, Brown averaged 7.0 PPG over 42 games, and got into verbal arguments with both Gilbert Arenas and new head coach Eddie Jordan, spelling his way out of town.

The Wizards should be thankful to Brown for one thing though: Caron Butler. In the off-season after his fourth year, Washington was able to complete a sign-and-trade which sent Brown and Laron Profit to the L.A. Lakers in exchange for Butler and Chucky Atkins.

Talk about a steal for the Wizards.

Butler has since developed into an All-Star and a key piece of Washington's lineup, while Brown has bounced around the league, somehow always being involved in a trade with big names; he also brought Pau Gasol to L.A.

He was most recently signed by the Detroit Pistons, who decided it would be a good idea to throw away $8 million over two years for his "services".

Runner-Up: Darko Milicic, Serbia-Montenegro (No. 2 pick in 2003 Draft, Detroit Pistons)

Center: Michael Olowokandi, Pacific (No. 1 pick in 1998 Draft, L.A. Clippers)

The Kandi Man! He certainly turned out well.

Olowokandi was regarded as a can't-miss prospect whose potential was through the roof when he came into the NBA in 1998.

He led his Pacific team to the NCAA tournament his junior year, despite only starting to play basketball at age 17. His size, coupled with his untapped potential, made him the top pick in the 1998 NBA Draft, ahead of Antawn Jamison (pick No. 4), Vince Carter (pick No. 5), Dirk Nowitzki (pick No. 9), and Paul Pierce (pick No. 10).

In Olowokandi's defense, however, 1998 was not an exceptionally strong class for centers, featuring fellow first-rounders Michael Doleac, Rasho Nesterovic, Vladimir Stepania, and Nazr Mohammed. The best of the bunch was undrafted free agent Brad Miller.

Olowokandi's final seasons with the Clippers were the best of his career; in 2002 he averaged 12.3 PPG and 9.1 RPG, but after that everything changed.

Olowokandi signed with the Timberwolves after that season, and never averaged more than 6.5 PPG again in his career.

He was traded to Boston as part of the Wally Szczerbiak deal in 2005, and is currently still looking for work.

Runner-Up: Shawn Bradley, BYU (No. 2 pick in 1993 Draft, Philadelphia 76ers)

And that rounds out my team. If you see these guys on the street, feel free to challenge them to a game of one-on-one.

And if you really want to make it interesting, why not bet on the game? Maybe somewhere along the lines of the millions of dollars they never deserved?

Who Is This Year's Ryan Grant in Fantasy Football?

Greg Haefner — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:31:19 -0400

Last year, Ryan Grant ran many fantasy owners all the way to the finals with his 956 yards and eight TDs, despite only starting seven games.

He was joined in the super-sleeper category last year by Packers' receiver Greg Jennings, who notched 920 yards and 12 TDs, as well as Tampa Bay's Earnest Graham, who racked up 898 yards and 10 TDs over 10 starts.

So who will surprise this year? It's a very popular question, and the time has come for me to weigh in with my answer.

Before I get any angry comments from the Lions' fans, I want you all to know that Calvin Johnson won't be on my list because I've seen him go as high as the sixth round in fantasy drafts, which disqualifies him as a sleeper.

A sleeper is someone who either gets taken in double-digit rounds or is undrafted and surprises many.

And so, in no particular order, let the breakdown begin.

Sidney Rice, WR, Minnesota Vikings

Sidney Rice had a very average rookie year, gaining 396 yards and four TDs on 31 receptions.

This year, Rice will serve as the Vikings' No. 2, next to Bernard Berrian. Rice's 6'4" frame will offset Berrian's speed, and while Berrian will easily get more yards, Rice should pull in at least seven or eight TDs, becoming a great offensive weapon for Tarvaris Jackson, especially in the red zone.

A year of experience under his belt won't hurt either.

Rice shouldn't be drafted any higher than Round 11, and in most leagues, he will hit free agency without being drafted. You can take your chances on the waiver wire, but I would recommend scooping him up in one of the last two or three rounds as a reserve receiver to keep your eye on.

Jerry Porter, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

If Jerry Porter played for Jacksonville last season, he would have been the Jaguars' leading receiver with 705 yards.

The Jaguars haven't had a 1,000-yard receiver since Jimmy Smith in 2005, and they are hoping Porter can be that guy. I wouldn't bank on him putting up stellar numbers, but he should duplicate, or even improve upon, last year's numbers in yards.

If Reggie Williams can grab 10 TDs in Jacksonville's passing system, then Porter can easily get at least eight.

He should be considered as a late-round flyer, and at this point, he could even be counted on as a No. 3 receiver, with the potential to develop into a No. 2.

Leonard Pope, TE, Arizona Cardinals

Leonard Pope is a good, blocking tight-end, but his receiving numbers shouldn't be overlooked either.

Pope logged 238 yards last year, which isn't great, but his five TDs were tied for eighth among all tight ends in the league, even though he missed the final two games of the season. He improved in his second year, and he should improve again this year.

Pope is perfectly designed to be a red-zone terror at 6'8" and 258 pounds, and the Cardinals realized that late last year, as three of Pope's five TDs came in his last five games.

His numbers should rise again this year, and while he won't get drafted in many leagues, he is well worth adding as at least a backup tight end, with the possibility to start for your team. He may even log eight or nine TDs.

Donald Lee, TE, Green Bay Packers

Donald Lee is in the perfect position for a breakout fantasy year.

Lee had a career year in 2007, with 575 yards and six TDs. This year, he is working with Aaron Rodgers instead of that Favre guy.

Some people might view that as a bad thing. I completely disagree.

Who is a young quarterback's best friend? A good, receiving tight end. That's exactly what Donald Lee is. Rodgers will be hitting him in the red zone and on check-down routes throughout this year, and Lee should be in line for a second straight career year.

Ryan Torain, RB, Denver Broncos

Mike Bell 2.0? Not quite. Ryan Torain can't fall into that category because he was actually drafted in the fifth round this year, and Mike Bell never was.

But in terms of fantasy production, he may very well be. A lot of fantasy-football players are talking about Selvin Young, Selvin Young, and Selvin Young.

But Broncos' head coach Mike Shanahan has been quoted praising Torain for his "first-round ability", and declared, on July 26, that the starting running-back job in Denver is officially up for grabs.

Torain will be drafted in less than one percent of fantasy drafts this year, but don't let that stop you from keeping an eye on him while he's on the waiver wire. Keep an eye on the position battle, and if Shanahan declares a starter before your draft, then take a flyer on that back in the last round.

Every running back thrives in Denver's system, and if given the opportunity, Torain could easily match Bell's 2006 numbers of 677 yards and eight TDs.

Don't bank too heavily on these guys, as they are only sleepers and nothing is guaranteed. But don't be afraid to take an 11th or 12th-round flyer on any of them, either.

Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush, Vernon Davis: Step Up or Step Out

Greg Haefner — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:00:58 -0400

The third year is usually crucial for NFL players.

Sometimes it's because they're looking to come back from a sophomore slump.

Sometimes it's because of injuries.

Sometimes it's because they haven't been able to put everything together.

Occasionally, some players will dispel all doubts after their first two years, but that is a rarity. Regardless of why, most players find themselves getting told to put up or shut up going into year No. 3.

So, who's on the proverbial "hot seat" this year? Who will step up? Who will fail?

I'll go over my top-five "Make-Or-Break" players, in no particular order, going into 2008, along with a prediction and an explanation.

Let's get started:

1. Matt Leinart, QB, Arizona Cardinals

Analysis: Matt Leinart is an enigma. The man stayed for five years at USC, even passing on the opportunity to be a surefire No. 1 overall pick and sign that rich contract in 2005 to return to school.

So he must love the game, right? We still don't know.

In his first two seasons Leinart has started a combined 16 games. If you try to find a picture of him on Google, you'll find one of him with a beer bong before you find one of him in a football uniform. That's saying something about his image.

He seems to be a lot like David Terrell to this point in his career: more interested in living the life of a football player than actually playing football.

So, will Leinart step up this year and show everyone why he was a Heisman winner and potential No. 1 overall pick?

Make or Break? Make. Leinart is a smart guy, and he has to know that the Cardinals aren't happy with him right now. If he can stay healthy and put it all together on the field, he'll be a great leader for the frighteningly good air attack down in Arizona.

2. Reggie Bush, RB, New Orleans Saints

Analysis: Who would've thought that Reggie Bush would make this list when he was drafted? Instantly hailed as the next Gale Sayers, I even twisted my ankle jumping on his bandwagon.

To this point, it seems like we had it all wrong.

Bush has been given every opportunity to shine, playing all 16 games in 2006 and getting an opportunity to be a full-time back in 2007.

How has he responded? 1,146 rush yard and 3.7 yards per carry.

Now, things aren't all bad for Bush. He showed flashes of his brilliant versatility his rookie year, notching 742 receiving yards.

Bush is in the perfect situation for success: A great QB, a prolific passing game, including a newly added Jeremy Shockey, and an offensive line that sports a dominant left tackle in Jammal Brown and a Pro-Bowl snub in right guard Jahri Evans.

But Bush has had all of these things (except Shockey) in both of his first two years, so what makes this year different?

He can finally combine what he did his first two years.

In his rookie season, he was healthy, playing in all 16 games, but did not get as big of an opportunity to show what he could do, starting only half of those games.

In his sophomore season, he was constantly battling injuries without running mate Deuce McAllister to lighten the load.

This year, he will have both.

Make or Break? Make. If he can keep himself healthy through the season, there should be nothing standing in the way of him and an easy 1,500 total yard season.

3. Manny Lawson, OLB, San Francisco 49ers

Analysis: Manny Lawson is a tough one to figure out.

During his rookie year, he was a middle-of-the-road player, as is expected from rookies, notching 57 total tackles and 2.5 sacks in 12 starts.

But his sophomore year was cut short after a mere two games when he tore his ACL.

ACL tears are extremely hard for players to come back from, and Lawson will have a tough road ahead of him.

But he won't be going it alone.

Joining Lawson on the defensive side of the ball are the newly acquired Justin Smith and Kentwan Balmer, along with Pro Bowl ILB Patrick Willis.

With a great supporting cast in the front seven, and the now famed "$100-million secondary", Lawson stands poised to break out and show everyone why he was the No. 22 overall pick in the 2006 draft.

Make or Break? Make. Look for him to have upwards of 70 tackles and eight-10 sacks in 2008.

4. Kamerion Wimbley, OLB, Cleveland Browns

Analysis: Wimbley suffered the dreaded sophomore slump in 2007.

After a great rookie season saw him rack up 62 tackles and 11.0 sacks in 2006, his next year only saw him get 51 tackles with 5.0 sacks.

So can Wimbley regain and improve on his rookie form in 2008?

He'll need to if Cleveland is to be successful this year. After trading away their stud corner in Leigh Bodden to Detroit, the Browns will need their front seven to take some pressure off that secondary, and they can't do that with Wimbley putting up mediocre numbers.

Make or Break? Make. Wimbley is a stud, and will no doubt step up his play this year. Don't be surprised if he locks up a Pro Bowl berth.

5. Vernon Davis, TE, San Francisco 49ers

Analysis: Vernon Davis is the most physically gifted tight end in the NFL, but so far hasn't been able to translate that into success on the pro level.

Davis ran a 4.38-forty at his pro day, and entered the draft coming off a year where he led the ACC in receiving yards per game with 79.2, second in receiving yards only to Calvin Johnson with 871, and was third in the conference in receiving TDs with .

Those are impressive numbers for a tight end in a very good conference.

So why hasn't he been able to do it at the pro level?

Well, maybe you can ask his quarterback. If you know who it is, you should ask.

Over Davis' short career, he has played with three different starting QBs:

Alex Smith: Started all 16 games in 2006, only seven in 2007

Shaun Hill: Started two games in 2007

Trent Dilfer: Started six games in 2007

So, will Davis finally get some stability this year? He better hope so. But with the experience under his belt, Davis needs to take some responsibility. After all, a good receiving tight end is an inexperienced quarterback's best friend.

Make or Break? Break. With the 49ers starting Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson at receiver, Davis will face many double-teams, and won't even have the opportunity to be a red-zone threat with San Francisco's offensive woes.

Hopefully at some point, Davis can pull it together, but I don't see it happening in 2008.

Well, there they are. The men with the 800-pound monkeys on their backs. Some will shed it, some won't.

Football doesn't build character, it reveals it. Time for the world to see what these guys' true colors are.

Josh Smith, Emeka Okafor, Rasheed Wallace: Who Needs to Move On?

Greg Haefner — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:29:18 -0400

Is Emeka Okafor done in Charlotte? Will Josh Smith find himself dawning Detroit blue next season? Have the Pistons finally had enough of Rasheed?

We've seen a lot of moves already go down this offseason, but some would argue that we haven't yet seen enough.

There are plenty of players whose names have been mentioned in trade rumors, but still haven't been moved.

So which "on the block" player would be best suited with a new team?

Let's take a look at the guys whose names we could see in deals very soon:

Josh Smith, F, Atlanta Hawks

Josh Smith is a core piece of the up-and-coming Atlanta Hawks, so it would be very tough to envision them letting him go.

That being said, he has been mentioned in several trade rumors, most recently with the Detroit Pistons.

According to Rotoworld.com, various internet sources are spreading rumors of a sign-and-trade deal already in place with the Pistons, though nothing is confirmed.

The move would make sense for Detroit, not so much for Atlanta. Detroit would get a young and freakishly athletic guy, who could be a vital piece to their seemingly eminent rebuilding process.

The other trade rumor that was swirling around Smith was with the L.A. Clippers, but with the recent addition of Marcus Camby, that deal is not going to happen.

Smith would be well suited to remain in Atlanta in my opinion, as he is part of their young core which looks poised to make a run in the postseason for a long time to come.

Emeka Okafor, F/C, Charlotte Bobcats

Emeka Okafor is a great player stuck in a terrible situation. No matter who Charlotte puts around him, they simply can't seem to win.

Whether it's drafting a point guard in Raymond Felton, landing a big-time scorer in Jason Richardson, or failing miserably to get a fellow post player with the bust that is Sean May, Charlotte just can't seem to do anything right.

You have to put a lot of the blame on the organization's drafting: passing on Brook Lopez in this past year's draft, and landing major busts in Adam Morrison and Sean May. Okafor cannot be happy.

Okafor should be looking for a sign-and-trade deal to a contender or at least a team that looks like they could make the postseason sometime in the near future.

He turned down a five year, $60 million extension from the team last year, and that sent a powerful message. I wouldn't bank on him being a Bobcat for much longer.

It's anyone's guess where he'll end up, but he could benefit from going anywhere outside of North Carolina.

Tracy McGrady, G/F, Houston Rockets

Tracy McGrady is another guy whose name has been brought up a lot around the Motor City. ESPN's Stephen A. Smith reports that McGrady was, and still is, open to the option of playing for the Pistons.

If the two teams can agree on a deal, it might lead to McGrady winning the first postseason series of his career.

McGrady has a good thing going in Houston, but wherever he goes, he'll play at his normal superstar level.

Ron Artest, F, Sacramento Kings

Ron Artest has been shopping himself around the league, now acting as his own agent, and the only team out of the running seems to be the Denver Nuggets.

That's not to say Denver ever wanted him, they've just had their Ron-Ron invitation revoked after Artest said "I cannot play in Denver because they question my drive to finish my career off strong and not embarrass my family."

Well, it's still unclear where he'll end up, but rest assured he won't be sporting the Kings' purple this upcoming season.

The teams with known interest in Artest's services right now are the L.A. Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks, with only the Mavericks having made an offer to the Kings so far.

Rasheed Wallace, F/C, Detroit Pistons

Sheed is a walking, talking headache. But he is also a very good player.

When he wants to be, Sheed is All-Star caliber, but how often does that happen?

His technical fouls, and subsequently his suspensions, drive coaches, GMs, and fans all crazy. Only until he hits one of his trademark three-pointers leaves everyone content for the time being.

There is no denying Wallace's talent, only his work ethic. Joking around with Kevin Garnett during the Eastern Conference Finals didn't help his case. He seems to be one of the most likely faces in Detroit to be moved, along with Chauncey Billups.

Wallace may be more attractive due to his expiring contract, versus Billups' contract which pays him $36.3 million over the next three years, with a team option for the 2011-2012 season.

After he spent all of one game with Atlanta during the 2003 season before being traded again to Detroit, Wallace is no stranger to being moved around.

All of these players could see their names in the news shortly, and it would be interesting to see how they do should they be traded.

NBA Analysis: Old Faces, New Places

Greg Haefner — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:40:50 -0400

This offseason has been a whirlwind of signings, trades—and quite frankly, theft.

With all the veterans changing scenery, who is going to thrive the most in their new location?

Will it be the "traitor" Elton Brand? The misguided Baron Davis? Or perhaps the recently-stolen Marcus Camby?

Let's take a look at the big-name guys who changed teams this offseason, and break them down one by one. Here's a hint, they all have to do with Los Angeles:

Elton Brand, F/C, 76ers (formerly of the L.A. Clippers)

Elton Brand just contributed to global warming, as all his former fans have burned his Clipper jersey.

The man had a $90 million deal on the table from Golden State, so he didn't do it for the money. He had a $70 million deal on the table from a loyal team who recently went out and aggressively fought to get a stud point guard in Baron Davis.

So why Philadelphia? The 76ers may compete in the East, but will it be for a title?

No. So why not go with the money? It all doesn't make sense to me.

Of course Brand was recently assured that the 76ers would re-sign Andre Iguodala. Really, Elton? The same way you promised the Clippers you would re-sign with them? Brand will thrive in Philadelphia stat-wise, but will he get his ring there? Nope.

Baron Davis, G, L.A. Clippers (formerly of the Golden State Warriors)

You really have to feel bad for Baron Davis. The Pistons were reportedly pursuing him hard, but Golden State wanted too much in return (this was before the opt-out deadline). So he opts out and bolts to L.A., where he gets the chance to play with a stud post player in Elton Brand.

What he got instead was Marcus Camby. Oh well.

You have to give credit to the Clippers for sticking by Davis, and getting him the post player he was expecting. They seem committed to winning now, and with Davis on board, it's not out of the question to see them playing in the post-season in 2008-09.

Davis will be the stud leader they're looking for, and should average close to a double-double once again.

Marcus Camby, F/C, L.A. Clippers (formerly of the Denver Nuggets)

Marcus Camby finds himself in a strange situation. He was traded away from Denver for the option to swap second round picks in 2009.

Really?

One year removed from winning the Defensive Player of the Year award, Camby didn't even bring back a ham sandwich in exchange for his services. He should be furious with Denver for giving him away like that.

Obviously he didn't fit in with the Mile High city, since he actually plays defense, but still he is worth more than a second round pick-swap. That's just plain insulting.

Camby will show the Nuggets just how wrong they were to trade him away at that price. Look for him to average a double-double and team up with Chris Kaman to form a nice tandem down low.

So, of these three, who is going to benefit the most? I think it has to be Baron Davis. He didn't get to play with Elton Brand, but Marcus Camby is no small consolation prize. Los Angeles is looking very serious in the strong West, and could make a playoff push this upcoming season.

Tomorrow, I'll look at the guys who haven't been traded yet—but would be well suited if their GMs pulled the trigger.

Dwayne Bowe, Selvin Young: Will They Become Victims of the Sophomore Slump?

Greg Haefner — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 11:26:51 -0400

The term "Sophomore Slump" has become well known around the NFL and has proven itself as more than mere superstition.

In 2005, Tampa Bay's Michael Clayton saw his reception total decline from 80 in 2004, to 32, as well as a decline in his number of yards, 1,193 to 372, and his TDs, from seven to zero.

In 2006, another Buccaneer took the honor. Cadillac Williams saw his Rookie of the Year numbers deflate in his second season, going from 1,178 yards to 798. His yards-per-carry average declined from 4.1 in 2005, to 3.5 the next year, and went from six TDs his rookie year to one in his sophomore year.

Even Vince Young fell victim in 2007, watching his passing TDs decrease from a mediocre 12 his rookie year to a dismal nine his sophomore year, and increasing his interception total from 13 in 2006 to 17 in 2007.

Of course, there are plenty who break the mold, but that's not why we're here.

We're here to discuss my top-three candidates who could run into the dreaded "Sophomore Slump" in 2008. Usually I like to do a top five, but last year's rookie class didn't impress much right off the bat.

So without further a due, let's begin the countdown:

3. Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Indianapolis Colts

Gonzalez was fourth among rookie receivers last year in TDs and receiving yards with three and 576, respectively. He may be forced to play outside this year, thanks to the Marvin Harrison situation. Without Marv there to take pressure off the slot, Gonzalez will be hard pressed to hit the 500-yard mark again.

2. Selvin Young, RB, Denver Broncos

Most think Young is poised for a breakout this year. I disagree. Why? Two words: Ryan Torain. Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan has been praising Torain's "first-round ability" ever since he drafted him, and that may not be good news for Young.

Shanahan is not afraid to go with the unpopular pick, as he showed in 2006 when undrafted, rookie free-agent Mike Bell started for the team and racked up eight TDs, only to have his job stripped in 2007 by Travis Henry.

Selvin Young impressed last year with 729 yards on a very impressive 5.2 yards-per-carry average, but his job is by no means secure. If he loses his job to Torain, he'll be in for a slump.

1. Dwayne Bowe, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

Dwayne Bowe overachieved last year when he racked up 995 yards and five TDs, despite having to deal with the quarterback controversy of Brodie Croyle vs. Damon Huard vs. Herm Edwards' 12-year-old nephew.

Can he repeat those stats again this year?

I don't think so.

All signs point to him having a breakout in 2008: Branden Albert is on the line, Croyle is the "cemented" starter, and a healthy Larry Johnson is in the backfield.

But defenses know about Bowe now. He'll face more double-coverages and won't be able to duplicate his numbers in 2008. Fantasy owners beware.

Take this with a grain of salt. I don't have a crystal ball and none of these are for sure, but if you're running a fantasy league and are thinking about taking a chance on these guys, keep this in the back of your mind.

Raptors Analysis: Toronto, the Pride of a Nation

Greg Haefner — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 13:57:18 -0400

The Toronto Raptors are looking to lock up a playoff seed in the East this year, and it seems like it should be a fairly easy feat.

The Raptors are the only team in the NBA from north of the border, and Canada could not be prouder of its collective sons.

The Raptors are starting to look like a force in the East, something that hasn't been said about the team for quite a while.

The Breakdown:

The Raptors are sitting pretty as the fifth seed in the East currently, and should easily be able to hold off the Wizards, Sixers, and Hawks.

With that being said, the Raptors have the tools to make somewhat of a run this year in the playoffs, especially with the emergence of second-year guard Jose Calderon.

In his 48 starts for the injury-plagued T.J. Ford, Calderon has averaged 13.6 PPG, 9.4 APG, 3.3 RPG, and 1.2 SPG.

Not bad for an undrafted international project.

Chris Bosh is once again playing at his All-Star level, and statistically, he has fallen off a bit from last year (22.6 PPG, 8.9 RPG this year vs. 22.6 PPG, 10.7 RPG last year).

But that's a good thing. Why? Simple. He doesn't have to do it himself.

Bosh has a reliable point guard in either T.J. Ford or Jose Calderon, and his team has good balance for the first time.

With Bosh being the dominant post presence that he is, the team knew that down low was not an aspect of the team that needed to be changed. But there was some change, mostly from within, meaning that players grew into roles that could help benefit the team.

Here are the crucial roles on the team and the players that have stepped into them:

The Playmaker: There needs to be a facilitator to an offense. The often-overused phrase "Quarterback of a basketball team" fits perfectly for this role, as a true playmaker works to find players no one else sees and sets up plays never thought possible. This is the guy who can squeeze passes into all those tight places, and is always being thanked by whoever is lucky enough to get one of the easy buckets these guys constantly dish out.

Toronto's Playmaker(s): T.J. Ford, Jose Calderon

The Shooter: Every team needs an outside presence, someone to stretch the floor and open up space for the guys down low. These players need to be respected enough as legitimate outside threats that the defense will draw away from post players in order to free up easy buckets down low, and make defenders pay for falling asleep on them. These snipers are a post player's best friend.

Toronto's Shooter(s): Andrea Bargnani, Jason Kapono, Anthony Parker

The Penetrator: Stop your chuckling. The penetrator is the guy who will draw multiple defenders his way whenever he has the ball. This doesn't necessarily mean that he will get double-teamed on every touch, but it means that the defense must shift over in his direction whenever he catches a pass. The penetrator's driving ability scares defenses so much that often times centers and power forwards will leave their men in order to guard the basket once this guy even catches the ball, let alone when he puts it on the floor.

Toronto's Penetrator: Jamario Moon

The Big Man: The players in the paint may possibly play the biggest role in their team's success. Knowing that you can dump the ball off to your big guy and let him take care of business is the greatest feeling in the world for a point guard. Guys like these can wear down defenses with their fundamental, back to the basket moves and physical banging down low. The building blocks to a franchise, these are the go-to guys down the stretch when a winning team needs to close out a game. And that's important.

Toronto's Big Man: Chris Bosh

The Enforcer: Last but not least, it's time to give credit to the guys who help on the defensive side of the ball. These are the guys that make opponents shudder when they think about driving the lane, and the guys that can make the biggest post players seem oh so small with their ferocious swats and, sometimes, hard fouls. Now listen. That doesn't mean these guys are dirty players. It simply means that they own the painted area on the defensive side of the floor, and they'll make sure you know it.

Toronto's Enforcer(s): Chris Bosh, Rasho Nesterovic, Primoz Brezec

These are the players that have played a crucial role in Toronto's success this year, and will continue to help their team during the playoffs.

There are also some players whose skills aren't quite at the level to make as big of an impact as these guys, but still make their presence felt on this team.

Players like Carlos Delfino, Joey Graham, and Kris Humphries won't make enough of an impact while they're playing to make you notice them, but they provide much-needed rest for the more crucial players, and most have more potential that they have yet to tap.

Toronto should make a good run this year, and in years to come as well.

The Raptors are the pride of Toronto right now, and for the NBA, they are the pride of their nation.

Atlanta Hawks: A Look To The Future

Greg Haefner — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 15:54:32 -0500

The Atlanta Hawks are poised to make it to the playoffs this year, and that is a big accomplishment for this team.

But when we look back in a few years, we'll realize it was only the beginning.

The reason I say that is because the Hawks have a good team with a strong young nucleus that is poised to start their run towards becoming a perennial playoff team.

If the playoffs started right now, the Hawks would be the eighth seed in the East at 26-36. But in years down the road, the Hawks should get much higher seeds than that.

The Hawks know that they can make the playoffs this year, and if they do, they want to try their best to make a run when they get there. That's why they traded for Mike Bibby.

Bibby, at 29, is not the long-term answer at point, but is an upgrade over Acie Law IV for now, and is a terrific tutor for the young leader.

With Bibby and Joe Johnson making up a solid veteran backcourt, the Hawks have playoff experience on their roster to help offset younger players like Josh Smith, Marvin Williams, and Al Horford.

But this article isn't about this year. It's about the future.

The Hawks have young studs on their roster, and they'll make strides in the coming years, especially in the depth-starved Eastern Conference.

Here's a breakdown of the players who will step into -or already have stepped into- key roles for the Hawks:

Acie Law IV (23): The 11th overall pick in this past NBA draft, Acie Law IV was brought in to be the PG of the future for the Hawks.

Law had a terrific career at Texas A&M, finishing third in school history in both scoring and assists, with 1,669 and 545, respectively.

The sharp-shooting lefty was often compared to Pistons PG Chauncey Billups while in college due to his knack for hitting big 3-point shots under pressure.

Law has played in 40 games this season, starting six.

Learning from Mike Bibby will benefit him greatly.

Al Horford (21): Picked No. 3 overall this year, the Hawks were criticized by some, including me, for taking yet another forward in the first round after taking Marvin Williams and Shelden Williams in consecutive drafts.

Horford has proved all of his doubters wrong, having pushed Zaza Pachulia out of a starting role and recording 19 double-doubles so far this season.

Horford will compete with Kevin Durant for ROY honors this year.

Josh Smith (22): Smith has raised his scoring and rebounding averages each of his four years in the league, and this year he is proving to be a total box score monster.

While if you look at any one stat you may not be blown away, looking at how complete his averages are is astounding. Smith averages 17.3 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.7 SPG, and 3.1 BPG.

He can also get his entire head above the rim on a regular basis.

Marvin Williams (21): Williams, despite being a two year vet, still has some growing to do in terms of his game. He was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2005 draft and was thought to be a work-in-progress after bolting from UNC following his freshman year.

Williams is a face-up player who can play either forward position, and this year is averaging 15.2 PPG, coming into his own a bit on the scoring end.

He still has to work on his overall game, but if he can reach that superstar potential, there are nothing but good things to come for this Hawks team.

Josh Childress (24): Childress was hyped up coming out of college, and while he hasn't been at the level we expected him to be at when he came out of Stanford, he is still a good player in the right role.

Childress has seen his chance for a starting role diminish over the past three years, and this year he has not started a single game.

But that doesn't mean he hasn't been effective.

Childress is averaging 30.2 MPG over 54 games this season, averaging 12.1 PPG. He is a solid bench player, and will continue to be a great sixth man for the Hawks for years to come.

Adding these players and their developments to an already established and still young star in Joe Johnson (26), the Hawks have set them up for a terrific future.

And as for right now? Well they aren't doing too there bad either.